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[CCP analyzes EVE's Jita player event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ccp-analyzes-eves-jita-player-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ccp-analyzes-eves-jita-player-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ccp-analyzes-eves-jita-player-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Jita heatmap
If you warped into EVE Online's Jita merchant hub last week, chances are you didn't make it out alive. If you were plying your trade elsewhere in New Eden, the much-hyped "Burn Jita" campaign likely didn't even register on your radar.

It registered on CCP's, though, as shown by the company's latest EVE-focused dev blog. As per usual, there are a bunch of pretty graphs and plenty of tech-speak. There's also some verbiage related to TiDi (time dilation), which is CCP's way of dealing with massive concentrations of players in its single-shard universe. It's worth noting that since the devs had advance warning of this particular player-run event, they were able to beef up EVE's server infrastructure to handle the increased load. You can read all the technical details on the game's official website.

MassivelyCCP analyzes EVE's Jita player event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burn-jitaccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinegriefinginternet-spaceshipsplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiuser-generated-contentWed, 02 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architecture banner
Hello, sandbox faithful, and welcome to a special interview edition of Some Assembly Required. We recently had a chance to pitch some questions to the team behind Seatribe's upcoming Salem title, and creative director Björn Johannessen was kind enough to answer them.

Salem is being advertised by publisher Paradox as "the crafting MMO," but it's also rife with throw-back mechanics including a huge amount of player freedom and a permadeath/punishment system similar to the one in Johannessen's Haven & Hearth.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessencash-shopcraftingemergent-gameplayexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgriefinghaven-and-hearthinterviewitem-shopno-tradeparadoxParadox-Interactivepermadeathpermadeath-prevents-griefingplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsalemsandboxseatribeskill-systemsome-assembly-requiredsoul-boundtradeskillsFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big faction changes coming to Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Odenville at dusk
Big changes are coming to Fallen Earth's faction system, and the latest GamersFirst dev diary has the details. Lead designer Marie "Aro Sei" Croall says that the devs "want to make sure it is clear to all players who they are fighting for and who they are against."

The current faction dynamics can be confusing, she explains, and GamersFirst feels that Fallen Earth's learning curve can be smoothed out "without dumbing it down." To do so, shoulder factions are being removed, and wastelanders will need to pick a faction and remain loyal to it in order to earn points. Missions may be accepted from three factions, but only the primary faction will determine PvP objectives, missions, and faction channels.

Finally, the devs are removing factional friendly fire except in cases of clan wars, bloodsports, or dueling gameplay. Croall says this is intended to curb same-faction griefing, and ultimately contribute to "a less jarring PvP experience in Fallen Earth."

MassivelyBig faction changes coming to Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aro-seidev-blogdev-diaryf2pfactionfaction-changesfactionsfallen-earthfree-to-playfriendly-firegamers-firstgamersfirstgriefingmarie-croallpost-apocalypticsandboxsandparksci-fiwastelandSat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Habitat
Last week on the exciting cosmic adventures of the Game Archaeologist, we uncovered the ancient civilization of Lucasfilm's Habitat, one of the early predecessors to graphical MMOs. While we talked about how it came to be and pondered just how much money we'd waste if game companies were still charging by the minute, we didn't have the time or space to cover the community and events that formed around this experimental project.

That day has come. Prepare your bladder for imminent release!

Giving a bunch of players tools to do every which thing in the game and turning them loose without strict regulation might seem like a recipe for an instant sewage pit of a game today, but our cultured, classy behaviors weren't quite trained into us in 1986. When players first set eyes on Habitat, they weren't thinking of min-maxing, kill-stealing, or raid progression; they were trying to make sense of a virtual world using the only frame of reference they had to date: their own lives. Out of a melting pot of ideas and objects came fascinating stories from one of the earliest MMO proto-ancestors of the modern era. Get your '80s on as we head back... to the future!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycootiecootiesdivorcedungeon-of-deathfeaturedgm-eventsgriefersgriefinghabitatharry-potterin-game-divorcein-game-weddingjk-rowlinglive-eventlive-eventslucasartslucasfilmslucasfilms-habitatmarriagepvppvp-zonessysopssystem-operatorsthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlineuovirtual-worldvirtual-worldsweddingworld-of-warcraftTue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Rant powers activate!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/wings-over-atreia-rant-powers-activate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/wings-over-atreia-rant-powers-activate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/wings-over-atreia-rant-powers-activate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So there I was, with another topic planned and article well on its way to completion when fate intervened and thrust a new subject upon me. And not in a happy-Fed-Ex-guy-handing-it-over kinda way either, but a growling, grumbling, grit-my-teeth-and-try-not-to-speak-in-asterisks (%#$**!) kind of way. Oh yes, this is a topic of great rantiness for me.

I freely admit that I rarely reach the heights of true frustration within Aion (not counting launch queues where I simply chose to stop logging in altogether), especially to the point of actually tossing aside another column to express and share said frustrations with you. But now, you have a second opportunity to witness my small yet developing rant lobe -- placed, I believe, somewhere behind the occipital lobe judging by the fact that when it revs up people tend to see red. And the truth of it is, I am going to derive great pleasure from venting about this topic. So what has me so fired up right now? The venerable AP harvesting grounds of the truly lazy: AFK Dredgions.

Queue up then enter past the break for a discourse on the evils of this practice and what NCsoft should do about it.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Rant powers activate!

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Rant powers activate! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abyss-PointsAFKaionaion-gameAPchantra-dredgiondredgiondredgion-queuesfeaturedgriefinggroupsnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionsolutionssuggestionsWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 25 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is free-for-all PvP a dealbreaker?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Games like EVE Online, Darkfall, and Mortal Online sell themselves on the premise of being wild and lawless. Like in the Wild West of ages past, anyone can kill you at any time. Of course, also like in the Wild West, this reputation bears only some resemblance to reality, as you're relatively unlikely to be consistently ganked and robbed by someone for no reason. But the fact that it's possible makes a lot of players decide that it's just not worth the hassle. The threat of losing everything to malicious player actions is more powerful than the real rarity of the event.

Obviously, some players embrace the possibility as part of the charm of an open-world game. But it's possible to have a game with broad player options without the constant threat of cruelty, and there's a reason a lot of Ultima Online players happily opted out of being hunted by other players. Is open PvP the sort of thing that makes you write off a game no matter what other features it might have?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is free-for-all PvP a dealbreaker? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gankinggriefingopen-pvpopen-pvp-environmentsopen-worldopinionpvpsandboxsandbox-gamestdgthe-daily-grindFri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Why we grief - a therapy session]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-soapbox-why-we-grief-a-therapy-session/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-soapbox-why-we-grief-a-therapy-session/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-soapbox-why-we-grief-a-therapy-session/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Welcome to the Massively Psychiatric Center for Gamers, Griefers, and Greater Internet F-wads (link NSFW). I'm Dr. Reahard, and while I'm most definitely an armchair psychologist, psychiatrist, and MMOlogist, pay no attention to any of that. I'm more than qualified to help you determine whether or not you're a bleep (sorry, a griefer). So please, have a seat, make yourself comfortable, and let's talk about you.

Tell me about yourself. Do you relish that feeling of power you get when messing with another human being? Is there a certain sense of being alive, a rush if you will, that only comes around when you bleep with another person? Does said bleeping happen exclusively in video games where your actions carry no perceivable repercussions?

Are you secretly frustrated with a banal and disturbingly meaningless white-collar existence? Does releasing your inner bleep in a (theoretically) anonymous online environment scratch the itches made manifest by a minivan, 2.3 kids, and the otherwise inescapable confines of suburbia?

Continue reading The Soapbox: Why we grief - a therapy session

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Why we grief - a therapy session originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenccpccp-gamescultureeveeve-onlinefeaturedgame-lifegoonsgoonswarmgriefergriefersgriefingopinionreal-lifesandboxsci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardthe-mittanithe-soapboxyoure-doing-it-wrongTue, 03 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the worst you've ever been griefed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-daily-grind-whats-the-worst-youve-ever-been-griefed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-daily-grind-whats-the-worst-youve-ever-been-griefed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-daily-grind-whats-the-worst-youve-ever-been-griefed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when griefers come for you?

My grandmother warned me of a time when online hooligans would invade the sanctity of my gaming space and do anything they could to ruin my fun. Some feel that griefing is a legitimate type of play that gives them great satisfaction. I feel that griefers should be carefully rounded up, tagged, and shipped to a small desert island where they can smack each other over the head with coconuts and leave the rest of us in peace.

Just about everybody's been griefed in an MMO at one point or another, whether by an overly antagonistic camper, a con artist who swindled you out of in-game gold, or that node stealer who stalked you and swooped in to grab the ore that was rightfully yours while you tangled with a nearby tiger.

Today we want to hear your testimony of a time when another player actively tried to spoil your fun. What's the worst you've ever been griefed in an MMO?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's the worst you've ever been griefed? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campercampersgriefgriefedgriefergriefersgriefingnode-stealingopinionpvptdgthe-daily-grindTue, 26 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Hulkageddon IV event begins today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/eves-hulkageddon-iv-event-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/eves-hulkageddon-iv-event-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/eves-hulkageddon-iv-event-begins-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Once or twice per year, EVE Online players across the world are gripped by the desire to destroy everything in sight. During the nine-day Hulkageddon bloodbath, players compete to destroy as many mining ships as possible. A variety of prizes are then handed out to individuals and corporations with the most kills or for special achievements completed during the event. The event was first organised by pirate Helicity Boson back in 2009, and so far it has been responsible for the destruction of several hundred billion ISK worth of Hulks and other mining ships.

The event has come under fire for promoting griefing, as the primary method of gaining kills is the use of suicide attacks in high-security space. Hulkageddon supporters argue that it's a perfectly legitimate way to play the game, and EVE's sandbox-style game design and rules do permit it. Whether you like it or hate it, Hulkageddon has become a regular EVE tradition. To avoid a grim fate, miners should probably take a break between February 19th and February 28th. Head over to the official forum thread for full details of the impending carnage and the prize fund available for participants.

MassivelyEVE's Hulkageddon IV event begins today originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CcpCcp-eveCcp-gamesEveEve-ccpEve-mmorpgEve-onlineGriefingHelicity-bosonHulkHulkageddonPiratePvpSuicide-gankSat, 19 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Trouble with PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/lost-pages-of-taborea-trouble-with-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/lost-pages-of-taborea-trouble-with-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/lost-pages-of-taborea-trouble-with-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone had a safe and fun break. For my first article of 2011, I want to talk more about PvP. I've spoken about PvP before, but I want to look specifically at player-killer protection and the ability to instantly change PK status. There was also the slight change to a short-term criminal or hero status since Runes of Magic started.

A lot of time has passed since Runewaker made the changes, but I still remember them. Long gone are the days of a forced 10-minute cooldown on PK status and no protection bubble. I'm not a huge PvPer myself, but I wanted to explain a little more about the changes and the way I felt about the system then vs. now. I think it would also be relevant to bring up how the overall system works -- or claims to work. If you're interested in what PvP was like in the early days of RoM and would like to voice your opinion on it, click past the break.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Trouble with PvP

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Trouble with PvP originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegriefgriefingjeremy-strattonpkplayer-killerplayer-vs-playerpvpreputationromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentspawn-campingMon, 03 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Playing bad guys in an MMO is one of those features mostly unique to the superhero genre. In other games, there are factions and these factions are vaguely good or bad, but it's kind of rare to see players clamor about playing an evil faction as much as they do in superhero games.

One of the reasons behind the lack of true villain factions in most games is that the hero factions in other MMOs are a touch more grey than the good guy factions in a superhero game. In World of Warcraft, both the Alliance and the Horde have their faults; the Alliance are stuck-up bigots and the Horde are ruthless and somewhat bloodthirsty. In Aion, the light and dark factions tread equally on the thin blue line that separates good and evil (although it's somewhat less obvious as an Elyos).

One of my biggest grievances with getting into Champions Online was the lack of playable villain content at launch. I was unwilling to test drive City of Heroes at all until villains were playable, and over half of the characters I've made in Champions are bad guys. Even my non-villains aren't heroes (at least not in character).

I have a certain infatuation with being a bad guy.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad

MassivelyBehind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-guysbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosethicsevil-campaignevil-charactersfeaturedgriefersgriefingneutral-evilooc-dramaroleplaying-ethicsroleplaying-villainsvillainsThu, 30 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulkageddon III ends with an estimated 288 billion ISK in damage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/hulkageddon-iii-ends-with-an-estimated-288-billion-isk-in-damage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/hulkageddon-iii-ends-with-an-estimated-288-billion-isk-in-damage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/hulkageddon-iii-ends-with-an-estimated-288-billion-isk-in-damage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Much to the dismay of miners everywhere, EVE Online's infamous Hulkageddon event made a return earlier this month. In this irregularly-scheduled fan-run event, ruthless pilots compete to kill as many mining barges as possible within a short period of time. While some kills are found in wormhole space and nullsec as part of a standard PvP roaming squad, most tend to be the result of suicide attacks carried out in high security space. As most miners stay in highsec, this is where most of the targets for the Hulkageddon are found.

Opponents of the event argue that it causes unnecessary hardship for ordinary EVE players who enjoy mining. The event's organiser, infamous pirate Helicity Boson, responds to critics with her belief that it's a perfectly valid way to play the game. In an exclusive interview with Massively before the event began, she suggested that any pilot paying attention could see the suicide attacks coming and would have plenty of time to escape. A significant portion of mining barge kills during the Hulkageddon are also believed to be macro-miners, adding another dimension to this already controversial issue.

The latest Hulkageddon ran from the 9th of July to the 18th, ending with an estimated 288 billion ISK worth of mining ships destroyed. To put that figure into perspective, it would cost you over $16,550 US Dollars to buy that much ISK legitimately by purchasing game time codes and selling them in-game for ISK. The prize-giving for the event was recently conducted, with a single ruthless player by the name of "Phil MacMannon" taking the vast majority of the prizes. With the event concluded, miners can finally breathe a sigh of relief and get back to eating every asteroid in sight.

MassivelyHulkageddon III ends with an estimated 288 billion ISK in damage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegankgriefinghelicity-bosonhulkageddon-3hulkageddon-iiiminersminingpvpsuicideThu, 29 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: A whole new world, sorta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/wings-over-atreia-a-whole-new-world-sorta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/wings-over-atreia-a-whole-new-world-sorta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/wings-over-atreia-a-whole-new-world-sorta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mergers have come and gone in Aion; the fabric of existence was ripped asunder, then rewoven. In North America, five new worlds now sit where once there were fourteen, and eight replace eighteen in Europe. Using the mergers as a springboard for their apocalyptic rants, naysayers cried out that the end of Aion was nigh, fervently waving their assertions and jeering at current players. NCsoft, on the other hand, quietly offered promises of a better world, catering to the desires of players for more conflict. To my knowledge, there were no Daevas flinging themselves from the spires of Pandaemonium or Sanctum, nor did any economy crumble and collapse. Fatalities were nil -- well, not counting any local qooqoo sacrifices made in the name of server harmony and stability.

So, here we are now at "doomsday plus five." How did things fare? Let's glide past the cut and take a look at the aftermath.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: A whole new world, sorta

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: A whole new world, sorta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion 2.0Aion2.0featuredgriefgriefingloading-issuesloading-timesNCsoftpvpriftingsiegesiege-warfaresiegesWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 19 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: PvP culture]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lost-pages-of-taborea-pvp-culture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lost-pages-of-taborea-pvp-culture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lost-pages-of-taborea-pvp-culture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Even though I'm not a very competitive player, I sometimes like having the additional options found in PvP servers. In fact, my main character has been on one since Runes of Magic's open beta, and I've come to really appreciate the fun that can be had on it. Simply being a spectator of all the random and exciting fights has been enough to outweigh the annoyance of being a target for more than a few gankings.

RoM's fully open PvP system makes for an interesting cultural perspective in which the players create the equilibrium of peace and conflict. It may be surprising -- or not -- given the somewhat harsh rules, but life on a PvP server is a fairly peaceful experience. This week I take a look at the past and present of RoM's PvP system. What are some of the system's implementations? How have players adjusted to self-govern? Why isn't there rampant chaos? It's an interesting learning experience if you're new to RoM or you've never played on a PvP server, but it's also a great retrospective for you veterans to get involved with.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: PvP culture

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: PvP culture originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-penaltyexp-debtexperience-debtfeaturedfrogsterfrogster-interactivegankgankinggriefingguild-siegeguild-warsguildsplayer-vs-playerpvprespawnromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsiege-warsspawn-pointMon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, the middle years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-the-middle-ye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-the-middle-ye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-the-middle-ye/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This week, we cover the second installment of our summarized history of Second Life and Linden Lab (or check out part one, if you missed it). From 2005, there's an impossible amount of material to cover, but there are some interesting stories lurking among it all.

Join us as we work our way through some of the interesting highlights from 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, the middle years

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, the middle years originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ailin-graefanshe-chungblack-septemberbrazilbugsbusiness-modelsbusiness-weekcultureeconomyFBIfeaturedgamblingginko-financialgomgriefersgriefinghistorylegallinden-dollarslinden-labmmo-industrynipplegateopinionquicktimesao-paulosecond-lifesllaterrorismthe-virtual-whirltrademarkuigeavirtual-worldsworld-stock-exchangeSat, 03 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Loyola University professor drives City of Heroes/Villains players crazy, all for sociology]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/loyola-university-professor-drives-city-of-heroes-villains-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/loyola-university-professor-drives-city-of-heroes-villains-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/loyola-university-professor-drives-city-of-heroes-villains-playe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Twixt was one of those names on the Freedom server of City of Heroes that would just drive everyone nuts. He was a PvPer who would find some of the craziest ways to annoy the heck out of his opponents, such as teleporting them right in front of the Longbow agents at the hero base in PvP zones. A year ago, however, the man behind the keyboard finally drew back his mask to reveal a sociology professor from Loyola University outside New Orleans.

Now his study on City of Heroes/Villains is finally coming forward, revealing a controversial look at how defying the cultural rules of a population can turn a person into a social outcast. The study's goal was to play only by the developer's rules, ignoring any extra rules that might be created by the population. For example, the concept of "kill stealing" and "fair fights" are thrown out the window as they are created by the population, not the game. Think of it like EVE Online -- if the game allows it, he does it.

While the study is intriguing in the fact that it covers the "new frontiers" of virtual worlds, it also brings into question some of the ethics involved with working undercover in a population, such as causing undue stress via what we consider to be griefing.

For a full report, check out the story as reported by The Times-Picayune.

[Thanks Petterm, Scopique!]

MassivelyLoyola University professor drives City of Heroes/Villains players crazy, all for sociology originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicbreakingcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovculturegriefinglongbowloyola-universitynew-orleansrecluses-victorysocialstudytwixtTue, 07 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WTB scammer tears: The end of freeform contract scams in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/wtb-scammer-tears-the-end-of-freeform-contract-scams-in-eve-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/wtb-scammer-tears-the-end-of-freeform-contract-scams-in-eve-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/wtb-scammer-tears-the-end-of-freeform-contract-scams-in-eve-onl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The sci-fi game EVE Online changed yesterday, in a rather subtle way. The developers eliminated one of the principal tools used by players to scam their unsuspecting marks: "freeform" contracts. The change was snuck in as single green-texted bullet point in the updated patch notes:

"Freeform contracts can no longer be created. This is due to griefing problems. You will still be able to view your completed freeform contracts for now but in an upcoming expansion older freeform contracts will be removed as well."

[EVE has a contract system which players use to conduct business transactions between different parties for items or services. They're generally used for legitimate purposes like auctions and item exchanges, but the more flexible "freeform" contracts could be structured so that a seller received in-game cash for items never actually given to the buyer.]

This otherwise unannounced elimination of the feature is perhaps a fitting demise for freeform scams. Those who haven't played EVE Online may be wondering why this is significant, if you scam another player you simply get banned, right? Not in EVE... It's one of the few MMOs out there where all manner of player villainy is permitted by the developer CCP Games, provided it happens in-game.

Continue reading WTB scammer tears: The end of freeform contract scams in EVE Online

MassivelyWTB scammer tears: The end of freeform contract scams in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamescrimeeveeve-onlinefreeform-scamsgame-mechanicsgriefgriefingmiz-cenuijnew-edenopinionscamssci-fiTue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab versus the griefers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/linden-lab-versus-the-griefers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/linden-lab-versus-the-griefers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/linden-lab-versus-the-griefers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Looking back over the rather long, rich and tumultuous history of Second Life, it seems that Linden Lab finally has their griefer problems more or less eliminated. That doesn't mean that they're gone, by any means. Griefing still happens every day, but it's now a problem for individual users and communities. The problems that Linden Lab itself had with griefers are, pretty much, over.

Back in the day (before free accounts) griefers were a big-time problem for the Lab. A small group of griefers could take down or impede significant quantities of the Second Life architecture, eliminating any semblance of service for thousands or tens of thousands of users. Those days are long past.

