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[Ascots and crossbows: Hands-on with Renaissance Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/ascots-and-crossbows-hands-on-with-renaissance-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/ascots-and-crossbows-hands-on-with-renaissance-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/ascots-and-crossbows-hands-on-with-renaissance-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Renaissance Heroes
A few months ago, when New Year's resolutions came around, I decided to take broad, sweeping strides outside of my comfort zone -- I decided to play more FPS games. Long have I lingered in the comforting bosom of tab targeting, cast bars, and kill-10-boars. So when Renaissance Heroes, a newly released free-to-play FPS, came to my attention, I thought I might have finally found an FPS game that's more my style, that style being "shoot people in the face with crossbows."

I was not disappointed.

Continue reading Ascots and crossbows: Hands-on with Renaissance Heroes

MassivelyAscots and crossbows: Hands-on with Renaissance Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfreemiumGamefusehands-onimpressionslivestreammatthew-lenehanmicrotransactionspreviewpreviewsrenaissance-heroesshooterstreamstreamingvideovideosWed, 27 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Renaissance Heroes fires its starter blunderbuss]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/renaissance-heroes-fires-its-starter-blunderbuss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/renaissance-heroes-fires-its-starter-blunderbuss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/renaissance-heroes-fires-its-starter-blunderbuss/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renaissance Heroes fires a starter blunderbuss
The day of days is finally here: Renaissance Heroes has launched. Yes indeed, after countless years of anticipation, fan speculation, and agonizing countdowns, this renaissance-themed first-person shooter has been delivered into the hands of eager players.

The title, which has released in both Europe and North America, received a rather substantial last-minute upgrade. Renaissance Heroes added a couple of new arenas, the Domination game mode, and a crossbow-wielding character to its list of bullet point features.

ChangYou has plans to both livestream the game and throw tournaments featuring the most elite heroes of the 16th century. If you're curious but don't want to pick it up just yet, stay tuned as we livestream the game next week!

[Source: ChangYou press release]

MassivelyRenaissance Heroes fires its starter blunderbuss originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyoufirst-person-shooterfpslaunchlobby-basedmultiplayer-shooterRenaissance-Heroesrenaissance-heroes-trailershooterTue, 19 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: On Destiny, Tribes GOTY, and Ghost in the Shell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/the-firing-line-on-destiny-tribes-goty-and-ghost-in-the-shell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/the-firing-line-on-destiny-tribes-goty-and-ghost-in-the-shell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/the-firing-line-on-destiny-tribes-goty-and-ghost-in-the-shell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - On Destiny, Tribes GOTY, and Ghost in the Shell
It's been a pretty eventful week for online shooter news, and The Firing Line is back to help you catch up on all the tidbits you might've missed. Since we've got so much to cover, what say we skip the usual game journo intro puns and get right to it?

Continue reading The Firing Line: On Destiny, Tribes GOTY, and Ghost in the Shell

MassivelyThe Firing Line: On Destiny, Tribes GOTY, and Ghost in the Shell originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arctic-combatascendbungiebungie-destinychangyoudestinye-sportesportf2pfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playghost-in-the-shellghost-in-the-shell-stand-alone-complexgun-controlgun-violencehi-rezhi-rez-studiosnexononline-shooteropinionpvprenaissance-heroesshooterstand-alone-complextflthe-firing-linetpstrailertribestribes-ascendvideowebzenFri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive video shows off Renaissance Heroes prior to next week's launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/exclusive-video-shows-off-renaissance-heroes-action-prior-to-nex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/exclusive-video-shows-off-renaissance-heroes-action-prior-to-nex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/exclusive-video-shows-off-renaissance-heroes-action-prior-to-nex/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Exclusive video whets appetite for Renaissance Heroes launch next week
If you've got a special passion for both shooters and the Renaissance, then ChangYou's upcoming lobby-based Renaissance Heroes is right up your dark, cobblestone alley. And come next week, you can dive right into that olden time with guns blazing; the game launches on February 19th in both North America and Europe.

Players familiar with the game from the beta will find even more content once the game goes live, including new maps, new weapons, a new character, and competitive game modes. Eager to get in on the action? To help tide you over during the wait, Massively has an exclusive trailer for you after the break.

[Source: ChangYou press release]

Continue reading Exclusive video shows off Renaissance Heroes prior to next week's launch

MassivelyExclusive video shows off Renaissance Heroes prior to next week's launch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyouexclusivefirst-person-shooterfpslaunchlobby-basedmultiplayer-shooterRenaissance-Heroesrenaissance-heroes-trailershooterWed, 13 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bullet Run shutting down on March 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/bullet-run-shutting-down-on-march-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/bullet-run-shutting-down-on-march-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/bullet-run-shutting-down-on-march-8th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Bullet Run
Sony Online Entertainment has announced the imminent closing of its short-lived multiplayer FPS, Bullet Run. In a post on the game's official forums, the studio announced that "after much review and consideration, Acony Games and Sony Online Entertainment have mutually made the decision to discontinue development on the free-to-play FPS game, Bullet Run."

SOE will be officially sunsetting the game on March 8th, 2013. Until that time, however, the servers will remain up-and-running for any players who want to have one last hoorah before the game takes its final bow. Membership billing, however, ended yesterday, February 1st. Any players who still had time on their Platinum Memberships as of that time will receive a "pro rata refund for any time remaining on [their] Bullet Run subscription[s]" from SOE. The full details can be found on the game's official forums, and we wish the best of luck to the game's dev team in its members' future endeavors.

[Thanks to Jack Pipsam for the tip!]

MassivelyBullet Run shutting down on March 8th originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acony-gamesbullet-runclosurefirst-person-shooterfpsmmofpsshutdownsoesony-online-entertainmentsunsetSat, 02 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
When console MMOFPS DUST 514 was first announced, players were cautious of the game's ambitious goals. Developers promised that DUST battles would decide the ownership of planets inside PC MMO EVE Online, and that this would tie into system sovereignty and ultimately ownership of entire regions of space. We expected the two games to have separate communities and economies that would interact only when EVE players hired DUST mercenaries to take over sectors of particular planets, but we couldn't have been more wrong.

Two years later, CCP blew our expectations out of the water with details of how DUST and EVE will be practically joined at the hip. We learned that the two games would share the exact same corporations and that ISK would be transferable between games. We also got a glimpse of the incredible plans for realtime integration, with EVE ships able to deliver air strikes to planets and DUST players able to shoot down ships in orbit with ground cannon. But have those ambitious goals stayed in focus during development, and what can we expect from DUST when it launches early next year?

In this week's EVE Evolved opinion piece, I look through the public information on DUST 514's launch integration with EVE Online and speculate on how the link may evolve after release.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-strikealliance-warfarebattlefieldbattlefield-2ccpccp-gamescommanderconsoleconsole-mmodustdust-514dust-514-betadust-514-videodust-betadust-bunnieseveeve-dust-integrationeve-dust-interactioneve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsincarnaintegrationmercmercenarymercenary-quartersmmofpsplanetplanetsplaystationplaystation-3ps3realtimesandboxsci-fishootersolar-systemsterritorial-controlterritorial-warfaretrailervideowalking-in-stationswar-bargeSun, 04 Nov 2012 18:00:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pfirefallFireFall-Festfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playHalloweenhalloween-2012Halloween-eventslivestreamsmmo-shooterpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishootervideowarTue, 30 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall Fest schedules celebrity livestreams]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/firefall-fest-schedules-celebrity-livestreams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/firefall-fest-schedules-celebrity-livestreams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/firefall-fest-schedules-celebrity-livestreams/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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[Cold, tired, and dead: Hands-on with PlanetSide 2's newest continent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/cold-tired-and-dead-hands-on-with-planetside-2-s-newest-contin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/cold-tired-and-dead-hands-on-with-planetside-2-s-newest-contin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/cold-tired-and-dead-hands-on-with-planetside-2-s-newest-contin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

PlaneSide 2
PlanetSide 2 is a game that's all about huge maps and war on an epic scale. The MMOFPS title's continents are massive -- dozens of times larger than the average first-person-shooter map and packed with structures to dominate, vehicles to crash, and enemy players to kill. For the last few weeks, players have been content to murder one another in the various environments of Indar, the only continent available when the beta went live, but everything changed over the weekend.

Now, there's a new kid in town: a vast, frozen wasteland that brings new challenges and new stories to the game in a way that Indar perhaps never could. It's called Esamir, and I gave my life (several times) to control and defend it.

This is my PlanetSide 2 story.

Continue reading Cold, tired, and dead: Hands-on with PlanetSide 2's newest continent

MassivelyCold, tired, and dead: Hands-on with PlanetSide 2's newest continent originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingcontentesamirf2pfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmmofpsopen-world-pvpPlanetSideplanetside-2planetside-betapreviewpreviewspvpsci-fishooterSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmentspacetankstestingvehiclesWed, 10 Oct 2012 17:00:00 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[First impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

First Impressions PlanetSide 2 from the eyes of an FPS noob
Rather than give anyone the wrong impression, let me begin by saying that first-person shooters are far from being my thing. I don't pant in anticipation for the latest Battlefield or Modern Warfare game. I do, however, like my share of third-person shooters. Global Agenda and the Mass Effect series come to mind immediately. So what in the world would make someone like me interested in Sony Online Entertainment's latest craze, PlanetSide 2?

RPGs are my thing, and I have always had respect for SOE as a developer. Despite some obvious mistakes the company's made when under the umbrella of large intellectual properties like DC Comics and Star Wars, SOE has handled its own IPs very well. It was also one of the first Western AAA studios to step into the world of free-to-play (with Free Realms, which continues to perform well). And now PlanetSide 2 proclaims that online FPS titles can not only provide exciting vehicle combat but do so in a persistent world.

So when SOE invited Massively to join Game Designer Margaret Krohn on a guided tour of PlanetSide 2, I thought, "Why not? At least I'll get to shoot some people in the face."

Continue reading First impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob

MassivelyFirst impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeverquestf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfirst-person-shooterfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playgagalaxiesGame-Mechanicsglobalagendahands-onmargaret-krohnmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2previewpreviewspsps2sci-fisettingshootersoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtestingthird-person-shootertpsultimaultimaonlineuovisualsThu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:00 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[The Firing Line: PlanetSide 2, Tribes, and Heroes & Generals updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-firing-line-planetside-2-tribes-and-heroes-and-generals-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-firing-line-planetside-2-tribes-and-heroes-and-generals-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-firing-line-planetside-2-tribes-and-heroes-and-generals-upd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line PlanetSide 2, Tribes, and Heroes & Generals updates
Not a bad week for shooter news, wouldn't you agree? Let's see, we had PlanetSide 2's heart-pounding Death is No Excuse CG trailer. We also had a huge Tribes: Ascend update. While those two juggernauts get plenty of press coverage, one shooter that's still operating relatively under the radar is Heroes & Generals.

If you've read The Firing Line before, though, you know I'm a big fan of Reto-Moto's browser-based World War II title. Follow me past the break for the latest updates on that and more.

Continue reading The Firing Line: PlanetSide 2, Tribes, and Heroes & Generals updates

MassivelyThe Firing Line: PlanetSide 2, Tribes, and Heroes & Generals updates originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendblurblur-studiocgcg-trailercgidave-wilsone-sportesportf2pfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playheroes-and-generalshi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-blurplanetside-2-cg-trailerps2ps2-trailerps2-videopvpreto-motosandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrailerstribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-twinfusortribes-universetwinfusorvideoFri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anime-expof2pfirefallfirefall-mgufirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsmobile-gaming-unitpvpreal-world-eventsred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarwest-coast-customsThu, 21 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Defiance, Arctic Combat, and other E3 leftovers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/the-firing-line-defiance-arctic-combat-and-other-e3-leftovers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/the-firing-line-defiance-arctic-combat-and-other-e3-leftovers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/the-firing-line-defiance-arctic-combat-and-other-e3-leftovers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line Defiance, Arctic Combat, and other E3 leftovers
Ah, home.

A full-screen monitor, a fridge stocked with Diet Sunkist, plenty of columns to be written, and my own vehicle! Public transportation doesn't agree with me, folks, as I learned last week at E3 in Los Angeles. I also learned a lot about PlanetSide 2, a little about DUST 514, and tidbits about Defiance and something called Arctic Combat.

For this week's Firing Line, I figured I should pay a little lip service to those last two. And we'll also recap some of this week's crucial online shooter news. To the cut!

Continue reading The Firing Line: Defiance, Arctic Combat, and other E3 leftovers

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Defiance, Arctic Combat, and other E3 leftovers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acceleratearctic-combatarkark-hunterarkfallascendbattery-studioconconventionconvention-coveragedefiancee-sporte3e3-2012e3-leftoverselectronic-entertainment-expoesportexpof2pfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiosleftoversmmm-leftoversmmofpspvprenaissance-heroessci-fishootersyfytransmedia-synergytribestribes-acceleratetribes-ascendtribes-ascend-acceleratetribes-mmotribes-universetriontrion-worldstvwebzenxboxFri, 15 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 unveils part one of Firefall manga, shuts down ARG [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/red-5-unveils-part-one-of-firefall-manga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/red-5-unveils-part-one-of-firefall-manga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/red-5-unveils-part-one-of-firefall-manga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomicsemily-janice-cardf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playjoe-ngmagazinemangammo-shootermmofpsorson-scott-cardpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarWed, 13 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Maze War]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Maze War
It's hard to know how far back to go when chronicling the history of early MMOs and their ancestors. After all, the Game Archaeologist has looked at several titles (Air Warrior, Habitat, Neverwinter Nights) that do not fit the modern definition of an MMO yet were bound in blood to the genre nonetheless.

So if today's game seems to be somewhat tenuously related to our favorite hobby, I beg your forgiveness in advance, but I do feel it's pertinent to our exploration of this wonderful genre. The game in question is Maze War, and it holds a general's uniform's worth of medals depicting firsts in the infant genre of video games. Most importantly for us, Maze War was the first graphical video game to be networked and allow players to interact and fight each other. You can see why that may tie in to our current situation.

While the game itself certainly never attained the complexity of modern shooters or RPGs, its innovation and pioneering certainly make it worthy of examination. So let's dust it off and get to it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Maze War

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Maze War originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-warriorarpanetchristopher-kentclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdarpadoomethernetfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsgame-archaelogistgreg-thompsonhabitathoward-palmerimlacmacmazemaze-warmmofpsnasaneverwinter-nightsnostalgiaopinionpongsteve-colleytcpipthe-game-archaeologistwizardryxeroxTue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall dev diary discusses SIN]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/firefall-dev-diary-discusses-sin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/firefall-dev-diary-discusses-sin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/firefall-dev-diary-discusses-sin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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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The Firing Line - news roundup edition
It's taking all of my willpower to avoid reducing this week's column down to four words: PlanetSide 2 hands-on. I guess technically that might be three words, or even two, depending on how you classify numbers and hyphens. The point, though, is that this time next week, I will have gotten my grubby little paws on Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS, and I'm so excited that little else matters.

OK, some stuff still matters, namely the interesting shooter news that happened this past week. Join me after the jump for a recap.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Zomg it's almost time for PlanetSide 2 edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Zomg it's almost time for PlanetSide 2 edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renaissance Heroes - battle hammer vs. crossbow
Renaissance Heroes isn't exactly an MMO (it's a 12-player lobby shooter if you're curious). Given the fact that it melds the Unreal Engine 3 with 16th century Renaissance Europe, we figured you'd like a beta key to take a look.

The game features the usual deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture-the-flag modes, along with over 100 unlockable achievements. Unlike your daddy's FPS, it also features crossbows, battlehammers, and other classical weaponry.

Closed beta starts May 31st, but we're handing out 1000 keys now to get you ready. Again, the keys won't be able to be redeemed until May 31st. Click past the cut for your beta key redemption instructions.

Continue reading Renaissance Heroes closed beta starts May 31st, and we've got keys

MassivelyRenaissance Heroes closed beta starts May 31st, and we've got keys originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachangyouclosed-betafirst-person-shooterfpsmultiplayer-shooterrenaissance-heroesrenaissance-heroes-betashooterTue, 29 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![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.

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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