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[Leaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
It's the eternal debate that's occupied our attention on so many episodes of Massively Speaking that we had to bring it to you, the impartial judges and juries of the MMO world. What is better and more enjoyable: the leveling journey or the endgame activities?

In my opinion, it's all about the journey up through the levels. You're constantly traveling through new regions and vistas, watching your character increase in power and abilities. It's almost like a movie, in which the young inexperienced hero heads out for a life-changing quest.

But others claim that the endgame is where the true MMO experience lies. It's here that your character finally has a full range of his/her/its abilities and is able to tackle the toughest challenges and most epic confrontations in the game.

So let's see how this pans out in the public arena. Which aspect of MMOs gets your motor running? Which is where the true spirit of gaming rests? Vote, and live a life free of regrets!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame

MassivelyLeaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-gameendgamefeaturedleaderboardlevelingleveling-journeyleveling-processmassively-speakingopinionpollpollingpollsquigleyvotevotervotingMon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: We don't need no stinkin' endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/flameseeker-chronicles-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/flameseeker-chronicles-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/flameseeker-chronicles-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What's at the end of the road?
We talked a lot about the concepts of endgame and raiding on last week's Guildcast, but since not everyone has had time to watch it (and because the subject is still knocking around in my head), I want to address it a little more in this week's Flameseeker Chronicles.

There are so many assumptions and so much speculation and so much talk about the concept as a whole and how it applies to Guild Wars 2, so let's dive on in.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: We don't need no stinkin' endgame

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: We don't need no stinkin' endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-guild-wars2end-gameendgameflameseeker-chroniclesgame-mechanicsguild-wars2guildwars2gw2ncsoftno-endgameraidingMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Power play: Warhammer Online's 1.4.2 patch improves Tier 4 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/power-play-warhammer-onlines-1-4-2-patch-improves-tier-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/power-play-warhammer-onlines-1-4-2-patch-improves-tier-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/power-play-warhammer-onlines-1-4-2-patch-improves-tier-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a quiet month or so following Warhammer Online's 1.4.1 patch, so it's a relief to see Mythic swinging back into action with the sequel: patch 1.4.2. The servers are coming down this morning and should be back up and ready for action by 1:00 p.m. EDT.

According to the patch highlights, patch 1.4.2's main focus will be on improving WAR's Tier 4 RvR combat. Power levels and power gaps are due for a tune up, and Mythic claims to have taken in a lot of feedback about the end game in order to make these changes.

As it's done in the past, Mythic is changing the scenario lineup for this new update, temporarily retiring some of these PvP instances while bringing others back online. The patch will also introduce a couple additional vanity pets, including the powder monkey and imp skeleton, which can be purchased via the EA Store. Some of these pets give you 5% additional gold when you loot corpses, making them very desirable indeed.

[Update: Mythic has posted the full 1.4.1 patch notes for your perusal!]

MassivelyPower play: Warhammer Online's 1.4.2 patch improves Tier 4 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.11.4.2ea-mythicend-gameimp-skeletonmythicpatchpatch-1.4.2powder-monkeypvprvrscenariostier-4updatevanity-petswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion double AP event looks to temporarily revitalize endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/aion-double-ap-event-looks-to-temporarily-revitalize-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/aion-double-ap-event-looks-to-temporarily-revitalize-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/aion-double-ap-event-looks-to-temporarily-revitalize-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spend any time at Aion's endgame and you'll quickly realize that everything revolves around Abyss Points (AP). Hitting 55 is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PvE progression and the ability to be competitive in PvP, as you'll need plenty of pricey gear and stigmas to stand a chance. AP is so important, in fact, that even PvE mobs in the Abyss and Inggison dole it out.

Unfortunately for Daevas everywhere, the AP gods are undeniably stingy. Acquiring a full set of 55 armor, jewelry, and the weapon of your choice literally takes months (or even years) depending on how much AP you manage to farm on a daily basis. NCsoft is temporarily addressing this problem with a new in-game event dubbed For War and Glory. The event's double AP bonuses (and halved AP losses) kick off today and will run through the server reset on March 30th.

NCsoft is also tweaking the game's rifting mechanic yet again, and defensive buffs in Heiron and Beluslan will be removed until March 23rd (buffs in Eltnen and Morheim remain). Both events are part of the larger Spring 2011 Reactivation Celebration, which runs from March 24th to March 31st and welcomes back Daevas to "train for the greatest battle this planet has seen yet." Check out all the details on the official Aion website.

MassivelyAion double AP event looks to temporarily revitalize endgame originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abyss-pointsaionapatreiabeluslandaevadaevasdouble-apend-gameendgameeventsfantasyfor-war-and-glorygrindheironhow-about-permanent-double-apin-game-eventncsoftncwestriftingriftsWed, 16 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: The battle of Haietta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/wasteland-diaries-the-battle-of-haietta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/wasteland-diaries-the-battle-of-haietta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/wasteland-diaries-the-battle-of-haietta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There are new PvP objectives in Fallen Earth. Well, the objectives are the same, but the means of achieving those objectives are now different. Conflict towns remain largely unchanged, but the taking and holding of one is now dramatically different because of a few subtle changes. No longer are the non-timed towns captured by doing repeatable missions. Timed conflict towns haven't changed at all. But the other towns had a silly mechanic: having the PvPers do PvE missions to control a town. The attackers and defenders would roam about doing missions and possibly run into one another and fight. More often than not, there was little fighting.

The new system concentrates the action on a certain point -- actually, three points. The Faction Control Points (FCPs) are placed near or in the town. They are now the key to controlling the town. Of course you can still do it the old-fashioned way, but it's much quicker to control all three points at once. Controlling all three points will give the controlling faction a steady stream of faction points toward its cause. Each tower held contributes 2500 points to the controlling faction about every five minutes.If you've ever done the missions in a conflict town, you know this is a much faster method. PvP is rampant in Fallen Earth right now. Well, in Haietta, it is. After the cut, I'll give a first-hand account of what I've seen on the front lines.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: The battle of Haietta

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: The battle of Haietta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conflict-townsdeath-tollend-gameendgameexilefaction-control-pointsfactional-warfarefactionsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedhaiettaicarusicarus-studiosOrionpvpsaintstravelervistawasteland-diarieswolves-of-warFri, 24 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: You have an hour to grab my attention]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-soapbox-you-have-an-hour-to-grab-my-attention/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-soapbox-you-have-an-hour-to-grab-my-attention/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-soapbox-you-have-an-hour-to-grab-my-attention/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

We're at an interesting time in the progression of the MMO genre. Development studios and publishers are beginning to realize that there's much more to the "MMO" buzzword than meets the eye. You can't simply tack "Online" to the end of a successful single-player IP and get a multi-million-player hit.

A few years ago, this wasn't the case. Even as late as 2009, this formula was still thought to work. MMO gamers were still excited by the runaway success of World of Warcraft, with fresh memories of the "good ole" EverQuest and Ultima Online days fueling their optimism. When you have some of the best times of your gaming life in something as unique as those early MMOs, you hold on to that, wishing for an improved version to come along any day now.

But with recent game closings, developer layoffs, and a general burn-out on the same features in mostly every game, that optimism is decaying. We can only take so many faction grinds and escort quests before we just start throwing our hands up and turning to other hobbies.

Continue reading The Soapbox: You have an hour to grab my attention

MassivelyThe Soapbox: You have an hour to grab my attention originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addattention-deficitattention-spanend-gameendgamefeaturedopinionsoapboxthe-soapboxwhen-the-game-starts-getting-funwhen-the-real-game-beginsTue, 02 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic answers the 29 most pressing STO questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/cryptic-answers-the-29-most-pressing-sto-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/cryptic-answers-the-29-most-pressing-sto-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/cryptic-answers-the-29-most-pressing-sto-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Online's monthly Ask Cryptic features are always something for fans to look forward to reading, but this month even more so as executive producer Dan Stahl goes well beyond the normal handful of queries to accumulate 29 questions and answers to some of the hottest topics among the community.

