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[The Daily Grind: Do you stay loyal to your MMO guild?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ultima Online wedding, my guild as honor guard, circa 1998
When I joined a guild in Ultima Online in 1997, I had no idea I was going to still be in a version of that guild almost 15 years later. Heck, I doubt I even realized that MMOs would still be a thing 15 years later! But from chatting with my fellow Massively staffers and you lovely readers, I've realized that my experience isn't shared by most people. Guilds implode. New games emerge. People move on. Drama develops. Real life happens. That sense of loyalty just isn't always worth the trouble. Guilds often exist to help members meet their goals in a single game, and when those goals are met, that's it -- it's over.

But I'll move to (and stay in) games past their expiration dates just to hang out with guildies. What about you guys? Are you loyal to a single guild or group of gaming friends, or do you drop from a guild when you drop out of a game, knowing you'll find new mates in the next big thing?

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: Do you stay loyal to your MMO guild? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmodaily-grindeaelectronic-artsfantasyguildguildslord-britishloyaltymythicmythic-entertainmentopiniontdgthe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineuoSat, 26 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Why I rejected your guild application]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/storyboard-why-i-rejected-your-guild-application/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/storyboard-why-i-rejected-your-guild-application/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/storyboard-why-i-rejected-your-guild-application/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not pictured: Phillip J. Fry as an N7 operative. Yeah, that's life in this neck of the woods lately.
Explaining guilds to people who don't play MMOs is always odd. You have to explain the process of applying, getting interviewed, and generally being brought on some trial runs in a way that doesn't make the whole thing sound like an unpleasant second job. This is even worse when it comes to explaining roleplaying guilds, which often level all the same restrictions as endgame-focused guilds with the added benefit that you're being examined based on your character rather than your play ability.

So it feels like a real kick in the teeth to do all that and then get rejected.

At face value, this feels outright ridiculous. The only criteria for a roleplaying guild should be roleplaying, and if you're applying for one, you almost by definition pass. But there's actually a lot of valid reasons to say that someone just isn't right for your roleplaying guild. So you might not have been rejected because the guild is made up of judgmental pricks -- it might be for the best.

Continue reading Storyboard: Why I rejected your guild application

MassivelyStoryboard: Why I rejected your guild application originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguildguild-applicationguild-interactionguildsopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Five ways to burn bridges with your guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-guild-counsel-five-ways-to-burn-bridges-with-your-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-guild-counsel-five-ways-to-burn-bridges-with-your-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-guild-counsel-five-ways-to-burn-bridges-with-your-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

rift bridge
There are ways to leave a guild, and then there are cringe-worthy, horrifying ways to leave a guild, burn your bridges, and never, ever leave the door open for a possible return. We've all heard tales (and sometimes witnessed them firsthand!) of people leaving guilds in ways that defy humanity (leaving right in the middle of a raid is one of my favorites). Surprisingly, there are some guild departures that succeed in severing ties and are unfortunately all-too-common.

In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at a few ways to really do it wrong when it comes to guild departures.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Five ways to burn bridges with your guild

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Five ways to burn bridges with your guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-betryalguild-counselguild-departuresguild-dramaguild-hopperguild-hoppersguild-hoppingguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-shoppingguild-stealingguildhopperguildsleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 24 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Four reasons in-character reporting is good for SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/hyperspace-beacon-four-reasons-in-character-reporting-is-good-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/hyperspace-beacon-four-reasons-in-character-reporting-is-good-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/hyperspace-beacon-four-reasons-in-character-reporting-is-good-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Four reasons in-character reporting is good for SWTOR
A few weeks back, I wrote an article about why I played Star Wars: The Old Republic. I drew on references from my childhood and how much Star Wars influenced my life. Although I did mention the impact of the roleplay community, I didn't talk about the roleplaying side of my MMO gameplay and how that influences my enjoyment of the game.

When the quests dry up and PvP becomes stale, RP and the RP community hold me to this game. Multiple readers of the Hyperspace Beacon and fans of The Republic have asked how they can get involved in the roleplay in SWTOR. I usually point them to one place: SWTOR-RP.com.

I could go on and on about this site and what it has done for the roleplay community, but nothing stands out more than the metagame that it's created with in-character articles. These news reports and editorials have been a launchpad for many in-character conversations. So let me draw you in and show you what I'm talking about.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Four reasons in-character reporting is good for SWTOR

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Four reasons in-character reporting is good for SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfeaturedguild-eventsguildshyperspace-beaconin-characterin-character-eventsin-character-reportinglive-eventslucasartsopinionroleplayroleplayerroleplayingsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-rpthe-old-republictorTue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
One of the challenges of running a guild is avoiding the emotional peaks and valleys that tend to come up. In fact, one of the scariest times for a guild is when it's just accomplished something big because once the cheers stop, there's a void left and people begin to wonder what's next. It's not uncommon for a guild that's just hit an amazing goal to lose some members shortly after, and in some cases, it can actually lead to a guild withering and drying up because there's a letdown and apathy sets in.

How do you survive the dreaded plateau? Let's look at a few ways in this week's Guild Counsel!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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guild leader's handbook
This past Monday marked the fifth anniversary of Scott Andrews' Officers' Quarters, a weekly column on WoW Insider that deals with guild issues in World of Warcraft. He's also the author of The Guild Leader's Handbook, which is a must-read for any guild leader. It's a terrific accomplishment to keep a column going for so long, and week after week, he's provided valuable advice to reader questions on guild management.

Whether you've just heard of Officers' Quarters or you're a longtime fan, let's look at a few reasons Scott Andrews deserves a tip of the hat and a hearty salute.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Saluting Scott Andrews on five years of valuable guild advice

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Saluting Scott Andrews on five years of valuable guild advice originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadviceblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsleadershipofficers-quartersopinionscott-andrewsthe-guild-counselthe-guild-leaders-handbookwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwow-insiderThu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
"Whenever we design a new feature we always ask ourselves how it impacts our players' ability to play with their friends," ArenaNet's Eric Flannum stated about Guild Wars 2. In an interview focused on connecting players together, Flannum made it clear that the team was looking for every possible opportunity to pave the way for social hookups.

Flannum addressed the specifics of how Guild Wars 2's servers work in relation to transfers. While there is a traditional paid transfer service (which can be used only every seven days), all players will have the ability to hop over to friends' servers as a guest. Player team-ups are further made possible by the dynamic level-adjusting system that scales players down to the zone they're occupying.

This process is made easier by ArenaNet's decision to make friend lists and guilds account-wide instead of specific to a server. So while each guild has a home server, other chapters can exist elsewhere. Flannum also said that the team is carefully structuring its PvP system so that it will be free from potential abuse by server guesting.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetaeric-flannumfantasyfriend-listfriends-listgroupgroupingguildguild-wars-2guildsgw2home-serverhome-worldhookupsinterviewncsoftpc-gamerpvpserverserver-transferssocialteamteamingteamupsTue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA gives players a guide to guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If these players were in a guild, they'd be having at least 30% more fun right now.
Maybe TERA is your first MMO, maybe you want to learn about what TERA offers its guilds, or maybe you just want to see guilds defined as something other than small-scale drama generators for once. There are a lot of reasons you might want to look at TERA's new guide to guilds in the game, but whatever your motivation, the guide will provide you with all the answers you need to start guilding away with ease.

The main benefit to being in a guild in TERA are the guild quests; available all across the game, each guild quest provides players with Catharnac Awards that can be used to improve the guild's level and buy special items from vendors. You also need to be part of a level 3 guild to run for public office, which is all the more reason for politically minded players to make friends. But don't take our word for it -- after all, there's a guide to tell you all of this in detail.

MassivelyTERA gives players a guide to guilds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscultureen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsgame-systemsguideguidesguildguild-benefitsguild-questsguildsnewssystemsteraThu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: What's your guild really worth?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-guild-counsel-whats-your-guild-really-worth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-guild-counsel-whats-your-guild-really-worth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-guild-counsel-whats-your-guild-really-worth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT chest
One age-old debate in MMOs revolves around the buying and selling of characters, and the argument becomes especially contentious when it involves the exchange of real-life money. The members of one camp will staunchly defend the practice, saying they put the time and effort into the toons and that those characters are theirs to do with as they please. Others argue the opposite, saying that there are plenty of characters who were given help from others in leveling and acquiring gear, and it's not right to take that collective effort and market it to the highest bidder.

It's a complicated issue for sure, but it's mainly centered around one single character. But what if it involved an entire guild? That's a question that players have had to tackle recently in World of Warcraft, as the practice of buying and selling guilds has become more and more popular. Would you buy a guild if you were just starting out? And would you sell your guild if you were done with the game? As usual, there are three sides to this coin, and it's something that we might see more of in other MMOs, so let's take a look at some of the arguments both for and against in today's Guild Counsel.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: What's your guild really worth?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: What's your guild really worth? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebuying-guildsfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 03 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Hero spotlights and Diablo III confirms PvP arenas in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/not-so-massively-hero-spotlights-and-diablo-iii-confirms-pvp-ar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/not-so-massively-hero-spotlights-and-diablo-iii-confirms-pvp-ar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/not-so-massively-hero-spotlights-and-diablo-iii-confirms-pvp-ar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
This week, League of Legends revealed plans to buff support tanks in the Varus patch and change several ability power items. Riot also plans to buff Master Yi and nerf Ryze's ability to tank and deal damage at the same time. Dota 2 released an updated user interface designed to take all the pain out of using the courier, and Bloodline Champions revealed its massive $10,000 DreamHack Summer 2012 tournament.

Diablo III revealed the Witch Doctor this week, giving Diablo II necromancer fans a peek at the closest replacement they'll get in the upcoming title. Blizzard's Jay Wilson also confirmed that PvP arenas will be released long before the end of the year. Heroes of Newerth released its new support hero Ellonia, an ice mage whose abilities focus around a stacking slow debuff. Rise of Immortals released a new immortal spotlight video on popular area-effect damage-dealer Netheurgist and encouraged players to start guilds with a contest to win 1,000 prestige points for every guild member.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Hero spotlights and Diablo III confirms PvP arenas in 2012

MassivelyNot So Massively: Hero spotlights and Diablo III confirms PvP arenas in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgAlistarAmumubattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championsbuffcompetitive-gamingcourierd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadreamhackdreamhack-2012dreamhack-summerdreamhack-summer-2012e-sporte-sportsElloniaesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasyguildsheroes-of-newerthhonjay-wilsonleague-of-legendsLeonalolmaster-yimobamultiplayernerfNetheurgistnewsnot-so-massivelynsmNunuonline-multiplayerpatchpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvppvp-arenasriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamesryzes2s2-gamesstunlockstunlock-studiosTarictorchlight-2torchlight-iivalvevarusvideoMon, 30 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: When do you trust the new guy?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-guild-counsel-when-do-you-trust-the-new-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-guild-counsel-when-do-you-trust-the-new-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-guild-counsel-when-do-you-trust-the-new-guy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

swtor
When you're running a guild, there are lots of clear, right and wrong, cut and dried issues to take on. It might not be easy to carry them out, but it's pretty easy to know what the right decision is. There are some, however, that aren't so clear, and it's hard to even gauge which variables might help reveal the best solution. One of those naggingly difficult areas is knowing when to put your trust in a new member. A good recruitment policy will help filter out bad matches, but at what point do you know that a new member really is a good fit with the guild and can be trusted? As much as I'd like to just say "you'll know it when you see it" and leave it at that, I'd like to touch on a few areas that might come into play as you evaluate new members. Read on for a few ideas in this week's Guild Counsel, and add yours to the discussion below!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: When do you trust the new guy?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: When do you trust the new guy? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons Online invites players to build a guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dungeons-and-dragons-online-invites-players-to-build-a-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dungeons-and-dragons-online-invites-players-to-build-a-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dungeons-and-dragons-online-invites-players-to-build-a-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fight the Drow, fight random strangers in a bar. Either one.
If you're going to take on the Drow in Dungeons & Dragons Online, you're going to need help. You'll need allies, people you can count on no matter what. In other words, you need a guild. That means recruiting some good players -- and the new Build Your Guild event is aimed at giving players incentives for just that. Running until late June, the event offers players two different ways to gain fantastic advantages just by being in a guild.

All players can gain extra experience and loot by grouping with fellow guild members, whether you're a new player or an old hand. You can also gain special bounties for reaching leveling milestones, which grants bonus guild renown and astral diamonds. Last but not least, guilds will randomly be rewarded a variety of prizes during the length of the event, culminating with a level 85 airship in late June. The event should provide plenty of incentive for players to work together in a guild, and if you happen to get some prizes along the way, so much the better.

MassivelyDungeons & Dragons Online invites players to build a guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>build-your-guildddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playguildguildsin-game-eventsnewpromotionsturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: What makes a guild leader miserable?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-guild-counsel-what-makes-a-guild-leader-miserable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-guild-counsel-what-makes-a-guild-leader-miserable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-guild-counsel-what-makes-a-guild-leader-miserable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

swtor facepalm
Guild-leading can be a very enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it's not always a walk in the park. In many of the columns here and the discussions that follow, the most common theme is how leading guilds is both the best and the toughest role in the game. When things are all falling into place and everyone's clicking, it's extremely satisfying to see it all come together. But when it's not, it can be extremely frustrating and stressful.

We've often looked at the benefits of running a guild, but in today's Guild Counsel, let's look at a few areas that can sometimes make guild leadership almost seem not worth it. Hopefully by discussing and recognizing these moments of misery, guild leaders can find some solace in knowing that they aren't alone, and members can help make life easier for their leaders.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: What makes a guild leader miserable?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: What makes a guild leader miserable? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecalling-a-raidchallenges-of-running-a-guildfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-departuresguild-leader-distrustguild-leader-turning-people-awayguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-miseryguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard riding a camel
There are some things in life that just go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie, sun and sand, and guilds and embarrassing moments. In fact, one thing that makes guild life so memorable is our collection of those little screw-ups that leave us laughing and wondering what on earth someone was thinking. There are tons of things people do in game that leave them flustered (believe me, I know!), but some go down in history as classic moments of mortification. Let's take a look at a few epic embarrassments in this week's Guild Counsel.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildshumorleadershipmistellopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Hall in EQII
In my regular columns at Massively, I enjoy taking a look at various topics surrounding family-friendly MMOs and common issues in guild management. So it seemed natural to take the two subjects and combine them for this week's MMO Family. Gamers are growing older, and we're seeing an increasing presence of younger players, even in the more serious "adult" games like Lord of the Rings Online and EverQuest II. For those who play MMOs with their children, it might seem reasonable to seek a guild tag for them, but that might not sit well with your guild peers.

Should kids be allowed in guilds? Are there any benefits to sharing a tag with your children, or are they better off staying unguilded?

Continue reading MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?

MassivelyMMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecasualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gamesleadershipmmo-familyopinionWed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
Many moons ago when the air just started to cool from summer's heat (aka, last September), Some Assembly Required had the opportunity to talk shop with a new outfit that is developing a promising new sandbox MMORPG, Origins of Malu. And you know me: Sandbox is the magic word! As skeptical as I knew I should be, I still came away from that interview with renewed hope that a game with some of the features for player-generated content could exist again.

Back then, Burning Dog Media made the bold statement that it would absolutely release its flagship game in 2012, with a target of early 2012 to boot. But as the first quarter of the year quickly drew to a close with scant information available, it became pretty clear the game is still a ways off. In the realm of games, no news is not necessarily good news... and we definitely hit a drought in news.

Now that drought has ended. In our second exclusive interview, we spoke with Michael Dunham, Producer, Jason Mitchell, Senior Developer, and Dave Cruikshank, Art Director, to learn what's been going on behind the scenes and get the scoop on more details about those very features that have sandbox lovers salivating.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning-dog-mediaconstructioncraftingDave-Cruikshankeconomyexclusiveexclusive-interviewfaction-warfarefactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguildsinterviewinterviewsJason-Mitchellmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamopinionorigins-of-malupgcplayer-contentplayer-economyplayer-generated-contentPvEPvPsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Time for a mutiny!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-guild-counsel-time-for-a-mutiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-guild-counsel-time-for-a-mutiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-guild-counsel-time-for-a-mutiny/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Counsel
In last week's Guild Counsel, we looked at some of the qualities required of guildleaders for those who might be thinking of trying it out. But what if you're someone who's already a member of a guild? If I had a nickel for every time a guild member thought to himself, "I could do a better job," I'd be able to retire and buy a ticket to fly in space. In some cases, it's just an issue of backseat driving, but in others, there's some merit to that point of view. When is it time to step in and replace the guild leader? And if so, how do you do it without the usual Hindenburgesque drama that ensues?

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Time for a mutiny!

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Time for a mutiny! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-mutinyguildsinactive-leadersleadershipnick-yeeopinionthe-guild-counselworld-of-warcraft-inactive-leaderThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Black Citadel Forest, Guild Wars 2
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

Guild Wars 2 is on the way (when it's ready), and classic Guild Wars players probably understand that soon they'll be competing with a younger sibling -- a smarter, more attractive one who's sure to get more of mom's attention. And while we're sure that some of the more stalwart Guild Wars 2 fans are also Guild Wars players, not all veterans of the first edition are dedicated to licking up every drop of sequel info squeezed out of blogs, conventions, and betas. Those veterans might just be wondering, what exactly can Guild Wars 2 offer them, other than Hall of Monuments tie-ins? What's changed? What's the same? What will they love, what will they hate, and what could possibly make them jump ship to the new hotness?

The first and most important thing you must know is that yes, you can jump in Guild Wars 2! Seriously, though, jumping is more than just a thing you do with your spacebar when you're bored; it's a symbol of boundlessness. Guild Wars 2 itself is trying to jump a lot higher than its elder brother, and probably the essential difference between the games is that feeling that the walls have come down and gravity is letting loose. That alone should urge classic players to take a peek, but if that's not enough for you, fire up your Jeremy Soule soundtracks (yes, he's onboard for an encore!) and read on...

Continue reading Making the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2

MassivelyMaking the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetauction-hallbetacash-shopcharacter-creationclosed-betaclosed-beta-3comparisondeathdeath-penaltydungeonsdynamic-contenteconomyendgameeye-of-the-northfantasyfeaturedgeargemsgroupgroupingguideguidesguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-guideguild-wars-2-previewguildsgvggwgw2hall-of-monumentshands-onhominterfacejumpjumpingloremap-travelncsoftpreviewpreviewspropheciespvpquestsrenown-heartrmtsidekickingskill-pointtrading-posttyriauiuser-interfaceworld-vs-worldworld-vs-world-vs-worldwvwwvwvwMon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Are you ready to lead a guild?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-guild-counsel-are-you-ready-to-lead-a-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-guild-counsel-are-you-ready-to-lead-a-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-guild-counsel-are-you-ready-to-lead-a-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
The Guild Counsel has explored lots of tips and advice that make running a guild more enjoyable and (hopefully!) more successful. But I'm constantly amazed at the number of players I meet in MMOs who would probably make great leaders and would probably enjoy it but don't give it a try. Making the leap from player to guild leader can be both tempting and daunting, and unfortunately, there's no easy way to tell who will make a good leader and who won't. Plenty of us have come across people who really should not have taken on the guild leader role, but for every bad guild leader, there are probably dozens of good people who could become great leaders if they chose to make the leap.

Granted, there are many who are firmly set on staying away from the role, and that's understandable, but this week's column is devoted to those who are considering stepping forward to lead but aren't sure if they have what it takes. Are you ready to run a guild? Let's find out!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Are you ready to lead a guild?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Are you ready to lead a guild? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceare-you-ready-to-run-a-guildfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionthe-guild-counseltips-on-guild-leadershipThu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT 1.8: Guild recruitment system preview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rift-1-8-guild-recruitment-system-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rift-1-8-guild-recruitment-system-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rift-1-8-guild-recruitment-system-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
RIFT's upcoming 1.8 patch will come in handy for players still caught in the search for a guild to call home, thanks to the guild recruitment system. Guild leaders will be able to (but don't have to) post listings to try to attract more players to their guilds. These listings can be customized with such information as the guild's category (RP, hardcore, PvP, dungeons, raiding, and more), the sort of roles that need to be filled (tank, heal, damage, and support), character level, and play schedule. There's also a description field that'll allow leaders to give a more in-depth description of guild services and outlook.

Players will access the guild finder through their social menu and be able to sort through guilds by roles, availability, guild size, and category. They'll then see all posted information and be able to decide which guild they think is a good fit for them. A message button in the finder screen will allow players to contact guild leaders, and thus shall many happy matches be made.

MassivelyRIFT 1.8: Guild recruitment system preview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyguild-recruitment-systemguild-searchguildspatchPatch1.8riftrift-1.8rift-literift-planes-of-telaraRift1.8triontrion-worldsupdateTue, 20 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Raiding and dealing with the dreaded 'bench']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/the-guild-counsel-raiding-and-dealing-with-the-dreaded-bench/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/the-guild-counsel-raiding-and-dealing-with-the-dreaded-bench/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/the-guild-counsel-raiding-and-dealing-with-the-dreaded-bench/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Kobe benched
The good news for guilds these days is that you don't need as many players in order to form a raid and tackle endgame content. However, this is also the bad news because it means guild leaders need to keep a watchful eye on their roster and face the unenviable task of telling certain members they can't be part of the raid on any given night.

In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look the time-honored tradition of benchwarming and cover some tips on how to avoid the drama that comes with it. You may not be able to completely avoid having to sit members out, but there are some ways to cut down on how often you do have to say no.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Raiding and dealing with the dreaded 'bench'

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Raiding and dealing with the dreaded 'bench' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebenchwarmingfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionraidingthe-guild-counselThu, 15 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Repopulation screnshot
GDC literally has a little of everything, from indie developers to major studios, from free-to-play games to shooters to arena battles to retro to family... there really is something for everyone. As a massive fan of sandboxes myself, I was pleased to get to spend so much time with Above and Beyond Technologies' lead dev and co-owner Josh Halls and artist Kevin Grove as they demonstrated some of the features in their upcoming title, The Repopulation. (And I would have even spent longer if I could have!)

While I had a monopoly on the team's attention, I had the chance to see some of the customization available to characters, both in appearance and gear, as well as get the lowdown on the world building element. We actually walked through the building of a nation, a feature that will make many a sandbox fan giddy! Although Josh was quick to point out that only a few items were available at this point in development, there was certainly enough to get a feel for the system. And I am looking forward to it!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiescharacter-customizationcitiescitycity-buildingcity-building gameconconferenceconventioncraftingcustomizationdemofeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012guildsinterviewinterviewsJosh-HallsJoshua-HallsKevin-Grovenationsplayer-run-economypreviewpreviewsrepopulationrole-playsandboxsandbox-gamesci-fistar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-repopulationSat, 10 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Four ways to be a great guildmate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-guild-counsel-four-ways-to-be-a-great-guildmate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-guild-counsel-four-ways-to-be-a-great-guildmate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-guild-counsel-four-ways-to-be-a-great-guildmate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Red Sox
When looking at the dos and don'ts of guild leadership and member interactions, usually the don'ts tend to dominate the discussion. And when it comes to evaluating player types, usually it's the negative types that get described, like the Henny Penny, the Mr. Wiggly, or the Guild Turkey.

But what about a player who might be interested in trying his hand at joining a guild? There are definitely some tips that help make you a respected guild member and won't have you feeling like pretending to be someone you aren't. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at some easy ways to leave a good impression and be seen as a great guildie by your mates!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Four ways to be a great guildmate

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Four ways to be a great guildmate originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-problemsguildshow-to-be-a-great-guildmatekaren-bryanleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 08 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: One step forward...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/hyperspace-beacon-one-step-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/hyperspace-beacon-one-step-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/hyperspace-beacon-one-step-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: One Step Forward...
You might notice that the Hyperspace Beacon changed its face a bit. That's because I'm reporting from the Guild Summit in Austin, Texas -- BioWare's headquarters. Over 250 guilds and fan sites were invited to not only see the team's plans for Star Wars: The Old Republic but also voice their ideas for what they want from the game.

Of course, a game carrying the Star Wars name appeals to a large diverse group of people, and not just because of the Star Wars IP; BioWare has created a name for itself with incredible story-driven games like Mass Effect 3, which released this morning. Among the pre-summit discussion was the question of whether and how much BioWare leans on the Star Wars IP for the success of the game. The consensus among the guild leaders I spoke to was an interesting and surprising one: Although BioWare certainly leaned on Star Wars for the story elements of the game, the lack of huge success for the most recent LucasArts games suggests that the Star Wars IP actually leaned on BioWare's reputation.

When I jumped into Q&A with the guild leaders, I half-expected a bunch of over-enthusiastic fanboys. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, although they were fans, those invited to this summit were very level-headed and oftentimes critical of the game's development. Thankfully, during the course of the summit, the developers were equally willing to address these concerns.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: One step forward...

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: One step forward... originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-a-jedibiowarechris-elwoodcombat-logcondemneddamion-schuberteaelectronic-artsevent-coveragefeaturedgear-grindgeorg-zoellerguild-summitguildshyperspace-beaconlucasartsold-timers-guildopinionport-nowherePvEPvPsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.2Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: New game, new guild, cold feet - now what?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-guild-counsel-new-game-new-guild-cold-feet-now-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-guild-counsel-new-game-new-guild-cold-feet-now-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-guild-counsel-new-game-new-guild-cold-feet-now-what/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yoda
There's an eerie similarity between gamers and guilds when it comes to game launches. The day a game goes live, there's often a huge rush of players, elbowing each other as they gobble up content. But as quickly as they arrive, some players decide that this isn't the game for them, and they move on.

The same is true for many new guilds. If you consider the size of the Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-launch guild database, for example, there were over 78,000 guilds signed up to deploy, but the total number of guilds still active today is undoubtedly only a fraction of that. In some cases, guilds that signed up probably never got off the ground, but in other cases, it's possible that the guild soured on the game. Now, it's one thing if you're just one individual who gets cold feet, but it's much more complicated when you're the guild leader and you've got a roster full of members tagging alongside you. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll consider what you should do you do when you've made a guild in a new game and then realize the game just isn't your cup of tea.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: New game, new guild, cold feet - now what?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: New game, new guild, cold feet - now what? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-leading-cold-feetguild-managementguildleader-leaving-guildguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionpre-launch-guildsstar+wars+the+old+republicstarwarstheoldrepublicswtor-guild-databasethe-guild-counselThu, 01 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Players manipulate SWTOR's guild system to create a premature Oceanic server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/players-manipulate-swtors-guild-system-to-create-a-premature-oc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/players-manipulate-swtors-guild-system-to-create-a-premature-oc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/players-manipulate-swtors-guild-system-to-create-a-premature-oc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SWTOR
We find that player ingenuity is always quick to take up the slack left by MMO studios. In the case of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the initial lack of Oceanic and Asian servers prompted players in those regions to come up with a unique solution: to create a server of their own, using BioWare's own system to their advantage.

Many MMOs have unofficial servers for regions and rulesets, but pulling them together can take an incredible amount of work and still end up halfway done. However, Oceanic and Asian players wanted to make sure that they all rolled on the same server right on launch day, so guilds began to get in contact with each other and use BioWare's own guild registration system to link Republic and Empire groups together in an Oceanic "daisy chain." Because the system was designed to put as many allied and adversary guilds together on a server, the entire daisy chain was planted on a NA west coast server, Swiftsure. In one smart move, the Oceanic and Asian population had their own place to call home.

The story of Swiftsure as a temporary refugee camp for these players is coming to a close, as SWTOR is officially launching overseas on March 1st -- and the population will be offered a free transfer to the new servers. Still, it goes to show you just how inventive players can get.

MassivelyPlayers manipulate SWTOR's guild system to create a premature Oceanic server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adversariesalliancesasiaasianbiowaredaisy-chainguildguild-preregistrationguild-registrationguildsoceanicserversstar-wars-the-old-republicswiftsureswtorTue, 28 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: How to break into raiding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/the-guild-counsel-how-to-break-into-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/the-guild-counsel-how-to-break-into-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/the-guild-counsel-how-to-break-into-raiding/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR Hoth
One question every guild needs to answer at some point is, "Will we be a raiding guild?" Many guilds answer that question with a loud "yes" even before they set foot in game, but for other guilds, it's something that bubbles up as members reach the level cap and raid content is within reach. Raiding tends to get a bad rap, but that's not surprising when you remember that raid videos are usually filled with yelling, swearing, finger pointing, and heavy metal music. It looks about as relaxing as boot camp in the winter.

But it is possible to go from casual to raiding and still maintain a casual, low-key tone. In fact, it's even easier now to do that in many MMOs. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at why we've entered a golden age of raiding, and we'll cover a few handy tips for guilds looking to make the leap.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: How to break into raiding

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: How to break into raiding originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebreaking-into-raidingfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildshow-to-go-from-casual-to-raidingkaren-bryanleadershipopinionraid-leadersraidingthe-guild-counselThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What makes you stay with a bad game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-stay-with-a-bad-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-stay-with-a-bad-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-stay-with-a-bad-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EverQuest screenshot
I freely admit that I've played games that I hate, but the incredible thing is that I've kept playing them, sometimes for several years. I remember actively hating EverQuest in its early days, but MMO alternatives were slim, and getting my friends off the evercrack and into something interesting like Asheron's Call was darn near impossible. The truth was that I was willing to do almost anything to hang out with my guild, including spend $10 a month to camp-check and corpse-run.

So I wonder how many of you have played or are playing a game you dislike, and why? Do you do it out of a sense of loyalty to friends and guildies, like I did? Do you suffer from the completionist's compulsion to finish everything he starts? Do you just want to make sure you've gotten your money's worth? Do you hold out hope that the game (or your tastes) will suddenly change? Or is there some other reason?

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 makes you stay with a bad game? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbrianna-royce-tdgcamp-checkcompletionistcompletistdaily-grindeqevercrackeverquestgrindguildiesguildsloyaltyopiniontdgthe-daily-grindTue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Why is it so hard to say congratulations?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-guild-counsel-why-is-it-so-hard-to-say-congratulations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-guild-counsel-why-is-it-so-hard-to-say-congratulations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-guild-counsel-why-is-it-so-hard-to-say-congratulations/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Miracle on ice handshake
When was the last time you said congratulations to someone in game? And no, I don't mean the spammy "congrats" when someone in guild gains a level, an AA, a skill up, a crafting combine, or any of the dozen other milestones that pop up every day in chat. Those are the easy congratulations because the accomplishment has no direct effect on you. I'm talking about the congratulations when someone beats you in game. You might be in a duel or battleground, and the other guy ends up taking you out. You might be racing for a named mob, and the other guy gets there first. Or you might be in that guild that always seems to fall just a bit short and winds up the bridesmaid when it comes to guild progression.

There is plenty of competition in MMOs, but you rarely see much sportsmanship from players. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at why it's so hard to say "congrats" and why that has an effect on guilds as well as on the communities overall.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Why is it so hard to say congratulations?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Why is it so hard to say congratulations? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congratscongratulations+for+doing+excellent+jobcongratulationsfordoingexcellentjobfeaturedgood-sportsmanshipgraceguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguildskaren-bryanproblem-memberssore-loserssportsmanshipsportsmanship+vs+gamesmanshipsportsmanshipvsgamesmanshipwinnerwinnerswinningwinning-with-graceThu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Mos Eisley Radio part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/hyperspace-beacon-mos-eisley-radio-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/hyperspace-beacon-mos-eisley-radio-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/hyperspace-beacon-mos-eisley-radio-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Mos Eisley Radio Part 2
Last week, I introduced to you again to the crew at Mos Eisley Radio. This podcast and web site launched itself to the Star Wars: The Old Republic community in 2009 and has been growing strong ever since. In fact, it's hard not to be shocked at the growth in viewers and content since SWTOR launched. Some of the other fan sites have actually streamlined their content to compensate for the fact that their crews are busy playing the game. But Mos Eisley Radio's producers have actually expanded its reach -- so much that I had to talk with them about what they are doing.

Executive producer Zach Brown, host Evan Lewis, and guild leader Alan Nauman joined me in a chat about the site, the guild, and the future of the community they are building. If you missed the first part of the conversation, be sure to read that first, then jump past the cut for the rest.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Mos Eisley Radio part 2

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Mos Eisley Radio part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Naumanbiowarecommunityeaelectronic-artsEvan-Lewisfeaturedguildshyperspace-beaconlucasartsMERCMos-Eisley-Radioopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorZach-brownTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the guild that's lasted over 16 years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/meet-the-guild-thats-lasted-over-16-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/meet-the-guild-thats-lasted-over-16-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/meet-the-guild-thats-lasted-over-16-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ultima Online title image
Guilds are a dime a dozen in MMOs today, be they small social guilds or hardcore groups that collect a few hundred players together. Most guildmates you play with will eventually leave the guild, making way for new members giving the game a try. But what if your guild could transcend the game it was formed in, creating a community that stayed together and moved from game to game? The Syndicate is one such guild, boasting a membership of 1,200 players and a 95% retention rate. The organisation celebrates its 16th anniversary this week, having been born as an online community before the release of Ultima Online.

The Syndicate is currently active in Ultima Online and World of Warcraft, having previously been active in EverQuest, Shadowbane and other games. All members agree to follow a charter that forbids stealing, cheating, non-consensual player-killing, and immature behaviour. The Syndicate takes its identity so seriously that it's even trademarked its name and has worked with MMO companies to rename guilds using it. Developers have in turn taken advantage of The Syndicate's huge community size and code of conduct to beta test upcoming games. With its 16th birthday behind it, the guild predates most MMOs on the market today and is still going strong.

MassivelyMeet the guild that's lasted over 16 years originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryeqeverquestfantasyguildguildsthe-syndicateultimaUltima-Onlineultimaonlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare goes bounty hunting for great guild leaders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
Aboard the Empire's great warship BioWare Austin, the Star Wars: The Old Republic community team has put a bounty on passionate leaders for the first SWTOR Guild Summit on March 4th through 6th. The summit is designed to facilitate direct communication between guild leaders and the developers as well as provide a lucky few with an advance sneak peek at some upcoming features.

The best thing about the summit is that any qualifying guild leader interested in helping to shape the game's future can apply to be a part of the summit. The official website has an application form up, although those who want to be considered for the summit need to fill it out by February 10th.

BioWare stated that it has already invited some guilds and that the remainder of the summit will be invite-only due to the limited size of the event. It's important to note that while the event itself is free, attending leaders have to assume the responsibility for transportation, room, and board.

MassivelyBioWare goes bounty hunting for great guild leaders originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinea-biowareguildguild-leaderguild-leadersguild-leadershipguild-summitguildsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-guild-summitWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online has undergone countless changes and iterations since its first release in 2003, with major graphics overhauls and new gameplay systems arriving every year. In contrast, the official EVE website hasn't changed much over the years. With background information, screenshots, video, forums and knowledgebase articles, the EVE website now juggles content designed for prospective players and existing community members alike. CCP aims to change all that with a complete overhaul that will split community tools like the forums, knowledgebase, and account management from marketing designed to attract players.

In a new video devblog, web-developer CCP Alice shows off some of the features of EVE's brand new website. Built using HTML 5, the new page will feature a full built-in renderer able to show prospective players the EVE Online universe map and interactive renderings of every ship in the game. "Now that we have a better eveonline.com, the focus after this one is to focus on the community," says CCP Alice, hinting that new community tools will soon be on the way. In a follow-up devblog today, Community Manager CCP Guard confirmed that players will soon be able to start their own corporation forums hosted on CCP's servers. Check out the full video after the cut.

Continue reading EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog

MassivelyEVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-aliceccp-gamesccp-guardcommunitycommunity-sitecorporationcorporationsdevblogeveeve-onlineforumforumsguildguild-forumsguildssandboxsci-fivideoWeb-DevelopmentwebsiteTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Why you need these seven samurai in your guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-guild-counsel-why-you-need-these-seven-samurai-in-your-guil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-guild-counsel-why-you-need-these-seven-samurai-in-your-guil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-guild-counsel-why-you-need-these-seven-samurai-in-your-guil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seven Samurai
More often than not, when the subject of recruiting comes up, guild leaders can easily explain what they don't want from a potential member. We've all seen the usual reasons for wanting to turn someone away, and there have even been a few write-ups that neatly label and describe troublesome members. But what qualities define "good" members?

Sometimes, it's harder to pinpoint what makes a good guildmate, and the saying "I know it when I see it" usually results. But there are certain types of people that really make a difference in a guild, no matter what playstyle, and we have to look no further than the film The Seven Samurai for a rundown of those types. Recruit these seven members and you'll be well on your way to creating a great guild atmosphere that will last. Let's look at who they are in today's Guild Counsel!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Why you need these seven samurai in your guild

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Why you need these seven samurai in your guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-personalitiesguild-recruitmentguild-tacticianguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionseven-samuraithe-guild-counselThu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Herding cats
When you hear people describe the role of guild leader, you often hear descriptions like "herding cats," "constantly busy," or "running the crazy house." Guild leaders are often easily identified because they're the ones running around at a frantic pace, trying to micromanage every last detail. It's no surprise that few people actually want to be guild leaders because the way the role is described, you're almost expected to take on a second job.

But sometimes guild leaders make things harder than they need to be. Part of that is from a desire to take on too much, but part of that is because there have traditionally been certain things we all assume have to be done. Whether you're a brand-new guild leader or someone who's been running the show for years, it's worth stepping back and questioning whether we really need to be doing all of the things we're doing. Let's put on some Bob Marley and look at a few ways to cut down on the busy work.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebackflaggingdkpfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-bankguild-busy-workguild-counselguild-dkpguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-nannyguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How early should guild creation be allowed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-daily-grind-how-early-should-guild-creation-be-allowed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-daily-grind-how-early-should-guild-creation-be-allowed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-daily-grind-how-early-should-guild-creation-be-allowed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Merkin the Lion's Arch guild dude
Creating a guild is usually one of the largest parts of any major MMO. The guild is the place where you'll connect and coordinate with new and old friends alike. Guilds make an MMO what it is, and without them, we'd all be lost in a sea of PUGs.

But the topic of guild creation has varying schools of thought. Most MMOs let you create a guild in the early stages of the game, as long as you have the required resources. Others gate guild creation by level, rare materials, geographical location, or more. I can see how this would be beneficial, as it would allow characters to learn how to work with random strangers before establishing a familiar group. Many times, once players are in a good guild, they don't venture outside of that comfort zone, almost nullifying the "massively" part of the term "MMO."

So now we want to know your thoughts on the subject. Should guild creation be immediate (or even before the game launches, as with SWTOR), or should it be something to work up to?

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: How early should guild creation be allowed? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guild-creationguildsopinionstarting-a-guildtdgthe-daily-grindFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Star Wars guilds need more love!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-guild-counsel-star-wars-guilds-need-more-love/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-guild-counsel-star-wars-guilds-need-more-love/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-guild-counsel-star-wars-guilds-need-more-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

swtor group
A few weeks back, I wrote about the impressive pre-launch guild system in Star Wars: The Old Republic, pointing out that not only is it wildly popular but that it indicates that BioWare recognizes the validity of guilds. So it surprised me when I began to slowly notice the absence of various guild features and tools that I've grown accustomed to seeing in other games, tools that are almost a necessity in this day and age.

In fact, at one point, I had to ask myself if there was any benefit at all to being in a guild other than having guild chat and a cool tag. I'm certainly haven't lost hope yet because after all, it's only a few weeks into the game, and features like the guild capital ship have already been mentioned as being on the way. But this week, I'm playing amateur developer and adding my list of guild-friendly features that are must-haves for SWTOR (and for all MMOs, actually!).

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Star Wars guilds need more love!

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Star Wars guilds need more love! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfeaturedguildguild-counselguild-managementguildskaren-bryanlucasartsopinionsci-fistar+wars+the+old+republicstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarwarstheoldrepublicswtorswtor+guildswtor-guild-banksswtor-guild-featuresswtor-guild-mailswtor-guild-toolsswtorguildthe-guild-counselthe-old-republictorThu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT asks its community to test raids]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/rift-opens-up-to-the-community-for-raid-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/rift-opens-up-to-the-community-for-raid-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/rift-opens-up-to-the-community-for-raid-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You will probably not be fighting this guy. Things are looking up already!
Do you like RIFT? Do you like raiding? Do you like to test raids in RIFT? Well, then, your ship may very well have come in. The team at Trion Worlds is looking to get some solid raid testing going, giving players a chance to see the next tier of raiding before it goes live. So the call is going out to guilds that have demolished the current endgame, and the best of the best will be pitted against the newest challenges on the horizon.

To be eligible, guilds must have at least 20 members able to participate in two hours of raiding two nights per week; they must also currently be at 11/11 in Hammerknell. Candidates are also expected to have mature members capable of responsible feedback, since they are going to be testing new and possibly buggy combat. If you think your guild qualifies, have your guild leader (which may be you) respond to the call. And be prepared to blow through everything in minutes once it goes live -- that's always the risk.

MassivelyRIFT asks its community to test raids originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycommunity-eventsendgameendgame-testingguildguildsraid-testingraidingraidsriftrift-planes-of-telaratest-servertestingtriontrion-worldsTue, 10 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When does a clever loophole become a bannable exploit?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-daily-grind-when-does-a-clever-loophole-become-a-bannable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-daily-grind-when-does-a-clever-loophole-become-a-bannable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-daily-grind-when-does-a-clever-loophole-become-a-bannable-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR's Ilum
Trouble has been brewing this week over a Star Wars: The Old Republic "exploit" in which people use seemingly legitimate (but perhaps unintended) game mechanics to tip the balance of the game in their favor. Of course, this is nothing new to veteran MMO players, who have seen hundreds, even thousands, of such loopholes and bugs spackled and patched since first MMO came online. Entire World of Warcraft guilds have been banned, however temporarily, for "exploiting" poorly coded raid AI, for example.

I've always felt that it's the game company's responsibility to counter loopholes before anyone takes advantage of them; the onus should be on the developer, not the player, to set the rules of the game using hardcoded mechanics. The players can't be expected to suss out the game-designers' intent, after all. Other gamers believe that "exploiters" really ought to know better and deserve whatever punishments the game's GMs mete out. What do you think? When does a clever loophole become a bannable exploit?

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: When does a clever loophole become a bannable exploit? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbannedbanningbrianna-royce-tdgbugcheatingexploitexploitersexploitsgamemastergmguildsloopholeloopholesopinionstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortdgthe-daily-grindtorWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

swtor
Often, this column has focused on guilds and communities in MMOs, both the good and the bad. With the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, it's interesting to look at the ways in which a community is slowly gelling on each server. Already there are players I'm bumping into more and more often, and while I tend to huddle around guildies most of the time, I find that I enjoy things much more when I'm surrounded by a good community of players.

There's already been a lively discussion among SWTOR fans about whether the current LFG tool is good enough or something more is needed. Do we need something more "meaty" to help do the job of grouping for us or not? Read on for some pros and cons, and weigh in on whether more is needed to help bring the community closer.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredungeon-findereaelectronic-artsfeaturedgroupinggroupsguild-counselguild-managementguildsinstance-finderkaren-bryanlfglfg-toollooking-for-grouplucasartsopinionsci-fistar+wars+the+old+republicstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarwarstheoldrepublicswtorswtor+lfgswtor+newsswtor-dungeon-finderswtor-lfg-toolswtorlfgswtornewsthe+old+republicthe-old-republictheoldrepublictorThu, 29 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST