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[Firefall open beta starts July 9th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/firefall-open-beta-starts-july-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/firefall-open-beta-starts-july-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/firefall-open-beta-starts-july-9th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall battleframes concept art
If you're in the market for a new sci-fi shooter this summer, mark July 9th on your calendar. That's the date that Red 5 has set aside for Firefall's open beta.

IGN reports that the game will also see "major milestones" in the months of May and July. These include a new UI, crafting and progression tweaks, city power levels, Chosen instances, and Melding exploration.

Firefall is an open-world MMO shooter with skill-based combat and a free-to-play business model.

MassivelyFirefall open beta starts July 9th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfirefallfirefall-betafirefall-open-betafpsfree-to-playmmo-shooteropen-betapvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterwarThu, 18 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall debuts its Chosen War trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/firefall-debuts-its-chosen-war-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/firefall-debuts-its-chosen-war-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/firefall-debuts-its-chosen-war-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall
Firefall may still be in testing, but that doesn't mean it can't get groovy updates. The game's latest patch promises progression improvements, new world and instanced content, and a shiny trailer.

Patch 0.6 brings with it a truly stunning list of patch notes, which you can read in full on the official community forums. This is the largest patch yet for Firefall, and it advances the game's storyline as well as its mechanics.

Skip below the cut to check out the Chosen War trailer, which introduces the story changes that are coming in with the Chosen invasion of New Eden.

[Source: Red 5 Studios press release]

Continue reading Firefall debuts its Chosen War trailer

MassivelyFirefall debuts its Chosen War trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chosen-warf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shootertrailertrailersvideovideoswarMon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: Red 5 on Firefall's new gaming TV channel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-red-5-on-firefalls-new-gaming-tv-channel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-red-5-on-firefalls-new-gaming-tv-channel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-red-5-on-firefalls-new-gaming-tv-channel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX East 2013 Red 5 talks Firefall, and reveals a new gaming TV channel
Red 5 Studios' MMOFPS Firefall is probably familiar to the Massively family, but it presentation Friday at PAX East was a chance to get a look behind the curtain at how far it's come and how far it has to go during testing.

CEO Mark Kern and Lead Game Designer Scott Youngblood presented a little history of the game's development so far, with a look to the future. But if that's not enough to get you to gear up and plant a Thumper, maybe their announcement about a brand-new video channel devoted to everything and anything involving gaming will catch your interest.

Gallery: PAX East Firefall

Continue reading PAX East 2013: Red 5 on Firefall's new gaming TV channel

MassivelyPAX East 2013: Red 5 on Firefall's new gaming TV channel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testbeta-testingconconferenceconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpof2pfeaturedfirefallfpsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygame-changersinterviewinterviewsmark-kernmassively-event-coveragemmo-shooterorson-scott-cardpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewsproject-cosplaypvpred-5red-5-studiosrise-of-the-indiessci-fiscott-youngbloodscreenshotscreenshotsshooterstage-5tbtestingthird-person-shooterthumperwarSat, 23 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Views from a beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Views from a beta
It's hard not to turn into a total tourist when you're checking out a new beta. Out comes the fanny pack, the giddy delight of a new world, and most importantly, the camera.

Reader Michelle kicks off this week's One Shots column with a screenshot of the first Neverwinter beta weekend. It's a shot of her character Nora overlooking the edge of aptly named Neverdeath Graveyard. We're guessing that the caretaker down there has his hands full.

Would you go into such a place if you saw it in real life? I guess that's why we have our avatars to be bold where we would flee! Let's take a look at a few other places where angels fear to tread.

Continue reading One Shots: Views from a beta

MassivelyOne Shots: Views from a beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanarchy-onlineaobring-back-one-shotsclassic-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfirefallfpsfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgallerymmo-shooterneverwinterone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpvppwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterthird-person-shooteruser-submissionswarwishSun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall revamps progression system... again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/firefall-revamps-progression-system-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/firefall-revamps-progression-system-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/firefall-revamps-progression-system-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Firefall
Red 5 Studios has not been shy about making sweeping changes to its in-beta massively multiplayer shooter Firefall. Entire game systems have been retooled, revamped, and sometimes removed entirely as part of the developers' efforts to improve the game. The latest Firefall devblog has revealed that the game's progression system is back on the operating table for the second time, and it's going to get some more nips and tucks in the March 22nd milestone patch.

Senior Game Designer Cameron Winston states that when the studio first overhauled the game's progression system (replacing the game's more traditional leveling system with battleframe-specific tech trees), the result was certainly for the best, but the change "came with some problems of its own," such as being "hard to understand... [with] arbitrary limitations that prevented players from exploring how they could customize their frames."

To fix these issues, the studio will ensure that players will now have "far more flat access to the frames," meaning that there will still be different battleframe classes such as Assault and Recon, "but each battleframe will now have its own unique progression tree," which the developers hope will give more flexibility and customization options to players. Of course, the specifics of an entire system overhaul can't be adequately described in 300 words or less, so if you want all the fine details, head on over to Firefall's official site.

MassivelyFirefall revamps progression system... again originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testcameron-winstondevblogdevblogsf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterprogressionprogression-systempvpred-5red-5-studiosrevampsci-fishooterthird-person-shooterwarSat, 16 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugs, minerals, and jet boots: Hands-on with Firefall's PvE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/bugs-minerals-and-jet-boots-hands-on-with-firefalls-pve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/bugs-minerals-and-jet-boots-hands-on-with-firefalls-pve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/bugs-minerals-and-jet-boots-hands-on-with-firefalls-pve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall Copacabana
As any fan of my streams can tell you, I am not awesome at video games. So when Massively asked me to take a look at Firefall, a twitch-heavy, free-to-play shooter developed by Red 5 Studios, it was only with trepidation that I accepted. Could I really find happiness in a world that relied on reflexes and skill more than clever spell rotations? Or would my incompetence make the game so frustrating that I would end up smashing my keyboard with my face?

After procrastinating for days and hoping that the project would vanish into the night (beta goblins or something), I finally sat down to check the game out. What I discovered is that Firefall is much more than a shooter; it is a vibrant universe packed with fun things to do, intriguing content to explore, and enough character customization to please even the most ardent of tweakers.

Gallery: Firefall battleframe design

Continue reading Bugs, minerals, and jet boots: Hands-on with Firefall's PvE

MassivelyBugs, minerals, and jet boots: Hands-on with Firefall's PvE originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall's latest video explores the joy of flying combat
If you watch Firefall's most recent video, you would be forgiven for assuming that this game single-handedly pioneered aviation. That's OK, we suppose, because what Firefall offers in the way of in-flight service does look awfully enjoyable.

Jetpacks, rocket boots, and glider wings are all on display as Firefall's characters rain down death and destruction while giving rude gestures to boring old terra firma. Check out the video after the break and let us know if you think that flight is an essential (and perhaps addicting) element for a sci-fi shooter.

Continue reading Firefall's latest video explores the joy of flying combat

MassivelyFirefall's latest video explores the joy of flying combat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfirefallflightfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shootertrailervideowarTue, 19 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: PvP power vs. PvP specialization]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/leaderboard-pvp-power-vs-pvp-specialization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/leaderboard-pvp-power-vs-pvp-specialization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/leaderboard-pvp-power-vs-pvp-specialization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Firefall PvP
One of an MMO designer's biggest challenges seems to be reconciling PvP and PvE in a game with gear progression. Another example of such comes courtesy of Red 5 Studios latest Firefall dev blog, where the team basically says that it's doing away with both PvP gear and tiers because of balance concerns.

While the approach that Red 5 is taking is certainly valid, another alternative would be to parcel out PvP progression as a series of specialization choices instead of across-the-board power boosts. For today's Leaderboard, we'd like to know which of these paths you'd prefer, or if you think that MMO PvP is simply a lost cause. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: PvP power vs. PvP specialization

MassivelyLeaderboard: PvP power vs. PvP specialization originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebattle-royalf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playleaderboardmmo-shooterone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspvppvp-balancepvp-power-vs-pvp-specializationpvp-progressionred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterversusvotevotesvotingvswarMon, 04 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 removing Firefall PvP tiers, adding 'regulation' battleframes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/red-5-removing-firefall-pvp-tiers-adding-regulation-battlefra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/red-5-removing-firefall-pvp-tiers-adding-regulation-battlefra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/red-5-removing-firefall-pvp-tiers-adding-regulation-battlefra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall battleframes
Big changes are coming to Firefall's battleframes (the bulky suits of super-armor that serve as the game's class analogue, if you're wondering).

A new dev blog by Red 5 Studios outlines the reasons behind the changes, which, from a high-level view, boil down to the fact that it is "not possible to provide a balanced and entertaining experience in both PvE and PvP for both types of players if both realms use the same gear."

Red 5's current solution is to disallow crafted equipment in PvP and instead mandate that every PvPer use "regulation" gear. PvP tiers are also being removed, mainly because they "make it much harder for our matchmaker to do its job, which means it's much harder for us to provide balanced and fun games to our players," Red 5 explains.

MassivelyRed 5 removing Firefall PvP tiers, adding 'regulation' battleframes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleframe-changesdev-blogf2pfirefallfirefall-dev-blogfirefall-pvpfirefall-pvp-tiersfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterwarSun, 03 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall blasts its doors open for a beta weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/firefall-blasts-its-doors-open-for-a-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/firefall-blasts-its-doors-open-for-a-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/firefall-blasts-its-doors-open-for-a-beta-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The monocle makes it clear that while this man is shooting up bugs, he is doing so with the stiffest of upper lips.
Are you ready to strap on some armor, load up a gun, and go shoot things like they've never been shot before? The staff behind Firefall certainly hopes so because the game is opening its gates on Friday, January 25th, for the first of three upcoming beta weekend events. Everyone can log in and play for free starting at 1 p.m. EST, but the developers have also decided to sweeten the pot slightly by adding a contest to the weekend festivities.

The Skillshot Contest will be running during the open event and is available to all participants in the beta, even normal closed testers. Take a video or screenshot of your best moments for a chance to win prize packs including new Razer mice and Firefall gear. In addition, all participants will receive a special decal in-game to place on their battleframes. If you still need a little more convincing, you can check out a new trailer for the weekend just past the break.

[Source: Red 5 Studios press release]

Continue reading Firefall blasts its doors open for a beta weekend

MassivelyFirefall blasts its doors open for a beta weekend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall crab thing
Firefall's eternal beta continues, and Red 5 Studios has just announced the launch of new European servers for its sci-fi MMO shooter. The firm has been hosting 48-hour beta weekend events designed to stress test its hardware, and the latest such is slated for December 7th through December 9th.

Last weekend's test featured "a successful dark launch" of the new Euro shards, which are now fully functional and stable for the upcoming event. Red 5 says that there is plenty of new open-world content for testers to poke and prod, including new bosses, new encounters, areas, and missions, and the Chosen Warfront.

You can learn more about the game and sign up for the beta weekends at the official Firefall website.

[Source: Red 5 press release]

MassivelyRed 5 adds European Firefall servers, preps for another beta weekend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfirefallfirefall-beta-weekendsfirefall-european-serversfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterwarTue, 04 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall beta weekend schedule released [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/firefall-beta-weekend-schedule-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/firefall-beta-weekend-schedule-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/firefall-beta-weekend-schedule-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

firefall beta weekends schedule
If you've been watching Firefall from afar, salivating over news tidbits and dreaming of one day getting to actually play the game yourself, today is a very special day. Not because you get into the game today, of course, but because there's finally a schedule for when you can expect to play. No, there isn't a release date. There is, however, a beta weekend schedule!

Starting on November 9th, November 30th, and December 7th, the betas will run for 48 hours. During each of those weekends, there'll be a specific theme to the testing. You'll have a chance to call down thumpers like a lunatic, wage war against indigenous wildlife, and beat back the Chosen.

Get more information or sign up on the beta page on the official site. Note that not everyone who signs up is guaranteed access; the team will be sending out invites to registered players in batches throughout the beta weekends.

[Update: We've clarified that not everyone who signs up is guaranteed a spot in the beta, though with the planned stress tests, your chances look pretty good!]

MassivelyFirefall beta weekend schedule released [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta betasbeta-testbeta-testsbeta-weekendBetaBetasf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterwarFri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Nathan Fillion, Wil Wheaton, and Felicia Day play Firefall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/firefall-treats-players-to-fest-videos-and-a-halloween-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/firefall-treats-players-to-fest-videos-and-a-halloween-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/firefall-treats-players-to-fest-videos-and-a-halloween-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall treats players to Fest videos and a Halloween patch
You can't beat getting some Halloween treats without having to go out in the rain knocking on doors. It's no trick -- Red 5 Studios is giving out plenty of goodies to FireFall fans this week. First up is hours of video featuring famous gamer stars checking out the upcoming shooter.

Last week, the studio livestreamed FireFall Fest, an event depicting a number of celebrities -- Nathan Fillion, Wil Wheaton, and Felicia Day, to name just a few -- playing FireFall along with the community. But even if you missed an episode or two, Red 5 has saved the recordings for your viewing pleasure. Check out the highlight reels of day one and day six after the break, then head to the official site for links to watch the full two-plus-hour videos for each day.

FireFall is also offering fans a special Halloween patch. Along with spooky masks and other appropriate decor, beta players will find new monsters to kill and new abilities to use. For a full list of all of the Halloween goodies, head to the patch notes.

Continue reading Watch Nathan Fillion, Wil Wheaton, and Felicia Day play Firefall

MassivelyWatch Nathan Fillion, Wil Wheaton, and Felicia Day play Firefall originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall Fest schedules celebrity livestreams
If you're missing one of your favorite celebrities next week, you might want to check with Red 5 Studios. The makers of Firefall have kidnapped, er, enticed several popular stars to check out the game via an interactive livestreaming event called Firefall Fest. Among the celebs participating are Wil Wheaton, Felicia Day, and Nathan Fillion.

Red 5 has posted the schedule for the livestreams, which start on October 22nd and continue through the 27th. In addition to letting you hear what your favorite star or group has to say about the game and seeing said game in action, Red 5 is handing out daily prizes to viewers.

The studio also announced that any player who purchases a Firefall Founders Pack during this week will get immediate beta access, and all founders get snag additional in-game items just by watching.

MassivelyFirefall Fest schedules celebrity livestreams originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pfelicia-dayfirefallfirefall-festfirst-person-shooterfounders-packagefpsfree-to-playgiveawaylivestreammmo-shooternathan-fillionpromotionpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarwil-wheatonWed, 17 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall's latest dev diary highlights Chosen Warfront metagame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/firefalls-latest-dev-diary-highlights-chosen-warfront-metagame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/firefalls-latest-dev-diary-highlights-chosen-warfront-metagame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/firefalls-latest-dev-diary-highlights-chosen-warfront-metagame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall's lates dev diary highlights Chosen Warfront metagame
Last week, Red 5 Studios discussed changing Firefall's progression system. In the newest developer blog, attention turns to the upcoming Chosen Warfront feature ("warfront" being the moniker given the ongoing war between the Chosen and the Accord factions). The Chosen Warfront dynamic aims to create a deeper metagame, giving players the chance to take the fight to the Chosen solo or in groups to keep the lands safe.

Designer Clancy Powell explains the feature by telling folks to think of the Chosen Warfront as a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, where the Chosen and the Accord will be working to control territories and resources and build up military forces by implementing different strategies for both offensive and defensive goals.

Developers are currently working on a number of events, including Chosen Thumpers and Chosen Drop Pods, as well as reworking the watchtowers from the ground up. The changes won't stop here; over time, devs want to add multiple types of objectives to add more variety to the warfront dynamic. More details can be found in the full developer blog.

MassivelyFirefall's latest dev diary highlights Chosen Warfront metagame originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaChosen-WarfrontClancy-Powelldev-blogdev-diaryf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarFri, 12 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are dynamic events another MMO fad?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Are dynamic events another MMO fad?
Move over, MMO story: dynamic events are this season's buzz word. Popularized by earlier MMOs like Warhammer Online and RIFT, dynamic events have become such an integral part of modern MMO design that brand-new Guild Wars 2 employs them as its central content conceit. Skip dynamic events in GW2 and you're going to have a rough time leveling (or surviving the ridicule of the commentariat, who consider dynamic events to be far superior to mundane, quest-like renown hearts). Even MMOFPS titles like Firefall are adopting the mechanic for their PvE fans.

But is this actually the type of content we want to see from our MMOs, whatever their flavor? Never mind whether they're actually dynamic -- do you actually think they make for fun, desirable content? Or are we just so sick of themepark-style questing and leveling that we're willing to accept anything in its stead, even if that "anything" might be a fad akin to MMO story?

What do you think -- are dynamic events all that and a bag of chips?

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: Are dynamic events another MMO fad? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grinddynamicdynamic-contentdynamic-eventdynamic-eventsfadfirefallGuild-Wars-2gw2levellevelingmmo-storyopinionorange-eventsquestquestingriftstorytdgthe-daily-grindWarhammer-OnlineFri, 05 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall extrapolates on its new progression system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/firefall-extrapolates-on-its-new-progression-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/firefall-extrapolates-on-its-new-progression-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/firefall-extrapolates-on-its-new-progression-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Firefall extrapolates on its new progression system
Hot on the heals of its blog post about dynamic events, Red 5 Studios now hopes to change up the whole progression system in its third-person shooter Firefall. The development team revamped the existing mostly linear advancement system to a more dynamic (there's that word again) skill-tree system. And now, Lead Class Designer Dave Williams has posted that the team that the team wanted to "increase the number of choices that were available to players within their progression."

Williams explains that players generally pick a battleframe based on their individual playstyles. With the skill trees, a player can break that playstyle down even further. He gives the example of a Mammoth Dreadnaught vs. a Rhino Dreadnaught. The Mammoth builds heavier defenses, whereas the Rhino packs a heavier punch.

MMOs and other online games are trending away from the linear progression style to a more horizontal progression style. Firefall is heading in that direction, too. Will this be enough push Firefall toward being the next great online shooter? Red 5 hopes so.

MassivelyFirefall extrapolates on its new progression system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleframesclass-designdave-williamsdreadnaughtfirefallhorizontal-progressionmammoth-dreadnaughtMMO-shooterMMOFPSred-5red-5-studiosred5rhino-dreadnaughtskill-treethird-person-shooterThu, 04 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall devs talk about dynamic events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/firefall-devs-talk-about-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/firefall-devs-talk-about-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/firefall-devs-talk-about-dynamic-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Firefall devs talk about dynamic events
Just how dynamic is Firefall? Not dynamic enough, according to Red 5 Studios. In an effort to up the dynamism of the game, the development team is introducing some changes -- specifically, dynamic world events are going to be added to the world. They're so dynamical, it's even part of the name.

These new events come in two big categories: local and global. Both the local and global flavors can be world events, which are automagically activated by the game, or on-demand events, which are triggered by players. Global dynamic events are meant to reinforce the large themes of Firefall, while local events are all about what's going on in a specific region. The team is developing events to be engaging, varied, accessible, cooperative, and connected to the story of the world and regions in a meaningful way.

For a look at the type of events the team is working on, hit up the official blog post.

MassivelyFirefall devs talk about dynamic events originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dedynamic-eventdynamic-eventsdynamic-world-eventsdynomaticf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarFri, 28 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: On Firefall forum censorship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/the-firing-line-on-firefall-forum-censorship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/the-firing-line-on-firefall-forum-censorship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/the-firing-line-on-firefall-forum-censorship/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - On Firefall forum censorship
The Massively tip line is a curious creature. It's cantankerous, unpredictable, and just as likely to bite your leg as it is to rub itself against your shins and let loose with a rumble of contentment. Despite the low signal-to-noise ratio, we do get useful info from our tipsters, often in the form of breaking news, obscure and interesting tidbits, and ideas for further coverage.

This week's Firing Line falls under that last category, as we received word from one tipster that something is rotten in the state of Firefall.

Continue reading The Firing Line: On Firefall forum censorship

MassivelyThe Firing Line: On Firefall forum censorship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>censorshipf2pfeaturedfirefallfirst-person-shooterforum-censorshipforum-free-speechfpsfree-speechfree-to-playmark-kernmmo-shooteropinionpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootertflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarFri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Firefall milestone focused on PvE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/new-firefall-milestone-focused-on-pve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/new-firefall-milestone-focused-on-pve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/new-firefall-milestone-focused-on-pve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

New Firefall milestone focused on PvE
Red 5 has posted a new announcement on its website concerning Firefall's latest project milestone, and this one features a laser focus on PvE content.

The posting details a bit of Red 5's internal structure before going on to talk up what exactly each team is doing. The Chosen Warfront group is working on "new, dynamic encounters with the Chosen to make the war a part of the daily life of New Eden's residents." Translation: They're expanding on patrols and incursions to give PvE battles more of a random, life-like feel.

There are also specific teams devoted to creatures, player rewards, core combat, exploration, matchmaking, and more. Check it out on the Firefall website.

MassivelyNew Firefall milestone focused on PvE originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfirefallfirefall-pvefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpspvepvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarThu, 13 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall reveals founder's packages, special deals available at PAX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/firefall-reveals-founders-packages-special-deals-available-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/firefall-reveals-founders-packages-special-deals-available-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/firefall-reveals-founders-packages-special-deals-available-at/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

firefall founders packages
Earlier today Red 5 Studios posted a portion of its Firefall monetization model on the game's official website. While we've heard a lot about combat revamps and various other gameplay details in recent weeks, one thing we've never really known is how the sci-fi shooter will sell itself.

This week's PAX convention will see the studio begin selling its founder's packages, complete with special attendee discounts. The packages start at $15 and offer an assortment of "convenience and cosmetic items." Check out the Firefall website for further details, and don't forget to watch the founder's package video after the jump.

Continue reading Firefall reveals founder's packages, special deals available at PAX

MassivelyFirefall reveals founder's packages, special deals available at PAX originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconsconventionsf2pfirefallfirefall-cash-shopfirefall-founders-packagefirefall-microtransactionsfirst-person-shooterfounders-packagefpsfree-to-playmmo-industrymmo-shootermmofpspax-2012pax-east-2012pvpreal-world-eventsred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarTue, 28 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2012: Talking Firefall with David Williams]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/gamescom-2012-talking-firefall-with-david-williams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/gamescom-2012-talking-firefall-with-david-williams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/gamescom-2012-talking-firefall-with-david-williams/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gamescom 2012 Talking FireFall with David Williams
Firefall has undergone quite a few changes over time just like most betas. As the size of the testing base slowly grows to massive proportions, more and more input fuels the ideas-machine at Red 5 Studios as it improves an already-impressive game. The immense booth at this year's Gamescom was testament to the amount of ambition the developers have for this free-to-play MMOTPS, and the sheer number of convention-goers in, up, and around the booth revealed no shortage of interest in the game. We were led into a small, air-conditioned room in the undercrofts of this behemoth of a booth so that we could have an intimate chat with Firefall's Lead Class Designer, David Williams, away from the noise of the show floor crowd.

Continue reading Gamescom 2012: Talking Firefall with David Williams

MassivelyGamescom 2012: Talking Firefall with David Williams originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cologneconconventiondavid-williamsf2pfeaturedfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgamescomgamescom-2012germanyinterviewinterviewsmmo-shootermmofpsmmotpspreviewpreviewspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarThu, 23 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall scoops up dozens of former BioWare and 38 Studios devs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Firefall design team scoops up dozens of former Bioware and 38 Studios devs
While some other studios are laying off and downsizing, Red 5 is bucking the trend by recruiting top talent to add to the team working on Firefall. The free-to-play MMOFPS has updated with a massive summer patch that overhauls combat, removes traditional levels, and adds new crafting functionality.

BioWare's and 38 Studios' loss is Red 5's gain; the staff has jumped from 60 to over 100 as recruiters snatch up talent the other companies let go. Although a deluge of layoffs is bad for the gaming industry as a whole, lead class designer Dave Williams said, "The timing of 38 Studios and Star Wars dumping all their staff at the same time is really good for us. We've found some incredibly talented people who are really happy. It's allowed us to build up the team quickly."

Players wishing to participate in Firefall's beta and experience the game can sign up via the official site.

MassivelyFirefall scoops up dozens of former BioWare and 38 Studios devs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosBioWareDave-Williamsexpanding-temaexpanding-while-other-studios-shrinkf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsnew-devspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarFri, 17 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition
For the record, I really, really wanted to write about PlanetSide 2 for this week's Firing Line. Alas, NDAs or some such. Blargle, bollocks, and boo-hiss on all of that.

Anyhow, there is more to the MMO shooter space than Sony Online Entertainment's sci-fi sequel, right? Guys? Yeah, OK, as intros go, this one is pretty weak. But like I said, I'd rather be talking about that time when I [edited] a Terran Republic [edited] outside of [edited] but it was [edited] [edited] [edited] Mosquito. That's not all, as we also [edited] and then [edited] [edited] by some [edited].

Oh, right. We can't talk about that just yet, so join me after the cut for this week's most interesting non-PlanetSide 2 shooter news.

Continue reading The Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arma-2arma-iibetabetasdayzdayz-modf2pfeaturedfirefallfirefall-combat-revampfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsmoddingmodsopinionplaneside-2-betaplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-ndaps2pvpred-5red-5-studiossandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarFri, 10 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall's new eSports Toolkit allows better viewing of matches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/firefalls-new-esports-toolkit-allows-better-viewing-of-matches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/firefalls-new-esports-toolkit-allows-better-viewing-of-matches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/firefalls-new-esports-toolkit-allows-better-viewing-of-matches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall's new eSports Toolkit allows better viewing of matches
Red 5 Studios knows that it's not always just about playing Firefall -- it's also about watching matches. Whether you want to check out your friends as they battle in the upcoming free-to-play shooter or you want to get a good look at your competition, the new eSports Toolkit will allow spectators to see the action as it unfolds. It also gives shoutcasters various tools to enhance their broadcasts.

Spectators will be able to watch matches in observer mode in which viewers can utilize an assortment of static cameras, follow players, or even check out the whole map and get a bird's-eye view. Viewers have the added bonus of being able to pause, rewind, fast-forward, and even watch the action in slow motion. Shoutcasters enjoy extra features in the broadcast mode, which will allow for free-flight across the map, the ability to access and display player stats, and the ability to switch between multiple camera views to highlight the best action. Together, these features will improve the spectator's overall experience.

The eSports Toolkit will be featured at the Firefall beta tournament at Gamescom 2012. For a preview of the different modes, check out the video after the break.

[Source: Red 5 Studios press release]

Continue reading Firefall's new eSports Toolkit allows better viewing of matches

MassivelyFirefall's new eSports Toolkit allows better viewing of matches originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eSport-toolkitesportsf2pfirefallfirefall-beta-tournamentfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgamescom-2012mmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootershoutcastingspectatorswarFri, 10 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/new-red-5-dev-diary-details-firefalls-extreme-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/new-red-5-dev-diary-details-firefalls-extreme-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/new-red-5-dev-diary-details-firefalls-extreme-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover
What's going on with Firefall lately? Only the biggest patch in the title's history, according to Red 5's James Macauley.

"We wanted to make the game more competitive, more skill-based. We wanted to reward you for your level of mastery," Macauley explains. Core combat has been completely overhauled, and everything from run speed to jump height, jump jets, weapons, and abilities were tweaked. The dev team even added the new Biotech class.

Player progression was also adjusted via the removal of traditional levels in favor of battleframe tiers. The changes are designed to put advancement choices in the hands of players rather than force everyone along the same pre-determined path.

Firefall's extreme makeover also includes new crafting functionality and a 3-D battleframe garage instead of the old paperdoll loadout screen. More changes are detailed in the full dev diary video, which you can view after the cut.

[Thanks to Cory for the tip!]

Continue reading New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover

MassivelyNew Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclassesclosed-betaf2pfirefallfirefall-betafirefall-videofirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgame-mechanicsjames-macauleymmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootervideowarWed, 08 Aug 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall beta tournament to debut at gamescom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/firefall-beta-tournament-to-debut-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/firefall-beta-tournament-to-debut-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/firefall-beta-tournament-to-debut-at-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Firefall beta tournament to debut at gamescom
What do Firefall, 10,000 euros, and Gamescom have in common? Europe's first Firefall beta tournament! Red 5 Studios is partnering with Electronic Sports League (ESL) to bring attendees of gamescom 2012 the opportunity to participate in this tournament and battle it out for a grand prize of 10,000 euros.

Registration and the tournament qualifiers will start on Thursday, the 16th of August, at the ESL Arena and continue through the 17th. On Saturday the 18th, the qualifying players will compete for the prize money on the ESL stage in front of spectators. Fans who are anticipating the free-to-play shooter but are unable to attend can watch the finals streamed live at www.esl.tv.

[Source: Red 5 Studios press release]

MassivelyFirefall beta tournament to debut at gamescom originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-tournamentelectronic-sports-leagueESLf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgamescomgamescom-2012mmo-shootermmofpsnewspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootertournamenttourneywarFri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall's Dreadnaught gets a serious beta tune-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/firefalls-dreadnaught-gets-a-serious-beta-tune-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/firefalls-dreadnaught-gets-a-serious-beta-tune-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/firefalls-dreadnaught-gets-a-serious-beta-tune-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Firefall's Dreadnaught gets a serious beta tuneup
Red 5 Studios Designer Justin Hanson is hard at work on making Firefall's combat the best it can be, and he's openly discussing the changes that the team's been making to the Dreadnaught battleframe (read: class).

The Dreadnaught is a close-range fighter with impeccable durability, giving him the survival edge in any given battle. The team recognized that players were stacking accuracy modules to make him a good ranged fighter, so the devs tweaked the machine gun to make it semi-inaccurate at all ranges. The class now requires skill and planning to get within range, whereupon it can start mopping the floor with the competition.

Dreadnaughts now have an option to replace their machine guns with thermal machine guns. These offer more accuracy at range the hotter they get, but its rate of fire is slower and it can overheat and shut down.

Hanson goes on to relay some of the other weapon and skill changes that are meant to tighten the Dreadnaught's focus and make it an interesting class for talented players.

MassivelyFirefall's Dreadnaught gets a serious beta tune-up originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclassclassesclosed-betadreadnaughtf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playjustin-hansonmmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarWed, 25 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall ramps up for its summer milestone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/firefall-ramps-up-for-its-summer-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/firefall-ramps-up-for-its-summer-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/firefall-ramps-up-for-its-summer-milestone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Everyone who says this attack is shocking is banned from the comments.
The upcoming milestone update to Firefall is a big one that revamps several core areas of the game based on player feedback. That includes multiple frames seeing a large-scale revisions. Designers Justin Hanson and John Deshazer elaborate upon some of the changes wrought upon the Engineer in the newest video, explaining that the class had some serious problems before -- it wasn't mobile and generally wasn't considered desirable within group composition because of its limited utility.

Meeting the new and more functional Engineer will turn that impression around. Engineers have gotten a new weapon that ramps up in damage as it scores repeated hits on a single target. They've also been granted a number of better build items, such as mini-turrets that can be tossed in odd locations and instant-build forcefields. And that's just a sample of what the milestone is improving in the game, something detailed in two recent development blogs outlining the philosophy behind the changes and what players can expect after the dust clears.

Continue reading Firefall ramps up for its summer milestone

MassivelyFirefall ramps up for its summer milestone originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclass-mechanicsclassesf2pfirefallfirefall-summer-milestonefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgame-mechanicsjohn-deshazerjustin-hansonmmo-shootermmofpspreviewspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootersummer-milestoneupdatesvideovideoswarThu, 19 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Firefall dev diary discusses special effects]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/new-firefall-dev-diary-discusses-special-effects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/new-firefall-dev-diary-discusses-special-effects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/new-firefall-dev-diary-discusses-special-effects/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall image
When asked what you do, do you get to answer "I blow sh** up for a living"? The folks in special effects do, and that's the best part about working in the gaming industry according to Adam Kupratis, visual FX artist for Red 5 Studios. In Firefall's latest dev diary, Adam and colleague Marc McCall, technical artist, sit back and talk about developing the special effects in the game. The team emphasizes that they aim to make Firefall very visually different than other games.

Amid the technical discussion, the video also offers footage demonstrating some of the different effects. You can check them out after the break.

Continue reading New Firefall dev diary discusses special effects

MassivelyNew Firefall dev diary discusses special effects originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adam-Kupratisdev-diarydeveloper-diaryf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playMarc-McCallmmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterspecial-effectsspecial-fxvideo-dev-diarywarTue, 17 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall video gives a sneak peek at Assault changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/firefall-video-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-assault-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/firefall-video-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-assault-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/firefall-video-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-assault-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Firefall
Firefall's Assault battleframe will be evolving this summer. The dev team has a stated goal of increasing the skill ceiling of all the battleframes, so Assault will be oriented more to precise attacks and positioning. With fewer hitpoints and increased speed, Assault will be one of the quickest battleframes in the game. This puts more focus on mobility and agile short- and mid-range gameplay. The battleframe's AoE will also be toned down, meaning more abilities will require aiming and include less splash damage to put more emphasis, again, on skillful play.

These changes will come as part of what's being touted as "the biggest patch in Firefall history," which players are told to expect "later this summer." Skip below the cut to see the new and improved Assault battleframe in action!

Continue reading Firefall video gives a sneak peek at Assault changes

MassivelyFirefall video gives a sneak peek at Assault changes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoeassaultbattleframecontent-patchdev-diaryf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgameplaymechanicsmmo-shootermmofpsnerfpatchpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootersneak-peekupdatevideovideoswarThu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall hits 500k member milestone, reveals system requirements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/firefall-hits-500k-member-milestone-reveals-system-requirements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/firefall-hits-500k-member-milestone-reveals-system-requirements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/firefall-hits-500k-member-milestone-reveals-system-requirements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Firefall hits 500k member milestone, reveals system requirements
Red 5 Studios has announced today that its MMO-ish shooter Firefall has reached the milestone of 500,000 registered members just after its first exclusive beta test. Red 5 CEO Mark Kern comments on the improvements the team is making to the game following that first beta test: "We're treating Firefall as a service, which means it's critical that we're continually adding value and fun for players. Having a large and growing community lets us know that we're on the right track. But more importantly, their feedback helps us stay on the right track."

The studio also released the game's official system requirements, which you'll find after the cut.

[Source: Red 5 Studios press release]

Continue reading Firefall hits 500k member milestone, reveals system requirements

MassivelyFirefall hits 500k member milestone, reveals system requirements originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmark-kernmmo-shootermmofpspvpred-5red-5-studiosregistered-memberssci-fishootersystem-requirementswarWed, 27 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 reveals Firefall's Mobile Gaming Unit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/red-5-reveals-firefalls-mobile-gaming-unit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/red-5-reveals-firefalls-mobile-gaming-unit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/red-5-reveals-firefalls-mobile-gaming-unit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall - The Mobile Gaming Unit, thankfully not on your phone
Don't fret, shooter fans. You won't be squinting at small screens or fumbling with poor controls as you try to play Firefall on your phone. No, when we say mobile, we mean a rolling LAN party designed by West Coast Customs. Red 5's Mobile Gaming Unit is a 48-foot-long gaming center on wheels, featuring "an aesthetic design pulled straight out of Firefall's sci-fi world."

The MGU is slated to tour America later in 2012, bringing with it top-level e-ports play, and of course, Firefall brand awareness. Anime Expo 2012 will be the site of the MGU's official reveal. If you'll be in the Los Angeles area between June 29th and July 1st, stop by and have a look.

[Source: Red 5 press release]

MassivelyRed 5 reveals Firefall's Mobile Gaming Unit originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall manga
Firefall's beta test is moving steadily along toward the game's (hopefully) upcoming release, and fans are probably hungry for some more background on the MMOFPS title. To help satiate that appetite, Red 5 has released part one of the Firefall manga series penned by legendary sci-fi author Orson Scott Card and his daughter Emily Janice Card.

The comic, entitled Trespasser, is penciled by renowned artist Joe Ng of UDON comic fame, and follows mohawk-sporting heroine Pilgrim as she kills gargantuan mutant bugs and has a bit of a run-in with the law. The manga's story begins prior to the crash of the Arclight, which heralds the beginning of the in-game timeline. Hopefully the narrative will serve to fill in some of the details regarding the events that lead up to Firefall itself. Red 5 will be unveiling two new pages every Tuesday, so head on over to the comic to get up-to-speed, then be sure to check in weekly for the rest of the story.

[Update: Red 5 has also announced it is shutting down Firefall's alternate-reality game to avoid storyline overlap and conflict with the manga.]

MassivelyRed 5 unveils part one of Firefall manga, shuts down ARG [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Firefall
The folks at Red 5 Studios have put out a new Firefall dev diary video today, and this one is all about how much they love SIN. Senior Designer Scott Rudi and Lead Designer Scott Youngblood dedicate this video to talking about the wonders of Firefall's Shared Intelligence Network. SIN is described as a network that connects all Battleframes within a given area, allowing them to share information with one another on-the-fly.

The use of this network is extensive. In combat, it allows you to see what your allies see, causing nearby enemies and other points of interest to be marked on your HUD. Players can also designate specific objectives, such as downed teammates or damaged vehicles, to other players within the network. The pair stress that liberal use of SIN's capabilities will be essential for success, as its information is fed not only to your teammates but to deployables such as turrets as well. For the full details on Firefall's SIN, just click on through and watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Firefall dev diary discusses SIN

MassivelyFirefall dev diary discusses SIN originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not So Massively title image
Diablo III reportedly became the fastest selling PC game of all time this week with over 6.3 million units sold in its first week despite ongoing server issues. Blizzard assured players that recent account hackings have not been caused by a compromised database, and players have come up with a variety of inventive ways to conquer the practically impossible Inferno mode.

In MOBA news, League of Legends celebrated one year of its player-mediated banning tribunal and released the official champion spotlight video for new champion Darius, the Hand of Noxus. Dota 2 released a new interface this week to help players pick heroes more effectively, and Heroes of Newerth released a strange new tentacle demon plant hero named Bramble. We also heard of upcoming indie MOBA Smashmuck, which entered closed beta yesterday.

Upcoming action FPS Hedone was recently rebranded under a new name, and this week developers opened signups for a new closed beta. Torchlight II's beta officially ended this week, and the Wrath of Heroes Beta introduced new hero Amenadresh.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III players conquer Inferno and more

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III players conquer Inferno and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Firefall
The other day we talked about Red 5 Studios' new development philosophy for its upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall, and its decision to take things in a direction that's more focused on player skill than levels or gear. Today, the studio has released a new dev diary that expounds on this philosophy by discussing how it plans to make the game "approachable and exciting to players of all skill levels," while ensuring that it remains rewarding to the truly hardcore.

The post begins by taking a look at the game's core combat, which contains "a number of weapons and abilities that are lower-twitch and lower-skill," such as beam weapons, AoE abilities, and splash damage. The post goes on to discuss a number of potential solutions to these problems, such as changing the high-splash-damage plasma cannon into a gun that deals lower splash damage, but with devastating direct-hit damage. It's an interesting read for players who are looking for a bit more skill-based gameplay in their MMOs, and Firefall fans in general would do well to go check out the full post on the game's official site.

MassivelyNew Firefall dev blog discusses raising the skill ceiling originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not a farewell to arms, mind you. That would make the game kind of silly.
The team at Red 5 Studios has been working hard on making Firefall the best game it can be, and as it turns out, that happens to be a game without traditional levels. A new video blog featuring lead designer Scott Youngblood and development VP James Macauley drops the news that the level system is being discarded and replaced with a much more organic system for player growth.

Under the new system, players still earn EXP. That EXP will be spent on specific upgrades at a player's discretion rather than marking off specific levels, allowing you to unlock the upgrades that feel relevant in the order you want them. It also places less emphasis on levels in head-to-head matchups, something Macauley stresses is important to the team.

There's more than just the removal of levels at work, however; the development team is also overhauling crafting to be more complex and rewarding as well as developing a new system of equipment tiers to keep players advancing. The full diary just past the break only gives brief glimpses of several new systems, but Firefall fans should be quite happy with what's over the horizon.

Continue reading Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill

MassivelyFirefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - Hands on with Firefall's beta
I'm dying on the beautiful beach outside Firefall's starter town. As I lay bleeding from a hundred holes and generally making a mess of my shiny new bumble bee-colored battleframe, my avatar collapses to the sand and says the funniest thing I've heard in a while.

"Grandpa!"

This is delivered in his best rural Georgia twang, and it lessens the sting of my latest newbie move. The whole scene is Firefall in a nutshell: It's fun, frustrating, and funny all at once.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall
"Who needs publishers any more? I certainly don't. I couldn't care less about them at this stage," said Red 5 Studios CEO Mark Kern. In a candid interview with Eurogamer, Kern ripped into both consoles and publisher-led models as relics on their way out the door.

Kern said that the pressure that publishers put on studios are death to the industry, resulting in either "an indie game or... a massive AAA, IP-backed sequel with derivative gameplay." He thinks that there's no middle ground, and it disturbs him how many studios fire staff right after a game launches.

Instead, the man behind Firefall believes that the free-to-play model puts the power back in the hands of the developers who then can concentrate on making games without having to kowtow to the publishers and distributors. "Look at Riot Games and League of Legends. They have more users than World of Warcraft does. That's crazy. And they don't have a publisher," Kern said.

Citing the expense and sluggish reaction of console development, Kern also predicts that mobile and PC gaming are on their way to take over the field. "Something has to change," he concludes. "Consoles, I believe, are dead."

MassivelyRed 5 Studios CEO denounces consoles and publishers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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