Continue reading Linden Lab versus the griefers

MassivelyLinden Lab versus the griefers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsculturegriefersgriefingopinionsecond-lifevirtual-worldsFri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist: A folk hero for the online age]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-escapist-a-folk-hero-for-the-online-age/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-escapist-a-folk-hero-for-the-online-age/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-escapist-a-folk-hero-for-the-online-age/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Tom Endo over at The Escapist has written an interesting editorial in which he suggests the idea that we all need a villain as a vessel for people's frustration with authority such as Bonnie and Clyde or Robin Hood. In the case of MMOs, that anti-hero is the Griefer, who will push the game mechanics to and past their breaking point or intended use in order get ahead.

Second Life has had more than its fair share of griefers over the years, and it's true that in games such as Eve Online, the actions of the players have had a massive impact on the game. Some might say that with some games they have had more than the developer itself. Such is the case with the various self-styled bad-boy corporations and alliances throughout the years in that game, or the actions leading up to the Felluca/Trammel split in Ultima Online. But Endo puts forward the idea that players need these griefers and the stories that they create, despite the true nature of their actual actions.

Head on over to The Escapist to read the full article and see if you agree with his ideas.

MassivelyThe Escapist: A folk hero for the online age originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapisteve-onlinegriefergriefersgriefingtom-endoultima-onlineFri, 08 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Don't make roleplaying servers if you can't handle it pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-pt2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


...and totally doesn't want to enforce the rules.

The roleplayers are roleplaying in the streets, until a naked guy runs by and starts dancing suggestively in front of the guild's princess, singing the latest song by Kanye West. The guild begins to furiously slam the GM button, still trying to go on with their improvisational acting scene, but finding it extremely difficult to do so when something is so obviously breaking the scene into 10,000,000 pieces.

The GM comes down on his magical wings, looks at the situation and says, "Sorry, he's not saying anything that's covered in our harassment section. He's not saying anything that is considered offensive. He can dance naked all he wants," and then leaves with fair wishes to all while the roleplaying guild stands there, slack jawed and completely confused as to what just happened, while Kanye West is sung loudly in the background.

Yet the solution isn't hard, and ultimately benefits you, the developer, in the end

Roleplayers get frustrated by this seemingly simple stuff. It makes us wonder why you even bother to make these servers, when they are completely the same as the normal servers.

We get it, your support team doesn't want to ban anyone because that's "bad business." That guy who's griefing everyone is still paying the 15 dollars that you want, so you'd rather keep your mitts off of the paying customer.

"But no one wants to hear that. No one wants to push the ban button. Yet the solution isn't some magical means, and it's something that would work wonderfully when implemented -- localized bans."
Here's a loud wake up call guys -- MMOs are a service, not a one-time purchase. We keep saying that, yet somehow no one seems to realize it on a business level. By letting this guy go, you're angering about 20 other customers, and potentially losing more money in the process. You let this one guy go, you lose 5 other subscriptions. What's better, 1 person being forcibly asked to leave, or 5 people leaving of their own accord and spreading a unsatisfied opinion to their friends?

But no one wants to hear that. No one wants to push the ban button. Yet the solution isn't some magical means, and it's something that would work wonderfully when implemented -- localized bans.

If you have a guy who is seriously griefing a roleplaying server and violating the rules of that world, then ban him from just that server. If he complains, tell him he's got 20+ servers to choose from. If he complains that he lost his character, then transfer his character to a new server. Your roleplayers don't have to deal with him, they stay happy in their own little world, the griefer gets to keep his stuff, you get to keep your money, and literally everybody wins.

If that's the way things swung, roleplaying worlds would probably much more tolerable. Support people will probably feel that pulling a ban on someone being a jerk is more justified, as they're not removing them from the system entirely. All of the people interested in roleplaying now have an environment to do so, and they start spreading word to their friends that finally, a support staff has stood up for roleplaying. Maybe roleplaying wouldn't be waning if the players who did it felt supported in their endeavors?

Now if only I could do something about people who roleplay vampires...
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who does "teh arpeez." When he's not writing here for Massively, he's rambling on his personal blog, The Experience Curve. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com. You can also follow him on Twitter through Massively, or through his personal feed.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Don't make roleplaying servers if you can't handle it pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedbansgriefingroleplayingroleplaying-serverrprp-serverFri, 06 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Don't make roleplaying servers if you can't handle it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-handle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-handle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/anti-aliased-dont-make-roleplaying-servers-if-you-cant-handle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For those of you who don't know, I'm super in to roleplaying. No, I'm not a Shakespearean nutjob who spouts "I shall put my sword betwixt thine evil heart!" No, nothing like that. I'm just a guy who likes getting into the setting of game. When you go into Naxxramas and see Anub'Rekhan, you see a boss where I see a commander of Anub'arak, the traitor king.

It's because I know the lore so well that I like to play around with it, involve my character in it, and really keep the fantasy of the world intact around me. But I've learned something over my course of 12 years of MMOs. It's something that happens in every single game that I've played and a problem that I've found insurmountable when it comes to roleplaying.

It's really hard to roleplay when a thirteen-year-old is thrusting his virtual crotch in my face, screaming "LULZ GUYS! LULZ! Lolololololol!!!!11oneeleven"

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Don't make roleplaying servers if you can't handle it

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Don't make roleplaying servers if you can't handle it originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedbansfeaturedgriefingjoystiqfeaturesname-changeroleplayingroleplaying-serverrprp-serverFri, 06 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many MMOs with the "hardcore" PvP mentality are often argued as an experience that isn't for everyone -- something for a very set niche. Or in other words, these games aren't for people who prefer a little structure and intelligently crafted incentive to participate.

Don't get me wrong, I love me some crunchy PvP snacks. What I don't have any affection for is a system that promotes players being douchetards. Sure, we're going to get them regardless, but encouraging the behavior is just not smart at all and it makes for a terrible experience.

Here's the problem: If these PvP-centric games aren't for "carebears", then who are they for? Griefers? Well when you design a game that only they want to play, then yes.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody?

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeve-onlinefeaturedfree-for-allgriefersgriefingjoystiqfeaturesopen-pvpopen-worldopinionpvpscott-jenningsthe-digital-continuumSat, 21 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Griefing as a phenomenon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/griefing-as-a-phenomenon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/griefing-as-a-phenomenon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/griefing-as-a-phenomenon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As new studies and research continues to look into the online aspect of behavior known as griefing (or as cyber-bullying to the mainstream media), it all appears to reinforce the correlation between the online and offline aspects of this all-too-human behavior.

You see, griefing didn't start online. In a sense griefing is like one of many sexual kinks, in that it exists in the physical world -- it just wasn't until it went online that we really noticed that it was such a common thing.

Continue reading Griefing as a phenomenon

MassivelyGriefing as a phenomenon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegriefergriefersgriefingopinionpaul-mcdermottvirtual-worldsMon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The five most annoying griefs in CoX, and how they were quashed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-five-most-annoying-griefs-in-cox-and-how-they-were-quashed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-five-most-annoying-griefs-in-cox-and-how-they-were-quashed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-five-most-annoying-griefs-in-cox-and-how-they-were-quashed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


As a rule, we don't like to highlight griefing behavior here at Massively. For the most part, it's not only puerile, it's tedious. But our ongoing mission to highlight aspects of City of Heroes lore and culture wouldn't be complete without a mention of some of the ways players have tried to break the game in order to annoy others, and more importantly, how a new player can now protect himself using the tools the developers have provided. Knowing is half the battle, right?

Many of the most notorious griefing tactics are now ancient history, so now that their teeth have been pulled, we thought we'd run down the top five, as if surveying stuffed heads on the wall. The following tactics have all been identified and addressed some time ago, either by making them impossible, or by allowing cautious players to protect themselves via selectable permissions.

Continue reading The five most annoying griefs in CoX, and how they were quashed

MassivelyThe five most annoying griefs in CoX, and how they were quashed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxgriefinggriefsncsoftFri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[With persistent worlds comes persistent racism]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/with-persistent-worlds-comes-persistent-racism/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/with-persistent-worlds-comes-persistent-racism/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/with-persistent-worlds-comes-persistent-racism/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The promise of what virtual spaces can bring us is significant -- erasing geographic limitations on interaction with others while fostering an exchange of cultures, beliefs, and languages. To this high-minded end, millions of dollars have been spent and many thousands of hours of work have been invested into creating rich graphical settings coupled with immersive environmental soundscapes. Crisp digital communication at its finest, right?

Much like the promise of the the eradication of artificial barriers to meaningful communication through the Internet, virtual worlds and online spaces in general have fallen short of expectations. It's generally not the fault of the companies or the service providers though. The fault lies with us, the users.

Continue reading With persistent worlds comes persistent racism

MassivelyWith persistent worlds comes persistent racism originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicars-technicaarstechnicacultureethnicitygriefgriefingmmo-industryprejudiceraceracismreal-lifereligionsocial-influencestherevirtual-worldsFri, 12 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-alliance-circumvents-factional-warfare-restrictions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Factional warfare became a part of EVE Online in the Empyrean Age expansion, which ushered in a time of backstory-driven militia conflict for players aligned with one of the four races of New Eden. What promised to be a new avenue for EVE's roleplaying community ended up being inaccessible to roleplaying alliances. CCP stipulated that alliances cannot enlist with factional militias, as their sheer numbers could streamroll their opposition and create overwhelming odds for the disadvantaged side in the conflict.

The only recourse EVE's alliances have is to form splinter corporations outside of the alliance, for the sole purpose of allying with a given racial faction. That is, until recently. An article from ISD Magnus Balteus, one of EVE Online's in-game reporters, states the Star Fraction alliance "has openly declared war on corporations that have joined the Caldari milita; the State Protectorate. For over a month, Star Fraction has been selectively targeting the corporations of fleet commanders in the Caldari militia."

Continue reading EVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions

MassivelyEVE alliance circumvents factional warfare restrictions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancescaldariccpccp-gamescombatconflictembedded-reportingempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfaregallentegame-mechanicsgriefgriefingguerilla-warfareinterstellar-correspondentsisdjade-constantinemagnus-balteusmilitiapoliticspvpracesroleplayingvolunteerThu, 14 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Is EVE Online going soft?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/eve-evolved-is-eve-online-going-soft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/eve-evolved-is-eve-online-going-soft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/eve-evolved-is-eve-online-going-soft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online has always been regarded as one of the harshest MMOs on the market, with solid death penalties and a steep learning curve to its PvP. After five successful years, many players now fear that EVE's development has shifted in the opposite direction. It all started when the minutes of CCP's recent meetings with the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) were published on the official EVE forums. These notes showed CCP's position on the 27 separate issues the CSM brought to their attention. Discussion on the issues, ranging from Black Ops battleships to PvP aggression timers, was opened to the public exactly one month ago and CCP's position on them has been a topic of hot debate ever since.

Controversy:
Among the most controversy-laden issues on the table are two recent devblogs covering important balance changes slated for EVE's near future. The first major announcement was the infamous "nano nerf" that sparked off over 130 pages of highly charged debate. This was followed later by another devblog announcing major nerfs to suicide ganking. Combined with CCP Noah's recent comment suggesting that war declarations amount to griefing, many players are beginning to question the direction EVE's development is headed in.

Is EVE Online starting to go soft? In this article, I ask whether the development direction of EVE has changed and examine what it means for the game's future.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Is EVE Online going soft?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Is EVE Online going soft? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedgankgriefingjoystiqfeaturesnanonerfpvprumorspeedsuicidewarSun, 10 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten things every new player should know about EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/ten-things-every-new-player-should-know-about-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/ten-things-every-new-player-should-know-about-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/ten-things-every-new-player-should-know-about-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There are some valuable lessons learned as you progress in EVE Online, lessons which get pounded into you when making mistakes. There are so many things you wish someone had told you before you went out and made a noobish ass of yourself.

Even with the much-improved Aura tutorial that's been implemented in EVE, there are lots of things that still cause players to scream something to the effect of, "Why didn't anyone warn me?!" This is often accompanied by frantically warping away from one's obliterated ship in an escape pod with a liberal amount of cursing. Of course, it doesn't have to be this way.

Continue reading Ten things every new player should know about EVE Online

MassivelyTen things every new player should know about EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auraccpccp-gamescloneconcordcrazykinuxdavid-perrydronebayeveeve-onlinegriefergriefinghighseclowsecnoobpodtipstrickstutorialWed, 23 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Suicide ganking investigated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/eve-evolved-suicide-ganking-investigated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/eve-evolved-suicide-ganking-investigated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/eve-evolved-suicide-ganking-investigated/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online is a game where you're vulnerable to PvP in the safest of places. Even in high security systems where CONCORD will destroy any ship that attacks you, you're still vulnerable in the few seconds before the police arrive. Because of this, swarms of players in cheap ships are able to kill larger targets by synchronising their initial volleys. In recent years, suicide attacks have turned into a viable profession, with the primary targets being industrial ships and freighters carrying a high value of items.

Safety versus consequences:
A common misconception among newer players is that CONCORD are there to provide safety for players in high security space. Rather than provide direct safety to the player being attacked, they instead provide consequences for the attacker. While many other MMOs physically limit when and where you can attack someone, EVE starts with the assumption that PvP is possible everywhere and then adds punishments for engaging in safe areas. The attacking ships are destroyed and the security status of their pilots is lowered. If they lose too much security status, they won't be able to safely enter high security systems any more.

Suicide attacks are on the rise in New Eden and cries for CCP to step in and resolve the situation have reached new highs. So what's the problem and how can it be avoided? Read on as I delve into the world of suicide ganking.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Suicide ganking investigated

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Suicide ganking investigated originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexploitfeaturedgankgriefingjoystiqfeaturessuicideMon, 21 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[When carebears attack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/when-carebears-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/when-carebears-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/when-carebears-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


CrazyKinux from The Drone Bay podcast, and of course one of Massively's EVE Online columnists, had an interesting find which he recently shared on his site. "When Carebears Attack" isn't the newest video out there, but given the absolute hammering that miners have been taking in Empire space over the past few months, it's quite timely. Here we see an exhumer pilot named 'JNB' who's fed up with ore thieves and being griefed in general, simply for being a miner.

While not technically griefing as it's considered a fair use of game mechanics, 'can flipping' is the time-honored tradition of a thief sneaking up on a mining vessel and replacing the floating cargo container (being mined into for greater efficiency) with his own, bearing the same name. When the miner or his hauler unknowingly removes ore from the thief's can, the innocent party becomes criminally flagged -- ironically, for being a thief himself -- and then is predictably blown apart by his antagonist. Concord, i.e. 'the police' in EVE, takes no action against the can flipper. Tired of this use of game mechanics, the carebear in this video snaps and starts hunting down griefers in a repurposed Hulk, which is little more than a fancy mining vessel; it's completely unfit for PvP... or is it? The footage shows the miner racking up a respectable kill count by using his normally defensive drones as vicious little attackers. It turns out some carebears have teeth after all.

MassivelyWhen carebears attack originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdronedroneseveeve-onlineexhumergame-mechanicsgriefinghulkhumorminerminingpvprevengesci-fivideoMon, 16 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When have you had enough?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-daily-grind-when-have-you-had-enough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-daily-grind-when-have-you-had-enough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-daily-grind-when-have-you-had-enough/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sometimes, we play games well past their expiration date. Long after it's stopped being fun, a particular game continues to get our attention. The reasons for this vary: You want to unlock every Easter egg; you can't afford anything new; you play through as a soothing exercise, trusting in your foreknowledge of every beat of gameplay to relax you enough to fall asleep.

However, with an MMO, there are different considerations. Perhaps you're holding out for that patch you're hoping will fix that one annoying bug. Maybe you love your guildmates too much to consider quitting. Whatever the reason you keep playing, there comes a point at which you just can't hold on anymore, and you cancel your subscription. Tired graphics? Abusive chat? Constant griefing? What's caused you to finally quit a game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: When have you had enough? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsexpiration-dategriefingguildmateshad-enoughquittdgthe-daily-grindTue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You're grinding in World of Warcraft's Stranglethorn Vale (voted most ganktastic by our friends at WoW Insider) when a level 70 druid finds it hilarious to moonfire your lowbie buttocks and camp your corpse for the next eight hours. You're grinding in Lineage II when suddenly someone completely rips you apart with Demon Sword Zariche, and the proceeds to do it over and over again. Face of Mankind players saw the days of other players killing player character police officers "just because it was fun and easy". Final Fantasy XI players dealt with the controversy of monster player killing, known as an MPK. Diablo had the problem of people raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you... I think you got the point.

Griefing is a problem in MMOs -- a very big problem. As more users enter our wonderful worlds of fantasy and intrigue, more and more of them think it's hilarious to make others suffer and waste time. So why is this phenomenon occuring, and what can developers do about it?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocblizzardccpcrimedeath-penaltydiabloeveeve-onlineface-of-mankindfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifomfuncomgriefingjanoff-bulmanjerksjoystiqfeatureslegal-systemlineage-2ncsoftojomprisonpsychologysocial-psychologysquare-enixworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft Europe wants to avoid making 'copycat' MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ncsoft-europe-wants-to-avoid-making-copycat-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ncsoft-europe-wants-to-avoid-making-copycat-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ncsoft-europe-wants-to-avoid-making-copycat-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NCsoft Europe was created in the wake of last year's deal with Sony to provide content for the PlayStation 3 platform. In an interview with the Develop magazine site, company creative director Marc D'Souza offers hope for future titles that don't simply "redress" World of Warcraft's gameplay. While the NCsoft developers greatly respect Blizzard's behemoth, they're looking to offer a very different alternative.

"To maximize your potential, you really need to work from first principles. If you only copy what other people are doing, then you're not going to understand the choices and compromises that were made from a design point of view." It's clear the company has a good grasp of what's 'in play' at the moment. Avoiding previous pitfall while charting new territory is what innovation is all about.

The interview also covers the social challenges to MMO developers in the form of griefing, as well as some thoughts on the art vs. graphics debate. Make sure to check it out.

MassivelyNCsoft Europe wants to avoid making 'copycat' MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>griefingncsoftncsoft-europeworld-of-warcraftWed, 14 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Maxed out and bored]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/player-vs-everything-maxed-out-and-bored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/player-vs-everything-maxed-out-and-bored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/player-vs-everything-maxed-out-and-bored/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Congratulations! You've hit level 70 (or whatever max level is in your favorite game), and you're officially a badass. For many players, this is a goal they've been striving towards for months -- even years in some cases. The feeling of having that first max level character is immensely invigorating. It's like putting the finishing touches on a long-term project or getting to the last page of a monstrous novel. What an accomplishment! However, after basking in the glow of your newly maxed out character for a few days, you quickly realize you have a small problem: What do you do with yourself now?

The answer to that question is going to depend heavily on what game you play. For most people, it's going to be PvP, raiding, or a nice mix of both. You'll probably continue collecting gear for your character or working on your skills. Depending on the game, you might be able to work on some sort of alternate advancement or achievement system for your character -- maybe even hunt down some unique titles. All of this is pretty standard fare for endgame content. Sooner or later, you'll probably get a little bored of it. Don't fret, though! There's a whole host of other interesting things you can do to keep yourself entertained at maximum level that go beyond the planned content. Read on for a few suggestions.

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Maxed out and bored

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Maxed out and bored originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activitiesauctionboredcollectingeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedgankinggriefinglevel-caplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromarketplaceplayer-vs-everythingrole-playingroleplayingthings-to-dotradeskillsworld-of-warcraftFri, 25 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Who's got the best support team?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We like to think we'll never need help. That everything will run smoothly, your account won't get stolen out from under you, that you won't be the subject of routine griefing. Hope springs eternal, but there are whole fleets of people just waiting to help you when you need assistance. However, that doesn't always mean that you'll get it, or that it will be the kind of help you were expecting.

With that in mind, then, I know that most of our readers are multi-mmo -- you've all got experience with many different games and companies. When the fewmets hit the fan, who's there for you? Which game has the best player support? Which has the worst?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Who's got the best support team? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fewmetsgmgriefergriefinghelpplayer-supportstolen-accounttech-supportthe-daily-grindSat, 15 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Griefers can add value to a class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/g/#commentsFiled under: , ,

teaching in SLKoin 6 News is carrying an article by Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick about griefing in educational settings in Second Life. The article may surprise some - it quite carefully points out that you get the equivalent to griefers in real classes, where you exclude them from class and usually you exclude them from your Second Life classes too, or move the class since that is simple where the land owner has neglected to give you rights to exclude others.

The piece discusses turning the situation into something teachable, the fact that no physical harm can be done, and goes on to discuss, accurately, the "Big 6" ways to get banned from Second Life. In the interests of disclosure, I work with 2 of the teachers interviewed through Literature Alive!

(Via SLReports)

MassivelyGriefers can add value to a class originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationexclusiongriefingLiterature-AliveSecond-LifeteachingTOSSat, 03 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST