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[New details surface about MechScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Ever since Massively first learned of Jagex's sci-fi follow up to RuneScape at GDC 2009, a project codenamed "MechScape" -- and that it will be more than "RuneScape in space" -- we've wondered what to expect from the game. Jagex has given us a few hints though: four distinct species; choice of alliances which affect player adventures; and the potential for cloning, player-built vehicles, perhaps even spaceship construction.

There's now more info out there about MechScape through a Eurogamer interview with the game's Chief Designer Henrique Olifiers. Eurogamer's Rob Purchese learned just how different a spin on MMOs MechScape might be. Olifiers said, "From the beginning we didn't want to make another RuneScape: it can't be another fantasy game, so no more elves... no more orcs, no more dragons." This sci-fi game will not share some of the standard MMO game mechanics we've come to expect.

Continue reading New details surface about MechScape

MassivelyNew details surface about MechScape originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chief-designereurogamergame-mechanicsgdc-2009henrique-olifiersinterviewsjagexmark-gerhardmechscapemmo-industrynew-titlesrob-purcheserunescapesci-fiMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Austin keynote speaker announced as SOE's John Smedley]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/gdc-austin-keynote-speaker-announced-as-soes-john-smedley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/gdc-austin-keynote-speaker-announced-as-soes-john-smedley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/gdc-austin-keynote-speaker-announced-as-soes-john-smedley/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC Austin has announced that SOE president John Smedley will be providing the keynote for the event, which takes place next month. Entitled: "From Daggers and Dragons to Kart Racing, Cooking and Concerts ... It's a Whole New World", the keynote -- which takes place on Wednesday 16 September -- is an obvious allusion to SOE's very own Free Realms, which has been one of the most hyped freemium PC MMOs of the year and will eventually see a PS3 release.

The keynote page goes a little more in-depth, informing attendees that they "will learn about the challenges and lessons learned when creating a full-blown MMO for kids together with a ground-breaking new business model; and how developers can re-educate their teams to move from stagnant and dated MMO design toward mass market success."

GDC Austin, which is taking place between 15th and 18th September in Austin, Texas, will also see a keynote, taking place the following day from Blizzard devs Frank Pearce and J. Allen Brack entitled "The Universe of the World of Warcraft".

[Via GameSetWatch]

MassivelyGDC Austin keynote speaker announced as SOE's John Smedley originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentfrank-pearcefree-realmsgdc-2009gdc-austingdc-austin-2009gdc-austin-keynotej-allen-bracksoesony-online-entertainmentworld-of-warcraftFri, 07 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai and OnLive both a no-show at E3 Expo 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/gaikai-and-onlive-both-a-no-show-at-e3-expo-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/gaikai-and-onlive-both-a-no-show-at-e3-expo-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/gaikai-and-onlive-both-a-no-show-at-e3-expo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We heard about two competing gaming services at GDC 2009 that could revolutionize the video game industry, if the technology announced can live up to its claims: OnLive and Gaikai. Both services aim to stream game content to users while the graphics crunching is handled on company servers, thereby eliminating the escalating hardware barriers to playing the latest and greatest titles -- a home user's low-end machine would be able to run high-end games. Gaikai head David Perry (of Acclaim) has said that the company's "Streaming Worlds" technology is suited to handle MMOs, and has specifically stated that World of Warcraft and EVE Online can already be streamed to browsers.

When we heard about these companies at GDC we were hoping to hear more a bit later in the year, but it seems that neither OnLive nor Gaikai will be at the E3 Expo 2009. Gaikai cites patent filings as the reason they've had to pull out from E3 while OnLive states that their service doesn't fit in with the 'retail-orientation' of E3. We'll keep an eye on both companies as time goes on, though at this point only Gaikai has announced that they plan to stream MMOs.

MassivelyGaikai and OnLive both a no-show at E3 Expo 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimbrowserdavid-perrye3e3-2009e3-expoeveeve-onlinegaikaigdc-2009onlivestreamingstreaming-worldsworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 27 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley: The Dystopia beta signups begin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/huxley-the-dystopia-beta-signups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/huxley-the-dystopia-beta-signups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/huxley-the-dystopia-beta-signups-begin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Huxley: The Dystopia is the re-monikered MMOFPS from Webzen that will be published in the West by NHN USA and ijji. Huxley clearly puts more emphasis on FPS than MMO although elements of the latter are certainly there, and Massively had a chance to see a bit of what the game can offer at GDC 2009. Shortly afterwards, they launched a teaser site counting down to... something. We admit, we must've looked away from that countdown for too long because the teaser site changed today, adding video footage, forums, screenshots, character descriptions and backstory info.

The main thing we'd like to mention to our readers is that Huxley: The Dystopia is currently taking closed beta signups. The signup period is May 6 - May 20, and the first round of closed beta testing will last from June 3 - June 14. If you've been looking forward to fragging in Huxley, head on over to the Beta Test Registration page at ijji, and check out all the new info about the game they've added to the site.

Gallery: Huxley: The Dystopia

MassivelyHuxley: The Dystopia beta signups begin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betasclosed-betagdc-2009huxleyhuxley-the-dystopiaijjiijji.commmofpsnhn-usasci-fiwebzenThu, 07 May 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Council of Stellar Management's impact on the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/the-council-of-stellar-managements-impact-on-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/the-council-of-stellar-managements-impact-on-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/the-council-of-stellar-managements-impact-on-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Massively: Was giving the players this degree of input a frightening prospect for the developers and the designers?

Pétur: [Laughs] Yes. I've been hearing the other companies in the industry asking if we've completely lost our minds. Of course it's a difficult step, but we wouldn't have have a game without the players, so I think it's a logical step to take. Even though it's a frightening one.

Massively: Now that you've been doing this for a while, is it still as frightening now, seeing what the CSM is coming up with?

Pétur: No. They still surprise us sometimes but in a good way. It's becoming a very valuable tool for us to have. It's important.

Dr. EyjoG: Pétur and I work in the unit of Research and Statistics and what we are increasingly finding happening over the past two months is that the developers come to us and ask 'What do you think the CSM would think of this?' And now we can answer, 'Well, just ask them.'

Pétur: There are at least three cases off the top of my head where the CSM was asked by the developers themselves about a feature they were thinking about, what the players' take on this might be.

Continue reading The Council of Stellar Management's impact on the game

MassivelyThe Council of Stellar Management's impact on the game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>council-of-stellar-managementcsmelectionseveeve-onlineeyjolfur-gudmundssongame-mechanicsgdcgdc-2009interviewsmassively-interviewsmmo-industrypetur-johannes-oskarssonplayer-governancepoliticsreykjaviksci-fivotingThu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively speaks with EVE Online devs about Council of Stellar Management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/massively-speaks-with-eve-online-devs-about-council-of-stellar-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/massively-speaks-with-eve-online-devs-about-council-of-stellar-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/massively-speaks-with-eve-online-devs-about-council-of-stellar-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The Council of Stellar Management in the sci-fi game EVE Online is a fairly unique concept in the massively multiplayer online game industry. As an MMO matures and the number of subscribers increases by thousands of new players every year, representing very different playstyles and outlooks on how the game is evolving, there are few companies out there that would ask the players themselves to advise on how best to move forward. But this is exactly what CCP Games is doing with EVE.

Following their GDC 2009 presentation on virtual democracies, Massively had a chance to speak with Dr. Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, CCP's lead economist, (also know as Dr. EyjoG) and Pétur Jóhannes Óskarsson, a researcher at CCP who is in the unique position of pursuing a Master's degree in Philosophy while facilitating a system where political philosophies can play out virtually.

Continue reading Massively speaks with EVE Online devs about Council of Stellar Management

MassivelyMassively speaks with EVE Online devs about Council of Stellar Management originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdr-eyjogeveeve-onlineeyjolfur-gudmundssonfeaturedgame-mechanicsgdc-2009interviewsmassively-interviewsmmo-industrypetur-johannes-oskarssonpoliticssci-fiThu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five upcoming MMOs with indie-cred]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/five-upcoming-mmos-with-indie-cred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/five-upcoming-mmos-with-indie-cred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/five-upcoming-mmos-with-indie-cred/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Eurogamer's Oli Welsh attended the Game Developer's Conference last month and took a look at five MMOs being produced by independent studios. Earthrise, Fallen Earth, Gatheryn, Global Agenda, and Love are all being developed without the support of a huge publisher. Given all the big budget competition, do they stand a chance?

According to Oli, Earthrise has many interesting features but with beta set for May and release set for late 2009, he's a little concerned with the framerate issues and lack of polish. Much like its post-apocalyptic brother, Fallen Earth shines on many levels and is also due in 2009, but it is lacking in execution with animation, combat, and AI issues. As for Gatheryn, Oli is a bit confused as to why this game is even being made at all because it lacks depth and has no clear direction (here's what we thought).

On the other hand, Mr. Welsh has high praise for both Global Agenda and Love. The former appears to be an interesting blend of adrenaline-pumping MMOFPS action with more polish than an antique car show. The latter is the brainchild of a one-man army, giving it the most indie-cred out of all the titles.

For a more in-depth explanation of his opinions, follow Oli as he takes a journey through the MMO's wild frontier.

MassivelyFive upcoming MMOs with indie-cred originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthriseeurogamerfallen-earthgatheryngdcgdc-2009global-agendaloveoli-welshopinionWed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online developers speak about player-elected councils]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/eve-online-developers-speak-about-player-elected-councils/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/eve-online-developers-speak-about-player-elected-councils/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/eve-online-developers-speak-about-player-elected-councils/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The sci-fi game EVE Online is unique among the massively multiplayer online games on the market in that it has a form of player governance, which allows for a new channel of communication between the subscribers and developers -- a council of representatives of the playerbase. Players are not selected by CCP Games, the creators of EVE Online, they're actually elected by the game's subscribers themselves. Those elected form the Council of Stellar Management (CSM), delegates who represent the interests of the players and deal directly with CCP Games. It's a bold idea and certainly one that many MMO developers would shy away from, particularly in that the CSM has input into the game's development pipeline.

CCP Games felt what they're doing would be of interest to other people in the industry, and gave a presentation at GDC 2009. The session was titled "The Council of Stellar Management: EVE Online Bridges Worlds for a Society". Two speakers from CCP Games presented: Dr. Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, EVE's lead economist, (also known as Dr. EyjoG) and Pétur Jóhannes Óskarsson, a researcher at CCP whose work has been integral to making the CSM a reality.

Continue reading EVE Online developers speak about player-elected councils

MassivelyEVE Online developers speak about player-elected councils originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdr-eyjogelectionseve-onlineeyjolfur-gudmundssongame-mechanicsgdc-2009governancemmo-industrynew-edenpetur-johannes-oskarssonphilosophypoliticssci-fiTue, 28 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley: The Dystopia gets new teaser site with countdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/huxley-the-dystopia-gets-new-teaser-site-with-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/huxley-the-dystopia-gets-new-teaser-site-with-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/huxley-the-dystopia-gets-new-teaser-site-with-countdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Huxley: The Dystopia is one of the new breed of games about to hit the massively multiplayer online world -- a hybrid first person shooter and sci-fi MMO, built on Unreal Engine 3. Massively took a good look at Huxley at GDC 2009, which we (naturally) feel is a solid starting point to catch up with what this game is shaping up to be, given its long hiatus between the early announcements and its re-appearance in the games journalism sphere.

So what will come of this splicing of FPS and MMO? We're not sure how well-received titles like Huxley: The Dystopia and Global Agenda will be, but it'll certainly be interesting to see what these games will add to our online gameplay options. In the meantime, Huxley: The Dystopia has launched a teaser web site with a countdown clock showing just under 30 days. We don't believe this is an actual launch countdown, but it's expected that more game info will be revealed at that time. If you're devouring everything you can about this particular game, you'll want to have a look at the Huxley teaser site and its front page video showing off more of the game.

[Via IGN]

MassivelyHuxley: The Dystopia gets new teaser site with countdown originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean MMO developer EYA Interactive has announced that their game Titan Online will enter open beta for its international version on April 28th. Massively had a look at Titan Online at GDC 2009, a game that EYA Interactive explains as "an epic title based on traditional Asian culture... a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world."

Gamers interested in getting in on the open beta can sign up at the Titan Global Site. EYA Interactive has also stated they will allow players to keep their existing open beta characters once the game goes live, with no account wipes from open beta onwards.

[Via Worlds in Motion]

Gallery: GDC09: Titan Online

MassivelyMartial arts and robots MMO Titan Online goes open beta this month originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetabetaschinachineseeya-interactivef2pfree-to-playgdc-2009koreamartial-artsopen-betarobotstitan-onlineWed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes Issue 14: Architect is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/city-of-heroes-issue-14-architect-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/city-of-heroes-issue-14-architect-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/city-of-heroes-issue-14-architect-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Much of our recent coverage of City of Heroes has focused on the Mission Architect, and with good reason. Issue 14 brings player-created content into the superhero MMO, placing the tools the developers have used to create missions in the hands of the players. Essentially, players can create their own playable content and tailor these missions to their liking, right down to the characters and the story itself. In some respects, it takes the UI of the character creation tool and applies it to the creation of actual game content.

We had a good look at the potential for user-generated content with the Mission Architect at GDC 2009, while it was still in beta testing. Mission Architect is clearly ready for primetime though; NCsoft has announced that Issue 14: Architect is now live, giving City of Heroes players more control over their gameplay than ever before. The Issue 14: Architect release notes are up and detail the many features the update brings to City of Heroes and City of Villains.

Gallery: City of Heroes: Architect Edition


Gallery: GDC09: Post Mortem: Mission Architect for City of Heroes panel

MassivelyCity of Heroes Issue 14: Architect is live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It would be an understatement to say we're excited about the upcoming massively multiplayer online game titled LOVE, and we've certainly given the title some mention here in the past. It's an MMO being developed by one person, Eskil Steenberg, featuring a rather unique art style and some interesting gameplay elements. We're always looking out for more info about the title and came across an interview with Steenberg conducted by Phill Cameron from Gamasutra, just before the LOVE creator's Independent Games Summit lecture at GDC 2009.

Steenberg discusses his choice to adopt procedural generation for LOVE, which was actually the only way forward on this project. "Working alone, you simply just can't build a massive world all by yourself, so you need to do something smarter," he says. "Given that I am forced to solve this problem, I get some added bonuses like being able to constantly generate new content while the game is running." Steenberg points out another benefit to this type of game design."As it turns out I think this could be the key to gaming in the future, as the game is able to develop and change in response to the player's actions," he says. "Rather then having a few binary plot choices, the world becomes far more dynamic and responsive to your actions."

Continue reading LOVE creator Eskil Steenberg on how his game differs from other MMOs

MassivelyLOVE creator Eskil Steenberg on how his game differs from other MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's recent deployment of the Apocrypha expansion brought major changes to the game. Apocrypha is the largest expansion they've released to date, incorporating wormhole exploration and modular ship designs, in addition to a new NPC race into the fabric of the game as we know it.

BattleClinic, a site best known for its player-built tools, guides, and as a hub for sharing and commenting upon ship setups, caught up with CCP Games at GDC 2009. They spoke with Halldór Fannar Guðjónsson, CTO at CCP Games, and Gabe Mahoney, VP of Engineering. Given how significant Apocrypha has been from the standpoint of the players and CCP alike, the interview focuses on the expansion.

Continue reading EVE Online developers discuss Apocrypha expansion's impact on the game

MassivelyEVE Online developers discuss Apocrypha expansion's impact on the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, with expansions, you said that you'll be starting out with New York, London, and Seoul, right?

Yes. Those will be the first cities, the hub cities, available at the start of the game.

Now, the gameplay takes you beyond that, yes?

Oh yeah, absolutely. We're not doing all New York, or all of London, or all of Seoul. We are actually doing very tight and very constrained neighborhoods there. That's where you'll start your gameplay, but they won't be the large, huge open zones where you have tons of gameplay or tons of monsters. That will be left to areas like Egypt and New England, which will be more expansive and include more open-world mechanics and other things that we're not revealing quite yet. We will also be including more instanced and team-based areas as well.

Regarding expansion packs, yeah, we're going to expand beyond what we already will include. It's not like we're going to run out of content, the world is a big place.

Yes, I was going to ask if it will expand into more locations and cities throughout the world.

Yes, it certainly will, but it won't be limited to just that. We have more interesting locations but they won't be limited to just our world. We will be including locations throughout time and space itself.

I want to emphasize that this won't be something like Grand Theft Auto with magic, with a focus on huge, huge open cities. They are reasonably small places where you will start out and take the adventure from there. But one very important thing to note is that this sounds like a very fragmented world. London, New York, Seoul, those cities are a long way away from each other. But we are creating, or at least trying to create, a pretty seamless world. This means there are ways of getting from London to New York very quickly, and we are focusing on that. You won't be just walking up to a plane, clicking on it, and getting a red line that quickly points to where you're going and boom, you're there. You will be moving in real-time from London to New York, just a lot quicker.

There's alot of traditional MMO components that are around now. We're kinda in a new generation of MMO, and people are tired of World of Warcraft model and they're looking for something new. This is certainly in that realm. Are you guys trying to get away from traditional models, like crafting, and moving to something new?

Ah, I can't really talk about crafting right now. What I can say is that while combat is a core focus, we really want other non-combat stuff in the game. We're just not going to be talking about them as of yet. But there will be gameplay that isn't all about fighting monsters or exploring. There will be other things that you will be able to do.

Like you said earlier, like mysteries?

That, yes, that also and there will be other ways for people to play in the game, to participate in the game, that isn't about traveling around the world. Exactly what that is, I can't say as of yet.

Now, will there be a player driven economy?

Well, I can't speak much about that now, but there will be ways for players to take part in the economy. Sorry for being so cryptic, but trying to keep this very focused and very narrow for now.

And player guilds?

Ah, we are going to have cabals, yes. There will be a point to making cabals, and it will play a very large role in the game, but exactly what that is I'm not going to say as of now.

We are a game and we are focusing on the social aspects of the game. We are, in some aspects, a story driven game and alot of it you can play solo, but we really want to emphasize that it is an MMO. There will be stuff that will require you to team up with people in small groups and also in larger teams, without me going into deeper detail.

I hate having to keep saying I can't talk about this stuff.

Oh, so what about in-game factions?

...and I can't talk about that. *laughs*

Ok, so what about the range between hardcore and casual?

Yeah, well, we always say we're going to cover all of it, but the fact is that you can't the game for everybody. So I think we're leaning towards... *sighs* I wouldn't say the casual, because when you talk about MMOs and casual you usually end up at Club Penguin or something like that, and we're really not there. We're somewhere between halfway, I think. There's tons of stuff for the hardcore MMO players, like the whole skill based system and the tweaking that you do to those types of systems with numbers and all the items we'll have, and that will be a hardcore player's dream. But I think in terms of time investment and what's required of you, we're leaning towards the middle ground. It will be fun for MMO players, but it will be equally fun for someone who just likes the idea of a world that has a bunch of other people in it, is completely open, you can play it online, and you can chat, but doesn't feel so unfriendly and unwelcoming as other MMOs.

So, would your target audience be someone who has played MMOs?

I think a large part of our target audience is who are playing or have played MMOs. We want it to be different enough for them to come back or a game that is different enough to have them come to play it with their friends. In addition to action/adventure gamers who play games like Fable 2 for the Xbox 360 and just want to try their hand at something that's online and not feel completely eliminated and have something that's recognizable to them.

We'd like to thank Ragnar for meeting with us at the GDC, and we're looking forward to more information on The Secret World!

MassivelyGDC09: Interview with The Secret World's creator, Ragnar Tørnquist pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcitiesfuncomgameplaygdc-2009guildshardcoreinterviewlondonmassively-interviewsnew-yorknon-combatopen-worldragnarseoulthe-secret-worldtswxbox-360Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Interview with The Secret World's creator, Ragnar Tørnquist]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-interview-with-the-secret-worlds-creator-ragnar-tornqui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-interview-with-the-secret-worlds-creator-ragnar-tornqui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-interview-with-the-secret-worlds-creator-ragnar-tornqui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


With our unveiling of The Secret World, we were also able to have some time to ourselves with Ragnar Tørnquist, the creator of Dreamfall and, of course, The Secret World. While our look at the videos and basic fact sheets were interesting, we wanted to get to the heart of the matter. What should lure us into this dark, fantastic world? What had Funcom learned since the launch of Anarchy Online and Age of Conan? And how many times can we have one man say the words, "I can't talk about that?"

We put Ragnar to the test in our interview, and his responses were certainly enlightening. Interested? Join us as we brave The Secret World with the creator himself.

Continue reading GDC09: Interview with The Secret World's creator, Ragnar Tørnquist

MassivelyGDC09: Interview with The Secret World's creator, Ragnar Tørnquist originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafeaturedfuncomgdc-2009interviewjoystiqfeaturesmilestonesproductionragnarragnar-tornquishrelease-datethe-secret-worldtswTue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: The veil lifts on The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-the-veil-lifts-on-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-the-veil-lifts-on-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/gdc09-the-veil-lifts-on-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


If you've been waiting for a chance to see what lies beyond the curtain and fall into the elegantly dark setting of The Secret World, then get ready for your first glimpse of what lurks beyond. At the GDC we got the chance to sit down and discuss The Secret World with Funcom and lay our eyes on a few cinematics of the game.

While we were unable to get our hands around a playable version of the title, we were treated to many of the game's basics and concepts. This may not be the tidal wave of information, but it is a start to the flow of The Secret World's river of fresh ideas.

What lies after the break is an explanation of what the game is all about, followed by the first cinematic of The Secret World that we've been allowed to release. Later in the hour, we'll be posting our interview with Ragnar Tørnquist, the game's creator. So stick with us as we lead you through our peek of TSW.

Continue reading GDC09: The veil lifts on The Secret World

MassivelyGDC09: The veil lifts on The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadventurecombatconsolefeaturedfuncomgdc-2009historyjoystiqfeaturesloremythologyragnarragnar-tornquiststorythe-secret-worldtswxbox-360xbox360Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Mission Architect in-depth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/gdc09-mission-architect-in-depth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/gdc09-mission-architect-in-depth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/gdc09-mission-architect-in-depth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


At GDC recently, Joe Morrissey, Senior Designer at NCsoft and Lead Designer for Mission Architect talked to an audience about the challenges of implementing a user generated content system in a 5-year old MMO. Afterwards, we had a chance to sit him down and ask a few questions of our own. But to start with, the basics, for those of you who haven't been following Mission Architect's development: it's a system that allows any City of Heroes or City of Villains player to create their own missions, complete with their own characters and stories. (If the idea of user generated content sounds strange and foreign to you, let Captain Dynamic explain the idea to you.) Currently in beta, this content Godzilla will be released upon the live realms in Issue 14. (For people who haven't yet dived into the City of franchise, there will also be a new game box coming out for Mission Architect: the aptly named Architect Edition.)

Gallery: GDC09: Post Mortem: Mission Architect for City of Heroes panel


Gallery: City of Heroes: Architect Edition

Continue reading GDC09: Mission Architect in-depth

MassivelyGDC09: Mission Architect in-depth originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxgdcgdc-2009gdc09issue-14joe-morrisseymission-architectmorrisseyncsoftuser-generated-contentMon, 06 Apr 2009 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: What's up with APB?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/the-digital-continuum-whats-up-with-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/the-digital-continuum-whats-up-with-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/the-digital-continuum-whats-up-with-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I'm not entirely sure what's going on with All Points Bulletin and the only reason I'm bothered enough to consider worrying about a game that we know only fractions of is because those fractions are amazingly potent pieces of excitement. The depth of customization, the level-less progression wrapped around a GTA style game make for powerful appeal.

I was hoping that because it'd been a year since the last GDC, when All Points Bulletin was first revealed to a dumbstruck media, we would be treated with a delightful updated look at the game. That just wasn't the case at GDC 2009, and frankly it has me slightly worried.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: What's up with APB?

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: What's up with APB? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbe3e3-2009featuredfinal-fantasygdcgdc-2009gdc08realtime-worldsthe-digital-continummvivoxSat, 04 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Mistakes of World of Warcraft

Kaplan was quick to note that Warcraft was far from perfect, and he wanted to highlight some of his own mistakes inside of the design.

The first mistake was the idea of the "Christmas tree effect," otherwise known as having so many quests in a quest hub that the minimap lights up with exclamation points like a Christmas tree. While players enjoy this, Kaplan wanted to say that the developer loses call control over the player at these points, as the player will not read any quest text in their clicking frenzy. There's no control over what quest leads into what or which order the player will do the quests in.

The second was the internet adage of "too long, didn't read." Quest designers don't need to write a book to get their point across with the quests. He brought up that video games had a type of "medium envy," where sometimes they get too preachy with their topics. Games should be fun first, story second.

Mystery also falls in this category. The story can provide mystery, but the quest log should never have any mystery to it. The quest log should always point where to go and what to do, but the overall story of those quests may provide some solution to some mystery.

Also avoid poorly placed quest chains, like the Chains of Myzrael questline in Arathi Highlands. The Myzrael line was hard to find, ended up spanning 14 levels, and ended with killing an elite mob that was level 44. This quest line was a "brick wall" according to Kaplan, because most players never stuck with it.

It's good to have quest chains that span content, but quest chains like this break down trust the player has with the developer. When the player runs into a chain that he can't finish with a monster he can't kill, the player loses trust in the developer's sense of guiding them to fun.

He also emphasized to avoid inserting "gimmick quests." His example here was part of the Oculus dungeon where players ride on dragons. These types of quests center around doing something the client may not be able to properly handle. Warcraft was not designed to accommodate vehicles. When developers resort to putting in parts of the game that center around a gimmick, it can detract from the fun of the rest of the game.

The horror of collection quests

Kaplan's speech ended with an analysis of why people hate collection quests so much, and a few tips on how to make collection quests into a better experience.

His problems with the quests stemmed from three areas -- dense creature population, too few of a creature to kill, and having a wide variety of items required for the quest. Having a dense creature population can put off people, especially when there's a lack of the monster required for the quest. If someone has to kill four lions for every one raptor required for the quest, then there's a problem.

His other point was that collection quests shouldn't require an insane amount of items. To everyone's amusement, he brought up the Green Hills of Stranglethorn quest chain (a chain he wrote) as the exact thing a designer should never do. Collection quests should be an easily obtainable number of items, and not such a long grind fest with the hope that your required item might drop.

Lastly, never have the player question why they're collecting the item required -- it should be clear from the onset. Kaplan brought up the infamous gnoll paw collecting quests, in which gnolls may or may not drop paws upon death, where obviously a gnoll has four paws and not a number between 0 and 1 (which everyone applauded at loudly). Quests should make sense and not become a gimmick in their own right. This causes the player to once again, lose trust.

Most of these points that Kaplan has brought up pertain to Warcraft, but can easily be applied to any game on the market. With all of this in mind, perhaps we'll get to see some better design in our MMOs from other developers, now that we're all on the same page... of the Green Hills of Stranglethorn.

MassivelyGDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azerothblizzardchristmas-treecollection-questscruise-director-of-azerothdirected-gameplayexclamation-pointsgdc-2009green-hills-of-stranglethorninterface-designjeff-kaplanlead-game-designermistakespanelquest-designquest-helperquestingquestsuser-interfaceworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 01 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gdc09-spending-time-with-the-cruise-director-of-azeroth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


At GDC09, we got to talk with many people and listened to a variety of panels on all aspects of game design. But there was little doubt as to which panel attracted loads of attention -- the Jeff Kaplan panel on quest design in World of Warcraft.

Warcraft has come extremely far in terms of their UI design and quest implementation since the game launched back in 2004. Just between 2007 and 2009, Kaplan revealed that over 8,570,222,436 quests have been completed, while the daily average was 16,641,409. With those numbers in place, it's safe to say that World of Warcraft players are driven by their questing.

Kaplan's panel revealed a few tricks of the trade, as well as his beliefs regarding questing, so without further adieu let's get into the meat of his panel.

Gallery: GDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth

Continue reading GDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth

MassivelyGDC09: Spending time with the cruise director of Azeroth originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azerothblizzardcollection-questscruise-director-of-azerothdirected-gameplayexclamation-pointsfeaturedgame-designgame-developers-conferencegdc-2009gimmicksgreen-hills-of-stranglethorninterface-designjeff-kaplanjoystiqfeatureslead-game-designerpanelquest-designquest-helperquestingquestsworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 01 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 47: GDC 09 impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-47-gdc-09-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-47-gdc-09-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-47-gdc-09-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 47 is our impressions of GDC 09 as Shawn returns this week with Elizabeth Harper, Editor-in-Chief for the site. Shawn and Elizabeth recap their favorite interviews and panels from the insanely busy week, and discuss the coverage on the site. Be sure to check out our brand new embedded podcast module on the sidebar for access to the podcast any time, straight from the main page.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

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

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 47: GDC 09 impressions

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 47: GDC 09 impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>event-coveragegdcgdc-2009massively-speakingpodcastingpodcastsWed, 01 Apr 2009 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 47Massively.com Staff49:24podcasts<![CDATA[GDC09: Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski interview (part 3)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively's very own Shawn Schuster had a chance to catch up with Warhammer Online Creative Director Paul Barnett and RvR Producer Jeff Skalski at GDC 2009. They chatted about the recent player (re)acquisition campaign, server merges, Land of the Dead, and much more.

What can we expect to see with the new Tomb Kings content?

Barnett: Crazy egyptians Warhammer style! It's like the Powerslave album cover by Iron Maiden has come to life in the Warhammer world. Tomb Kings are the dry undead, unlike the wet undead you get in the Empire like ghouls, zombies, and vampires. These are the dry undead, like mummies, skeletons, dusty bone giants, and liches. They're bringing their casket of souls and lots of sand with them. Players will see new developments on how PQs are done and an excellent system for how you get armor sets. We will have phenominal big dungeons in the same vein of Lost Vale (same team). End-level baddies like you wouldn't believe. They're doing things people haven't seen in these sort of games. Sequences where you go down corridors and encounter traps you will have to disable. You can then re-enable them to work against your enemies.

Skalski: This is our successor to Darkness Falls. We're pretty excited about it.

You really seem to support your fansites by interacting with them in interesting ways (e.g., sending them exclusive images on memory sticks or DVDs with cryptic timestamps). How did this idea come about and will it continue?

Barnett: There's definitely more to come and it has nothing to do with evil marketing either. All the efforts have been self-generated by our production team coming up with cooky and crazy ideas all by themselves. That said, marketing is great at knowing a good thing when they see it. They have jumped in on the new one we're about to do. It's an example of our internal love affair with the game and showing that to the players. What we're doing for Land of the Dead is going to be just as fun and silly. It one might have a bit of a marketing flavor because we've been given more leeway and support from them, but it's still coming from fanatical people in the company who are huge fans of the game.

MassivelyGDC09: Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski interview (part 3) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2009interviewjeff-skalskimythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski interview (part 2)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski-interview-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively's very own Shawn Schuster had a chance to catch up with Warhammer Online Creative Director Paul Barnett and RvR Producer Jeff Skalski at GDC 2009. They chatted about the recent player (re)acquisition campaign, server merges, Land of the Dead, and much more.

How have the server splits and now merges worked out for you?

Barnett: It has been good because the game is based around RvR - it's a critical mass game. WAR flourishes and blossoms when the game does things players want it to do, which is mainly group RvR combat. A decision was made early on to limit server queues by opening additional servers. It was right in the short term but caused caustic harm to critical mass over time. Servers with high populations had stronger retention and player enjoyment was much higher. In hindsight, we should have had less servers to start with.

Why do you think fans enjoy your Live Events so much?

Barnett: The live arcs are there to show that the game is alive and well, that we've got a dedicated team working on it, that we continue to make iterative improvements based on player feedback, and that we're willing to add new features at no extra cost. They just make the game feel better. In some cases it's us meeting past promises, and in other cases we're trying to develop and blossom the game's possibilities. We wrap them up in story arcs to give them a tone, feel, and texture.

What kind of feedback are you getting on the Slayer and Choppa?

Skalski: Everyone was extremely excited to see the Slayer. The best feedback came from people who enjoy playing simple roles in RvR - people who like to go into a fight with two axes and do lots of damage without worrying too much about a complex mechanic.

Barnett: Most people are going through the usual dial face of player response. Some people think they're underpowered. Some people think they're overpowered. Some people don't think they were ever tested in the first place. Some think they were tested well. The choppa is more powerful than the slayer. The slayer is more powerful than the choppa. All that kind of stuff!

MassivelyGDC09: Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski interview (part 2) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2009interviewjeff-skalskimythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: WAR interview with Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-war-interview-with-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-war-interview-with-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-war-interview-with-paul-barnett-and-jeff-skalski/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively's very own Shawn Schuster had a chance to catch up with Warhammer Online Creative Director Paul Barnett and RvR Producer Jeff Skalski at GDC 2009. They chatted about the recent player (re)acquisition campaign, server merges, Land of the Dead, and much more.

There has been a strong push to attract new and ex-players to Warhammer recently. Are we witnessing the rebirth of WAR?

Skalski: The title of our live expansion arc is Call to Arms and this has meaning both inside and outside the game. Outside, we have the recruit-a-friend program, free trial, and retrial. We are trying to make potential players aware of all the improvements we have made to performance, game mechanics, bugs, etc.. We are heavily focused on this free live expansion and have no immediate desire to release a boxed expansion.

Continue reading GDC09: WAR interview with Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski

MassivelyGDC09: WAR interview with Paul Barnett and Jeff Skalski originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgdcgdc-2009interviewjeff-skalskijoystiqfeaturesmythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The World of Gatheryn isn't the only steampunk MMO on the block this year at GDC09. While Gatheryn certainly appeals to the Victorian steampunk crowd, Atlus Online's upcoming MMO Neo Steam will be bringing in those who like more fantasy mixed in with their brass and gear-driven inventions.

Atlus may be a newcomer to the world of MMOs, but they're proving that they're no newbies with their initial offering. Our look into Neo Steam was quite informative and surprising, especially considering that this will be the second time Neo Steam will be releasing in North America. Atlus is putting a large amount of effort into making Neo Steam resonate with North American audiences, and not just putting out a rehash of the same game you've already seen.

Continue reading GDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online

MassivelyGDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlineatlusonline.comfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgdc-2009joystiqfeatureslaunchlocalizationneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentnew-titlesteampunkTue, 31 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: How HeroEngine revolutionizes MMORPG game design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-how-heroengine-revolutionizes-mmorpg-game-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-how-heroengine-revolutionizes-mmorpg-game-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-how-heroengine-revolutionizes-mmorpg-game-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Let's be frank, MMOs are a pain in the rear to design. You have large teams working collaboratively to build huge expanses of terrain, hundreds upon thousands of objects in the world that players can interact with, server architecture to worry about, and even more in-depth things that the standard player may not even notice or consider.

But if you've been on the site recently and have been checking out our coverage of the GDC, then you may have heard us and developers talking excitedly about HeroEngine, the new MMO developing tool from Simutronics. HeroEngine is powering games like The World of Gatheryn and this funny Star Wars game from those BioWare people, as well as other companies that haven't announced their new projects as of yet.

So why is HeroEngine so amazing? Well, we got the inside scoop straight from Simutronics as we visited their booth at the GDC.

Continue reading GDC09: How HeroEngine revolutionizes MMORPG game design

MassivelyGDC09: How HeroEngine revolutionizes MMORPG game design originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-studio-maxcollaborative-developmentdevelopersdevelopmentgame-designgame-developmentgdc-2009gdc09hero-engineheroengineheros-journeyphotoshopreal-timesimutronicsvirtual-worldsTue, 31 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gazillion VP shares plans for Marvel Universe, Lego Universe, and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gazillion-vp-shares-plans-for-marvel-universe-lego-universe-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gazillion-vp-shares-plans-for-marvel-universe-lego-universe-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gazillion-vp-shares-plans-for-marvel-universe-lego-universe-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


If you've been reading Massively over the past few weeks, it's likely you've heard us mention Gazillion Entertainment. They're a company that seemingly came out of nowhere and revealed that they've acquired NetDevil (thus Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe) and have two MMOs based on Marvel Comics IPs in development; Super Hero Squad is geared towards kids while Marvel Universe is aimed squarely at older comic fans.

Our parent site Joystiq managed to get some face time at GDC 2009 with Gazillion's VP of Marketing Paul Baldwin who explained a bit about the company and their plans for the MMO industry.

Continue reading Gazillion VP shares plans for Marvel Universe, Lego Universe, and beyond

MassivelyGazillion VP shares plans for Marvel Universe, Lego Universe, and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgargantuan-studiosgazilliongazillion-entertainmentgdcgdc-2009interviewsjoystiqjumpgate-evolutionkidslego-universemarvelmarvel-universenetdevilpaul-baldwinsci-fislipgate-ironworkssmartycardsuper-herosuper-hero-squadthe-amazing-societyMon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

At last week's Game Developers Conference 2009, we got the chance to sit in on Mark Methenitis' talk on How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy. You may have noticed the sheer quantity of legal cases, rulings and issues surrounding virtual environments and MMOGs that have direct impacts on users and players lately.

We found the talk to be an engaging and interesting one, which certainly went a long way towards clarifying some of the past, present and future problems and we've got a tasty summary of the highlights for you.

Continue reading GDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy

MassivelyGDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgamblinggame-mechanicsgdcgdc-2009glidergovernmenthernandez-vs-igeigeirslegallinden-labmark-methenitismarvel-vs-ncsoftmoo-industryncsoftopinionregulationsatanasecond-lifetaxuigeavirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftworlds.comworlds.com-vs-ncsoftMon, 30 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: A candid interview with Age of Conan's game director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc-09-a-candid-interview-with-age-of-conans-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc-09-a-candid-interview-with-age-of-conans-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc-09-a-candid-interview-with-age-of-conans-game-director/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Last week at GDC 2009 was exceptionally busy, but that didn't stop us from talking with Age of Conan's game director Craig Morrison and discussing what went wrong with the game at launch and what's been done since to improve upon it.

You're in for a treat, we think.

After the jump, you'll also find discussion on free trails for this year, the DX10 client, successful MMOs and upcoming content philosopy for Age of Conan. It's a bounty of information even King Conan would be proud to see!

Gallery: Age of Conan Gallery

Continue reading GDC09: A candid interview with Age of Conan's game director

MassivelyGDC09: A candid interview with Age of Conan's game director originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardage-of-conanaocblizzardcraig-morrisonfeaturedfuncomgdcgdc-2009joystiqfeaturesworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Best of show (to me)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-best-of-show-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-best-of-show-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-best-of-show-to-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


This year's Game Developers Conference has come to a close, and I just wanted to take a second here to reflect on what I got out of the show. I literally can't count the number of times I've been asked, "So what was the best thing you saw so far?". I was even asked this by a random guy in the Men's restroom at one point. Dude, I'm trying to pee, seriously.

So these questions inspired me to write up my thoughts on what I enjoyed the most. This isn't meant to be a complete review of every single panel and every single game company present at the convention. It's an opinionated, slightly biased rundown of the best and brightest from an old jaded gamer who doesn't pay any attention to anything but MMO news. So ... there's that.

Continue reading GDC09: Best of show (to me)

MassivelyGDC09: Best of show (to me) originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgdc-09gdc-2009gdc09joystiqfeatureswrapupSun, 29 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise-page-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



The struggle for dominance

Earthrise will be a very PvP-centric title, with open PvP and full looting adding greater risk to combat. How long will players have to loot fallen opponents (or allies)?

Atanasov says, "There will be a time limit. Right now we're planning for 30 seconds, which means that once you die nobody can pick up your inventory for that first 30 seconds. So you have the time to choose whether or not you want your inventory back," at a cost, of course.

A key game mechanic that's central to Earthrise's combat is a player's "battle rating" which is a numerical ranking of how tough you are (as presently skilled/equipped) and conversely how tough your opposition is. Your own battle rating and that of your opponents determines the experience you can gain from defeating them, or how juicy a target you are to them.

Your battle rating is determined by a few factors. The armor and weapons you equip and the abilities you've learned largely dictate battle rating. A target's battle rating will be visible to you and determines how much experience you'll get from taking down a mutant or other opponent.

The battle rating system will also give players flexibility in how quickly they advance. For example, you may be very strong but if you want greater experience gains from taking on weaker opponents you can choose to use weaker gear to match. In effect, you lower your own battle rating but earn more rewards by facing a greater challenge. The battle rating system isn't just a system that determines individual gains, it will also carry over to groups. Atanasov says, "I would say it's very unique in the MMO field. Nobody has tried it so far. I hope it will work well and will bring some new ideas to the future of MMO games."

Continue reading GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise page 2

MassivelyGDC09: Massively previews Earthrise page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbackstorybulgariacontinomacraftingearthriseeconomyfeaturedgdcgdc-2009joystiq-featuresloremassively-event-coveragemassively-interviewsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoirpost-apocalypticpreviewspvpsci-fisiege-warfaresofiaterritorial-controlSun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The futuristic game Earthrise is one of the upcoming sci-fi massively multiplayer games that we can see on the horizon. It's the first MMO developed by Sofia-based Masthead Studios and features the post-apocalyptic setting of a world divided between utopian idealism and revolution. Massively had a chance to sit down with Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov at the Game Developers Conference 2009 where he gave us a walkthrough of Earthrise, shedding some light on what this new title may bring to the MMO world.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise

MassivelyGDC09: Massively previews Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbattle-ratingbulgariacontinomacraftingdesignearthriseenterrafeaturedfull-lootinggdcgdc-2009guildsjoystiqfeatureslootingloremanufacturingmassively-event-coveragemassively-interviewsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoiroffline-advancementopen-pvppost-apocalypticpreviewspvpsandboxsci-fiskillpointsskillssofiastancestancestacticsSun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively sat in on a GDC 2009 session this week titled Applied RMT Design which was part of the Worlds in Motion Summit. Andrew Schneider, Founder and President of Live Gamer and Erik Bethke, CEO of GoPets, Ltd. presented a case study on balancing a game's primary and secondary markets, using GoPets as an example of how it can be done.

The market for virtual goods in massively multiplayer online games and virtual worlds is worth billions. Not all of this is grey market, and more games are now being designed with microtransactions in mind. Live Gamer aims to bring greater legitimacy to microtransactions through a regulated secondary market providing benefits to companies as well as the players themselves. Thus far they've worked with EverQuest II, Vanguard, and GoPets, with Acclaim's 9 Dragons on the way.

Bethke and Schneider kick off their talk by explaining the fact that RMT in MMOs is inevitable, explaining how developers can be proactive about incorporating RMT into their titles rather than having it exist outside of the game. Live Gamer works with developers to create a legitimate system for trading virtual items for real money, one that's safe and secure. Of course, legitimizing RMT can also stir up controversy.

Gallery: GDC09: RMT Design panel

Continue reading GDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer

MassivelyGDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-11andrew-schneiderbusiness-modelscase-studycasualeconomyerik-bethkeeventsfree-to-playgame-designgdcgdc-2009gopetslive-gamermicrotransactionsmmo-industryprimary-marketreal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsrmtsecondary-marketvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsworlds-in-motionworlds-in-motion-summitSat, 28 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Last year, we had the opportunity to visit Hi-Rez Studios to get one of the first press hands-on looks at Global Agenda. While the game is still in the alpha test now, closed beta is about to begin soon. In order to gear up for these next stages of development, Hi-Rez brought Global Agenda to the GDC audience to try it out for themselves. This is actually the first public hands-on of the game at GDC, so it was a key moment for the team.

So what has changed since our tour in October? Well, quite a bit, actually. This public showing brings out some exciting new developments from the Hi-Rez team, including brand new upgraded face customization and an improved tutorial. In addition, the AI, UI and graphics have all experienced quite a bit of tightening and polishing. With Hi-Rez implementing their own in-house motion capture studio, the character animation is among some of the best you'll see in an MMO. What hasn't changed? Well, I still get my butt kicked in the game quite frequently. But I love a good challenge.

Continue reading GDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda

MassivelyGDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgdc-09gdc-2009gdc09global-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosjoystiqfeaturesspy-fiSat, 28 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Titan Online preview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-titan-online-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-titan-online-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-titan-online-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At GDC, we had a chance to take a first look at EYA Interactive's upcoming free to play MMO Titan Online. Already available for play in Asia (as Mo Siang Online), a limited public beta has begun in North America and EYA anticipates a spring 2009 release. There's not a whole lot of information about Titan available, so we'll just explain it in EYA's words:

An epic title based on traditional Asian culture, Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, "Mo Siang." Set in ancient China, players will experience historic Chinese locales, meet influential figures from various dynasties, experience mysterious aspects of various ancient Asian cultures, all while trying to save the martial arts world by engaging in intense real-time battles. Developed in-house by EYA Interactive, Titan Online offers a very real picture of ancient China with 75 maps of historical sites, including Dun Hwang, Chang An, Kai Feng, Beijing, Shu Zhou, Shao Lin Temple, Chin Shi Huang mausoleum, Hang Zhou, Tai Shan, The Great Wall, and Hwang Her. In order to create the most true-to-life experience, the EYA development team spent time in China researching the ancient and historical cities so they could accurately reproduce them in the game.

A historical martial arts game with robots? Our interest is piqued.

Gallery: GDC09: Titan Online

Continue reading GDC09: Titan Online preview

MassivelyGDC09: Titan Online preview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyaeya-interactivefree-to-playftpgdcgdc-2009titantitan-onlineFri, 27 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Jumpgate Evolution developer video walkthrough]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc-09-jumpgate-evolution-developer-video-walkthrough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc-09-jumpgate-evolution-developer-video-walkthrough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc-09-jumpgate-evolution-developer-video-walkthrough/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With its June release nearing and beta even closer than that, Jumpgate Evolution was looking pretty hot at GDC09 this week -- although that may have something to do with the game running on three monitors.

Much of the information in the video isn't entirely new, aside from the discussion of open PvP which seems to involve the building and defending/attacking of space stations. Beyond that, we get a very close look at the sexy UI that NetDevil has put together. Also, have we mentioned that this game looks downright gorgeous?

We're pretty sure that we've mentioned that at least five or twenty times. Check out the second half of the walkthrough after the break.

Continue reading GDC09: Jumpgate Evolution developer video walkthrough

MassivelyGDC09: Jumpgate Evolution developer video walkthrough originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarideveloper-walkthroughgdcgdc-2009jgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilpvpFri, 27 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Hands-on with Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-hands-on-with-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-hands-on-with-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-hands-on-with-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


To understand the game Aion, you first need a bit of background on its setting. Aion has many of the trappings you would expect to find in a typical fantasy MMO, but it is a completely original IP with some unique elements. As a player, you are a resident of Atreia, created by the deity Aion, and torn asunder by ancient war between the human races and the Aion's former servants, the Balaur. After millennia of struggle, the Balaur succeeded in destroying the Tower of Eternity, Aion's embodiment on Atreia, splitting the planet in half. In the game's present day, the Asmodians live in the harsh, frigid climates on the upper half of Atreia, far from the sun; while the Elyos live in the sun-drenched, tropical lower half of Atreia. Neither recall the details of the cataclysm that split the world and both blame the other for the destruction that befell Atreia.

Today, fragments of the shattered tower have begun to drift through the heavens and mysterious portals have opened in the world, transporting the Asmodians and Elyos to the Abyss that lays between the two halves of Atreia. Here, they meet one another and their old, neigh-forgotten enemies, the Balaur.

Unsurprisingly, war is at hand. In Aion's "PvPvE" system, you'll fight against both the opposing faction and the NPC Balaur at every turn as you seek to unlock the mysteries of the world around you.

Gallery: GDC09: Aion hands-on

Continue reading GDC09: Hands-on with Aion

MassivelyGDC09: Hands-on with Aion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionasmodianatreiabalaurelyosfeaturedgdcgdc-2009gdc09ncsoftFri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Will streaming technology revolutionize MMO gameplay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/the-daily-grind-will-streaming-technology-revolutionize-mmo-gam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Along with much of the gaming world, we were excited to hear the GDC 09 news about OnLive and Gaikai. The services both companies will offer (likely to enter beta testing in the next year) will eliminate the graphics performance of your computer as a barrier to play. The concept is that the company's servers do all the graphics crunching and stream the output to your computer, so all you would need is a decent broadband connection.

In the case of Gaikai and its Streaming Worlds technology, they've specifically mentioned MMO play through their service for World of Warcraft and EVE Online. You don't need to download clients or patches to your own machine, that'll be done remotely on the Gaikai servers. They'll stream games right to your web browser via Flash. If this all pans out as they say it will, it'll be feasible to run MMOs on older machines as well as on laptops that are normally considered below spec to run these titles.

While there are some big "IFs" with how this will work out, particularly as it concerns latency, do you feel the accessibility these services can offer could revolutionize MMO gaming?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Will streaming technology revolutionize MMO gameplay? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsereve-onlineflashgaikaigdcgdc-2009onlivestreamingstreaming-worldstdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftFri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the more interesting announcements to come out of GDC 2009 is OnLive, which will allow low-end PCs to play high-end games via streaming technology, piping in a game experience where all the heavy (graphics) lifting is done on the company's servers. It's a significant step forward in gaming provided it lives up to expectations, and the fact that it's fully cross-platform means that Mac users will be able to play PC titles never ported for the OS. OnLive isn't alone in wanting to make games more accessible though, particularly when it comes to MMOs.

Acclaim CEO David Perry told GameDaily, "We have already filed a patent on what OnLive is doing. I'm working with a team called Gaikai... we have World of Warcraft and EVE Online running." Since Gaikai's "Streaming Worlds" technology involves servers which remotely do the graphics crunching required of most modern games and streams the game to a web browser, all one needs is a machine with a good internet connection. No game client downloads are required. "You can play World of Warcraft anytime, on any browser," said Perry. The OnLive and Gaikai services are still in development and beta testing for both may begin this Winter, if not sooner.

MassivelyGDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityacclaimbrowsercross-platformdavid-perrtyeve-onlineflashgaikaigdcgdc-2009mmo-industryonlivestreamingstreaming-worldsworld-of-warcraftThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: The rise of the MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-the-rise-of-the-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-the-rise-of-the-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-the-rise-of-the-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Here we are in the midst of another epic Games Developers Conference and we can't help but reflect on how much importance MMOs and Virtual Worlds have in the gaming industry these days. Everywhere we look, there are new ways to integrate the online experience with having fun and meeting new people. Throughout the week and beyond (as embargoes get lifted), we're bringing you more MMO panels and interviews than ever before. This is promising for those of us who happen to love MMOs.

So even though the convention isn't over until tomorrow, we wanted to take this opportunity to fill you in on what we've already seen, and what is yet to come later in the week. You can check out our GDC09 tag page for the ongoing panels and exclusive interviews we've already conducted, plus look forward to more goodies from Runes of Magic, Hero Engine, Funcom, Mythic, Earthrise, CCP, Global Agenda, Aion [catch breath] and much more!

Gallery: GDC09: Around the show floor

MassivelyGDC09: The rise of the MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionccpearthrisefallen-earthfuncomgame-developers-conferencegatheryngdc-09gdc-2009gdc09global-agendahero-enginemythicrunes-of-magicThu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST