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[MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot
When Tiny Speck, maker of the wonderfully odd browser-based sandbox Glitch, announced that it would be taking the game back to a beta state in order to retool many of the game's most essential systems, I was skeptical. Heck, I've remained skeptical. I stopped streaming the game due to time constraints but continued to log in and enjoy it. More specifically, I didn't feel like continuing to stream it until the new releases were officially released. I tend to enjoy betas but want to hold back my opinions until games are actually open, and this return to beta made me feel the same way.

Lately, however, the changes being tested and implemented into the game have just been too cool to stay hushed about. Housing is receiving wonderful, wonderful updates that will allow for complete creative freedom that is rarely seen in MMO housing. The UI is transforming as well, and new skills and creatures are being introduced.

Beta or not, there is some crazy-cool stuff going on in the land of Ur. In fact, check out these brand new patch notes!

Continue reading MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations

MassivelyMMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabeau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playglitchhipsterhousing-changesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesandboxsmartphonetiny-specktinyspeckunlauncheningFri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch - No idea what this is to be honest
It's a happy day if you've been yearning to scratch that browser-based sandbox itch. Yes, Glitch has returned with an overhauled user interface and the new imagination system.

What the heck is imagination? Well, glitches now have imagination (iMG) instead of XP. You gain iMG by questing, crafting, and collecting (i.e., by playing the game), and you can spend it on upgrades and various other gizmos still in the works. In short, iMG allows you to "create, grow, and customize the world and your character." It also serves as a nifty way of explaining new game abilities as opposed to boring old XP.

TinySpeck has authored a FAQ on the imagination changeover. Give it a read-through before you log in, as both the level curve and your character's accumulated XP have undergone significant changes.

[Thanks to Halldorr for the tip!]

MassivelyGlitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playglitchglitch-imaginationglitch-imgglitch-uiglitch-xphipsterimaginationimgsandboxtinyspeckunlauncheningThu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glitch wants to give you a free house]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Glitch
Massively went gaga for quirky Flash-based sandbox MMO Glitch when it launched last fall, so we were dismayed when it unlaunched just a few short months later. Who unlaunches a game? Tiny Speck, that's who. The company sent the game back into beta for systems overhauls, including more robust housing, as Tiny Speck's Stewart Butterfield told us back in December.

This week, in a question-and-answer session on the official forums, Butterfield explains just how the new housing system will work. For starters, everyone will now begin the game as a homeowner. Existing players will be transitioned from their current, static homes into new base models, which can be upgraded (horizontally, vertically, and thematically) as players invest Imagination and undertake crafting projects. Players will even decide which types of gardens and animal pens will surround their abodes.

There's a whole lot more to the Q&A, including bits about economy overhauls, player-generated content, and the end of Lord of the Rings Online-style neighborhoods, so sandbox aficionados should review it or the summary in person.

[Thanks to Saucelah for the tip!]

MassivelyGlitch wants to give you a free house originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playglitchhousingpatchpatchesstewart-butterfieldtinyspeckMon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: It's bigger on the inside edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/the-mmo-report-its-bigger-on-the-inside-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/the-mmo-report-its-bigger-on-the-inside-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/the-mmo-report-its-bigger-on-the-inside-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report ("where everyone is legally obligated to be filled with Yuletide"), Casey and the crew interview two of the minds behind the inbound Doctor Who-flavored MMO. Doctor Who: Worlds in Time's Robert Nashak and Max Engel sat down to discuss the game, which is a platform-independent, Flash-based browser MMO with a unique 2-D graphic-novel style that aims to appeal to fans of both the franchise and sci-fi games in general. Nashak and Engel promise iconic locations and enemies along with a Matt Smith-inspired Doctor and a customizable gadget (sonic screwdriver, anyone?) to reflect each character's abilities.

The game will be F2P; ideally, players can wade through the game "without spending a penny," although naturally you can purchase faster mission completion and customization of your "home-space on the Tardis." Yes, it's bigger on the inside.

The game launches in March of 2012, but for now, you can check out the entirety of The MMO Report's interview just past the break.

Continue reading The MMO Report: It's bigger on the inside edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: It's bigger on the inside edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasey-schreinerdigital-entertainmentdoctor-whodoctor-who-mmoDoctor-who-worlds-in-timef2pflashfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsits-bigger-on-the-insidematt-smithmax-engelMicrotransactionsmmo-reportrobert-nashaktardisthe-mmo-reportvideovideosThu, 22 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dcuo-lightning-strikes-update-to-feature-superhero-origins-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dcuo-lightning-strikes-update-to-feature-superhero-origins-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dcuo-lightning-strikes-update-to-feature-superhero-origins-conte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online - The Flash
By now you're probably aware of DC Universe Online's impending content pack. Lightning Strikes drops this Tuesday, December 6th, and in case you weren't already excited, PC Gamer's got a bit more for you to chew on.

In addition to a new Central City map and a new set of electricity-based superpowers, DCUO is adding some origin content designed to titillate DC Comics fans and introduce newbs to the canon's long and storied history. Sony Online Entertainment creative director Jens Andersen told PC Gamer that the Flash's Cosmic Treadmill is the first of several origins-type devices slated to appear in the superhero MMO, and SOE plans to let players revisit "the origin stories of DC's biggest villains and heroes."

The initial origin story occurs in one of DCUO's duo instances, where you and a friend will be whisked back in time to the night that Barry Allen rode the lightning and became The Flash. Head to the PC Gamer for the full article text, and check out the Lightning Strikes teaser video after the break.

Continue reading DCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content

MassivelyDCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-allencontent-packcosmic-treadmillsdc-comics-originsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-originselectricityflashjens-andersenlightning-strikessoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsuperherothe-flashtrailervideoFri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online - Sorceror attacking
December 6th is shaping up to be quite a big day for Sony Online Entertainment. Not only is EverQuest II's latest expansion slated to debut, but so is the new Lightning Strikes content pack for DC Universe Online. The pack is free for subscribers and $9.99 for F2P folk.

There's plenty of bang for your buck too, and it all starts with a new power set (electricity) and continues with new gear, a new open-world map (Central City), and plenty of new DC Comics characters and missions to populate it. New faces include Livewire, Black Lightning, The Top, and The Trickster, and you can learn more about DCUO -- as well as download the client -- at the game's official web destination, and we've tucked the newest trailer right after the break.

Continue reading New power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th

MassivelyNew power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>central-citydc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoelectricityelectricity-powersflashlightning-strikesnew-mappower-setssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsuperherothe-flashWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online's Lightning Strikes DLC pack announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/dc-universe-onlines-lightning-strikes-dlc-pack-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/dc-universe-onlines-lightning-strikes-dlc-pack-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/dc-universe-onlines-lightning-strikes-dlc-pack-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online has had a lot to say about its recent free-to-play transition, with the game boasting a one million player increase since the change took place. But that's in the past already; what's en route in the near future? Well, today Sony Online Entertainment is announcing the latest round of DLC for the freshly F2P superhero game.

The new DLC is entitled Lightning Strikes, and it focuses on everyone's favorite speedster, Flash. The update will bring a variety of new content for veteran and fledgling players alike. So what can players look forward to when Lightning Strikes? We sat down with some of the game's developers to find out, so follow on past the cut and have a gander.

Continue reading DC Universe Online's Lightning Strikes DLC pack announced

MassivelyDC Universe Online's Lightning Strikes DLC pack announced originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-allencentral-citycontent-updatecosmic-treadmilldc-52dc-new-52dc-universe-onlinedcuodlcdownloadable-contentduoelectricityfeaturedflashlightninglightning-strikespatchpower-setpowersetprofessor-zoomsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-flashupdateThu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Glitch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-glitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-glitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-glitch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot, dude
Ah, so we meet at last, Glitch. I have been looking forward to playing this game for a long, long time. Possibly decades. All right, not decades... but there is something familiar about the game, something that feels homey and warm and nice. What is it? Perhaps I will find out soon. Before I get all gushy about the wonderful world of giants, I need to explain why I think it is important for the genre, not just for me.

Glitch is like Minecraft, not in its dynamic or design but in the obvious impact it is having and will more than likely continue having on its particular genre. Actually, it has already had this type of effect on gaming in general, but not quite at the level of Minecraft. Yet.

Click past the cut and I'll gush some more.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Glitch

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Glitch originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-dbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedeve-onlinefacebookfeaturedflashgiantsglitchhellLiveStreamnostalgiarise-and-shinySide-scrollertiny-speckSun, 09 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

City of Eternals is somewhat of an enigma to me. I've heard of it off and on through the last few years. I've seen it before, and it doesn't seem as though it has changed much, if at all. I am familiar with it just because I have been covering games for a long time, yet I've never really checked it out. Sure, I poked my head into it through Facebook once or twice, but to be honest, I didn't really like what I saw. I am all about independent, different-looking, or not-so-pretty games... heck, if I weren't, I'd have nothing to play but bloated "AAA" grindfests.

But there's just something about the skinny-jean, pleather-wearing vampire scene that I cannot stand. My wife is into True Blood, the campy, vamp-heavy, naked-people festival that shows on the HBO network, but at least the show has fun with it and builds up interesting characters. City of Eternals seems to be stuck in that cheesier area of vampire fandom, though.

Still, I played it over the last week and started to enjoy it a bit, for a few different reasons. Click past the cut and I'll tell you about it.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-eternalscoef2pfeaturedflashflash-basedfree-to-playftphboipadlivestreammobileohaiorder-and-chaos-onlinerunescapeskinny-jeanstrue-bloodvampirevampiresvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 26 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo opens the news floodgates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

"Cry havoc, and unleash the titles of war" might as well be gamigo's cry, as today it has seen fit to give us what can only be termed as a new title news explosion. Aside from offering up an interesting tidbit on its upcoming space dogfighter, Black Prophecy, the company has released information on a handful of other new titles that should pique the interest of gamers who are looking for something beyond the standard free-to-play MMO fare. Better still, some of these titles will be available in-browser, helping to open up more "jump in and game" free-to-play options.

Grimlands offers something for players who have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic title that promises the ability to evolve their own playstyles -- and cities. UFO Online: Fight for Earth features a tactics-heavy browser-based MMO environment where players will battle against each other and enemy NPCs in a world overrun with gobsmackingly enormous amounts of aliens. Magic Campus offers adventure in a turn-based world where players build a powerful cadre of pets and mentor others in the ways of magic -- all in their browsers.

Sound intriguing? Join us behind the break for a first look at screenshots and video from these upcoming gamigo titles!

Continue reading Gamigo opens the news floodgates

MassivelyGamigo opens the news floodgates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbetablack-prophecybrowser-basedconcept-artcross-platformf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playgallerygamigoGrimlandsjrpgmacmagic-campusmmommofpsmmoomgmmorpgmmortsnew-titlespcpost-apocalypticpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsteaser-trailertrailerufo-onlineufo-online-fight-for-earthunityunity-enginevideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gazillion and Netdevil's Fortune Online closed beta mystery]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gazillion-and-netdevils-fortune-online-closed-beta-mystery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gazillion-and-netdevils-fortune-online-closed-beta-mystery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gazillion-and-netdevils-fortune-online-closed-beta-mystery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the things we love to do here at Massively is to point you to interesting MMO games on the horizon -- especially when it comes to signing up for beta testing! We figure since nerds of a feather flock together, you'd probably enjoy finding out about new games just as much as we do. That's why we admit being to a bit flummoxed by this one. You see, Gazillion Entertainment and Netdevil have just launched the website for their new browser-based game, Fortune Online, which currently offers only a login page or a sign-up for a closed beta spot. However, since you need a code to sign up, you can't currently get further into the site than this page, leaving us to look at its shiny graphics and wonder... what gaming goodness lies beneath?

