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[Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The United Kingdom's Department for Transport has launched a free browser MMO, Code of Everand, that teaches traffic safety to children. It does so through a fantasy theme with direct parallels to real world dangers -- streets are Spirit Channels, glowing energy streams populated with many dangerous beasts. The Spirit Channels crisscross the map of Everand and make travel perilous. That's where the players come in as Pathfinders, explorers trained in the techniques that allow for safe passage across the Spirit Channels. Pathfinders learn important safety lessons along the way in their journey to discover the secrets of Everand.

Code of Everand was developed for the UK Department for Transport by NYC-based firm Area/Code over the course of two years, reports Game Set Watch. Area/Code has a long track record of creating cross-media games for advertising and media firms, television networks, and even major consumer brands. According to Area/Code's site, they've taken innovative approaches to games in the past -- "online games that respond to broadcast TV in real time, simulated characters and virtual worlds that occupy real-world geography" and "game events driven by real-world data". Interesting concepts. If you like the idea of games used as an effective educational tool, you can see the animated trailer for Code of Everand after the jump.

Continue reading Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety

MassivelyCode of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areacodebrowserchildrencode-of-everanddepartment-for-transporteducationaledutainmentf2pfree-to-playgamesetwatchkidsmmo-industrynew-titlesnycpathfindersreal-lifesafetyspirit-channelsunited-kingdomThu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The winner of the Mark Jacobs Award for Corporate Community Achievement is...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/the-winner-of-the-mark-jacobs-award-for-corporate-community-achi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/the-winner-of-the-mark-jacobs-award-for-corporate-community-achi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/the-winner-of-the-mark-jacobs-award-for-corporate-community-achi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Yes, you didn't blink when you read the title. Of course, the award was made by Alex Litel of "Bell, Game, and Candle" at GameSetWatch and it's meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but it really shows how connected Jacobs is with all of the Warhammer Online hype.

Litel's article showcases the many press release quotes that just make you tilt your head in confusion and wonder why exactly someone wrote that for marketing purposes. Quotes such as Cliffy B calling the original Gears of War "...just a tease, an appetizer to Gears of War characters and new style of gameplay" just to ramp up marketing for Gears of War 2.

Litel inserted the Mark Jacobs award because he thought it would be unfair to include Mark Jacob's quotes in with the other quotes he gathered. With all of the passion Mark puts behind his marketing promises, including Jacobs's quotes would turn the article into a countdown of Mark Jacobs moments. So, the quotes were left out, but the spirit of Jacobs remained alive and well.

If you want to see all 50 quotes, and which quote got the coveted award, head on over to GameSetWatch and check out Litel's article. We certainly got a few chuckles out of it.

MassivelyThe winner of the Mark Jacobs Award for Corporate Community Achievement is... originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliffy-bcliffybcountdownea-mythicgamesetwatchgears-of-warmark-jacobsmarketingmythicmythic-entertainmentpress-releasequotestop-50warwarhammer-onlineMon, 29 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keeping the wife happy: Wrath style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/keeping-the-wife-happy-wrath-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/keeping-the-wife-happy-wrath-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/keeping-the-wife-happy-wrath-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Isn't it fascinating to think of the people behind the toons you see running around your screen? Do you ever just find a quiet spot next to a busy marketplace or popular crossroads in game and just people-watch? Although it's sometimes fun to venture a guess at the real lives behind the virtual ones, we may overlook the increasing number of families who play these games together. Husbands and wives. Fathers and sons. Mothers and daughters. The combinations are almost endless.

In a recent article over at Game Set Watch, Michael Walbridge takes a look at the inner dynamics of the family gaming habit. He tells an all-too-familiar story of one family member (in this case his wife) who wants nothing more than to play Wrath of the Lich King upon release, yet he has sworn off WoW for good, in lieu of Warhammer Online. When his wife finally realizes that swearing off WoW for good really means "for good" this time, it nearly brings her to tears. Will he give in and rejoin his wife at Wrath's launch? Will he continue with WAR, crushing his entire family dynamic? You'll have to check out the story to find out!

MassivelyKeeping the wife happy: Wrath style originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>couplesfamilyfamily-gaminggamesetwatchwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A community analysis of Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/a-community-analysis-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/a-community-analysis-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/a-community-analysis-of-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameSetWatch recently put up an article that takes a look at the current state of the Warhammer Online community. They came out with a pretty clear census, saying it's still too early to decide. Granted there is mention that often times playing Warhammer Online can feel a bit lonely, even when people are around. The article attributes this to the fact that grouping is so very easy in WAR that nobody really has to talk to one another. We're inclined to agree, if you're not in a guild things can get a tad lonely. That said, the community in the game is definitely strong and given a few months time we should have a much clearer picture of the state of it.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our Warhammer guides: Massively's Character Creation Guide and our WoW Player's Guide to Warhammer. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyA community analysis of Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In his latest weekly column for GameSetMatch, Simon Parkin talks to the friend who took over his Final Fantasy XI account when he moved on from the game. Since he sent her his account information and deleted the game from his hard drive, he has been nagged by a feeling of guilt. Did he ruin her life by introducing her to the time-sucking grind of MMOs? He discovered that while she does spend large amounts of time in the game, she is happy for the time she has invested. She has made lasting friendships within the game and while she would not try other games, she doesn't regret her adventures in Vana'diel.

Most of us find a balance between the total immersion of these virtual worlds and the demands of real life. And many real life friendships come from time spent in-game, which should be no surprise given that most relationships spring from common interest. On the other hand, we all know someone who spends far too much time in our shared worlds to be healthy.

So here's the question: knowing how enjoyable MMOs can be, but also knowing that they have the potential to take over one's life, how comfortable are you in recommending them to your friends?

MassivelyRecommending MMOs to friends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friendshipgamesetwatchgaming-addictionsimon-parkinvirtual-friendshipSun, 28 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World in a World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/world-in-a-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/world-in-a-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/world-in-a-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With Wrath of the Lich King coming out very soon, and four years of the game's history behind us, it's nice to just sit back and read something about the basic fundamentals of World of Warcraft. In a recent article over at GameSetWatch, they've dissected what WoW means to the average person and why it has become so popular.

As the article admits itself, yes, this is in fact another World of Warcraft article. However, it approaches the game from a slightly different angle as the author realizes what the game is all about retrospectively. It's not a beginner's guide to the game, but more like a beginner's guide to what to expect from the people who play the game, and what to expect from yourself if you're getting into the game for the first time. It's certainly worth a read.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyWorld in a World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beginnerblizzardgamesetwatchworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A snapshot of today's gold-selling/power-leveling market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/a-snapshot-of-todays-gold-selling-power-leveling-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/a-snapshot-of-todays-gold-selling-power-leveling-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/a-snapshot-of-todays-gold-selling-power-leveling-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

GameSetWatch, the alt.blog on CMP's Gamasutra network of sites, has up a discussion with a gold-farming boss. "Mr. Smith" is one of the owners of a gold-selling site, and submitted an article looking at the current state of the virtual currency market - from his perspective.

Smith makes two interesting points in his discussion: that power-leveling is now the 'growth industry' for RMT services, and that the newest workforce in the marketplace is ... wait for it ... North Korea.

The cost of these power-leveling services has also dipped considerably as new players enter the marketplace. Competitive pressure has dropped the price from about $6/level to more like $2.50/level in World of Warcraft. All 70 levels now averages about $250, down from a high of almost $500.

MassivelyA snapshot of today's gold-selling/power-leveling market originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmersfinal-fantasy-xigamesetwatchgold-farminggold-sellinglord-of-the-rings-onlinemaplestoryrmtrunescapeworld-of-warcraftWed, 26 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game length in MMOs and elsewhere]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/game-length-in-mmos-and-elsewhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/game-length-in-mmos-and-elsewhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/game-length-in-mmos-and-elsewhere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back when I was in college, when we asked a professor how long our papers should be, he answered thusly: "Like a skirt-- short enough to keep it interesting, but long enough to cover the subject." More and more, it seems that you could say the same thing about videogames. In days past, the length of a game was a selling point-- the more gameplay you could get out of it, the more the game was worth. And so MMOs especially ask for a lot of investment, and were asked to give a lot of gameplay in return. I used to beat old NES and Game Boy games in minutes, and now, like Fullbright, I've got days and weeks logged in the MMOs I play.

But is that a good thing? I hate to keep harping on it, but Fullbright brings up Portal for me (a game that seems destined to redefine what we think of as games this year)-- there's a game that only takes a few hours but delivers an experience that lasts much longer than that. In terms of MMOs the current trend seems to be both towards shorter gameplay and less investment for that gameplay.

MMOs may be the exception here-- you sit down to create one character, and heading into a persistent world should make you want to be there. But with many MMOs on the market than before (and an older, busier audience than ever), the trend seems to be headed towards shorter games, not longer. That's not to say that a great game shouldn't cover the subject (no game should end before its time), but designers are feeling more and more pressure to make things short enough to keep it interesting, rather than throwing in random FedEx quests to brag about a few more hours of gameplay.

[Via GSW]

MassivelyGame length in MMOs and elsewhere originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fedex-questfullbrightgame-boygame-lengthgamesetwatchlengthmmosnesportalTue, 27 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST