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[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs
When Update 1.2 launched for Star Wars: The Old Republic, most players witnessed some major changes to their classes. In my opinion, these changes weren't game-breaking, but they did require that some players re-evaluate how they played. Some classes were changed so drastically in this patch players claimed they felt as if they were truly playing a completely different class.

Major changes like this do not happen without reason, and from my time spent with SWTOR developers, I know that they are passionately interested in making their game the best it can be. So I asked Game Director James Ohlen some questions about these mechanical changes. In true James Ohlen fashion, he was more than happy to answer in intricate detail, and I'm excited to bring you those answers here in the Hyperspace Beacon.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebuff-stackingclass-balanceeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-directorGame-Mechanicshyperspace-beaconinterviewjames-ohlenlucasartsopinionplayer-vs-playerPvPsci-fisith-inquisitorsith-sorcerersorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.2Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's Colin Cragg steps down as producer and game director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Colin Cragg
Anarchy Online players know Colin "Means" Cragg quite well at this point, as Cragg has worked at Funcom since 2004 and handled the roles of both producer and game director in recent years. Sadly, Cragg announced that he will be leaving the company at the end of the month to "pursue another challenge" and be closer to his family in Sweden.

"When I look at the passion this team and the community has for Anarchy Online it has always made me feel privileged just to get to be a part of it," Cragg wrote in his farewell letter. "It has been an incredible honor to get to spend the last eight years working with Anarchy Online and being a part of the Funcom family."

Two Funcom employees will split his former duties. Dave "Ilaliya" Williams, who has worked on both Age of Conan and The Secret World, will take over as producer. Filling the game director shoes is Fia "Lindelu" Tjernberg, a long-time member of the Anarchy Online dev team.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's Colin Cragg steps down as producer and game director originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananarchy-onlineaocolin-craggdave-williamsf2pFia-Tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomgame-directorIlaliyaLindelumeansproducerthe-secret-worldFri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Only doom in the hall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just after my column went live last week, we saw the Sony Online Entertainment servers start to come back online. Those of us who consider DC Universe Online our MMO home were able to once again get our hero or villain on and meet up with friends we'd been relegated to catching up with on Facebook. (Don't get me wrong, Facebook is fine for what it is, but it can't compare with getting to bash virtual superhero or supervillain heads in alongside your league-mates!)

As I mentioned last week, the restoration also came with a nice variety of goodies. With the added outage time tacked onto the 30 days, everyone was awarded 45 days of free play time, which isn't too shabby. I'd also note that the 45 days free applies to all Sony Online Entertainment game accounts you might have -- whether or not they were active at the time of the outage. This offers DC Universe Online players who may have opted to cancel after the first month the perfect chance to log in and check out the content updates that have gone live since launch, without having to spend a dime.

The real question is this: What type of future might we see for DCUO in the aftermath of the outages, especially with so many players screaming that they were leaving? Join me behind the break as I look at our first week back on the mean streets.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Only doom in the hall

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Only doom in the hall originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caodc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-update-3deadmeatexecutive-producerfeaturedfuture-of-the-gamegame-directorgame-outagejohn-blakelylorin-jamesonmark-andersonmark-halashnetwork-outageopinionradar-xsoesony-online-entertainmenttony-jonestunsoupdate-3Sat, 21 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE teases The Penguin's appearance in DCUO Update 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/soe-teases-the-penguins-appearance-in-dcuo-update-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/soe-teases-the-penguins-appearance-in-dcuo-update-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/soe-teases-the-penguins-appearance-in-dcuo-update-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Now that the first monthly patch is live in DC Universe Online, it's a good time for the development team to take a moment to reflect on what was good and not so hot in this first update -- as well as let us know what's planned for the next step. Game Director Chris Cao and Art Director Mark Anderson sat down to talk with fans about just that through SOE's Stickam account earlier today and did just that.

In next month's update, which is being called Update 2, players will have the chance to face off against The Penguin as the DC Universe Online team continues the gang war storyline that is currently in game. Along with The Penguin are a series of penguin henchmen players will battle, including robot penguins! Two-Face will also show up in game to take part in the ongoing gang war and to become a new Legends character for players to unlock.

Knowing SOE, we'll likely see a reveal of more information on Update 2 and The Penguin sometime in the coming weeks. We'll be certain to keep an eye out for any umbrellagrams and bring you news as it develops!

MassivelySOE teases The Penguin's appearance in DCUO Update 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-directorchris-caodc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-update-2developer-chatfacebookfbgame-directormark-andersonpatchsoesony-online-entertainmentstickamstickam.comthe-penguinupdate-2Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As promised yesterday, today we have the second portion of our chat with Chris Cao, Game Director for Sony Online Entertainment's newest offering in the MMO space, DC Universe Online. Along with yesterday's talk of powers and future plans, today we get into some of the things players can expect on the near and far horizons. From immediate needs to far-flung plans of the future, this second section should give those interested in DC Universe Online some great food for thought.

We'd also be remiss if we didn't note that there are some mild spoilers in the second portion of the interview, which we're going to be sure to note so you can skip that particular response. For now, join us past the break for the second part of our very candid interview with Cao!

Continue reading Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part two

MassivelyMassively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caoconsoleconsolesdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedgame-directorinterviewlaunchplaystation-3Playstation3ps3soeSony-Online-EntertainmentSat, 15 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan producer's letter talks new content, possible movie tie-in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/age-of-conan-producers-letter-talks-new-content-possible-movie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/age-of-conan-producers-letter-talks-new-content-possible-movie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/age-of-conan-producers-letter-talks-new-content-possible-movie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's the end of the month, and if you're following Age of Conan, you know it's time for the traditional letter from the game director. Funcom's Craig "Silirrion" Morrison obliges us with a lengthy look back at 2010's AoC milestones as well as a glimpse of what's coming in 2011.

In addition to continual content rollouts and tweaks of the current 2.1 build (which is set to include two new Pai-Kang 6-man instances, new tier four Jade Citadel raids, a solo daily instance, and two new auto content generation dungeons), Morrison hints at a possible tie-in with the forthcoming Conan motion picture. "Some of the things [on tap for 2011] might just relate to the return of the great barbarian to the silver screen later this year in the form of the new Conan movie. That is something we are very excited about, and means there is great potential over the coming year, with a lot of renewed interest in everything Hyborian," he writes.

MassivelyAge of Conan producer's letter talks new content, possible movie tie-in originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.16-man-dungeonsage-of-conanaocconanconan-filmconan-moviecraig-morrisonfuncomgame-directorgame-director-letterinstancesnew-contentpatchproducer-letterraidssilirrionupdateTue, 28 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Eleventh-hour changing of the guard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-mog-log-eleventh-hour-changing-of-the-guard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-mog-log-eleventh-hour-changing-of-the-guard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-mog-log-eleventh-hour-changing-of-the-guard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When I woke up on Friday, I was greeted by a message from Square-Enix, and that alone was enough to make me start wondering what in the world was going on now. As a direct result of that message, the gist of which can be gotten here if you've somehow missed it, I'm going to have to postpone the column I had previously written on Final Fantasy XI and Abyssea. I apologize, but I'm hoping the column will work out like a fine wine and just be better with age. Then again, considering that Final Fantasy XI is sharing the same management bug as Final Fantasy XIV, perhaps not.

And yes, wow, that was a big one. Tanaka dethroned, a new development team installed, and a whole lot of uncertainty about what this means for the future of Final Fantasy XIV. It could be a step forward, it could be a step backward, and unfortunately the official statements can be read in a multitude of different ways. Oh, right, and the free trial is being further extended until the development team can confidently outline a plan regarding the game's new direction... but what direction is that actually going to be?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Eleventh-hour changing of the guard

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Eleventh-hour changing of the guard originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversydirectorfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-directorhiromichi-tanakaleadershipmanagementmanagement-changenaoki-yoshidaopinionsquaresquare-enixteamthe-mog-logthe-sky-is-not-actually-fallingSat, 11 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The natives are restless]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/the-mog-log-the-natives-are-restless/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/the-mog-log-the-natives-are-restless/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/the-mog-log-the-natives-are-restless/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Allow me a little bit of woolgathering. When I started working for Massively, it was October of last year, and Final Fantasy XIV had just been announced as the official title for the game code-named "Rapture" and unofficially codenamed "the sequel to Final Fantasy XI" by everyone else who had seen a single screenshot. About four days after you read this, the game is going to be officially live for players around the world willing to shell out an extra bit of cash for various doodads and a headstart.

This is kind of baffling. Objectively, you know that the game is getting close to release, but it's not made real until the release is right at your doorstep. So before I go too far off the deep end and start thinking about things like the franchise having started when I was four, let's move on to the discussions coming out of the impending launch. And really, do come back next week when Final Fantasy XIV comes out, as I'm sure we'll have plenty of things on launch day. (Very sure, in fact.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: The natives are restless

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The natives are restless originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitydirectorfatiguefatigue-systemfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfuturegame-directorlaunchlevel-caplevel-curvelevelingseptember-version-updateserver-mergesshutdownsquaresquare-enixstabilitytabula-rasathe-sky-is-not-actually-fallingtrupcoming-launchvideoworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 18 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[January Age of Conan director letter details the road ahead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/january-age-of-conan-director-letter-details-the-road-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/january-age-of-conan-director-letter-details-the-road-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/january-age-of-conan-director-letter-details-the-road-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While the January edition of the Age of Conan Game Director letter isn't the flashiest one we've ever seen, it is an excellent road-map of just what the team over at Funcom have in their sights for the next little while. They've been giving us tons of tasty Rise of the Godslayer news outside of the Director updates, so we certainly won't complain!

This month, Age of Conan's Game Director, Craig Morrison, sits down to tell us just what the team has in mind for the future of Hyboria. Patch 1.06 will be coming to the live servers shortly, bringing with it the Guild Renown system, tier three raiding, and a major revamp for the Assassin class. As for Godslayer, he says that more players have been invited into the beta and the feedback has thus far been great. There's also a good chunk of information on what they're planning for long-term PvP improvements for those who can't wait to bash Hyborian brains in. In all, it sounds like Craig and the team have some excellent things in motion for the future of Age of Conan, so be sure to pop over and check it out.

AoC Coverage Having fun in Conan's homeland? Make sure to check out all of our previous Age of Conan coverage, and stick with Massively for more news from the Hyborian Age!

MassivelyJanuary Age of Conan director letter details the road ahead originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaoc-patch-1.06craig-morrisondirectors-letterfuncomgame-directorpvprise-of-the-godslayerSat, 30 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[November letter from Age of Conan's director released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/november-letter-from-age-of-conans-director-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/november-letter-from-age-of-conans-director-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/november-letter-from-age-of-conans-director-released/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As the end of the year approaches, Age of Conan has been quietly but steadily progressing through development and improving its engine and gameplay. It's certainly improved compared to its state at launch, and with its first expansion on the way the game has a promising future ahead of it. The end of November saw the release of a letter from the game director, Craig Morrison, addressing the game's upcoming Korean launch as well as the incoming changes in the near future.

The biggest bits of news are the statement that 1.06, the game's next patch, is planned to begin rounds on the live test servers this week. 1.06 will also be seeing a few adjustments to the balance of force between casters and melee, one of the more contentious issues in the game. Crowd control will see a severe reduction in range and efficiency, with the letter explaining that the intent of the abiliies is to give casters a panic or escape button rather than allowing them to effectively pin targets at range. They're also denying casters the option of stamina potions to avoid making them too durable. Age of Conan's casters are probably unhappy about the news, but the letter itself has more to say, so it's likely in every player's best interest to take a closer look.

MassivelyNovember letter from Age of Conan's director released originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaoc-patch-1.06craig-morrisondirector-letterexpansionsgame-directorpatchespvprise-of-the-godslayerTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Craig Morrison's latest AoC letter discusses guild features in Update 6]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/craig-morrisons-latest-aoc-letter-discusses-guild-features-in-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/craig-morrisons-latest-aoc-letter-discusses-guild-features-in-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/craig-morrisons-latest-aoc-letter-discusses-guild-features-in-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As July is coming to a close, Age of Conan's game director Craig Morrison has weighed in with his letter to the community for the month. The biggest discussion point this time around is a new 'Guild Renown' system that will be introduced with the next major content patch, Update 6. This system will allow members of a guild to contribute to its reputation on two separate scales. A guild's Renown Level will be increased by members earning Valor points (from PvE activities like questing and killing NPCs), Glory points (PvP) and Artisan points (crafting). Higher Renown Levels will mean access to better guild city vendors and other bonuses -- even a brand new building type that Morrison does not elaborate on in this letter.

Continue reading Craig Morrison's latest AoC letter discusses guild features in Update 6

MassivelyCraig Morrison's latest AoC letter discusses guild features in Update 6 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocartisan-pointsbreakingcraig-morrisonfuncomgame-directorglory-pointsguild-renownguildshouse-of-cromletterletter-from-the-game-directorrenown-levelrenown-rankingthoth-amons-strongholdtower-based-pvpupdate-6valor-pointsFri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's Update 5 goes live, game director hints at future improvements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The fifth major update to Age of Conan,"Gangs of Tarantia", has gone live. The update adds the Tarantia Commons District, a high level area with both single player and group dungeons, as well as a revamped RPG system. There are substantial system changes that have gone into effect in Update 5, which impact every class in Age of Conan, covering everything from itemization changes to feat trees, as well as abilities, spells, and combos. Plus Funcom has rolled out a complete overhaul of the gem crafting system and introduced new rewards tied in with guild cities. Any in-depth look at the sweeping changes made to Age of Conan with Update 5 is beyond the scope of this post, but are summarized in the patch notes.

In the June letter from the game director, Craig Morrison explains how Gangs of Tarantia is the most significant update made to the game thus far. Morrison also drops some hints about the directions Funcom plans to take Age of Conan with future game updates. He writes that the next update to Age of Conan will focus on three main areas: improving guild gameplay; new high level content in the House of Crom; and more goals and objectives with Border Kingdom PvP.

Beyond the letter from the game director, Funcom has grouped together a ton of information related to Gangs of Tarantia and AoC in general, which can be found in Issue #23 of the Age of Conan newsletter.

MassivelyAge of Conan's Update 5 goes live, game director hints at future improvements originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccraftingcraig-morrisonfantasyfuncomgame-directorgame-mechanicsgangs-of-tarantiagem-craftingguild-citiesguildsitemizationmmo-industrypatch-notespatchestarantia-commonsupdate-5Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's letter from the game director for May explains Update 1.05]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/age-of-conans-letter-from-the-game-director-for-may-explains-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/age-of-conans-letter-from-the-game-director-for-may-explains-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/age-of-conans-letter-from-the-game-director-for-may-explains-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Craig "Silirrion" Morrison, game director for Age of Conan, has posted a May letter (on the European forums) to the playerbase that reflects on the year since the game's launch, a year full of ups and downs. Beyond explaining a bit about how he came to work on Age of Conan and his enthusiasm for the game moving forward, the Letter from the Game Director drops info about Update 1.05.

Morrison briefly touches on some of the highlights of the update, namely the large outdoor playfield and its quests and storyline, a new RPG system, and updates for all classes in terms of abilities, spells, and feats. Morrison opts to steer away from these big changes in his letter, which are likely to get more attention in the long run, and looks at some of the smaller changes to Age of Conan that are on the way.

Continue reading Age of Conan's letter from the game director for May explains Update 1.05

MassivelyAge of Conan's letter from the game director for May explains Update 1.05 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccharacter-slotscraig-morrisondev-blogdev-blogsfuncomgame-directorguild-citiesguild-cityletter-from-the-game-directorrpg-systemsilirrionstate-of-the-gameupdate-1.05Mon, 18 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC's April game director letter: roll a new level 50 in the next patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/aocs-april-game-director-letter-roll-a-new-level-50-in-the-nex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/aocs-april-game-director-letter-roll-a-new-level-50-in-the-nex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/aocs-april-game-director-letter-roll-a-new-level-50-in-the-nex/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Age of Conan's game director Craig Morrison has penned a 'state of the game' letter for April, primarily to discuss progress on the upcoming patch 1.05. Undoubtedly the biggest piece of information to come out of the letter is the news that players will be able to create a new character that starts at level 50 when the patch hits. There are, of course, a couple of caveats to this; the option is only available to players that have a character who is level 50 or higher, and it only works once. Players who reach level 50 for the first time after the patch will also get their chance to roll a new 50 of any class, but it sounds like it's a one-per-account offer, not per-character.

Morrison explained that the re-roll is being offered so that people can try out a new class with updated 1.05 feats and skills, without enduring the first 50 levels again. Some form of concession on feat re-training will also be given so that players can decide how to tackle the new options available to existing characters. Morrison leaves us with the hint that more news relating to character options will be revealed come May, around the time of AoC's first anniversary.

MassivelyAoC's April game director letter: roll a new level 50 in the next patch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaoc-patch-1.05aoc-update-1.05craig-morrisonfuncomgame-directorinsta-levellevel-50re-rollThu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Checking in with Age of Conan's Game Director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/checking-in-with-age-of-conans-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/checking-in-with-age-of-conans-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/checking-in-with-age-of-conans-game-director/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The changes coming to Funcom's Age of Conan have really been picking up steam. While this update is more of a teaser for things to come, the breakdown of the new RPG system does give players a first look at how new stat breakdowns will change things down the road. From what they're saying, you'll want to be sure you stay on top of getting the best armor and gear! Also, they've added a new character sheet to better display all the new armor attributes and how they will impact each character as they progress through the wild lands of Hyborea.

While it's only a bite-sized look at some of the changes coming to Age of Conan, it's definitely welcome. Among the other things players have to look forward to is further changes to feat trees, skills and spells, as well as a new gem system that will be implemented as time goes on. For the full breakdown of how all of these new attributes will affect your characters, be sure to head over to the AoC forums and check this month's Game Director's letter out!

MassivelyChecking in with Age of Conan's Game Director originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocarmorattributesfuncomgame-directorgemshyborealetterstatsSun, 01 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA["No retreat, no surrender" for Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/no-retreat-no-surrender-for-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/no-retreat-no-surrender-for-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/no-retreat-no-surrender-for-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Age of Conan's Game Director Craig Morrison recently had an interview at Gamespy to dicuss his game's future. In the end though, he ended up speaking more about the past, and in particular, past problems and mistakes that have now been seen to. Technical game client issues, a lack of PvE content at certain levels, and an unsatisfying PvP system were all cited as causes of people turning their back on AoC -- followers of the game since launch would agree with all of these things being issues -- but Morrison went through this list and explained how his team has improved the game on each of these fronts. The embedded video, featuring Erling Ellingsen, shows off some of the current and planned improvements.

As for talk of the future, Morrison reminded us that Xibaluku is coming for the PvE junkies, and mentioned the PvP resource system, which should bring a new level of interaction to PvP gameplay. He believes that the biggest issue still remaining from launch is to do with a shortage of good gear, and an itemization overhaul is in the works to address this. We can also expect some more guild and community functions later in the year. The stage is set for a comeback; now we'll just have to wait and see if the players come to the party.

Massively"No retreat, no surrender" for Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comebackcraig-morrisonerling-ellingsengame-directorhyborian-insiderpvp-resourcexibalukuSat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Craig Morrison discusses future Age of Conan updates and changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/craig-morrison-discusses-future-age-of-conan-updates-and-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/craig-morrison-discusses-future-age-of-conan-updates-and-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/craig-morrison-discusses-future-age-of-conan-updates-and-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Age of Conan's game director, Craig Morrison, has written a letter to the community about the next slew of upgrades and updates coming to the game now that Ymir's Pass -- and its new PvP system -- is on the live servers. First on the list of patches will be DirectX 10, which Morrison says is something the team wanted to be really special. We're just hoping it doesn't bring any serious new bugs with it, but from the sound of things Funcom is trying to make sure the new graphics are highly scalable for various computers.

The second big project in the works are two new dungeons. Thunder River will hold both of them and they'll be aimed at max-level players. The Slaughter House Cellar is for single players, while Xibaluku is a large team dungeon. We can expect to see these released with the next update, apparently.

Continue reading Craig Morrison discusses future Age of Conan updates and changes

MassivelyCraig Morrison discusses future Age of Conan updates and changes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccraig-morrisondirectx-10funcomgame-directorpvptarantia-commonsthe-slaughter-housethunder-riverupdatexibalukuymirs-passMon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer & game director for Age of Conan resigns from Funcom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/producer-and-game-director-for-age-of-conan-resigns-from-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/producer-and-game-director-for-age-of-conan-resigns-from-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/producer-and-game-director-for-age-of-conan-resigns-from-funcom/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Some big shake-ups seem to be happening over at Funcom today as Gaute Godager resigns from his position at the company as producer and game director for Age of Conan. His replacement is Craig Morrison, who's held the same position with Anarchy Online for several years prior to this change. While most (or more than half) will agree that Age of Conan is in a very dissatisfying state, this news still comes as a shock. Gaute Godager was one of the founders of Funcom and is leaving the company and the games industry after 16 years. He was also a part of Age of Conan's development since its conception.

Incoming producer/director Craig Morrison stepped fully into the Conan community to greet the players today, as well. You can read his address to the faithful on the official forums. Follow the break for Godager's parting words and reasons for leaving Funcom.

Continue reading Producer & game director for Age of Conan resigns from Funcom

MassivelyProducer & game director for Age of Conan resigns from Funcom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocblizzardbreakingcraig-morrisonfuncomgame-directorgaute-godagermythicproducerwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 17 Sep 2008 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet AoC's main man, Gaute Godager]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/meet-aocs-main-man-gaute-godager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/meet-aocs-main-man-gaute-godager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/meet-aocs-main-man-gaute-godager/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Age of Conan's Game Director Gaute Godager has definitely made an effort to reach out to the fans, involving himself in promotional videos pre-release and often weighing in on the forums in the last few weeks to discuss current game issues. Despite this, most people probably don't know much about the man himself -- that is, until now, as MMORPG.com has conducted an interview to find out more about AoC's visionary.

The mighty Commodore 64 is responsible for breeding Godager's love of gaming, and Pool of Radiance and The Bard's Tale brought him to the world of RPGs. Of course, his fondness for sci-fi and fantasy books (in particular from Asimov and Tolkien) were what made him seek out games in the first place, to further the escapism that he had experienced in reading. This led to him dreaming about creating these worlds himself, and becoming a founding member of Funcom -- and eventually, to bringing us AoC. Check out the whole interview for more on Godager's past and a tiny bit on how he thinks his latest game is going.

MassivelyMeet AoC's main man, Gaute Godager originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccommodore-64funcomgame-directorgaute-godagergodagerinterviewSun, 15 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST