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[Grimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Grimlands - landscape shot
What's better than a post-apocalyptic online shooter? How about a post-apocalyptic online shooter that you don't have to pay for? Free-to-play publisher gamigo is hoping you'll feel that way about Grimlands, which heads to closed beta this week to focus test "technical details such as server stability, optimization of the network code, and new features."

The game's first beta build boasts a dozen new dungeons, dynamic weather effects, and vehicles that consume gasoline and feature both weapon and armor mounting capabilities. Oh yeah, there's crafting, too, and a player-run economy that includes weaponsmith, armorer, and engineer professions as well as various specializations. Sound interesting? If so, you can register for beta at the official site.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyGrimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsgrimlands-betagrimlands-closed-betammo-shooterpost-apocalypticpost-apocalyptic-shootershootertradeskillswasteland-shooterThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland alpha sign-ups begin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Otherland - demon dude
Fancy getting an early peek at the MMO version of Tad Williams' Otherland? Head to gamigo's official forum, then, because the company is seeking a few good alpha testers.

This isn't your typical marketing beta, at least according to the sign-up verbiage. "As an alpha tester, you will be asked to focus-test specific game elements, document your user experience, and fill out in-depth surveys each week. Alpha testing is hard work," gamigo says. It's also unpaid work, so only die-hard Otherland fans need apply.

If you're not a die-hard but are still interested in the game, check out our GDC impressions as well as this handy post that collects all of the publicly known information in one place.

MassivelyOtherland alpha sign-ups begin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacyberpunkf2pfree-to-playgamigootherlandotherland-alphaotherland-alpha-signupsotherland-alpha-testingrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 19 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Abduct yourself a UFO Online beta key from Massively!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/abduct-yourself-a-ufo-online-beta-key-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/abduct-yourself-a-ufo-online-beta-key-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/abduct-yourself-a-ufo-online-beta-key-from-massively/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Technically, UFO just refers to an unidentified aircraft. So, really, this could just be a game about looking up in the sky and not being sure what kind of plane that is. And then shooting someone.
You've seen our first impressions -- does that make you want to get in on UFO Online? For a lot of people, that's not quite possible yet, seeing as how the game is still in closed beta testing. However, as in the past, the team at Massively has you covered. Thanks to the folks over at gamigo, we've got 2,000 keys for the second closed beta test, and we're handing them out to whoever wants one.

If you're up for some tactical browser action, go ahead and click the button below, grab a code, then enter it in the appropriate spot on the front page of the official site. After that, you should be golden. Luckily, unlike many other betas, this one doesn't make you worry about a cumbersome client download since the entire game plays in your browser. So grab yourself a key, and please, go gentle with your probing of the game. It's still in testing.

GET YOUR KEY

MassivelyAbduct yourself a UFO Online beta key from Massively! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keysbeta-testingbrowserbrowser-gameclosed-betagamigogiveawaysnewsufo-onlineWed, 11 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Knight from B1 to -- aw, s**t.
Fans of Tad Williams' deliciously cyberpunk book series Otherland are almost certainly waiting with bated breath for gamigo and RealU's upcoming MMO adaptation of the universe. In hopes of making the wait just a tad easier, gamigo has released a new developer diary video focusing on the EightSquared universe of Otherland.

EightSquared, as you may have surmised from the name, is a simulation in which an entire medieval countryside has sprung forth from a gargantuan chess board on which the Red and White armies are locked in an eternal war/game. But something has gone wrong with the simulation: The armies are no longer following the rules of warfare (i.e., rules of chess), and it's up to players to find out where the problem lies before things get too far out of hand and cause the destruction of the simulation itself. The full dev diary also provides a look at the game's Lifecycle AI, which breathes life into the world by providing NPCs who follow their own day-to-day schedules.

So what are you waiting for? Log in to the Net and go take a look for yourself.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation

MassivelyCheck and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesscyberpunkdev-diariesdev-diarydeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diaryeightsquaredf2pfree-to-playgamigootherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvideovideosvirtual-worldvirtual-worldszonezonesFri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UFO Online abducts cows, starts second beta phase]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UFO Online
Remember kids: Just say no to alien probing! If you're like any of us on the Massively staff, then you're sick of being abducted by intergalactic bullies and dissected for kicks. That's why we're glad that gamigo's fighting back with UFO Online, which is one step closer to launch today.

The publisher announced that UFO Online is beginning its second beta phase following a period of reflection and development after the first. The game's studio, Funatics, has expanded the game to include two new aliens, a better loot system, more complex missions, and more strategic combat. Phase two of the aliens' diabolical plan, er, the studio's approach will also see a better tutorial, performance optimization, and UI improvements that all should make a significant difference for those testing the game.

If smacking down grey-skinned invaders appeals to you, you can apply for the beta on the website and read up on our first impressions of this turn-based tactical MMO.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyUFO Online abducts cows, starts second beta phase originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensbetabeta-testingclosed-betaclosed-beta-phase-twofunaticsgamigophase-twosecond-closed-betaufoufo-onlineuiThu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland info collected in a single post]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Otherland - coming Q3 2012?
We got our first real glimpse of Otherland at last week's GDC, and if you're hungry for more info on the upcoming MMORPG from gamigo, a fansite called Otherland Net Feed has you covered. The Tad Williams-inspired title might be available as early as the third quarter of 2012, according to the site, and to whet your appetite, the admin has collected just about every known game factoid in a single sprawling post.

There is plenty of verbiage relating to the title's simulations (that's Otherland-speak for zones) as well as a ton of images from the game's different locales. There are several trailer embeds too, along with concise reviews of combat, crafting, questing, and travel.

[Thanks to Travis for the tip!]

MassivelyOtherland info collected in a single post originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamigootherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsMon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 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[F2P publisher gamigo's account services offline after hack [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/f2p-publisher-gamigos-account-services-offline-after-hack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/f2p-publisher-gamigos-account-services-offline-after-hack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/f2p-publisher-gamigos-account-services-offline-after-hack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gamigo logo
If you're a fan of gamigo's free-to-play MMO library, you may have run into some trouble accessing your account info as of yesterday. The company "detected an illegal intrusion into [its] gamigo account system," according to an official post on the Jagged Alliance forums.

The hack resulted in a temporary cessation of registration, account management, and payment services. The company says that while the game servers are still up and running, "the gAS services might be down for a while." gamigo also says that it encrypts passwords and that "no access to account names and other data is confirmed."

[Thanks for the tip, Tim!]

[Update: gamigo has now posted a letter to its website discussing the intrusion and recommending steps players should take to reset passwords and secure their accounts.]

MassivelyF2P publisher gamigo's account services offline after hack [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-securityf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-account-servicesgamigo-hackhackjagged-alliancesecuritysecurity-breachThu, 01 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Game publishers (and a few game news sites) have a funny habit of applying the term MMO to anything and everything under the sun. We've been keeping an eye on Grimlands for a while now, and while we're still not sure whether it's an MMO, it basically had us at post-apocalyptic.

Free-to-play publisher gamigo says its upcoming wasteland shooter comes complete with "a comprehensive crafting system, guild towns, vehicles, and PvP content." Regardless of whether it is or isn't a full-fledged MMO in every sense, it looks like a good time, particularly in light of the new trailer that shows off a bit of ambiance and a bit of gameplay footage.

Grimlands is a third-person shooter being developed by Drago Entertainment, and you can watch the full clip after the cut.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter

MassivelyLay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragodrago-entertainmentf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsmmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishootersurvivalthird-person-shootertrailervideowastelandTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Otherland
Fans of Tad Williams' cyberpunk series Otherland, rejoice. The MMO adaptation of the series, which is being published by gamigo AG, has received a brand-new trailer showcasing many of the varied worlds you can visit on Otherland's Net. The trailer takes players on a tour of many of the game's interesting environments, which range from a medieval fortress to a Blade-Runner-esque metropolis. Fans also get a small taste of the game's combat set to some appropriately cyberpunk, wubwubwub-filled dubstep.

To watch the trailer for yourself, just click on past the cut and log in to the Net. We'll see you on the other side.

Continue reading Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net

MassivelyLatest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdubstepf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-agotherlandsci-fiscience-fictiontad-williamstrailertrailersvideovideoswubwubwubMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab a closed beta key for Jagged Alliance Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/grab-a-closed-beta-key-for-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/grab-a-closed-beta-key-for-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/grab-a-closed-beta-key-for-jagged-alliance-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jagged Alliance Online
The closed beta for Jagged Alliance Online is coming along nicely, and gamigo is ready to bring in another wave of beta testers. Would you like to be part of that wave? You're in luck because the Jagged Alliance Online team has given us 5,000 closed beta keys to hand out.

Just visit our giveaway page to get your key, and if you haven't already created an account at JAO, do so at the official site. Once you've gone through account creation, log into the gamigo account system, scroll down to Jagged Alliance Online, and enter your beta key.

That's all there is to it. Now you're ready to jump into closed beta testing -- squash those bugs and have fun!

GET YOUR KEY

MassivelyGrab a closed beta key for Jagged Alliance Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keyclosed-betaclosed-beta-keyclosed-beta-key-giveawayf2pfree-to-playgamigojagged-alliancejagged-alliance-onlinejaoFri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagged Alliance Online adds in PvP for testers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/jagged-alliance-online-adds-in-pvp-for-testers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/jagged-alliance-online-adds-in-pvp-for-testers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/jagged-alliance-online-adds-in-pvp-for-testers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

He shot my bike? He shot my bike! Why are you negotiating with the man who just shot my bike?!
If you've been playing in the closed beta of Jagged Alliance Online thus far, the "Online" portion of that name has probably seemed to be something of a misnomer. Beta testers have been exploring the game mechanics from the point of set missions against AI opponents, but that's all about to change. Cliffhanger Productions and gamigo have just unveiled the game's new multiplayers modes, with three different modes and six different maps for players to take up arms against one another.

The three modes consist of Deathmatch (self-explanatory), Bounty Hunter (a race to fight to a target and be the first to kill said target), and Search and Destroy (destroy three targets while protecting your own). Players will be matched via a matchmaker system based upon levels and position in the overall rankings, preventing unfair matches (in theory) and giving good players more substantive rewards for success. If you've got a need for some online turn-based strategy, it might be well worth keeping an eye on these features at they develop.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyJagged Alliance Online adds in PvP for testers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacliffhanger-productionsclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playgamigojagged-alliance-onlinejaonew-titlespvppvp-modesstrategytestingturn-based-strategyupcoming-titlesupdatesMon, 16 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raising the quality bar: gamigo CEOs talk F2P success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/raising-the-quality-bar-gamigo-ceos-talk-f2p-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/raising-the-quality-bar-gamigo-ceos-talk-f2p-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/raising-the-quality-bar-gamigo-ceos-talk-f2p-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

gamigo
If you want to get the full scoop on how to make a free-to-play publishing studio work, there are few better people to talk to than the guys running Germany-based gamigo. Co-CEOs Patrick Streppel and Rainer Markussen have had years to experiment and learn from the free-to-play market, as gamigo has been involved with dozens of titles across the globe.

Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, the duo says that the studio splits their attention between self-produced titles and already-made Asian MMOs that are transplanted to a different market, and the two are quite different indeed. "With our self-produced titles we are trying to merge the two branches, so in a game like Cultures Online you have traditional browser-game monetisation like saving time, spending a little bit of money here and there. But they also have the more Asian-style revenue streams like crafting, enchanting, and paying for increasing the probability of success," Streppel said.

The CEOs state that F2P actually caters better to hardcore players since those players will presumably be around for a long time and F2P will save them money over subscriptions. They also discuss how gamigo's had to "raise the quality bar" to stay competitive. The free-to-play world isn't about cutting-edge graphics, Streppel says, but instead "balancing, more about features, about gameplay depth."

Because of their experiences, the CEOs have said that they've had to abandon complete genres such as sports and racing that proved to be failures for the company. They also predict that F2P will be coming soon to consoles in a big way, just as the iPhone and iPad market has embraced it.

MassivelyRaising the quality bar: gamigo CEOs talk F2P success originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asian-mmobusiness-modelcultures-onlinef2pfree-to-playgamesindustry.bizgamigointerviewipadiphonePatrick-StreppelRainer-MarkussenTue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy releases Episode 3: Rise of the Boids]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/black-prophecy-releases-episode-3-rise-of-the-boids/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/black-prophecy-releases-episode-3-rise-of-the-boids/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/black-prophecy-releases-episode-3-rise-of-the-boids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Black Prophecy
It's been a big week for sci-fi fans, but what about the fans who are less about space-knights and melodrama and more about blowing things into oblivion with big spaceships armed with big guns? Don't worry, gamigo has you covered with Black Prophecy's newest addition, Episode 3: Rise of the Boids. So wtf is a Boid, you may wonder. Well, according to this press release, "the Boids are a robotic race who have been waiting eons for a mysterious, universe-altering event to occur." Ominous.

On the gameplay side of things, Episode 3 raises the level cap to 50 while also adding "new story missions, one new warzone, a new open world sector for players level 40 and up, 11 new job missions and a brand new PvE raid system." That's right, a brand new raid system, which will allow large groups of players to band together to tackle the two newly added raids. And all of this comes with a few tweaks and fixes for various mishaps. For the update's official release trailer, click on past the cut, then head on over to Black Prophecy's official site to get in the game.

[Source: gamigo AG press release]

Continue reading Black Prophecy releases Episode 3: Rise of the Boids

MassivelyBlack Prophecy releases Episode 3: Rise of the Boids originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyepisode-3episode-3-rise-of-the-boidsf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-agpatchpatchesraidraidingraidsrise-of-the-boidstrailertrailersvideovideoswtf-is-a-boidMon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - various shooter characters
Hello folks, and welcome to my Christmas list (well, the Massively portion of it, at any rate). For this week's edition of The Firing Line, I decided to take a look at a few of the more obscure titles coming down the development pike.

Now, when I say obscure, I don't necessarily mean shoe-string budget indie productions. The games I've got for you after the cut feature a cross-section of both big IPs and big-name development studios, but for whatever reason, they're still a bit under the radar when compared to the likes of PlanetSide 2, DUST 514, and Firefall. Turn the page to read about four online shooters you should be excited about. There might even be some video involved if you play your cards right.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdefiancedefiance-mmof2pfeaturedfiring-linefree-to-playgamigoghost-reconghost-recon-onlinegotham-city-impostorsgrimlandsmmo-shootermonolithonline-shooteropinionpost-apocalypticpreviewssci-fishootersuperherosyfythe-firing-linetriontrion-worldsubisoftFri, 16 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Jagged Alliance Online screenshot
A short time ago, I posted my thoughts on UFO Online, one of the most exciting titles I found while at E3 this year. While I was there, I was given a tour of Jagged Alliance Online during the same sitting. Both games were thrilling in a "tiny army" sort of way, and both seemed to finally get what makes tabletop gaming and strategy games fun. UFO Online was more complex in some ways, and I found the beta to be further along than Jagged Alliance Online's, but I have had fun in both so far. I'm hoping that gamigo, the publisher of both titles, keeps getting them both right.

I still had some issues with Jagged Alliance Online, but it's hard to say whether these will be corrected during one of the following betas. So while it is my duty to report to you these issues, I want you to bear in mind the state of the current game. Fortunately the title seems far enough along that I got a real feel for what is coming.

War is coming.

Click past the cut and I'll give you the details.

Continue reading First Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmof2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playftpgamigohands-onjagged-alliance-onlinejaommotbsTurn-basedTurn-Based-Strategyufo-onlineThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy bringing high-end raids with its next major update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/black-prophecy-bringing-high-end-raids-with-its-next-major-updat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/black-prophecy-bringing-high-end-raids-with-its-next-major-updat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/black-prophecy-bringing-high-end-raids-with-its-next-major-updat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I'm really not sure what is happening right here. Don't ask me.
Endgame systems take time to develop properly and even more time to balance. But they're still an important element of any game, which is why Black Prophecy is bringing in a major new set of endgame mechanics with its next major content update. Episode 3: Rise of the Boids will feature new raid missions for large groups of players at the level cap, updating the PvE experience with what the developers promise will be "epic" experiences.

Most of the details aren't yet known, as the announcement itself is fairly thin on hard facts, but players will be expected to form groups between eight to ten players in size. The encounters will focus heavily on group mechanics, and if prior experience is any indicator, they should reward players with significant increases in power when completed successfully. If you've gotten a bit tired of Black Prophecy's current PvE endgame, keep your eyes peeled for more details in the coming weeks.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy bringing high-end raids with its next major update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybpendgameendgame-contentendgame-systemsepisde-3-rise-of-the-boidsf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgamigopatchesraid-contentraid-missionsraidsMon, 28 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: UFO Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

UFO Online screenshot
I've written about UFO Online before. It should be obvious how much I am looking forward to this new browser-based, turn-based strategy combat game. When I got to sit down with representatives from publisher gamigo at E3 earlier this year, I felt that familiar old feeling that I used to get when shopping for tabletop gaming miniatures. There's something about controlling a squad of little dudes with guns, something that seems to resonate with my generation.

Well, the board game has gone digital, and now we do not have to drive for miles and miles to get to the closest gaming shop and wade through six feet of nerddom just to hope that we aren't teamed up with players who really give the hobby a stereotypical bad name. Now we can digitally join up with fellow game geeks and have it out across worlds that fit in our browser.

I was able to take a bit of a tour through UFO Online over the last week. So what did I find? Click past the cut and I'll let you know.

Continue reading First Impressions: UFO Online

MassivelyFirst Impressions: UFO Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgamigopvptabletopufo-onlineWarhammer-40KSun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Martial Empires Path to Purgatory update brings big content drop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/martial-empires-path-to-purgatory-update-brings-big-content-drop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/martial-empires-path-to-purgatory-update-brings-big-content-drop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/martial-empires-path-to-purgatory-update-brings-big-content-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Martial Empires - combat screenshot
It's patch day in Martial Empires, and gamigo has a hellish road in store for fans of the free-to-play action MMO. The Path to Purgatory update features a new survival mode challenge that pits players against hordes of monsters as they carve their way through 32 levels of a gigantic tower.

There's also a big nasty waiting at the end of the challenge, and that's only part of the package. The update also features various mounts and battle pets, guild research functionality, and a new quest series that stretches from level one through 55. gamigo is also planning a number of in-game events, according to its latest press release, and you can learn more about Martial Empires on the game's official website.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyMartial Empires Path to Purgatory update brings big content drop originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeonseventsf2pfree-to-playgamigoin-game-eventsmartial-empiresnew-contentpatchpatchestower-dungeonWed, 16 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagged Alliance Online and UFO Online entering closed beta testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/jagged-alliance-online-and-ufo-online-entering-closed-beta-testi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/jagged-alliance-online-and-ufo-online-entering-closed-beta-testi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/jagged-alliance-online-and-ufo-online-entering-closed-beta-testi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- UFO Online
Double your turn-based strategy and double your fun with gamigo's upcoming UFO Online and Jagged Alliance Online. Both browser-based titles are gearing up to enter closed beta very soon. UFO Online, which focuses on defending territory from opposing factions and aliens (the extraterrestrial kind), begins its open beta today, while Jagged Alliance Online -- a squad-building, mercenary-themed title -- will follow in the next few days. To sign up to be a part of the testing, head on over to the games' official sites.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyJagged Alliance Online and UFO Online entering closed beta testing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacbtclosed-betaclosed-beta-testingf2pfree-to-playgamigojagged-alliance-onlinejaoufoufo-onlineWed, 09 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland dev video talks design and going off the rails]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/otherland-dev-video-talks-design-and-going-off-the-rails/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/otherland-dev-video-talks-design-and-going-off-the-rails/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/otherland-dev-video-talks-design-and-going-off-the-rails/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Otherland dev working on something
What's happening in the world of Otherland? How about a new making-of video, for starters. RealU and gamigo, the developer and publisher responsible for bringing Tad Williams' sci-fi novels into the MMORPG realm, are offering up a new five-minute clip that takes fans behind the scenes for a brief look at the development process inside the game's Singapore studio. The clip is full of quick glimpses of devs at work as well as a few talking head soundbytes.

In terms of how the game plays, the most revealing quote comes from lead designer Nic Cusworth. "What we've been trying to do is bring those skills from a console game background into an MMO and give players something that's a little bit more immediate, more fast-paced to play. But at the same time, it has the scope and range of an MMO," he says.

How will that scope and range manifest itself in the finished game? That's still speculation at this point, but the devs seem united in their desire to highlight Otherland's openness and its willingness to deviate from MMO norms. "We all like online games, but I find it quite frustrating how people's conceptions and ideas are so railed," says art director Holger Liebnitz. Check out the full clip after the cut.

Continue reading Otherland dev video talks design and going off the rails

MassivelyOtherland dev video talks design and going off the rails originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgamigoholger-liebnitznic-cusworthotherlandrailsrealusci-fitad-williamsvideoThu, 27 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Kings III's Moon Goddess patch adds dungeons, raises level cap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/king-of-kings-iiis-moon-goddess-patch-adds-dungeons-raises-lev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/king-of-kings-iiis-moon-goddess-patch-adds-dungeons-raises-lev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/king-of-kings-iiis-moon-goddess-patch-adds-dungeons-raises-lev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

King of Kings III - Moon Goddess
As cool names go, gamigo's King of Kings III ranks right up there, and the "ultimate PvP MMORPG" is continuing that tradition with its new Moon Goddess update. The patch also brings quite a lot of new content to the free-to-play title, including 200 new skills and 24 new maps.

If that's not enough to wet your whistle, how about a level cap increase from 140 to 180?

Let's see, there are also four new dungeons, including an Angel Arena wherein players will battle six celestial henchmen before squaring off against the fearsome Gabriel. Daily dungeons are also available, and they offer "big-time action without all the build-up skirmishes." This means you can skip the trash mob grind and go right into a series of boss fights. Head to the official King of Kings III website to learn more and to download the game.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyKing of Kings III's Moon Goddess patch adds dungeons, raises level cap originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angel-arenaangelsdaily-dungeonsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgabrielgamigoking-of-kings-3king-of-kings-iiimoon-goddesspress-releasepvpMon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagged Alliance Online closed beta registration now open]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/jagged-alliance-online-closed-beta-registration-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/jagged-alliance-online-closed-beta-registration-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/jagged-alliance-online-closed-beta-registration-now-open/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Jagged Alliance Online
In a press release today, gamigo announced that its MMO resurrection of the Jagged Alliance franchise, Jagged Alliance Online, will be beginning its closed beta test sometime before the end of this year. For those who can't wait to get in on the action, beta sign-ups are now available over at the game's official site. Until the beta begins, though, check out the gallery below for four new screenshots from the title.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Gallery: Jagged Alliance Online core gallery

MassivelyJagged Alliance Online closed beta registration now open originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testclosed-betaclosed-beta-testf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygamigojagged-alliance-onlinejaoscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland dev talks timelines and Tad Williams' influence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/otherland-dev-talks-timelines-and-tad-williams-influence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/otherland-dev-talks-timelines-and-tad-williams-influence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/otherland-dev-talks-timelines-and-tad-williams-influence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Otherland - windmill and floating chess piece doohickeys
MMORPGs based on pre-existing intellectual properties are a tricky business, and for every Lord of the Rings Online -- which at least makes an attempt at remaining faithful to its source material -- there's a Star Wars Galaxies or a Star Trek Online that sacrifices canonical authenticity on the altar of gameplay.

Then there's Otherland, gamigo's ambitious MMO based on Tad Williams' famous sci-fi cycle. A new interview with gamigo CEO Patrick Streppel sheds a bit of light on the title's timeline and canon and teases fans with glimpses of what they'll see and do when they plug in to what amounts to a virtual world set in a virtual world.

"Tad [Williams] has been very involved in the project from the beginning and provided lots of input to the development team on top of the source material. He is truly passionate about his vision being turned into a game," Streppel says. How will the game present that vision? It is "essentially a sequel" to the novels, and as a result of the dramatic conclusion at the end of the fourth and final book, it will now "be up to the players to get [Otherland] back online." The interview also delves briefly into gameplay topics, character creation, and more, so head to MPOGD.com to have a look.

MassivelyOtherland dev talks timelines and Tad Williams' influence originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canonf2pfree-to-playgamigointellectual-propertyinterviewipotherlandpatrick-streppelsci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldThu, 06 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy - big explosion, hopefully not from World Space Week
Did you know that it's world space week? Yep, it is, and gamigo is leveraging the occasion to hype its free-to-play Black Prophecy MMORPG. A new company press release has the details, and they boil down to a couple of special events both in and around the space shooter.

First up is an XP boost that grants players a 25% increase on both missions and enemy kills. gamigo is also offering an additional 15% extra cash on all cash shop packet purchases.

Also of note is Black Prophecy's first official expansion. Episode 2: Species War is out now, and you can view an official trailer for the new content after the break.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Black Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events

MassivelyBlack Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybonus-xpcash-shop-bonusepisode-2-species-warsf2pfree-to-playgamigoin-game-eventspromotionsreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fiscifispecies-wartrailervideoworld-space-weekTue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy - docking tutorial
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, Reakktor and gamigo have a series of new Black Prophecy tutorial videos that just might do the trick. OK, that's mean, but the producers could stand to work on the monotone voiceover that drones throughout the entirety of three separate clips.

Happily, the clips themselves are pretty informative, and they cover interface basics, advanced UI features, and basic game functions. If you're new to MMOs or new to the world of Black Prophecy, it's probably worth spending the 10 minutes required to check them out (and of course you can do so after the break). Just make sure you've got a Red Bull instead of a glass of warm milk.

Continue reading Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos

MassivelyReakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basic-game-functionsblack-prophecyf2f2pfree-to-playgamigointernet-spaceshipsreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHsci-fiscifispaceshipstutorialuiui-tutorialvideovideo-tutorialThu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic Campus beta a success, gamigo announces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Magic Campus - fantasy wallpaper
gamigo's new Magic Campus MMO has "passed the beta stage" according to the company's latest press release. The title is a tactical browser-based affair, and gamigo says that players will take on the roles of magicians in training and beast tamers bent on capturing the hundreds of critters that populate the "colorful anime world."

The game boasts six classes, turn-based battles against both monsters and other players, and guild and crafting systems designed to offer an alternative to combat. Magic Campus is free-to-play, and you can find out more about it, as well as download the client, at the official website.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyMagic Campus beta a success, gamigo announces originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebeast-tamerbetaend-of-betaf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamigoguildsmagic-campusmagicianpetspvepvpstrategytacticalturn-basedThu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Players of the world vs. Malephar: Fiesta Online creates the ultimate showdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/players-of-the-world-vs-malephar-fiesta-online-creates-the-ult/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/players-of-the-world-vs-malephar-fiesta-online-creates-the-ult/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/players-of-the-world-vs-malephar-fiesta-online-creates-the-ult/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiesta Online
The colorful Fiesta Online -- the party MMO that is always prepared to breakdance if someone turns on a beat -- has conga'd forward with its latest update: Malephar's Lair. Named for a nasty centaur who doesn't play well with others, the update has plenty of new challenges for high-level players.

Geared-up level 105 players can attempt to take Malephar down in his fortress, but before they do so they'll have to beat a pair of mini-bosses that serve as gatekeepers to the encounter. Take him down, and new legendary weapons will be yours for the taking!

The update also includes 10 additional sets of armor, class balances, repeatable quests for those levels 89 and higher, and a special unicorn mount that lasts for just a week and can only be obtained by excelling in the guild tournaments.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Gallery: Fiesta Online

MassivelyPlayers of the world vs. Malephar: Fiesta Online creates the ultimate showdown originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armor-setsclass-balancef2pfiesta-onlinefree-to-playgamigolegendary-weaponsMalepharMalephars-Lairpatchraid-bossunicornunicorn-mountupdateThu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy escalates the species war with Episode 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/black-prophecy-escalates-the-species-war-with-episode-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/black-prophecy-escalates-the-species-war-with-episode-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/black-prophecy-escalates-the-species-war-with-episode-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Black Prophecy
"The time of peace has ended," gamigo writes in the introduction to the second major content update for Black Prophecy. We weren't under the impression that this was a tranquil game up to this point, but we suppose it's going to get a lot less peaceful with the introduction of warzones.

Episode 2: Species War takes PvP to a much more intense place, as players will be encouraged to duke it out for the control of strategic locations in space. By pulling up the warzone tab, ship captains can identify where the contested borders are and zip right over to them. Up to 200 players can engage in a single warzone, pursuing multiple objectives with the ultimate goal of capturing the command center. By participating, players will not only earn honor points, but XP and loot as well. Black Prophecy is adding rare blueprints that can be purchased with these honor points.

The update addresses the game balance in several ways, such as equalizing the benefit of shields and hulls. Players will receive a free skill reset because of the changes.

To celebrate Episode 2's release, gamigo is throwing two consecutive bonus PvP XP weeks, from September 21st through October 6th.

Gallery: Black Prophecy Episode 2: Species War

MassivelyBlack Prophecy escalates the species war with Episode 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyblueprintesbonus-xp-weekcontent-patchcontent-updateepisode-2episode-2-species-warf2pfree-to-playgallerygamigopatchpeacepvpreakktor-mediascreenshotsskill-resetupdatewarzonewarzonesxp-weeksWed, 21 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy community letter addresses known issues, item shop, and the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/black-prophecy-community-letter-addresses-known-issues-item-sho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/black-prophecy-community-letter-addresses-known-issues-item-sho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/black-prophecy-community-letter-addresses-known-issues-item-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Black Prophecy
Hold up just a minute there, space cowboy. Gamigo's Patrick Streppel has released a new community letter, which addresses a few questions and grievances that have been raised by Black Prophecy players.

The letter first takes time to address some known issues with the game. Foremost of said issues is the acknowledgement that with the game's first major content update, many users began to experience large performance issues. Streppel states that fixing these issues is numero uno on the team's priority list but that it "cannot promise immediate improvement" due to the fact that the source of the issue is "spread across several internal game systems."

Next up is the touchy subject of the item shop. Players have long decried the game's cash shop for being too expensive while simultaneously failing to give players an adequate description of what exactly they're spending their money on. In response, the team has lowered item prices and will proceed to alter item descriptions "in order to give [players] a clearer picture of what [they] are actually buying."

The letter then gives players a brief glimpse into the game's future. The next episode of the game features warzones, which are "a brand new PvP experience" allowing players to duke it out with the opposing faction for control of key territories. Conquering these warzones will grant players XP, rewards in the form of exclusive upgrade blueprints, and "greater individual and group powers" for the victorious faction.

For the full letter, which includes further details about the warzone system and more detailed discussions of the game's known issues, click on through the link below to the official forums.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy community letter addresses known issues, item shop, and the future originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecycash-shopcommunity-letterf2pfree-to-playgamigoitem-shopknown-issuesmicrotransactionspatrick-streppelperformance-issuesspecies-warMon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo celebrates Black Prophecy + Raptr bundle with giveaways]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Black Prophecy
Gamigo announced today that its free-to-play sci-fi MMORPG Black Prophecy now comes bundled with the gaming-centric IM client Raptr. For those of you not in the know, Raptr is a multi-protocol instant messaging client that allows gamers to keep in touch with their IM friends while in-game, while also allowing players to see what their friends are playing and arrange to join their friends' games.

To commemorate the union of game and IM client, gamigo is hosting a promotion, which is going on now and will end on September 16th, 2011. To participate, players have to scamper over to Black Prophecy's Raptr page, follow it, and leave comments on the stories posted each day. What can players win for their troubles? Well, 20 lucky players will receive an in-game prize pack, which includes a 30-day Character Card, 10 XP bonus consumables, five Concentration Boost consumables, and an in-game Synaptic Impairment Protection II item. Four grand-prize winners will receive all of that plus a top-of-the-line gaming joystick "with a total of over $2000 in gear and in-game items." Who doesn't love free stuff, right? So what are you waiting for? Get on it, space cowboy.

MassivelyGamigo celebrates Black Prophecy + Raptr bundle with giveaways originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybundlecontestf2pfree-to-playgamigogiveawayraptrsci-fispaceThu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was the juiciest reveal at Gamescom?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-juiciest-reveal-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-juiciest-reveal-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-juiciest-reveal-at-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

NCsoft booth photo
Every summer, the Massively staff spends time lurching from con to con in a drunken haze of MMO reveals. And every summer, we mull over those reveals, mentally ranking each one for quality, practicality, guts, and comic-relief. Gamescom has provided another such opportunity. WildStar? 2007 called; it wants Tabula Rasa back. The Secret World in April? Ambitious. Otherland? About time. Huttball? Wait. Really? Huttball?

Then again, we'll play just about anything. So you tell us: What would you deem the best reveal of Gamescom?

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 the juiciest reveal at Gamescom? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebrianna-royce-tdgcarbine-studioseaElectronic-Artsfuncomgamescomgamescom-2011gamigohuttballncsoftopinionotherlandrevealsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswwildstaryes-really-huttballSun, 21 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The 'fall' of free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/free-for-all-the-fall-of-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/free-for-all-the-fall-of-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/free-for-all-the-fall-of-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Drought map
Here in Texas we have been suffering from one of the worst heat waves in the history of the state. It's the type of constant heat that makes you mad at something, perhaps the sky or the sun. It's not logical, but you start to get mad at the state for being where it is. Then you start to get angry because your lawn is dying off or because your electricity bill is almost double what it was the year before.

The next logical thing is to dream of colder times. I have already begun to fantasize about wrapping myself up for a crisp, cold winter's walk with the dogs. Hot cider, the holidays... it's all coming soon. I hope. The next several months will also be the time to keep an eye on a bunch of developing titles.

Click past the cut and let's look at what makes me so excited for this fall!

Continue reading Free for All: The 'fall' of free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: The 'fall' of free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetadragon-nestf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgamigoglitchjagged-alliance-onlinejaonexonperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerusty-heartssquare-enixtiny-speckufo-onlinewakfuwinterworld-of-midgardWed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Otherland - female avatar in red
Prior to this week's Gamescom, blurbs about the Otherland MMO popped up once a year or so, if that. Now we're bringing you the second bit of news in as many days, courtesy of the trailer announcement that follows hot on the heels of yesterday's developer interview at IGN.

The video clip showed up on publisher gamigo's YouTube portal this afternoon with a curious action MMORPG label in tow. We say curious here because "action" isn't the first word that springs to mind when discussing Tad Williams' Otherland novels, nor is there a lot of action in the four-minute trailer. There is a lot of eye candy and appropriately bizarre cyberpunk trappings, though, and all of it is presented through the glossy stylings of the Unreal 3 engine.

The free-to-play title is scheduled to release sometime next year, and you can get a glimpse of what awaits you in the teaser after the cut.

Continue reading Gamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer

MassivelyGamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkf2pfree-to-playgamescomgamescom-2011gamigomultiverseotherlandsci-fitad-williamstrailerunreal-3unreal-enginevideoTue, 16 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to Gamescom 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gamescom 2011
If you've never been to Gamescom before, let's simply put it this way: It's big. Really, really big. Forget most any convention you've attended; this is likely to be even bigger. Billing itself as the world's largest games event, Gamescom sees well over a quarter-million fans, journalists and exhibitors crowd into the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany to check out hundreds of games and companies.

Due to its size and worldwide prominence, Gamescom is a significant event for anyone following the MMO genre (and video games in general). There are plenty of MMO studios gearing up to share first looks, exclusive reveals, detailed Q&A sessions, and exciting hands-on demos for attendees.

Naturally, Massively will be paying close attention to all of the news coming out of Gamescom this week. For those attending the convention or merely looking to keep abreast of all of the games, studios, and information forthcoming, we've compiled a guide to the hottest tickets at Gamescom as well as a comprehensive exhibitor list of MMO studios after the break.

Continue reading Massively's guide to Gamescom 2011

MassivelyMassively's guide to Gamescom 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardage-of-wulinalderaananetapbapb-reloadedarenanetastabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcarbine-studiosconventionconvention-guidecryengine-3defiancedota-2eaea-biowareelectronic-artsend-of-nationsfeaturedfirefallfor-the-love-of-god-not-gamesconfrogsterfuncomgamersfirstgamescomgamescom-2011gamigoglobal-agendagpotatogrimlandsguideguild-wars-2gw2hi-rezhi-rez-studiosjagged-alliance-onlinejeremy-gaffneylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-guidenexonnhnred-5-studiosriftrise-of-isengardsmitestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorsylvari-weekthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortribes-ascendtriontrion-worldsturbineufo-onlinevalvevindictuswargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warplaneswowTue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New interview highlights the development of Otherland]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/new-interview-highlights-the-development-of-otherland/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/new-interview-highlights-the-development-of-otherland/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/new-interview-highlights-the-development-of-otherland/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

And now I am clean.
Otherland was an ambitious project that had fallen off the radar for quite some time, but it looks like the project is back on track. Based on the novel series of the same name, the game is set to place players in the eponymous multi-world simulation, a surreal network of virtual worlds filled with inhabitants that believe themselves to be people. Players will not only interact with the otherworldly environments, they'll be tasked with trying to uncover the powers attempting to manipulate the simulation behind the scenes. A new interview sheds some light on what developer RealU is hoping to achieve within the universe.

As fits the setting of the book, Otherland is a game with a great deal of player customization, ranging from customizing the appearance of a player's individual simuloid to customizing one's own space on the virtual web. Fans of the books will also be happy to learn that the game continues the storyline of its predecessors, with the offspring of the Grail Brotherhood working behind the scenes to regain control of the unearthly fantasy worlds. The game is currently aimed for a 2012 release, but it looks as if the foundations are being laid solid to start.

MassivelyNew interview highlights the development of Otherland originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dtpgamigointerviewnewsotherlandpreviewrealuupcoming-gamesvirtual-worldsMon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagged Alliance Online premieres new Gamescom trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/jagged-alliance-online-premieres-new-gamescom-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/jagged-alliance-online-premieres-new-gamescom-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/jagged-alliance-online-premieres-new-gamescom-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jagged Alliance Online
"They gave us a mission. They never told us what it was about."

So begins the newest trailer for Jagged Alliance Online, gamigo's turn-based tactical RPG that features mercenaries, guns, and plenty of strategy. The trailer begins with your typical action movie setup: Rugged heroes get involved in a mission gone bad and are hung out to dry by their superiors. Rather than to roll over to die, they pick up a few thousand rounds of ammunition and head out seeking a little revenge.

After the introduction, the trailer does show a few seconds of in-game footage from Jagged Alliance Online, as bodies fly when hit with bullets and explosions rule supreme.

Jagged Alliance Online will be at this month's Gamescom, and get a preview of the game's convention trailer after the jump.

Continue reading Jagged Alliance Online premieres new Gamescom trailer

MassivelyJagged Alliance Online premieres new Gamescom trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplay-footagegamescomgamescom-2011gamigojagged-alliancejagged-alliance-onlinejaommortstactical-rpgtacticstrailerturn-based-mmovideowarFri, 12 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiesta Online celebrating third anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/fiesta-online-celebrating-third-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/fiesta-online-celebrating-third-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/fiesta-online-celebrating-third-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Three years ago today, Fiesta Online's first server opened to the public, and gamigo has just announced plans for the title's birthday celebration via a new press release. The festivities will run through August 18th and include "special events and major contests."

First up is the Birthday Cooking Competition and Come Party With Me events on the the Fiesta Facebook page. There's also the Fiesta Birthday Quest and Fiesta Online Summer Festival events, as well as new and exclusive track suit and mini gift items in the game's cash shop.

Fiesta is free-to-play and features five classes as well as PvP, in-game weddings, and an estate system that allows for decoration and personalization.

MassivelyFiesta Online celebrating third anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-year-anniversaryanniversarybirthdaycome-party-with-mecooking-contesteventsf2pfiestafiesta-onlinefree-to-playgamigooutsparkpress-releasesummer-festivalthree-year-anniversaryFri, 29 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy unveils Space Superstar contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/black-prophecy-unveils-space-superstar-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/black-prophecy-unveils-space-superstar-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/black-prophecy-unveils-space-superstar-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Feeling like a Black Prophecy superstar? The recently launched free-to-play space shooter is looking for a few good designers to take advantage of the game's character creation tools. The Space Superstar competition will feature three winners, one each in the categories of coolest, funniest, and most beautiful avatar.

What do you get for your trouble? Immortality (or at least, the MMORPG version of it). Each category champ will have their character entered as the new preset in Black Prophecy's character creator. The contest kicked off yesterday and it runs through Wednesday, August 3rd, so what the frak are you waiting for?

MassivelyBlack Prophecy unveils Space Superstar contest originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsblack-prophecycharacter-creationcontestcontestsf2pfree-to-playgamigommo-shooterreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHsci-fishooterspace-superstarFri, 22 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy launch-day interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Reakktor Media's space-faring MMO Black Prophecy saw its North American launch today, as well as its first major content update. We've already provided you lovely readers with a launch-day roundup for your perusal. To commemorate the game going live, we have a launch-day interview with gamigo's Executive Board Member Patrick Streppel. So strap yourselves in, kick your thrusters into overdrive, and jump past the cut for the full interview.

Continue reading Black Prophecy launch-day interview

MassivelyBlack Prophecy launch-day interview originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyf2pfree-to-playgamigointerviewitem-shoplaunchlaunch-day-interviewpatrick-streppelreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fispaceWed, 13 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST