Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Firefall dev blog discusses raising the skill ceiling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/new-firefall-dev-blog-discusses-raising-the-skill-ceiling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/new-firefall-dev-blog-discusses-raising-the-skill-ceiling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/new-firefall-dev-blog-discusses-raising-the-skill-ceiling/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-blogdevelopmentdevelopment-blogf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfuture-patchesfuture-updatesjames-macauleylevelsmmo-shootermmofpsnewsno-levelspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscott-youngbloodshootervideovideo-blogvideosvlogwarTue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games unveils new multiplayer shooter, Born to Fire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Born to Fire image
Aeria Games, with numerous free-to-play titles already under its belt, just unveiled a new multiplayer first-person shooter called Born to Fire. This character-driven game is set following the Cold War, when rules of engagement are thrown out the window and the world is a free-fire zone.

Director of Publishing Tom Nichols describes the game: "In Born to Fire, players step in the boots of five distinct classes of elite operatives engaged in a global firefight for domination. With the instant gratification of one-click matchmaking and the in-depth analysis provided by elaborate replay tools, Born to Fire represents a new class of character-driven, highly customizable MMOFPS that's easy to get into but nearly impossible to fully master."

The five classes available for play are Rifleman, Duelist, Ranger, Heavy-Hitter, or Warden; each comes with unique backstory, tactics, and a fully customizable arsenal.

Sign-ups for closed beta are going on now! Players can keep informed of the latest news, updates, and contests by "liking" Born To Fire's Facebook page. Also, be sure to check out the screenshots and artwork in the attached gallery.

Gallery: Born to Fire

Born to Fire


[Source: Areia Games press release]

MassivelyAeria Games unveils new multiplayer shooter, Born to Fire originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesBorn-to-Firefirst-person-shooterfpsgalleriesgallerynew-titlesscreenshotswarMon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Image
What do War Thunder, World of Warplanes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Tribes: Ascend have in common? Not a whole lot aside from their respective appearances in this week's edition of The Firing Line.

Won't you join me after the cut for a rundown on some recent and notable online shooter news? If you're feeling particularly ornery, you can point and laugh at the fact that I'm still not in the War Thunder beta.

Continue reading The Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendbrideachang-youchangyoudev-diarye-sportesportf2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-person-shooterflight-simfpsfree-to-playgaijingaijin-entertainmenthi-rezhi-rez-studioshinterlands-maphuxleymmofpsopinionpvprenaissance-fpsrenaissance-heroesrenaissance-heroes-trailershootertartarustartarus-maptflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrailertribestribes-ascendtribes-dev-diarytribes-tartarusunreal-engine-3videowar-thunderwar-thunder-bomberswar-thunder-world-of-planesworld-of-planesFri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfeaturedfirefallfirefall-betafirefall-first-impressionsfirefall-hands-onfirefall-impressionsfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playimpressionsis-firefall-an-mmommo-shootermmofpsopinionpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootertflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarFri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 Studios CEO denounces consoles and publishers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-5-studios-ceo-denounces-consoles-and-publishers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-5-studios-ceo-denounces-consoles-and-publishers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-5-studios-ceo-denounces-consoles-and-publishers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbusiness-modelconsoleconsoles-are-deaddistributordistributorsdotae-sportesporteurogamerf2pfantasyfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playinterviewleagueleague-of-legendslolmark-kernmmo-shootermmofpsmobapublisherpublisherspvpred-5red-5-studiosriotriot-gamessci-fishooterwarwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 03 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How dark do you like your MMO nights?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-daily-grind-how-dark-do-you-like-your-mmo-nights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-daily-grind-how-dark-do-you-like-your-mmo-nights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-daily-grind-how-dark-do-you-like-your-mmo-nights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall - Kinda hard to see at night
I spent some quality time with the Firefall beta build last weekend. One of the things I noticed is that the game's version of night bears more than a passing resemblance to actual night. As in, it's kinda dark and stuff. Helpfully, the devs at Red 5 Studios have provided flashlight functionality in the form of your X key (because the night is dark and full of terrors, according to the cheekily written patch notes on the launcher).

Anyway, it was a refreshing change from most of the MMOs nights I've experienced, which are basically MMO days with a blue lens filter. What about you? How dark do you like your MMO nights?

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: How dark do you like your MMO nights? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grinddarkf2pfirefallfirefall-nightfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-nightmmo-nightsmmo-shootermmofpsnightopinionpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootertdgthe-daily-grindthe-night-is-dark-and-full-of-terrorswarTue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend puts together a beta infographic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tribes-ascend-puts-together-a-beta-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tribes-ascend-puts-together-a-beta-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tribes-ascend-puts-together-a-beta-infographic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Revenge is sweet, as much the first time as the nine millionth time.
Tribes: Ascend has finally launched, and that means players everywhere can experience the simple joy of logging in, gearing up, and then skiing at high velocity across the ground while firing explosive munitions at distant targets. All right, maybe that joy isn't quite as simple, but the point remains that the game has successfully cleared its beta test. And what better way to celebrate that a bit belatedly than by pulling together some interesting stats on the overall beta experience?

Past the cut, you'll find an official infographic tallying things like total kills, total number of flags captured, and the ever-important question of how many people met their end by falling. In a game with jetpacks and high-speed skiing, that number is a bit higher than you might otherwise think. So take a look at the full collection of stats, sigh wistfully in memory, and then start gearing up for another round.

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend puts together a beta infographic

MassivelyTribes: Ascend puts together a beta infographic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendbetabeta-feedbackbeta-retrospectivebeta-statsbeta-testculturee-sportesportf2pfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiospvpshootertribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universeMon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend
Oh, Tribes: Ascend, if only you were an MMO.

Actually, wait a minute. When I think on it, if Hi-Rez Studios' new free-to-play sci-fi shooter were an MMO, I probably wouldn't like it as much. There's something to be said for frequent updates and instant gameplay gratification, and Tribes provides those things (and more) in spades.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 197 reviews a big week for MMOs, with several launches, updates, and live events going off all over the place. We had to hit the big red Massively Alarm three times during this time, prompting the MassivelyBusters to jump out of their beds, slide down the pole, and take the NERF-1 out to the scene of the action. Then we farmed spores, molds, and fungi with Elisabeth Cardy.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascendascensionbiowarebrantbrianna-roycechampionschampions-onlinechampscoconconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdark-legendse-sporteaelectronic-artselisabeth-cardyesportexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingncsoftopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwesci-fishooterspacetime-studiosstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universetruly-freeTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 197Massively.com Staff01:02:31podcasts<![CDATA[Discover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BOOM!
Last weekend we gave you a look at Red 5 Studios' upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall, and all of its glorious shooter action. What we didn't really take a look at, however, is the lore of the game. After all, why is everyone running around in crazy armor and shooting everyone else? And why is the last bastion of humankind on the planet a Brazilian island resort? The studio intends to answer some of these questions with today's release of the game's introductory cinematic.

And man, is it heavy. From the looks of things, humanity decided it was about time to try its luck with faster-than-light travel and failed miserably, causing a gargantuan starship to come crashing into the Earth... right on top of Brazil. But wait! If the starship crashed on Brazil, then why is it still around? Because the starship's wreckage, and the energy field it generates, is the only thing currently keeping the Melding at bay, leaving the surrounding area as the only currently inhabitable site on Earth. Could have been worse, I say; at least Brazil's pretty even after the apocalypse.

Continue reading Discover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic

MassivelyDiscover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematicf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playintrointro-cinematicintroductionintroduction-cinematicintroductory-cinematicloremmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthe-meldingtrailertrailersvideovideoswarFri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Shooter news roundup
Dude, there was a ton of big shooter news this week!

I mean, this isn't terribly unusual, particularly since the genre is expanding at a rapid rate, but when I've got to cut interesting items out of this column for length reasons, you know it's been an eventful few days.

Join me after the break for a recap on everything from Firefall to Defiance to John Romero and beyond.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tribes: Ascend
We apologize for giving you only a few hours' notice to call your boss or parental unit and inform him or her that you'll be "sick" tomorrow, but any edge you can get for an early start to Tribes: Ascend is better than none. That's right, Hi-Rez Studios' frantic FPS is releasing first thing in the morning, and you're invited to join the fight.

With jetpacks, skiing, and a strong lineage dating back to the original 1998 game, Tribes: Ascend has a lot going for it. The free-to-play title promises to bring back all of the frantic action that fans loved with a few new twists, such as a capture and hold game mode and the return of the classic map Raindance. Players will log in tomorrow to new social options as well and can test out unowned weapons in a special target practice area.

Wondering if Tribes: Ascend is right for you? Check out Jef's Firing Line column in which he attempts to convince you that this will suck you in and keep you entertained for a long time to come. If you're antsy, you can play tonight, as the game is currently in open beta.

You can watch a new dev diary featuring the Raindance map after the jump!

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend releases tomorrow, mass casualties predicted

MassivelyTribes: Ascend releases tomorrow, mass casualties predicted originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendbetae-sportesportf2pfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studioslaunchpvpraindancereleaseshootertribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universeWed, 11 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ready, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/ready-aim-firefall-impressions-of-the-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/ready-aim-firefall-impressions-of-the-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/ready-aim-firefall-impressions-of-the-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Firefall
Last year at PAX Prime, I had the opportunity to get my hands on an early version of Red 5 Studios' upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall. The game's come a long way since then, having gone into closed beta shortly after PAX Prime.

As of Friday, the game's NDA has finally dropped, and I can finally tell you fine folks all about my experiences with the game's beta. For those of you somehow not in the know, Firefall is essentially two games in one. On the one hand, you have the title's open-world PvE content that sees players exploring the lands of New Eden in an attempt to find a way to fight back the destructive alien force known as the Melding. On the other, there's the competitive e-sports-esque PvP, which lets players test their skills against each another to see who's the best shot in New Eden. So how much has Firefall changed between PAX Prime '11 and PAX East '12?

Continue reading Ready, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta

MassivelyReady, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMITE
With the excitement and craziness of PAX East just a couple of days away, studios are clamoring for your attention with promises of candy and sweet, sweet previews. Hi-Rez Studios is no different; the company hopes that attendees will check out its booth for exclusive demos of its upcoming Tribes: Ascend and SMITE.

Players who visit booth 962 can check out a new preview release build of Tribes: Ascend before the game launches formally later this month. The demo contains a new game mode, Capture & Hold, which is a fast-paced experience that requires the mastery of vehicles and teamwork. Players will also get to see the return of a classic 1998 Tribes map revamped for modern times: Raindance.

Hi-Rez's other PAX East offering is its MOBA SMITE, which is in closed alpha testing. Here, attendees can choose from one of 15 deities and head out on to 5v5 battleground maps for serious smackdown. New to the public are six of these playable deities and the first look at the Fire Giant mob.

[Source: Hi-Rez press release]

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios offering exclusive Tribes and SMITE demos at PAX East originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5v5alphaascendbetaclosed-alphademoe-sportesportf2pfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiospaxpax-eastpax-east-2012previewpvpshootersmitetribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universeWed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line Exclusive: Tribes Ascend utility pack giveaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-firing-line-exclusive-tribes-ascend-utility-pack-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-firing-line-exclusive-tribes-ascend-utility-pack-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-firing-line-exclusive-tribes-ascend-utility-pack-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line: Tribes Ascend Soldier utility pack giveaway
Like Tribes: Ascend? Like the Soldier class? If you answered yes to those questions, Massively and The Firing Line have an exclusive giveaway that you're going to love. We've teamed up with Hi-Rez Studios to bring you the Soldier utility pack, which is an upgrade item that grants an additional grenade slot and additional health (don't worry, balance fans; your Soldier avatar will sacrifice a bit of his energy pool when the pack is equipped).

How can I get my hands on this fine item, you ask?

It's as easy as clicking on the giveaway button after the break. After you've secured your code, boot up your Tribes client and select "extras" from the in-game menu followed by "redeem promotion." Enter your code in the box and then click over to your Soldier class to swap out your new pack!

Continue reading The Firing Line Exclusive: Tribes Ascend utility pack giveaway

MassivelyThe Firing Line Exclusive: Tribes Ascend utility pack giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascende-sportesportf2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgiveawayhi-rezhi-rez-studiosonline-shooteropinionpvpsci-fishootersoldier-giveawaysoldier-packtflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-giveawaytribes-soldier-utility-packtribes-universeutility-pack-giveawayMon, 19 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall video diary talks open-world design, shows pretty vistas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/firefall-video-diary-talks-open-world-design-shows-pretty-vista/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/firefall-video-diary-talks-open-world-design-shows-pretty-vista/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/firefall-video-diary-talks-open-world-design-shows-pretty-vista/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall - the view from Mushroom Island
It's March, which means it's high time for another Firefall video dev diary. Today's installment is all about (open) world-building, and unlike many of its shooter contemporaries, Firefall features a sprawling, accessible open-world map.

As world-builders Bobby Ross and Nick Keith explain, the game's jetpacks allow players to traverse vast distances and explore every little nook and cranny to their hearts' content. One example of Firefall's breadth comes courtesy of "Mushroom Island," a huge rock formation that's initially visible on your first drop-ship ride. Ross says that scaling the enormous formation is a reward in and of itself, with a spectacular view of the game's newbie area waiting at the top of the path.

Keith goes on to explain how Firefall integrates its PvP maps into the rest of the open-world design, primarily by giving non-combatants the option to stop over and watch arena matches and various conflicts in certain designated cities. Check out this and more via the full video after the break.

[Source: Red 5 press release]

Continue reading Firefall video diary talks open-world design, shows pretty vistas

MassivelyFirefall video diary talks open-world design, shows pretty vistas originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobby-rossdev-diaryf2pfirefallfirefall-march-dev-diaryfirefall-march-diaryfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shooternick-keithopen-worldopen-world-designopen-world-gameplaypvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootertrailervideovideo-diarywarWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III news overload edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-news-overload-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-news-overload-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-news-overload-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's been a bumper week for online gaming news, with an absolute flood of new information from the world of game development. Rock Paper Shotgun gots some hands-on time with upcoming online FPS Tribes: Ascend and delivered a cautious preview. Blacklight: Retribution's massive character customisation options were detailed in a new dev diary video, adding smiley faces and rainbows (yes, rainbows) to this dark and brutal FPS. Diablo III opened the floodgates on news this week with details on the three artisan NPCs, news of the new Battle.Net Balance system, a new cinematic video, and the news that the unattuned runestone system has been scrapped.

Heroes of Newerth released its complex new hero Shadowblade this week, while three other MOBAs discussed their own upcoming characters. League of Legends revealed gameplay details on its highly anticipated Nine Tail Fox champion, who will finally make an appearance in the game with the next patch. The Rise of Immortals team revealed further details on upcoming support damage-dealer Kavashiir, and Bloodline Champions developers gave us the low down on their electrifying new bloodline Stormcaller.

Skip past the cut for details of this week's biggest news from the world of MOBAs and other big online games that aren't quite MMOs.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III news overload edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III news overload edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgactivisionascendbattlenetblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshonleague-of-legendslolmmofpsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesshooterstunlockstunlock-studiostribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universevideowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowzombie-studiosMon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Firefall
It's no secret that I like my games with more of a skill-based flavor. I enjoy games that reward player skill above superior gear or higher levels. In light of that, I was quite excited to get some hands-on time with Firefall, the new massively multiplayer shooter coming from Red 5 Studios.

There has been much talk about the upcoming title, with its status as one of the few forays into the MMO shooter space since PlanetSide and Global Agenda. There's also the small detail that the studio is headed up by former World of Warcraft Team Lead Mark Kern alongside a number of former Tribes series devs. So how is the game shaping up in preparation for its December launch? Jetpack your way past the cut to find out.

Continue reading PAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall

MassivelyPAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionassaultfeaturedfirefallfirst-person-shooterhands-onmmofpsnew-edenpax-2011pax-prime-2011penny-arcade-expo-2011penny-arcade-expo-prime-2011previewreconred-5red-5-studiosshooterthird-person-shooterWed, 31 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While war itself is a hellish, nasty activity that we'd be better off without, there's always been something compelling about playing war as both kids and adults. When you strip war of death and suffering, the play version can become downright compelling as we get engrossed in tales of heroics, deep strategies, risky gambits, and clear-cut victories. It's why we invest so much time in simulating war throughout our lives -- in snowball fights, toy soldiers, laser tag, and MMOs.

For the soldiers of PlanetSide, the war has been raging for over eight years now with no end in sight, and that's just fine with everyone involved. The game was designed to be a perpetual struggle between military forces -- not due to politics or prejudice but simply for the love of the fight.

In the year or so I've been writing this column, I've never seen so many people come forward when asked to share their experiences with an MMO as have done for PlanetSide. There's definitely something compelling and unique about this MMOFPS that's become a dear part of many gamers' memories, and I'm pleased to be sharing those stories with you today. Hit the jump for the glory, trooper!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-battlesclancloakercore-combatdoomfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpshammahijackinterviewjackedmagridersmmofpsnorwayoutfitplanetsideskeeterssky-divingsnipersnowball-fightssoesony-online-entertainmentstarsiege-tribesstoriestony-danzatribestribes-2warwhos-the-bossTue, 22 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unlike fantasy, the sci-fi genre has had a rocky relationship with MMORPGs. While studios have tried just as hard to make and promote them, there seems to be a curse that hovers over most of these games. From the canceled (Earth & Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa) to the radically retinkered (Star Wars Galaxies) to the relatively niche (Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online), sci-fi struggles to be seen as relevant and embraced as its bigger brother. That isn't to say that these games or the genre is worthless, just that it's a harder sell to both investors and players to throw players into the future than the mythical past. Fortunately, the industry hasn't given up on these games, and some of these titles -- such as EVE Online -- have proven that they're worth pursuing.

And if science fiction is a difficult sell, first-person shooters are doubly difficult in the MMO space. After all, it's not as though the world is suffering a shortage of FPS titles that can be played without a monthly subscription. To convince players to part with a monthly payment, the studio has to make a powerful, compelling case as to why its MMOFPS is worthy of that premium price.

Enter PlanetSide, circa 2003. While sci-fi MMOs, multi-faction PvP and online shooters had been done separately at that point, PlanetSide stepped up to the plate to combine all three into a persistent war on an alien planet. Due to popular demand, this month we'll be setting our sights to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond as we explore one of the more unique MMOs in existence.

Today let's take a look at what made PlanetSide a unique twinkle in SOE's eyes by counting down the highlights of this futuristic war.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinanarchy-onlineapbauraxisdark-age-of-camelotearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefactionsfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendajohn-hewittjohn-smedleymagmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextreal-time-combatsci-fiscience-fictionsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethree-front-warvehiclesworld-war-ii-onlinewwii-onlineTue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/first-impressions-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/first-impressions-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/first-impressions-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There's a pretty universal rule among MMORPG players, although many of them are not aware of it: "Never, ever play a human, an elf, or the 'good side' unless you have no choice. Even then, improvise." I try to follow this rule to the letter. Even when I am asked to try out, preview, or generally mess around with the greatest new game in all of history, I try to avoid playing the good guys. So when I was asked if I could take a look at Battlestar Galactice Online by Bigpoint, I knew exactly what to do.

While I much prefer the older Cylon look and feel (bulkier, rounder ships), and while I did not find myself glued to the TV set to tune into the latter incarnation of the campy series, I did absolutely love how the newer writers and special-effects masters made the space dog-fighting look. It felt, well, real to me. Would I feel the same way about combat inside my browser? What about my character -- how would he feel while walking around inside a station or base?

Follow me past the cut to see what I found.

Continue reading First Impressions: Battlestar Galactica Online

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-mmobattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbsgocash-shopccpCCP-Gameseveeve-onlinef2pfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playftplasersmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsmissle launcherMissleLaunchermisslesmmofpsspace-shooterspace-simTue, 18 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PvP is a funny thing. Essentially, it is a glorified game of tag. There are variations on the theme, of course: freeze tag, Marco Polo, or Hide-and-Seek. Most of us have had the pleasure of spending a summer evening playing it with our friends. I know that when we played it, we added the dimension of The Woods (as they were known) and all that hiding in those woods on a dark summer evening implies. It was intense, I remember. Once, I hid under a pile of leaves for 40 minutes, scared out of my mind, while my buddy tried to find me.

Good PvP can be like that, but bad PvP can ruin your evening. Bad PvP, like a rainstorm during a campout, usually ends with one or more participants taking the event way too seriously. But when you spend a few hours in good PvP, running around shooting at strangers, throwing mines at each other and getting shot down by automated turrets, your heart will race and you will realize that you have had a smile on your face most of the time.

Global Agenda has that effect on me, like a good game of tag.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandarkfallfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmofpsmortal-onlinepvepve-to-pvppvprise-and-shinysci-fiscience-fictionshootersniperstealthSun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why You Should Be Playing Fallen Earth: First person combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/why-you-should-be-playing-fallen-earth-first-person-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/why-you-should-be-playing-fallen-earth-first-person-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/why-you-should-be-playing-fallen-earth-first-person-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


"Why you should be playing ..." is a freeform column from Massively.com intended to inform you about our favorite parts of our favorite games. We want you to know why we're playing them, so you can know what to play.

Fallen Earth is a staff favorite around the Massively.com offices, yet it's very rare that we really get into why we love it so much. So today I set out to end that little problem and tell you why I love Fallen Earth so much -- the first person combat.

Sure, it's not the first time that an FPS system has been used in an MMO. PlanetSide is an FPSMMO, Tabula Rasa ended up incorporating an (awesome) FPS view shortly before it kicked the bucket, and Neocron is built on FPS concepts, but that doesn't mean that an FPS perspective isn't a huge amount of fun in an MMO or any less original.

Continue reading Why You Should Be Playing Fallen Earth: First person combat

MassivelyWhy You Should Be Playing Fallen Earth: First person combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypsefallen-earthfeaturedfirst-person-combatfirst-person-shooterfpsmmommofpswhy-you-should-be-playingMon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG pre-order beta has begun, game to launch on January 26th, 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mag-pre-order-beta-has-begun-game-to-launch-on-january-26th-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mag-pre-order-beta-has-begun-game-to-launch-on-january-26th-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mag-pre-order-beta-has-begun-game-to-launch-on-january-26th-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you've been itching to try out your trigger finger with 127 of your friends, then your wait is pretty much at a close. MAG's public pre-order beta has gone live as of Monday and you can jump in by simply going out to your local GameStop/EB Games and pre-ordering the game.

The beta will be continuing until November 20th for all of the pre-order beta players, while those who got in thanks to their Qore subscriptions will find their play time ending on November 8th.

MAG has been confirmed for a release on January 26th of next year, so there will be some downtime between the beta and the release of the game for Zipper Interactive to do some bug fixing and further polishing.

MassivelyMAG pre-order beta has begun, game to launch on January 26th, 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabreakingfirst-person-shootermagmmofpsopen-betaplaystation3pre-order-keysps3public-betasceasony-computer-entertainment-americazipper-interactiveThu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's Planetside 2 to you?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/the-daily-grind-whats-planetside-2-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/the-daily-grind-whats-planetside-2-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/the-daily-grind-whats-planetside-2-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Like any newly announced game, Planetside 2 is still quite the enigma to all of us, but that doesn't mean we don't have our presumptions of what the game should be like. Even those of you who've never played the original more than likely have it in your head how an MMOFPS should play. So today we ask you: What kind of game is Planetside 2, to you?

Should the combat be fast, plodding or somewhere in-between? And what about progression, world design and visual style for that matter? There's no doubt that SOE has a lot to figure out, but something tells us many of you know exactly what you want to see from the game.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's Planetside 2 to you? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterfpsmmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentthe-daily-grindMon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wishes do come true, Planetside 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/wishes-come-do-true-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/wishes-come-do-true-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/wishes-come-do-true-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"X game sounds a lot like Planetside. I wish they'd make a sequel to that game." is something we've heard over the years as similar-yet-different titles have been announced and released. Well who says wishes don't come true? As it turns out, SOE is planning to "expand the Planetside universe with another game" and is asking players of the original for their input via survey. Rock Paper Shotgun picked up the scent of impending sequelosity, which is a word we've just made up that describes a sequel revelation of such ferocity that it slaps your jaw to the ground.

There are a lot of games, such as MAG, that are attempting a Planetside-ish experience. However, nothing new has really attempted the scope of the game, so hearing that another is on the way infuses us with a intoxicating blend of hope and curiosity.

MassivelyWishes do come true, Planetside 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfirst-person-shooterfpsfpsmmomagmassive-action-gameplanetsideplanetside-2rock-paper-shotgunshootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsurveyzipper-interactiveSun, 27 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


The MMO industry is always changing, and if we're going to stay ahead of the curve, we need to re-evaluate some of our views and ingrained notions from time to time. The Redefining MMOs series at Massively is our look at the state of massively multiplayer online games as it is today, and where we see it going. This week we're going to look at how shooters have invaded the MMO space, give you a run-down of some promising MMO shooters on the horizon, and finally tackle the question of whether or not they should be covered here at Massively.

Something we're seeing more and more is a blurring of the lines between formerly distinct game genres -- this is especially true of shooters and MMOs. There are a number of shooters on the horizon that fit the bill as MMOs (although not RPGs), but such games are a radical departure from the DikuMUD pedigree shared by most MMORPG titles we cover at Massively. These shooter-MMO hybrids may have quests, levels, and classes, but they cast few illusions about being true RPGs. They're shooters through and through, but have persistent settings or are massively multiplayer -- traits which catch our attention.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinconsolescrimedust-514featuredfirst-person-shooterfpsgame-mechanicsglobal-agendahuxleymagmmo-industrymmofpsopinionplanetsidepvpredefining-mmossci-fishootersthe-agencythird-person-shooterFri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley's closed beta now open to everyone via Fileplanet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/huxleys-closed-beta-now-open-to-everyone-via-fileplanet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/huxleys-closed-beta-now-open-to-everyone-via-fileplanet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/huxleys-closed-beta-now-open-to-everyone-via-fileplanet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, we know, that title sounded like a complete oxymoron. How can a closed beta be open to everybody? It just doesn't make any sense!

We understand your confusion, but it's best not to question it. Fileplanet is giving out Huxley: The Dystopia closed beta keys to all account holders now, not just their subscribers. A couple quick button presses is now all it takes to find yourself braving the lunar apocalypse with all of your friends!

A small note of instruction: if you get your beta key from Fileplanet, you will have to still make an ijji.com account for the closed beta test. You can do that right over at the Huxley closed beta page without much fuss at all. Now go forth and kick those Sapiens all the way back to the early days of evolution.

Update: As so many commenters have pointed out, this offer is only available for the US and Canada. European gamers, it appears, are locked out of this promotion being offered by Fileplanet.

MassivelyHuxley's closed beta now open to everyone via Fileplanet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacbt2closed-betaclosed-beta-phase-2fileplanetfirst-person-shooterfpshuxleyhuxley-the-dystopiaijji.commmofpswebzenTue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What is this mystery project at CCP Games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We know that CCP Games, creators of EVE Online, is going to announce a new project at GDC Europe in August. As CCP acquired White Wolf, creators of pen-and-paper RPG titles like Vampire, Mage, and Werewolf (the World of Darkness setting), we've known for some time that a World of Darkness MMO is in the works. Unfortunately, beyond the fact that the project exists at some stage of development, we know very little. But this mystery project announcement might not be about WoD at all. We're also aware that CCP Games has plans to release a first person shooter based on the EVE Online IP, which they hinted at during EVE Fanfest 2008.

The latest info we've found about a new project at CCP Games (via @crazykinux) is a job listing at CCP for a Senior Game Engineer. The successful applicant "will join a seasoned team based in Shanghai, China where they will work on original IP for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3." The listing also mentions development on the Unreal Engine.

Regardless of whether they're planning to unveil World of Darkness Online or an EVE Online first person shooter, you don't need to be an EVE player to appreciate how cool either of these releases could be. What game do you think CCP is going to announce at GDC Europe?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What is this mystery project at CCP Games? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamesconsoleconsoleseve-onlinefirst-person-shootergdc-europegdc-europe-2009hilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonhorrorpen-and-paperplaystation-3ps3rampant-speculationrpgsci-fishanghaitdgthe-daily-grindunreal-enginewhite-wolfworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlinexbox-360xbox360Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I firmly believe persistent online games have a lot more to offer, and every so often that fact rises up to the front of my thoughts by games like Resident Evil 5. If a cooperative and ostensibly zombie game can exist, then why not a massively version? Let me present to you, the reader, my vision of a game that could quite feasibly exist in just four or five years time:

The zombie apocalypse MMO.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypsecapcomfeaturedfirst-person-shooterleft-4-deadresident-evil-5the-digital-continuumthird-person-shooterundeadvalvezombiezombiesSat, 14 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quake creator repeatedly turned down MMO opportunities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/quake-creator-repeatedly-turned-down-mmo-opportunities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/quake-creator-repeatedly-turned-down-mmo-opportunities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/quake-creator-repeatedly-turned-down-mmo-opportunities/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

John Carmack, co-founder of id Software and lead programmer of the historic first-person-shooter games Doom and Quake, told Shacknews that id has been approached by multiple publishers interested in releasing an MMO version of Quake. Each time, the company turned them down.

It was implied that id has not pursued (and will not pursue) the idea because of the etreme challenges of developing a triple-A MMO.

There's a good point here. It's not as if Carmack and friends were throwing a money printer in the trash compactor by passing on the opportunity. The concern seems valid: MMOs are expensive, risky endeavors. Even with a team of experienced developers and a well-known intellectual property, there's always a risk that id could get in over its head.

[Via Joystiq]

MassivelyQuake creator repeatedly turned down MMO opportunities originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomfirst-person-shooteridid-softwareinterviewjohn-carmackmmommofpspublisherquakeshacknewsWed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO: Seven genres in one game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/lotro-seven-genres-in-one-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/lotro-seven-genres-in-one-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/lotro-seven-genres-in-one-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Part of the genius of Lord of the Rings Online is how Turbine managed to wrap seven genres into one game. No, I am not talking about their Web games promoting the Mines of Moria. Rather, I am talking about how utterly different the play of each class is while being in the same environment. This is great because it aids the replayability of a game whose content, shall we say, lends itself to considerable replay for the committed player.

Each class is its own game - so much so that each actually typifies not merely a different RPG character type, but actually completely different genre of gaming.

Can you match the genre to the character class?

Continue reading LotRO: Seven genres in one game

MassivelyLotRO: Seven genres in one game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-cheatingarcade-fighterblizzardbreakout-2000dawn-of-wardeus-exdoomeverquestfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommorpgreal-time-strategysandboxsid-meiers-piratessonic-the-hedgehogstreet-fightertetrisTurbineturn-based-strategyFri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley: a Brave New World?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It is a curious thing to hear of a game being themed after a classic speculative fiction novel. It's even more curious because the novel in question, Brave New World, has little in common with Starship Troopers (as the game's images suggest) and a whole lot in common with Idiocracy (did they have sex hormone gum in that movie?). Brave New World itself was Aldous Huxley's take on American excessive trust in technology, the future, manufacturing, science, and hedonism, culminating in images such as babies being processed in factories instead of born, people being altered to meet almost cookie cutter standards of beauty, and sex being so casual as to almost require assigned seating. One can only imagine what Aldous Huxley would think of the United States in 2008.

Huxley promises to be a great game combining the MMO and FPS genres in a new and entertaining fashion, and I am all for creativity and license. But that's just the problem. When I heard about Huxley the game, my mind immediately leaped to the possibilities of some other first person shooter games derived from the other works of Aldous Huxley, and frankly, that boggles the mind.

Continue reading Huxley: a Brave New World?

MassivelyHuxley: a Brave New World? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldous-huxleybrave-new-worldfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterhuxleyjefferson-airplanemmofpsnew-gamenew-gamesparliament-funkadelicthe-doorsthe-doors-of-perceptionwebzenThu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley breaks radio silence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/huxley-breaks-radio-silence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/huxley-breaks-radio-silence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/huxley-breaks-radio-silence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


As we noted when we named PlanetSide our #3 Sci-Fi MMO to date, it's good to see the "MMO" try on some new (i.e., non-RPG) clothes now and again. That's why we've been keeping a close eye on Webzen's MMOFPS Huxley. Updates on Huxley have been coming in a trickle in recent months. Videos have been released now and again, and we knew it was in closed beta, but Webzen hasn't said much to the public lately. Good news: the silence was broken by an article at IGN the other day!

The basic info is all there: two persistent cities supporting up to 5,000 players in a post-apocalyptic Earth setting, instanced battles with hundreds of players, and differences between the PC and XBox 360 versions of the game. There are also several new screenshots and videos. The game looks a lot like Unreal Tournament 3. Not a surprise, since it's a first-person-shooter running on Unreal Engine 3.

According to the article, the PC version of Huxley will launch States-side before year's end, with the 360 version following about six months later.

[Via XBox 360 Fanboy]

MassivelyHuxley breaks radio silence originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterfpshuxleyignkoreammofpsplanetsidepost-apocalypticsci-fisouth-koreaunrealunreal-engineunreal-engine-3webzenThu, 06 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Halo game: FPS MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/next-halo-game-fps-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/next-halo-game-fps-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/next-halo-game-fps-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


So now that Bungie and Microsoft have parted ways, what's next for the Halo universe? The latest rumor says Master Chief and company are headed to an first person shooter MMO. That... would be spectacular, given that's done right. Halo is already basically an MMO, considering all the persistent stats, customization and tracking that Bungie has put into it. All it really needs is a virtual world for the Covenant (or what's left of it), Earth, and the Flood to fight it out in, and we're off to the rocket races.

The rumor, which is actually from the latest EGM, recommends Bungie for such a task, and there has been speculation that Bungie will go to an MMO next also (although, there's been speculation that every big game developer is working on an MMO, so don't hold your breath on that one either). But it's true that while PlanetSide is entertaining, we haven't yet seen a next generation FPS MMO done right. Could be that Bungie are just the ones to do it.

[ via X3F ]

MassivelyNext Halo game: FPS MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieegmfirst-person-shooterfpshalomicrosoftmmoplanetsidestatsvirtual-worldxbox360fanboyThu, 25 Oct 2007 15:51:00 EST