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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website
Dota 2 celebrated the incredible sales of its world championship interactive compendium with free gifts for all players; the compendium has now sold over 266,000 units, raising the prize fund in The International to over $2,000,000 US. Third-person MOBA SMITE has recently entered the competitive tournament scene with two new weekly $1,000 tournaments. Rise of Immortals also announced its first competitive tournament since the Battle For Graxia update and revealed details of its hilariously-named ranged centaur character Murderhoof.

League of Legends revealed the new custom item set feature coming in Patch 3.7 and published a new champion spotlight video on classic ranged carry Ashe. Guardians of Middle-Earth also released its latest paid DLC character, The Mouth of Sauron, based on a character who was originally cut from the cinematic release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Diablo III celebrated the first anniversary of its release on May 15th with anniversary livestreams and a magic-find bonus for all players. The latest patch also raised the increments in which money can be sold on the Real Money Auction House to ten million in response to massive oversupply. Path of Exile revealed details of its upcoming Patch 0.1.1.0 that will add new party loot options and other features, and Star Citizen showed off its new website with a special e-commerce section in which players can buy ships for cash.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website

MassivelyNot So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpganniversaryanniversary-eventashebattle-for-graxiabattlenetbirthdayblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCompendiumcompetitive-gamingconsolecustom-item-setCustom-Item-Setsd3dawngatediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaslightgodgodsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthinfinite-crisisInteractive-Compendiumisisjokerleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmouth-of-sauronmultiplayermurderhoofnewsnot-so-massivelynsmone-yearone-year-anniversaryonline-multiplayeropinionpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgskarasmitethe-jokerthe-mouth-of-sauronthird-personvalvevideovideoswarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen paytowin debate, and MOBA news
Diablo III was hit with yet another exploit this week as players discovered a way to duplicate gold via a bug in the auction house. Blizzard responded by shutting down the auction house but did not perform a server rollback to reverse the damage. Star Citizen clarified its stance on the lifetime insurance available to veteran backers amidst debate over whether it gives early adopters an unfair advantage over other players. Path of Exile also released a new Letters of Wraeclast lore feature in its latest update, and MechWarrior Online's update 15 added a new Misery mech.

Dota 2 began preparations for its biggest world championship tournament yet with the release of a new Interactive Compendium that players can use to stay up to date with the matches. Rise of Immortals has now officially launched its Battle For Graxia revamp, and Infinite Crisis officially entered closed beta this week with the release of new champion The Joker. Finally, Smashmuck Champions released its hilarious new community-designed champion that's half platypus and half unicorn.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news

MassivelyNot So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbatmanbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-robertscloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingd3dcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiaindieinfinite-crisisinsurancejokerkiz-studioslifetime-insurancemobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvprise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fismashmuckstar-citizensupermanthe-jokerturbinevalvevideovideoswarner-broswonder-womanWraeclastMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/not-so-massively-moba-patch-week-star-citizen-hits-9-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/not-so-massively-moba-patch-week-star-citizen-hits-9-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/not-so-massively-moba-patch-week-star-citizen-hits-9-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset
This week is packed with MOBA news as almost every major title released a new patch. Infinite Crisis introduced new champions Poison Ivy and Gaslight Catwoman and announced that the game's closed beta will start in two days' time on May 8th. SMITE introduced new Norse god Fenrir the Unbound, and League of Legends released a champion spotlight on new Ice Witch champion Lissandra. Dota 2 also released new hero Elder Titan based on the original DotA hero Tauren Chieftain, and Heroes of Newerth released several months of balance changes at once in its colossal version 3.1 update.

Star Citizen celebrated hitting $9 million US in its ongoing crowdfunding campaign, and to celebrate, developers controversially gave all current backers free lifetime insurance on their ships. The title's success has also spurred EVE Online developer CCP Games to show off its own virtual reality dogfighter called EVR that uses the upcoming Oculus Rift headset.

Diablo III's first anniversary is just over a week away; details of any celebrations haven't yet been released. Developers confirmed that the PlayStation 4 version will not be getting mouse and keyboard support and that the PC version won't be getting support for analog controllers. For those of you up for some oldschool dungeon-crawling, Diablo II also announced that its ladder will be reset on May 14th this week and all players will start the game fresh again.

Continue reading Not So Massively: MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset

MassivelyNot So Massively: MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbetabeta-testbeta-testingblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopccpccp-gameschris-robertscompetitive-gamingconsoled3defense-of-the-ancientsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportselder-titanesportesportseveeve-onlineevrexploitf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumgothic-fantasyhon-tourhontourice-witchinternet-spaceshipsladderladder-resetleagueleague-of-legendslissandralolmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmoculus-riftonline-multiplayeropinionpatch-1.0.8playstationplaystation-3playstation-4Playstation3premiumps4pvpriotriot-gamesroguelikeround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinetauren-chieftaintestingtrailertrailersvideovideosvirtual-realitywitch-doctorMon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's latest exploit, and city-building with Prime World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-latest-exp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-latest-exp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-latest-exp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Details of this year's $1,600,000 US Dota 2 world championship have been released ahead of next month's qualifiers for the remaining three competitor spots. Heroes of Newerth began gearing up for its own tournament at DreamHack Summer 2013 with details of a qualifier tournament to determine which teams will face off at the event. Team Stay Green may be in with a chance if it enters, as the group just took home $32,000 US following a decisive win in the HoNTour grand finals.

A new Diablo III exploit that allowed Witch Doctors to farm XP by repeatedly killing their pets was discovered this week and promptly hotfixed. Riot Games released spotlight videos for newly revamped League of Legends champions Trundle and Sejuani, and CLG pro gamer Peter "Doublelift" Peng discussed his challenging road to success and heartbreaking family issues in a fantastic short documentary for Machinima.

Turbine released details of two new Infinite Crisis champions this week with video spotlights on hulking brute Doomsday and the gadget-wielding Gaslight Batman. Russian success Prime World let press into the English language beta for a first look at its castle-building and MOBA style gameplay. Rise of Immortals geared up for the official launch of its Battle For Graxia game overhaul with the addition of a new reputation system. And Star Citizen developer Chris Roberts revealed that he's been holding off on accepting investor deals because of the success of the game's crowdfunding campaigns.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's latest exploit, and city-building with Prime World

MassivelyNot So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's latest exploit, and city-building with Prime World originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbatmanbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbugcash-prizecash-tournamentcastlechris-robertsclgcloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingcounter-logic-gamingcrowdfundingcrowdsourcingd3dcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dreamhackdreamhack-2013dreamhack-summerdreamhack-summer-2012e-sporte-sportsesportesportsexploitf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaslightgaslight-batmangothic-fantasygraxiaheroes-of-newerthhonhon-tourhontourinfinite-crisisinvestinginvestmentjokerleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayernewsnivalnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesprime-worldpro-gamingprofessional-gamingpvevppvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fistar-citizensupermanswedenthe-internationalthe-international-2013the-jokertournamentturbinevalvevideowarner-broswitch-doctorwonder-womanMon, 29 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: New Star Citizen column, Path of Exile Season Two, and MOBA news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/not-so-massively-new-star-citizen-column-path-of-exile-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/not-so-massively-new-star-citizen-column-path-of-exile-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/not-so-massively-new-star-citizen-column-path-of-exile-season/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
If you've been following the development of upcoming crowdfunded sci-fi sandbox Star Citizen with interest, Massively has a brand-new column you might enjoy. The Diablo III test realm hinted at upcoming boosts to life regeneration and the damage output of a few spells, but Blizzard also suggested that a nerf to the Wizard Archon Form might be on the way. Path of Exile started its second season of race events, with over 200 events to take part in and massive prizes to be won.

Third-person MOBA SMITE added the 34th god to its roster this week with acrobatic assassin Ne Zha entering the fray, and Guardians of Middle-Earth released new DLC character Kili the Dwarf. Rise of Immortals added support for game replays and introduced and interesting new White Knight feature that lets players take over from characters who have disconnected or quit in the middle of a game.

Heroes of Newerth announced a huge upcoming balance patch that may finally get rid of the paid-for early hero access and promises to rebalance much of the game's expansive roster of characters. Dota 2's streamlined abuse report update backfired when players discovered they could use the report feature itself to abuse other players. And Firefall may finally be edging toward release with the announcement of a date for the start of open beta.

Continue reading Not So Massively: New Star Citizen column, Path of Exile Season Two, and MOBA news

MassivelyNot So Massively: New Star Citizen column, Path of Exile Season Two, and MOBA news originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abuseaction-mmoaction-rpgArmillary-Sashbalance-patchbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingconsoled3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dwarfe-sporte-sportseaearly-accessesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfire-batsfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthheroes-of-newerthhonhon-tourkilileague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmeldingmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayerne-zhanewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropen-betapatchpatchespath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpray-of-frostred-5-studiosreplayriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fistar-citizenterrauniverse-ringvalvevideowarner-broswhite-knightwhite-knight-queuewitch-doctorwizardwrath-of-the-lich-kingxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: D3's patch 1.0.8, Dota 2 DDoS, and Prime World's closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/not-so-massively-d3s-patch-1-0-8-dota-2-ddos-and-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/not-so-massively-d3s-patch-1-0-8-dota-2-ddos-and-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/not-so-massively-d3s-patch-1-0-8-dota-2-ddos-and-prime-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Patch 1.0.8 was released to the Diablo III public test realm this week, adding some big multiplayer upgrades and fixing quality of life issues with the Wizard class, crafting and the auction house. Path of Exile published its first series of articles in a new Development Manifesto forum looking into the thought process behind upcoming game changes and features. And sci-fi sandbox Star Citizen tackled the age-old problem of letting players have unique names without breaking immersion.

The European Dota 2 servers experienced heavy disruption this week as what appears to be a DDoS attack interfered with the DreamHack Invitationals and the G-1 qualifier tournament. A research firm also claimed that the game had recently passed giant of League of Legends in peak concurrent users despite publicly released statistics to the contrary.

Following on from its huge success in Russia, castle-building MOBA Prime World officially entered its English-language closed beta this week. Newly announced DC Comics MOBA Infinite Crisis released a champion profile video on new hero Green Lantern, and Heroes of Newerth published a classic hero spotlight on fan-favourite Devourer.

Continue reading Not So Massively: D3's patch 1.0.8, Dota 2 DDoS, and Prime World's closed beta

MassivelyNot So Massively: D3's patch 1.0.8, Dota 2 DDoS, and Prime World's closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgarchonauction-housebatmanbattlenetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentcallsigncastlechampion-profilechampion-spotlightchampion-spotlight-videocitycity-buildingclosed-betacloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingd3dcdc-comicsddosdeckard-caindenial-of-servicedenial-of-service-attackdevelopment-manifestodevourerdfcdfc-intelligencediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidosdotadota-2dreamhacke-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playg-1gothic-fantasygreen-lanterngrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshandlehero-spotlightheroes-of-newerthhoninfinite-crisisjokerleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayernamenewsnivalnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropen-betapath-of-exilepeak-concurrent-userspoeprime-worldpvevppvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fistar-citizenstay-a-while-and-read-my-booksteamsupermanteleportthe-jokertournamentturbineusernamevalvevideowarner-broswizardwonder-womanMon, 15 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Jumping on the MOBA bandwagon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/not-so-massively-jumping-on-the-moba-bandwagon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/not-so-massively-jumping-on-the-moba-bandwagon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/not-so-massively-jumping-on-the-moba-bandwagon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It seems as if everyone is jumping on the MOBA bandwagon lately and trying to cut a slice of the action for himself. Creative Assembly announced that the next game in the Total War series will be a MOBA with RTS elements named Total War: Arena. MMO developer Turbine has also thrown its hat in the ring, teaming up with Warner Bros. and DC comics to develop a MOBA based on the Infinite Crisis DC storyline.

League of Legends continued its plans to revamp old characters with overhauls to Sejuani and Trundle. Developers also revealed upcoming Ice Witch champion Lissandra, a crowd-controlling mage who can cast some of her spells mana-free. Guardians of Middle-Earth finally released Frodo Baggins as a DLC character, and Heroes of Newerth announced that the $60,000 grand final of HonTour Season One will take place later this month in Las Vegas.

In a new Diablo III developer journal, Blizzard discussed its efforts to get players into multiplayer and public games, including some gameplay improvements and a new matchmaking tag system. Path of Exile's Patch 0.10.5 went live today, adding three powerful new support gems, four new unique items, and several balance changes and bug-fixes. And Torchlight II gave modders a huge gift this week by releasing its in-house development tools to the public and officially adding Steam Workshop support to the game.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Jumping on the MOBA bandwagon

MassivelyNot So Massively: Jumping on the MOBA bandwagon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgarchonbandwagonbatmanbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcargo-cultcompetitive-gamingconsolecreative-assemblyd3dcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidominiondotae-sporte-sportseditoresportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrodofrodo-bagginsgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthgutsguts-editorheroes-of-newerthhonhon-tourhoncasthontourice-witchinfinite-crisisjokerleague-of-legendsLissandralollord-of-the-ringslotrmatchmakingmeleemiddle-earthmobamodmoddermoddingmodding-communitymodding-toolsmodsmonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayermultiplayer-online-battle-arenanewsnightmare-batmannot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exileplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamess2s2-gamessegaSejuanisteamsteam-workshopsupermanthe-jokerthe-one-ringtotal-wartotal-war-arenatrundleturbineTurbine-Entertainmentvideowarner-broswizardwonder-womanwyatt-chengxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN Pro League technology purchased by Blizzard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm sure somebody thinks that's neat.
Do you like eSports? Blizzard Entertainment clearly does, as the company has just purchased the technology and assets of IGN Pro League. Several employees came along with the acquisition, including former IPL general manager David Ting. The hard assets will be used to promote various events centering around Blizzard's online games, while the staff members are joining Blizzard's internal eSports teams according to initial reports.

Needless to say, this marks the end of IPL's competitive gaming coverage, which has in the past included games such as League of Legends and StarCraft II. The brand does not go with these employees or assets, meaning that last weekend's $100,000 Shootmania launch event was the final broadcast for the IPL. It remains to be seen what will be launched from the expanded Blizzard team, but representatives from the company were quite clear in stating that this is a move meant to promote the company's online and eSports presence.

MassivelyIGN Pro League technology purchased by Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscompetitive-gamingesportsign-pro-leagueiplleague-of-legendslegallolmmo-industrysc2sciistarcraft-2starcraft-iiMon, 08 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Li: There's 'no good reason to debunk virtual gaming as a sport']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/jet-li-theres-no-good-reason-to-debunk-virtual-gaming-as-a-sp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/jet-li-theres-no-good-reason-to-debunk-virtual-gaming-as-a-sp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/jet-li-theres-no-good-reason-to-debunk-virtual-gaming-as-a-sp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I want to be Jet Li when I grow up
Jet Li may be known for his martial arts prowess, but he's also an avid gamer according to an interview translation at MMO Culture. Li recently attended an Age of Wushu PvP tournament and had some interesting things to say about e-sports and the validity of video gaming as a sport in general.

"If poker card games and chess both have the players sitting down and are considered sports, why not virtual gaming as well," Li explained. "There are two kinds of sports: one physical and one mental. There is no good reason to debunk virtual gaming as a sport, and I believe the participants of such virtual PvP events have the same mentality as physical athletes."

MassivelyJet Li: There's 'no good reason to debunk virtual gaming as a sport' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuasiachinachinesechinese-mmoe-sportsesportsgpotatogvgjet-lijet-li-e-sportsjet-li-gaming-is-a-sportkidnappingmartial-artsming-dynastypvpsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usawushuwuxiaWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumor Titan a timetraveling, earthbound MMO
The folks over at Project Titan claim to have a huge leak on Blizzard's upcoming Titan project from a reliable (and unnamed) source. While we are certainly wary of rumors, particularly on this scale, the author says he is "extremely confident" about the leak in particular.

So what is Titan, according to this post? Several bullet points sketch a picture of an MMO that is based on Earth, is big into historical mythology (including Greek, Roman, and Viking myths), and involves "a lot" of time travel. The leaks says that Titan will play from a third-person view, has a new game engine, could also be headed to consoles, and has a strong e-sports emphasis. The leak purports that over 150 developers are working on Titan, including Jay Wilson. Apparently we'll be seeing a teaser of Titan at BlizzCon before it goes into friends and family testing in early 2014.

So what do you think? Is this too elaborate to be a hoax, too vague to be the real thing, or a possible advance insight into what Titan is? Sound off in the comments!

[Thanks to Mynsc for the tip!]

MassivelyRumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013esportsfantasygreekjay-wilsonmythologyproject-titanromanrumortime-traveltitantitan-rumorvikingwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's been a huge week for MOBAs, with several new characters being released and one game closing its doors for good. League of Legends finally revamped underused champion Karma and released new character Zac, a strange green blob who drops parts of himself all over the battlefield and can even revive after death. Dota 2 released classic hero Bristleback, a spined boar who slows enemies with a disgusting snot attack and slowly peppers them with spiked quills.

SMITE released god of music Apollo, who can deal damage by playing his lyre, sing enemies to sleep, and even power-slide like a rock star. Heroes of Newerth is in between hero releases, but its recent HoN 3.0 update has earned it the title of Best MOBA at PAX East 2013 by gaming website RTSGuru.

Warhammer-themed MOBA Wrath of Heroes officially closed its doors on March 29th, and its website has now been replaced with a message by producer James Casey. Finally, Diablo III's former Game Director Jay Wilson gave a talk at GDC 2013 in which he blamed many of the game's downfalls on both the gold and cash auction houses.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes!

MassivelyNot So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgapollobattlenetbest-mobabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbristlebackchampionchampion-spotlightchampionscomiccompetitioncompetitive-gamingcontestd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedflubberfree-to-playgothic-fantasyherohero-spotlightheroes-of-newerthheroshonitemitemisationitemizationitemskarmaleague-of-legendslegendarylegendary-itemslolmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnew-championnew-heronewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpvpRigwarlRigwarl-Bristlebackriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrtsgururvrs2s2-gamessteamvalvevideowarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroeszacMon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: PAX East 2013, D3 on PS3, and Firefall's TV channel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/not-so-massively-pax-east-2013-d3-on-ps3-and-firefalls-tv-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/not-so-massively-pax-east-2013-d3-on-ps3-and-firefalls-tv-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/not-so-massively-pax-east-2013-d3-on-ps3-and-firefalls-tv-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
A demo of Diablo III running on the PS3 was shown at PAX East 2013 this week, and developers confirmed that the game is not necessarily exclusive to Sony. Many PC players have been enraged by the demo, which showed improved loot and singleplayer features developers had previously said were not possible. Red 5 Studios was also at PAX this week to reveal its ambitious plans for a gaming TV channel. The studio plans to expand its gaming video channel Stage 5 with several new high-quality shows about indie games, cosplay, and gaming tropes. Path of Exile also released information on three completely overpowered new support gems currently in alpha testing for its upcoming Patch 0.10.5.

In MOBA news, League of Legends officially launched in Italy this week with a huge launch ceremony in Rome. Several professional players were unrelatedly banned for boosting other players' stats artificially, and one team was given its final warning for using a DDoS attack during a match. Heroes of Newerth received new melee strength hero Prisoner 945, and Guardians of Middle-Earth released a free map update along with a purchasable spider character DLC. Upcoming MOBA SMITE was given a loose launch window of summer 2013, and Russian MOBA Prime World took a big step toward European and US launches with the translation of much of its Russian website into English.

Continue reading Not So Massively: PAX East 2013, D3 on PS3, and Firefall's TV channel

MassivelyNot So Massively: PAX East 2013, D3 on PS3, and Firefall's TV channel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbanbansbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcheatcheatingclassic-mmocompetitive-gamingconsolecosplaycrystal-grazianod3ddosdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidosdotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-changersgood-game-universitygothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthheroes-of-newerthhonitalianitalyleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmeleemiddle-earthmirkwoodmmofpsmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnivalnot-so-massivelynsmofflineoffline-modeoffline-playonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepaxpax-eastPAX-East-2013planetsideplaystation-networkpoeprime-worldPrisonerPrisoner-945Prisoner945project-cosplaypsps1ps3psnpvevppvpreal-money-auction-housered-5-studiosriotriot-gamesrise-of-the-indiesrmahround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessci-fishackledsingleplayersoesony-online-entertainmentspiderstage-5steve-wangUnglobvideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: SimCity is not an MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/not-so-massively-simcity-is-not-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/not-so-massively-simcity-is-not-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/not-so-massively-simcity-is-not-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Doubts were cast on SimCity's always-online requirement this week when a player managed to hack the game into playing completely offline despite developers saying it wouldn't be possible. Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw also caught a lot of flack from gamers this week for claiming that the game was in many ways an MMO. Petroglyph's Victory Kickstarter that we announced last week has now been cancelled, making the future of the game uncertain.

League of Legends revealed its plans to finally update two-year-old champion Karma and release new champion Zac, who is literally a pile of green goop. Guardians of Middle-Earth published iconic character Saruman as a new piece of DLC, and SMITE added new god Aphrodite, who heals and supports her teammates with hugs and kisses.

In addition to fixing some major bugs, Diablo III's recent patch 1.07a was shown to have nerfed many popular Wizard builds, including critical mass Energy Twister and Meteor builds. Path of Exile's latest patch added a new Cyclone skill that's reminiscent of the Diablo II Whirlwind skill and introduced three fun new game types for this season's upcoming race events.

Continue reading Not So Massively: SimCity is not an MMO

MassivelyNot So Massively: SimCity is not an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgalways-onlineAphroditebattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcitycity-buildingcompetitive-gamingconsolecritical-masscrowdfundingcycloned3dhalsimdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidisintegratedlcdotadrme-sporte-sportseaenergy-twisteresportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedflubberfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthkarmakickstarterleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrlucy-bradshawmaxismeteormiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrtssarumansimcityvictoryvideowarner-broswhirlwindwizardwizard-buildxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360zacMon, 18 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guardians of Middle-Earth: A fun game doomed by its business model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/guardians-of-middle-earth-a-fun-game-doomed-by-its-business-mod/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/guardians-of-middle-earth-a-fun-game-doomed-by-its-business-mod/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/guardians-of-middle-earth-a-fun-game-doomed-by-its-business-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

League of Legends title image
The MOBA genre has exploded in recent years, with global giant League of Legends becoming the most actively played video game in the world and competitive tournaments getting more viewers than some televised sports. Today's MOBAs appeal to casual and competitive gamers alike, but until recently very few had crossed the console barrier. Released on PS3 and XBox 360 last December, Guardians of Middle-Earth took traditional DotA gameplay and made the quite experimental leap onto consoles.

I'm not much of a console gamer (you can take my mouse and keyboard away when you pry them from my cold, dead hands), but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see how Guardians of Middle-Earth stacks up against its PC-based counterparts. Monolith Studios has done great things in adapting MOBA gameplay to a console control scheme and audience, and the core game really is a lot of fun to play. But in charging an initial purchase price for a game that relies on having a large community, publisher Warner Bros. may have accidentally consigned Guardians to the scrapheap.

In this hands-on opinion piece, I explore Guardians of Middle-Earth and ask why it's already a ghost town just three months after launch.

Continue reading Guardians of Middle-Earth: A fun game doomed by its business model

MassivelyGuardians of Middle-Earth: A fun game doomed by its business model originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiartificial-intelligenceartificial-stupiditybeltbeltsbotsconsoleconsolesdominiondotae-sportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgemsheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmatchmakingmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosplaystation-networkps3psnqueuequeuesrelicstutorialvideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: SimCity's launch fiasco, Victory's kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/not-so-massively-simcitys-launch-fiasco-and-crowdfunding-vict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/not-so-massively-simcitys-launch-fiasco-and-crowdfunding-vict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/not-so-massively-simcitys-launch-fiasco-and-crowdfunding-vict/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Fresh from its work on End of Nations, developer Petroglyph launched a Kickstarter campaign this week for its own online RTS Victory. The campaign hit $19,574 in the first five days but has a long way to go to hit its $700,000 target. SimCity's always-online DRM backfired spectacularly as launch server capacity and stability issues left thousands unable to play what they thought of as a largely singleplayer game.

Diablo III revealed details of its upcoming loot overhaul that will make legendary items a little more legendary and rare items and good bit rarer. Path of Exile's patch 1.10.2 was deployed successfully, adding a few item mods and significantly improving the Duelist class area of the passive skill tree.

League of Legends celebrated its 100th Summoner Showcase with a look back at the community's best creative output and announced a brand-new comic contest that will see players voting for the winner. SMITE announced its $10,000 PAX East invitational tournament, and Guardians of Middle-Earth tempted players back with 75,000 free in-game gold in a new weekend event.

Continue reading Not So Massively: SimCity's launch fiasco, Victory's kickstarter

MassivelyNot So Massively: SimCity's launch fiasco, Victory's kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgalways-onlinebattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcitycity-buildingcompetitive-gamingconsolecrowdfundingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadueliste-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfailed-launchfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgames-as-a-servicegames-as-a-service-sucksgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshi-rez-studiosinfernoitemitemskickstarterlaunchlaunchesleague-of-legendslegendarieslegendarylegendary-itemslegendary-weaponslogin-queueslollootlord-of-the-ringslotrmaxismiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrtsserver-downtimeserver-queuessimcityvictoryvideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III's console constroversy and Wrath of Heroes' shutdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-console-constroversy-and-wrath-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-console-constroversy-and-wrath-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-console-constroversy-and-wrath-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's been a huge week for MOBAs, with the release of several new characters, a ton of balance changes, and even a game closing down for good. League of Legends announced that it will start officially supporting Mac and released a new Smart Ping system designed to help players work together as a team despite language barriers. SMITE showed off its new crowd-controlling water god, Poseidon, and console MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth released a new Survival game mode DLC.

We heard the unfortunate news that Wrath of Heroes will be closing its doors at the end of the month, and it's not the only game going out of business. Online FPS Bullet Run, formerly known as Hedone, is due to shut down on Friday, March 8th, in a big final event. It's not all doom and gloom, though, as Dota 2 has hit another impressive milestone, passing 300,000 peak concurrent players. The first season of Heroes of Newerth's HoN Tour league is soon to draw to a close, and developers are planning a huge balance patch before the next season kicks off.

Blizzard enraged Diablo III fans this week with the announcement that the console version will not feature the controversial always-online DRM and can be played offline. Path of Exile detailed its next open beta patch, which is due to introduce a new fire skill, a 3v3 dueling arena, and significant Duelist class buffs. Online FPS Firefall produced a new trailer this week showing off its flight gameplay amidst criticism from fans over its lack of beta content. Finally, sci-fi sandbox Star Citizen gave fans a look behind the curtain of game development in its biggest development update video yet.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III's console constroversy and Wrath of Heroes' shutdown

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III's console constroversy and Wrath of Heroes' shutdown originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgalways-onlinebattlenetbiowareblitzcrankblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbullet-runcloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingconcurrent-playersconsolecontroversyd3dev-diarydiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidlcdotadota-2drmdueliste-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedflyingfree-to-playgame-closureglidinggoblin-towngothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshedoneheroes-of-newerthhonhon-touriblitzcrankjetpackjetpackskrakenleague-of-legendslollol-mac-clientlord-of-the-ringslotrmacmac-clientmapmapsmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepingplaystation-networkpoeposeidonps3psnpvprecordriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fismart-pingsony-online-entertainmentstar-citizensteamsunsetsurvivalvalvevideovideoswarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswarner-broswohwrath-of-heroeswrath-of-the-lich-kingxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Path of Exile events, Diablo III coming to PS4, and huge MOBA updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-events-diablo-iii-coming-to-ps4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-events-diablo-iii-coming-to-ps4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-events-diablo-iii-coming-to-ps4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Blizzard revealed this week that Diablo III will be coming to both the PlayStation 3 and Sony's new PlayStation 4 console and will be shown off at PAX. Torchlight II developer Runic Games announced that the game will soon be localised to Japanese and Chinese for its upcoming release in Asia; a free DLC is on the way with three new Asian-themed pets. Path of Exile revealed the schedule for its first full season of ladder-style race events and announced new account security options along with its new policy to never restore items from hacked accounts.

League of Legends unveiled its new champion duo, Quinn and Valor, a dynamic pair of characters that work together as a single champion to dominate teamfights. Heroes of Newerth revealed its own new hero with a video spotlight on Saloman, a melee support hero who gains power from movement and can heal and shield his allies.

Dota 2 added a new Hero Build feature to its beta this week, giving players access to community-produced skill and item builds for all heroes. Console MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth showed off its new goblin DLC character Snaga, and online FPS Blacklight: Retribution detailed its upcoming Onslaught expansion, which comes with three new game modes.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Path of Exile events, Diablo III coming to PS4, and huge MOBA updates

MassivelyNot So Massively: Path of Exile events, Diablo III coming to PS4, and huge MOBA updates originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgactivisionasiabattlenetblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchampionchineseclassic-mmocompetitive-gamingconsoleconsolesd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dupeduplicatione-sporte-sportsesportesportseventeventsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesherohero-buildsheroes-of-newerthhonitem-dupeitem-duplicationjapanjapaneseladderlast-man-standingleague-of-legendslocalisationlocalizationlollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmists-of-pandariammofpsmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeronslaughtpath-of-exilepaxperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplanetsideplaystation-3playstation-4playstation-networkpoepsps1ps3ps4psnpvppwequinnquinn-and-valorrace-eventrace-eventsretributionriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamess2s2-gamessalomansci-fisearch-and-destroysimplified-chineseSnagasoesony-online-entertainmenttraditional-chinesevalorvalvevideowarcraftwarner-brosworld-of-warcraftwowxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III launches patch 1.0.7, Path of Exile gets new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launches-patch-1-0-7-path-of-exile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launches-patch-1-0-7-path-of-exile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launches-patch-1-0-7-path-of-exile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Path of Exile released several patches this week, adding new map types and fixing a number of bugs. Developers also revealed that the schedule for upcoming open beta content additions will begin with the next patch. Diablo III released patch 1.0.7 this week, adding a new dueling mechanic to the game and a brand-new endgame farming task based around collecting Demonic Essence to craft powerful account-bound gear. The patch also included some much-needed buffs for popular Wizard and Monk abilities.

SMITE revealed its new ranged crowd-control god Neith this week; she manipulates invisible magical weaves to empower her attacks. And Dota 2 released classic hero Tusk, who can roll himself and his team into a giant snowball of death. League of Legends announced a series of buffs for Nasus, Akali, and Riven in a new Patch Preview video, in addition to changes to items with the cooldown reduction stat.

Heroes of Newerth's patch 3.0.2 fixed an exploit with the Insanitarius item, while competitive team Trademark eSports secured its fourth win in the Diamond division of the HoN Tour league. Finally, Star Citizen continued to break gaming crowdfunding records this week as its total funds raised passed the $8,000,000 US mark.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III launches patch 1.0.7, Path of Exile gets new content

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III launches patch 1.0.7, Path of Exile gets new content originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgakaliarchon-gearbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbuffscloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingcooldown-reductioncrowdfundingd3demonic-essencediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsendgameesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroheroesheroes-of-newerthhi-rez-studioshonhontourinfernoleague-of-legendslolmapmapsMarquiseMarquise-gemsmobamonkmonk-buildsmultiplayernasusNeithnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpatchpatch-previewpatchespath-of-exilepoepvpriotriot-gamesrivenround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fistar-citizentusktuskarrvalvevideowizardwizard-buildMon, 18 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Path of Exile server upgrades, Dota 2 broadcasters turn to crowdfunding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-server-upgrades-dota-2-broadcas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-server-upgrades-dota-2-broadcas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/not-so-massively-path-of-exile-server-upgrades-dota-2-broadcas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Path of Exile continued upgrading its servers to cope with the increasing load of new players following its open beta release, closing the servers for three hours this week to add several new database servers. Massively exclusively revealed Blacklight: Retribution's new Safehold and metro maps, and Firefall developer Red 5 Studios explained its development plans for the next quarter.

Rise of Immortals released a spotlight video on its new long-range mage immortal Undine, while Guardians of Middle-Earth showed off its latest two DLC characters Radagast the Brown Wizard and Glóin, father of Gimli.

League of Legends made some balance changes to its Honor system, which rewards players for being nice to each other. Riot also talked to some of Season 3's newest competitive players about what being a professional gamer means to them. Dota 2 finally got its long-awaited team matchmaking system this week, and community broadcaster Beyond The Summit launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay for full-time tournament broadcasting.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Path of Exile server upgrades, Dota 2 broadcasters turn to crowdfunding

MassivelyNot So Massively: Path of Exile server upgrades, Dota 2 broadcasters turn to crowdfunding originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoantisocial-behaviorbattle-for-graxiabeyond-the-summitblacklightblacklight-retributionbroadcastersbroadcastingcompetitive-gamingconsolediablodotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgimligloingraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshonorhonor-systemleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmatchmakingmetromicrotransactionsmiddle-earthmmofpsmobamonolithmonolith-studiosnewsnot-so-massivelynsmpath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvppweradagastred-5-studiosretributionriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uproundupSafeholdserverserver-downtimeserversteam-matchmakingtournamenttournamentsundinevalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Behind the scenes of FPS and MOBA development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/not-so-massively-behind-the-scenes-of-fps-and-moba-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/not-so-massively-behind-the-scenes-of-fps-and-moba-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/not-so-massively-behind-the-scenes-of-fps-and-moba-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Heroes of Newerth's Patch 3.0 was released this week, updating the game with new graphics and adding bots. The revamp is part of a move to capture gamers who are unfamiliar with the MOBA genre by lowering the barrier to entry. Upcoming MOBA Sins of a Dark Age detailed its own plans to revamp the MOBA genre with its new Realm Quest feature in a new development diary this week. Third-person MOBA SMITE continued beta development with the introduction of its new melee magical tank, Vulcan, the Smith of the Gods.

League of Legends officially started its third competitive season this week, complete with a new Championship Series website and live matches scheduled every week. Online FPS Blacklight: Retribution prepared for its upcoming competitive games with updates to the weapon recoil system, and Firefall announced plans to solve its PvP balance issues with standardised "regulation" PvP gear. We also got a look behind the scenes of upcoming co-op FPS Warframe, which lets players run along walls like ninjas.

Bloodline Champions showed more signs of reaching the end of its lifetime this week as developers shut down the game's Russian servers. Online FPS Bullet Run abruptly reached the end of its own life this week when Sony Online Entertainment announced the game will close its doors on March 8th. The announcement came as a surprise to many who weren't even aware of the game's release. Path of Exile's playerbase continued to grow this week, reaching a peak of over 70,000 players and causing some server stability problems.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Behind the scenes of FPS and MOBA development

MassivelyNot So Massively: Behind the scenes of FPS and MOBA development originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aconyaction-mmoaiblacklightblacklight-retributionbloodline-championsbotsclassic-mmocompetitive-gamingdiablodotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshero-compositionheroes-of-newerthhoninfernoironcladironclad-gamesjunglinglane-controlleague-of-legendslolmap-awarenessmmofpsmobanewsninjaninjasnot-so-massivelynsmpatchpatch-3.0patchespath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplanetsidepoepsps1pvppwerealm-questrealm-questsred-5-studiosriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprussians2s2-gamessci-fisins-of-a-dark-agesoesony-online-entertainmentsteve-sinclairstunlockstunlock-studiosvideovulcanwall-runningwarframeMon, 04 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends kicks off third season of e-sports]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/league-of-legends-kicks-off-third-season-of-e-sports/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/league-of-legends-kicks-off-third-season-of-e-sports/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/league-of-legends-kicks-off-third-season-of-e-sports/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

League of Legends kicks off third season of esports
League of Legends is about ready to begin its third season of the League Championship Series, and this time Riot Games is bringing a few interesting changes to the field. Season 3 goes live on February 7th for North America and Europe and features four-days-per-week of streamed e-sports as teams battle to become the best -- and bring home the dough.

For Season 3, Riot is fiddling with the structure to make a new league ranking system that should offer a "greater sense of progression." Players will battle it out in six tiers of similarly matched teams until the cream rises to the top. To help all players understand the changes, Riot's provided a handy infographic and FAQ covering the pertinent points.

There's also a goofy promo video of players running around an empty stadium in slow-motion, and you know you want to see that. It's after the jump. Thank us later.

Continue reading League of Legends kicks off third season of e-sports

MassivelyLeague of Legends kicks off third season of e-sports originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dotae-sportesportesportsf2pfantasyfree-to-playinfographiclcsleagueleague-championship-seriesleague-changesleague-of-legendslolmobariotriot-gamesseason-3season-threestreamingvideoFri, 01 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Open betas, antisocial players and graphical overhauls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/not-so-massively-open-betas-antisocial-players-and-graphical-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/not-so-massively-open-betas-antisocial-players-and-graphical-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/not-so-massively-open-betas-antisocial-players-and-graphical-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Path of Exile entered open beta this week as a peak of 56,700 simultaneous players piled into the servers to check the game out. Open beta brought with it the final character wipe, so for all intents and purposes, the game has now released. Upcoming first-person MOBA SMITE similarly opened its doors to the public last Thursday and released a series of new gameplay updates and graphical overhauls.

League of Legends issued permanent game bans to two extremely antisocial professional players, effectively removing Team Solo Mebdi from upcoming European competitive tournaments. Dota 2 moved to curb antisocial harassment behaviour this week by implementing new privacy features to stop players' stats from being tracked by third-party rating websites.

Heroes of Newerth announced some major upcoming graphical and gameplay overhauls with its massive Patch 3.0 update that will go live in just a few days. The update aims to revamp the map graphics and introduce bots for players to play against in a new co-op mode. Rise of Immortals continued development with the release of its new mage immortal Undine, and Blizzard announced that its upcoming MOBA Blizzard All-Stars is still in development.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Open betas, antisocial players and graphical overhauls

MassivelyNot So Massively: Open betas, antisocial players and graphical overhauls originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgaiantisocialantisocial-behaviorbanbansbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotablizzard-entertainmentchampionchampion-spotlightchampionscompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dotabuffe-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesharassmentheroheroesheroes-of-newerthhonlaunchlaunchesleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpatchpatch-3.0path-of-exilepermanent-banpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesStunnedandSlayedthreshundinevalveVeigodxvideoMon, 28 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE partners with Major League Gaming for PlanetSide 2 e-sports]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/soe-partners-with-major-league-gaming-for-planetside-2-e-sports/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/soe-partners-with-major-league-gaming-for-planetside-2-e-sports/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/soe-partners-with-major-league-gaming-for-planetside-2-e-sports/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE partners with Major League Gaming for PlanetSide 2 esports
SOE has partnered with Major League Gaming in order bring the world of competitive e-sports to PlanetSide 2. "Over the next few months, the PlanetSide 2 and MLG teams will work closely to develop ideal competitive gameplay features and settings to showcase the massively multiplayer online first-person shooter," according to a press release.

Neither company has specified what those features and settings might be, but PS2 creative director Matt Higby and SOE CEO John Smedley have long maintained that the firm was developing its sci-fi shooter sequel with an eye on the competitive gaming arena.

SOE and MLG will also collaborate to create original programming, with a broadcast schedule due "in the coming weeks."

MassivelySOE partners with Major League Gaming for PlanetSide 2 e-sports originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-sportsesportsfpsmajor-league-gamingmlgmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-esportsps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentFri, 25 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Jay Wilson steps down, layoffs at Gas Powered Games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/not-so-massively-jay-wilson-steps-down-layoffs-at-gas-powered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/not-so-massively-jay-wilson-steps-down-layoffs-at-gas-powered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/not-so-massively-jay-wilson-steps-down-layoffs-at-gas-powered/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Gas Powered Games laid off 80% of its workforce this week as the studio's future became uncertain. CEO Chris Taylor revealed that if his Kickstarter campaign for new action RPG Wildman fails, the company will have to close its doors. Jay Wilson stepped down as Diablo III's Lead Game Designer to move on to other projects but assured players that the game will continue to be regularly updated. With less than a week to go until Path of Exile opens its doors to the public, two Massively freelancers recently tried the game and delivered their verdicts.

Rise of Immortals released its new All Random All Mid game mode that promises short casual matches, while Dota 2 revealed its new Least Played mode that forces players to pick heroes they ordinarily avoid. Heroes of Newerth's new ranged agility hero, Bushwack, hit the servers last Friday, and League of Legends announced early details of its upcoming support champion, Thresh. For those who've ever wanted to get into competitive League of Legends gaming, Riot Games also published an infographic this week showing the path to this season's competitive championship tournament.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Jay Wilson steps down, layoffs at Gas Powered Games

MassivelyNot So Massively: Jay Wilson steps down, layoffs at Gas Powered Games originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgall-midarpgbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbushwackchampionchris-taylorcompetitive-gamingcrowdfundingd3demonic-essencediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playgame-developmentgas-powered-gamesgothic-fantasygpggraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroheroes-of-newerthhonjay-wilsonjobslayoffsleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepath-of-exile-reviewpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrtss2s2-gamesseason-3season-threethreshvalvevideowildmanMon, 21 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two more League of Legends players banned for jerkiness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/two-more-league-of-legends-players-banned-for-jerkiness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/two-more-league-of-legends-players-banned-for-jerkiness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/two-more-league-of-legends-players-banned-for-jerkiness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

League of Legends - Jayce with the banhammer
Riot has banned two more League of Legends pros for excessively adolescent behavior. Last December the company sent Christian "IWillDominate" Rivera packing, and now Illyas "enVision" Hartsema and Damien "Linak" Lorthios are joining him in exile.

Both players will be banned from both this weekend's LCS Season 3 Qualifier and LCS play next year according to the ruling on Riot's forums. enVision has been reported in a whopping 29% of his matches, which PC Gamer says is six times more than the average EU LoL player. He has also been punished 18 times, including two account bans, throughout his LoL history.

Linak boasts a 20% report rate and, like enVision, has a peak harassment score in the worst .06% of all EU accounts.

MassivelyTwo more League of Legends players banned for jerkiness originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-behaviorbanbanhammerdamien-lorthiosdotae-sporte-sportsenvisionesportesportsf2pfantasyfree-to-playillyan-hartsemaleagueleague-of-legendsleague-of-legends-banlinaklollol-banmobariotriot-gamesMon, 21 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Exploits, updates, and World of Warcraft's DotA battleground]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/not-so-massively-exploits-updates-and-world-of-warcrafts-dot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/not-so-massively-exploits-updates-and-world-of-warcrafts-dot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/not-so-massively-exploits-updates-and-world-of-warcrafts-dot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Several Diablo III players have recently been caught abusing the votekick feature to kill other players in public games. Undeterred, Blizzard announced details of upcoming patch 1.0.7's new Demonic Essence and PvP duelling system. Path of Exile called last orders on its crowdfunding campaign and revealed that 150 people have already bought the $1,000 diamond supporter's pack.

We interviewed Ironclad on upcoming MOBA Sins of a Dark Age, its new Realm Quest feature, and plans to support competitive gaming. Dota 2 completitive tournament website joinDOTA has had its YouTube channel restored following last week's unexpected and still unexplained shutdown. To add a bit more of a competitive spirit to its own game, Hi-Rez Studios published a list of SMITE's top 200 players and revealed new character Hercules.

With the League of Legends North American championship qualifiers underway, this week Riot Games revealed its new digital artwork contest and displayed the five gingerbread masterpieces that won its recent sculpture contest. Bloodline Champions celebrated its second birthday yesterday with a free gift for all players, but developers admitted that updates will be much less frequent from now on. Last but certainly not least, a new video has been making the rounds recently showing an upcoming 10-player World of Warcraft battleground suspiciously named Defense of the Alehouse

Continue reading Not So Massively: Exploits, updates, and World of Warcraft's DotA battleground

MassivelyNot So Massively: Exploits, updates, and World of Warcraft's DotA battleground originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgactivisionartbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingcontestcrowdfundingd3demonic-essencediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2duelduelingduellinge-sporte-sportsesportesportsexploitf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesherculeshi-rez-studiosinterviewironcladironclad-gamesjoindotaleague-of-legendslolmobamonster-powermultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpatch-1.0.7path-of-exilepoepvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgsins-of-a-dark-agestunlockstunlock-studiosvalvevideowacomwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 14 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sins of a Dark Age plans to evolve the MOBA genre]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/sins-of-a-dark-age-plans-to-evolve-the-moba-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/sins-of-a-dark-age-plans-to-evolve-the-moba-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/sins-of-a-dark-age-plans-to-evolve-the-moba-genre/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

League of Legends title image
Over the past few years, the Defense of the Ancients-inspired MOBA genre has spawned some of the biggest games on the planet. League of Legends has become one of the most played PC games in the world, and both it and Dota 2 now pump millions of dollars per year into competitive tournaments. It looks like MOBAs are here to stay, but the genre is still relatively young and there's plenty of room to experiment with new gameplay.

Upcoming MOBA Sins of a Dark Age plans to evolve the genre with the addition of a new Realm Quest feature. At random points throughout a match, quests may spawn that change the rules of the game and provide new opportunities for conflict. Developer Ironclad Games, known for its Sins of a Solar Empire franchise, hopes this will add a new strategic level to the game that favours players who can adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of the opportunities that quests present. Sins of a Dark Age will be free-to-play on release but you can join the closed beta now by purchasing a Founder Edition package.

Read on for our interview with Ironclad co-founder and producer Blair Fraser on the Realm Quest system and plans to support competitive gaming in Sins of a Dark Age.

Gallery: Sins of a Dark Age

Continue reading Sins of a Dark Age plans to evolve the MOBA genre

MassivelySins of a Dark Age plans to evolve the MOBA genre originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blair-fraserdotadota-2e-sportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsironcladironclad-gamesleague-of-legendslolmobarealm-questrealm-questsriotriot-gamessins-of-a-dark-ageSins-of-a-Solar-EmpiresoasevalveTue, 08 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Cash prize MOBA tournaments and crowdfunding success!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/not-so-massively-cash-prize-moba-tournaments-and-crowdfunding-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/not-so-massively-cash-prize-moba-tournaments-and-crowdfunding-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/not-so-massively-cash-prize-moba-tournaments-and-crowdfunding-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
The League of Legends North American online qualifiers took place this weekend, with 32 teams competing for just eight spots in the upcoming offline qualifiers in Los Angeles. Dota 2's competitive tournament scene suffered a setback when tournament website joinDOTA had its YouTube account and channel inexplicably closed. Rise of Immortals is gearing up for its first official tournament, and Guardians of Middle-Earth has $5,000 up for grabs in its first console MOBA e-sports cups.

The Kickstarter campaign for Elite: Dangerous blasted through its goal in the final two days thanks to a huge wave of last-minute pledges. Off the back of the popularity of its own crowdfunding campaign, action RPG Path of Exile upgraded and battle-tested its servers to handle over 50,000 concurrent players.

Upcoming MOBA Sins of a Dark Age aims to add a twist to the modern MOBA with randomly spawned Realm Quests that add another tactical level to the standard 5v5 gameplay. Finally, Blizzard highlighted several player-made videos this week showing some of the optimum Diablo III farming routes for players on the race to paragon level 100.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Cash prize MOBA tournaments and crowdfunding success!

MassivelyNot So Massively: Cash prize MOBA tournaments and crowdfunding success! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgAlkaizerbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabencashCash-Prizescash-tournamentcompetitive-gamingconsolecrowdfundingd3david-brabendiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportseliteesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesironcladironclad-gamesleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerparagonparagon-levelpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpreal-questsriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fisins-of-a-dark-ageTobiWanKenobitournamentvalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Hopes for the new year in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/flameseeker-chronicles-hopes-for-the-new-year-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/flameseeker-chronicles-hopes-for-the-new-year-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/flameseeker-chronicles-hopes-for-the-new-year-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles Hopes for the new year in Guild Wars 2
It's the dawn of a brave new year. Guild Wars 2 is still in its infancy, really -- ArenaNet's work in this year will do a lot to shape the future and lasting impact of the game. With apparently an expansion's worth of content coming out in January and February, this certainly promises to be an exciting year. I don't know whether the following things are predictions or hopes, but they can't be all that much more inaccurate than fondling sheep guts.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Hopes for the new year in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Hopes for the new year in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetascalonian-catacombsbuy-to-playdungeondungeonsesportsexpansionsfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguestingguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2legendarylegendary-weaponncsoftnew-yearsopinionpatchespredictionsspvpupdatesTue, 01 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: End of the year (and not the world) edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/not-so-massively-end-of-the-year-and-not-the-world-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/not-so-massively-end-of-the-year-and-not-the-world-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/not-so-massively-end-of-the-year-and-not-the-world-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Diablo III players are sure to have mixed feelings this week as Blizzard announced that 1v1 dueling will be released in the new year but that the anticipated arena and team deathmatch gameplay has been scrapped. Path of Exile revealed the impressive winning entries in its recent fan art competition and has ended the year on a high note by winning the IndieDB Players Choice Upcoming Indie Game 2012 award.

SMITE celebrated the end of the Mayan calendar (and not the world) with the release of its new Mayan god Xbalanque, and Rise of Immortals gave its old immortal Kaos a graphical facelift. Guardians of Middle-Earth revealed its second DLC pack based on The Hobbit, introducing Thorin Oakenshield and Great Goblin as playable characters. Bloodline Champions may not be having a very good end to 2012 as its Russian servers are set to close in the new year, and Heroes of Newerth player stonefain ushered in the new year by finishing off his 21-video Tip of the Day series.

Continue reading Not So Massively: End of the year (and not the world) edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: End of the year (and not the world) edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingconsoled3deathmatchdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotaduelinge-sporte-sportsend-of-the-worldesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygraxiagreat-goblingrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonjay-wilsonkaoslord-of-the-ringslotrmayanmayan-calendarmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvprise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrussiarussians2s2-gamesserverserversshutdownstonefainstunlockstunlock-studiosteam-deathmatchthorin-oakenshieldtip-of-the-daytipstips-and-tricksvideowarner-brosXbalanquexboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 31 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Merry Christmas, Frostivus, Greeviling, and Snowdown!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/not-so-massively-merry-christmas-frostivus-greeviling-and-sn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/not-so-massively-merry-christmas-frostivus-greeviling-and-sn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/not-so-massively-merry-christmas-frostivus-greeviling-and-sn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Dota 2's Frostivus holiday festival turned sour when Greevils stole all the presents, and you can hunt them down for both naughty and nice rewards. Heroes of Newerth was hit by a real-life Grinch this week as hackers breached the game's security and stole the password database, but developers pressed on with their Christmas update and the release of new hero Lodestone. League of Legends got in the Snowdown spirit with a spotlight on new melee initiator Vi, and Riot Games revealed plans to slow down new champion releases and make older champions significantly cheaper.

Elite: Dangerous faces a tense holiday season, with over £300,000 ($484,000) still left to raise on its Kickstarter campaign, which is currently trending to end at a nail-biting 90%. The wealth of recent video updates and trailers should help convince people to pledge before it's too late. Diablo III's first big item duplication scandal reared its ugly head when as it emerged that some Taiwanese players had been abusing the anti-theft rollback support that's meant to protect people when their accounts are hacked. A short interview with Jay Wilson from the Spike Video Game Awards also emerged this week, and in it Jay promised that 2013 will be a big year for the game.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Merry Christmas, Frostivus, Greeviling, and Snowdown!

MassivelyNot So Massively: Merry Christmas, Frostivus, Greeviling, and Snowdown! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabenchristmascompetitive-gamingd3david-brabendiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dupedupe-exploite-sporte-sportseliteesportesportsexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgothic-fantasygreevilgreevilinggreevilsgrinchhackerheroes-of-newerthholidayholiday-eventsholiday-patchhonkickstarterleague-of-legendslodestonelolmobamultiplayernaughty-presentsnewsnice-presentsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpasswordpasswordspatchpatchespvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fisnowdowntaiwanTaiwanesevalvevivideoxmasMon, 24 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Of Hobbits and space ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/not-so-massively-of-hobbits-and-space-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/not-so-massively-of-hobbits-and-space-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/not-so-massively-of-hobbits-and-space-ships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
David Braben released a new update on the development of upcoming sci-fi sandbox game Elite: Dangerous, while the success of the game's Kickstarter campaign still remains uncertain. Star Citizen's developers revealed several of the game's ships; developer Chris Roberts made the bold claim that the studio will "compete with any AAA game out there."

To celebrate the recent cinema release of The Hobbit, console MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth revealed its Hobbit-themed DLC that lets you play as Bilbo Baggins and includes a new playable map of The Shire. Dota 2 revealed its own new DLC with the impressive winners of its fan-designed hero skin contest and passed the 200,000 peak concurrent user mark despite still being officially in beta. Likewise, despite having just entered beta itself, Rise of Immortals announced that its first official winter tournament is scheduled for next month. League of Legends also celebrated the winter holiday with an adorable gingerbread baking contest.

Blizzard has been catching some flack for the lack of promised PvP features in Diablo III, and now it looks as if we won't even be getting information on the patch until next year. Blizzard has also unofficially got a version of the game running on non-PC hardware, which could signal a possible upcoming console release. Path of Exile continued to gear up for its January release with load-testing events and a series of new ladder events. And Torchlight II's developers round out the year with a look back at the game's development and some hints as to what might come next for the franchise.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Of Hobbits and space ships

MassivelyNot So Massively: Of Hobbits and space ships originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattle-for-graxiabattlenetbilbobilbo-bagginsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabenccpccp-gameschris-robertscloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingconsoleconsolesd3david-brabendiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportseliteelite-dangerousesportesportseveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshobbithobbit-gamehobbitsjay-wilsonkickstarterleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamessandboxsci-fispacespace-shipsspaceshipsstar-citizenthe-hobbitthe-shirevalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Everyone wants PvP arenas and tournaments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/not-so-massively-everyone-wants-pvp-arenas-and-tournaments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/not-so-massively-everyone-wants-pvp-arenas-and-tournaments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/not-so-massively-everyone-wants-pvp-arenas-and-tournaments/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Diablo III's lead game designer Jay Wilson raised a few eyebrows this week with a retraction of his previous statement about an upcoming blog on PvP arenas, stating that complications have once again delayed the feature. Livestreamer Kripparian took a break from the world of Sanctuary to try Path of Exile's PvP arena system, which is due to go live with the start of open beta. The open beta date has also unfortunately been pushed back from December to January 24th to allow for the holiday season.

Dota 2's focus on competitive PvP tournaments continued this week with an interesting experiment in selling virtual tournament tickets bundled with exclusive cosmetic items. If successful, the new system could be used to organically fund player-run competitive tournaments. Heroes of Newerth's competitive players know every trick in the book, and in an interesting new video series, one player aims to reveal many of them in the run-up to Christmas.

League of Legends released its new support hero, Nami, the Tidecaller, and detailed the massive changes coming to the game to keep competitive season three fresh. Upcoming MOBA Prime World discussed its talent system, which merges active spells and passive bonuses with a collectable card game mechanic, and Rise of Immortals celebrated its impending re-release with its new immortal Ustat.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Everyone wants PvP arenas and tournaments

MassivelyNot So Massively: Everyone wants PvP arenas and tournaments originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgarenasbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingd3delaydelaysdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonKripparrianleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayernaminewsnivalnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerparagon-studiospath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoeprime-worldpvevppvppvp-arenasriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessteamtalenttalent-systemtalentstidecallertiptip-of-the-daytipsvalvevideoMon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: No PvP gear in Diablo III, and the first console MOBA launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/not-so-massively-no-pvp-gear-in-diablo-iii-and-the-first-conso/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/not-so-massively-no-pvp-gear-in-diablo-iii-and-the-first-conso/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/not-so-massively-no-pvp-gear-in-diablo-iii-and-the-first-conso/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's been a relaxed week for MOBA news as developers return from DreamHack Winter 2012 and the Thanksgiving break. League of Legends took things slowly with a look at competitive gamer Alex Ich's favourite champion. The Dota 2 scene also took it easy with a relaxed tournament at the World Cyber Games. Bloodline Champions players have noticed that every week seems to be slow in the game and have started looking for ways to draw in new players.

Not every studio has had time to chill out this week, however, as Monolith Studios prepares to launch its console MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth. As part of the run-up to launch, developers released a new video looking at team-based strategies and introduced new heroes Haldir and Lugbol. Rise of Immortals' massive Battle For Graxia overhaul is also gearing up for launch and is now officially in open beta.

Diablo III game designer Jay Wilson confirmed that there are no plans for PvP-specific gear in the game and promised that an update on the development of PvP arenas will be released "very soon." The Path of Exile developers promised to announce the final date for open beta soon as well and teased players this week with a colossal 25MB image of the game's full passive skill tree.

Continue reading Not So Massively: No PvP gear in Diablo III, and the first console MOBA launch

MassivelyNot So Massively: No PvP gear in Diablo III, and the first console MOBA launch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingconsoled3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesindieindie-dbinfernojay-wilsonleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphPetroglyph-Gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsround-uprounduprpgstunlockstunlock-studiosvalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Dreamhack Winter 2012, and Athene's naked Diablo kill]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/not-so-massively-dreamhack-winter-2012-and-athenes-naked-diab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/not-so-massively-dreamhack-winter-2012-and-athenes-naked-diab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/not-so-massively-dreamhack-winter-2012-and-athenes-naked-diab/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
One of the world's biggest annual LAN parties took place this week at DreamHack Winter 2012, where the European e-sports communities faced off in a series of huge tournaments. League of Legends' tense tournament was streamed around the world as favourite CLG.EU suffered defeat at the hands of Fnatic.RaidCall. Dota 2's Corsair Vengeance Cup followed up with one of the most spectacular grand finals in MOBA history, as relatively unknown team NoTidehunter completely demolished Evil Geniuses with an incredible never-before-seen baiting tactic.

Heroes of Newerth pulled out the big guns with a massive $32,000 US top prize for its DreamHoN tournament and also revealed its new stealthy assassin hero, Grinex. Blizzard conceded that it has no plans to develop a Diablo III e-sports scene despite plans to introduce PvP arenas by the end of the year, and livestreamer Athene shocked fans when he managed to kill Diablo in the game's toughest difficulty setting with a naked character. Path of Exile continued its own competitive ladders this week and delivered a huge progress update on the development of the game's third act.

Console gamers who are looking for something new will probably want to get their hands on the first console MOBA, Guardians of Middle-Earth, but they may not be familiar with MOBA gameplay. Developers released the fourth video in a new series designed to explain the genre's gameplay to console players, delving into the game's potion and item system. If mobile gaming is more your thing, mobile MMO Order & Chaos Online produced a brand-new spinoff game this week: Heroes of Order & Chaos, set to become the world's first mobile MOBA when it releases for free on Android and iOS.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Dreamhack Winter 2012, and Athene's naked Diablo kill

MassivelyNot So Massively: Dreamhack Winter 2012, and Athene's naked Diablo kill originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgandroidathenebattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclgclg-eucompetitive-gamingconsolecorsair-vengeancecounter-logic-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dreamhackdreamhack-2012dreamhack-winterdreamhack-winter-2012Dreamhone-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfnatic-raidcallfree-to-playgameloftgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesgrinexheroes-of-newerthhoninfernoipadiphoneleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamobilemonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernakednaked-boss-killnaked-killnewsnot-so-massivelyNoTidehunternsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilephoneplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesroshanround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesvalvevengeance-cupvideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[District 187 pulls the trigger and launches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/district-187-pulls-the-trigger-and-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/district-187-pulls-the-trigger-and-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/district-187-pulls-the-trigger-and-launches/#commentsFiled under: ,

District 187 pulls the trigger and launches
PlanetSide 2 isn't the only MMOFPS to launch today, as CJ Games' District 187 decided to pop out of the digital womb on the same date. The free-to-play shooter included a large day one patch with the launch, including its cash shop, new maps and weapons, and additional game modes.

Producer Jon-Enée Merriex hopes that trigger-happy players will give this title a chance: "This update is a testament to our global team's dedication to making District 187: Sin Streets the most robust, original and fun shooter on the market. Whether players have just started playing PC games or are old farts like me, there is something for everyone to love in this game!"

District 187 takes place in a dystopian future when SWAT players take on gang members on the street. CJ Games says that it's planning to focus heavily on the game's budding e-sports nature with tournaments coming next year.

[Source: CJ Games press release]

MassivelyDistrict 187 pulls the trigger and launches originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cj-gamesdistrict-187district-187-sin-streetse-sportsesportsf2pfree-to-playjon-enee-merriexlaunchmmofpsnetmarbleplanetside-2releasetournamenttournamentsTue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Star Citizen, MOBA heroes, and no PvP for D3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/not-so-massively-star-citizen-moba-heroes-and-no-pvp-for-d3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/not-so-massively-star-citizen-moba-heroes-and-no-pvp-for-d3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/not-so-massively-star-citizen-moba-heroes-and-no-pvp-for-d3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Sci-fi sandbox Star Citizen secured $2.1 million US on Kickstarter this week, adding to the $4.1 million in crowdfunding the game has already received. League of Legends released new champion Zed, a deadly assassin who can summon his own shadow as an ally, and SMITE unveiled the hilarious Bacchus, Roman god of wine, lewd behavour, and madness. Valve announced a new Dota 2 chat feature that promises to break down the language barrier between MOBA players in different countries, and a new strategy threatens to upset the game's map balance in favour of the Radiant side.

As developers geared up for next month's launch, Guardians of Middle-Earth looked back at the PAX 2012 tournament that pitted the fresh-faced general public against a team of professionals. With the end of the year fast approaching, there are still no signs of Diablo III's promised PvP arena patch despite assurances that it's still under development. Path of Exile will open to the public next month, complete with its own PvP arenas and three finished acts. Developers showed off part of the third act this week in a new Build of the Week video.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Star Citizen, MOBA heroes, and no PvP for D3

MassivelyNot So Massively: Star Citizen, MOBA heroes, and no PvP for D3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>act-3action-mmoaction-rpgBacchusbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbuild-of-the-weekcloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingconsoled3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiredotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhi-rez-studioshonkickstarterleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmap-balancemiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exileplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvppvp-arenapvp-arenasradiantriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fishadowstar-citizenvalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360zedMon, 19 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's New Eden Open tournament starts tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/eve-onlines-new-eden-open-tournament-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/eve-onlines-new-eden-open-tournament-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/eve-onlines-new-eden-open-tournament-starts-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Technically the tournament started the day EVE Online launched and hasn't ended yet.
EVE Online is a game all about competition, frequently with everyone else who happens to be within range of your weapons. As a result, it seems like an oversight that the game hasn't already gotten in on the prestigious field of competitive online gaming. That changes starting tomorrow with the first New Eden Open, a tournament of players competing for a grand total of $10,000 in prize money, hopefully not being carried on a vulnerable freighter in the form of PLEX.

The contest kicks off tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. EST complete with continuous live coverage on the official stream channel. Twenty-seven teams will be taking part in the double-elimination tournament, with the grand prize sitting at $6,000. Matches will be run each weekend until the finals on December 2nd. If you're on one of the competing teams, make sure your ships are up to snuff, and even if you're not in for the prize money, be sure to tune in and cheer for your favorite players.

MassivelyEVE Online's New Eden Open tournament starts tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescompetitioncompetitive-gamingesportseveeve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsmoneynew-eden-openprizereal-world-prizessandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinetournamenttournament-prizestourneyFri, 16 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends unveils Zed, the Master of Shadows]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/league-of-legends-unveils-zed-the-master-of-shadows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/league-of-legends-unveils-zed-the-master-of-shadows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/league-of-legends-unveils-zed-the-master-of-shadows/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Zed, the Master of Shadows
According to Riot Games, things are about to get dark and stabby in League of Legends. A new champion has been revealed, and he's very much the sneaky type. Zed, the Master of Shadows, is an energy-based character that relies on dark clones and a pair of rad bracer-daggers to dominate both mid-lane and jungle gameplay.

Zed's abilities show him to be a fellow of ill repute: There's Contempt for the Weak, which does extra damage against wounded targets, and Razor Shuriken, which fires multiple razorblades in the direction of opponents. Zed can also use Living Shadow to make a clone copy of himself -- one he can trade places with or simply use to mimic his attacks for more damage. The creation and manipulation of clones make Zed a major threat, but only if played with a strategic flare.

Have a look at the League of Legends Champion Spotlight after the break for a full preview of what Zed brings to the table.

Continue reading League of Legends unveils Zed, the Master of Shadows

MassivelyLeague of Legends unveils Zed, the Master of Shadows originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-sportesportsf2pFANTASYfree-to-playleague-of-legendsLoLLoL-ChampionsMOBARiotriot-gamestrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 13 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Sci-fi sandboxes, LoL pre-season updates, and D3 bans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/not-so-massively-sci-fi-sandboxes-lol-pre-season-updates-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/not-so-massively-sci-fi-sandboxes-lol-pre-season-updates-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/not-so-massively-sci-fi-sandboxes-lol-pre-season-updates-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
In a flurry of sci-fi sandbox kickstarting this week, Star Citizen's crowdfunding campaign passed the million dollar mark and David Braben revealed plans for a sequel to the incredibly successful Elite series. Diablo III announced a wave of bans linked to the use of third-party launcher and botting software and revealed that an expansion is on the way.

Path of Exile continued on the path to open beta this week with the announcement of a secure trade system and two closed-beta hardcore race events. League of Legends began preparations for its upcoming third competitive season this week as developers explored item balance and jungling changes on the way. Plans include making early game jungler ganks less viable and introducing new items for specialised builds.

Heroes of Newerth's voting system was made anonymous in this week's patch in an effort to prevent players from being singled out or pressured into conceding matches. Dota 2 released its hilarious Reverse Captain's Mode, which lets each team pick the heroes it wants the other team to play. Console MOBA Guardians of Middle-earth announced its release date this week and revealed two new heroes, Thráin and Gothmog. Finally, Prime World gave details of its persistent castle system, which may tie the game into Facebook.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Sci-fi sandboxes, LoL pre-season updates, and D3 bans

MassivelyNot So Massively: Sci-fi sandboxes, LoL pre-season updates, and D3 bans originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbanbanningbansbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingconsoled3david-brabendiablodiablo+iii+players+banneddiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiabloiiiplayersbanneddotadota-2e-sporte-sportseliteesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontiergothic-fantasyGothmoggrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonjunglejunglerjunglingkickstarterleague-of-legendslollol+preseasonlolpreseasonlord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmultiplayernewsnivalnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath+of+exilepath-of-exilepathofexileplaystation-networkpoepre-seasonpreseasonprime-worldps3psnpvevppvprelease-dateriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci+fi+sandbox+gamessci-fiscifisandboxgamesstar-citizenThrainThráinvalvevideowarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST