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ArcheAge patches in Divine Gifts and land expansion certs today

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, ArcheAge, Sandbox, Subscription

Following today's ArcheAge patch you'll want to keep a close eye on the bottom left of the game's UI. You'll see a little icon light up to indicate that you have a new gift awaiting you, and then... you get free stuff. That's it. That's all you have to do. The newest patch will offer these Divine Gifts to players regularly, allowing you to open as many as 10 in a given day for rewards like Lunarites, bonus food, and Hereafter Stones.

Players will also be able to craft land expansion certificates (which will also be available from the Marketplace in a future update) and larger storage chests. That's in addition to new rewards for maxing skill trees and new portals leading directly to Serpentis and the Sea of Drowned Love. Whatever your focus is in ArcheAge, you'll have plenty of opportunity to take part in it when today's patch goes live.

ArcheAge patches in Divine Gifts and land expansion certs today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bungie gives Destiny players the gift of Legendary weapons

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Culture, News Items, Consoles, MMOFPS, Destiny, Buy-to-Play

The holidays have come and gone, but Destiny players get a little more to celebrate this week. Bungie promised players a "small but Legendary" gift, and true to form, players have been receiving a single free Legendary weapon by the mail. It's not the same as what you'd get from a vendor, and it's not an engram; it's a random weapon that could be almost anything.

For some players, it's going to be a nice new weapon with just the right perks. That's the gift that keeps on giving. (Specifically, it keeps giving ammunition to enemies at high velocity whether they wanted it or not.) For others, it's going to be another copy of the same weapon you already have or an even worse one. That's how random works. Regardless, if you play the game, go in and check your mail. It's not a fresh pair of socks, at least.

Bungie gives Destiny players the gift of Legendary weapons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic celebrates its 4th Anniversary

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Events (In-Game), Free-to-Play, Runes of Magic, Promotions, Anniversaries

Our favorite birthdays are the ones when the guests get gifts instead of giving them. Apparently Runes of Magic feels the same, as Gameforge is pulling out the stops to make the 4th anniversary of the game one for the history books.

Runes of Magic's 4th anniversary page has the scoop on all of the gifts, contests, events, and bonuses to be enjoyed over the next week. Players will get a lot of goodies just for logging in and leveling up, although there are additional quests if you want to reap all of the rewards. Players will also enjoy buffs to XP, talent points, and drop rates through the 25th.

Finally, Gameforge released a special video that shows the progress of Runes of Magic from beta to today, ending with several impressive statistics. If you don't watch it, you'll go mad always wondering what it might have been. We'd hate to see that.

Continue reading Runes of Magic celebrates its 4th Anniversary

Runes of Magic celebrates its 4th Anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Did you get yourself a gift this season?

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

When I was a kid, I always thought it was strange that my mother would get herself Christmas presents. It wasn't until sometime later that I realized that she did this so she'd open something she'd actually use instead of just another macaroni plate or a misshapen ash tray. Since then, I've been pretty lenient on folks who tell me that they purchased themselves a present during the holidays.

So if you want to brag about what you got yesterday or this month, feel free in the comments below. However, I'm genuinely curious if you've decided to treat yourself to an MMO nicety for the holiday. Maybe you're giving yourself a marathon gaming session, that cash shop item you've always wanted, or a game that nobody thought to get you. It's okay to share, I give you permission!

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!

The Daily Grind: Did you get yourself a gift this season? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What's on your MMO gift wish list?

Justin Olivetti — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

With the holiday season in full swing, plenty of birthdays going on, Wookiee Life Day approaching, and the apocalypse looming over it all, it's definitely a time to be giving and getting lots of presents. As members of a particular and peculiar subset of gamers, it stands to reason that our gift desires might be a tad different than those of Muggles.

So what's on your MMO gift wish list this month? Is there a game that you'd love to find in your stocking? Have you had your eye on a particular cash shop item -- and dropped enough hints to your friends that this is your heart's desire? Would you love to get MMO-themed clothes, toys, or other physical objects to show off your hobby to the world?

Lay it on us: What does your wish list look like? While Massively writers might not be so rich as to get you everything on your list, you never know when a secret admirer might be reading the comments looking for ideas to make your day.

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!

The Daily Grind: What's on your MMO gift wish list? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online celebrates nine years of internet spaceships

Matt Daniel — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, EVE Online, Events (In-Game), News Items, Sandbox

Break out the cake and presents because EVE Online is turning nine years old on May 6th! That's right, the internet's premier spaceship/spreadsheet simulator is almost a decade old, and CCP Games is doing it up big-time with this year's anniversary gift packages.

Beginning on May 4th, players will have the opportunity to choose one of eight fabulous prize packages that include goodies such as ships, skill books, implants, mining crystals, and more. To take a look at all of the wonderful goodie bags that CCP has prepared for you, just head on over to the EVE Online official dev blog and check out the full announcement.

EVE Online celebrates nine years of internet spaceships originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Vanguard, Free-to-Play, Promotions

While many newcomers to Telon might be checking out Vanguard for the first time when it goes free-to-play this summer, loyal subscribers wondered, "What do we get, apart from an influx of newbie chat questions?" To that, SOE replied: "GIFTS. And lots of them."

The studio announced a series of loyalty rewards for current subscribers that can be grabbed in-game by going to a Herald of Telon in a major city. The first rewards are a "Loyal" title, a Banshee pet, and a Bracelet of Lucky Charms.

Currently only players on Halgar can obtain these rewards, with Telon's inhabitants gaining access tomorrow. Each set of rewards will only be available for a limited time, with more sets to come between now and the F2P relaunch.

SOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter at Your Own Rift: Happy half-birthday, RIFT!

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), Interviews, RIFT, Enter at Your Own Rift

It's hard to believe -- but amazing nevertheless -- that RIFT is almost a half-year old. Six months ago, hundreds of thousands of gamers rushed through the gates to become the first to explore Telara, included me, and we were introduced to what's become one of the most dominating MMOs of the year.

Following this smooth release (and it was smooth), Trion Worlds set a remarkable standard for itself by pumping out meaty content updates at a steady, rapid pace and marketing RIFT out the wazoo. We've already witnessed two live events, numerous subscription specials, the addition of a ginormous raid, and my not having hit 50 yet -- to my eternal embarrassment. Of course, there have been bumps in the road as well: a lackluster initial world event, a segment of disgruntled players and opponents, and the looming specter of several heavy-hitting MMOs waiting in the wings.

But for right here and right now, this is Trion's time, and the company is taking advantage of this half-year milestone to light the fireworks and lay out the good china in celebration. We got on the phone with Scott Hartsman and his Justice League to talk about what the studio has up its sleeves for this event -- and what's next for this rapidly expanding title.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Happy half-birthday, RIFT!

Enter at Your Own Rift: Happy half-birthday, RIFT! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All EVE players to receive free Primae planetary industry ship

Brendan Drain — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, EVE Online, Events (In-Game), MMO Industry, News Items, PvE

Following the unscheduled extended downtime caused by the recent EVE Online server move, CCP Games has promised to reimburse players for the lost play time with a small pool of additional skill-points that they can distribute any way they like. CCP went on to hint that they'd been working on a different gift for all players, a cryptic remark that had players both excited and bewildered. In a new devblog, CCP Zinfandel outlined exactly what this gift will be and how players can claim it.

To be released on the 29th of June, the Primae joins the ranks of the Apotheosis and Zephyr as another one-time gift ship delivered to all EVE players. Supplied free of charge by NPC industrial corporation Outer Ring Excavations, the Primae is a ship designed to help in planetary industry. This lightweight hauler features a low signature radius and significant hit-point buffer, making it a more defensible ship with which to haul materials between planets. To ensure it doesn't displace its paper-thin industrial cousins in the general hauling scene, the majority of the ship's cargo space is reserved for planetary equipment and processed materials. Two special bays able to hold only those materials ensure that the ship remains a tool for the planetary industrialists among us. For more details on the Primae and how to claim it after June 29th, read the latest EVE devblog.

All EVE players to receive free Primae planetary industry ship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Virtual worlds, real gifts

Eliot Lefebvre — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind

You can't really wrap up, say, a +1 sword in Dungeons and Dragons Online. But that doesn't mean it makes a bad gift. After all, for some of your friends it's cheaper to ship and more relevant to your friendship than a fruitcake. You can't always trade the important things in MMOs, but even as the games celebrate the holidays by giving us several cosmetic items, it's possible for the players to find a more personal and intimate way to share in the holiday spirit.

Today, we ask you if you've given a gift to a friend in a game, whether they're an in-game buddy or a real-life chum. If so, what did you give them? Was it something that you farmed up or crafted just for them, a bit of equipment you had lying around that they always wanted, or something sentimental? If you havven't, is it something you would consider doing? Today's the right time of year for sharing these stories, so even if you've only been a giftee rather than a gifter, we'd like to hear about it. (And for safety's sake, please, don't try to wrap a +1 sword. Those things are sharp.)

The Daily Grind: Virtual worlds, real gifts originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallen Earth's special pre-order ATV goes vroom vroom

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Horror, Fallen Earth, Business Models, MMO Industry, New Titles

Remember when we mentioned that if you pre-order Fallen Earth over at Direct2Drive that you would get a special horsey known as the Wasteland Runner? Yes, of course you remember, because we just gave you the link to the story so you would remember.

But, apparently, there's a second pre-order gift in town now. A gift that goes by the title of the Fallen Earth ATV. Pre-ordering the game straight from the developer will get you this nifty vehicle that comes with more hitpoints, a larger gas tank, better fuel efficiency, more storage, and a special Fallen Earth paint job. Plus, you get the ability to tell anyone you kill that they can "stick it in your tailpipe and smoke it." Horse riders just don't get that social ability.

So, if you're pre-ordering Fallen Earth, it looks like you have a decision to make. Horse or ATV? It's up to you!

Fallen Earth's special pre-order ATV goes vroom vroom originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LotRO's Refer-a-Friend program rewards you with Amazon vouchers

Shawn Schuster — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Business Models, Events (Real-World), MMO Industry

The Lord of the Rings Online promotions just keep flowing as Codemasters announces a new one involving Amazon gift vouchers. This Refer-a-Friend program rewards current players who can successfully sign up five friends with a £5 or 5 € Amazon voucher.

Here's how it works: enter your friends' details, they play the 14-day free trial and if they like it, they sign up for a full subscription. For each five who sign up, you'll get the voucher. Seems easy enough, but keep in mind that this promotion is through Codemasters, so it's not for the North American or Oceanic players at this time.

LotRO's Refer-a-Friend program rewards you with Amazon vouchers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holideals: Tabula Rasa stocking stuffers

Chris Chester — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), Tabula Rasa

When it comes to established games like World of Warcraft or City of Heroes, finding holiday goodies for dedicated gamers is a simple matter of hitting Google and seeing what manner of strange and extravagant goods rise to the surface. For a game like Tabula Rasa, which has only just now starting to sink into the hearts and minds of MMO nuts, simply getting people to consider playing the game is a difficult prospect in and of itself. With this in mind, we scoured the internet to find the best deals on Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa and came away pleasantly surprised.

The pickings are a little sparse, but definitely worthy of your holiday dollar:

Gamestop is running a promotion where you can get a free Tabula Rasa keyset with the purchase of a Zboard, a $20 value. The Zboard is a keyboard specifically designed to give you easy and quick keyboard access to chat features, emotes, and menu commands. The deal runs through the end of the year, so now is the time to jump on it if you were planning on springing for a Zboard anyway.
Amazon has both the regular and collector's editions of Tabula Rasa on sale for $25 and $30, respectively. This puts them well under the impulse purchase threshold. Heck, at that price, you could afford to buy the CE for yourself and a good buddy and set aside some holiday time to blast some Bane over a glass of eggnog.

Being a Tabula Rasa player myself, I can tell you that this it is the perfect "gateway game" for getting traditionally casual or console gamers into the MMO genre. There's something about shooting aliens with a rocket launcher that seems to transcend the normal social boundaries. For the new, reduced price of entry, you cant argue.

Holideals: Tabula Rasa stocking stuffers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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