Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SWTOR welcomes Collector's Edition arrivals and suffers credit farmers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/swtor-welcomes-collectors-edition-arrivals-and-suffers-credit-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/swtor-welcomes-collectors-edition-arrivals-and-suffers-credit-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/swtor-welcomes-collectors-edition-arrivals-and-suffers-credit-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
It was the best of times in The Old Republic, it was the worst of times. Even though BioWare's freshman MMO has yet to officially launch, so-called "credit farmers" are already hard at work setting up operations to sell in-game currency via third party sources. Shacknews identified one company, IGXE, as spearheading the assault on SWTOR's economy, although that company certainly is not alone in attempting to bypass the EULA.

On a brighter note, the Collector's Edition of the game has already shipped to many (but not all) customers, and Darth Hater has a massive 20-minute unboxing video to show off all of the physical goodies that come inside. If you're curious or are still waiting for your own CE to arrive, you can view the action-packed video after the jump.

Continue reading SWTOR welcomes Collector's Edition arrivals and suffers credit farmers

MassivelySWTOR welcomes Collector's Edition arrivals and suffers credit farmers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cecollectors-editioncredit-farmerscredit-sellingdarth-hatereulagold-farmersgold-sellingigxeshacknewsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorunboxingunboxing-videovideoSat, 17 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamersOptOut header text - opting out of class actions
If you're like most of us, you don't read the giant wall o' legalese that serves as a speed bump on the way to your favorite virtual world. A group of Redditors has, though, and has set up a new website designed to assist gamers in opting out of the clause that prevents participation in potential class action lawsuits leveled against gaming service providers.

Apparently opting out requires that a physical letter be mailed to the gaming company in question, and GamersOptOut.com purports to do the tedious work for you (either for free or for a voluntary donation). The catch is that you'll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and game account name.

The website's creators page lists the online handles (as well as Xbox Live, PSN, and Twitter identities) of those responsible, but given the anonymous nature of the site and the privacy concerns raised by providing your personal info, we suggest you proceed with caution. Currently the website features an opt-out form for Sony's PlayStation network and Electronic Arts' new Origin digital delivery service.

MassivelyNew website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousclass-actionclass-action-lawsuiteaelectronic-artseulagame-industrygamers-opt-outgamersoptoutlawsuitlegalmmo-industryopt-outplaystation-networkpsnshadysonyTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The dangers and allure of real money trading in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EverQuest
It's been one of the longest-running debates in the MMO industry: whether or not real money trading (RMT) helps or hurts players and the game worlds they inhabit. The Ottawa Citizen shed some light on the subject by showing how the games industry at large has dealt with the subject, from players dealing in grey market trades to studios overseeing RMT in the hopes of keeping players' bank accounts safe while lining the studios' pockets with additional income.

Two examples were given of players engaging in illicit -- and ill-advised (Massively disclaimer) -- RMT activities. One player said that he made $7,000 in 2001 by purchasing EverQuest characters from bored players and reselling them to others, even though this was against the game's EULA. He likened it to real-world corporate practices: "It was kind of like buying a company and breaking (it) down and selling off all its assets, and flipping it for more cash."

Another player admitted to spending $50 in hopes of gaining 2,000 gold in World of Warcraft, but the third-party company simply took his cash and never delivered the gold.

The article notes how games like Second Life and companies like Sony and Microsoft are embracing RMT even as the issue remains taboo in many MMOs.

MassivelyThe dangers and allure of real money trading in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeulaeverquestgrey-marketmicrosoftottawa-citizenplaystation-3real-money-tradingrmtsecond-lifesoesonySony-Online-Entertainmenttabooworld-of-warcraftwowXbox-360Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Power to the levelers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-road-to-mordor-power-to-the-levelers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-road-to-mordor-power-to-the-levelers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-road-to-mordor-power-to-the-levelers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LOTRO: Lothlorien
With Rise of Isengard creeping up on us, I've seen an increasing number of people begin to freak out about it, not because they're upset it's coming but because they're not prepared to partake in the expansion on day one. Now, this might not be important to you, but I assure you it's quite important to many -- lots of people like to be in on the excitement from the very beginning, and it's a special kind of torture to contemplate having to sit there and listen to your friends oohing and ahhing over the new zones and content while you're still poking your way through Moria.

So because of this, some players really, really want to get a character up to level 65, prepared to do a dive roll right into Dunland when September 27th hits. It's understandable. Even I, a normally laid-back type of guy, am pushing hard to finish up Enedwaith with my Lore-master so that I'll have one character good to go on I-Day (that's Isengard Day).

But what about those who don't have a level 65 in their pockets? Is it too late to get your act in gear and get up there before it's too late? Of course it isn't. I'm pretty convinced that you could even roll a fresh toon today and get him or her up to the endgame by I-Day, depending on how much time you can dedicate to it.

Today we're going to look at a few leveling tips I've picked up over the years to aid those of you who want to kick in the afterburners of the leveling process so that you can make sure you're where you want to be. It's not even that hard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Power to the levelers

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Power to the levelers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dunlandenedwaithenhanced-xpeulafeaturedguidei-dayisengard-daylegendary-traitslevelingleveling-guidelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-reporterlotro-storemoriapower-levelingrested-xprise-of-isengardroisarumantptraitsturbineturbine-pointsvirtuesvolume-1volume-2xpxp-bonusFri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the first month of DC Universe Online now in the past, the time has come for that all-important MMO decision -- is the game worth renewing? For some, the answer is no. The first major patch still has not dropped; it's meant to offer us many fixes and the new content we've been told is coming. Some players have hit the level cap and aren't interested in leveling alts or doing endgame content. Whatever each person's reason may be, the shine is wearing off for some.

Meanwhile, Hal Halpin, President of the Entertainment Consumer's Association, recently wrote a piece that presented another reason that some may not be renewing: Console gamers are feeling that Sony Online Entertainment has been less than open about the game's being locked to a single account. Many are upset about not being able to trade DC Universe Online in for another game now that their free month is up. His reasoning? "The problem, of course, is that console games are sold and the ownership conveyed, along with rights." There's only one flaw in that statement: This isn't anything new -- not even on consoles.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum

MassivelyAlter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmodc-universedc-universe-onlinedreamcastdude-wait-whatecaentertainment-consumer-associationentertainment-consumers-associationeulafeaturedhal-halpinlicenselicensesmmommorpgPlayStationplaystation-2playstation-3Playstation3ps2ps3reselling-gamessingle-usesoesony-online-entertainmentthe-ecatostrading-gamesSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Prince Rurik is on the phone, and he says you got banned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/flameseeker-chronicles-prince-rurik-is-on-the-phone-and-he-say/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/flameseeker-chronicles-prince-rurik-is-on-the-phone-and-he-say/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/flameseeker-chronicles-prince-rurik-is-on-the-phone-and-he-say/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last week's Massively outing into Guild Wars was another success, with [MVOP] -- Massively's Thursday night Guild Wars group -- tearing through the Great Northern Wall and Fort Ranik missions. As usual there was much fun and hilarity, including the above pictured gangsta Necro and someone's incredibly loud cellphone ringing on Vent in the middle of a cutscene. In the end we were divided over whether Rurik was making or receiving a phone call, but either way it was another dose of our standard silliness. Guild Wars -- as with any MMO -- is so much better when you have a good group that you can have fun with along the way, and [MVOP] has it down to an art.

So what's up next? Well, at the end of our last outing we all landed at the Frontier Gate, so we'll be picking up the primary quest from Warmaster Riga. That will take us on to Ruins of Surmia, then to Nolani Academy. Once Nolani Academy is finished, we'll land in Yak's Bend and it's time to wave goodbye to Ascalon as we enter the Northern Shiverpeaks.

I want to make a quick note about our overall goals for [MVOP]. The overall goal of the group is to play through Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, then Eye of the North, moving through the campaigns and expansions in the order of release just like they did back in the olden days. Guild Wars is a huge game, with side quests and extra towns in every area. To try to do them all together would take us a few years, so on Thursday nights we're going to focus strictly on missions and the main storyline. One of the great things about this group is that so many of us are playing together outside of the scheduled time, so if you get a chance, make sure you explore some of these extra quests in the places we've been.

Finally, if you'd like to join [MVOP], we'd love to have you. It's certainly not too late to catch up, so send a whisper to my IGN -- Rubi Djinn -- and I'll be happy to add you to our group.

Now that we're all caught up on Thursday nights, what's going on in the rest of Tyria? It's been an interesting week, so follow along after the jump as we look at why the population of Tyria is suddenly a little thinner.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Prince Rurik is on the phone, and he says you got banned

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Prince Rurik is on the phone, and he says you got banned originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-banningarenanetarenanet-blogdhuumEULAfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsjames-phinneyncsoftMon, 31 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player creates incredible multi-box setup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/eve-online-player-creates-incredible-multi-box-setup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/eve-online-player-creates-incredible-multi-box-setup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/eve-online-player-creates-incredible-multi-box-setup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

From irritating spam-bots to automated farming macros hogging the best spots, macros and bots are almost universally despised in every MMO. Multi-boxing, on the other hand, is a much more ambiguous idea that has been common since as far back as the early days of EverQuest. Although there's nothing in the rules of most games against one player controlling multiple characters, there are usually rules against automating gameplay. This includes sending keystrokes and mouse commands from one computer to several clients, the preferred method for multi-boxers to control multiple game clients simultaneously.

After a hit from the banhammer for "macro use", EVE Online player Zhek Kromtor engineered a low-tech solution to his rule-breaking problem. With a setup that looks like something out of The Matrix or Minority Report, Zhek has set up eight monitors and eight computers to run a total of fourteen EVE clients simultaneously. To control them all at the same time without rule-breaking macro software, Zhek has tied together six computer mice with packing tape and wooden skewers. Six separate keypads have been taped together, with yet more wooden rods letting him activate the modules on six ships at a time. According to the EVE EULA, using software to send keystrokes isn't allowed but there's nothing about taping together keyboards and mice. Whether you think this kind of setup is awesome or a blatant flaunting of the rules, putting together this kind of setup is definitely a bizarre achievement.

[via Kotaku]

MassivelyEVE Online player creates incredible multi-box setup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banccpccp-eveccp-gameseulaeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinemacromulti-boxmulti-boxingmultiboxmultiboxingrulesTue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft bans 16,000 Aion accounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/ncsoft-bans-16-000-aion-accounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/ncsoft-bans-16-000-aion-accounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/ncsoft-bans-16-000-aion-accounts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the continued complaints we hear from Aion players is that bots litter the game's digital landscape, severely reducing the enjoyment of actual flesh-n-bones players. So we feel inclined to shout, "Good news, everybody!" at today's announcement by NCsoft that nearly 16,000 accounts have been banned during a recent unscheduled server reboot.

That's a huge number and certainly nothing to scoff about. This should hopefully alleviate much of the problem, at least temporarily -- and then future banhammers will likely come crashing down.

We hope nobody was caught in the crossfire with today's bans, but if you do find yourself without an Aion account to play and are 100% sure of your innocence, you can create a support ticket. Obviously, this isn't ideal if you're suddenly without your account, so with any luck there aren't any cases of mistakenly banned players.

MassivelyNCsoft bans 16,000 Aion accounts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbanbanhammerbansbotsbottingeulancsoftncwestMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We read about these things happening periodically, an EVE player pulls a runner with some huge amount of ISK and all sorts of drama ensues. It makes me wonder, what has the real life impact of this theft been on those of you involved with EBANK?

If you are to trust the forum trolls, EVE is JUST a game. But having spent 2 years on this project, real-life money and a lot of sweat and tears, it hurts to see EBANK's name being dragged through the mud, and putting up with the drama. It of course causes a huge amount of real-life stress, and makes you wonder about a few things. I even almost managed to miss 2 exams, due to having to deal with this. But it also gave us the opportunity to realize just how many people EBANK have helped.

2% of EVE's playerbase has an EBANK account, and we came to be the biggest investment venture in EVE, peaking at 2.5 TRILLION ISK. That, to me, is a pretty big thing, which I'm proud to take part in. But I can't answer this question on my own, hence here's my new CEO's take on it:

Continue reading New perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two

MassivelyNew perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiathrebankingbanksccp-gamescharlie-eriksene-onebankebank-ricdiceconomyembezzlementeoneulaeve-onlineeveconomicsisklavista-vistamassively-interviewsplayer-run-venturesricdicrmtscamscamstosThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What if everyone turned over server logs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-if-everyone-turned-over-server-logs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-if-everyone-turned-over-server-logs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-if-everyone-turned-over-server-logs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


One of the pieces of news that came out yesterday is the decision by SOE to fork over all server logs for the last four years of EverQuest II to a group of researchers from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In saying "server log" one would assume that this means not only your combat log, what you've stuffed into the bank or sent through the mail, but also the entirety of your chat logs; public channels, guild chat, and private tells. The question today is - even though it is completely acceptable for MMO companies to do so per their TOS/EULA, how would you feel were you to find out your MMO company forked over all their information - including all your private discussion - to researchers? Would it cause you to seriously reconsider your membership in their games, if not cancel outright? Or would you be entirely OK with it, so long as it were only being used for scientific research?

Updated to reflect new information from SOE stating they did not release chat logs.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What if everyone turned over server logs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chat-historychat-logethicseulaserver-logsoesony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindtostrustTue, 17 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EULAs: The game outside the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eulas-the-game-outside-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eulas-the-game-outside-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eulas-the-game-outside-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


What the heck is an EULA? In theory, it is an End User Licensing Agreement. A legally binding contract between you and the provider of a product and/or service to indicate the rights and protections each of you has. As a user of software, or as a user of virtual environments and MMOGs, you've seen and indicated your agreement to many of these.

Well, they're really kind of rubbish. Some sort of agreement of terms, rights and protections is clearly necessary, but these do not serve those purposes, for a number of reasons.

Continue reading EULAs: The game outside the game

MassivelyEULAs: The game outside the game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureeulalegalmmo-industryopinionterms-of-serviceterms-of-useMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confessions of an EVE Online macro'er]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/confessions-of-an-eve-online-macroer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/confessions-of-an-eve-online-macroer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/confessions-of-an-eve-online-macroer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

You've encountered them before. Those guys. Them. Next to the ISK spammers, they're a plague within EVE Online.

They have gibberish names and sit in ice belts all day in exhumers, macro controlling large mining operations. At the first sign of trouble they gang warp out to safety. Or they're automating courier missions in an endless procession of macro'ed industrials, day in and day out. Or they're part of the infinite army of 0.0 ratting Ravens that automatically warp to a safespot and cloak once someone enters the system. They're all in China, right? The macros are all used by large ISK farming operations where people work in 23/7 shifts... right?

Apparently, that's wrong. EVE-Mag is running an article written by a self-proclaimed macro'er. Only he doesn't work in a sweatshop in a developing nation. He doesn't grind long shifts for ISK. He's an American in his early thirties, with two kids and a family dog. Just a regular guy. He writes under the pseudonym "EVE Player" and poses a question to his readers, "I have macro'ed the holy crap out of certain video games. I've been doing it for more than 8 years now so tell me; at what point did you notice your EVE experience going down the tubes because of me? I'll bet your downward spiral really has nothing to do with me macro'ing, now does it?"

Continue reading Confessions of an EVE Online macro'er

MassivelyConfessions of an EVE Online macro'er originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automationccpccp-gameschinacontroversialcontroversycourier-missionseconomyeulaeula-violationeveeve-mageve-onlineeve-playerexploitshackisk-farmerlegalmacrominingmmo-industryopinionragerattingsci-fiSun, 30 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR hotfix patch cleans up quests and PQs, hides EULA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/war-hotfix-patch-cleans-up-quests-and-pqs-hides-eula/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/war-hotfix-patch-cleans-up-quests-and-pqs-hides-eula/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/war-hotfix-patch-cleans-up-quests-and-pqs-hides-eula/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Following the release of patch 1.0.5, a further update to Warhammer Online has addressed a large number of bugs in various quests and PQs, the full list of which can be found in the hot fix patch notes. A handful of RVR-related problems were also quashed, most notably the lack of Healer NPCs in Kadrin Valley warcamp, and some missing set items in Tier 3 Gold Keep bags.

Further tinkering with client performance and stability made it into this hot fix as well, with a focus on "periods of intense combat" -- we'll have to see how that one pans out. However, arguably the best part of the patch is one of the simplest changes -- WAR's EULA will now only need to be agreed to when changes are made to it. Joy! It's the little things in life that make us happy.

MassivelyWAR hotfix patch cleans up quests and PQs, hides EULA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mythicelectronic-artsend-user-license-agreementeulahot-fixhotfixmythicpatchpqspublic-questsquestswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay between ownership and game mechanics in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/interplay-between-ownership-and-game-mechanics-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/interplay-between-ownership-and-game-mechanics-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/interplay-between-ownership-and-game-mechanics-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The concept of ownership established in the real world doesn't always equate with 'reality' in the virtual. When someone robs a person in real life, we don't just hope that they will be punished for this, we expect it. We demand it. Theft runs counter to law. But within the virtual, what if theft of another's property falls within game mechanics? If something is a crime in the eyes of players but doesn't violate the EULA, and the crime is committed fully within permitted game mechanics in the virtual space -- the game world equivalent of 'law' -- can it even be called "crime" at all? An article at The West Georgian titled "A Nerdy Commentary on Governments, Games, and Property", written by Jacob Lovell, explores this interplay between real world concepts of ownership and the virtual world's crimes.

To do so, Lovell looks back on what stands -- to this day -- as one of the most significant ways people pushed the boundaries of what's permissible in an MMO: the Guiding Hand Social Club's (GHSC) defining act of espionage in EVE Online from 2005. Most EVE players are quite familiar with the event, when the GHSC took a contract to bring down their 'client's' rival corporation, Ubiqua Seraph. Operatives in the Guiding Hand Social Club spent roughly one year infiltrating the target corporation, until the codeword 'Nicole' was called out. At that moment, operatives at all levels within the target corporation raided its assets. The heist coincided with an assassination of the Ubiqua Seraph CEO, by her own trusted lieutenant... also a GHSC operative who led her into the trap, followed by some excellent PR spin.

Continue reading Interplay between ownership and game mechanics in EVE Online

MassivelyInterplay between ownership and game mechanics in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescrimeeulaeveeve-onlineghscguiding-hand-social-clubownershipsci-fitheftthiefubiqua-seraphvirtual-crimeSat, 01 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's second Council of Stellar Management applicants announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-applicants-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-applicants-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-applicants-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EVE Online differs from other MMOs in a number of ways. Differences in game mechanics and setting aside, even the dynamics among the players is different than with your standard sharded MMO. The single server approach puts all of the players in one world, sometimes creating a tense social dynamic between the players, and especially between CCP Games and the EVE subscribers.

The player-elected Council of Stellar Management (CSM) is an attempt to have a group of players bridge this gap, and represent the interests of the playerbase as a whole by advising CCP on how to keep the game in step with what the players want. Although the first CSM is still in office, the next election process is well underway. EVE dev CCP Diagoras posted a breakdown of the applications for the second Council of Stellar Management, listing statistics and information about those who have their eyes set on a place among the CSM, and plenty to read about each of the individuals in the running.

Continue reading EVE's second Council of Stellar Management applicants announced

MassivelyEVE's second Council of Stellar Management applicants announced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-diagorasccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcultureelectionelectionseulaeveeve-onlineforumsgendermmo-industrypoliticsvotevotingFri, 24 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[What rights should we have to our virtual goods?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/what-rights-should-we-have-to-our-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/what-rights-should-we-have-to-our-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/what-rights-should-we-have-to-our-virtual-goods/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Are you aware of your property rights as they pertain to the virtual goods in your favorite MMO? Are you aware of the laws in your country as they pertain to virtual goods? Heck, do you even read the EULA?

It seems like these lawyer-speak agreements are becoming more prevalent lately, as we impatiently click the 'agree' button in anticipation of playing the latest MMO. In fact, even older games are reinstating their EULA on the loading screens, forcing players to click through before entering their world. The reason for this basically boils down to inevitable litigation as gaming grows in popularity.

Continue reading What rights should we have to our virtual goods?

MassivelyWhat rights should we have to our virtual goods? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementchinaeulain-gamelawsrightsvirtual-goodsSun, 12 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online trojan warning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/eve-online-trojan-warning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/eve-online-trojan-warning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/eve-online-trojan-warning/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


CCP Games issued a warning today, regarding a trojan found in a macro for EVE Online. CCP Wrangler said that the macro is being offered by 'Gold Harvest Macro Solutions' and ostensibly allows a player to automate their skill-training with a queue, eliminating the need to periodically log in and change skills. CCP became aware of it and put it through testing; here's a shocker -- the shady software contains a trojan. Please contain your surprise.

CCP Wrangler's full announcement (login required): "A number of players have recently received an advertisement for a skill training macro, this macro is sent by Gold Harvest Macro Solutions who claims that the macro will let you create a skill training plan and have your character automatically train your skills. This macro has been tested and it contains a Trojan, so make sure you do not download any software from these people. If you downloaded the program, make sure that you run a complete scan of your system and then change all of your passwords!"

Not that anyone who uses programs like this doesn't really understand they're breaking the accepted rules of the game, but pretty much using any 3rd-party automation with the EVE client is a bad move.

MassivelyEVE Online trojan warning originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerend-user-license-agreementeulaeveeve-onlineexploitsmacroskill-queueskill-trainingskillsterms-of-servicetostrojanSat, 27 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The debatable concept of ownership in virtual spaces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/the-debatable-concept-of-ownership-in-virtual-spaces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/the-debatable-concept-of-ownership-in-virtual-spaces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/the-debatable-concept-of-ownership-in-virtual-spaces/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game security news and analysis site PlayNoEvil recently looked at the concept of ownership in the virtual space, in an article called "The Quixotic Quest for Avatar Rights." It explores the question that's been around since the very beginning of virtual interactions: Does the player who invests his or her time into finding, creating, and using an item 'own' it, or is it really just server data that's company property?

For most game and virtual world operations, there's little room for debate. They create the environment and everything in it, right down to a gamer's or user's avatar. However one view expressed at an Austin GDC panel is that while companies work to ensure their legal claim to virtual property, they also foster the illusion that the player has some degree of ownership. While the mindset of the industry isn't likely to change any time soon, there are those involved on the development and business end that would like to see changes regarding 'avatar rights.' Others are pushing for an improved EULA which would ensure the continued growth of virtual worlds, where users have greater control over their own created content. What's your view on this? Do companies have any responsibility to their subscribers or users to relinquish control over player-created content? Are gamers and virtual worlds users unreasonable in thinking the situation should change?

MassivelyThe debatable concept of ownership in virtual spaces originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdcaustin-gdcavataravatar-rightsbetter-eulabusiness-modelscraftingeulammo-industryopinionownershipplayer-createdplayer-created-contentplaynoevilvirtual-worldsSun, 21 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Picking apart the MetaPlace Bill of Rights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/picking-apart-the-metaplace-bill-of-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/picking-apart-the-metaplace-bill-of-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/picking-apart-the-metaplace-bill-of-rights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MetaPlace is not an MMOG. It's a platform for creating virtual spaces that can be used for anything the creators can imagine. As such, the traditional MMO EULA is completely inadequate. Raph Koster -- the head honcho on the MetaPlace project -- made that clear in a panel at AGDC08. So, the folks working on MetaPlace had to come up with a whole new set of rules -- rules that allow users ownership of their virtual property, for example. There's a veritable landmine of problems awaiting this endeavor, of course. That's not to say it's impossible. It's just going to be extremely challenging.

Koster published a first draft of the Terms of Service for MetaPlace on his blog the other day. It's based based on the Declaration of the Rights of Avatars that he conceived back in 2000. Readers of the MetaPlace ToS are likely to come away with two impressions. The first: that it's really cool and admirable and that in a general sense, Koster and friends are on the right track. Two is that the MetaPlace team seems to be underestimating just how epic a quest it's committed itself to.

Continue reading Picking apart the MetaPlace Bill of Rights

MassivelyPicking apart the MetaPlace Bill of Rights originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areaebill-of-rightsblogdeclarion-of-the-rights-of-avatarsdiscriminationend-user-license-agreementeulametaplaceprivacypropertyraph-kosterterms-of-servicetosThu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Read and understood]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/the-daily-grind-read-and-understood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/the-daily-grind-read-and-understood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/the-daily-grind-read-and-understood/#commentsFiled under: , ,

End-User-License-Agreements, Terms-of-Use, Terms-of-Service. Some MMOGs and virtual environments get you to agree to them on first-use. Some get you to agree on every load and/or every login. In all cases, proceeding to click through indicates that you have (a) read it, (b) understand it, and (c) agree to abide by it. It is a legal contract between you and the operators and developers of the service.

But frankly, did you? Do you? If the agreement contains specialist legal terms, it is technically not even possible for the average user to proceed with any level of informed consent without considerable research. It is even possible that many of these agreements may fail to stand up in court -- there's certainly precedent for that, depending on how finely you slice it.

Do you read these manifestly lengthy and fearsomely involuted tracts? Do you understand them? Or do you just click on through and don't care what it actually says?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Read and understood originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eulalegalopinionterms-of-serviceterms-of-usethe-daily-grindtosTue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hernandez v. IGE: Brock Pierce declaration and Hernandez compel developments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/hernandez-v-ige-brock-pierce-declaration-and-hernandez-compel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/hernandez-v-ige-brock-pierce-declaration-and-hernandez-compel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/hernandez-v-ige-brock-pierce-declaration-and-hernandez-compel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Antonio Hernandez filed a lawsuit in 2007 against IGE, the MMOG-currency for real dollars illicit emporium. Hernandez claims IGE diminishes the overall playing experience for legitimate players and filed on the grounds that stem from farming gold, spamming chat, and camping spawns it allegedly prevented players from receiving full benefits Blizzard intended via World of Warcraft's End User License Agreement.

Eight weeks remain in the fact discovery phase under the court's calendar and two recent developments have surfaced. First, a declaration on behalf of IGE's CEO Brock Pierce which states IGE merely holds stock in Affinity Media INC. and does not employ anyone nor have anything to do with the alleged activities in the Amended Complaint was filed. Second, Hernandez has moved to compel production of documents and asked the court to force IGE to respond fully to plaintiff's interrogatories.

Virtually Blind has been following the lawsuit closely since the outset and has all legal documentation available for download.

MassivelyHernandez v. IGE: Brock Pierce declaration and Hernandez compel developments originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affinity-mediaantonio-hernandezblizzard-entertainmentbrock-pierceeulahernandezhernandez-vs-igeigelawlawsuitlegalreal-money-tradermtvirtually-blindworld-of-warcraftMon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO customer 'Bill of Rights']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/mmo-customer-bill-of-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/mmo-customer-bill-of-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/mmo-customer-bill-of-rights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here comes the familiar discussion of player rights once again, but this time in a different form. Warhammer Online blog WAAAGH! has a post discussing the possible virtues of an MMO customer "Bill of Rights" as it were. Our immediate thoughts were of Richard Bartle's presentation discussing the good, bad and ugly futures of massively multiplayer online worlds. If you skim through Bartle's presentation, you'll come across the future involving player "rights" pretty quickly. Otherwise known as the lawyer future, possibly one of the scariest suggestions we've ever heard for our beloved MMOs.

Granted, some of those predictions are quite out there. Paying income tax on the money you earn in-game is a pretty big leap, but it all starts out with players pointing to EULAs (End User License Agreements) as unfair. If we start demanding more rights within our online worlds we run the risk of having to walk a very thin tightrope that could lead to a lot of headaches later on. Don't get us wrong, we're all for companies treating their player-base better, but a virtual coup d'état is the last thing any of us should want.

MassivelyMMO customer 'Bill of Rights' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-of-rightsea-mythiceularichard-bartlewaaghwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Are virtual item sales the way of the future?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/gdc08-are-virtual-item-sales-the-way-of-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/gdc08-are-virtual-item-sales-the-way-of-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/gdc08-are-virtual-item-sales-the-way-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With the stigma associated with the term RMT -- or "real money trading" -- companies such as Live Gamer and Ping0 have an uphill battle when selling their legitimized RMT services to many gamers. At GDC recently, Live Gamer's Andrew Schneider and ping0's Steve Goldstein tried to explain to a skeptical crowd why their forms of RMT trading are the future of gaming.

Though you hear a lot about WoW gold, all online games have a large secondary market for currency. These services are all operated outside of the publisher's terms of service or EULA and are very inefficient, both for the player and the company. The RMT industry is littered with account and credit card theft -- and when a customer's account has been compromised, they don't call the RMT traders: they call the game's customer support line. It's an immense waste of resources for the game company and a huge hassle for the player involved. (Has your World of Warcraft account ever been stolen? If so, you know it can take weeks to get everything restored.) If game companies don't address RMT issues themselves, they're just going to have problems with black market RMT. Live Gamer seems to offer a, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach with their attempts to run a legitimate RMT business.

Continue reading GDC08: Are virtual item sales the way of the future?

MassivelyGDC08: Are virtual item sales the way of the future? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eulagdcgdc08gdc08fanboylivegamerrmtsoetosSat, 08 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hernandez drops HK IGE - Florida Economic Crimes Office investigates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/hernandez-drops-hk-ige-florida-economic-crimes-office-investig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/hernandez-drops-hk-ige-florida-economic-crimes-office-investig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/hernandez-drops-hk-ige-florida-economic-crimes-office-investig/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've been following Hernandez vs IGE, you'll probably be a bit surprised to find that the Plaintiff (Hernandez) has dropped Hong Kong Internet Gaming Entertainment Limited (IGE) from the Defendants. USA IGE US LLC (the other IGE) remains on the docket.

The Plaintiff alleges that IGE is gold-farming, spawn-camping, devaluing gold, spamming chat, and generally screwing up the experience for everyone else.

Continue reading Hernandez drops HK IGE - Florida Economic Crimes Office investigates

MassivelyHernandez drops HK IGE - Florida Economic Crimes Office investigates originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benjamin-duranskeblizzardeulahernandezhernandez-vs-igeigelegalterms-of-usevirtually-blindworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Several days ago Massively reported that EQ2 Flames administrator broke the story on a scandal that regards numerous members from Unhallowed Triad, a guild on EQ2's Test server that was transferred to Unrest, a Live server through an inside connection at SOE. Character transfers from the Test server to a Live one is not allowed and against current SOE transfer policy; albeit, the EULA has a clause that SOE may change this policy at any time. However, the case is made that a Player / Dev affiliation has led to corruption, leaving many infuriated players with lots of unanswered questions as seen in these two threadnaughts. To recap for those not following this closely or wanting to sift through 100+ pages on the forums:

  • SOE employee(s) abused their power breaking various codes of ethics (confirmed & guilty)
  • Numerous Test players accuse Unhallowed Triad with a history of exploitation and getting away with it in due part to their SOE connection (rumors)
  • Someone at SOE made the call to transfer Test characters to a Live server breaking policy (confirmed & guilty)
  • Not only were characters transferred to Unrest, but items as well. Unhallowed Triad's Guild level was also inflated to 60. (confirmed & guilty)
  • Many Unhallowed Triad guild members admitted to transferring off test in Assassin's chat (confirmed)
  • Several Unhallowed Triad guild members were transferred unknowingly (more than likely)
  • Legitimately leveled characters belonging to several Unhallowed Triad members were transferred over from other servers or already leveled on the Unrest server (confirmed)
  • Unhallowed Triad guild tag no longer exists but there other guild tag Unholy Trinity exists and their Guild level stands at 30 (confirmed)
  • All players on the Test server have not been given the same opportunity to transfer to a Live server
The evidence found via EQ2 Players alone is overwhelming. So much so that it's impossible to sweep all the allegations under-the-rug. Initially, SOE was quick to react as both Alan "Brenlo" Crosby, Director of Global Community Relations and Bruce "Froech" Ferguson, EQ2's new Senior Producer admitted to SOE's involvement. Well, rather that someone at SOE made the call to override the policy, but in a good natured manner to reward certain players for their hard work on the Test server. Not a smart choice of words or tone given EQ2 players warranted concerns. In any case, Ferguson claims the transferred characters will be removed. Since their initial statements and response there has been no further word from a SOE representative on this matter.

Continue reading SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries

MassivelySOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brenlocharacter-transfereq2eq2flameseqiiethical-conducteulaeverquest-2exploitsfroechgrimwelllive-serverplayer-developer-relationshipscandalsoesony-online-entertainmenttest-serverunhallowed-triadunholy-trinityunrestSun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Herndandez vs IGE - IGE withdraws motion to stay/dismiss]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/herndandez-vs-ige-ige-withdraws-motion-to-stay-dismiss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/herndandez-vs-ige-ige-withdraws-motion-to-stay-dismiss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/herndandez-vs-ige-ige-withdraws-motion-to-stay-dismiss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There has been a new development with the uncertified class action Herndandez vs IGE. The Plaintiff alleges that IGE is gold-farming, spawn-camping, devaluing gold, spamming chat, and generally screwing up the experience for everyone else. Defendant IGE filed a motion to stay/dismiss in favor of arbitration on 26 October.

IGE has now changed it's stance and withdrawn that motion, and gives the impression that it will answer the complaint in court. That could only be an impression, however.

Continue reading Herndandez vs IGE - IGE withdraws motion to stay/dismiss

MassivelyHerndandez vs IGE - IGE withdraws motion to stay/dismiss originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeulahernandezhernandez-vs-igeigelegalterms-of-usevirtually-blindworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 11 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Class action versus IGE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/class-action-versus-ige/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/class-action-versus-ige/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/class-action-versus-ige/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Benjamin Duranske at Virtually Blind kicks off coverage of another virtual worlds lawsuit. In this case, it's a third-party beneficiary contract class action claim (Whew. Try saying that three times fast) against IGE and their alleged actions in World of Warcraft.

The plaintiffs allege, basically, that IGE is gold-farming, spawn-camping, devaluing gold, spamming chat, and generally screwing up the experience for everyone else.

Continue reading Class action versus IGE

MassivelyClass action versus IGE originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benjamin-duranskeblizzardeulahernandezhernandez-vs-igeigelegalterms-of-usevirtually-blindworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 10 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine is holding your credit card hostage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/turbine-is-holding-your-credit-card-hostage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/turbine-is-holding-your-credit-card-hostage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/turbine-is-holding-your-credit-card-hostage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMOCrunch has a customer service horror story up about trying to get their credit card info back from Turbine. After Mike canceled his Lord of the Rings Online account, he tried to get his credit card information off of Turbine's servers, but they told him that if he did that, he would never be able to play his copy of that game ever again. They told him that once he "deactivated the account," he would never, ever be able to reactivate it again.

Now, there aren't that many companies out there that will actually delete your credit card information and let you keep your account-- I'm told that NCSoft will let you "remove card" from your account, but that's pretty much it. So Turbine's inability to remove the card from the account isn't surprising. What is surprising, however, is that by deactivating your account, they remove the ability to ever play with that disc's key again. Turbine's LotRO EULA says nothing about canceling your account, either, although it does say that if they "are unable to verify or authenticate any information you provide to us," then they can "terminate your license to the Software."

But whether it's legal or not, what's the point of spending $50 on a game disc when, after canceling your subscription, that disc becomes a coaster? Not cool for Turbine to break the game you paid for just because you'd like to keep your credit card information as safe as possible.

MassivelyTurbine is holding your credit card hostage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-cardcustomer-serviceeulalegallord-of-the-rings-onlinemmocrunchturbineThu, 01 Nov 2007 16:44:00 EST