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[City of Heroes puts players in the action with its Summer Blockbuster Event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/city-of-heroes-puts-players-in-the-action-with-its-summer-blockb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/city-of-heroes-puts-players-in-the-action-with-its-summer-blockb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/city-of-heroes-puts-players-in-the-action-with-its-summer-blockb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- City of Heroes
Summer is almost officially upon us, and you know what that means: summer blockbusters! But we're not talking about the movies; we're talking about City of Heroes' Summer Blockbuster Event, which will put players in scenarios straight out of huge summer films, but with a special Paragon Studios twist.

The double-feature begins with Time Gladiator, which puts players in the coliseum's spotlight as they go head-to-head with opponents pulled from across the annals of time, such as "deadly assassins, outlaw gunslingers, cybernetic soldiers... and the mighty God-Champion." Of course, if suave subterfuge is more your style, perhaps The Casino Heist will tickle your fancy. Ocean's Eleven's got nothin' on this scenario, which puts players in charge of busting up the Tyrant's Palace Casino. Of course, they'll have to do something about the Tyrant's "armed guards and state-of-the-art security" first. The Summer Blockbuster Event goes live on July 10th, so grab some popcorn and get ready for action.

[Source: Paragon Studios press release]

MassivelyCity of Heroes puts players in the action with its Summer Blockbuster Event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxeventsf2pfree-to-playfreedomin-game-eventsncsoftparagonparagon-studiossummer-blockbuster-eventsuperherosuperheroesthe-casino-heisttime-gladiatorTue, 22 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online 9th anniversary celebrations include a free trip to China]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/conquer-online-9th-anniversary-celebrations-include-a-free-trip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/conquer-online-9th-anniversary-celebrations-include-a-free-trip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/conquer-online-9th-anniversary-celebrations-include-a-free-trip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Conquer Online image
Reaching the nine-year mark is quite an accomplishment in the MMO world, and Conquer Online plans to celebrate this milestone in style with a number of special events, bonuses, and gifts both in-game and out. From now through May 31st, players can enjoy a variety of festivities and goodies:
Oh, but that's not all!
  • The pièce de résistance: Three lucky current Conquer Online players will win a free trip to China to take in the sights of Beijing and visit the TQ headquarters.
To enter the drawing, players must credit at least one $15.99 or one $29.99 TQ Point Card during the period between May 15th and June 30th (the more you credit, the more chances you have), have at least one level 50+ character, and be at least 18 years of age. For full details, check out the contest rules.

[Source: Press release]

MassivelyConquer Online 9th anniversary celebrations include a free trip to China originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryanniversary-eventanniversary-eventsanniversary-giftsChinaconquer-onlinediscountseventsfantasyfree-to-playfree-tripmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoNetDragonspecial-discountstqveteran-rewardsFri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next beta weekend for The Secret World announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/next-beta-weekend-for-the-secret-world-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/next-beta-weekend-for-the-secret-world-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/next-beta-weekend-for-the-secret-world-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I maintain that this really isn't all that unusual for New England.
If you enjoyed the first peek into the secrets of Funcom's upcoming game, you'll be happy to know that The Secret World's second beta event has already been announced. The next weekend event starts on May 18th at noon EDT and runs until May 21st at 3:00 a.m. EDT. Several European sites will be giving away keys for this particular beta, but players who have pre-ordered the game beforehand will automatically have access to this event.

The new event will feature a number of new areas, quests, and storylines. Players can learn more about the residents of Kingsmouth who have held out despite the town's current state as well as meet representatives of the Orochi Corporation observing the dark occurrences. Plus, all of the previous weekend's content will be available, so if you didn't get a chance to take part in the last test, you'll have plenty to explore within the horror-filled world.

MassivelyNext beta weekend for The Secret World announced originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testsbeta-weekendeventsfactionfantasyfuncomhorrorin-game-eventsmythologynewssci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedtest-weekendtesting-eventsthe-secret-worldtswMon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory celebrates its seventh anniversary with experience bonuses and cake monsters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/maplestory-celebrates-its-seventh-anniversary-with-experience-bo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/maplestory-celebrates-its-seventh-anniversary-with-experience-bo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/maplestory-celebrates-its-seventh-anniversary-with-experience-bo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MapleStory 7th Anniversary
Do you feel lucky, MapleStory players? You should, because Nexon is celebrating the game's lucky seventh anniversary, and the studio is passing the good fortune on to the players with a series of in-game events and double experience weekends.

For the duration of the month, players will be treated not only to double experience and drops every weekend, but they'll also be able to take part in events such as the Maple Rising Star Contest, which requires players to complete tasks to show support for their favorite NPC contestant. And of course, no anniversary would be complete without a visit from the deliciously vicious Cake Boss monster, which combines a challenging battle and a tasty treat into one mutant monstrosity. To put the icing on the proverbial cake, Nexon has released a short anniversary trailer that recaps the major MapleStory events of the past year, so put on your party hats and join the festivities after the cut.

[Source: Nexon America press release]

Continue reading MapleStory celebrates its seventh anniversary with experience bonuses and cake monsters

MassivelyMapleStory celebrates its seventh anniversary with experience bonuses and cake monsters originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7th-anniversaryanniversarydouble-experience-weekenddouble-xpdouble-xp-weekenddouble-xp-weekendseventsf2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventin-game-eventsmaplestorynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaseventh-anniversarytrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP launching EVE Online drop pod into the stratosphere tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/ccp-launching-eve-online-drop-pod-into-the-stratosphere-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/ccp-launching-eve-online-drop-pod-into-the-stratosphere-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/ccp-launching-eve-online-drop-pod-into-the-stratosphere-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not bad!
EVE Online players are well-accustomed to flitting about the depths of space in internet spaceships, but tomorrow, CCP Games will be taking its first jaunt into real-life space with the launch of a high-altitude balloon from just north of CCP headquarters.

The balloon will carry a replica EVE pod (pictured above) containing the names of EVE Online players high into Earth's stratosphere before landing (hopefully) in the middle of Kleifarvatn, a lake on the Rekhjanes peninsula in Iceland. Iceland Telecom will be providing a live video feed and GPS tracking of the balloon, and three HD cameras aboard the balloon will allow fans to view the entirety of the balloon's journey after the pod is recovered (by the Icelandic Coast Guard, no less). For the full details and links to the live video stream and GPS tracking, just head on over to the official announcement at EVE Insider.

MassivelyCCP launching EVE Online drop pod into the stratosphere tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeventeventshigh-altitude-ballooninternet-spaceshipsmiscreal-world-eventreal-world-eventssandboxsci-fiskyward-spherespreadsheets-onlineTue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Moving shop edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

My new home is in a trackless expanse of desert with a stew pot.
As you read this, I'm making my final preparations to move from my home for the past three years into a new and much nicer home. Of course, this brings with it certain concerns. Will the utility companies reconnect everything correctly? Will the movers drop something I can't easily replace? Will I forget something in the old apartment and have to go back?

So, if my posts next week seem a bit off, assume that the move resulted in fiery death all around and I've been replaced by a crude AI pasted in Visual Basic.

This week's Ask Massively, sadly, does not include anything about AI or my new apartment. Instead, it's about player-run events and why we cover some of them but not all. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Moving shop edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Moving shop edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyeventsfeaturedhumorin-game-eventsmassively-metametaopinionplayer-eventsplayer-run-eventsThu, 03 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online celebrates nine years of internet spaceships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/eve-online-celebrates-nine-years-of-internet-spaceships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/eve-online-celebrates-nine-years-of-internet-spaceships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/eve-online-celebrates-nine-years-of-internet-spaceships/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- EVE Online
Break out the cake and presents because EVE Online is turning nine years old on May 6th! That's right, the internet's premier spaceship/spreadsheet simulator is almost a decade old, and CCP Games is doing it up big-time with this year's anniversary gift packages.

Beginning on May 4th, players will have the opportunity to choose one of eight fabulous prize packages that include goodies such as ships, skill books, implants, mining crystals, and more. To take a look at all of the wonderful goodie bags that CCP has prepared for you, just head on over to the EVE Online official dev blog and check out the full announcement.

MassivelyEVE Online celebrates nine years of internet spaceships originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9th-anniversaryanniversaryccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeventeventsgiftgift-packgift-packagegift-packagesgift-packsgiftsinternet-spaceshipsninth-anniversarysandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineMon, 30 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online announces junior officer appreciation weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online
We all know how the story goes: Starfleet captain goes out on an away mission, kills some of the locals, and comes back home to a hero's welcome. Bah! What about the little guys? What about the poor redshirts who were callously thrown to the lions so that their captains could sit and watch from the comfort of space, huh? Well thankfully, Cryptic Studios is not blind to the contributions of Star Trek Online's junior officers, and the studio has announced a junior officer appreciation weekend in their honor.

From today, April 27th, until Monday, April 30th, STO players will be able to give back to their valued junior officers in the form of up to 50% bonus commendation experience for all duty officer assignments. In addition, captains can receive a free purple-quality duty officer "with a unique active roster power," and any duty officer packs opened during the course of the event will each contain a free additional green-quality or better duty officer, so if you're looking to pad out your junior officer roster after the redshirt massacre that happened last mission, now's the perfect time to do so. Just head on over to the STO official site for the full details.

MassivelyStar Trek Online announces junior officer appreciation weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studioseventeventsexperience-bonusf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventin-game-eventsjuinor-officer-appreciation-weekendperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoxp-bonusFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vendetta celebrating 10-year anniversary, prepping new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Vendetta Online - 10 year anniversary
Ten years is an eternity in the game industry, and MMOs that manage to hang around for a decade or more are few and far between. One such title is Vendetta Online, which originally released on April 20th, 2002 and is still going strong today.

Guild Software is hosting a couple of celebration events this weekend. The company has also announced that its massive 1.9 patch is coming later this year, followed by an even more massive expansion in 2013.

Vendetta is unique among MMOs for its twitch-based space combat and extensive trading, mining, and exploration gameplay. Large space battles, dynamic territory control, and player-generated content systems round out the feature set, all of which is coded and maintained by a four-man dev team. The single-universe game server is accessible from a number of different platforms that include Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. In March 2011, Vendetta became the first PC MMO to jump to mobile platforms, and it spent several weeks as the number one paid app on Android devices.

Check out the game's official website for more info, and don't forget to sign up for the trial while you're there. You can also read Massively's latest game impressions in Some Assembly Required.

[Source: Guild press release]

MassivelyVendetta celebrating 10-year anniversary, prepping new content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideventsexplorationguildguild-softwarein-game-eventsinternet-spaceshipslinuxmacmac-mmosminingmobileplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxspace-combattradinguser-generated-contentvendettavendetta-10-year-anniversaryvendetta-anniversaryvendetta-onlinevendetta-ten-year-anniversaryFri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Simplicity itself]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/flameseeker-chronicles-simplicity-itself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/flameseeker-chronicles-simplicity-itself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/flameseeker-chronicles-simplicity-itself/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 concept art
ArenaNet is designing Guild Wars 2 to appeal to bucketloads of people. The studio's got the PvP and competition, the high-end dungeon challenge, the super-cooperative and dynamic PvE content, the compelling and branching storyline, the flashy (and occasionally sensibly flashy) armors -- there's a lot going on. Part of what makes that possible is the use of very approachable systems.

These simple systems pop up all over the place: the straight-forward lists of boons and conditions that affect players, the common capture point mechanic over which more intricate PvP objectives can be layered, and the relatively small pool of skills from which to assemble a build. The beauty of their simplicity is that the simplicity itself isn't a limiting factor -- you can't do only simple things with them.

In this way, simple systems have a low entry barrier and a high complexity capacity. That means that more people can enjoy the game with relatively little skill and that there's a lot of room for time, dedication, and finesse to lead to outstanding results. Anyone can play, but not everyone can (or will) master elements of the game.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Simplicity itself

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Simplicity itself originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcbtdynamic-eventsemergent-gameplayeventsfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2ncsoftopinionskill-comboskillsTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak
A year ago at PAX East, I spoke to Community Manager Stephen Reid about events in Star Wars: The Old Republic. He asked and answered a popular question at the time: "Will [SWTOR] have events where we randomly spawn NPCs for players to fight? No, but we will have events." He couldn't elaborate, but it did leave me wondering what that could possibly mean, especially when later at PAX East, Lead Writer Daniel Erickson said that SWTOR would not break the fourth wall by holding holiday-type events.

Earlier this year, Update 1.1: Rise of the Rakghouls brought us a new flashpoint called Kaon Under Siege. A ship crash landed in the heart of the Tion Hegemony, taking the Rakghoul virus off the planet Taris and spreading it to a new world. Both the Republic and the Empire sought to find the source of this outbreak. Like all flashpoints, Koan Under Siege is instanced and separate from the rest of the open world.

Relatedly, and quite surprisingly, BioWare started its first world event without announcing it on the official website or even letting anyone know that it was happening. On Sunday morning, everyone who was stopping by Carrick or Vaiken station could overhear an announcement that the planet Tatooine had been quarantined due to an outbreak of the Rakghoul virus.

So started my investigation...

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Outbreak originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaniel-ericksoneaelectronic-artseventeventsfeaturedhyperspace-beaconin-game-eventlucasartsmini-gamesopinionoutbreakrakghoulRise-of-the-Rakghoulssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicStephen-Reidswtortatooinethe-old-republictorworld-eventTue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT community team livestreaming Infernal Dawn tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rift-community-team-livestreaming-infernal-dawn-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rift-community-team-livestreaming-infernal-dawn-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rift-community-team-livestreaming-infernal-dawn-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's not really a raid unless there's a ten-minute diversion when the tanks both go out for a smoke.
If you're playing RIFT, odds are good you're looking forward to the next major content update -- and if you're also a raider, so much the better. But it's one thing to read about all of the neat things that will be going on in a new raid and another thing entirely to actually see them. That's why the community team is hosting an official livestream of the new Infernal Dawn raid that's getting released this week.

The run will begin at 11:30 a.m. PDT, moving through the entirety of the raid and showing off all of the bosses without spoiling the fights themselves. The community team will also be explaining the lore behind the area and the bosses and answering community questions when possible. So if you've got the time around noon tomorrow to check it out, head over to the game's Facebook page and get ready for a guided tour of the newest raid.

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyRIFT community team livestreaming Infernal Dawn tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eventsfacebookfantasyinfernal-dawnlivestreamnew-raidsnewspatchpatchespreviewsraidraidsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarastreamingtriontrion-worldsvideovideosMon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms: Jason Maskface
Traditionally, Friday the 13th bears the bad-luck brand. However, tomorrow, you have nothing to fret about if you play Free Realms or Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures because Sony Online Entertainment prepares to entertain its players with superstitious tomfoolery.

If you pounce around the land of Free Realms near Champ Chatty and Camp Robbie Lake, be prepared to run into Jason Maskface. This creepy fellow wants to recruit you into scaring people by turning you into a banshee, skeleton, or other graveyard element. Additionally, each participant will receive the ability to turn into a "Scaredy" black cat.

The Force is with players of CWA because all transforming holoprojectors go on sale tomorrow at 50% off. If you happen to wander around the main hall, veranda, or hanger of the Jedi Temple, don't be surprised if you or the people around you randomly turn into skeletal Clone Troopers, breaking into a dance -- it's the only way to frighten away the bad luck of Friday the 13th.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyLuck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clone-Wars-AdventuresCWAeventsFree-Realmsfriday-the-13thholoprojectorin-game-eventjason-maskfaceSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Warsstar-wars-clone-wars-adventurestransformThu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex announces Transformers Universe plans for BotCon 2012, includes sneak-peek and name reservations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/jagex-announces-plans-for-botcon-2012-includes-sneak-peek-and-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/jagex-announces-plans-for-botcon-2012-includes-sneak-peek-and-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/jagex-announces-plans-for-botcon-2012-includes-sneak-peek-and-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Transformers Universe logo
Transformers fanatics everywhere are surely gearing up for the official Transformers fan convention, BotCon 2012, which will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, from April 26th until the 29th. Well, Jagex is giving fans of its upcoming MMO Transformers Universe a reason to be even more excited for the con: Attendees will have the opportunity to pledge their allegiances to the Autobots or Decepticons and reserve their in-game character names.

On top of that, members of Jagex's Transformers Universe development team will be hanging out at Jagex's con booth, and fans will be able to "meet with members of the development team, attend a behind closed doors Transformers Universe panel discussion, and preview the latest game trailer ahead of its public release." So if you want to get a sneak-peek at Transformers Universe and reserve your favorite character name for the game's release, just set your sights on BotCon 2012 and transform and roll out.

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyJagex announces Transformers Universe plans for BotCon 2012, includes sneak-peek and name reservations originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botconbotcon-2012browserbrowser-basedeventeventsf2pfree-to-playhasbrojagexjagex-game-studiosname-reservationname-reservationsreal-world-eventreal-world-eventstfutransformerstransformers-universeThu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-perfect-worlds-raiderz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-perfect-worlds-raiderz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-perfect-worlds-raiderz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Raiderz - giant frogger boss
TERA isn't the only upcoming MMO to feature big-ass monsters and action combat. Perfect World Entertainment showed us a demo of Raiderz at last weekend's PAX East, and producer Mark Hill was pretty enthusiastic about the game's level of polish. He also made a point of highlighting the amount of free gameplay the company will be making available to fans later this year.

"We really want to blow people away with how much free content they're getting out of a really top-notch game," he said. Join us after the cut to see what Raiderz has to offer.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoconconventiondemoeventsexpof2pfeaturedfree-to-playgroup-contentgroupinghands-onmark-hillmonster-huntingpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-skillpreviewpreviewspweraiderzreal-world-eventsskillsMon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/massivelys-easter-event-roundup-2012-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/massivelys-easter-event-roundup-2012-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/massivelys-easter-event-roundup-2012-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bunnies at church
Whether you're an Easter traditionalist or you simply need an excuse to eat a chocolate bunny, it's that time of year again. It's also time for a few of our favorite MMO devs to don their silly hats and introduce all manner of egg hunts and contests into games like RuneScape, Runes of Magic, and World of Warcraft.

That's just the tip of the Easter event iceberg; you'll find several more festively inclined titles in our roundup after the cut. Before you hop on over, have a look at the two bunnies above and repeat after us: d'awww.

Continue reading Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition

MassivelyMassively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionanetarenanetatlanticaatlantica-onlineblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmodragon-nesteastereaster-2012easter-eventseaster-roundupeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieventseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveguild-warsgwholiday-roundupin-game-eventsjagexjagex-games-studioncsoftnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentnexon-korearomrounduprsrunes-of-magicrunescaperunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxscarlet-legacysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttaboreatactical-mmovindictuswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 07 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your PAX strategy guides here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/get-your-pax-strategy-guides-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/get-your-pax-strategy-guides-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/get-your-pax-strategy-guides-here/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PAX East strategy guide
Heading to PAX East this weekend? If so, you're in good company, as the Massively and Joystiq crews are going too! ThriftyNerd has put together a brief PAX strategy guide, and it's well worth a look if you don't have your itinerary planned out to the minute (or heck, even if you do, because you might have forgotten something).

The guide has a rundown on essential mobile apps as well as plenty of tips for both the seasoned con-goer and the wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Be sure to follow Massively all weekend as we'll be bringing you all the best MMO news direct from Boston.

MassivelyGet your PAX strategy guides here originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consconventionseventsmassively-metamobile-appspaxpax-eastpax-east-2012real-world-eventsThu, 05 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Fools and tools]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/wings-over-atreia-fools-and-tools/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/wings-over-atreia-fools-and-tools/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/wings-over-atreia-fools-and-tools/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia
In the immortal words of some child glued to a pleather seat in the back of an old station wagon in the dusty desert heat (and echoed by impatient Daevas everywhere): Are we there yet? Are we, huh, huh? Isn't it April 11th yet?!?

Whoa, deja vu there for a moment. But with the launch of Aion's next big expansion just around the corner, very few phrases can capture the feeling in their air quite like that old standby. Many players are anticipating the move to free-to-play along with the introduction of new content (even if information on the upcoming changes has been less than prolific).

To pass the time until the 11th, some Daevas are participating in the latest Aion event, the aptly named Fool's Day. More still are on the lookout for and latching on to every bit of information that comes out about the incoming patch. As for me, I'm a multi-tasker, so I am simultaneously checking out the event and utilizing my hooks to snag every bit of info I come across all while sharing said results with you!

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Fools and tools

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Fools and tools originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-ascensionBlackCloud-MarketplaceC-U-B-Ecash-shopcash-shop-itemsCUBECustomizable-User-Bundling-Experienceeventsf2pfantasyfeaturedFools-Dayfree-to-playin-game-eventnamed-mobsncsoftopiniontemporary-weaponwings-over-atreiaworld-bossesMon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Webzen pops the cork on its third anniversary celebration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Webzen
Good things come in threes, they say, and nobody knows this better than Webzen. In 2009, Webzen came on the scene as a free-to-play publisher and set up an online portal to serve as a nexus for all of its games. Since then, the company has released three MMOs through its service and recently crossed the three-year mark. With all those threes, it's time to celebrate!

To celebrate its third anniversary, Webzen is throwing events in Archlord, MU Online, and Soul of the Ultimate Nation. By participating in these in-game events, players can win an assortment of prizes ranging from an Xbox 360 to in-game currency and items. The third anniversary events will start tomorrow and run through April 18th.

Webzen's Head of Global Publishing, Jihun Lee, reflected on the company's achievements: "With the start of MU Online, Webzen.com has received much support from our users. As a result, in three years we have been able to become one of the leading global game portals. With the service experience of free-to-play online games, we are making all efforts to meet the users' needs and provide better services."

[Source: Webzen press release]

MassivelyWebzen pops the cork on its third anniversary celebration originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-anniversaryanniversaryArchlordeventsf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventJihun-LeeMU-OnlinepromotionSoul-of-the-Ultimate-Nationthird-anniversaryweb-portalwebzenwebzen.comxboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 beta questions: Answered!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/guild-wars-2-beta-questions-answered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/guild-wars-2-beta-questions-answered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/guild-wars-2-beta-questions-answered/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2: Party On, dude!
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

Last week we asked for your Guild Wars 2 questions as we prepared to head into the beta weekend, and boy did you rise to the occasion! After sorting through all the questions, we made a list of the most interesting and frequently repeated ones to investigate. Have a question you don't see answered here? Tonight I'll be doing a live question-and-answer session on Massively's own livestream! Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EDT and ask away!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 beta questions: Answered!

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 beta questions: Answered! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenaneteventsfantasyfeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-previewgw2iron-legionncsoftpreviewpreviewsq-and-aqaquestions-and-answersrespecMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE renames Fan Faire, sets official dates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/soe-renames-fan-faire-sets-official-dates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/soe-renames-fan-faire-sets-official-dates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/soe-renames-fan-faire-sets-official-dates/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As corporate re-brandings go, this one isn't as wince-inducingly awful as something like, say, the Syfy Channel. Still, Sony Online Entertainment's Fan Faire had a nice ring to it, but now we're obliged to refer to the company's annual fan convention as SOE Live.

Senior marketing VP Laura Naviaux says the change is due to SOE's MMO diversification. While the company is still known for its EverQuest and EverQuest II flagships, it's also put considerable time and effort into DC Universe Online and PlanetSide 2, neither of which conjures images of ye olde renaissance faire.

This year's SOE Live will happen at Bally's in Las Vegas from October 18th through the 21st. Naviaux says that SOE die-hards can relax, since the event will be the same Fan Faire they've been enjoying for years despite the name change. "Previous event attendees can rest assured that we are not removing any of our established activities in order to accommodate the new players; rather, they can expect even more to make this the ultimate SOE fan experience," she said.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelySOE renames Fan Faire, sets official dates originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consconvetionseventsfan-conventionsfan-fairefan-faire-2012laura-naviauxMiscellaneousreal-world-eventssoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-las-vegasSony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness presented at EVE Fanfest 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

World of Darkness title image
Ever since CCP Games merged with White Wolf, it has been developing the World of Darkness MMO. The game is nowhere near complete, and fans worried that last year's heavy layoffs at the Atlanta office had slowed the game's production. We haven't heard much about World of Darkness since then, but today at the EVE Online Fanfest, a few new details were revealed. Attendees were shown some early in-game footage of a city and given a mix of information we already knew and snippets of new information.

CCP wants to draw in the largely female World of Darkness fanbase. The game will have a focus on fashion, and CCP will control the theme of that fashion rather than letting players design their own clothes. The game will be based in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, with an initial focus on vampires before the introduction of the other factions. Vampires will use human blood as a currency; it will be the resource they'll compete over, making human cities the central locations they will inhabit. When mages and other character types are released, they will compete for different resources.

The game will have a single-shard world, with sandbox territorial warfare for control of cities mirroring EVE Online's nullsec warfare. Developers investigated using real cities for the game but found that "real cities were generally boring." Presenters told fans that the team will "be using stylised versions, but they will be named after real cities." Each city will be lorded over by a player prince, who will under rare circumstances be potentially subjected to permadeath. The world's original vampire clans will be available on release, and CCP confirmed that it won't be using vampire generations as a form of leveling system but instead will be doing something different with it.

MassivelyWorld of Darkness presented at EVE Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineeventeventsfanfestfanfest-2012fantasyfashiongothichorrorsandboxsci-fisupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessSat, 24 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Inferno expansion launches May 22nd, precursor patch April 24th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online aims to revamp PvP in its upcoming Inferno expansion. In addition to continuing the good work that started with Crucible, Inferno will revamp the wardec system, iterate on faction warfare, and introduce new ships and modules for players to smash to pieces. It sounds like the perfect PvP expansion, and today at the EVE Fanfest, CCP revealed some firm details of exactly what the wardec and faction warfare revamps will entail.

A new wardec interface will make wars easier to follow; loopholes like the wardec shield used by EVE University will be closed; and a new mercenary marketplace will be introduced. Faction warfare system ownership will be given more consequences, such as making it impossible for enemy militias to dock in the system. During the EVE Keynote speech today, CCP announced that Inferno will be hitting on May 22nd and that it will be CCP's first ever expansion preceded by a precursor patch. CCP intends to introduce new content with the patch that will prepare the way for the main expansion, but exactly what form that preparation will take has been kept a secret.

MassivelyEVE's Inferno expansion launches May 22nd, precursor patch April 24th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even Middle Earth is not free of crazy cat ladies.
Spring is beginning to... well, spring, and for denizens of Middle-earth, that generally means the Spring Festival is just around the corner. This year, however, there's been a small adjustment to the schedule. Since Lord of the Rings Online's fifth anniversary is coming up in April, the Spring Festival is being pushed back until after the anniversary celebrations have concluded.

While we don't have an official start date for the festival, Casual Stroll to Mordor points out that the game's anniversary is April 24th; those celebrations will likely take place the week of said anniversary. Therefore, we should probably expect the Spring Festival to kick off sometime in May. As CSTM also notes, this may help bridge the rather sizeable gap between the Spring, Summer, and Fall Festivals as well, so maybe a little schedule-shifting isn't so bad.

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online's Spring Festival rescheduled originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-anniversaryanniversaryeventsf2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrospringspring-festivalturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 22 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's 2012 Fanfest kicks off with free livestreams]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/eve-onlines-2012-fanfest-kicks-off-with-free-livestreams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/eve-onlines-2012-fanfest-kicks-off-with-free-livestreams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/eve-onlines-2012-fanfest-kicks-off-with-free-livestreams/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

It's that time of the year again, when thousands of EVE Online fans from across the globe fly to Iceland for the party at the top of the world. Every year, Fanfest is packed with high-profile reveals, sneak previews at what's to come, panels discussing hot topics, and round tables giving players the opportunity to discuss their ideas directly with developers.

For EVE players, Fanfest is more than just a party with some reveals thrown in; it's a place to meet players as enraptured with the game as they are, to share epic stories of battles won and lost, and to be a part of a truly global game community. Fanfest is three days of living in a world where the virtual universe of New Eden is real and the online exploits of its inhabitants are legend.

Last year, Massively attended the EVE Fanfest and brought you in-depth first-hand coverage of the event, but this year we take a back seat to the live reporting of EVE TV. Live streaming of the event has just begun and will continue for three full days. A full list of the talks, panels, speeches and events that will be streamed is available on the official EVE TV schedule. Each day's events will also be repeated during the night for those viewing from the US. Head over to our official Fanfest livestream page to watch the action!

MassivelyEVE Online's 2012 Fanfest kicks off with free livestreams originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineeve-tveventeventsevetvfanfestfpsinternet-spaceshipslivestreamLiveStreamingmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinestreamThu, 22 Mar 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Fanfest 2012 schedule unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online Fanfest 2012 banner
The days leading up to this year's EVE Online Fanfest are fading quickly, and this weekend, fans of internet spaceships from around the world will descend upon Reykjavik. In light of that, it's probably about time that attendees start planning their schedules, and CCP is here to help them do just that.

The full Fanfest 2012 schedule is now up and running, and boy-howdy is it ever packed. In addition to the usual smattering of roundtables and panels, the convention will play host to a number of tournaments, and of course, hands-on time with DUST 514. The full schedule is too cram-packed to even begin to summarize here, so just head on over to the official site and start filling your agendas.

MassivelyEVE Online Fanfest 2012 schedule unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineeve-online-fanfest-2012eventsinternet-spaceshipsirlreal-life-eventsreal-world-eventssandboxschedulesci-fiMon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's massive 13th anniversary and free-to-play celebration events revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest
In two days, EverQuest will not only be celebrating its 13th (!) anniversary and adding a sizable update to the game, but also will be making the jump to a free-to-play hybrid model. Since this is no small potatoes, SOE has planned a huge array of events to celebrate the occasion.

The fun begins on the Plane of Knowledge, where players can enjoy 13 special quests that harken back to the greatest hits of EverQuest's history. There's also a new raid and the return of 40 events from previous anniversaries to keep everyone busy.

The update has a new feature called the Hero's Journey, which is a guidebook that will lead players through a path in EverQuest. To make things even more user-friendly, EverQuest's map system will see a major overhaul that includes the ability to show you paths to your destination.

Finally, SOE has an absolutely gigantic F2P conversion FAQ that covers nearly every conceivable question about the transition, including payment options and previous status in the game. EverQuest will go F2P starting at 3:01 am EDT on Friday, March 16th.

MassivelyEverQuest's massive 13th anniversary and free-to-play celebration events revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13th-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-eventseqeq1eventseverquestf2pf2p-conversionf2p-launchf2p-transitionfantasyfree-to-playfree-to-play-launchheros-journeyin-game-eventsmapmap-upgradepatchraidsoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was your favorite GDC 2012 reveal?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Moscone Center, San Francisco
Another Game Developer's Conference has come and gone, and Massively was there to bring you the most complete MMO-related coverage to be found on the 'net. There was a little something for everyone, and whether your taste runs to AAA MMOFPS titles or smaller indie sandbox affairs, the annual trade show featured tons of MMO news and views.

In addition to the demos and interviews, Massively also sat in on a couple of developer panels, and we managed to take a breather each morning to collect our thoughts via some impromptu podcast sessions. We also enjoyed some hands-on time with Funcom's hush hush The Secret World title, but unfortunately we can't tell you about that until March 15th. Today's Daily Grind is all about last week's convention, and the traditional question goes something like this: Which bit of GDC news was your favorite?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was your favorite GDC 2012 reveal? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012opinionreal-life-eventstdgthe-daily-grindTue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III shows signs of release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-shows-signs-of-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-shows-signs-of-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-shows-signs-of-release/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Diablo III saw its clearest signs of release ever this week after a succinct tweet from Jay Wilson and the announcement that PvP is being cut from release in favour of getting the game out sooner. Firefall revealed its plans for attending events and trade shows this year and showed off its world-building tools and talent in an awesome new video devblog. Blacklight: Retribution continued its open beta with the release of a new map set in a laboratory during a virus outbreak. Developers also revealed the game's newest hero, Grendel the heavy weapons and explosives specialist.

It's been a slow week for news in the MOBA world, with developers pulling out all the stops for GDC 2012 and planning for upcoming events at PAX East 2012 and beyond. This week League of Legends announced that several of the game's classic skins will soon be retired and are available temporarily for a 75% discount. Riot Games detailed plans for its upcoming events at PAX East, and the IntelEM tournament finals went off without a hitch. The latest Dota 2 patch added a new passive bot difficulty mode that forces bots to stay in their lanes and introduced a series of balance tweaks.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III shows signs of release

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III shows signs of release originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgaibattlenetbetablacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbotscompetitive-gamingcontainmentd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportsesportesportseventeventsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrendelheavy-weaponsjay-wilsonleague-of-legendslolmapmatt-danielmatt-dewaldmmofpsmobamorgan-rominemultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpax-eastpax-east-2012perfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppwered-5-studiosriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgsign-of-releasevideoMon, 12 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever traveled specifically for a gaming event?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-traveled-specifically-for-a-gamin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-traveled-specifically-for-a-gamin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-traveled-specifically-for-a-gamin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online - Fanfest entrance
There are a lot of real-world gaming events going on this month. Whether we're talking about the Star Wars: The Old Republic guild summit in Austin, GDC in San Francisco, or the EVE Online fanfest in Reykjavik, opportunities to rack up frequent flyer miles abound.

While lots of gamers spend lots of money on subs, cash shop items, and upgrades to their gaming rigs, the aforementioned shindigs tend to attract only the hardest of the hardcore fans. What say you, Massively readers? Have you ever traveled specifically to attend a game-related event?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you ever traveled specifically for a gaming event? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consconventionsdaily-grindeventsfanfestfeaturedgaming-eventsopinionreal-world-eventstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously On MVTV: The week of February 25th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On logo
So you missed out on some of Massively's wonderful livestreams, huh? You had to go out and hang out with actual human beings and missed some of the most exciting live game playing you could have imagined? Shame. Shame on you. Don't worry, though; I've taken the time to collect some of the very best moments from the previous week's shows and combine them into one easy, one-stop-shop for your viewing pleasure.

Really, it's no trouble. Do be a dear and bookmark our MassivelyTV Guide for future reference!

So what do we have this week? Some pretty awesome stuff, actually. Richie jumps back into some Guild Wars, Mike takes an explosive swing at EVE Online once again and then hops into RIFT, Psykopig slowly finds himself falling in love with Wizard101 despite his attempts at resistance, Karen and the team from Allods Online embark on a tour of high-level content and Astral ships, I get invited to a real wedding inside Luvinia Online, and Tboo does her usual best by shooting people in the face in APB: Reloaded.

Continue reading Previously On MVTV: The week of February 25th

MassivelyPreviously On MVTV: The week of February 25th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allods-onlineanetapb-reloadedArena-Netbeau-hindmanccpeve-onlineeventsfeaturedgpotatoguild-warsLiveStreamlivestreamingluvinia-onlinemassively-streamteammassively-tvmassivelytvmv-tvmvtvoutsparkpreviously-on-mv-tvriftround-uproundupstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideovideosSun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: An event with a touch of plot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/storyboard-an-event-with-a-touch-of-plot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/storyboard-an-event-with-a-touch-of-plot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/storyboard-an-event-with-a-touch-of-plot/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Rikku-hair is the most compelling thing I've seen from Allods in a long while.
In tabletop games, the GM is sometimes referred to as the player who doesn't get to play. Running a plot-heavy event in an MMORPG is fairly similar -- you're still technically there in the form of a character, but the focus is on an adventure that you're presenting for your fellow players. That means a whole lot of extra work on your part because you suddenly lack the advantage of letting the game handle most of that pesky worldbuilding work.

You probably don't need to be told that this can all go bad. No, what you really want to know is how to avoid going bad. And while some of the stuff that I've posted in the past about running in-game events is still entirely applicable, there are also some unique issues that you're going to have to deal with when your event is meant to be tightly scripted. Plan it right, and the whole thing can go off without a hitch. Plan it wrong, and... well, do I need to do another column on drama already?

Continue reading Storyboard: An event with a touch of plot

MassivelyStoryboard: An event with a touch of plot originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnscultureevent-managementeventsfeaturedherding-catsmanagementopinionroleplayingroleplaying-eventsrprp-eventsstoryboardFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion launches RIFT's Carnival of the Ascended anniversary events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/trion-launches-rifts-carnival-of-the-ascended-anniversary-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/trion-launches-rifts-carnival-of-the-ascended-anniversary-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/trion-launches-rifts-carnival-of-the-ascended-anniversary-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT - Where is Viceroy Gunray?
It's hard to believe that RIFT is a year old, but it is, and Trion has taken the wraps off a substantial world event to celebrate. The Carnival of the Ascended kicked off yesterday, with festivities that include four weeks of bonus XP, various minigames and rare reward opportunities, and "hours of new solo, group, raid, PvP, crafting gameplay, and more event quests than ever before," according to Trion.

RIFT is a high fantasy MMORPG that features two opposing factions, dynamic quest content, and a customizable class system. More info on the one-year anniversary event, including images of many of the reward items, can be found at the official RIFT website.

MassivelyTrion launches RIFT's Carnival of the Ascended anniversary events originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-year-anniversaryanniversarybonus-xpcarnival-of-the-ascendedeventsfantasyin-game-eventsone-year-anniversaryrifttelaratriontrion-worldsxp-bonusThu, 01 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GDC 12 logo
Well it's almost time for game convention silly season. First up is the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco next week, followed by PAX East in April and E3 in June.

A gaggle of Massively scribes are heading west in a few days to bring you the best (and the most grammatically correct) coverage of all the happenings at GDC. From preview sessions with The Secret World, DUST 514, and PlanetSide 2, to interviews with dev luminaries and glimpses of all that's new and shiny in the world of MMOs, there looks to be a lot of industry news coming your way next week.

Today's Daily Grind is an easy one. Are you looking forward to GDC, and is there anything in particular that you hope to learn from this year's conference?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convention-coverageconventionsculturedaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-discussiongamer-discussiongdcgdc-2012mmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-industrymmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsreal-world-eventstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's own Eliot Lefebvre will tell your site how not to suck at PAX East]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/massivelys-own-eliot-lefebvre-will-tell-your-site-how-to-not-su/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/massivelys-own-eliot-lefebvre-will-tell-your-site-how-to-not-su/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/massivelys-own-eliot-lefebvre-will-tell-your-site-how-to-not-su/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PAX East logo
Are you planning on heading to Boston, Massachusetts for PAX East 2012? If you are, then boy have we got a treat for you. On Sunday, April 8th, our very own Eliot Lefebvre will be joining members of Guild Wars Insider, Darth Hater, ArenaNet, and Vox Games on a panel informatively titled How To Make Gaming Sites That Don't Suck. It is what it says on the tin, folks.

So if you've got a blog lying around and you're not sure what to do with it, let this panel of experts tell you how to turn it into the next big thing. Or at least let them tell you why Papyrus and Comic Sans are not legitimate font choices. Please? If nothing else, just show up, ask questions, and show our favorite cynical curmudgeon some love.

MassivelyMassively's own Eliot Lefebvre will tell your site how not to suck at PAX East originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elioteliot-is-famouseliot-lefebvreeventeventspanelpanelspaxpax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expopenny-arcade-expo-eastpenny-arcade-expo-east-2012real-world-eventreal-world-eventsFri, 24 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes announces Spring 2012 Player Summit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/city-of-heroes-announces-spring-2012-player-summit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/city-of-heroes-announces-spring-2012-player-summit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/city-of-heroes-announces-spring-2012-player-summit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's called a Pummit, people. Get with it.
City of Heroes players, have you ever wanted to meet with the Paragon Studios devs and spew your ideas at them? Of course you have. Well, your chance to do just that is on the horizon, as City of Heroes' second annual Player Summit (or Pummit, for short) will be taking place on April 28th of this year at Dinah's Garden Hotel in Palo Alto, California. Tickets are on sale now via Brown Paper Tickets for the discounted price of $40 US. Tickets will also be available at the door for the slightly higher price of $50 US. The price of admission includes access to the event (durr), a City of Heroes t-shirt, dinner, and "a promo code [that the studio will] announce at a later date."

The Pummit itself will be chock-full of events that are sure to pique any CoH player's interest, such as a variety of panels, workshops, and -- most importantly -- cocktail hour with the development team. Between the Design a Costume Set and Design a Power Set workshops, the story and endgame panel, and booze and karaoke with the team, players of all types are bound to find something that tickles their fancy. For the full details on City of Heroes' 2012 Pummit, just click on through the link below to the official announcement.

MassivelyCity of Heroes announces Spring 2012 Player Summit originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxeventsf2pfree-to-playfreedomncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplayer-summitplayer-summit-2012pummitpummit-2012real-world-eventsThu, 23 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA Europe closed beta weekend starts today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/tera-europe-closed-beta-weekend-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/tera-europe-closed-beta-weekend-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/tera-europe-closed-beta-weekend-starts-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - Poporri Mystic
We've talked a lot about the American version of TERA's closed beta, but today the European client has taken center stage as Frogster kicked off its first closed beta weekend at 9:00 a.m. EST (3:00 p.m. CET) today.

Testers will receive two character slots, and they'll have the opportunity to explore content up to and including level 22. Frogster is also enabling guild PvP and a new outlaw mission in the town of Velika. This weekend's test marks the start of five closed beta events leading up to TERA Europe's May 3rd release date.

[Source: Frogster press release]

MassivelyTERA Europe closed beta weekend starts today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreaclosed-betaeventsfantasyfrogsterguild-pvpin-game-eventsteratera-betatera-beta-weekendstera-closed-betatera-europeThu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate Valentine's Day with Perfect World Entertainment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/celebrate-valentines-day-with-perfect-world-entertainment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/celebrate-valentines-day-with-perfect-world-entertainment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/celebrate-valentines-day-with-perfect-world-entertainment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jade Dynasty - bride and groom
If you haven't made any MMO-centric plans for Valentine's Day, consider the offerings from free-to-play giant Perfect World Entertainment. The company is playing cupid in several of its online titles, and players can acquire "wedding fashions, romantic items, spectacular mounts, mystery boxes, and more."

Jade Dynasty features a wedding event and items for marriage-minded avatars, while Perfect World International GMs will be interacting with players and giving out a rare mount. Rusty Hearts is putting on an art contest, and the prize is Roselle Vegerius (the game's latest premium character).

Forsaken World players will receive a Valentine's Day card and random items, while War of the Immortals fans can collect chocolate and trade it for additional XP. Finally, Ether Saga Odyssey players can enter a screenshot contest to win XP and bonus items, as well as bid for rare pets and send custom broadcast messages.

[Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]

MassivelyCelebrate Valentine's Day with Perfect World Entertainment originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ether-saga-odysseyeventsforsaken-worldjade-dynastyperfect-world-entertainmentperfect-world-internationalpwepwirusty-heartsvalentine-eventsvalentines-dayvalentines-day-eventswar-of-the-immortalsFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces in-game Valentine's activities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - The Shard of Love
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and aside from mad dashes to the Hallmark store for cards and boxes of chocolate, the season is also typified by various MMO events. This year is no different, and Sony Online Entertainment is queuing up a couple of noteworthy shindigs in EverQuest II and Free Realms.

Norrathians will be celebrating Erollisi Day from February 7th through the 20th, and there are plenty of contests, quests, and love-soaked goings-on to keep everyone happy. Free Realms' Festival of Hearts lasts a bit longer (February 7th through March 8th to be exact), during which time players may partake of Valentine's Day-themed environments, quests, and reward items.

Finally, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures is re-introducing a few Valentine's Day items to its StationCash markeplace, and you'll find more info on each game's celebration events at their respective official sites.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelySOE announces in-game Valentine's activities originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clone-wars-adventureseq2eqiierollisi-dayeventseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfamilyfantasyfree-realmsfree-to-playin-game-eventskidsnorrathsci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresvalentines-dayMon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Last year, I had the opportunity to meander around Xsyon for Choose My Adventure. Then, the game was still at the end of its beta phase. Now, with some time under its belt since release, the game continues to grow. And January has seen quite the growth spurt.

I won't complain if the momentum that Xsyon has shown in the last month keeps up. Announcing multiple events and an architecture contest? Not to mention introducing new goodies? You go, game! Though it's small and indie, I am totally rooting for this title to succeed. Why? The main reason is that the game is reliant on player generated content: Instead of developers designing every aspect of the game, they built the world as a foundation and gave players the tools to go from there. This game is one of the few out there that offers many avenues for players to generate their own content and have a visible and lasting impact on the world around them.

And just how is post-apocalyptic Earth shaping up with the players at the helm? This week, Some Assembly Required explores the once-ravaged land to highlight some of that generated content, from events (both player-run and developer sponsored) to small- and large-scale construction.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-xsyonCMAcontestcontestseventsevents-in-gamefeaturedin-game-eventsnew-featuresnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treesplayer-generated-contentplayer-run-eventssandboxsandbox-experienceSARsome-assembly-requiredterraformingXsyonxsyon-earth-2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST