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[GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World
Funcom's hush-hush demo at last week's Game Developer's Conference was quite a bit of fun, even if the opening few minutes treaded perilously close to wince-inducing. The Secret World creative director Ragnar Tornquist kicked things off with a brief introduction, which was followed by a look at the game's character creation as experienced by a female Dragon-faction avatar.

Once that was complete, we got an eyeful of some opening cinematics, and I do mean an eyeful. If you've never watched a lesbian makeout scene alongside a half dozen sweaty male game journos (and a couple of pretty PR girls), well, let's just say that it's hilarious to think about now and fairly awkward to actually experience.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infernal Dawn
Last week's GDC came at a perfect time for Trion. The conference overlaps perfectly with RIFT's one-year anniversary, and Producer Adam Gershowitz took us through some highlights of the past year as well as the current Carnival of the Ascended content. But he also gave a peek at what's planned for the future, not only showing off the new raid zone Infernal Dawn but also talking about the team's plans for some fan-favorites like the leaderboards, mentoring, and housing.

Gallery: Rift Update 1.8

Continue reading GDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing

MassivelyGDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzcarnival-of-the-ascendedconconferenceconventionfantasyfeaturedgalleriesgallerygame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012housinginfernal-dawninterviewinterviewsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarascreenshotscreenshotstriontrion-worldsTue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

fighters club
There may be no Brad Pitt and bars of soap, but Fighters Club, an upcoming MMO from KOG Studios, has plenty of pugilistic power to make Jack a happy man. At GDC last week, Massively had a chance to see some of the action and talk to the team about its plans for beta and launch. If you're curious about Fighters Club, then tape up those knuckles, slip into some kick-boxing shoes, and let's get ready to rumble!

Gallery: Fighters Club Online

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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sevencore
If you're wondering what gPotato has been up to lately, the answer is, lots! At GDC, gPotato reps showed off not one but four titles, two of which are brand-new and on their way to beta. For Allods and Aika fans, there was plenty of news about the new game updates. Meanwhile, gPotato put on demos for Sevencore and Eternal Blade, which are both in production and are being prepped for release sometime later this year. Read on for a hands-on look at each of these titles!

Gallery: gPotato Gallery

Continue reading GDC 2012: gPotato showcases Allods, Aika, Sevencore, and Eternal Blade

MassivelyGDC 2012: gPotato showcases Allods, Aika, Sevencore, and Eternal Blade originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo III
Massively Speaking Episode 192 recovers from the aftermath of last week's GDC, as Justin and Bree regain full mic privileges and prepare to sing a duet in celebration. In this episode, we wrap up the GDC craziness, talk about Diablo III's PvP circumcision, and celebrate the release of a couple of significant patches.

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

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 192: When it's ready

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 192: When it's ready originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscone Center, San Francisco
Another Game Developer's Conference has come and gone, and Massively was there to bring you the most complete MMO-related coverage to be found on the 'net. There was a little something for everyone, and whether your taste runs to AAA MMOFPS titles or smaller indie sandbox affairs, the annual trade show featured tons of MMO news and views.

In addition to the demos and interviews, Massively also sat in on a couple of developer panels, and we managed to take a breather each morning to collect our thoughts via some impromptu podcast sessions. We also enjoyed some hands-on time with Funcom's hush hush The Secret World title, but unfortunately we can't tell you about that until March 15th. Today's Daily Grind is all about last week's convention, and the traditional question goes something like this: Which bit of GDC news was your favorite?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was your favorite GDC 2012 reveal? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012opinionreal-life-eventstdgthe-daily-grindTue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Week in Review: GDC 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GDC 2012
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, Massively sent four MMO experts to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California, so our usual Week in Review consists of a bit more than just the usual Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft shenanigans! (Don't worry; it has those too.) Join us for a roundup of our best GDC coverage as well as the top non-GDC posts of the week. Maybe you'll see something you missed!

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: GDC 2012

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: GDC 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012joystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 11 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Eligium concept art
At GDC, there is much to see and do. And one of the best things to do (besides try to win a really cool fuzzy hat) is to actually experience a game through a demonstration or even some hands-on play. I had the opportunity to do just that with one of Frogster's upcoming games. No, not that one; the other one. Ellen-Jane Austin, Country Manager UK, and Marco Neubert, Director Product PR, took me on a brief tour of Eligium: The Chosen One.

Although this game from Shanda Games Ltd. is pretty similar to other games in many respects, there are a few features that give it a unique flair, especially the virtue system, mounts, and my personal favorite, an ability to shape-change into a two-headed dragon!

Continue reading GDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One

MassivelyGDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventioneligiumeligium-the-chosen-oneEllen-Jane-Austinfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012Marco-NeubertmountspetsShanda-GamesShanda-Games-LtdshapeshiftshapeshiftingSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 logo
Like it or not, free-to-play is rapidly coming to dominate every corner of the gaming industry. While that's good on the surface, it also blurs the line between business and design, and it creates a lot of tension for both consumers and developers who are increasingly faced with the challenges inherent in separating monetary decisions from gameplay decisions.

One of the more interesting GDC 2012 round-tables featured Sony Online Entertainment executive producer Dave Georgeson, NCSoft publishing director Steve Levy, Perfect World VP John Young, GamersFirst monetization director Joe Willmon, and Digi-Capital Limited managing director Tim Merel, all of whom convened for a mind-meld on successfully migrating subscription games to F2P.

As you would expect, the panel was heavy on business-speak, but it also featured plenty of insight into the pricing phenomenon that has become the rule rather than the exception.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions

MassivelyGDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line of Defense - Fighter banking over Frostbite base
"I didn't want to make another Derek Smart game because usually when you mention 'Derek Smart' and 'game', gamers tend to run in the opposite direction," Smart told us when we asked about Line of Defense.

That's quite a candid intro, and it set the stage for an interesting 40-minute interview that featured plenty of insights into 3000AD's latest offering. Smart, of course, has something of a notorious reputation in the online community, and while we won't go into that here, it is worth noting that he's focusing on the work and letting his game do the talking.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Forty minutes with Derek Smart and Line of Defense

MassivelyGDC 2012: Forty minutes with Derek Smart and Line of Defense originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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holy grail
What do dwarves and Monty Python have in common? They both feature prominently in Linda "The Brasse" Carlson's GDC 2012 talk about the front lines of the SOE community relations team. Given the recent roller coaster ride of the ProSiebenSat.1 deal and the turmoil on the forums that followed, I found it interesting to hear what it's like to be a member of the community management folks as they try to handle being in the middle of it all. While her talk was mainly aimed at community managers in other games, there were a few tidbits that players would probably find interesting and maybe even surprising. Read on for the highlights!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Repopulation screnshot
GDC literally has a little of everything, from indie developers to major studios, from free-to-play games to shooters to arena battles to retro to family... there really is something for everyone. As a massive fan of sandboxes myself, I was pleased to get to spend so much time with Above and Beyond Technologies' lead dev and co-owner Josh Halls and artist Kevin Grove as they demonstrated some of the features in their upcoming title, The Repopulation. (And I would have even spent longer if I could have!)

While I had a monopoly on the team's attention, I had the chance to see some of the customization available to characters, both in appearance and gear, as well as get the lowdown on the world building element. We actually walked through the building of a nation, a feature that will make many a sandbox fan giddy! Although Josh was quick to point out that only a few items were available at this point in development, there was certainly enough to get a feel for the system. And I am looking forward to it!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wargaming.net had a huge presence at this year's GDC, and why not? The firm is growing at an exponential rate, and we're not just talking about the fact that it has World of Warplanes and World of Battleships coming down the pike.

CEO Victor Kislyi told me that over the past year the firm has expanded to include 700+ employees and a global presence that features development centers in Kiev, Ukraine, and Russia. The firm's flagship World of Tanks title currently boasts 18 million players worldwide, and it is paving the way for the second and third entries in a World War II trilogy.

Its clan wars mode is also the starting point for a grand vision of military combat at the squad level.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Wargaming.net on World of Warplanes, clan wars, and taking over the world

MassivelyGDC 2012: Wargaming.net on World of Warplanes, clan wars, and taking over the world originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aviationclan-warsconconferenceconventionexclusivef2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012historicalintegrated-clan-warsinterviewplaneplanespvpvictor-kislyiwarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-war-2world-war-iiwowpFri, 09 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Tribes Ascend
Massively Speaking Episode 191 is the last stand of the Massively GDC crew as they bravely recall their final experiences at the convention for you and their loved ones to cherish. It's been a whirlwind of a week, but many of the studios saved the best for last -- and we've got the scoop!

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

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaallods-onlineauto-club-revolutionblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-royceconconferenceconventionen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedfighters-clubfighters-club-onlinegame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gpotatohero-enginehi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcaststerathe-repopulationtribes-ascendFri, 09 Mar 2012 15:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 191Massively.com Staff44:42podcasts<![CDATA[GDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA
"It's been a helluva year since we've been at GDC last," TERA Producer Chris Hager started, "and everyone wants to know what we've been doing for the past 365 days."

Thus began our time with En Masse at GDC, in which enthusiasm for the forthcoming TERA was positively infectious. Hager sighed happily as he reminded us of the title's May 1st launch date: "You have no idea how happy that makes me to be able to say that."

Just because a launch date is on the horizon doesn't mean that the hardest part is over for this crew. During this past month, the team's been running a closed beta test that's provided vital feedback for last-minute tweaks and preparations. "We've taken that feedback and it's helped us evolve TERA into the game we all want to play," Hager said.

So just what has En Masse been doing for the past year, and what has us most excited about getting our hands on a launched version of TERA? Read on to find out!

Continue reading GDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events

MassivelyGDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game of Thrones screenshot
The Game is coming.

It had to be said. And for fans of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, that one little phrase elicits some powerful and mixed emotions: excitement (to actually wander about Westeros) and dread (will it actually be Westeros?). There was even a collective cringe among some Massively staff when the announcement was made that Game of Thrones was becoming an MMORPG. Could such a complex world translate well into the virtual realm? It made the transition to television pretty well in HBO's series, but a free-to-play browser-based MMO is a whole other beast.

We're pleased to say that fans of the books and the series can breathe a little easier and even look forward to the upcoming title becuse it's going to be gritty, it's going to be gory, and power will shift like the winds across the Dothraki Sea. Massively was able to sit down with Jorgen Tharaldsen (Producer at Artplant), Alan Dunton (Public Relations Director at Bigpoint), and Rob Ollett (Executive Producer at Bigpoint) to discuss details about what's coming.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO

MassivelyGDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatalan-duntonArtplantBigpointbrowserbrowser-gamecash-shopconconferenceconventiondirectional-action-combatfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-of-thronesgdcgdc-2012george-r-r-martininterviewinterviewsitem-progressionjorgen-tharaldsenpolitical-systempreviewpreviewspvpRob-Ollettsandboxsiegesiege-systemsiegesFri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 header
This week I was fortunate enough to chat up the developers on the two biggest MMOFPS titles of the year. Exactly what year that is remains to be seen, and after hearing Sony Online Entertainment use the word "alpha" quite a lot, I suspect that PlanetSide 2 may slip into 2013. And that's not a bad thing at all, by the way.

CCP's DUST 514, on the other hand, is surely coming in 2012. The devs will be doling out some long-awaited hands-on time with EVE's precocious little brother at Fanfest in a couple of weeks, and while DUST and PS2 share similar core gameplay, their target audiences (and the general feeling I get from each game) are completely different.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconconferenceconventiondavid-reiddustdust-514dust-eve-integrationdust-playstationeveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-mechanicsgdcgdc-2012hilmar-peturssoninterviewmatt-higbymmofpsmobilenew-edenopinionplanetside-2playstation-3ps2ps3pvpsandboxtflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstramell-isaacvitaFri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 beta starts in April, gameplay video released at GDC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dust-514-beta-starts-in-april-gameplay-video-released-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dust-514-beta-starts-in-april-gameplay-video-released-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dust-514-beta-starts-in-april-gameplay-video-released-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - blown up tank
CCP has been incredibly coy about public testing for its DUST 514 MMOFPS, but last night the company revealed an upcoming April beta window in an exclusive interview with Gametrailers.

CEO Hilmar Petursson and CMO David Reid both gave the website a few interesting soundbytes as well as some long looks at DUST gameplay over the course of the eight-minute clip.

DUST isn't intended as an EVE Online replacement, nor does CCP expect huge numbers of EVE capsuleers to play the new shooter concurrently with its flying-in-space sandbox MMO. "It is really about providing this new gateway into the EVE universe for all the people who have been intrigued by it," Petursson said. "In April we'll open up the beta test we've been running since December of last year," he revealed.

Be sure to check out the full clip after the cut.

Continue reading DUST 514 beta starts in April, gameplay video released at GDC

MassivelyDUST 514 beta starts in April, gameplay video released at GDC originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaccpccp-gamesconconferenceconsoleconventiondustdust-514dust-514-betadust-betadust-beta-aprileveeve-onlinefpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gameplay-videogdcgdc-2012internet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinetrailersvideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 Hi-Rez Interview, Tribes release date
It's been a crazy week at GDC, and though I've already gotten the skinny on both PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514, there's more on the way when it comes to online shooter news. Yesterday morning I headed over to the Hi-Rez Studios booth on the main show floor, where COO Todd Harris had some exciting news to share with fans of the firm's Tribes: Ascend title.

The free-to-play shooter will officially launch on April 12th, and Hi-Rez has also released a new parody trailer that pays homage to Dead Island and shows off the perils of the dreaded "llama capture" (if you're a Tribes newb, just know that speed equals survival when it comes to flag-grabs).

Join me after the cut for some Tribes-related chit-chat as well news of new content on the way for Global Agenda.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondead-islande-sporte-sportsexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgagame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012global agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewmmofpsonline-shootersci-fishooterspy-fithe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extrathe-firing-line-interviewsthird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-dead-islandtribes-release-datetribes-videovideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Nal Hutta
GDC is often described as the most cerebral of the various gaming conventions. E3 has its big reveals and booth babes, PAX has its fan-friendly hands-on sessions and general geekery. GDC, though, is mainly by developers and for developers, and last night's BioWare panel was a good case in point.

The session ran for well over an hour (not counting a brief Q&A at the end), and it focused largely on the daunting management tasks inherent in a project like Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain

MassivelyGDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-production-managementconconferenceconventiondallas-dickinsoneaelectronic-artsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012lucasartsmanagementproductionproject-managementrich-vogelsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-productionthe-old-republictorThu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online
The notion of strapping oneself into a massive battle robot chassis and duking it out with other 'Mechs appeals to the inner child in all of us (or it should), so it's hard not to feel a tingle of excitement when the makers of MechWarrior Online promise that we'll soon be able to do just that. We caught up with the Piranha Games crew at GDC to become one of the very first non-studio witnesses of MWO's in-game footage and to hear why this is a title that should be on all of our radars.

The team is filled with huge fans of the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, so the devs were eager to construct a proper MechWarrior title when Piranha got ahold of the license this year. The studio seized upon the free-to-play model early on as the best way to draw in as many potential 'Mech pilots as possible. It also snagged the CryEngine 3 to provide the best possible graphical fidelity for its product. Unfortunately, it's going to be hard to categorize MWO as "massively," as its non-persistent arena maps will host up to only 24 players in 12v12 fights.

Setting-wise, MechWarrior Online begins in 3049, but that date will keep tempo with the real-world calendar (so tomorrow it'll be March 9th, 3049, and so on). As events happen in the story according to the game's canon, the game will change to reflect that in real-time.

Read on to hear what the devs had to say about two of the game's four pillars: mech warfare and role warfare.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online

MassivelyGDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12v12community-warfareconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012mechmech-warfaremechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemobamwopiranhapiranha-gamesrole-warfaresci-fiworld-of-tanksThu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dark Legends
Life, death, and a return from the grave: That sums up the life of a vampire, but it also sums up the journey of Spacetime Studios. What do the two have in common? The studio's upcoming title called Dark Legends. At GDC 2012 this week, Massively had a chance to talk with Gary Gattis, CEO of Spacetime Studios, and we got a first-hand look at how the company successfully created a game in which people can play together on laptops, tablets, phones, and virtually any mobile device available.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondark-legendsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gary-gattisgdcgdc-2012interviewinterviewskaren-bryanmobilemobile-mmospocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Otherland
Do you prefer a post-apocalyptic world or Tad Williams' vision of the internet of the future? Luckily, you can have them both by the end of the year because Gamigo is working busy at work preparing to launch two new titles. Massively had a chance to talk with Anthony Guzzardo, Gamigo's North American Publicity Manager, as well as PR Manager Dennis Hartmann as they showed off Otherland, based on the works of Tad Williams, and Grimlands, a post-apocalyptic vision in the desert.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony-guzzardoconconferenceconventioncyberpunkdemodennis-hartmannf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamigogdcgdc-2012grimlandskaren-bryanotherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: CCP talks DUST 514 PC possibilities and World of Darkness development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-ccp-talks-dust-eve-and-world-of-darkness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-ccp-talks-dust-eve-and-world-of-darkness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-ccp-talks-dust-eve-and-world-of-darkness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 is now in full swing, and today we had the chance to sit down with CCP's Hilmar Petursson, Halldor Fannar, and David Reid to chat about the studio's upcoming FPS title, DUST 514. When asked about the studio's primary goal with DUST 514, the team had a simple reply: Make the best AAA free-to-play shooter possible. But is it coming to the PC?

While many EVE Online players aren't thrilled with DUST 514's PlayStation 3 exclusivity, there may be hope for a PC release yet. And while the devs weren't ready to make any official statements on the spot, a bit of wink-nudging indicates that a PC release may still be in the cards. As the devs note, mouse and keyboard controls are already supported in the PS3 version of the title. "I wonder why we did that," Hilmar joked during the interview.

Continue reading GDC 2012: CCP talks DUST 514 PC possibilities and World of Darkness development

MassivelyGDC 2012: CCP talks DUST 514 PC possibilities and World of Darkness development originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconconferenceconsoleconventiondavid-reiddustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012halldor-fannarhilmar-peturssoninternet-spaceshipsinterviewmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinewodworld-of-darknessWed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
Massively Speaking Episode 189 is a special GDC edition hosted by two of our attendees, Shawn Schuster and Jef Reahard. The two assemble for a short, early-morning debriefing on yesterday's PlanetSide 2 demo, which as Shawn describes it, "pretty much blew [him] away." They compare the game to its predecessor and chat about the combat styles, immersion, interface, hype, and the massive feel of the game, even in alpha.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, when the pair will be joined by fellow Massively staffers MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan. Our ground crew will be reporting back on DUST 514, Trion Worlds, MechWarrior Online, and more over the next few days. (And don't worry; the Justin and Bree show will return next week.)

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

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfeaturedfpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012humorjef-reahardmassively-speakingmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2podcastpodcastingpodcastsps2sci-fishawn-schustershootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 189Massively.com Staff00:12:10podcasts<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Seven Souls Online with the NEOWIZ team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-seven-souls-online-with-the-neowiz-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-seven-souls-online-with-the-neowiz-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-seven-souls-online-with-the-neowiz-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Seven Souls Online
Just a few short weeks ago, Seven Souls Online was in closed beta and Massively readers were scooping up beta keys to test it out. Now, with closed beta, well, closed and open beta just around the corner, the team at NEOWIZ GAMES sat down to show off the state of the game and its plans for launch. The devs showed some beginner gameplay and then revealed some of the content that's ready and waiting for the higher levels. From jackpots to cubes to rage mode, Lead Community Manager Cesar Gatica and Marketing Manager Joon Yoon explained it all. What the heck are jackpots, cubes, and rage mode? Read on!

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Seven Souls Online with the NEOWIZ team

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Seven Souls Online with the NEOWIZ team originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7socesar-gaticaconconferenceconventiongame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012joon-yoonneowizneowiz-gamesseven-souls-onlinessoWed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: SOE's PlanetSide 2 gunning for the big time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-soes-planetside-2-gunning-for-the-big-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-soes-planetside-2-gunning-for-the-big-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-soes-planetside-2-gunning-for-the-big-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - TR minigun
Our PlanetSide 2 bootcamp didn't start on the war-torn planet of Auraxis. It started on a plushly appointed hotel terrace in the middle of downtown San Francisco. Sony Online Entertainment brought its A-game to GDC 2012, and though its MMOFPS sequel is still undergoing internal alpha testing, the demo was striking enough to make us feel like battle-weary soldiers returning from the front.

Executive producer Josh Hackney kicked things off with a short spiel that touched on what made the original PlanetSide unique (truly massive combat, ambitious open-world design, and a passionate/enduring community, in a nutshell). Hackney then turned the microphone over to creative director Matt Higby and a team of SOE devs who proceeded to wow the gaggle of game journos with an hour of pure awesome.

Continue reading GDC 2012: SOE's PlanetSide 2 gunning for the big time

MassivelyGDC 2012: SOE's PlanetSide 2 gunning for the big time originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionexclusivef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-mechanicsgdcgdc-2012interviewjosh-hackneymatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sci-fishootersidegradessoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrammelWed, 07 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Advanced recon of PlanetSide 2 uncovers hot zone photographs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/advanced-recon-of-planetside-2-uncovers-hot-zone-photographs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/advanced-recon-of-planetside-2-uncovers-hot-zone-photographs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/advanced-recon-of-planetside-2-uncovers-hot-zone-photographs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
Massively's boots are on the ground at this week's Games Developer Conference, and we've stormed Sony Online Entertainment's stronghold to find out any and all information about its upcoming MMOFPS PlanetSide 2. We've been tweeting the excitement from the show floor, and while hearing it is one thing, seeing it for yourself is another.

That's why we're bringing to you a mega-upload of 22 hot new images and concept art from this MMOFPS. Showing off a huge variety of environments, ships, soldiers, outfits, and action sequences, these screenshots are pure eye-candy for those anticipating this title. And after the cut, you'll find two GDC videos of the game, courtesy of PlanetSide Universe and tipster Kyle.

This is only the beginning, however. Stay tuned to Massively for our first impressions of PlanetSide 2 and an interview with SOE's Tramell Isaac coming later this week!

Gallery: PlanetSide 2


Massively sent four resolute reporters to San Francisco to bring you back the biggest MMO news from this year's GDC, the largest pro-only gaming industry con in the world! From games like The Secret World to PlanetSide 2, we're on the case, so stay tuned for all the highlights from the show!

Continue reading GDC 2012: Advanced recon of PlanetSide 2 uncovers hot zone photographs

MassivelyGDC 2012: Advanced recon of PlanetSide 2 uncovers hot zone photographs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012mmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrailertrailerstramell-isaacvideovideosTue, 06 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GDC 12 logo
Well it's almost time for game convention silly season. First up is the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco next week, followed by PAX East in April and E3 in June.

A gaggle of Massively scribes are heading west in a few days to bring you the best (and the most grammatically correct) coverage of all the happenings at GDC. From preview sessions with The Secret World, DUST 514, and PlanetSide 2, to interviews with dev luminaries and glimpses of all that's new and shiny in the world of MMOs, there looks to be a lot of industry news coming your way next week.

Today's Daily Grind is an easy one. Are you looking forward to GDC, and is there anything in particular that you hope to learn from this year's conference?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convention-coverageconventionsculturedaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-discussiongamer-discussiongdcgdc-2012mmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-industrymmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsreal-world-eventstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint's A Game of Thrones MMO to debut at GDC 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- A Game of Thrones
Brace yourselves; GDC is coming. And with it comes the first ever public demonstration of Bigpoint's upcoming MMO title based on George R.R. Martin's hit fantasy series, A Game of Thrones. For the first time ever, players will be able to get a look at the world of Westeros brought to life in all its browser-based glory.

Bigpoint CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz is understandably optimistic about the title, stating that the devs "intend to build a game that resonates intimately with its diehard community of followers, while also creating an authentic gaming experience that attracts newcomers to the franchise." So if you're heading to GDC 2012 and you want to take a look, just make a trip on over to Bigpoint's booth and see for yourself. What's that? You're not going to GDC this year? Well, then it's a good thing we're going for you! You can look for more info from our impressions coming later next week.

Andremember: When you play the game of thrones, you win or you corpse run.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBigpoint's A Game of Thrones MMO to debut at GDC 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesagotbigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-gamebrowser-based-mmof2pfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-of-thronesgdcgdc-2012george-r-r-martingeorge-rr-martingrrmWed, 29 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Europe 2011: Richard Garriott says mobile and social titles are 'the future of games']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/gdc-europe-2011-richard-garriott-says-mobile-and-social-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/gdc-europe-2011-richard-garriott-says-mobile-and-social-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/gdc-europe-2011-richard-garriott-says-mobile-and-social-titles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Delivering the final keynote address at this year's GDC Europe, Richard Garriott said that the industry is rapidly moving away from MMOs as we know them and toward mobile and social gaming -- and that companies need to hop on board, lest they be left behind.

Garriott used his iPhone as an example of this new direction: "I am now much more of a gamer than I ever been in my whole life, but the vast majority of the gaming I have played has been on this machine. I'm a devout believer that this is the current and near-term future of games."

He defines this "new era" of gaming by having cheap games that are simple to use and connect you with real-world friends. While he thinks earlier social games like FarmVille were too simple and unappealing, Garriott says that they're evolving quickly.

During the speech, Garriott expressed regret that his team didn't stick by the original vision for Tabula Rasa, and he urged fellow developers not to trade in their dreams in order to follow the company line. His new company Portalarium plans to "reinvent roleplaying yet again" by releasing a series of products that will capitalize on social gaming and retrain players to think beyond mere combat to a wider experience.

MassivelyGDC Europe 2011: Richard Garriott says mobile and social titles are 'the future of games' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmvillegame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011iphonekeynotekeynote-addresskeynote-speechmobile-gamingPortalariumprivate-astronautprivate-astronaut-is-a-funny-termreinvent-roleplayingrichard-garriottroleplayingsocial-gamingtabula-rasaWed, 17 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Europe 2011: GamersFirst on the difficulties with transforming APB: Reloaded]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-2011-gamersfirst-on-the-difficulties-with-transformi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-2011-gamersfirst-on-the-difficulties-with-transformi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-2011-gamersfirst-on-the-difficulties-with-transformi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

APB Reloaded Waterfront
GamersFirst is practically a household name these days, and a recent panel at GDC Europe played host to COO/CTO Bjorn Book-Larsson speaking up about the difficulties the company has had bringing once-dead APB into the realm of free-to-play.

In the interview at Gamasutra, Book-Larsson talks about how it wasn't as easy as GamersFirst had hoped to turn the failed MMO into that diamond in the rough. Although the tools and ideas of the game are impressive, it was the design that caused roadblocks in the resurrection. Players would literally get lost in the original game, and GamersFirst set out to fix that as much as it could. "People would just run around in an endless loop and never realize they had to ready up to get a mission," Book-Larsson said.

MassivelyGDC Europe 2011: GamersFirst on the difficulties with transforming APB: Reloaded originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapb-reloadedbjorn-book-larssongame-developers-conferencegame-mechanicsgamersfirstgdc-europe-2011interviewTue, 16 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott to deliver Game Developers Conference Europe keynote]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/richard-garriott-to-deliver-game-developers-conference-europe-ke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/richard-garriott-to-deliver-game-developers-conference-europe-ke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/richard-garriott-to-deliver-game-developers-conference-europe-ke/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you planning to venture to the wilds of Europe for the upcoming Game Developers Conference Europe? If so, you're in for a treat, as the father of Ultima will be delivering the keynote speech. That's right, the one and only spacefaring game developer Richard Garriott will give a presentation at the conference discussing social gaming, its future, and what mark it may leave on the gaming industry as a whole.

Garriott is perhaps known best for being the creator of the Ultima series (and the victim of assassination in the early days of Ultima Online), but his most recent foray in the industry came in the form of Portalarium, a social gaming company. Frank Sliwka, event director of GDC Europe, notes that "there are few developers with Richard Garriott's history, pedigree and vantage point, having been a defining force in the realm of traditional hardcore games, birthing the RPG and MMORPG genres, to now helping lead the way within the world of social games," so the speech will almost certainly be enlightening for anyone with an interest in the subject. GDC Europe will be taking place from August 15-17, so if you're looking to make the journey to gaming mecca, go ahead and start making plans!

MassivelyRichard Garriott to deliver Game Developers Conference Europe keynote originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-europegame-developers-conference-europe-2011gdcgdc-2011gdc-europegdc-europe-2011keynoteportalariumrichard-garriottsocial-gamingWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Funcom talks The Secret World's PvE, PvP, and ARG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gdc-2011-funcom-talks-the-secret-worlds-pve-pvp-and-arg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gdc-2011-funcom-talks-the-secret-worlds-pve-pvp-and-arg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gdc-2011-funcom-talks-the-secret-worlds-pve-pvp-and-arg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Many of you are no doubt as anxious as we are to get your hands on Funcom's new The Secret World MMORPG (with a new website!). The skill-based end-of-the-world riff has been shrouded in a good bit of mystery for a good long while, but we've finally managed to snag a few minutes of face time with the title. This year's GDC marked the first opportunity for anyone outside of Funcom's alpha team to lay eyes on the game, and we've got some pretty juicy details to pass on.

Join us after the cut for the new trailer as well as a recap of Funcom's presentation, which was spearheaded by Ragnar Tornquist and featured designers Martin Bruusgaard and Joel Bylos. Discussion topics include PvP, PvE missions, and character progression.

Gallery: The Secret World: GDC 2011

Continue reading GDC 2011: Funcom talks The Secret World's PvE, PvP, and ARG

MassivelyGDC 2011: Funcom talks The Secret World's PvE, PvP, and ARG originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-missionsalternate-reality-gameargbreakingdemosfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011horrorinvestigationinvestigation-missionsjoel-bylosmartin-bruusgaardmetameta-gamemiscellaneouspreviewprogressionRagnar-Tornquistskill-basedskill-wheelskillsthe-secret-worldtswThu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 140]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-140/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-140/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-140/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 140 returns from GDC with the remainder of the news from the last week. A sick Shawn and Rubi discuss their final day at GDC, RIFT's launch, Ryzom's new business model, Bungie's MMO hoax, and the latest Guild Wars patch.

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

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Massively Speaking is the official podcast of Massively.com. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster and Community Manager Rubi Bayer, Massively Speaking takes on the week's biggest news and dev interviews with plenty of opinion, rants, and laughs thrown in for good measure. Join us every Wednesday afternoon to listen in and see what we'll say next!

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 140

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 140 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011massively-metamassively-speakingpodcastingpodcastsWed, 09 Mar 2011 15:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 140Massively.com Staff53:05podcasts<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: GDC 2011 chapter 4 sneak-peek]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-gdc-2011-reveals-a-sneak-peek-at-chapter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-gdc-2011-reveals-a-sneak-peek-at-chapter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-gdc-2011-reveals-a-sneak-peek-at-chapter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The big news is chapter 4 is on its way. Runes of Magic is getting a triple-class system -- that should help players find groups -- and more content to explore as players make their way to the new level-70 cap. Besides that and the exciting news that RoM will soon be playable in all its glory on Facebook without any need to download a client, we now know what players will encounter when they first venture into the Land of Malevolence, thanks to the Frogster folks at GDC 2011 who last week gave us a sneak-peek into the coming update!

As most veterans of RoM know, chapters have always been delivered to us in chunks, and so shall it be with chapter 4. This first chunk will introduce us to a new instance, the new area (spanning levels 62 to 64), and some interesting story -- which always makes me happy. Read on to see what new things there are to look forward to in RoM and why Mages may be smiling a bit more when this new content is released.

Gallery: Runes of Magic Chapter IV

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: GDC 2011 chapter 4 sneak-peek

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: GDC 2011 chapter 4 sneak-peek originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chapter-4featuredfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegalleriesgallerygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011grafu-castlejeremy-strattonland-of-malevolencelevel-caplost-pages-of-taboreanew-dungeonnew-instancenew-level-capromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmenttriple-classMon, 07 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

How does being the main character in a techno-cyberpunk fantasy MMORPG grab you? And when we say "you," we really mean you, as opposed to a digital avatar or a pre-made character archetype. While we're at it, how does playing said MMORPG in the real world, specifically your home town and any cities you may visit, sound?

If you answered "pretty freaking awesome" like we did, keep reading.

We sat down with the guys from Grey Area at last week's GDC to talk about the firm's slick new location-based iPhone MMO called Shadow Cities. We came away with the feeling that while many MMO companies talk a good game when it comes to innovation and driving the genre forward, this small Finnish startup is actually walking the walk.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion

MassivelyGDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storefantasyfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011grey-areagrey-area-labsipadiphonemikko-hamalainenmobilesci-fishadow-citiessmartphonetechnomagevideoville-vesterinenMon, 07 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Impressions of the conference and what 2011 will bring]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-impressions-of-the-conference-and-what-2011-will-bring/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-impressions-of-the-conference-and-what-2011-will-bring/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-impressions-of-the-conference-and-what-2011-will-bring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The 2011 Game Developer's Conference is behind us, and as we all recover from sleep deprivation and carpal tunnel syndrome, we can't help but reflect on our overall impressions of the event.

This year saw a more efficient conference with the show floor consolidated into one hall and the usual Career Pavillion, Game Career Seminar and Game Connection events set up to help job-seekers find their dream careers in game development. But for the games press, most of the action happens off-site, where studios and publishers rent conference rooms and hotel suites to show off their latest game demos and conduct interviews.

So while GDC is nothing like your E3s and PAXes, it is a place to gather info and get a feel for what to expect in the coming year. Follow along after the jump to see what I thought of this year's MMO offerings.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Impressions of the conference and what 2011 will bring

MassivelyGDC 2011: Impressions of the conference and what 2011 will bring originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinanetapbapb-reloadedarenanetdamion-schuberten-masseen-masse-entertainmentfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegamersfirstgdcgdc-2011guild-wars-2gw2impressionsinterviewsncsoftopinionshadow-citiesteravictor-kislyiwargaming.networld-of-tankswotMon, 07 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: ARGO Online pits nature against technology]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-argo-online-pits-nature-against-technology/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-argo-online-pits-nature-against-technology/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-argo-online-pits-nature-against-technology/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If imaginative fiction has taught us anything, it's that the fun doesn't really begin until the world ends. Post-apocalyptic games are all the rage these days, from Earthrise to Fallen Earth, so it's not surprising to see another company throw its hat into the ring. Burda:ic may not be a household name, but it's hoping that its upcoming MMO, ARGO Online, will be.

Achim Kaspers, the managing director at burda:ic, was overflowing with information about ARGO's unique look and business model. ARGO is planned to be a free-to-play title, although Kaspers is well aware of the stigma that typically goes along with that. He admits that many F2P games are lacking in content or are grind-heavy, fates he hopes ARGO will avoid with thousands of quests, fluid combat animation and plenty of places to explore.

Billed as a "post-apocalyptic steampunk MMO," ARGO features a futuristic Earth divided between nature and technology. The Noblians are all over cool-looking steampunk devices and vehicles, while the Floresslah have united with nature to become its champions. We've been following ARGO since last year, so we're excited to hear that the title is scheduled to start its open beta tomorrow.

Hit the jump for more of the good word on ARGO from GDC as well as a special treat for Massively readers!

Gallery: ARGO Online

Continue reading GDC 2011: ARGO Online pits nature against technology

MassivelyGDC 2011: ARGO Online pits nature against technology originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achim-Kaspersargoargo-onlineburda-icburdaiccraftingdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkness-fallsearthrisef2pfallen-earthfeaturedfishingfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011professionspvpsteampunkvideoMon, 07 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2011 has come and gone, but the next week promises to bring a ton of additional coverage from the recently concluded show. GameTrailers has weighed in with its new video recap of En Masse Entertainment's TERA presentation, which took the form of a demo party running through the Smuggler's Hideout dungeon.

You may remember Smuggler's Hideout from our own GDC coverage last week, and now you can feast your eyes on the visuals as well as a few of the party dynamics that TERA brings to the table. The gameplay is narrated by associate producer Stefan Ramirez, and he highlights the different class roles, paying particular attention to the Priest character he's controlling.

TERA's action combat features a bit of a learning curve if you're used to traditional MMORPG healer classes. You can't tab target your group mates and spam heal buttons, and you'll need to move around quite a bit in order to maximize your AoEs and avoid taking damage. Check out all the details after the break.

Continue reading GDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics

MassivelyGDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combaten-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011smugglers-hideoutstefan-ramirezteratera-onlinetrailersvideowalkthroughMon, 07 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST