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: What are your thoughts on headgear?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-thoughts-on-headgear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-thoughts-on-headgear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-thoughts-on-headgear/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Not so much cool cap, bro.
In the real world, helms and hats are important bits of clothing, especially if you're talking about armor that includes a hefty chunk of metal complete with terrifying plume. So it makes perfect sense that pretty much every MMO set in a vaguely fantasy setting (i.e., nearly all of them) would feature a variety of important hats for characters to equip. But we also live in a society in which most men and women do not wear hats on a regular basis, and that's not even getting into the fact that most lower-level hats in MMOs look kind of dorky at best.

Some people like having hats on their characters; hats are part of those characters' appearance. But for many other players, the hat detracts from a character's distinct look, unless it's a purely cosmetic addition without any kind of stats. So what are your thoughts on headgear? Do you like the way it looks? Do you think it should be more freely customizable? Or do you just walk around with the display of said headgear permanently off and never give it a spare thought beyond the stat boosts it provides?

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 are your thoughts on headgear? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancecapscharacter-appearanceequipmentFREE-HAThathatsheadgearhumoropinionstatstdgthe-daily-grindMon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does a class' popularity influence your desire to play it?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-daily-grind-does-a-class-popularity-influence-your-desire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-daily-grind-does-a-class-popularity-influence-your-desire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-daily-grind-does-a-class-popularity-influence-your-desire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There are a few constants that dog my adventures into every MMO. I will play a female character even though I am a man, I will go nuts over pet classes if they are available, I will probably create a legion of alts before ever hitting the level cap, and I will wear stylish hats even if the stats aren't the greatest. But above all of that, the biggest constant in my playing career is that I almost always refuse to pick MMO classes that are extremely popular.

I think it's because I -- like probably most of you -- like to feel unique in games, even though it's usually difficult to achieve. Choosing a class that's in the minority helps with that feeling, and conversely, going with the FOTM or whatever the kids are calling it these days makes me feel like I've got my unique snowflake status revoked.

So is this insane? Do you allow class popularity to influence your desire to play it, or do you just go with whatever sounds like the most fun?

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: Does a class' popularity influence your desire to play it? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altaltsfotmguys-playing-girlshathatsim-weird-get-over-itlegionopinionpet-classpet-classespopularpopular-classpopular-classespopularitystylish-hattdgthe-dailiy-grinduniqueunique-snowflakeyou-are-not-a-unique-snowflakeTue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape introduces sagas and more in May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/runescape-introduces-sagas-and-more-in-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/runescape-introduces-sagas-and-more-in-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/runescape-introduces-sagas-and-more-in-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The team over at Jagex always has several irons in the fire when it comes to RuneScape's future. In a recent behind-the-scenes article, RuneScape's "Mod Mark" provides us with an advance look at some of the team's plans for the game this May.

Several new capes will be added to the game, including a five-year veteran cape and one for players who have tried out RuneScape Classic at some point. Each of the capes is not only stylish but comes with special emotes as well. Continuing with the fashion theme, the devs will also make available PvP "death hats" that change in appearance as you rack up the kills.

Several other quality-of-life improvements are on the table, such as the Dwarf Lava Flow Mine becoming an actual mine for players working on that particular skill. But by far the most exciting plan in the works is the introduction of a fresh type of content in the game: Fremennik Sagas. These are replayable stories by which you step into the shoes of famous characters to experience defining moments in their lives. There are three such Sagas being developed right now, including one in which you hunt for a bandit on the run.

You can peruse all of the proposed additions to the game over at RuneScape.

MassivelyRuneScape introduces sagas and more in May originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenescapecapesdeath-hatsdwarf-lava-flow-minesf2pfree-to-playFremennik-Sagashathatsjagexjagex-gamesmayminingmod-markmod-mark-hpreviewpvppvp-hatsrunescaperunescape-classicveteran-capesveteran-rewardsWed, 04 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Order Fallen Earth via Steam and improve your attire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/order-fallen-earth-via-steam-and-improve-your-attire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/order-fallen-earth-via-steam-and-improve-your-attire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/order-fallen-earth-via-steam-and-improve-your-attire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just because the world has come to an end and society is left to scramble around in the ruins doesn't mean you can't look dashing in the process. Fallen Earth has been on a bit of a kick lately of giving away clothing to purchasers of the game, starting with an astonishingly fetching hat, and now extending via the popular digital service Steam. Until December 3rd, those who purchase the game via Steam will receive a voucher good for a special t-shirt representing one of the game's factions -- CHOTA, Enforcers, Lightbearers, Techs, Travelers or Vistas.

Each shirt qualifies as a piece of level 10 armor, with other stats that are appropriate to the faction in question. (Expect the Techs shirt to offer bonuses to crafting rather than combat bonuses, for example.) The vouchers can be turned in at any time, and should the player later decide they'd prefer to represent someone else, a shirt may be turned in and exchanged for another shirt as well. It's nothing game-breaking, but yet another added incentive to pick up Fallen Earth and see what all the fuss is about. Still not quite as good-looking as the hat, of course, but you have to draw the line somewhere.

MassivelyOrder Fallen Earth via Steam and improve your attire originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbonusesdigital-distributionfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfehatnews-itemsshirtsteamThu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth puts a feather in your hat for purchasing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/fallen-earth-puts-a-feather-in-your-hat-for-purchasing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/fallen-earth-puts-a-feather-in-your-hat-for-purchasing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/fallen-earth-puts-a-feather-in-your-hat-for-purchasing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's always nice to get a little something extra for what you were planning on doing anyway. It's even nicer when the "little something extra" is something you would want on its own merits, at that. Fallen Earth has decided to give its new players exactly that variety of something extra: if you buy now through the official site, you will receive the lovely and (dare we say it) eminently pimptacular hat displayed to the right.

The hat isn't enough reason for you? Well, clearly you aren't looking closely enough at the hat itself. You also might not know that the hat provides your character with Scavenging, Nature, Geology, and Social skill points just by donning it. It's a really nice hat. Lest we get carried away by gushing about the hat, however, it should be duly noted that the hat is also a limited-time offer for purchasers of the game, and is only being distributed by purchasing the game from the official site. So if you've been on the fence, this might be the time to get off the fence and get yourself a truly excellent hat for your troubles.

MassivelyFallen Earth puts a feather in your hat for purchasing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbusiness-modelsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfehathatsnews-itemsorder-bonusTue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Secret of the Solstice heeds player requests, enables guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/secret-of-the-solstice-heeds-player-requests-enables-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/secret-of-the-solstice-heeds-player-requests-enables-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/secret-of-the-solstice-heeds-player-requests-enables-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Outspark's Secret of the Solstice has gotten a new feature in the form of guilds, which has been a frequently-requested addition for a while. According to the site, guild features include emblems, storage space, a bank, and system-wide notices to all guild members, though emblem-creators are warned that only the first emblem is free to create, so be careful.

Other Solstice-related news is the addition to the game of Korean-themed items to further commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Apparently, wearing food items on one's head is a popular thing, because players will have the option of choosing to wear dim sum as a hat. According to the site: "Two dumplings make you look yummy." We'll, uh ... we'll just leave you to it.

[Thanks, Travis!]

MassivelySecret of the Solstice heeds player requests, enables guilds originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asian-pacific-american-heritage-monthdim-sumemblemsguildshatkoreanoutsparksecret-of-the-solsticeFri, 23 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: An Oxhorn Brand Medley]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/cinemassively-an-oxhorn-brand-medley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/cinemassively-an-oxhorn-brand-medley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/cinemassively-an-oxhorn-brand-medley/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Oxhorn is back with another wonderful machinima, An Oxhorn Brand Medley. He combined quotes and songs from his other popular works with a tune whipped up by Nathan Allen Pinard to set the tone for his latest work. In typical Oxhorn fashion, you can find the script, music, and other tidbits about the movie on his website.

A wise man once said, "LOLOMGWTGDAIRYQUEEN LOLOMGBBTHEQ." We couldn't agree more! As you sing along to the chorus, try to see how many scenes and characters you can recognize. This blogger only has eyes for Hat, the singing turtle, though.

If you have machinima or movie suggestions from any MMO, please send them to machinima AT massively DOT com, along with any information you might have about them.

MassivelyCinemassively: An Oxhorn Brand Medley originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an-oxhorn-brand-medleyblizzardcinemassivelyhathat-the-singing-turtlemachinimaoxhornwegameworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate Maple Story's 3rd anniversary with Big Puff Daddy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/celebrate-maple-storys-3rd-anniversary-with-big-puff-daddy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/celebrate-maple-storys-3rd-anniversary-with-big-puff-daddy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/celebrate-maple-storys-3rd-anniversary-with-big-puff-daddy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nexon's super-popular MMO Maple Story is celebrating its third anniversary with a slew of new content. Among the new items and events players can look forward to are the ability to temporarily become a monster, a series of special Maple weapon drops, Boss Clones combat, the new Yakuza-themed region called Showa, and a unique Maple Story Anniversary Hat.

But perhaps best of all, a rampaging attack by the cake-based monster called Big Puff Daddy! No longer will his people be oppressed, devoured at will simply because they're delicious! (Note: while we do not have a photo of BPD, chances are good that it will look nothing like the photo to the right) If you're a member, enjoy the new content. If not, now would be a great time to join!

[Thanks, Robert!]

MassivelyCelebrate Maple Story's 3rd anniversary with Big Puff Daddy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-puff-daddyboss-cloneseventhatmaple-storynexonshowathird-anniversaryyakuzaThu, 08 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Inventing Swear Words 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the fourth Inventing Swear Words, we find Mort, the undead ubar-l33t, preparing to marry his prize heifer, Lacy. Will he be able to resist temptation when it comes along? Will Hat be able to sing a tune without insulting Mort's bride? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

I am pleased to report that my future husband, Hat the singing turtle, has quite a bit of face time in Oxhorn's latest machinima. He manages to sing three songs in Inventing Swear Words 4! I'd have to say that my favorite would be, "You are so beautiful ... to Mort." If you're as obsessed with Hat as I am, and he really should get a restraining order against me, then join his WeGame Official Hat Fan Club! Oxhorn was kind enough to render out all the Hat moments from his movies, so it's all Hat, all the time.

MassivelyCinemassively: Inventing Swear Words 4 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbrandon-denniscinemassivelyhathat-the-singing-turtleinventing-swear-wordslacymachinimamortofficial-hat-fan-cluboxhornweddingwegameworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Oxhorn's Christmas Special]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/cinemassively-oxhorns-christmas-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/cinemassively-oxhorns-christmas-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/cinemassively-oxhorns-christmas-special/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This Machinima was so nice that I had to share it twice. World of Warcraft fans will appreciate this tale of greed and pie, narrated by the deliciously sinister Associate Professor Evil. As three friends head to a party, they encounter many obstacles, including a violent reindeer, and an expansion requirement that they weren't quite prepared for ... It is during the commercial break that the video truly shines, as Oxhorn does his best late night TV impression. If only "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like This Raid Isn't Going to Happen" were a real song!

Yesterday, I noted that my future husband, Hat, wasn't featured anywhere in the film, but after watching a second time, I noticed that Oxhorn is holding him during the commercial break! If you like pecan pie, Savage Garden, or critiquing films without actually making them, then this is the Machinima for you. As always, you can read the full script on his blog, or check out the high quality version.

MassivelyCinemassively: Oxhorn's Christmas Special originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>associate-professor-evilblizzardchristmashatmachinimaoxhornoxhorns-christmas-specialwarcraftmoviesworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 24 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Matrix Online: Bug fixes and the Winter Event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recently, Daniel "Walrus" Myers popped his head out of The Matrix (or into, depending on which side you think this is) to give all the Redpills out there some great information on what's been planned for The Matrix Online in the upcoming month. Most of it, for those of us who play MxO, know that it involves evolving the storyline as we move from Chapter 8 (which just ended on November 15th -- hooray chapter and arc rewards!) to Chapter 9. Also included in the next batch of updates is the fix for Bullet Time animations and finishing moves.

Also returning to The Matrix Online is the third annual Winter Holiday Event. More hats and snowballs (and new clothing pieces) please! We've been extra-good Redpills this year, we promise.

MassivelyThe Matrix Online: Bug fixes and the Winter Event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-timefinishing-moveshatmxoredpillsnowballsoethe-matrix-onlinewinter-holiday-eventWed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively Interviews: Oxhorn on Hat vs. Barnaby]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/cinemassively-interviews-oxhorn-on-hat-vs-barnaby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/cinemassively-interviews-oxhorn-on-hat-vs-barnaby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/cinemassively-interviews-oxhorn-on-hat-vs-barnaby/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

From the first time I saw Hat vs. Barnaby, I couldn't get Hat, the Singing Turtle, out of my head. I even went so far as to stalk Oxhorn in order to find out more about him! While I was disappointed to learn that Hat probably wouldn't marry a human, I did discover some important details of his life.

Born in a little pond in the Barrens, Hat knew there was more to life than eating crickets. All he really wanted to do was sing, and he didn't let anyone discourage him! As for Barnaby, Associate Professor Evil found him trying to catch cheese in a river! Since that fateful day, he has lived a life of killing and critiquing.

The ending of this World of Warcraft Machinima was a bit of a cliffhanger, so I had many questions regarding both Hat and Barnaby. How do they get along now? What are Hat's plans for the future?

Read on after the jump to find out the answers to those questions and more ...

Continue reading Cinemassively Interviews: Oxhorn on Hat vs. Barnaby

MassivelyCinemassively Interviews: Oxhorn on Hat vs. Barnaby originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>associate-professor-evilbarnabybarnaby-the-crabbarrensblizzardbrandon-dennisfeaturedhathat-the-singing-turtlehat-vs-barnabyking-learmassively-interviewoxhornsecond-lifethe-great-criticturvertworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 21 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Hat vs. Barnaby]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/cinemassively-hat-vs-barnaby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/cinemassively-hat-vs-barnaby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/cinemassively-hat-vs-barnaby/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm not a big fan of sites like cute overload. However, when I encounter creatures like Hat, the Singing Turtle, I'm just overwhelmed with adorable! This is my official petition, Oxhorn. I want more Hat Machinima!

While I'm busy applying for membership to Hat's fan club, check out Hat vs. Barnaby, made in World of Warcraft. When Hat is invited to sing at the Evil Alchemist University, he has no idea that he will be shunned by followers of The Great Critic, Barnaby. As the tale unfolds, a hilarious battle ensues between turtle and crab, taking to the streets of Stormwind. This looks like a job for Mighty Morphin Midget Gnomes!

MassivelyCinemassively: Hat vs. Barnaby originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnabybarnaby-the-crabblizzardbrandon-denniscute-overloadevil-alchemist-universityhathat-the-singing-turtlemighty-morphin-midget-gnomesoxhornstormwindthe-great-criticwowTue, 20 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[24 hours of Tabula Rasa: Hour 11]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-11/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


And here we are at 6pm, and hour number 11 in our 24 hours of launch day contests featuring Tabula Rasa. How's things? Good? Friday afternoon going OK?

If not, maybe we can help-- this hour we'll be giving away a Tabula Rasa hat, a poster, and an oversized game box (sans actual game) to three random commenters on this post. Trust me, short of (legally consumed) alcohol of some kind, there's nothing that picks your Friday afternoon up more than a hilarious gigantic game box. As usual, you have to be a US resident (stupid laws!) and you have to be 18 and older. Leave a comment on this post in the next hour (by 7pm EST, official rules are here), and we'll pick three winners to win three prizes. And let's make this fun-- in your comment, tell us what the people in the pic above are running from.

Good luck as always, and have a great Friday afternoon. Don't go too far, though -- the next contest is only an hour away.

Massively24 hours of Tabula Rasa: Hour 11 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholcontestsfridaygood-timeshatmassive-giveawayspostertr-launch-giveawaysFri, 02 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[24 hours of Tabula Rasa: Hour 7]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/tr-giveaway-7/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our Tabula Rasa giveaways continue! It's every hour on the hour, man -- more faithful than Old Faithful, and a lot more often than Blizzard updates WoW.

This hour, we're sending out a Tabula Rasa hat (valued at $10) and a game poster (retail value $5). You could be the first on your block to have a wearable ad for Lord British Garriott's brand new alien-shooting MMO! All you've got to do, as usual, is live in the US, be 18 or older (official rules here), and leave a comment (and only one comment) on this here blog post before 3pm EST. Oh, and the most important part: you've got to be one of our random winners. Some say that's the hard part, but really, it's the easiest, because we choose that one, and all you've got to do is type some stuff in and hit "Add your comments."

So get commenting -- you've got an hour! And hey, if you don't win, don't worry -- you can also enter for that iPod, and we'll have contests every hour for the rest of the day, too.

Massively24 hours of Tabula Rasa: Hour 7 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>good-luckhatmassive-giveawaysncsoftold-faithfulpostertabula-rasatr-launch-giveawayswinnersFri, 02 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST