Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family First Impressions of World of Trinketz
I have to begin this week's column with a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Facebook, and I'm even less a fan of Facebook games. The only one I found enjoyable was Ian Bogost's Cow Clicker because it was a giant middle finger to the bottom-feeding practices so commonly found in Facebook Villes.

But when I got a Google alert in my inbox about the world's first family-friendly 3-D MMO for Facebook, I had to head back to the blue-and-white wasteland of Facebook and see it firsthand. Could it be that the era of isometric views and mindless clicking is finally over? Have we finally moved on from agriculturally themed games? I decided to check out World of Trinketz to seek some answers.

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoscow-clickerdark-matter-entertainmentfacebookfacebook-gamesfacebook-mmofamilyfamily-friendlyfarmvillefeaturedian-bogostkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymonetizationopinionworld-of-trinketzWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gloria Victis teases with more screenshots, talk of alpha two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/gloria-victis-teases-with-more-screenshots-talk-of-alpha-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/gloria-victis-teases-with-more-screenshots-talk-of-alpha-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/gloria-victis-teases-with-more-screenshots-talk-of-alpha-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Gloria Victis screenshot
Black Eye Games' brand-spanking-new MMO Gloria Vicitis is promising a lot; realistic weather effects, day and night cycles, and NPCs that don't just stand there are all on the game's agenda. Although an original attempt to crowdfund the game was unsuccessful, it looks as if the team isn't giving up as testing marches on. Only a small number of testers are currently in the pre-alpha test; test number two is apparently not far beyond the horizon. The developers are also opening up crowd-funding to increase server capacity for even more testers.

The studio is calling its game "paradigm breaking" and "realistic," which seem like pretty heavy words, but a new batch of pre-alpha screenshots does hint at its potential. What do you think?

Gallery: Gloria Victis pre-alpha screenshots

MassivelyGloria Victis teases with more screenshots, talk of alpha two originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetablack-eye-gamescrowdfundingfacebookgalleriesgallerygloria-victiskickstarterpre-alphascreenshotscreenshotstesttestingSun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Feedly
Google Reader might be on its way out, but old-school RSS is here to stay. If you haven't jumped to Feedly or some other RSS platform yet, July 1st is your doomsday. How is this relevant to your interests and why am I telling you this in Ask Massively? Well, many of you readers probably don't camp our front page, and if you're not into social media and the latest faceplustweet craze, RSS can help you keep up with the parts of Massively you want to read (and avoid the ones you don't).

Continue reading Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets

MassivelyAsk Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybooleanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelycategoriescommunityfacebookfaceplustweetsfeaturedfeedfeedsgoogle-plusgoogle-readerhumormassively-metamassively-rssmetaopinionrsssocial-mediasteamtagstwitchtwitterThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones Ascent ties updates to Season 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent ties updates in with Season 3
Watch out, Defiance: You're not the only transmedia synergy wiz-kid on the block! Game of Thrones Ascent announced that it's started to release weekly updates that will tie into the previous night's broadcasted TV episode.

As the first episode of Game of Thrones' third season premiered last night, the first episode of Ascent's new content went live today. It's titled Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris and adds "dozens" of new quests, multiplayer alliance challenges, a power leaderboard, and a siege workshop.

Developer Disruptor Beam released some stats for the title (which is still in beta!). The studio says that 43% of the players so far have pledged allegiance to the Starks, 25% to the Targaryens, and 15% to the Lannisters. More players choose to fight (35%) than any other action, and the Neck is the most popular destination in the game world (16%).

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones Ascent ties updates to Season 3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-song-of-ice-and-fireasoifbetabetasdefiancedisruptor-beamepisode-1facebookgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgotgot-ascenthbotie-intransmedia-synergyMon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: Dragon Eternity's move to mobile highlighted in video dev blog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/massively-exclusive-dragon-eternitys-move-to-mobile-highlighte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/massively-exclusive-dragon-eternitys-move-to-mobile-highlighte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/massively-exclusive-dragon-eternitys-move-to-mobile-highlighte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

massively exclusive Dragon Eternity's move to mobile highlighted in video dev blog
First released in Russia in April 2011, Dragon Eternity was later localized in English and grew to include players in other countries. Now, the browser-based fantasy game is expanding into another frontier -- mobile devices. In this exclusive video diary, developers announced that the game is being developed as a cross-platform experience; Dragon Eternity will release for the iPad this spring, then Android and Facebook versions will soon follow.

The video also discussed different aspects of the game, such as the newly implemented naval battles and the quests' tie-ins to minigames. Upcoming content in the works includes player battlegrounds and private castles where players can give others quests to each other. Check out all the details in the video after the cut.

[Source: Game Insight press release]

Continue reading Massively exclusive: Dragon Eternity's move to mobile highlighted in video dev blog

MassivelyMassively exclusive: Dragon Eternity's move to mobile highlighted in video dev blog originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidbrowser-basedbrowser-based-gamedev-diarydragon-eternitydragonsexclusiveFacebookfantasyfree-to-playGame-Insightipadmassively-exclusivemobile-gamingmobile-platformsvideo-dev-diaryvideo-developer-diaryWed, 13 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAL was a pretty keen little game, honestly. You can download it and play it offline.
According to GamesRadar's unnamed sources, BioWare San Francisco has reportedly been shut down as of today, resulting in the layoffs of 25-30 employees associated with the studio.

The studio formerly known as EA2D was responsible for the Dragon Age Legends Facebook game and the browser-based Mirror's Edge 2D. While it was focused on developing mobile and social games, Electronic Arts found that handling development in the area was too expensive and has shut down operations.

Our condolences to all those affected by this shutdown.

MassivelyRumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebusinessbusiness-newselectronic-artsfacebookgaming-industrymmo-industrymobile-gamesrumorrumorssocial-gamesstudiosMon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent screenshot
There are several things that Game of Thrones Ascent, a social game by Disruptor Beam, does right. At the top of that list is the way the game works as a vehicle for easily digestible content, content that comes from some of the densest reading material in modern fantasy. For the record, I still haven't read any of the books that the Game of Thrones television series is based on, but luckily I have a wife who will simply burst with excitement when she reads some new tidbit... unless she tells the nearest person (me).

It must be hard making a game based on such a popular piece of fiction. The fact is that I didn't expect the little-known developers to do much good. I thought players would be smashing through a game that served as nothing but a cheap commercial for the HBO series. I was very wrong.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandisruptor-beamf2pfacebookfeaturedfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascenthands-oninnogamesinterviewinterviewsjon-radoffkartugalivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinysocial-gamingstreamtwitchtwitch-tvunityvideoSun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent
If there's one problem with Facebook, it's that there isn't nearly enough backstabbing and politics. Game of Thrones Ascent aims to fix that appalling lack by bringing users into Westeros, where they can wage war alongside some of the most beloved and reviled characters from the popular book and TV series. Game of Thrones Ascent has just launched its Facebook open beta. All game content is currently open to players, and Disruptor Beam has plans for adding new and player-requested features as time goes on.

You'll have the opportunity to start and rule your own house, give your loyalty to one of the Great Houses from the series, stockpile resources, and jockey for position. There's room for cooperative and decidedly uncooperative maneuvers with other players. There's no word yet on whether or not House Targaryen players get a bonus for recruiting siblings.

Skip below the cut to check out the game's trailer.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

Continue reading Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent

MassivelySlaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-song-of-ice-and-fireasoifbetabetasdisruptor-beamfacebookgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgotgot-ascenthboopen-betatrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Family Lessons learned from parenting and gaming
If you look at the past two decades, it's really amazing how fast technology has improved. Not that long ago, dialup was common, 3.5" disks were all the rage (so much better than those archaic 8" floppies!), and people were excited to be able to take digital photos (that also used those flashy 3.5 disks with a camera that was as large as a truck). Kids are growing up in a completely different world than their parents did, and that means there's a tabula rasa feel to the rules on parenting and video games.

Parenting sites are great at general parenting advice, and gaming sites are great at gaming write-ups, but there aren't too many sites that juggle both. As a result, parents are left with advice that usually falls into one camp or another, and absolutes really don't work well in this challenging area. So this week in MMO Family, I'd like to toss out a few lessons about raising kids in a digital age.

Continue reading MMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming

MassivelyMMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosesrbesrb-ratingsfacebookfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-game-nightfamily-gaming-tipsfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymoderating-video-gamesopinionparent-advice-on-video-gamespirate-101twittervideo-games-and-kidsWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family Why Catfish is a term your kids should know
By now, everyone's probably heard the strange story of Manti Te'o, the football player who had an online relationship with someone who wasn't really that person. The question that people keep asking is whether or not he was in on the hoax, but I think that's irrelevant. The real question is why people are surprised to begin with.

Ironically, gamers probably have a leg up on the Catfish scenario, since there are plenty of examples of players misrepresenting themselves through their in-game avatars. And there's often a grey area when it comes to roleplaying and honesty. In this week's MMO Family, let's look at the lessons of gaming, identity, and social media and what children should learn about all three. (And I promise I won't mention Manti again in this column.)

Continue reading MMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know

MassivelyMMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-story-about-a-treecasualcatfishchildrenchildrens-mmosfacebookfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedinternet-boogeymaninternet-identitykid-friendlykidskids-gamesmanti-teommo-familyonline-relationshipsopinionraph-kosterrichard-bartletracy-spaighttwitterWed, 23 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Casual content' might account for only a small part of gaming industry's revenue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/casual-content-accounts-for-small-part-of-revenue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/casual-content-accounts-for-small-part-of-revenue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/casual-content-accounts-for-small-part-of-revenue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Casual gamers may account for only 10% of the market
Monetisation of online games has been a hot topic for the past few years, fueled by the rise of the free-to-play business model and the undeniable accessibility of mobile gaming. At the Digital Game Monetization Summit in San Francisco, developers shared insights into the source of their revenue and recent development trends in social gaming.

Rumble Entertainment CEO Greg Richardson argued that only 10% of the $50 billion spent on games last year was spent on "casual content" like social and mobile games. He believes that the tricks early Facebook and mobile games used to spread themselves virally may no longer work and that as a result, the future profit lies with people who self-identify as gamers.

Online gaming website Kongregate revealed a detailed breakdown of monetisation and performance stats from its games, noting that its top games get the majority of their revenue came from people who spend $500 or more. Commitment was noted as the key to having successful game, with 84% of revenue coming from dedicated fans who played a game 50 times or more.

[Thanks to Segun Adewumi for the tip!]

Massively'Casual content' might account for only a small part of gaming industry's revenue originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-gamescasual-gamingfacebookgames-industrygamesindustryGamesindustry.bizmobilemobile-gamingmonetisationmonetizationmonetizeSun, 16 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: How Facebook's recent changes affect MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/mmobility-facebooks-recent-changes-and-how-it-affects-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/mmobility-facebooks-recent-changes-and-how-it-affects-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/mmobility-facebooks-recent-changes-and-how-it-affects-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Facebook logo
As you might be aware, Facebook is officially changing its policy on how an embedded MMO interacts with the famous social network. I'm no fan of reading through lines of policy changes and attempting to interpret them exactly, namely because reading about changes and fully experiencing them are two different things. Both can lead to different conclusions, as well. I want to know how these changes affect MMO developers.

I would also like to clear up what Facebook is. I've covered it many times before, but there is always a section of players and readers who have no idea or have only heard what Facebook is and what it does. To many of them, Facebook is FarmVille and spam, period. While I will not deny the existence of either of those things, I'd rather take this week to break down what Facebook is to developers, how it actually works, and how recent changes might affect players like yours truly who enjoy playing games through, on, or by utilizing Facebook.

Continue reading MMObility: How Facebook's recent changes affect MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: How Facebook's recent changes affect MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfacebookfeaturedikariammmobilitymmortsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesmartphonesocial-gamingsocial-mmosocial-networkFri, 14 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: Social network games not in SOE's future, PlanetSide 2 doing 'very well']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Galaxy devil girl
How successful is PlanetSide 2? "I can't give away revenue numbers, but it is doing an order of magnitude greater revenue daily than any of our other titles," SOE president John Smedley tells GamesIndustry.biz. "It is really doing very well."

He also hints at SOE's future, which is not likely to include social games or Facebook titles. "I gotta tell you, I'm not a fan of the Facebook game. To me, they're monetization vehicles and not the kind of games I want to play or make. That's just me personally. So we'll stick to what we do best," he says.

MassivelySmedley: Social network games not in SOE's future, PlanetSide 2 doing 'very well' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-gamesfacebookfacebook-gamesfpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersmedleysocialsocial-gamessoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape offers exclusive item to celebrate Facebook milestone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/runescape-offers-exclusive-item-to-celebrate-facebook-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/runescape-offers-exclusive-item-to-celebrate-facebook-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/runescape-offers-exclusive-item-to-celebrate-facebook-milestone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape offers exclusive item to celebrate one million Facebook likes
The game with over two million registered users has now reached one million likes on Facebook. To celebrate hitting this milestone, RuneScape is giving all fans an exclusive in-game item -- the Book of Face. This cosmetic item is a mask emblazoned with the RuneScape logo and the symbols of Zamorak and Saradomin, the game's two most prominent gods. However, the item won't be available long, so players who want to claim theirs will need to log in and grab it quickly!

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyRuneScape offers exclusive item to celebrate Facebook milestone originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Book-of-Facebrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoexclusive-itemexclusive-rewardf2pFacebookfantasyfree-giftfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiomilestonesrsrunescapesandboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: A real-time Farmville MMO minus the Zynga]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/mmo-blender-a-real-time-farmville-mmo-minus-the-zynga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/mmo-blender-a-real-time-farmville-mmo-minus-the-zynga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/mmo-blender-a-real-time-farmville-mmo-minus-the-zynga/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

FarmVille screenshot
Let's talk about FarmVille for a minute. Yes, I mean the Zynga-produced FarmVille, the one that helped social gaming become what it is today. There are a lot of things that have been said about the game, like "it's not even a game" or "it preys on gamer's addictive natures" and all sorts of sufficiently evil-sounding things. Say what you want about the evil monster that is Zynga and make all the jokes that you can about FarmVille and other social titles, but I want to tackle it from a different view. Let's look at it as the sandbox game that it is and use that example to invent a brand-new MMO, although I'm sure ours would not meet with even a fraction of the success that FarmVille has.

FarmVille is arguably the most popular sandbox title in the world. We've defined "sandbox" a million times on this site, but it's easy to see just how open and flexible FarmVille is. Is it limited to the confines of its unique set of tools and designs? Of course, but so is every sandbox.

FarmVille has successfully introduced the wonders of sandbox gaming to people who might never give a similarly described game a chance.

Continue reading MMO Blender: A real-time Farmville MMO minus the Zynga

MassivelyMMO Blender: A real-time Farmville MMO minus the Zynga originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-game-designbeau-hindmanEnergyenergy-mechanicseverquestfacebookfarmingFarmVillefavorite-mmofeaturedgame-designgame-mechanicsmechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologyopinionsocial-gamingsocial-networkSOESony-Online-Entertainmentwurm-onlineZyngaFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Garriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector
Former Ultima Online guru Richard Garriott is joining forces with Zynga, the social gaming behemoth that has been hemorraging users and executives in recent months.

Garriott's Portalarium company will use the Zynga Platform to launch its Ultimate Collector game, which is currently undergoing a limited Facebook beta.

"Ultimate Collector is really three games in one," Garriott says via press release. "It's a collecting game where players go on a major hunt for collectibles ranging from toys, gadgets, historical weapons, novelties and famous art and display those collections in their homes. It's a shopping game where players can visit shops and stores in our game, some of them from national retailers, to purchase items and add to their collections. And it's a world building game that allows players to outfit a home, show off their collections to their friends, sell virtual items to other collectors and make in-game money to upgrade their house and grow it even larger."

MassivelyGarriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualevilfacebookgarriottoh-how-the-mighty-have-fallenportalariumrichard-garriottsocialultimaultimate-collectorzyngaFri, 07 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 posts online manual, talks economy and art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/guild-wars-2-posts-online-manual-talks-economy-and-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/guild-wars-2-posts-online-manual-talks-economy-and-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/guild-wars-2-posts-online-manual-talks-economy-and-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 talks economy and art
One of the unsung heroes of MMOs is the economist -- the guy or gal in charge of making sure that supply and demand doesn't get all wonky. Whether you think about in-game economy or not, its function impacts everyone. For ArenaNet, the man in charge of keeping Guild Wars 2's money ship float is John Smith, and he's created an interesting infographic showing the state of the economy from the beta process.

From the chart, Smith deduces many interesting trends that may or may not play out in the live game. The largest sources of income during the beta were rewards, followed by dynamic events and tasks, while the most frequently traded items were crafting materials. He notes that an abnormal percentage of players gravitated to jewelcrafting as a profession, although he speculates that this was because of the temporary nature of the beta. Smith even compares the rate of gems to gold to Facebook's recent IPO and finds a similar pattern therein.

Keeping up with the information reveals, ArenaNet has released the online manual for Guild Wars 2 that covers everything from "getting started" to "competitive play."

If the economy and manual don't interest you, perhaps art does. MSNBC interviewed Art Director Daniel Dociu about the look of Guild Wars 2, and you can watch it right here after the break.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 posts online manual, talks economy and art

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 posts online manual, talks economy and art originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-eventbeta-weekenddaniel-dociueconomyfacebookfantasyguideguild-wars-2gw2infographicinterviewjohn-smithmanualmike-obrienmsnbcncsoftonline-manualvideoThu, 23 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 stress test scheduled for tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/guild-wars-2-stress-test-scheduled-for-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/guild-wars-2-stress-test-scheduled-for-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/guild-wars-2-stress-test-scheduled-for-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 announces stress test for tomorrow
How's the wait coming for Guild Wars 2's launch? Are you suffering from the shakes or uncontrollable outbursts of grief and withdrawal? ArenaNet's got the stuff you want, and it's willing to give you a taste of the beta during a four-hour stress test tomorrow. Anything more than that is going to cost you.

This brief stress test will take place on August 2nd from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. It's uncertain whether players will be able to play characters from previous beta events or there will be a wipe.

According to the Facebook announcement, this test will be used for active fine-tuning: "Unlike previous stress tests, we will be actively working on the game during the event, so you might experience connectivity problems or discover features that are not working as designed. Any issues you experience are a result of the rigorous conditions of the stress test, and are in no way representative of the state of the game at launch."

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 stress test scheduled for tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-testfacebookfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftstress-testWed, 01 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott's Portalarium raises $7 million in funding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In space, this game totally looks awesome.
Richard Garriott designed Ultima Online and Tabula Rasa, and he has also been to outer space. This has apparently convinced several investors that funding his new company Portalarium is a sound decision, as it was recently announced that Portalarium has secured roughly $7 million in investment capital.

The money is being pushed into the final stages of development on the company's first title, Ultimate Collector, which is slated for release later this summer on Facebook, mobile, and browser-based platforms. Some of the funds are also earmarked for development on the company's second game, alternately known as both Ultimate RPG and New Britannia, which does not yet have a release window.

The chief investment firm was London-based m8 Capital, but several other sources also contribued to the groundswell of support, including Richard Garriott himself. Last month, the company announced that it will be working through the Zynga Platform Partners program to publish Ultimate Collector.

MassivelyRichard Garriott's Portalarium raises $7 million in funding originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-gamesbusinessfacebookfundinggaming-industryindustry-figuresindustry-newsinvestmentmmo-industrymobileportalariumrichard-garriottsocial-gamingultimate-collectorzyngaTue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArcheAge seeks info on Western demographics with survey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/archeage-seeks-info-on-western-demographics-with-survey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/archeage-seeks-info-on-western-demographics-with-survey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/archeage-seeks-info-on-western-demographics-with-survey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ArcheAge screenshot
For sandbox fans in the Western part of the globe, watching the development of ArcheAge is a bittersweet experience: sweet that a game with so many coveted features is being developed, but bitter that the game is only launching in the East for now. But XL Games has indicated that a Western launch is not so much an "if" as a "when." With that in mind, the fan site ArcheAge Source is seeking fan opinion and information on North American and European demographics through an unofficial survey posted on Facebook. (No Facebook account is needed to take the survey.)

The information garnered from responses may be used to shape decisions concerning ArcheAge in the NA and EU markets, but it is mostly for the fan site "to have some statistics to show at Gamescom 2012 and whenever else we have need for them."

[Thanks to Halldorr for the tip!]

MassivelyArcheAge seeks info on Western demographics with survey originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagedemographicsFacebookfantasyfbnewspvpsandboxsandparksurveyxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World community guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-secret-world-community-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-secret-world-community-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-secret-world-community-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Secret World community guide
Today marks the beginning of the end of the world -- you know, if you believed in that conspiracy theory stuff. And if you so happened to buy into all that, then you probably are pinning your hopes on a few stalwart souls to wedge themselves between you and the forces of the apocalypse.

Those brave people are beginning to wage war in The Secret World as of today (if they have early access and a copy of the necronomicon, of course). As per tradition here at Massively, we want to give everyone a fighting chance by putting as much information at your fingertips as possible. So presented for your approval is our community guide to TSW.

Because information is power -- now more than ever.

Continue reading The Secret World community guide

MassivelyThe Secret World community guide originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-guidefacebookfactionfan-sitesfansitefansitesfantasyfuncomguideguideshorrorknowledge-basemythologypodcastpodcastssci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsocial-mediathe-secret-worldtswtwitterwikiFri, 29 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook backing away from Facebook Credits and adding subscription billing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/facebook-backing-away-from-facebook-credits-and-adding-subscript/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/facebook-backing-away-from-facebook-credits-and-adding-subscript/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/facebook-backing-away-from-facebook-credits-and-adding-subscript/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I really hope someone starts complaining that these new games are all sub-to-win.
Facebook may not be your first choice for gaming, but it's impossible to ignore the influence that its games have had on pricing and the social landscape. Starting next month, the development team behind the site is empowering companies to give players a very novel way of paying for items: a recurring subscription for a fixed amount each month, which one might call a "subscription fee."

Yes, that's right: Facebook is opening up the option for subscriptions to its games in the hopes of drawing in more money. Subscriptions are already being tested in several games, such as KIXEYE's Backyard Monsters. This coincides with the development team's shift away from Facebook Credits as a universal microtransaction currency for all of the many games floating around, mostly since developers preferred to use in-brand virtual currencies instead.

None of this is particularly new to MMO veterans. It's still rather interesting after years of business model changes to see subscriptions being touted as the future of payments.

[Thanks to Space Cobra for the tip!]

MassivelyFacebook backing away from Facebook Credits and adding subscription billing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsculturef2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playhumormicrotransactionsnewssocial-gamingsubscriptionsTue, 19 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet presents: A day in the life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/arenanet-presents-a-day-in-the-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/arenanet-presents-a-day-in-the-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/arenanet-presents-a-day-in-the-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Don't you think you'd have heard by now if the game were actually shipping in a week?
Deep in the clutches of Guild Wars 2 withdrawal? Counting down the unknown number of days 'til you can play again? Here, maybe staring at pictures with Guild Wars 2 running on other people's computers will help. I mean, I guess there are also ArenaNet employees in there and some nice scenery shots of the office and surrounding area. But don't worry -- I know what you're really looking at: It's all about that flowing lava and those character designs.

ArenaNet's new Facebook photo album highlights some members of the ArenaNet team, including our own dear Rubi and the rest of the Community team, as well their working environment and creative decorations. Be sure to take a spin through it in an attempt to find still more release date conspiracy fuel.

MassivelyArenaNet presents: A day in the life originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfacebookfantasyget-back-to-workguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftphoto-albumphotosrubi-bayerMon, 18 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Radiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/radiated-wasteland-mutates-into-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/radiated-wasteland-mutates-into-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/radiated-wasteland-mutates-into-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Radiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO
The post-apocalyptic MMO genre is about to be one title richer, as Pixel Pandemic announced the creation of Radiated Wasteland. Radiated Wasteland will be a browser-based free-to-play title that is also being developed for Facebook.

According to the game's backstory, the world has gone up in a cloud of nuclear smoke, and the only survivors have to fight mutants while struggling to survive through any means necessary. Movements, action, and combat will take place in a turn-based system, and players will be able to customize their characters with gear, skills, and perks.

Pixel Pandemic describes Radiated Wasteland's world as "an ever-evolving organic virtual world consisting of thousands of tiles." The studio says that the game will offer co-op play in such a way that Facebook has yet to attain.

[Source: Pixel Pandemic press release]

MassivelyRadiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypsebrowserbrowser-basedf2pfacebookfacebook-gamefree-to-playmutantmutantspixel-pandemicpost-apocalypticradiated-wastelandscifiturn-basedThu, 14 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rusty Hearts unleashes the Month of the Dragon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/rusty-hearts-unleashes-the-month-of-the-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/rusty-hearts-unleashes-the-month-of-the-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/rusty-hearts-unleashes-the-month-of-the-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Rusty Hearts
It's the Month of the Dragon in Perfect World Entertainment's free-to-play beat-'em-up, Rusty Hearts. Throughout the month, players will have the opportunity to snag the rare three-piece Dragon Armor costume set and a unique Mini-Bone Dragon pet.

The first piece of Dragon Armor up for grabs is a dashing pair of boots styled after the claws of a dragon. So what are the folks at PWE asking for this new finery? They want players to head over to the official Rusty Hearts Facebook page and share it with their friends. After the page has reached the goal share-count, "the items will be inserted and [players] will be able to wear the most bone-chilling costume pieces ever seen in Bramunez." If the Facebook page manages to reach 100,000 Likes during the Month of the Dragon, PWE will also be rewarding 1,000 lucky players with the Mini-Bone Dragon pet. So get to it, social-media people, and earn yourself some new threads.

MassivelyRusty Hearts unleashes the Month of the Dragon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanimedragon-armorf2pfacebookfantasyfree-to-playgiveawaygiveawaysmini-bone-dragonmini-petmonth-of-the-dragonperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetPeteDohertypromotionpromotionspwerusty-heartsMon, 04 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling posts more images of Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/curt-schilling-posts-more-images-of-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/curt-schilling-posts-more-images-of-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/curt-schilling-posts-more-images-of-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Project Copernicus
Despite the state of Rhode Island's best efforts, Curt Schilling is not done with Project Copernicus. Sure, 38 Studios may be gone, but the legacy lives on, this time through a handful of brand-new screenshots posted on Curt Schilling's own Facebook page this morning.

These six shots show the ready-for-primetime artwork that is a big part of why we're even more disappointed in the way things played out. As Schilling describes this set, these are "images from the most magical, breathtaking and awe inspiring world ever created [...] images [he] was 'allowed' to peek at along the way, when the team wanted [them] all to see the magical world [they] were building."

MassivelyCurt Schilling posts more images of Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosartworkcopernicuscurt-schillingfacebookproject-copernicusreckoningscreenshotsTue, 29 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Can there be too much community interaction in public?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-daily-grind-can-there-be-too-much-community-interaction-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-daily-grind-can-there-be-too-much-community-interaction-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-daily-grind-can-there-be-too-much-community-interaction-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When it's ready!
There are varying schools of thought on interacting with your community in public, but the two main ones consist of either answering every question or giving the silent treatment. Blizzard was notorious at one time for not responding to any community feedback in public, presumably to keep the trolls at bay, but that studio's opened up considerably in the last few years.

On the other end of that spectrum is ArenaNet, whose reps answer just about every single question they get on Twitter. This makes for an open line of communication with fans but seems to be ineffective when the same questions are being asked and answered multiple times a day.

So where do you stand on the issue? Do you think a simple FAQ on the website should be referenced and a support team should answer questions privately, or do you think something like Twitter, Facebook, or even a Reddit Ask Me Anything is the best place to answer questions and address concerns from the community?

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: Can there be too much community interaction in public? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-me-anythingcommunitydaily-grindfacebookinteractionopinionpublicreddittdgthe-daily-grindtwitterFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones Facebook title in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Joffrey golf-clapping
HBO's Game of Thrones is getting the online gaming treatment for the second time in the space of a calendar year. First it was Bigpoint's free-to-play browser MMO, and now it's a Facebook game called Game of Thrones Ascent, which is being developed by Disruptor Beam, a social gaming company headed by former GamerDNA CEO Jon Radoff.

The company says that players will "lead the life of a noble during the time of upheaval as portrayed in the books and the series thus experiencing a new type of game that unites both story and strategy."

Precious little info is given on the title, including a release date, but we'll bring you the latest as it becomes available.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones Facebook title in the works originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disruptor-beamf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgreat-ideajon-radoffsocialsocial-gamesMon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

38 Studios' Curt Schilling
It is not every day that a U.S. governor is the one to announce the launch window for an MMO, so savor the weirdness while you can: Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee announced at a press conference that 38 Studios will be releasing code-name Project Copernicus next summer. "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13," Chafee said. He also stated that he thought the financial deal was a "risky enterprise" from the start.

38 Studios Founder and Chairman Curt Schilling said on Facebook that rumors of his using the state funds to repay his personal investment in the company was "not true." In a separate post, Schilling attempted to set an optimistic tone: "We will find a way, and the strength, to endure."

We have been following the financial turmoil that 38 Studios is in following its default on paying back Rhode Island for its $75 million loan. The studio and state are looking for options, but in the meanwhile, 38 Studios has been struggling to make payments by holding back employee paychecks and seeking additional capital from private investors.

Massively38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfacebookfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglaunchlaunch-windowlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industrypress-conferenceproject-copernicusreleaserelease-windowrepaymentrhode-islandrumorrumorsFri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 nets 500K Facebook likes, releases Destiny's Edge art to celebrate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/guild-wars-2-nets-500k-facebook-likes-releases-destinys-edge-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/guild-wars-2-nets-500k-facebook-likes-releases-destinys-edge-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/guild-wars-2-nets-500k-facebook-likes-releases-destinys-edge-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet continues to roll out the rewards for being well-liked this week. Guild Wars 2 crossed the half-million Facebook like barrier, and as a result, the studio released a new epic piece of art for its fans.

The picture is of Destiny's Edge, the adventuring group that features so prominently in Guild Wars 2, facing a rather fearsome foe: The Shatterer. According to the Facebook page, this is actually an in-game screenshot that's been "embellished" by ArenaNet artist Daniel Dociu. As with the other pictures that it has released, ArenaNet has made this image available as a high-resolution version as well.

This art release comes at an auspicious time, as Guild Wars 2 is diving into a seven-hour beta stress test starting today at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 nets 500K Facebook likes, releases Destiny's Edge art to celebrate originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetartbetaconcept-artDaniel-Dociudestinys-edgefacebookfantasyguild-wars-2gw2likesncsoftscreenshotstress-testMon, 14 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World reaches one million beta signups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-secret-world-reaches-one-million-beta-signups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-secret-world-reaches-one-million-beta-signups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-secret-world-reaches-one-million-beta-signups/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Secret World
It's hard to fathom how you can have "secret" societies when over a million new people know about them, but somehow we don't think Funcom's sweating the security breach. In fact, the studio seems quite proud of the fact that a million players have signed up to test The Secret World. The Facebook tie-in is also getting record views, with almost two million visits over the past few weeks.

Senior Vice President Morten Larssen sees this as a shining omen for a dark world: "Shattering our previous beta records gives us great hope for The Secret World's launch and its future. Combining this positive number with the excellent feedback we have received from both beta testers and the press that have played the game, make us very optimistic for a successful launch of The Secret World."

Anyone who's pre-ordered The Secret World can get in on tomorrow's beta weekend, the first of several that Funcom's planning in the lead up to release. This beta weekend will be focused on the Templar starting experience and the area of Solomon Island.

MassivelyThe Secret World reaches one million beta signups originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-signupsbeta-weekendfacebookfactionfantasyfuncomhorrorMorten-Larssenmythologyone-millionpre-orderpublic-betasci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsolomon-islandtemplarthe-secret-worldtswThu, 10 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret War draws over 200,000 players to its Facebook battle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-secret-war-draws-over-200-000-players-to-its-facebook-battle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-secret-war-draws-over-200-000-players-to-its-facebook-battle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-secret-war-draws-over-200-000-players-to-its-facebook-battle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Secret World
Funcom's Facebook prologue to The Secret World is a sizable success, even if it had a rocky beginning. The studio reports that over 200,000 players have taken the side of one of the game's three factions and are supporting their side through this "unique browser-based social experience."

Over the course of two weeks, participants have unleashed 50 million agents as part of the event, visited the site 1,200,000 times, and spent an average of 20 minutes each visit participating in the game. Since launching The Secret War, Funcom's added goals for the factions to work toward each week. The current prize is a Heart of Africa health talisman.

Two-hundred thousand participants is a solid win for Senior Vice President Morten Larssen, who sees this as an excellent way to prepare players for the factional struggle of the MMO: "This conflict has always been a key driver for activity in our own community, and we are excited to see that more and more people are coming in to join the conflict from outside the community as well."

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyThe Secret War draws over 200,000 players to its Facebook battle originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentsfacebookfactionfactionsfantasyfuncomheart-of-africahorrorMorten-Larssenmythologysci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-warthe-secret-worldtswThu, 03 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

CastleVille screenshot
I am a huge fan of social media. Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus -- it all makes sense to me and has shown to be a very useful tool in not only communicating with friends but finding new games, developers, and websites. My Twitter feed provides enough news and information that I can skip any standard media. I haven't watched a local newscast for a long, long time. On top of that, I can communicate with readers in real time, sharing photos and tidbits of cool.

Has social media affected MMO gaming? It definitely has. Watch any smart developer's Twitter feed and you will see the community team interacting directly with players, answering questions, hosting contests, and helping players feel as though the developers are actual people. Social media has also changed how we connect to our games, MMO or not.

All of this means that everything is social now. Going to the dentist? Share it with your friends. Defeated a boss monster on your Xbox? Tweet it. Just picked up that epic sword in Dark Age of Camelot? Post it to your Facebook. Heck, many MMOs now have a Twitter or Facebook option built right into the client. All of this instant connectivity is nice, but it's possible that the "massively" part of MMO will soon apply to any game. What will this do to the genre?

Continue reading Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it

MassivelyFree for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancityvilledark-age-of-camelotf2pfacebookfarmvillefeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgoogle-plushero-academylord-of-the-rings-onlineopinionsocialsocial-gamingsocial-networkingtwittervelvet-ropeZyngaWed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 gets all social before the beta weekend [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Or you could just hang out by the punch bowl and not talk to anyone. That's also an option.
There's no shortage of players waiting eagerly to jump into Guild Wars 2 beta testing this weekend, but that's still several days away. It's very possible that you really need a steady shot of Tyria a little earlier than that. Fortunately for you, there are options open as the community team pushes interaction in a big way. The game's Facebook page is the center of a rather art-centric promotion: As the page nears half a million Likes, the team is releasing a new piece of art for every 10,000 new fans.

Not your cup of tea? That's all right, as the team has also set up a Pinterest page to show off the best game-related fan projects. There are also boards set up on the same page where you can show off screenshots of each race, whether you're opting for the diminutive Asura or the towering Norn. It's a good chance for everyone to get involved in the Guild Wars 2 community before the weekend gets underway, even if it won't make the test start any faster.

[Updated with clarification regarding the picture forums.]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 gets all social before the beta weekend [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-testingbeta-weekendfacebookfantasyforumforumsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftnewsofficial-forumspinterestsocialsocial-mediatwitterMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eternal Blade posts a teaser site and class Facebook pages]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/eternal-blade-posts-a-teaser-site-and-class-facebook-pages/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/eternal-blade-posts-a-teaser-site-and-class-facebook-pages/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/eternal-blade-posts-a-teaser-site-and-class-facebook-pages/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Because there just are not enough games that allow you to play as a lightly armored dagger-wielding character.
Eternal Blade, if you hadn't heard, is a free-to-play action MMO due out later this year from gPotato. We had a chance to preview the game briefly at GDC, and the team behind the game has stepped up promotions with the addition of a new teaser site for the game. The developers have also finalized the class lineup, but the classes aren't getting pages on the teaser site; instead, each class now has its own individual Facebook page.

The Soul Summoner, the Knight, the Archer, the Mage, the Thief, and the Berserker pages each have some photos of the relevant class in action as well as a description of why it's the best out of the six classes. If that doesn't get you interested in the game, the teaser site also features a video showing off cinematics and gameplay. More news on beta testing and launch as it develops.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Continue reading Eternal Blade posts a teaser site and class Facebook pages

MassivelyEternal Blade posts a teaser site and class Facebook pages originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-mmobetabeta-testingclass-previewseternal-bladef2pfacebookfree-to-playgala-labsgala-netgpotatopreviewsupcoming-gamesvideovideosFri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 releases underwater concept art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/guild-wars-2-releases-underwater-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/guild-wars-2-releases-underwater-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/guild-wars-2-releases-underwater-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars 2
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, or in this case, 460,000 likes on Facebook. Reacting to the growing popularity of Guild Wars 2 in its social media, ArenaNet has released a brand-new piece of gorgeous concept art for you to gawk at.

The piece shows Norn Eir Stegalkin finding something hidden deep underwater. Eir is one of the five key heroes of Destiny's Edge, the retired adventuring group that plays a huge part in the game. As Guild Wars 2 will have a significant underwater portion, this art is a good reminder that not all of the game's exploration and landmarks will take place out in the open air.

The concept art is by ArenaNet's Jamie Ro and can be viewed in high resolution on Flickr.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 releases underwater concept art originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetaclosed-betaconcept-artEir-Stegalkinfacebookfantasyguild-warsguild-wars-2gw2Jamie-Rolikesncsoftnornunderwaterunderwater-artunderwater-combatunderwater-concept-artThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom giving away in-game prizes, studio trips via The Secret World Facebook tie-in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/funcom-giving-away-in-game-prizes-studio-trips-via-the-secret-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/funcom-giving-away-in-game-prizes-studio-trips-via-the-secret-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/funcom-giving-away-in-game-prizes-studio-trips-via-the-secret-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Secret World - all your personal info are belong to us
There's something decidedly ironic about a conspiracy-laden game rife with (fictional) secrets and sensitive information taking to Facebook to advertise itself. Funcom's new The Secret World MMO is doing just that, though, thanks to a tie-in game called The Secret War that kicked off last night.

Docholidaymmo.com reports that the new Facebook game grants in-game prizes for The Secret World (in the form of cosmetic gear, potions, and starter weapons). Funcom is also giving away eight trips to its Montreal development studio as well as a chance to get your name embedded in The Secret World's retail client. Still not enough for you? How about chances to win access to the title's upcoming beta weekends?

You'll need to head to the official Secret War site and link your Facebook account (or your fake Facebook account, according to the report). After you've done so, each of your Facebook friends who is playing the game will go into your pool of agents and may be assigned toward the ultimate goal of world domination.

The Secret World is now available for pre-order and launches June 19th.

MassivelyFuncom giving away in-game prizes, studio trips via The Secret World Facebook tie-in originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfactionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-warthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-facebooktswWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 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[Entropia Universe brings recruiting app to Facebook]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/entropia-universe-brings-recruiting-app-to-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/entropia-universe-brings-recruiting-app-to-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/entropia-universe-brings-recruiting-app-to-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Entropia Universe - fantasy village
Entropia Universe has always skirted the line between game and advertising scheme, and the latest evidence of this is a new social media program developed by MindArk and Socialtype that aims to reward existing players for recruiting new ones.

MMO recruitment drives are nothing new, but the kicker here is that the potential recruits can experience a slice of Entropia via their Facebook accounts. MindArk is using a software app called Bamboo to connect the MMO and Facebook portions of Entropia. Bamboo "turns your players into a highly-motivated marketing army," according to the app's website. "Bamboo users become ambassadors. They earn points for promoting your game through their social network. Every action is incentivized."

MindArk says that the Entropia atmosphere has been ported to the Facebook app via its UI, graphics, and lore. New users can also add to said lore via their own unique plots.

[Source: MindArk press release]

MassivelyEntropia Universe brings recruiting app to Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbambooentropiaentropia-facebookentropia-universef2pfacebookfree-to-playmindarkmmo-social-mediasocial-mediasocial-media-integrationsocialtypeWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Diablo III launch site collapses under the weight of fans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Diablo III title image
With just over a month left until Diablo III is released, Blizzard launched its new Darkness Falls, Heroes Rise minisite to get people excited. Fans can enter an art contest with some big prizes or create a banner to unlock an exclusive in-game banner sigil that will never be given away outside this event. The site is one big social media campaign, with exclusive content that unlocks when players share enough contest entries on Facebook and Twitter. Fansite DiabloFans revealed that the unlocks will include developer diaries, wallpapers and more. Once the share meter reaches 100%, a final epic unveiling will occur that Blizzard's Bashiok says "is going to melt people's brain meats."

When the site first launched, fans reported everything from PHP errors to lost connections and 404 pages. The site has since been stabilised but doesn't appear to be working as intended. The galleries are no longer updating, confirmation emails are not being sent for entries, and the unlock level hasn't budged from 0%. As we'll need just under 3% per day to meet the 100% goal, players are concerned that if the meter isn't broken, then expectations may have been set too high.

MassivelyNew Diablo III launch site collapses under the weight of fans originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiablofansdiablofans.comfacebookfantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerrpgsharesocial-mediasocial-networkingtwitterSun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST