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[The Daily Grind: Which MMO world would you inhabit in real life?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-world-would-you-inhabit-in-real-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-world-would-you-inhabit-in-real-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-world-would-you-inhabit-in-real-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Snow is beautiful, but only to look at
Some MMOs have horrid character models, let's be honest. But I think we can all agree that game worlds are usually the most compelling part of our favorite MMOs. Whether it's the quality of writing that pulls us in or the realism of the environmental art itself, there are just some games that we'd all love to live in.

So which one would you pick? Would you enjoy skipping through a tater field in The Shire? How about picking apples with Mary Malone in Tyria? Possibly you'd prefer riding a giant Gryphon in Azeroth. Let us know in the comments below which MMO world you'd live in, given the chance.

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which MMO world would you inhabit in real life? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmentimmersionopiniontdgthe-daily-grindworldsWed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patents "Massively Single-Player" term]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/nintendo-patents-massively-single-player-term/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/nintendo-patents-massively-single-player-term/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/nintendo-patents-massively-single-player-term/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo Massively Single-Player
Despite the fact that this may be the first time you've ever seen Nintendo mentioned on Massively, it may not be the last. According to an article at Gamespot, the 121-year-old Japanese console company has patented the term "massively single-player" to define a new genre of games that they hope to create.

The basic idea is that you would play a single-player game, and (through an internet connection) what you do in that game would influence the environment or economy of the same game on someone else's console. Nintendo gives several examples of how this would work, including the construction of housing in a neighborhood, oil supply and demand, and even gossip, without those pesky "other players" messing up your game. The patent mentions the fact that people who share the same friends list may be able to see each other (much like Fable III does), but other than that, it's not so much the other players you see, but only their effects on the game's world.

Does this sound like something you'd be interested in checking out, as an MMO fan? Let us know in the comments below.

MassivelyNintendo patents "Massively Single-Player" term originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmentgamespotmassively-single-playernintendopatentFri, 12 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite in-game wildlife?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-in-game-wildlife/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-in-game-wildlife/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-in-game-wildlife/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The general rule of MMOs is pretty simple to understand -- if it moves, either get a quest from it or kill it. Natural critters other than enemy soldiers exist mostly so that you can occasionally kill ten rats rather than killing ten beastmen. But from the chocobos of Final Fantasy XI to the elementally affected critters of RIFT, there are a plethora of different creatures that roam the land that you aren't necessarily meant to kill -- or at least those that serve a purpose in the world's ecology.

In some games, such as the deep space setting of EVE Online, you're not going to find much in the way of wildlife. But in the games that do feature animals meandering about, which ones are your favorites? What local fauna catches your eye, either because it reminds you that the game takes place in a living world or just because it's so alien and bizarre?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite in-game wildlife? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsbirdscreaturescrittersenvironmentfaunaopinionratssettingtdgthe-daily-grindwildlifeSat, 23 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wakfu shows off ecosystem mechanics in newest trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/wakfu-shows-off-ecosystem-mechanics-in-newest-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/wakfu-shows-off-ecosystem-mechanics-in-newest-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/wakfu-shows-off-ecosystem-mechanics-in-newest-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The trailers continue to surface for Wakfu as potential players in the U.S. anxiously await word on an official beta date. For those players in other regions already participating in the beta, that wait is a bit less pressing. But whether you've been enjoying the game for some time in its testing phase or you're just looking forward to finally getting your hands on it, the latest trailer should provide you with plenty of eye-candy and features to look forward to. This time around, the highlight is on the game's ecological systems.

One of the major selling points has always been players having a substantive impact on the game, with the landscape changing and reacting based upon player actions. This ecosystem trailer gives a look at the ways in which players can either help or harm the surrounding environment, providing new life in barren areas or destroying ambient plant life. The latest Wakfu video can be found just past the cut, a worthy diversion for anyone interested in this anticipated strategy MMO.

Continue reading Wakfu shows off ecosystem mechanics in newest trailer

MassivelyWakfu shows off ecosystem mechanics in newest trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaecologyecosystemenvironmentf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemslifeplantspreviewpreviewstrailertrailersvideovideoswakfuTue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT looks at Scarwood Reach]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Whether or not you're looking forward to RIFT, it's hard to deny that the game makes great use of setting. The latest region revealed, Scarwood Reach, is haunting and evocative in both backstory and current events. Once an enchanted forest covered in the majestic granitewood trees, the woods have been logged to their demise, with only scattered pockets of trees remaining as a testament to what once was. But the servants of Greenscale seek to undo the damage in the only way possible -- by opening a portal to the Plane of Life that might swallow Telara whole.

Aside from the abandoned shrines and local creatures harmed by the mad rush for wood and the abandonment of old traditions, the explosion of unfiltered Life at the heart of what was once forest is equally toxic. Even apart from the rifts that occasionally blossom, the forest is beset by creatures unseen in this land, coupled with crawling roots that bring searing and unwelcome new life to the barren landscape. Take a look at the gallery for a quartet of preview images, a fine preparation for the maddening environment that RIFT's damaged forest remnants are poised to deliver.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

MassivelyRIFT looks at Scarwood Reach originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryenvironmentforestgalleryin-game-regionslogginglorenewsplane-of-liferegionsriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsscarwood-reachtreestriontrion-worldswoodzonesMon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Environment and customization spotlighted in new DCUO images]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/environment-and-customization-spotlighted-in-new-dcuo-images/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/environment-and-customization-spotlighted-in-new-dcuo-images/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/environment-and-customization-spotlighted-in-new-dcuo-images/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As Sony Online Entertainment continues to reveal images from DC Universe Online, the game environment is emerging as one of the game's standout features. Players have admired the attention to detail in familiar locations, and that's not all.

Some fans were a little concerned about available character customization -- particularly after the announcement regarding the ability to dress as your favorite hero -- but the last few rounds of screenshots have showed a wide range of available options and looks.

The newest screenshots are no exception. Check out the gallery below for another snapshot tour of DCUO and its citizens, both good and bad.

Gallery: DC Universe Online combat and locations

MassivelyEnvironment and customization spotlighted in new DCUO images originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-customizationcomic-bookcomic-booksdc-universe-onlinedcuoenvironmentgalleryscreenshotscreenshotssoeSONYSony-Online-Entertainmentsuper-herosuper-heroessuperherosuperheroesSun, 26 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV releases new Gridania assets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-new-gridania-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-new-gridania-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-new-gridania-assets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With only a few days left until release, Final Fantasy XIV has lifted the shroud surrounding the third of the starting city-states for new characters. Gridania, nestled in the Black Shroud, is a city built into the very structure of the wood around it, filled with reverence for the spirits and creatures that dwell in the environment. The newest pictures have been put together in a gallery showing off the environment of the city -- as well as a hint of the Garlean Empire.

A city of warm earth tones and expansive wooden buildings, Gridania manages to carry its own distinct feel from its sister cities, especially with the stained-glass architecture that dominates the adventurer's guild. While the preview images lack the callbacks that the recent Ul'dah reveal carried, they still show off an environment that is both engaging and alien. Take a look at the full gallery, and keep your eyes open to see if Final Fantasy XIV has any more secrets to reveal prior to next week's launch.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV Gridania preview

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV releases new Gridania assets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-shroundcitiescitycity-statesempireenvironmentffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivforestgalleriesgarlean-empiregridaniaimagesscreenshotssettingsquaresquare-enixstarting-citiesthe-black-shrouduldahThu, 16 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The art director speaks in the latest video for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/the-art-director-speaks-in-the-latest-video-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/the-art-director-speaks-in-the-latest-video-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/the-art-director-speaks-in-the-latest-video-for-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the defining elements of Final Fantasy XI was the attention to detail, with every area of the world carefully crafted for maximum verisimilitude. It's a tradition that has been carried on to Final Fantasy XIV, with the game's art direction as one of its primary selling points. Akihiko Yoshida, the art director for the game, shares his thoughts on the design of the game and his hopes for the player experience in the newest Making of Eorzea video, embedded after the cut.

Yoshida discusses the added challenges experienced with the game's dynamic format, as well as the many ways that the team has tried to expand upon the lessons learned from Final Fantasy XI. Players of the open beta have no doubt noticed the amount of detail going into each environment, and it helps make even mundane tasks more enjoyable. See what Yoshida has to say about designing Final Fantasy XIV's visuals after the cut, and keep your eyes open as the open beta continues (Square-Enix has been rolling out a new patch nearly every day).

Continue reading The art director speaks in the latest video for Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyThe art director speaks in the latest video for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akhiko-yoshidaartart-directiondesignenvironmentenvironmental-designffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmaking-of-eorzeamoviessquaresquare-enixverisimilitudevideovideosvisual-designvisualsThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes Going Rogue soundtrack available on iTunes and Amazon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's just a little more than a month left until City of Heroes players get to take the new expansion for a spin, and Going Rogue's promotions have been stepped up accordingly. Oddly, while the art direction, storytelling, and mechanical aspects of the expansion have all gotten significant attention, we've heard very little about the music that will be expected to set the mood. But if you really want to know, there's no need to speculate -- the soundtrack is already available for purchase.

Available both on iTunes and Amazon (albeit slightly cheaper on Amazon), the soundtrack contains 13 pieces composed by Jason Graves, previously of Dead Space and Command & Conquer 4 fame. The previews available suggest a highly orchestral and high-energy collection of pieces, with each piece giving a distinct and different feel from the familiar melodies of the Rogue Isles and Paragon City. Going Rogue players may well want to pick up the soundtrack, as it's only a few bucks and should conjure some engaging images for future City of Heroes adventures.

MassivelyCity of Heroes Going Rogue soundtrack available on iTunes and Amazon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonambiancecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcomposerscovcoxenvironmentexpansion-soundtrackgoing-rogueitunesjason-gravesmoodmp3ncsoftparagonparagon-cityparagon-studiospraetoriarogue-islessoundtrackTue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Environmental effects and new comics for Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/environmental-effects-and-new-comics-for-star-wars-the-old-repu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/environmental-effects-and-new-comics-for-star-wars-the-old-repu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/environmental-effects-and-new-comics-for-star-wars-the-old-repu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The big announcement out of Star Wars: The Old Republic came ahead of time this week, with the release of a surprise video documentary detailing combat. On the other hand, the game isn't only about combat. Having completed the Threat of Peace storyline in comic form, the site has launched a new comic to continue exploring the game's lore in more personal terms. Blood of the Empire has gone live, taking the exact opposite approach to the prior comic by focusing on a young Sith during the conquest of Republic worlds for the growing empire.

True to form, the comic presents the Sith in the most straightforward fashion possible, leaving plenty of room for the moral ambiguity that classically defines BioWare's games. If that doesn't quite grab your fancy, the team's fan roundup has gone live, along with new concept art and a short trailer for the game. The former shows off some of the technology designs at work, while the latter highlights environmental effects from sparking generators to rippling water. It's a somewhat more contemplative look at Star Wars: The Old Republic compared to non-stop lightsabers and laser blasts, and it might prove a welcome contrast after the earlier announcements

MassivelyEnvironmental effects and new comics for Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorybiowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtorblood-of-the-empireeaelectronic-artsenvironmentenvironmental-effectslorelucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgrepublicsithstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republicthreat-of-peaceSun, 25 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise reveals new environmental screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/earthrise-reveals-new-environmental-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/earthrise-reveals-new-environmental-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/earthrise-reveals-new-environmental-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In the post-apocalyptic world of action MMO Earthrise you'll encounter bone-filled deserts, lush jungles, other-worldly forests and... alien hatcheries full of membrane fauna? Hmm, oh that's right this is a sci-fi game, so that's totally cool. Even still, sweeping vistas and mysterious looking locations are all present here, which is exactly what an exploring player hopes to see in an upcoming MMO.

Indeed, many of the new images are deliciously pretty -- just be aware that as you click through them, you're bound to come across that alien hatchery. Of course, if creepy alien hatcheries are what you're all about, then pleased you will certainly be.

Gallery: Earthrise

MassivelyEarthrise reveals new environmental screens originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienearthriseenvironmentfaunamasthead-studiosscreensscreenshotscreenshotsThu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise devs on how terrain will impact gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/earthrise-devs-on-how-terrain-will-impact-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/earthrise-devs-on-how-terrain-will-impact-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/earthrise-devs-on-how-terrain-will-impact-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Earthrise is the first massively multiplayer online game from Masthead Studios, an independent game developer in Bulgaria. The game has a dystopian setting, a single (but vast) island refuge is all that remains of the human race after the world was bathed in nuclear fire. As expected of a post-apocalyptic MMO, there will be areas of the game that are comprised of blasted out buildings and various gutted structures, but the island setting of Enterra will offer a wide variety of terrain for players to explore and exploit.

Moll, Earthrise's community manager, explains in a recent blog post: "As we developed Earthrise, we made sure that the world is tailored in such a way so it provides different game experiences - the whole island is divided almost equally between plains, hills and mountains."

Continue reading Earthrise devs on how terrain will impact gameplay

MassivelyEarthrise devs on how terrain will impact gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulgariacommunity-managerearthriseenterraenterra-islandenvironmentexplorationexplorersmasthead-studiosmollnew-titlespost-apocalypticpvpqotwquestion-of-the-weeksci-fiteleportationteleportersterrainMon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online dev Randy Mosiondz on storytelling and gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Writing for Examiner.com, Daniel Nations recently interviewed Champions Online lead designer Randy Mosiondz about the balancing act between providing guided gameplay and exploration. The interview also touches upon Champions Online's gameplay across different environments. Namely, Mosiondz explains a bit about the challenges that players will face in the underwater area of Lemuria with its full 3-D movement capabilities, and how some player powers will be modified for use underwater.

Also a nice touch is that the discussion heads into his roots as a writer for pen and paper games. Mosiondz explains the differences in storytelling between pen and paper games and MMOs, and why it can be tricky to bring a story with lasting consequences to a massively multiplayer online game. Check out the Champions Online developer interview over at Examiner for more about what the Cryptic Studios super-hero title will offer.

MassivelyChampions Online dev Randy Mosiondz on storytelling and gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdaniel-nationsenvironmentenvironmentsexaminerexplorationgame-mechanicsguided-gameplayinterviewslemuriapen-and-paperrandy-mosiondzstorytellingsuper-herosuper-heroessuperheroesunderseaunderwaterwritingFri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Global Agenda concept art reveals more environments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/new-global-agenda-concept-art-reveals-more-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/new-global-agenda-concept-art-reveals-more-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/new-global-agenda-concept-art-reveals-more-environments/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


When they're not donating their time to host charitable events like Pwning for a Cure, to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the good folks at Hi-Rez Studios are creating some gorgeous concept art for their upcoming MMO Global Agenda. As you may remember from our hands-on time with the game, Global Agenda is a fast-paced action MMO using Unreal(R) Engine 3 set in Earth's near future, a spy-fi world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. These concept images represent the type of exotic and futuristic locations that players and player-run groups will visit as they compete in a global conflict for territory, resources and advanced technology.

These first three images are only the tip of the iceberg on what's to come with new concept art out of Hi-Rez. Keep a close eye on our entire Global Agenda Concept Art and Screenshot gallery linked below for more from the Hi-Rez team very soon.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyNew Global Agenda concept art reveals more environments originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artenvironmentgalleryglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosSat, 15 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Aion videos give aerial tour of environments and classes in action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/new-aion-videos-give-aerial-tour-of-environments-and-classes-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/new-aion-videos-give-aerial-tour-of-environments-and-classes-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/new-aion-videos-give-aerial-tour-of-environments-and-classes-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Flight in MMOs is often focused on having mounts that let you take to the skies. NCsoft's latest twist on this idea is to give players their own pair of wings in Aion: The Tower of Eternity, which Massively recently got to see at PAX. So far we've seen a video showing off the character customization in Aion and a bit about the game's lore as well. NCsoft is steadily releasing more video footage of the new title though, most of which shows off some gorgeous graphics.

Our friends over at BigDownload are offering up two new Aion videos. One gives a soaring aerial tour of the game's environment an the other is a breakdown of the available classes, showing each of them in action. Check out the footage of both videos below the cut, as well as the links for BigDownload's HD versions.

Continue reading New Aion videos give aerial tour of environments and classes in action

MassivelyNew Aion videos give aerial tour of environments and classes in action originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbig-downloadcharacter-customizationclassescustomizationdownloadenvironmentfantasyflighthdlorencsoftpaxpax-2008previewsracesvideoThu, 04 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet a Champions Online environment artist]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/meet-a-champions-online-environment-artist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/meet-a-champions-online-environment-artist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/meet-a-champions-online-environment-artist/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In this week's edition of Champions Online's "Meet The Team" we have an environment artist who goes by the name of Andrew Jansen. Now Andrew seems like a nice enough guy, but we're not at all opposed to taking down names and finding any party responsible for possible "layer cake tiles" in Champions Online. Oh wait, that's right we nearly forgot that we've already been promised a complete lack of them. So rest easy Andrew, the pitchforks are safely locked away in storage.

The work of a environment artist sounds both intriguing and challenging as they have to design for story, fun and gameplay in everything they create. In other words an environment has to fit within the story while being both fun to play in and functional -- oh and lets not forget that it has to look great. If you're curious what kind of mind is helping to create these canonical, entertaining and functional environments we urge you to check out the rest of the interview over at the official site.

MassivelyMeet a Champions Online environment artist originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-jansenchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosenvironmentenvironment-artistfungameplaystoryThu, 22 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Everyone and their brother seems to be writing about Age of Conan over the last few days, but hopefully you're hungry for a little more. I've spent the last day and a half trying out different classes and playing through the various starting missions, and I'm ready to serve up some impressions. If you want the quick and dirty version, I'm really impressed with what Funcom has done. This game is worth your money. I'll try to talk about the aspects of the game that I haven't seen discussed much yet, as well as the stuff that everyone is talking about.

It's also important to note that I've been playing with the closed beta client -- not the open beta one. There is a serious difference. I should mention that when I wrote Friday's article, I hadn't yet played the game and I was basing my arguments largely on the claims of people who had had bad experiences with the open beta client. I still stand by my arguments about making games with outlandish system requirements, but I think Age of Conan will run just fine on many systems. Keeping all of that in mind, here's what I think of the game.

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-guideaocbetacombatdialogueenvironmentfeaturedfuncomgameplaygraphicsmissionnpcsplayer-vs-everythingpreviewquestsstabilityMon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are MMOs Captain Planet approved?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/are-mmos-captain-planet-approved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/are-mmos-captain-planet-approved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/are-mmos-captain-planet-approved/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Saving the world is something that most have us as gamers have grown rather accustomed to over the years. Almost since the beginning, game designers have used the risk of global destruction as a tool to more completely involve players in the seriousness of a given game narrative. Whether we're preventing our world from being sucked into a demonic alternate dimension, devoured by a horde of merciless alien predators, or being blown up by a clown-faced madman, the stakes are nearly always high. MMOs certainly never bow from using world destruction as a plot-device; it's usually at the center of the end-game.

So what then do we make of a post by Tony Walsh on his Clickable Culture blog earlier this month that questions the extent to which MMOs are contributing to the destruction of the very planet most of us inhabit every day? He cites some statistics that estimate the carbon footprint of your typical computer server, such as the ones that power most MMOs, is as big as a gas-guzzling SUV. When you consider the sheer amount of power it must take to keep the servers for World of Warcraft alone running, you start to get an idea of the magnitude of the discussion. Walsh suggests that the best compromise for those who are green at heart is to simply not play MMOs at all.

While I have to grant that I had never considered the environmental impact of MMOs before, I disagree with his point that the best option is to cut ourselves off. If we took that approach to power use, we'd scarcely have justification to turn on the heat, let alone power on our computer. I don't doubt that we'll see a "green" MMO that uses carbon-neutral power in the future, I don't think it's something we should worry too much about in the meantime.

MassivelyAre MMOs Captain Planet approved? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon-footprintenvironmentenvironmentalismgreenmmospowerworld-of-warcraftSat, 22 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST