Massively

Glitch entering beta stage

Jef Reahard — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser

According to a new post on its official website, Glitch is finally entering an official beta phase. What's Glitch? It's a browser-based side-scrolling MMO from Stewart Butterfield and Cal Henderson, better known as the co-founders of Flickr.

Glitch originally began its alpha testing phase a year ago, and Butterfield writes that while the developers didn't anticipate such a lengthy delay prior to the beginning of beta, the time has been well spent. "Hundreds of features have been added -- and nearly as many trimmed or re-thought -- thousands of pictures drawn and animations made, hundreds of thousands of lines of code written, all of it powered by support, feedback, patience, (and impatience!) from our testing community," Butterfield wrote.

He also mentions a substantial infusion of capital as well as the fact that Tiny Speck is hiring, so regardless of the delay, it seems as if the title -- and the company -- is building up a head of steam. Check out the full details at the official website (where you can also sign up to be a tester).

Glitch entering beta stage originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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En Masse shows off TERA's Fey Forest

Jef Reahard — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, New titles, News items, TERA

It's that time again, time for your weekly dose of new TERA screenshots, courtesy of the folks at En Masse Entertainment. The fifth installment of the Screenshots of the Week featurette takes us into the Fey Forest near the Lumbertown logging outpost for a look at some of the faeries players are likely to encounter during their woodland hikes.

"Feisty, flighty faeries swarm under towering evergreen trees and corrupted unicorns gallop along overgrown roads, trampling any in their path," writes Scapes, En Masse community manager, in a teaser post on the game's official forums.

You can view the three new screens on TERA's official website, or check out the Flickr photostream for larger versions.

En Masse shows off TERA's Fey Forest originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA showcases screenshots of the week

Jef Reahard — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, New titles, News items, TERA

Scapes, Senior Community Manager for En Masse Entertainment's forthcoming TERA fantasy action MMORPG, has been a busy bee this week. In addition to the The Velika Guardian newsletter announcement and publication of Issue One, he's also treated anxious fans to a new Screenshots of the Week featurette.

The weekly unveiling, also found on the official TERA boards, will highlight specific areas of the map as well as showcase the many mobs and assorted creatures that look to dine on unwary adventurers. For this week's debut, we're treated to three shots from the Island of Dawn. Check them out on the official site and as part of the game's official Flickr photostream.

TERA showcases screenshots of the week originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flickr co-founders giving MMO design a second try

Rubi Bayer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser

Before Stewart Butterfield and Cal Henderson launched the successful photo site Flickr, they tried their hands at MMO design. Back in Flickr's early days, they ran Game Neverending, an MMO that closed about nine months after the launch of Flickr.

They're back, this time with an eye toward developing a browser-based, sidescrolling MMO with the hopefully ironic name of Glitch. The game is described as an exploration in "the minds of eleven great giants walking sacred paths on a barren asteroid who sing and think and hum the world into existence."

While Glitch has a simple, youthful feel at first glance (check out the teaser trailer), the developers are aiming for players in their 20s and 30s. Don't expect all of the simple graphics to remain, either. The Glitch site mentions the avatars in the game, saying "Those are placeholders, an early prototype we're using for testing."

Glitch is expected to launch in late 2010. You can sign up for private alpha testing now, and expect a public beta this summer.

Flickr co-founders giving MMO design a second try originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is MMO terminology invading database programming?

Seraphina Brennan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, Opinion, Ultima Online, Academic

Raph Koster couldn't help but wonder when he read the blog post entitled, "Lessons Learned: Sharding for startups," if he had a hand in creating that terminology. Sharding, as this blog post put it, was a method of running databases parallel to one another and making sure that the program could look in the right one for the information it needed. All of the older MMO users in the audience, however, know that this was not the first time the term "sharding" was used with parallel databases.