Included in this Q&A session is a sneak peek at the work-in-progress Tholian race (above left), the revelation that Season 4 will primarily focus on retooling repeatable end game content, fleet starbases, passive bridge officer abilities, Season 3 item sets, Memory Alpha improvements, sector space expansion and much, much more. Stahl even explains why he picks the questions he does to answer -- basically, he likes to get into topics that aren't repeatedly touched upon in interviews.

Those hoping for a full-fledged STO expansion shouldn't start holding their breath, however: "It is unclear if we will ever produce a paid expansion as the market is leaning away from expansions and more towards smaller microtransactions. However, if we ever did release a paid expansion, it would be a significant update and add some new functionality to the game that would be deemed worth the price of the release."

MassivelyCryptic answers the 29 most pressing STO questions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticbridge-officerscrypticdan-stahldaniel-stahlend-gameexpansionfleet-starbasememory-alphaq-and-aseason-3season-4star-trek-onlinestotholianSat, 02 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Welcome once again to your guide through everything Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is soon to be released by EA-BioWare. Larry Everett presents the Hyperspace Beacon.

Deborah Shin, the Marketing Manager for Star Wars: The Old Republic told TOROcast at E3 that PAX was going to be the game's biggest event of the year. When I heard that announcement about a month and a half ago, I decided that I would have to make it to this event. Prior to that I was willing to let others do the reporting while I snagged some stories at home. I want Massively to be your source of SWTOR news, so how could I not go to the biggest SWTOR bash of the year?

This week's agenda is quite simple in scope, but a bit more complicated in execution. I hope to give you a very brief overview of what we know of our favorite game going into PAX, followed by a few directions I could go with information gathering. Ultimately, I want the fan's opinion. What information do you want to see come out of this fan-tastic exposition? Follow me after the jump, where I break down the possibilities.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander-freedBioWareclassesdeb-shindeborah-shinE3eaelectronic-artsend-gameendgamefeaturedLucasArtspax-2010pax-prime-2010Playable-Racesplayable-speciesracesSDCCspace-combatspeciesStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarting-areastarting-questsstarting-zoneswtorthe-old-republictorTOROcastWar-zonesTue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: The end]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/wasteland-diaries-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/wasteland-diaries-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/wasteland-diaries-the-end/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When I first heard about Fallen Earth, the first thing that piqued my interest was the post-apocalyptic setting. The second thing was the FPS-style gameplay and the third thing was the factional PvP. I was delivered the setting in spades; I got a good, healthy dose of FPS action. I will admit, I got a good deal of PvP as well, but not much of it was factionally driven. The understanding I had of what to expect when I hit max level was enforcers and CHOTA squaring off for control of a town, slugging it out for hours on end. But in reality I got sporadic random battles or clan warfare. PvP was supposed to be the endgame material. At least that was the impression that I got.

In this post I will look at the current state of Fallen Earth's endgame, and what we might expect to change from the information garnered from the recent State of the Game. Many people aren't sure what to do in the game once they hit the level cap. After the cut I will take a look at the state of Fallen Earth's endgame and where I expect it to go given the recent announcements.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: The end

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: The end originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-housecustom-colorsend-gameendgamefallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedhousingicarus-studioslive-eventsplayer-housingpvepvprespecroleplayingsector-4State-of-the-gameFri, 23 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While reading the latest Anti-Aliased, Seraphina Brennan's weekly opinion column here at Massively, I couldn't help but apply what she was talking about to EVE Online. Sera's opinion piece was centred on the idea that games should be fun right from the start. If there's a period of boredom or grind before you get to the fun parts of a game, the developers are doing something wrong. While this is most often attributed to theme-park MMOs, with their rush to endgame before the game really opens up, I can't help but think EVE falls into the same trap.

Despite its open-world sandbox nature with no forced progression or crafted endgame, I catch myself saying "EVE doesn't really start until ..." all the time. Most often I'm talking about how EVE's core gameplay really begins with PvP, and how motivationally essential it is to join a good player-run corporation. I've always found EVE's social structures and PvP to be its two most powerful components. Over the years, I've watched players who get involved in them stick with the game for years, while others who don't quickly become bored. I find myself wondering whether anything can be done to bring those parts of the game to new players right from the start.

In this opinion piece, I look at the idea that EVE doesn't really kick off for players until they get into PvP or join a good corporation. I go on to suggest a few changes to the new-player experience that might help bring these elusive endgames to new players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationend-gameendgameeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturednew-playernew-player-experienceopinionpvepvpsandboxsocialtutorialSun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: On the edge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/17/behind-the-curtain-on-the-edge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/17/behind-the-curtain-on-the-edge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/17/behind-the-curtain-on-the-edge/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So, I finally hit level 80 with my Warrior.

What should I be doing now? Hitting up Icecrown, working on getting those last few pieces of gear to hit the defence cap, then working on reputation, clear some Heroic runs for more gear. And maybe have some fun, chaotic Naxxramas runs with my guild where we lay bets on who can die in the most spectacular fashion.

If, that is, I can get my dates right and sign up for the correct evenings.

What am I doing instead? Farming Stratholme for the near-mythical undead mount of one Baron Rivendare.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: On the edge

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: On the edge originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtainbrick-wallchokingclass-responsibilityclass-roleelitist-jerksend-gamefeaturedpressure-to-performprocratinationresponsibilitiestankingtankspotworld-of-warcraftwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 17 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Players the source of Warhammer's problems?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/players-the-source-of-warhammers-problems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/players-the-source-of-warhammers-problems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/players-the-source-of-warhammers-problems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hardcore Casual recently put out a very concise view of what is currently holding back a truly enjoyable game experience from Warhammer Online -- the players.

The post truly sums up what makes many of the features of Warhammer Online break -- the fact that players aren't playing the game in the way Mythic expected. Instead of enjoying the content and dabbling into all the intricate facets of the game, players are engaged in a grindtastic rush towards the endgame content with the misshapen belief that "the game truly begins at maximum level." As the post itself says, people aren't comfortable with a game that starts at level 1 and not the cap.

Continue reading Players the source of Warhammer's problems?

MassivelyPlayers the source of Warhammer's problems? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeaend-gameendgamehardcore-casuallevelingmythicmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Read up on Age of Conan's culture armors]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/read-up-on-age-of-conans-culture-armors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/read-up-on-age-of-conans-culture-armors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/read-up-on-age-of-conans-culture-armors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Culture Armor, just what is it exactly? Better yet: How is it going to work? Well, Funcom has some answers to your questions. First of all, culture armor (and weapons) are designed to be end-game crafting creations, thus giving more weight to the crafting aspect within Age of Conan. Eleven cultures are being represented in the armor sets and yes, certain classes won't be able to wear culture armors that don't fit their origins. For instance, Priests of Mitra probably aren't going to be running around in Kushite gear.

As it stands now, players can expect one version of each armor from the culture. So plate, chain, cloth, etc are all going to be in representation here. Atlantean armors won't be included with this first set and it sounds like the reason is that Funcom has much bigger plans for them. We wouldn't be surprised to see them as a part of some kind of major game update.

Our impressions are that these culture pieces will be a great boon to the visual flavor in the game as well as make crafting much more worthwhile. They'll of course serve a utility role as well, but the inclusion of more variety is something any MMO should be looking to add.

MassivelyRead up on Age of Conan's culture armors originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccraftingculture-armorculture-weaponend-gamefuncomkushpriest-of-mitraMon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Play delves into Wrath of the Lich King]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/x-play-delves-into-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/x-play-delves-into-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/x-play-delves-into-wrath-of-the-lich-king/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


X-Play took a look at the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion for World of Warcraft and while no new ground was covered on the information front, they did get a look at one of the final battles in the Death Knight starting quest line. Of course, if you're trying to avoid any sort of spoilers concerning the Death Knight or generally anything WotLK-related, you may not want to risk taking a look at the segment.

Worry not though, because as we said there ain't much meat on them bones. One thing the segment does point out is that this expansion is yet again aimed solely on high-level content. The subject isn't new by any means, but it did serve to remind us that old-world content could really use some love from Blizzard once in a while. You can find the video after the break.

Continue reading X-Play delves into Wrath of the Lich King

MassivelyX-Play delves into Wrath of the Lich King originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddeath-knightelderelder-contentend-gameexpansionhigh-level-contentmorgan-webbworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingx-playWed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain:Slow it down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/behind-the-curtain-slow-it-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/behind-the-curtain-slow-it-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/behind-the-curtain-slow-it-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

So - Altdorf is burning. That didn't take long, did it? Fifteen days to hit the end-game of one of the most hotly-anticipated MMOs in recent memory? I know I shouldn't lol, but I did, and heartily. The more I thought about it though, the more I worried that it's simply symptomatic of the way we approach and play MMOs just now.

Is this what we've come to? I started World of Warcraft a little late in its lifetime, but I'm pretty sure that the end-game target/ideal/objective hadn't been reached and breached two weeks after the first players logged on. Such does not seem to be the case with Warhammer Online.

There's more than one reason behind the speed with which this happened. From what I'm seeing, it's partly due to the Destruction players in question making use of (exploiting?) a bug wherein they gained access to the central part of Altdorf via the 'back door'. Said door is supposed to only be accessible by Order players. Not only that, but the raid took place late at night, when most players are logged off, taking full advantage of the fact that Destruction players seem to outnumber Order players as a rule. Apparently, it was little more than a gank-fest as the Destruction players rolled over what little PC defence there was.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain:Slow it down

MassivelyBehind the Curtain:Slow it down originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtainend-gamewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 03 Oct 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview with The Agency's Kevin O'Hara, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/interview-with-the-agencys-kevin-ohara-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/interview-with-the-agencys-kevin-ohara-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/interview-with-the-agencys-kevin-ohara-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The second part of Ten Ton Hammer's interview with Kevin O'Hara, Senior World Designer for The Agency, focuses on the game's mission design and eventual end-game. We find out that there will be a main story to the game that will be continued through a major line of missions, but you can expect plenty of side missions similar to pretty much any other MMO as well. Following what was said in the first interview, these missions will take place in a variety of settings, both large open areas and smaller enclosed spaces.

As for the end-game, O'Hara expects that there will be a few choices for players of The Agency. The PvP in the game will have rankings and leaderboards for people to ascend, and a lot of re playability is being built into the missions via the scoring system -- people will want to replay old missions and try to do better, to receive more rewards. But how about raiding? Obviously you won't be suiting up with 40 friends to take out a dragon, but O'Hara says that the raiding will likely be in the form of a large-scale mission that requires a lot of people and co-ordination.

MassivelyInterview with The Agency's Kevin O'Hara, part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-gamekevin-oharaleaderboardsmissionspvpraidingsenior-world-designerside-missionssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyworld-designerThu, 22 May 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video, interview paint detailed picture of AoC raids]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/video-interview-paint-detailed-picture-of-aoc-raids/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/video-interview-paint-detailed-picture-of-aoc-raids/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/video-interview-paint-detailed-picture-of-aoc-raids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

There's a two-pronged assault of Age of Conan raid content information at Ten Ton Hammer -- a 20 minute raid presentation video, and an interview with raid boss scripter Eirik Munthe. Both the presentation and the interview occurred at the AoC launch event in Oslo last week, and both were rich with information. It looks like the endgame content has some incremental innovations just like the lower-level stuff; that should make the hardcore crowd happy.

In the presentation, bits and pieces of one of AoC's level 80, 24-person raids were shown to an audience with live commentary by Game Director Gaute Godager. Multiple bosses were shown, such as a poison-leaking monstrosity and two demons -- one ice, one fire -- who gain power when standing near one another. Godager explained the philosophy behind raiding and epic gear, and using collision detection in battle strategies. He revealed that raid groups will be able to call it a night halfway through a raid and finish any time they want (so long as it's before the raid expiration date -- one week after its start date). There was also a brief series of clips of a massive PvP siege.

In the interview with Eirik Munthe we learned that Funcom put together strike teams consisting of designers, scripters, and writers. Each strike team focused its attentions completely on a 20-level span; for example, Munthe's team worked on content for player levels 60 - 80. Munthe described the challenges he faced when scripting encounters with some of AoC's unique features such as collision detection and CoE (cone of effect) healing in mind.

MassivelyVideo, interview paint detailed picture of AoC raids originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80age-of-conanaocbosseirik-muntheend-gameendgamegaute-godagerinterviewlaunch-partylevel-80massive-siege-pvposlopvpraidraidingsiegesiegingvideoTue, 20 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are tolls the cure for mudflation?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/are-tolls-the-cure-for-mudflation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/are-tolls-the-cure-for-mudflation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/are-tolls-the-cure-for-mudflation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A couple weeks ago we introduced Steve Williams' notion of mudflation, its causes, and a general framework for its eradication. On Friday, he posted part two of his three part economic plan, suggesting that the best way to remove currency from the player economy was to replace large money sinks like item repairs with frequent, small, invisible tolls for things like entering a city, using reagents, and changing zones. By making these sorts of things invisible instead of up-front, you can stem the devaluing of your currency without pissing off the players, or so the argument goes.

This blogger is far more fond of having money sinks that yield tangible results. Things like player housing (and the subsequent decorating that goes along with it), guild cities or hang-outs (CoX's Supergroup Base system works quite well), or more types of crafting always seemed to yield better results. Even though the concept of an invisible toll system is really in the players' best interest , we can't imagine the response being anything other than vitriolic. In any case, we're looking forward to act three of Williams' economic treatise to see how he wraps it up.

MassivelyAre tolls the cure for mudflation? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>currencyend-gameinflationliving-worldsmudflationsteve-williamstollsSat, 17 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your guild inclusion criteria?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-guild-inclusion-criteria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-guild-inclusion-criteria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-guild-inclusion-criteria/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Sometimes the difference between staying in a game and leaving it is the company you keep. Even more so than in Second Life, where if you don't find a friend within the first 3 days you're likely not to return, joining or creating a guild is arguably the most important step in developing a lasting relationship with the game, and getting access to all the content a game has to offer. Sure, you can solo for a long time, probably even to 'end game', but you'd be missing out on all the opportunities that only running with a pack can grant.

For those of you who run a guild, how do you choose who gets to join? Recommendation by a current member? Extended invitation to a particularly funny/knowledgeable forum poster? Do you put the initiate through tests? How does the process work?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your guild inclusion criteria? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-gameguildsinitiatesecond-lifesolothe-daily-grindFri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Experience modifiers are good, no bad, wait good, no definitely bad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/experience-modifiers-are-good-no-bad-wait-good-no-definitely/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/experience-modifiers-are-good-no-bad-wait-good-no-definitely/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/experience-modifiers-are-good-no-bad-wait-good-no-definitely/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


When we reported early last month that the Destination Games team was looking to give a serious buff to Tabula Rasa's experience modifier system, it was then largely regarded as something to be happy about. Too many players were suffering from the attrition of climbing from tier 3 at level 30 to the so-called "elder game" waiting at level 50. Not only do the incentives to continue leveling dry up around that point, but the quests themselves become sparse and hard to link together.

Well evidently, the fan community has decided in all of a week that the buffs to the modifiers are simply too much, and some have called for them to be scaled back, or changed so that anything more than 3x experience is restricted as a veteran reward or unlocked after leveling one character to 50. On this, we have to disagree. Allowing for the majority of players to finally make that push through to 50 will go a long way towards pressuring the TR team to finally implement a real end-game to draw people back into the fold. If they can't succeed at that charge, than they deserve to fail. We're OK with putting them on notice.

MassivelyExperience modifiers are good, no bad, wait good, no definitely bad originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destination-gameselder-gameend-gameexperience-modifierpatch-1.6planet-trtabula-rasatrTue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: Should raiders get special treatment?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/behind-the-curtain-should-raiders-get-special-treatment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/behind-the-curtain-should-raiders-get-special-treatment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/behind-the-curtain-should-raiders-get-special-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Loot should always be a secondary concern in MMOs. The modern MMO is a virtual space that allows people to communicate and share experiences in a way that no other medium does, but I've been seeing more and more, the idea that developers should put the concerns of those players whose sole or primary concern is the acquisition of loot above the concerns of other players.

It's the old hardcore vs. casual argument of old - one that I honestly don't think we'll ever see the end of, for the simple reason that applying a hard and fast label of 'hardcore' or 'casual' is fundamentally flawed. There is no magical line that you cross, and in the space between one day and the next suddenly become 'hardcore' as opposed to 'casual', and the idea that you must belong to one of those two groups is fallacy, pure and simple.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: Should raiders get special treatment?

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: Should raiders get special treatment? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtaincasualend-gamefeaturedgearhardcorelootworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Tabula Rasa's leveling treadmill broken?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/is-tabula-rasas-leveling-treadmill-broken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/is-tabula-rasas-leveling-treadmill-broken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/is-tabula-rasas-leveling-treadmill-broken/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's no secret that MMOs operate on a finely tuned treadmill mechanic. The game offers players a succession of small goals, each of which provide the incentive for players to continue on towards the next goal, and so forth. The sustained success of games like World of Warcraft are attributable in no small part to the game's ability to continue to string the player along with new and more interesting goals. What happens though, when a game's system of rewards begins to break down? This is the question that TTH's RadarX explores in an editorial looking at Tabula Rasa's end-game. It's hardly a new question for fans of the game (additional end-game content ranked number 2 on our New Years Tabula Rasa wishlist), but the question is becoming more urgent as casual players finally catch up to their more hardcore brethren in the ranks of the Tier 4.

You'd have to believe that Destination Games is at least aware of the problem, it just becomes an issue of implementation. Looking at patch 1.4, with the announcement of a new level 50 instance, it seems evident that they're at least responding to the needs of those at the farthest end of the leveling race, but there's no immediate evidence that they're plugging in content in the middle. Probably the most promising sign was when they plugged in a whole new quest hub into the Palisades in a recent patch, but until they release the final patch notes for 1.4, we have no way of knowing whether the upper-middle level range will get the same treatment.

Where I disagree with RadarX is in his assertion that enemy density and the frequency of patrols should be toned down for areas like the Mires. Part of what makes Arieki so fun the first time around is the truly war-like atmosphere it generates. It only makes sense that in such a dense war zone, there would be areas that the Bane rule with an iron fist. I don't have a problem with areas like that encouraging more group activity, because frankly, it just suits the lore a heck of a lot better. Now if they just stuck in some quests for groups to do, I might stop by bitching all together and just get back to playing.

MassivelyIs Tabula Rasa's leveling treadmill broken? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariekidestination-gamesend-gamegrindinglevelingpatch-1.4questsradarxtabula-rasatrtreadmilltthTue, 15 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Our 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The past year was a big one for Tabula Rasa and all who call it a virtual home. While most players only had a scant two months to enjoy the worlds that Richard Garriott and company created, the news came thick, and the time was exceedingly well spent. And Massively has been there from the beginning. From the end of beta event to the 24 hours of Tabula Rasa contests, from our visit to the NCsoft office to Richard Garriott's lecture at George Washington University, we've been all over Tabula Rasa like white on rice, and we plan to keep it that way.

Having said that, we have a few things we're looking forward to from the Destination Games crew for the year 2008, from the more mundane to the potentially fantastic. As much as we enjoy blasting the Bane in the game's current state, if we had our way, this wish list would be on the public test realm tomorrow.

Continue reading Our 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic!

MassivelyOur 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008ariekiclassesdestination-gamesend-gamefeaturedforeansPAUpredictionsracestabula-rasatrFri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard's much-anticipated Game Update 3 is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/vanguards-much-anticipated-game-update-3-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/vanguards-much-anticipated-game-update-3-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/vanguards-much-anticipated-game-update-3-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The new phase of Vanguard's one-step-at-a-time Game Update 3 has gone live just in time for the holidays. The update adds a major new raiding dungeon called the Ancient Port Warehouse, two outdoor raids, and full raid functionality so players can take advantage of all this new content.

Additionally, the Vanguard team has overhauled the city of Khal to paradoxically look and perform better on all PCs. There are a few other more general performance optimizations in the update as well. Finally, six new housing areas have been added, and all the holiday content (flying reindeer!) is now in the game.

It's an enormous and highly anticipated update, and hopefully it's a significant step towards recovery from the game's very disappointing launch.

[Thanks, Ricky!]

MassivelyVanguard's much-anticipated Game Update 3 is live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingend-gameendgamegame-update-3high-endholidayspatchraidraidingraidssaga-of-heroessoesonyupdate-3vanguardWed, 12 Dec 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: Evolving the World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/behind-the-curtain-evolving-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/behind-the-curtain-evolving-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/behind-the-curtain-evolving-the-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hopefully you read our very own Mike Schramm's post earlier this week (if not, go read it quick and come right back) about Lore and Storytelling in MMOs. I panicked a little when I read it, firstly because he's a better writer than I am, and secondly because I'm going to talk about a similar subject myself - specifically World of Warcraft, and how I feel Blizzard could be doing more to evolve the lore and the story of the game.

I'm not a Biologist, but my understanding of evolution is that things change and grow. Certain species die off, to be replaced by newer ones better suited to the environment of the time.
With one expansion under its belt, bucketloads of content patches behind it and another expansion on the horizon, WoW certainly hasn't stood still as time has passed. While WoW had hardly become sterile, is adding new content the same thing as evolving the game?

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: Evolving the World of Warcraft

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: Evolving the World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardend-gameevolutionexpansionfeaturedinstancesjoystiqfeaturesloreworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The itemization bug bites Tabula Rasa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-itemization-bug-bites-tabula-rasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-itemization-bug-bites-tabula-rasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-itemization-bug-bites-tabula-rasa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


As you should already well know, Destination Games is hard at work on patching up some common complaints in their new sci-fi epic Tabula Rasa. Though the most significant part of the patch for most players was Rage getting whacked with the nerf bat and the promise of a free respec, that wasn't all that Paul Sage and crew had in mind. An easily overlooked part of the patch notes says, and here I quote, "We have also fixed another problem where item rarity was not affecting damage bonuses on the items. Now green weapons will do more damage than their white counterparts of the same level. Blues will do more than greens." Itemization is getting tweaked, and it's going to have huge ramifications.

As things of this nature usually do, the change has spawned a heated discussion within the TR community, with some feeling that the difference in itemization (which, if you'll note, is called a "fix" not a "change") is going to have profound implications for the way players approach equipment and the game in general. As the game exists now, damage is entirely independent of item quality, and the only advantages conferred by rare items (which follows the popular rarity scheme of white < green < blue < purple) are that they have their mod slots filled. In most cases an item bought at a vendor is basically equal to a purple of the same level that you can get either as a rare drop or as a quest reward. Why is that a problem?

Continue reading The itemization bug bites Tabula Rasa

MassivelyThe itemization bug bites Tabula Rasa originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>damage-bonusesdestination-gameseconomyend-gamefeatureditemizationitemsmaking-moneypatchpaul-sagepurplespvprgtrsurplus-storestabula-rasaWed, 28 Nov 2007 11:59:00 EST