Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This week CCP Games announced the name and focus of EVE Online's upcoming summer expansion. The Inferno expansion aims to re-invigorate PvP with some long overdue gameplay changes. CONCORD-sanctioned wars will be iterated on for the first time in half a decade, and faction warfare will hopefully be getting the updates it should have received in 2008. Following on from the success of the Crucible expansion with its hundreds of small features and gameplay changes, Inferno will also contain dozens of small gameplay changes, usability fixes, and minor improvements.

We'll hear more about DUST 514 in the coming months as CCP reveals more concrete details of the game's link to EVE Online and the motivations behind planet-bound wars. Incarna fans will apparently also see some movement, with Team Avatar focusing on avatar-based updates for this release. While Inferno is a rather uninspired name and coincidentally would make three of the last four expansions start with the word "in," the expansion's content is genuinely exciting. Fundamental changes are coming to EVE's PvP mechanics for the first time in several years. CCP hasn't revealed the exact changes, but that hasn't stopped players from speculating on what might be heading their way.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I speculate on the changes coming in the upcoming Inferno expansion and what changes I think might be coming to EVE's PvP.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphabounty-hunterbounty-huntingccpccp-gamesconsolecrucibledustdust-514empyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfanfestfeaturedfirefpsgame-mechanicsincarnainfernommofpson-fireopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspeculationsummerwarwardecSun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Dust 514 novel may be in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/a-dust-514-novel-may-be-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/a-dust-514-novel-may-be-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/a-dust-514-novel-may-be-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Development studio CCP Games has been in the news a lot this year with their ambitious MMOFPS project codenamed Dust 514. When it's released, Dust will actually tie into the studio's current MMO EVE Online. Dust players will hire themselves out to EVE players as mercenaries, their combined aim being to dominate territories on a planet's surface. The first steps toward this unique integration of two MMOs in the same concurrent universe came with EVE Online's Dominion and Tyrannis expansions. Dominion gave EVE players a new Sovereignty framework, which will later be adapted to include planets as strategic points of interest. In the recent Tyrannis expansion, the planets of EVE began producing resources worthy of domination, ensuring that players will fight over them once it becomes possible.

Continue reading A Dust 514 novel may be in the works

MassivelyA Dust 514 novel may be in the works originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookccpccp-gamesdustdust-514empyrean-ageeveeve-onlinehjalti-danielssonmmofpsnovelsandboxthe-burning-lifetony-gonzalesThu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrarmageddoncaldariccpccp-gamesDominiondominixempyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexploitexposeexposedfactionfactional-warfarefleetgallentegangminmatarnavypvpscorpionstrategytyphoonwarfareSun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrarmageddoncaldariccpccp-gamesDominiondominixempyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexploitexposeexposedfactionfactional-warfarefleetgallentegangminmatarnavypvpscorpionstrategytyphoonwarfareSun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

When faction warfare went live with EVE Online's Empyrean Age expansion back in the summer of 2008, It was a magnificent success. It was intended as a way for newer players to get into PvP and as a stepping stone from the safe haven of empire to full-on sovereignty warfare. It wasn't long before large fleets were duking it out in low security space and for a time, it was great. Eventually, problems began to come to light that demanded developer attention. Capturing exploits and a lack of rewards were causing players to leave the war and after a year with no development, faction warfare was looking abandoned.

Rewards were eventually implemented in an attempt to revitalise the ageing faction warfare system and promote PvP. With the Dominion expansion came the most anticipated of those rewards - new tier 1 navy battleships available only from the faction warfare loyalty point store. Since the announcement that they were coming, mission-runners have been farming faction warfare missions like crazy for loyalty points. The promise of unique rewards from the missions was intended to revitalise the game and give pilots something to fight over. But did the rewards really improve faction warfare and promote PvP or was it a huge mistake?

In this three page exposé, I run down the history of faction warfare missions, from the development mistakes to the EVE corp that made almost enough ISK to build a titan. Did the mission buff revitalise faction warfare or did it put the final nail in its coffin? And just how did mission-runners make billions of ISK?

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For many players, EVE Online is a game where the developers provide the galactic setting of New Eden but it's them, the playerbase, who makes their own stories. They join together or band against their rivals in alliance warfare, drug cartels, pirate organizations, and industrial powerhouses. The complex interplay of involvements that allow the game's players to establish and destroy invariably triggers cascades of drama. This is the point of the sandbox design of the game, what you do in New Eden affects other players on some level.

For some players, EVE is just about their interactions with one another and the fiction underpinning of the game is of marginal concern. While not all players choose to immerse themselves in the game's backstory, the setting is actually quite rich -- built on roughly six years' worth of lore fleshed out in the Chronicles, short stories that provide snapshots of the various levels of activity in New Eden.

Continue reading EVE Online novel The Burning Life to focus on pirate factions

MassivelyEVE Online novel The Burning Life to focus on pirate factions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online senior producer CCP t0rfifrans just published a dev blog about the next major update to the game, Apocrypha 1.5. This is not a completely new expansion, just a significant update they will release in August before EVE's (as-yet-unnamed) winter expansion. While CCP hasn't released the complete rundown of Apocrypha 1.5's features and changes, they have announced a few highlights:

  • Perhaps the biggest changes in 1.5 will be factional warfare improvements. Beyond responding to the lag issues many players have been reporting with factional warfare, CCP is going to introduce Loyalty Points (LP) for kills and captures, and each militia will have its own LP store where militia players can cash in for items unique to that faction.
  • Several Level 4 epic mission arcs will be introduced, tied to specific races in New Eden. CCP t0rfifrans writes: "These captivating stories deal with moral ambiguity, intrigue, honor, and some people's lack of it. This should come as no surprise to those who know EVE and what we are about. As before with the epic arc that was released with Apocrypha, they provide a deep, interesting story, where your choices influence the outcome."
  • One of the long awaited buffs for Black Ops battleships will arrive: specialized cargo holds. The first use of this system will be to give Black Ops ships fuel bays, but this feature paves the way for similar additions to other ship classes in the future. For instance, some ships may one day be given ammo bays, freeing up valuable cargo space.
  • Rigs will be offered in different sizes, with frigate and cruiser sized rigs introduced to the game. These new small and medium rigs will be cheaper to buy or manufacture, and thus provide a lower cost way for players to trick out their ships.
CCP t0rfifrans also dropped a few hints about the forthcoming winter expansion, which will *not* be Walking in Stations. He writes: "All I can say, is that it is focused on sovereignty and you will not be able to walk in it."

We'll keep our eyes open for more about Apocrypha 1.5 as information becomes available.

MassivelyCCP Games reveals next major Apocrypha update for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaapocrypha-1.5black-opsbreakingccp-gamesccp-t0rfifransdev-blogdev-blogsempyrean-ageepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlinefactional-warfarefuel-bayfuel-baysgame-mechanicsloyalty-pointslpmissionspatchespvprigssci-fisenior-producersovereigntyspecialized-cargo-holdstorfi-frans-olafssonwalking-in-stationsTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games addresses player concerns in EVE Online Q&A]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ccp-games-addresses-player-concerns-in-eve-online-qanda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ccp-games-addresses-player-concerns-in-eve-online-qanda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ccp-games-addresses-player-concerns-in-eve-online-qanda/#commentsFiled under: ,


The first Q&A between EVE Online developers CCP Games and the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) -- a group of players (elected by fellow EVE gamers) that represents the collective interests of the subscribers -- was released this past week. It addresses a few concerns the players have had, for instance the delays with EVE's 'Quarterly Economic Newsletters', what is intended to be a regularly released overview of the game's ever-shifting economy. (CCP says they're on track to release the QEN's on schedule moving forward.) The Q&A also addresses a major question that has arisen for factional warfare participants, which began with the Empyrean Age expansion and its all-out war between the game's four races. Players fighting for the Caldari race's militia have, essentially, won the war. They've captured all of Gallente space. So where will (Caldari-Gallente) factional warfare go from here?

CCP responded: "We plan the NPC timeline for events leading up to expansions, coordinating the release of news and integrating the high level plot with chronicles, video, and everything else we can. This year, our storyline theme was to try and 'cross the streams' more, meaning that we were going to look for ways to weave the exploits of capsuleers into the NPC canon. The Caldari sweep of contestable Federation space gave us the perfect context to do just that."

Continue reading CCP Games addresses player concerns in EVE Online Q&A

MassivelyCCP Games addresses player concerns in EVE Online Q&A originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caldariccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactional-warfaregallentemilitiaqensci-fiMon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" is on the way]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-is-on-the-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-is-on-the-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-is-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There may be big things on the horizon for the lore of EVE Online with the forthcoming release of a second novel for the game, "The Burning Life". The sci-fi novel is written by Hjalti Daníelsson (aka CCP Abraxas) who has written many of the EVE Chronicles -- short, gritty tales that show readers the various facets of life in New Eden.

The Chronicles have been a way of driving the game's lore forward for years, so we're wondering what to expect from The Burning Life. Could it possibly be tied in with the new directions that CCP Games wants to take with EVE's lore?

At this point we don't know have much information about the novel, or whether it will be tied in with an upcoming expansion as the Empyrean Age novel by Tony Gonzales was in 2008.

There are paperback release dates listed for 2009 in North America (Tor) and 2010 in Europe (Gollancz).

[Via Ga'len]

MassivelyNew EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" is on the way originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the greatest strengths of EVE Online is its lore, which chronicles generations of struggle between New Eden's races and their continual political and ideological upheavals. Not everyone will agree with that opinion, of course, just as not all players seek out immersion in New Eden. For those who do, EVE has been building up short stories to flesh out the lore over the past six years -- all nicely collected on their site -- gritty tales of New Eden's technological heights and moral depths. It's already led to a novel titled Empyrean Age authored by Tony Gonzales, which will hopefully lead to a follow-up work.

Given all the attention CCP Games has given to adding these dimensions and layers to the game's backstory, the truth is that EVE is as much a virtual setting as it is a game; as such, there's always a need to expand and refine that setting. A solid backstory is important but it's equally important to EVE's players to be able to interact with it, feel like they're really a part of New Eden in some way. Live events and storyline missions (quests) have been used in the past to this end. However, in the case of missions, a player's role in New Eden's story hasn't quite matched up with what many feel it could be. CCP's efforts to make EVE Online's storylines more engaging is the focus of their latest dev blog, titled "Telling Stories: Evolution of the Atlanta Content Team".

Continue reading Telling more engaging stories in EVE Online

MassivelyTelling more engaging stories in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively got word that EVE Online lead game designer Noah Ward, aka CCP Hammerhead, would be in New York City last week. We jumped at the chance to find out more about the Apocrypha expansion, and Ward was kind enough to give us our own hands-on demo while answering our questions about where EVE Online is heading. We were pleasantly surprised to find that EVE's lead writer Tony Gonzales was on hand as well. Fans of the game's backstory will know him for writing The Empyrean Age novel, which chronicled the events leading up to New Eden's factional warfare.

Apocrypha will be the most significant expansion in EVE's history to date, introducing new -- and some controversial -- features while revamping existing aspects of the game. Ultimately the aim of CCP Games with Apocrypha is to make EVE accessible to more gamers while adding depth for the existing playerbase. The Apocrypha expansion launch will coincide with EVE Online's retail release on March 10th. Leading up to that date, a number of the CCP developers have dropped info about what's on the way through dev blogs and the occasional interview, but the expansion seen as a whole is mind-blowing. What we have for you here is the most complete look at the Apocrypha expansion offered to date, in one place, and much of it from the developers themselves. We've tackled Apocrypha in four parts: the New Player Experience, Epic Mission Arcs & Tech III, True Exploration, and the Sleepers.

Strap yourself in and get ready for Massively's exclusive hands-on with the Apocrypha expansion for EVE Online.

Gallery: EVE Online Apocrypha expansion

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online Apocrypha expansion hands-on

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online Apocrypha expansion hands-on originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whether you like EVE Online or hate it, I think everyone can agree that it's a visually stunning game. Combined with the enthralling PvP experiences to be had in the game, it's not surprising that the game lends itself well to making some excellent videos. Films of EVE gameplay have been around since EVE began and large fleets now routinely bring a camera specialist pilot in a cloaked covert ops frigate to film their action. With the release of the premium client and the proliferation of good video editing software, the quality of EVE videos has improved significantly over the past few years.

In this article, I run down my list of the top ten EVE videos of all time.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The top ten EVE videos of all time

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The top ten EVE videos of all time originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angel cartelAngelCartelcarrierccpccp-gamesclear skiesClearSkiesdarwins contraptionDarwinsContraptionempyrean ageempyrean-ageEmpyreanAgeeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineevolutionfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesLacrimosamoviepiracypiratepvpquantum riseQuantumRiseTortugatrailertriagevetovideoMon, 02 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Slave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/slave-emancipation-a-major-change-in-eve-onlines-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/slave-emancipation-a-major-change-in-eve-onlines-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/slave-emancipation-a-major-change-in-eve-onlines-lore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A significant twist in EVE Online's lore was announced on Christmas day: emancipation for much of the subjugated Minmatar race. EVE's far-future galactic setting of New Eden is characterized by struggles between the four (playable) races. Of those races, the dynamic between the theocratic but cruel Amarr and the tribal Minmatar is often one of master and servant. The Amarr enslaved the Minmatar race centuries ago; this is a prevalent aspect of the backstory (lore), the game's missions (quests) and factional warfare, as well as a focal point of the roleplaying that some players opt to engage in. Even some player alliances have taken a stance for or against slavery in the game. (Those who don't play EVE might be surprised to learn that slaves can be bought and sold on the open market as a low-cost commodity. Note, however, that the players themselves cannot be forced into slavery. It's just an aspect of the setting... one which is intended to evoke response from the players.)

CCP Games has decided this change in the Amarr-Minmatar dynamic was warranted in terms of New Eden's backstory, with the freed slaves numbering in the hundreds of millions, although the existence of slavery in EVE is still far from being abolished.

Continue reading Slave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore

MassivelySlave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With all of the announcements and events that have taken place this week at EVE Fanfest 2008, it's a safe bet that the forthcoming video footage related to the title should be interesting. CCP Games is kicking off the November 11th release of the Quantum Rise expansion with a video, depicting how the game's storyline is moving forward. As they did previously with the Empyrean Age release, rather than simply making a video that shows off a new game mechanic or ship, CCP's Quantum Rise trailer is presented as 'in-world' breaking news footage from "The Scope" -- New Eden's galactic news network.

Where the Empyrean Age trailer showed viewers a suicide attack on a peace summit that triggered war between the Caldari and Gallente races, the newest Quantum Rise video depicts an escalation of hostilities in New Eden. The Gallente Federation now finds itself mired in a two-front war, fending off the nationalistic Caldari while having to face the golden Amarr fleets as well, as seen in the footage. The Quantum Rise trailer is just the newest one shown on the CCP Games YouTube page. For those looking for higher res downloads, the Quantum Rise trailer should be up on the official site's video section soon. But for now, you can see video footage from 'The Scope' as the conflict unfolds below the cut.

Continue reading EVE's Quantum Rise trailer depicts escalating conflict

MassivelyEVE's Quantum Rise trailer depicts escalating conflict originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online has a much smaller playerbase than some of the other top-tier MMOs on the market. Despite this fact, CCP Games was willing to provide an even smaller subset of players -- Linux and Mac users -- with an EVE client, via Transgaming's Cedega (Linux) and Cider (Mac). While the 'premium' Trinity graphics are only supported on the Windows client, this writer can attest that the Mac client has improved a great deal since its release.

That said, there have certainly been some issues with providing a stable client for multiple operating systems. The Empyrean Age 1.1.2 patch for Mac and Linux, which was scheduled to deploy during downtime today, should bring with it numerous small fixes to these clients. On the Mac side, Empyrean Age 1.1.2 changes how autopatching works, improves issues with international keyboard layouts, and especially resolves the issue with how station interiors display. If the changes go through smoothly, this funky anomaly will be no more. This gallery may be a last look at the black, translucent interiors of stations that some Mac users have been reporting:

Gallery: Mac client station anomalies

Continue reading Mac and Linux client improvements roll out today in EVE Online

MassivelyMac and Linux client improvements roll out today in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading EVE Evolved: The making of EVE Online, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The making of EVE Online, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castorccpcold warColdWarconcordempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexodusexpansionfactional-warfaregankhilmarjoystiqfeatureslaunchpatchred moon risingRedMoonRisingrevelationsrmrsecond genesisSecondGenesisserversuicidetrinitySun, 05 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The making of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/eve-evolved-the-making-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/eve-evolved-the-making-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/eve-evolved-the-making-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online's development path from concept to release has followed a very different path to the MMO norm. Starting from its humble beginnings as one man's dream to build an online space game, EVE has developed into the massively popular game it is today. Rather than designing and developing the game all in one go, the CCP crew opted for a staged delivery approach. The game was re-made 11 times, each stage being progressively closer to the final goal. By launch, EVE had been through 5 total recodes where almost the entire game was scrapped and rebuilt from scratch and at least 6 partial recodes.

Join me as I take a look at the course EVE's development has taken from concept all the way to the current Empyrean Age expansion.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The making of EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The making of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long petition queues, particularly related to expansions, has long been a problem in EVE Online. These long waits may very well be a thing of the past, according to GM Nova, Senior Game Master for EVE Online. GM Nova's latest dev blog, "Such stuff as dreams are made on," deals with the deployment of the Empyrean Age 1.1 patch in early September, as seen from a Customer Support perspective. "We at Customer Support, being at the front lines so to speak, are in a unique position to judge or evaluate whether a patch was successfully deployed and if ther is any fallout or unexpected problems involved, as the potential torrent of problems are directed at us to pass on," he said.

GM Nova points out how that 'torrent of problems' has slowed down to a trickle, using graph data of the Trinity expansion deployment (predictably an insane amount of petitions), the subsequent Empyrean Age 1.0 patch (so smooth they thought their petition system had crashed), and finally Empyrean Age 1.1. The trend evidenced by the graphs is that their patch deployments are becoming less fraught with complications, meaning happier players in the long run. GM Nova goes on to discuss some of the structural changes made to CCP's Customer Support department that improve petition response time, saying,"We are happy to announce that our average petition age is currently two days with most normal requests handled in hours. We hope our efforts shine through in the level of support we are able to offer." Would you agree with GM Nova's assessment, and have your own petitions of late in EVE Online been resolved in a reasonable amount of time?

MassivelyEVE dev blog charts much improved customer support experiences originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next EVE Online update is the Empyrean Age 1.1.1 patch, which deploys on September 30th. It brings with it a number of fixes and a few new features as well. These features are centered around the Jita problems, with three new jumps being added to help players avoid the laggy system: Muvolailen-Maurasi, Maurasi-Perimeter, and Veisto-Sarekuwa. An 'avoid system' option has been added to the autopilot, with a default setting to avoid Jita. Taking the population cap issue a step further, CCP Games is also rolling out an Auto-Move feature to the login process. In the event a player attempts to log in to a system which has already hit its population cap, the player will have the option of moving themself to a neighboring system.

The rest of Empyrean Age 1.1.1 is comprised of smaller fixes and improvements, namely to the user interface and EVE's communication channels -- Voice, Mail, and Chat. In addition, they've fixed a problem where Stabber Fleet Issue ships wouldn't display (or cloak) properly due to an issue with the ship's model in the Trinity graphics engine. These are the changes announced at this time, but see the full patch notes for additional revisions made by CCP as the deployment approaches. Until then, the devs are discussing the changes -- both announced and unannounced -- with players on the official forums.

MassivelyChanges and new features in EVE's latest Empyrean Age patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineforumspatchpatch-notespopulation-cappopulation-limitstrinityMon, 29 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Split Infinity Radio, a gamer-run internet radio station (with a noticeable sci-fi MMO bent) recently interviewed Scott Holden, Lead Content Creator of EVE Online at Gen Con 2008. Holden has been integral in building up all the mission content that's about to drop in the upcoming Empyrean Age expansions over the next few months. Split Infinity asks Holden a question that's been on the minds of a number of EVE players: Can player actions really influence the storyline?

Holden's answer is 'yes'... to a point. He discusses the initiative at CCP to create a system where events are announced in contested parts of space, prompting players to get involved. Their actions would be reported on through the in-game news, and in this way affects (or creates aspects of) the storyline. Participants in factional warfare, or anyone who reads the Interstellar Correspondents news pieces, know that this already exists to some extent in EVE, but Holden states that CCP would like to take the idea further as time goes on.

Continue reading EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline

MassivelyEVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbackstoryccpccp-gamesembedded-reporterembedded-reportingempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfarefactionsfictionguildsimmersioninterstellar-correspondentsinterviewsisdlead-content-creatorloremilitiamilitia-missionsmissionmissionspveracesroleplayingsci-fiscott-holdensplit-infinitysplit-infinity-radiostorylinevolunteerwalking-in-stationsSun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games video interview on player interaction with fiction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/ccp-games-video-interview-on-player-interaction-with-fiction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/ccp-games-video-interview-on-player-interaction-with-fiction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/ccp-games-video-interview-on-player-interaction-with-fiction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


The backstory of EVE Online is something that CCP Games has put a great deal of time and effort into creating. As all MMOs are ongoing works, so too are EVE's backstory and the storyline that players experience. To that end, CCP has people like Lead Writer Tony Gonzales (author of The Empyrean Age novel) and Lead Content Creator Scott Holden to flesh out the setting's past, while ensuring that the future of EVE's story remains open enough to allow players to do as they choose.

MMORPG.com caught up with Tony Gonzales and Scott Holden at Gen Con, and got them to speak about the story of EVE in a video interview. They discussed how factional warfare finally came to be in EVE, player response to the Empyrean Age expansion, and how CCP is working to better integrate the backstory with gameplay. Be sure to check out MMORPG.com's Empyrean Age interview if you'd like to hear CCP's views on player-driven versus story-driven action.

MassivelyCCP Games video interview on player interaction with fiction originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games promised a number of fixes to EVE Online in Empyrean Age 1.1, the "power to the people" patch. Now that the patch notes are up, it seems they weren't exaggerating the extent to which the game is being tweaked. The patch will be deployed on Tuesday, September 2nd. Although it's a lengthy downtime (11:00 - 17:00 GMT), they don't anticipate the forums being taken down.

The patch notes themselves are... extensive -- approaching YellowPages length -- and will continually be updated (in green text) as the September 2nd rollout approaches. Empyrean Age 1.1 primarily consists of bug and exploit fixes, and overall is aimed at making gameplay smoother, regardless of what your activities in EVE are. Player responses in the forums seem positive thus far, but questions about the changes are being addressed by the devs presently. As always, complications with patches and expansions can arise, so CCP recommends setting a long skill in training before the extended downtime.

MassivelyEVE's Empyrean Age 1.1 patch to bring "power to the people" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsccpccp-gamesempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicspatchpatch-notespatchespatchnotessci-fiFri, 29 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Visual Guide: The Birth of New Eden]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/eve-visual-guide-the-birth-of-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/eve-visual-guide-the-birth-of-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/eve-visual-guide-the-birth-of-new-eden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The backstory of EVE Online is one of the game's major strengths. Not all players immerse themselves in the setting, which is a shame as the backstory -- built up over years -- is rich. No epic science fiction tale is without a grand struggle, and the story of EVE is one of the corrupting interplay of high technology and the power it brings, generation upon generation.

EVE's backstory is a departure from the established notions of 'good vs. evil'; even its villains can become heroes in the gritty setting of New Eden. As the empires created by EVE's pilots rise and fall with relentless alliance warfare in 0.0 space, as they lend their strength to causes in the factional warfare of the Empyrean Age, they take the concepts established in the backstory and run with them -- in some respects, making the game into what they want it to be. The Birth of New Eden is a visual tour of the backstory of EVE, from humanity's first steps beyond the EVE Gate into the unknown, to the sweeping conflict of The Empyrean Age.

Gallery: The Birth of New Eden

In the beginning...The first stargatesRuthless corporations seize powerThe discovery of the EVE GateThe collapse

MassivelyEVE Visual Guide: The Birth of New Eden originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New information has come to light about what CCP Games is planning for EVE Online players as the Empyrean Age progresses. EVE Associate Producer Arend Stührmann spoke with MMORPG.com's Jon Wood in a Leipzig video interview about the releases slated for the rest of this year, and how CCP views their accomplishments thus far.

The goal of the Empyrean Age expansion was to create a lower-risk PvP environment that would encourage more players to experience this aspect of the game. Stührmann says that there is a solid core of players who've made factional warfare their livelihood, with over 40,000 players that enlisted in the first few weeks. Stührmann also spoke about the effect of factional warfare on non-participants. War can invigorate an economy and this idea holds true in New Eden as well. Factional Warfare in the Empyrean Age has had an impact on the market, particularly with tech I ship and module production.

Continue reading EVE Online video interview maps coming evolution of the game

MassivelyEVE Online video interview maps coming evolution of the game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsapiapi-keysarend-stuhrmannccpccp-gamescertificateseconomyempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefactionsgame-mechanicsindustryinterviewsmidaspatchespvepvpracessci-fiterritorial-controlvideoWed, 27 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Factional warfare became a part of EVE Online in the Empyrean Age expansion, which ushered in a time of backstory-driven militia conflict for players aligned with one of the four races of New Eden. What promised to be a new avenue for EVE's roleplaying community ended up being inaccessible to roleplaying alliances. CCP stipulated that alliances cannot enlist with factional militias, as their sheer numbers could streamroll their opposition and create overwhelming odds for the disadvantaged side in the conflict.

The only recourse EVE's alliances have is to form splinter corporations outside of the alliance, for the sole purpose of allying with a given racial faction. That is, until recently. An article from ISD Magnus Balteus, one of EVE Online's in-game reporters, states the Star Fraction alliance "has openly declared war on corporations that have joined the Caldari milita; the State Protectorate. For over a month, Star Fraction has been selectively targeting the corporations of fleet commanders in the Caldari militia."

Continue reading EVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions

MassivelyEVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancescaldariccpccp-gamescombatconflictembedded-reportingempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfaregallentegame-mechanicsgriefgriefingguerilla-warfareinterstellar-correspondentsisdjade-constantinemagnus-balteusmilitiapoliticspvpracesroleplayingvolunteerThu, 14 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Empyrean Age expansion has been a significant content update to EVE Online for players interested in factional warfare. Of course, many players aren't willing to enlist in a militia and be under a constant wardec by their factional enemies, and simply prefer to mission run for their agents. CCP Games announced that new content was in the works, back in June, but the latest EVE Online Newsletter has an updated announcement on this from Lead Content Creator, Scott Holden.

CCP is getting closer to releasing new PvE mission content, Holden says, with Content Creation now based in Atlanta. This will be sped up by new staff on the Content Creation team in addition to the existing freelance writers already turning out EVE mission content. Holden says that new types of missions are coming to New Eden, and hints at 'epic mission arcs'.

Continue reading EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions

MassivelyEVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantacapsuleerccpccp-gamescontentcontent-creationdevdev-blogempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionfactionfactional-warfaremilitiamissionmission-arcsmission-runnermission-runningnew-edennewsletternewslettersnpcpilotpiratepvesci-fiscott-holdenwhite-wolfWed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jade Constantine is a veteran player of EVE Online, long known for having a forceful personality and a flair for writing. As the CEO of Jericho Fraction and the head of The Star Fraction alliance, Jade has become a pioneer in EVE roleplay, upholding ideologies of freedom that run counter to some of the very systems that define the game.

Along the way, Jade has made some enemies, but clearly some allies as well, having garnered the most votes in the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) election. As Chairman of the CSM, Jade Constantine is a magnet for controversy, but as an elected delegate, is also in a unique position to deal directly with CCP Games and potentially change EVE. Massively recently spoke with Jade on the state of roleplaying in EVE Online, the challenges that the CSM faces, and what it's like to be under the magnifying glass.

Continue reading EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine

MassivelyEVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceamarrbackstorycaldaricapsuleerccpccp-gamesceocommunitycommunity-spotlightcorpcorporationcouncilcsmempyrean-ageeveeve-community-spotlighteve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedgallentegame-mechanicsjadejade-constantinejericho-fractionjoystiqfeaturesmilitiaminmatarpoliticsroleplayroleplayingrpsandboxstar-fractionWed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Era of suicide ganking in EVE Online coming to a close]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/era-of-suicide-ganking-in-eve-online-coming-to-a-close/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/era-of-suicide-ganking-in-eve-online-coming-to-a-close/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/era-of-suicide-ganking-in-eve-online-coming-to-a-close/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


CCP Games has addressed the long-standing problem of suicide ganking in EVE Online in their latest dev blog, titled "Serious Security." CCP Fear stepped up to inform the player base that, yes, the devs do take the issue of suicide ganking seriously, and that they're going to take action. The proposed changes, outlined below, are not going into effect immediately, nor do they impact actions taken as part of Empire war declarations. However, they will be implemented with the next major update to EVE, which will be Empyrean Age 1.1, rolling out this Fall. The dev blog focuses on CONCORD improvements and the increased consequences of suicide ganks.

CCP Fear states: "We have been looking at suicide ganking and overall security standing issues, and how these features affect the general landscape of EVE. We are not happy with the current ease of suicide ganking and the relative 'no hassle' it has become. In many cases, unsuspecting victims have no chance to escape, nor any help from CONCORD. We want to change this."

Continue reading Era of suicide ganking in EVE Online coming to a close

MassivelyEra of suicide ganking in EVE Online coming to a close originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceccpccp-fearccp-gamesconcordcriminaldevdev-blogempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsgame-mechanicsgankgankerhighseclocklowsecnerfnew-edennyphuroutlawpiracypiratepvpsci-fistandingssuicidesuicide-ganksuicide-gankertackleWed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games releases faction overview for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/02/ccp-games-releases-faction-overview-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/02/ccp-games-releases-faction-overview-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/02/ccp-games-releases-faction-overview-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


For participants in EVE Online's factional warfare in the Empyrean Age expansion, it's common knowledge that there are four races embroiled in conflict. However, CCP Games has decided to add some more variety to the roles that EVE players can assume. To that end, EVE dev Matthew Woodward (aka CCP Greyscale) created a political overview for those who wish to immerse themselves a bit more in the backstory, or for those who wish to assume roles in the factional struggle beyond what is currently known about the key races in EVE's setting of New Eden.

The cruel yet devoutly religious Amarr bring worlds and systems under their heel to 'save them from themselves.' They're opposed by the fractious Minmatar, a group of tribes resisting Amarr tyranny -- many of whom are chemically enslaved by a tailored virus and regular fixes of its narcotic treatment, ensuring their continued servitude to the Amarr.

Continue reading CCP Games releases faction overview for EVE Online

MassivelyCCP Games releases faction overview for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrbackstorycaldariccpccp-gamesccp-greyscaleccp-wranglerempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionfactionfactional-warfareforumsgallenteguideguidesimmersionlorematthew-woodwardmilitiaminmatarpvpracesroleplayerroleplayingsci-fistorylineSat, 02 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Chronicle: Masks of Authority]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/eve-chronicle-masks-of-authority/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/eve-chronicle-masks-of-authority/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/eve-chronicle-masks-of-authority/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Most EVE Online players wouldn't characterize themselves as roleplayers. Simply by piloting their ships as capsuleers -- whether it's to make New Eden a safer place, or to lay waste to every unfortunate soul that crosses their path -- all EVE players assume a role of sorts. However, for those who prefer greater immersion, one of the real strengths of EVE Online is the depth and breadth of its backstory, which provides a gritty setting for players to delve into, should they choose to.

The latest EVE Chronicle provides a look within New Eden's power structures that goes beyond the heads of the four races. "Masks of Authority" sheds more light on the corporate paradigm that governs one's life as a Caldari player in EVE, a system overpowered by the Chief Executive Panel -- eight megacorporations whose collective wealth and influence makes or breaks the lives of all Caldari citizens.

Continue reading EVE Chronicle: Masks of Authority

MassivelyEVE Chronicle: Masks of Authority originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have you ever wondered what sort of craziness goes on inside a developer's offices during a major patch day? We've always had a sneaking suspicion that certain hi-jinks occur, but this time-lapse video of the EVE Online Q&A department during the day of the Empyrean Age expansion's release reveals all. You'll get to see developers working their fingers to the bone and making silly faces for the camera for an entire 24-hour period. What else could you ask for in time-lapse video?

We hope that CCP does some more of these things for everyone's enjoyment -- but mostly for our own. You can never get enough guy-making-silly-faces moments in life, that's for sure.

[via CrazyKinux]

MassivelyEVE Online patch day time-lapse video makes us laugh originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games has been giving us a glimpse into the lives and motivations of the four leaders of the warring races in EVE Online, through a series of weekly Chronicles. Thus far we've seen the weight of years of struggle carried by the Minmatar leader, Sanmatar Maleatu Shakor, and the Gallente President Souro Foiritan forced to make horrific compromises to ensure the future of his people. We've also seen the questionable background of Tibus Heth, the head of the Caldari State. But it seems that CCP saved the best for last: Jamyl Sarum, Empress of the Amarr Empire, is by far the most forceful personality among the four -- a feared and loved ruler of billions.

And rightly so, we've witnessed how grandiose her actions tend to be in the Empyrean Age trailer; she commanded the battleship which obliterated a vastly superior Minmatar fleet which included a Ragnarok-class titan. This time, in "All These Wayward Children," it's her words that speak louder than her actions. The viewing platform of an Amarrian starship, bearing the newly-coronated Empress, is the setting for the final of the weekly Chronicles. "All These Wayward Children" shows her extreme beliefs about the divine imperative to conquer other civilizations and how she doesn't simply punish perceived wrongs; she exacts sadistic retribution upon her enemies, political and otherwise... her "Benediction."

Continue reading Divinity and malevolence personified in latest EVE Chronicle

MassivelyDivinity and malevolence personified in latest EVE Chronicle originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online is a complex game. There's no doubt about that. That complexity is a large part of the draw, but that doesn't mean learning about the game has to be a daunting experience. With that in mind, Massively has EVE Online in its sights. We've brought solid writers on staff who are quite knowledgeable about the game and are here to give some in-depth info on how EVE is played.

CrazyKinux and Crovan of The Drone Bay podcast joined us in April, and since then have provided Massively's readers with some helpful columns. CrazyKinux, aka David Perry, writes the Have Clone, Will Travel column. David's most recent piece, 3 Essential Tools for Capsuleers, provides a great overview of some of the third-party programs and resources available to help you plan your skill progression and your ship fittings. But we're also running two more EVE-centric columns at Massively. Read on after the jump to see what else we're bringing to the EVE community, and how we're easing that learning curve.

Continue reading Massively takes on EVE Online's learning curve

MassivelyMassively takes on EVE Online's learning curve originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcapsuleerccpccp-gamescomplexcomplexitycrazykinuxcrovandrone-baye-oneconomyempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefittingfleetgame-mechanicsgangminingnyphurpodcastpvepvpsci-fiterritorial-controlwalking-on-stationsMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Empyrean Age warfare takes its toll on new recruits]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/empyrean-age-warfare-takes-its-toll-on-new-recruits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/empyrean-age-warfare-takes-its-toll-on-new-recruits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/empyrean-age-warfare-takes-its-toll-on-new-recruits/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's hard to be a noob, or at least a noob character, and simply drop into EVE Online's factional warfare. But that's just what Van Hemlock has been doing. Although he's learning by trial-and-error, he does have significantly more experience than someone who's new to the game and impulsively enlists in a factional militia.

Van Hemlock's latest dispatch from the front lines imparts his readers with some more lessons, building on what he's already relayed to fledgling capsuleers in recent weeks. Despite what he's learned, Van Hemlock also faces what most combat pilots in EVE Online have at some point -- knowing what you should do, but then (in panic) doing something entirely different that gets you killed. Also knowing the Tech II variants of standard ships will allow you to avoid fighting against hopeless odds, as Van Hemlock encountered the much-feared Ishtar and Sacrilege heavy assault cruisers, which quickly reduced he and his wingman to flaming escape pods. Check out Van Hemlock's 'The Skirmishes of Space' to read about the exploits of a new pilot up against sometimes overwhelming odds.

MassivelyEmpyrean Age warfare takes its toll on new recruits originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh you kids! When are you going to learn that you can't cheat at intergalactic war? Following up on the recent exploit of circumventing ship class restrictions in combat zones, EVE Online's GM Grimmi just decreed the following activity to be an exploit as well: "Using neutral characters to tank Faction Navy NPCs to stop them from attacking players involved in Factional Warfare with that faction is considered an exploit. Action will be taken against users found engaging in this activity."

So it's official; using draft dodgers as a way to draw fire away from enlisted militia characters is evil, and will presumably get you thrown into a Concord cell with no windows. Be advised. Hippies.

MassivelyEVE Online: Using neutral characters in militia activities is an exploit originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's volunteer press corps is called Interstellar Correspondents (IC), some of whom are embedded reporters on the front lines of the war between the races in New Eden. IC has put together a site dedicated to tracking death tolls, victory points, territory captures and re-captures, as well as militia activity in contested solar systems. The resource provides a decent assessment of how the tides are shifting in the warfare of the Empyrean Age expansion.

The war's top pilots and corporations are ranked by their successes in the last seven days, alternately 'All Time' stats are listed as well. A nice feature is the personal statistics search, where you can see the performance record of any pilot or corporation active in factional warfare. On a side note, the corporation Massively columnist and Drone Bay podcaster Phillip Manning recently joined, The Dead Parrot Shoppe Inc., is ranked in the top ten in all three categories: Overall Ranks, Kill Statistics, and Victory Point Statistics. Way to go, Crovan.

Via CrazyKinux

MassivelyEVE Online's embedded reporters track tides of war originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I've really been stuck in a rut lately. The only game that really appeals to me anymore is World of Warcraft because of the polish and spit shine that Blizzard put into it over the past few years. When you look at the pinnacle of game design that is WoW, most other games sadly pale in comparison. That, or they blatantly rip off of WoW in such a spectacular fashion that it makes the game almost unplayable due to the fact you will constantly compare it to the original, better source material.

Lucky for me that a month back, Valve struck a deal with CCP and put EVE Online on sale for a weekend via Steam. With cash in my pocket and a song in my heart, I finally dropped the cash to pick up a game that I played at least 10 two-week trials of. It's here that I'm going to finally introduce the catch to this entire article -- I, up until about a week ago, absolutely, positively, hated EVE Online.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Dr. Podlove, or how I learned to stop worrying and enjoy EVE Online

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Dr. Podlove, or how I learned to stop worrying and enjoy EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Podcasting hero Van Hemlock has been blogging about EVE Online quite a bit of late. His recent post 'The Lessons of War' chronicles his experience of learning the factional warfare rules of engagement in the Empyrean Age expansion. He writes about being a solo pilot for the Minmatar Tribal Liberation Force, when the entire militias of the Amarr and Caldari races have kill rights on him anytime and anywhere. It's even harder to do well when you're running with an alt fresh out of the academy but, win or lose, he seems to be having a good time.

Van Hemlock's approach is to spend very little on any individual ship (it's likely to be blown apart anyway) and learn what he can from the experience of trying to survive. As he explains a bit about the mechanics of factional warfare, and its objectives, Van Hemlock imparts three key bits of wisdom in "The Lessons of War...": there are ways of preventing a (single) rival from engaging you, flying fast and nimble can trump much greater firepower, and as fast as you may be -- there can always be someone faster who will try and take you out. Although he openly states that he doesn't know a great deal about PvP in EVE yet, it's clear that he's learning very quickly from his mistakes, and doing so with minimal emo rage. See Van Hemlock's "The Lessons of War" to learn a few things from his successes and failures in EVE Online, it's certainly a good read.

MassivelyLessons learned in Empyrean Age's factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrblogbloggerccpccp-gamesempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionfactionfactional-warfaregame-mechanicsmilitaminmatarpiratepodcastpodcastingpvpracessci-fivan-hemlockWed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Chronicle puts players at the center of factional warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/eve-chronicle-puts-players-at-the-center-of-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/eve-chronicle-puts-players-at-the-center-of-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/eve-chronicle-puts-players-at-the-center-of-factional-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The latest EVE Chronicle is called "The Dark End of Space." This installment connects the events seen in the full Empyrean Age trailer (namely, Jamyl Sarum's utter obliteration of a greater Minmatar fleet) with the lowsec militia conflicts and missions that have embroiled EVE Online's players in factional warfare. Indeed, "The Dark End of Space" focuses on how each of the four races -- despite having conflicting goals and ideologies -- view the capsuleers... the actual players in EVE Online: "A group of people so powerful they're practically a faction unto themselves. Immortal, fearless and wealthy beyond imagining. Born of all four empires but beholden, in truth, to no one but themselves. And utterly untapped, in this little skirmish of ours."

"The Dark End of Space" shows how each of the races face similar difficulties, and how the players of EVE are thought by each faction to be the solution to their problems. EVE dev CCP Abraxas says of the newest Chronicle: "... this one breaks rank and instead focuses on the capsuleers. It explains how we went from the end of the novel to the onset of factional warfare, and how you guys got pulled into it." This could get very interesting if factional propaganda enters into the game, with each race's militia trying to further sway the capsuleers to their cause and tip the balance of power in the Empyrean Age. But for the time being, the Empyrean Age novel, the trailer, and the Chronicles are intertwined, and it seems that EVE's players are firmly at the center of what is to come.

MassivelyEVE Chronicle puts players at the center of factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrbackstorycaldaricapsuleerccpccp-abraxasccp-gameschronicleempyrean-ageeveeve-chronicleeve-onlinefactional-warfarefictiongallenteloremilitiaminmatarnovelpropagandapvepvproleplayingstorylineterritorial-controlMon, 07 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest EVE Chronicle a look into Gallente moral erosion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/latest-eve-chronicle-a-look-into-gallente-moral-erosion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/latest-eve-chronicle-a-look-into-gallente-moral-erosion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/latest-eve-chronicle-a-look-into-gallente-moral-erosion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online is running a series of Chronicles focusing on the leadership of the four races in the Empyrean Age, now locked into war in a galaxy divided. The latest EVE Chronicle, "The Paths They Chose," focuses on the Gallente race and is set in a blend of futuristic crystalline cityscape and natural scenery. The story shows the measures taken by leaders of the Gallente Federation to ensure their way of life continues. Holographic technology, advanced eavesdropping countermeasures, and an artificially cultivated environment merge in several acres of selectively grown flora and woodland; serenity and privacy for Federation officials and visiting diplomats is assured in the sanctum beneath a vast transparent dome.

But the beauty of this place is juxtaposed with the inhuman actions taken within. A traitor to the Gallente people is grotesquely crucified upon a metallic 'dead man's needle,' which suspends the captive by his vertebrae while pumping him full of sedatives. The captive is abused like this by order of the President of the Gallente Federation, Souro Foiritan. Like the illusion of transparency of the eco-dome surrounding the characters, the moral high ground of the Gallente Federation is shown to be equally ephemeral, as President Foiritan reveals a new -- and dark -- direction that the Gallente will take in New Eden. Read "The Paths They Chose" to see Foiritan's descent into becoming "a leader cruel enough to do what needed to be done, and compassionate enough to understand why it needed doing." The story has struck a chord with some of EVE's players, who are discussing the sudden change and what this might do for the game's backstory.

MassivelyLatest EVE Chronicle a look into Gallente moral erosion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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