Raph had coined the phrase "sharding" years before during the inception of Ultima Online. The story writers were looking for a way to tie in the concept of multiple servers running parallel copies of the same world into the lore of the Ultima universe. It was at that point where they got the idea that each server was the reflection in one of the many pieces of the shattered Gem of Immortality from Ultima I -- a shard world. So, is MMO terminology leaking into mainstream database programming? Raph has the whole story over at his blog, where he traces the origins of the term "shard," how it may have gotten used over at Flickr thanks to Game Neverending, and expanded into a term of it's own right. Check out the story, it certain brings back memories of the old days.

Is MMO terminology invading database programming? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The death of Lively and some lessons about complexity

Tateru Nino — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game mechanics, Opinion, Second Life, Virtual worlds, Lively

Google's Lively presents us with an interesting scenario. It was literally a checklist of what critics have been saying that virtual environments such as Linden Lab's Second Life absolutely must have in order to make it.

A simplified user-interface, embedded in the Web-browser, content designed by professionals rather than (mostly) amateurs, a 'room' (or contained space) model rather than a widespread world. While it was touted as having no requirement for a separate downloadable client, that wasn't actually true -- it did actually have one, though it was relatively painless to download and install.

In short, it was the perceived holy grail of virtual environment 'must-haves' for success, as so frequently touted in media articles which lauded its simplicity and accessibility. Also, in short, Lively was a failure -- a spectacular one. Spectacular, but not without educational value.

Continue reading The death of Lively and some lessons about complexity

The death of Lively and some lessons about complexity originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west

James Egan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Casual

Lots of people predict a new game being the next WoW-killer, or at least irritate others with those predictions, but in China some people are talking about a KartRider-killer. One of the most popular games in China -- indeed, throughout Asia -- is an MMO based off of GoKart racing and it looks like other competitors are about to take on Nexon's KartRider dominance. What's interesting is that the main person behind this is none other than American McGee, who's now turning his attention to the MMO space with a new game called BaiJiu Racer, which our sister site Big Download reports.

If you've ever played the trippy game American McGee's Alice, a twisted continuation of Alice in Wonderland released in 2000, you'll probably remember his name. American McGee currently heads up the Shanghai-based Spicy Horse game studio which most recently developed the episodic PC game Grimm. BaiJiu Racer (context: BaiJiu is a 120 proof liquor) already has a Chinese publisher, but McGee is seeking to bring the title to western markets as well, and is putting out a call to interested parties. While a kart-racing game might not seem like the most viable MMO game to release outside of Asia, you might want to have a look at the trailer found below the cut, it looks like fun.

Continue reading American McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west

American McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic goes Web 2.0

James Egan — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Culture, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Star Wars: The Old Republic

It's never been easier for an MMO to promote itself with the growing prevalence of social networking plaforms. Star Wars: The Old Republic, only officially announced this week, has already established a following on Facebook. It's also on the usual suspect MySpace, and you can follow BioWare's frequent Twitter updates on the game. Star Wars: The Old Republic also has a Flickr photostream up and running. BioWare has stated that even more is on the way, with plans for a YouTube Channel as well as Digg and Delicious integration.

It seems that most in-development MMOs are seizing onto the fact that Web 2.0 and all that it brings are crucial to making gamers aware of what they're doing. Is it overkill? You decide. But it should be interesting to see how MMOs leverage social networks as time goes on. A good example of what's possible may very well be what's happening right now in Superstruct, a multiplayer game played out almost entirely over social networks and the web. Interesting times.

BioWare has finally unveiled Star Wars: The Old Republic, their new MMO! Massively's got you covered on all the details -- from liveblogging the announcement to screenshot galleries and more. Join us in the Galaxy far, far away!

Star Wars: The Old Republic goes Web 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official EVE Flickr images show Ambulation concept art

James Egan — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, EVE Online, Expansions, Previews, News items, Races

Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations,' is a hot topic among EVE Online players, but for opposing reasons. Some are excited about the prospect of being able to get out of their capsules and ships and finally interact on an avatar level with one another. Other players feel that Ambulation offers little that will benefit the game as it's played by EVE's pilots.

Regardless of what detractors from Ambulation are saying, CCP Games has been moving ahead with the project. Players will decide for themselves whether or not this is a positive addition to EVE Online when they get to try it out at Fanfest 2008 in November. Until then, CCP has provided a few images on their Flickr account that give EVE players a glimpse at how their avatars are going to look later this year, and what the station environments will be like.

[Via CrazyKinux]

Gallery: Early Ambulation Concept Art

Official EVE Flickr images show Ambulation concept art originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SmallWorlds announces open beta

Brenda Holloway — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Galleries, Launches, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Virtual worlds

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

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

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NCsoft Europe continue charity work at UK Comics Expo

Akela Talamasca — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Galleries, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Culture, Events, real-world, Crafting, News items

As they've done previously, the NCsoft Europe team spent the past weekend at the Bristol, UK Comics Expo, where they once more teamed up with the Draw the World Together artists to help raise £1,666 (over $3k American) for charity. The event was as successful as past events have been, and there's a Flickr group filled with sketches for your perusal.

Moving forward, NC Euro has also just announced that they'll do it up again at the upcoming UK Games Expo on May 31st and June 1st. Not only will the DtWT artists be in attendance, but they'll also be selling copies of the Draw the World Together Sketchbook, which contains artwork of the CoX heroes and villains, and features a unique cover by Dave Gibbons, the artist of Watchmen! For just £5, it's a steal! Not ... not literally, of course ... unless you're trying to get beat up by Ms. Liberty, which, come to think of it, wouldn't be a bad way to go ...

[Thanks, Stephen!]

NCsoft Europe continue charity work at UK Comics Expo originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Battle of San Romano ... FOR THE HORDE [UPDATED]

Akela Talamasca — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Galleries, Classes, Culture, Opinion, Races, Academic, Education, Humor

Paolo Uccello's 'Niccolò Mauruzi da Tolentino at the Battle of San Romano' gets an updated treatment with 'Understanding Art for Geeks', a Flickr set by 'paulthewineguy' (a worthy 'Friends' reference, by the way), that takes classic art pieces and updates them to fit in with our modern times.

In this particular piece, we see that apparently Mr. Uccello's a Tauren Druid. Who knew? Check out the rest of the set, they're wonderful!

[UPDATED: paulthewineguy has taken all the photos off his Flickr page. He states 'I reckon I've made a mistake, i.e. modifying pieces of art with no right whatsoever of doing so.' You can read the rest here.]

The Battle of San Romano ... FOR THE HORDE [UPDATED] originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corduroy in a tight situation

Moo Money — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Second Life

Normally I like to do clothing or skin posts about Second Life, but I simply cannot ignore this designer anymore. Every week, I open my feed reader to more delicious stockings, in all different colors and patterns. If it weren't for those knee highs, I'd be weak.

Puma Jie, sockmaster of Corduroy, clearly knows what girls want - accessories! As a matter of fact, the evil temptress won't stop coming out with them. Actually, her entire product line, and Flickr gallery, are worth a look at.

Corduroy in a tight situation originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slave to the 'ding'

Akela Talamasca — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Game mechanics, Leveling, Opinion

The other day I was considering dropping back into WoW after an absence. I can't remember now why I've been away, though I do know why I'm thinking of coming back: the ding.

You know, that lovely, orgasm-like lightshow that tells you when you've gained a new level. Sure, it's fun to whack things with a sword, claws, or bolt of eldritch energy. It's a joy to spend time crafting various engineering toys. Hell, even fishing's a pleasant way to spend a little in-world time. But let's face it: at the end of the day, the real reason you play WoW -- or any similar leveling-based system -- is for the thrill of that culmination of experience points. I mean, you could go in for the sheer enjoyment of chatting with your guildies, or playing around with seasonal content, but there's a reason we level up in the first place. It's such a visceral response, and a quantifiable measure of progress that I'm sure most of us wish we could experience in our daily lives.

And that's at the heart of it, I think.

Continue reading Slave to the 'ding'

Slave to the 'ding' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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