Thankfully, Gazillion Entertainment sent us a pile of screenshots and a video to give us an idea of what the game will be like. Created to play in "any browser released in this century," Fortune Online is a lush, isometric, Diablo-esque action game offering the ability to play with friends in a persistent world. Even more interesting is that the game is flash-based, which will spare us from enormous downloads and give players the ability to jump in from just about any computer they can get access to. The game is also designed to allow ease in inviting friends to play with you. To top it all off? Fortune Online will be free-to-play! So while we wait for open beta, check out the gallery of screenshots below and the action-packed video behind the break! Or, you know, you can go look at the shiny site and click expectantly on the buttons like we did.

Gallery: Fortune Online

Continue reading Gazillion and Netdevil's Fortune Online closed beta mystery

MassivelyGazillion and Netdevil's Fortune Online closed beta mystery originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-basedclosed-betaf2pflashflash-basedfortune-onlinefree-to-playfreemiumgazilliongazillion-entertainmentnetdevilsnarkWed, 02 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

How could you not fall in love with a Disney/Pixar movie? I'm not sure that's even possible. Cars revved up belly laughs in the theater back in 2006, earning two Oscar nominations and raking in more than a dozen other industry awards. Kids were captivated by the feisty little car characters, and grownups chuckled at voicing from such high-octane stars as Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and even Cheech Marin.

The MMO version of the franchise, which officially launched last month, pulls away from the starting line without this full tank of charisma. World of Cars Online hits on all cylinders yet somehow fails to throttle up into the type of completely engaging world we've come to expect from a Disney/Pixar creation. It's a 2-D, minigame-centric experience with lots (and we do mean lots) of point-and-click racing. Still, if you've got a young boy around the house who's hankering to burn a little online rubber, World of Cars is an inexpensive, kid-friendly way to do it.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carschat-filterchildchildrendisneydisney-interactive-media-groupfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-funfamily-gamingfeaturedflashfree-to-playfreemiumkid-friendlykidsminigamesparental-controlsparentspixarpoint-and-clicksafe-chatspeed-chatweb-basedworld-of-carsworld-of-cars-onlineTue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like minigames in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quick: What does cooking in Free Realms, diplomacy in Vanguard, fishing in World of Warcraft and horse racing in Lord of the Rings Online have in common? Other than being fantastic wastes of time (I kid, I kid), they're all types of minigames added to our MMOs by ambitious developers who were looking for ways other than "smash with club" to accomplish tasks in game.

Some minigames are little more than whimsical diversions, set out for players looking to blow a few minutes on a cute activity. Other minigames are crucial to achieving goals, as players engage in them to get money, level up professions or even succeed at a raid.

So how do you feel about minigames in MMOs? Are they too "kiddy" and should best be left for Nintendo DS players and Flash game fanatics? Do you like the variety and spice they add to the game? Do you even want to see more of them as alternate ways to advance other than combat?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you like minigames in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfree-realmslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamesnintendo-dsopinionraidtdgthe-daily-grindvanguardworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE and Blur release DCUO story trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/soe-and-blur-release-dcuo-story-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/soe-and-blur-release-dcuo-story-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/soe-and-blur-release-dcuo-story-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment has just released a lengthy story trailer for its forthcoming DC Universe Online superhero MMORPG. Debuting early Saturday morning on GameTrailers, the massive video clocks in at over six minutes in length and features nearly all of the DC Comics notables, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Wonder Woman, the Joker, and others.

The hyper-violent cinematic is the latest creation of Blur Studio, also known for its Star Wars: The Old Republic teaser work. The cinematic sets up DCUO's overarching story, in which the heroes team up with Lex Luthor to stop Brainiac and his latest threat to humanity.

You can view the trailer, appropriately named "Who Do You Trust," after the cut or at GameTrailers.

Continue reading SOE and Blur release DCUO story trailer

MassivelySOE and Blur release DCUO story trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanblurbrainiaccgicinematicdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoflashgreen-lanternjokersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicsupermanswtorthe-old-republictrailervideowho-do-you-trustwonder-womanSat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: AdventureQuest Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-adventurequest-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-adventurequest-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-adventurequest-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 8 PM Central time, followed by this column the Sunday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau@massively.com.

Making games for younger players has to be a very difficult undertaking. Think about today's informed youth, especially compared to my generation. When I was 13, I made forts and had BB gun fights, but modern 13-year-olds carry cell phones in their pockets and have constant access to the internet. Gaming is winning out, though, by being provided with a massive (and growing) audience of willing players.

When you are making a game for this savvy audience, you had better have all your digital ducks in a row. AdventureQuest Worlds is designed well enough to satisfy a large range of age groups and levels of experience, and for that, Artix Entertainment should be proud. Still, there is plenty that could be changed about the game to make it even more friendly.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: AdventureQuest Worlds

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: AdventureQuest Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurequestadventurequest-worldsaqwartixartix-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedflashfree-to-playftpSun, 11 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinetik speeds into the profiled halls of Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/kinetik-speeds-into-the-profiled-halls-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/kinetik-speeds-into-the-profiled-halls-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/kinetik-speeds-into-the-profiled-halls-of-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's becoming apparent that somebody is a Flash fan, because the most recently profiled Champions Online character, Kinetik, is very much inspired by the iconic character. Not that we think it's a bad thing, especially considering that there are differences between the the characters.

Of course there are a lot of Flashes in the DC Universe. We're speaking specifically about Barry Allen and the lab accident that turned him into the scarlet speedster. Kinetic -- aka Brendan Grant -- may have had a lab accident, but the events leading to his clash with superheroism are drastically different from Barry Allen's. Also, much of the two character's purposes in life are different as well. Barry has his love Iris, while Brendan has his younger brethren in need of his help. Read the profile if you're keen for the specifics.

What really has us curious is the fact that all the Champions profiles so far feature characters whose powers are represented within the game somehow. Kinetic seems to be the exception with his superspeed being his bread and butter power. The game has superspeed as a travel power, but nothing beyond that. With the recently announced delay, will we see the addition of these powers? Or, are players merely expected to substitute other powers in order to feel super speedsters themselves?

MassivelyKinetik speeds into the profiled halls of Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribarry-allenbrendan-grantchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universeflashsuper-speedsuperspeedthe-flashThu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Will streaming technology revolutionize MMO gameplay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Along with much of the gaming world, we were excited to hear the GDC 09 news about OnLive and Gaikai. The services both companies will offer (likely to enter beta testing in the next year) will eliminate the graphics performance of your computer as a barrier to play. The concept is that the company's servers do all the graphics crunching and stream the output to your computer, so all you would need is a decent broadband connection.

In the case of Gaikai and its Streaming Worlds technology, they've specifically mentioned MMO play through their service for World of Warcraft and EVE Online. You don't need to download clients or patches to your own machine, that'll be done remotely on the Gaikai servers. They'll stream games right to your web browser via Flash. If this all pans out as they say it will, it'll be feasible to run MMOs on older machines as well as on laptops that are normally considered below spec to run these titles.

While there are some big "IFs" with how this will work out, particularly as it concerns latency, do you feel the accessibility these services can offer could revolutionize MMO gaming?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Will streaming technology revolutionize MMO gameplay? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsereve-onlineflashgaikaigdcgdc-2009onlivestreamingstreaming-worldstdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftFri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the more interesting announcements to come out of GDC 2009 is OnLive, which will allow low-end PCs to play high-end games via streaming technology, piping in a game experience where all the heavy (graphics) lifting is done on the company's servers. It's a significant step forward in gaming provided it lives up to expectations, and the fact that it's fully cross-platform means that Mac users will be able to play PC titles never ported for the OS. OnLive isn't alone in wanting to make games more accessible though, particularly when it comes to MMOs.

Acclaim CEO David Perry told GameDaily, "We have already filed a patent on what OnLive is doing. I'm working with a team called Gaikai... we have World of Warcraft and EVE Online running." Since Gaikai's "Streaming Worlds" technology involves servers which remotely do the graphics crunching required of most modern games and streams the game to a web browser, all one needs is a machine with a good internet connection. No game client downloads are required. "You can play World of Warcraft anytime, on any browser," said Perry. The OnLive and Gaikai services are still in development and beta testing for both may begin this Winter, if not sooner.

MassivelyGDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityacclaimbrowsercross-platformdavid-perrtyeve-onlineflashgaikaigdcgdc-2009mmo-industryonlivestreamingstreaming-worldsworld-of-warcraftThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Raph Koster kicks off Worlds in Motion Summit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/raph-koster-kicks-off-worlds-in-motion-summit-at-gdc-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/raph-koster-kicks-off-worlds-in-motion-summit-at-gdc-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/raph-koster-kicks-off-worlds-in-motion-summit-at-gdc-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2009 has begun and Massively is in the trenches to report on all the big announcements for the massively multiplayer online gaming industry, plus we have some great interviews lined up all week as well. Our GDC 2009 coverage begins with today's Worlds in Motion Summit, kicked off by Raph Koster, MMO and virtual worlds luminary.

Koster's speech is short, essentially a quick review of the virtual worlds trends he's observed over the past year. It's important to see things in perspective, Koster points out, mentioning that virtual worlds have recently turned 30, and are now a far cry from their MUD origins. Hardcore, geeky stuff Koster says, and we've come a long way since then. "We've kind of arrived, haven't we?" Koster asks. "One half of American adults are gamers today, which is an incredible step."

Continue reading GDC09: Raph Koster kicks off Worlds in Motion Summit

MassivelyGDC09: Raph Koster kicks off Worlds in Motion Summit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambiencebreakingconvergencecultureeconomyeventsflashgdcgdc-2009governancelegalmassively-event-coveragemcdonalds-3.0mmo-industryraph-kostersafaricomsilverlightsocial-networkingtaxationvirtual-currencyvirtual-goodsvirtual-worldsworlds-in-motionworlds-in-motion-summitMon, 23 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Multiverse reveals a peek at their upcoming flash development platform]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/multiverse-reveals-a-peek-at-their-upcoming-flash-development-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/multiverse-reveals-a-peek-at-their-upcoming-flash-development-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/multiverse-reveals-a-peek-at-their-upcoming-flash-development-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Imagine booting up your computer to play your favorite online game with your friend, except he's in an airport waiting for a flight and you're at home in your office chair. You see a glorious 3-D world from the comfort of your computer monitor, and he sees a two dimensional isometric view from his hunched view over his mobile phone. You use your mouse to click your action buttons and fight monsters, and he just taps the screen with his finger. You're questing together, winning battles together, except you see the world entirely in 3-D and he's seeing it in 2-D.

If you're thinking that this scenario is entirely implausible, you would be wrong. MMO tools developer Multiverse has recently unveiled a sneak peek at their upcoming flash toolset by launching the flash based game Multiverse Battle.

Continue reading Multiverse reveals a peek at their upcoming flash development platform

MassivelyMultiverse reveals a peek at their upcoming flash development platform originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d3dbattlecorey-bridgesdeveloper-toolsfacebookflashfriendsterinterviewkongregatemmomultiversemultiverse-battlemyspacesocial-networkvirtual-worldsTue, 10 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you played a Flash MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-daily-grind-have-you-played-a-flash-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-daily-grind-have-you-played-a-flash-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-daily-grind-have-you-played-a-flash-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At GDC way back at the beginning of this year, an MMO was all the rage that a lot of hardcore players probably haven't even heard of. The game was called Sherwood, and it was a hugely successful 3D game made only by two people. This was possible because it was built on the Flash platform.

Cheap and quick development means that underdogs like Maid Marian (the company behind Sherwood) can produce something profitable, and in theory it would mean they could try something new -- although they rarely do. Millions of people have played browser-based games, many of them Flash-based, but have you? If so, do they provide the basic gameplay you demand from an massively multiplayer virtual world, or were you left wondering why you even bothered?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you played a Flash MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobebrowserbrowser-basedcasualdiscussionflashmaid-marianopinionsherwoodtdgthe-daily-grindTue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AGDC08: Devs on why MMOs have a web-based future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/agdc08-devs-on-why-mmos-have-a-web-based-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/agdc08-devs-on-why-mmos-have-a-web-based-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/agdc08-devs-on-why-mmos-have-a-web-based-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A write-up at Gamasutra of an AGDC panel featuring MMO developers who have begun working on web-based projects gives us an opportunity to explore the new (some would say it's actually the old) frontier of massively multiplayer gaming.

There are many MMOs that are experienced via a web interface (such as Sherwood), but traditional gamers have largely shunned the trend. Why, then, did some of the most hardcore MMO developers (including Dan Ogles, Raph Koster, and Scott Hartsman) abandon the traditional MMO in favor of this new frontier? Some of their work, like Ogles' Loudcrowd, is barely recognizable to traditional gamers.

They offered some answers on the panel. For example, Koster (originally of Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies fame, now working on the creative platform MetaPlace) said that game devs have more to learn from web devs than vice versa. Ogles talked about using Adobe Flash so anyone can embed elements of the game anywhere on the web they like. It's worth a read if you're able to work through some pretty technical development speech.

MassivelyAGDC08: Devs on why MMOs have a web-based future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdcagdc-2008agdc08areaebrowsercasualconduit-labsdan-oglesdevelopmentflashindustryloudcrowdmetaplacepanelraph-kosterscott-hartsmansherwoodstar-wars-galaxiesswgultima-onlineuowebThu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buffy/Firefly interview pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are avatars that you create for the 2D experience be able to step into the 3D version of the game?

CB: That's exactly what we're planning for. We're showing it a little bit at this show, we'll be able to show you some of it in Austin at AGDC. We really want to make sure to show this game to people. One thing that I worry about is backlash from Firefly. We announced that so long ago, and people are going "crap, guys, where is it?" It was really important to us that we not announce Buffy before we were already working on it. Once bitten, twice shy.

Believe me, nobody could beat us up that we beat ourselves up about this. We're not at fault, but there are a lot of dashed hopes here. I wanted us to be in a public beta of Firefly here by now!

Continue reading Buffy/Firefly interview pt. 2

MassivelyBuffy/Firefly interview pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffybuffy-the-vampire-slayerfireflyflashmultiverseThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The closed beta test of Gaia Online's much-anticipated MMO has officially begun. Here's the kicker: it has a name! And that name is zOMG!. No, really. The name of the MMO is actually zOMG!. Previously, it was called Gaia Battle. That was rather generic, so this is probably a step up.

The name was chosen out of hundreds of submissions from Gaia regulars. Said Senior Producer Dave Georgeson to Wired: "it captures the spirit of our users." Those users are mostly teens. Until now, Gaia Online has simply been a casual games portal and forum community. zOMG! is an MMO built on that foundation.

If you're not familiar with Gaia Battle -- err, we mean zOMG! -- it's a browser-based game that will run on any computer that plays nice with Flash. Gameplay involves combat -- which centers around upgradable magic ring items -- and minigames. Social networking type stuff is laced in as well.

Gallery: Gaia Online MMO

MassivelyGaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedcasualclosed-betadave-georgesonflashgaia-battlegaia-onlinenameteenswiredzomgTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First screenshots from Gaia Online's MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/first-screenshots-from-gaia-onlines-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/first-screenshots-from-gaia-onlines-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/first-screenshots-from-gaia-onlines-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We had the opportunity to take a look at Gaia Online's upcoming MMO, and it looks like some serious fun! Take a look through the Gallery embedded below -- some of these come directly from the studio, others were screenshots of the quick tour we took; it should be obvious which are which.

A couple of tidbits: the entire game is Flash based, much like Dofus; they've done away with the need for wearable armor; and there's an intriguing methodology in place for dealing with player overcrowding that can be summed up in one word: landshark. All this and more once the game launches near the end of Summer. We'll keep you apprised!

Gallery: Gaia Online MMO

MassivelyFirst screenshots from Gaia Online's MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredflashgaia-onlinegallerylandsharkscreenshotsWed, 09 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Animation Watch: The Mini-Show of Krys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/animation-watch-the-mini-show-of-krys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/animation-watch-the-mini-show-of-krys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/animation-watch-the-mini-show-of-krys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Mini-Show of Krys is an animated Flash series based on gaming humor. It sports an engaging aesthetic and players will recognize their own experiences mirrored in the antics of the protagonists.

Currently, there are six episodes translated into English from the original French, with eight more awaiting the same treatment. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 are connected, and concern themselves with World of Warcraft. If you find that you're bothered by having to read subtitled English, you can watch the original episodes instead.

[Thanks, Krys!]

MassivelyAnimation Watch: The Mini-Show of Krys originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationflashfrenchsubtitledthe-mini-show-of-krysworld-of-warcraftSat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Animax Entertainment appoints new CTO for undisclosed projects]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/animax-entertainment-appoints-new-cto-for-undisclosed-projects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/animax-entertainment-appoints-new-cto-for-undisclosed-projects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/animax-entertainment-appoints-new-cto-for-undisclosed-projects/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Animax Entertainment is a full-service creative studio that specializes in character-driven digital content. Animax is the company behind TyGirlz.com and Beanie Babies 2.0, virtual worlds that accompany lines of plush toys, and has new ventures in the pipeline for the virtual space. In preparation for its new projects, Animax has appointed Sabri Sansoy to the position of Chief Technology Officer, where he will spearhead Animax's expansion into MMOs and virtual worlds.

Sansoy, formerly the vice president of interactive entertainment technology at GSN (Game Show Network), was chosen by Animax for his past experience with convergent media. (And presumably not for his attempt to fly around the world in a hot air balloon!) "Animax is a leader in building cutting edge interactive applications with a robust portfolio of innovation, exceptional talent, and exciting business opportunities in the pipeline. I am very honored and excited to contribute to the growth and success of this company," Sansoy said of his appointment. If the new offerings from Animax Entertainment are anything like what they've produced in the past, we're likely to see 'play' with more lines of toys extending into the virtual realm through interactive narratives, that place where toys and games meet.

MassivelyAnimax Entertainment appoints new CTO for undisclosed projects originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animaxanimax-entertainmentbrowsercasualchildrenflashfree-to-playgamasutragame-show-networkkidsmmo-industrysabri-sansoytoytoysvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsSat, 14 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft in two dimensions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/world-of-warcraft-in-two-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/world-of-warcraft-in-two-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/world-of-warcraft-in-two-dimensions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With all the hullabaloo over the last several months speculating about the elimination or possible convergence of traditional single player experiences into the new massively multiplayer model, the last thing we expected to turn up in our daily lap around the web is one of the most beloved MMOs to date transmogrified into a single player platformer/RPG. While it's hardly the robust single player experience of a commercial product, the aptly named WTF?! takes a look at what would happen if World of Warcraft were condensed into two dimensions.

You can play either a Blood Elf Priest or a Gnome Rogue, both of which play slightly differently even within the confines of two dimensions. The game is a little buggy (make sure you get the trinket from Hegemon before you try and take down Mary Daly!) and slightly misogynistic, but it's got a certain flare that is hard to not find endearing. Maybe it's the humor or maybe it's the Mario sound effects, it's hard to pin down. In any case, if you're bored at work this week but don't have the machine for WoW, check it out.

[Via Broken Toys]

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft in two dimensions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-gameflashplatformersingle-playerworld-of-warcraftwowwtfMon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flash hungers for your keystrokes [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/flash-hungers-for-your-keystrokes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/flash-hungers-for-your-keystrokes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/flash-hungers-for-your-keystrokes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Have you got Flash player 9,0,115,0 or earlier? Check. No, really, do it now. These versions are apparently vulnerable to an exploit that can put malicious software on your system, including keyloggers that are set to swipe MMO passwords and credentials, like your World of Warcraft account. This is happening right now, according to Symantec.

The latest update, version 9,0,124,0 is apparently not vulnerable to the exploit according to Adobe. You should probably get that version now, if you trust Adobe's information. If you trust Symantec's alert, only versions 115 and 124 are vulnerable, and this is a new exploit, and not the one that Adobe is talking about. If you want to play it safe, go plug the No-Script add-on or Flashblock into your Firefox browser, and breathe a huge sigh of relief until everyone gets their story straight (but check your system for malware first, okay?)

[via Macnn]

Update: Symantec and Adobe agree that 124 is not vulnerable. If you have any other version, you should upgrade.

MassivelyFlash hungers for your keystrokes [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 May 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobebreakingbugsexploitsflashsymantecworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 28 May 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dizzywood mapped by Worlds in Motion Atlas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dizzywood-mapped-by-worlds-in-motion-atlas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dizzywood-mapped-by-worlds-in-motion-atlas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dizzywood-mapped-by-worlds-in-motion-atlas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dizzywood is a Flash-based virtual world for kids, with a wide variety of environments to explore, ranging from Mayan-themed jungles to skateparks. Worlds in Motion took at in-depth look at Dizzywood and weighed in on how Dizzywood innovates, and how it flounders. The game is developed by Rocket Paper Scissors, who have been getting some love by the media in recent weeks. It's clear to see why; the relatively new company has a simple, compelling vision:

Our aim is to create a website for kids that inspires a sense of imagination, discovery, exploration, and most of all, fun. Frankly, when we took a good look at what was already out there, we felt that kids deserved a lot better. Our hope is that through a commitment to quality storytelling, creative vision, and technological innovation, Dizzywood will deliver an outstanding entertainment experience for young people that inspires the imagination in a safe environment. Our goal is to be the most popular web destination for kids in the 8-12 age range. It's a lofty goal, to be sure, but we're all about dreaming big.

Dizzywood runs in a web browser, with no additional install beyond Flash required. Rocket Paper Scissors has billed the title as free-to-play, but there are pay options to unlock new clothing, items, emotes and powers, as well as avatar customization. The games in Dizzywood are solo-friendly, but encourage cooperative play and socializing in order to solve mysteries. The excellent Online World Atlas over at Worlds in Motion put Dizzywood through its paces, ultimately finding some flaws in the virtual world, yet praising it as one of the 'tween worlds to watch.

Via Gamasutra

MassivelyDizzywood mapped by Worlds in Motion Atlas originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcustomizationdizzywoodflashfree-to-playgamasutramicropaymentmicrotransactionparentsrocket-paper-scissorsvirtual-worldworlds-in-motionMon, 26 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SmallWorlds announces open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


There must be something in the (virtual) air. If this year doesn't see everyone moving en masse to Flash-based, personal virtual worlds cum social spaces, then it certainly isn't for lack of trying. SmallWorlds joins Whirled and Metaplace as virtual worlds you can embed in your own blog, forum, home page or what have you. Need a place to watch "The Guild" with your friends between rousing games of Chinese Checkers? You got it. SmallWorlds can bring YouTubes, Twitters, Flickrs, games and more into your little isometric 3D corner of the web. Avatars are fully customizable, and so are their pets (!!!).

SmallWorlds is going into open beta June 2 after eighteen months of development. They'll be letting the first thousand people who sign up for the beta in a week early. If you're at all interested in seeing what you can build with their tools and how many friends you can crowd into your little virtual cabana, why not visit their site and sign up for the beta?

Gallery: SmallWorlds beta

MassivelySmallWorlds announces open beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsbetabrowsercasualflashflickrfree-to-playgallerylaunchmetaplacenew-titlenewssmallworldsthe-guildtwittervirtual-worldswhirledyoutubeWed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare for Dofus 2.0!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ankama Games has announced the development of Dofus 2.0, an upgrade to their popular 2D MMO. Far from letting their first game go to seed in favor of the upcoming Wakfu, Ankama has rewritten the Flash-based game in Action Script 3, promising faster, better responsiveness to player commands.

Additionally, over 2,000 animations and 10,000 maps are being entirely redrawn, leading to what will feel like a revitalization of the same-old, same-old haunts you've known for so long. We can't wait to see what it will all look like once the dust has settled, with a beta planned for September.

[Thanks, Sergio!]

MassivelyPrepare for Dofus 2.0! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2daction-script-3ankama-gamesdofusflashupgradewakfuFri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost. The Monster. Reward: Cuteness.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-the-monster-reward-cuteness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-the-monster-reward-cuteness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-the-monster-reward-cuteness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Do you like cuteness? Do you like monsters? Do you like puzzles?

If you said yes to all three, then do we have the multiplayer game for you! As we reported earlier, Mind Candy, the crazy developers behind the super-huge alternate reality game Perplex City, have been working on something for the children. Their result is Moshi Monsters, a cross between a Tamagotchi, Brain Age, and sheer attitude.

The picture to the right is Smigglesnuff. Smigglesnuff likes two things: the word "miasma" and choptastic moves. Oh, sure, she enjoys the tickles I give her, but don't mess with her unless you want your face re-arranged. Go visit her if you want to find out for yourself.

Continue reading Lost. The Monster. Reward: Cuteness.

MassivelyLost. The Monster. Reward: Cuteness. originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowsercartooneducationalflashfree-to-playkidsmichael-smithmind-candymoshi-monstersneopetsnew-titlepreviewsmigglesnuffwebkinzWed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lineage 2 and Guild Wars get online game manuals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/lineage-2-and-guild-wars-get-online-game-manuals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/lineage-2-and-guild-wars-get-online-game-manuals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/lineage-2-and-guild-wars-get-online-game-manuals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


NCsoft has created two sites to help new players in navigating the respective worlds of Lineage 2 and Guild Wars. DiscoverLineage2.com and DiscoverGuildWars.com are Flash-enabled sites that introduce these MMOs to people who might not have heard of them, or have started playing and want to get more into the lore. The two sites are well-produced, with great use of interactivity that resembles what you'd find in an early educational book for kids (We're hoping that's not an editorial comment on the maturity of new users).

The Lineage 2 site in particular is really fun to play with, featuring pull-tabs and wheels to spin that advance the content at the same time as providing a look into the systems of play that game features. We're not ashamed to say it made us want to try the actual game out! (At least, those of us who haven't already) More MMOs should do this -- heck, more products in general should.

[Source]

MassivelyLineage 2 and Guild Wars get online game manuals originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discoverguildwarsdiscoverlineage2educational-booksFlashguild-warslineage-2ncsoftonline-manualspull-tabsSat, 05 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pump up your local forum with Metaplace!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/pump-up-your-local-forum-with-metaplace/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/pump-up-your-local-forum-with-metaplace/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/pump-up-your-local-forum-with-metaplace/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Got a small or medium sized community forum? Want to add YouTubes, mini-games, customizable avatars and heck -- a whole world all your own (why not?) -- in it? Then Areae wants to talk with you. Their Metaplace minigames for the masses / virtual world portal needs beta testers who wouldn't mind giving their new tech a trial run in their forums. You will probably need to paste some PHP code here and there -- but if you know what that entails, are comfortable doing it and want to give your community members reasons to spend more time on your forum, then head over to Metaplace for more details.

This could be your chance to get in on the ground floor of the Next Best Thing. Give it a shot, and if it works out for you, tell us about it!

MassivelyPump up your local forum with Metaplace! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areaeavatarsflashforumsmetaplaceminigamesphpraph-kosteryoutubeWed, 02 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Lila Dreams was able to do a lot with a little]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/how-lila-dreams-was-able-to-do-a-lot-with-a-little/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/how-lila-dreams-was-able-to-do-a-lot-with-a-little/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/how-lila-dreams-was-able-to-do-a-lot-with-a-little/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Here at Massively, we're slowly becoming bigger and bigger fans of Lila Dreams, a tiny little MMO with some big ideas so far. The latest post over at the dev blog talks about how they made the best use of things that would normally be thought of as limitations in MMO design, and actually came out of it with more creativity than if they'd used more traditional MMO technology. The game is built in Java and Flash and is only 2D, but instead of settling for cheap animation, the designers actually used the drawback as a benefit, and designed a 2D scheme that lays down a set of bones, which can then be customized with any art that the designer wants to put in. What that means for players is customization -- the animation is designed around movement, not specific art, so lots of clothing or items or shapes can be put in their places, and the animation will still work.

It also means, they say, that anyone can be designing animation, since instead of drawing frames or creating movement, you're just dragging keyframes around until they look right. The idea itself isn't necessarily new (lots of designers have used this "paper doll" philosophy, and of course letting anyone do animation doesn't guarantee that Lila Dreams will be anything special), but it's a good sign of the creativity of the Lila Dreams team that they took what most MMO developers would see as a negative (the limitations of Java and Flash), and made something interesting out of it. Can't wait to see they game they're cooking up.

MassivelyHow Lila Dreams was able to do a lot with a little originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dbrowser-basedcreatrix-gamesdesignflashjavalila-dreamspaper-dollphilosophyFri, 28 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mytopia reinvents Yahoo! Games for the MySpace generation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/mytopia-reinvents-yahoo-games-for-the-myspace-generation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/mytopia-reinvents-yahoo-games-for-the-myspace-generation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/mytopia-reinvents-yahoo-games-for-the-myspace-generation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are casual, social games the wave of the future? In years to come, will we lovers of the swinging sword, the flashing fireball and the gigantic gun be left reminiscing about the "good old days" as we sign on for another evening of massively multiplayer bingo? The makers of Mytopia took a look into their crystal ball, saw the success of MySpace and Facebook and casual-game havens like Popcap, Yahoo! and Neopets and said, "These great tastes... would taste great together!"

Thus was born Mytopia, a Flash-based virtual world where you can create your own super-deformed avatar (like Wii's Miis) and play popular board and card games with people from around the world, build friends lists, send email, and gamble away virtual money challenging other players to backgammon, chess, Sudoku and several other similar games. It works not only as a standalone web site, but also as an application you can install in Facebook, MySpace or Bebo. No matter how you arrive in Mytopia, though, you'll be able to play with everyone else -- there's only one game world shared by all.

Mytopia has a cheerful art style, bouncy music, and well-rendered board games. What it does not have, though, is bloody avatar fights in the Battledome. Come on. Even Neopets has that.

[Via Techcrunch]

MassivelyMytopia reinvents Yahoo! Games for the MySpace generation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgammonbebochessfacebookflashflash-gamesmiimyspacemytopianeopetspopcappopcap-gamessudokuwiiyahooyahoo-gamesTue, 25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DOFUS Arena poses a problem to us here at Massively because of it's name. On one hand we're completely into a massively game in the vein of turn-based strategy RPGs like Disgaea or Final Fantasy Tactics. While on the other hand, the name of this game makes us want to burn our eyeballs and then bury them. So when we saw this interview with Ankama Game's Cédric Gérard, it was a difficult call to make; burn and bury our eyes or write about the interview?

Continue reading DOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview

MassivelyDOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankama-gamescedric-gerarddofusdofus-arenaflashjavaThu, 13 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beanie Babies Online entertains kids, sells toys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/beanie-babies-online-entertains-kids-sells-toys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/beanie-babies-online-entertains-kids-sells-toys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/beanie-babies-online-entertains-kids-sells-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ty -- the company behind Beanie Babies -- has teamed up with Animax to take on Webkinz with a somewhat similar online service called Beanie Babies 2.0. Unlike Webkinz, the different levels of service will only unlock when children buy new real-world Beanie Babies. The toys ship with some sort of registration code that will progress the account to the next level when entered at the Beanie Babies 2.0 website.

Usually we're glad to see virtual worlds and online games adopted by the culture at large, but we're not so crazy for this one. It looks less like a meaningful experience for kids than it looks like a sneaky attempt to use technology to sell more Beanie Babies. Sure, Ty is a business, and it needs to profit. But we're more quick to admire businesses that try to do something constructive with their products as well -- like Fluid Entertainment and its environment-friendly kids' game. At the very least, the game should be fun on its own, right?

Beanie Babies 2.0 has no such aspirations. The New York Times thought it fitting to call it "Catalog 2.0."

MassivelyBeanie Babies Online entertains kids, sells toys originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animaxbeanie-babiesbeanie-babies-2.0flashkidsnew-york-timestoystyvirtual-worldswebkinzWed, 12 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lila Dreams devs are blogging up new MMO insights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/lila-dreams-devs-are-blogging-up-new-mmo-insights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/lila-dreams-devs-are-blogging-up-new-mmo-insights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/lila-dreams-devs-are-blogging-up-new-mmo-insights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Back in late January, Eliah posted about an interesting little MMO called Lila Dreams, that was intriguing for a few reasons. Not only is it being developed as a 2D game in Java and Flash on Kongregate.com (a website probably most known for the extremely popular Desktop Tower Defense game), but the premise sounds terrific: the game takes place all inside a little girl's dream, with platforming and "gardening," and "mood-based world altering." Sure, it might not appeal to the Counterstrike crowd, but to experienced game players and developers that just sounds perfect.

Since we first posted about it, the developers of the game have been blogging, and now there's quite a bit to read there about the process behind the game, including some good tidbits about how to make an RPG without a grind, and how to include microtransactions that vibe with both players and the people who want to make money from them.

It'll definitely be interesting to see what comes of this. It certainly seems new, and as a great movie once said, the new needs friends.

[Via KTR]

MassivelyLila Dreams devs are blogging up new MMO insights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dcounterstrikecreatix-gamesdesktop-tower-defensedev-blogflashgardeningjavakongregatelila-dreamsmmoMon, 03 Mar 2008 21:30:00 EST