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: Who was your MMO mentor -- and whom did you mentor?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-daily-grind-who-was-your-mmo-mentor-and-whom-did-you-men/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-daily-grind-who-was-your-mmo-mentor-and-whom-did-you-men/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-daily-grind-who-was-your-mmo-mentor-and-whom-did-you-men/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind
No matter how many years we have played MMOs, we shouldn't forget that we all had to start somewhere. Yes, we were all noobies once, floundering through our first days in an online game and aggroing everything in sight without understanding what "aggro" meant. We all needed help and guidance, and some of us got it in the form of a friendly mentor.

This mentor showed us the ropes, taught us the slang, gave us resources so we weren't as vulnerable, and helped us get our game footing. Maybe it was a guild leader, a real-life friend or family member, or even a now-forgotten Gnome who took time out of her day to take pity on a greenhorn such as yourself.

Later on as you gained more experience in the ways of the MMO, you had opportunities to mentor others in return. You heard the pleas from the advice channel, roped in a buddy to play the game, or taught a significant other about your hobby. The student became the teacher, and you found yourself explaining that mass-aggroing 20 mobs at once was not beneficial.

So tell us: Who was your MMO mentor -- and whom did you mentor?

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: Who was your MMO mentor -- and whom did you mentor? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindguidancehelpmenteementormentoringnoobieopiniontdgthe-daily-grindWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Community Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Thus far, Community Detective has stayed on the straight and narrow course of fantasy MMORPGs during its brief existence. Sure, I've taken the occasional detour into sci-fi, superhero, and quasi-historical territory, but the majority of the column's first 23 issues were -- like the genre itself -- largely concerned with sorcerers, scantily-clad he-men, and sword-related violence.

This week I'd like to break out of that mold for a bit and examine a title based in the real world (or more accurately, Electronic Arts' approximation of the real world). To borrow a quote from dear old '80s cinema: I feel the need, the Need for Speed World.

Continue reading Community Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World

MassivelyCommunity Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscommunity-detectivecommunity-pollingcsrcustomer-servicedrivingeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhelphelp-ticketneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldnfswopinionracingracing-mmosportsTue, 14 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Brother, can you lend me a hand?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-daily-grind-brother-can-you-lend-me-a-hand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-daily-grind-brother-can-you-lend-me-a-hand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-daily-grind-brother-can-you-lend-me-a-hand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MMOs occasionally appear to be the mother of all oxymorons. On one hand, you have games specifically designed for many, many people to play simultaneously and work together for increased rewards; on the other, loot and personal advancement tend to cultivate greed and jerkish behavior. So by the games' designs, players are pulled between the extremes of selfishness and selflessness.

Here at Massively we'd like to focus on the good that bubbles out of our games, which is why we'd like to know of a time when someone went out of his way to help you when you least expected it. Have you ever encountered a Good Samaritan who took pity on you when others ran by? Do you have fond memories of a mentor who took you under his or her wing and showed you the ropes? When have you seen someone drop what he were doing for himself and devote his time to helping a fellow gamer in the spirit of altruism?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Brother, can you lend me a hand? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altruisman-ox-boxes-a-foxgood-samaritanhelphelping-handmoron-oxopinionoxymorontdgthe-daily-grindTue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth has a steep learning curve. It's not hard to die a horrible death in Fallen Earth because you simply didn't have even the slightest clue what you were doing. But life doesn't have to be short and brutal in the wasteland. In fact, you can eke out a decent living and make quite a name for yourself. There are a few things you can do to minimize the bewilderment you will face once you emerge from the LifeNet pod for the first time into the unforgiving desolation of the apocalypse. After reading this guide, you are likely to be heard saying things like: "Y'know what? The apocalypse isn't all that bad." and "I wish this place were just a little more dangerous."

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildbuildingcraftingfactionfactionsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfaqfaqshelphintsnoobnoob-guidenoobztipstips-and-trickstips-tricksFri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE University turns six years old today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online has made a name for itself as an MMO with a steep learning curve. Getting into the game can be a daunting experience for new players, particularly if they want to get involved in PvP. Six years ago today, EVE player "Morning Maniac" founded the EVE University corporation in an effort to combat exactly that problem. Since then, they've been EVE's best-known new player training corp, providing free training and supplies to players getting to grips with the game. The program has seen over 10,000 new players pass through and graduate on to bigger and better things. Their success has spawned many other training corps over the years, including those focused on piracy.

In his six year birthday announcement, Kelduum Revaan of EVE University talked about how the game had changed over the years, adding that "one thing has remained constant - there are always new players, and there is always more to learn." At last year's five year anniversary, a brief history of the corp graced the EVE news. Since then, EVE University has gone from strength to strength, with some impressive achievements over the last twelve months. Over 3,000 new players entered the program this year, for a time making EVE University possibly the biggest single corp in the game. They were even recommended by PC Gamer magazine as the best place for new players to start their EVE journey. This year also saw the opening of their wormhole operations division and the opening of access to NPC nullsec regions for members. The corp looks forward to expanding operations and we at Massively wish them every success over the coming year.

MassivelyEVE University turns six years old today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-unieve-universityguildhelpinstructionnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playerstrainingtraining-corpMon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Greetings and fair travels to you, adventurers. Once again it is I, Seccia Ravenloft, here to present this week's look into the world of Norrath.

Now, from what these humans on this spiderweb site tell me, some of you are more familiar with other worlds than you are with Norrath. Blasphemy, I say! This week, I wish to mend that little problem of yours by teaching you how to adapt quickly to our world, lest you coddle yourself with the pillow armor other worlds offer you.

Luckily there are many similarities between our world and that Azeroth thing. So come, read along, follow my instructions, and soon you'll look like a hardened Norrathian adventurer in no time flat.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-advancementeq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfood-and-drinkhelprace-traditionssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-tattered-notebooktips-and-trickswow-players-guideTue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five quick tips for Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/five-quick-tips-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/five-quick-tips-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/five-quick-tips-for-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For those lucky enough to get past Aion's login queue, we're happy to announce five quick tips that will enhance your gaming experience. You can expect more of these kinds of posts in the weeks and months ahead. Let's get right into it, shall we?

1. Change the channel

The initial rush of new players coming in to Aion can really bung up certain areas of the game. While we're all for being social (see #5), this can lead to some long and frustrating waits for shared PvE content. Or maybe you're on a lower end rig and the massive amounts of players on screen is causing you performance issues. There is a remedy and it's called channel surfing.
Click the menu tab near your skill bar > Click 'Support' > Click 'Change Channel' > Pick a channel from the drop down and press 'Okay' -- You will be teleported to the exact same spot in another channel
You may also need to change your channel to meet up with group mates or rendezvous with another player to make a trade (item, gold, etc.).

Continue reading Five quick tips for Aion

MassivelyFive quick tips for Aion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-tipschatdaevaflightguidehelpkinahncsoftsocialWed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FAQ That: Common answers to your basic Fallen Earth questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/faq-that-common-answers-to-your-basic-fallen-earth-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/faq-that-common-answers-to-your-basic-fallen-earth-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/faq-that-common-answers-to-your-basic-fallen-earth-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We know. Life in Fallen Earth takes some getting used to. The virus has wiped out most of humanity, and there were nukes dropped in Asia because everyone was relatively sure someone over there designed the killer flu. What's left of humanity seems to be crowded into the Grand Canyon. We're all living in the shadow of a madman's legacy, and the world has - pardon the phrase - gone to hell in a hand-basket. It's not easy figuring out what to do with yourself in the post-apocalyptic world, but thankfully we here at Massively have been working on compiling a list of questions that should help make your first steps in this strange new version of Earth a bit easier.

Need a hand finding your way around? Join us behind the break for the first official installment of FAQ That - our irreverent take on those first, painful days of Noob Chat in your favorite new MMOs.

Continue reading FAQ That: Common answers to your basic Fallen Earth questions

MassivelyFAQ That: Common answers to your basic Fallen Earth questions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfaqhelpnew-player-questionspost-apocalypticMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How do you support players that don't trust your support?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/how-do-you-support-players-that-dont-trust-your-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/how-do-you-support-players-that-dont-trust-your-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/how-do-you-support-players-that-dont-trust-your-support/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Let's face facts -- people don't like admitting that they don't know something or need help. They'd rather hammer at the problem until they solve it themselves, or they'd rather ask a trusted friend for help. Kids are super guilty of this, as they'd rather not tell an adult when they can't do something themselves.

So how do you work with kids when you're the support staff of their favorite game?

Steve Wilson, customer service manager of FusionFall, decided to do some digging with support groups to find what they could do better in their customer support. What did he find out? Simplicity is key -- something that goes way beyond just the 8 to 13-year-old demographic.

Customers don't want to be railroaded through a knowledgebase, nor sent to be put on hold with phone support. They'd rather perform a quick in-game chat to have their problems solved.

He also found out that players would rather consult with other players than a member of a support team, which is why why FusionFall puts such a strong emphasis on their community forums and the support section. Players can ask questions of their fellow players while a support agent can chime into the threads when necessary. It maximizes the agent's time, and it allows the player to feel comfortable. A win-win all around!

[Via Parature]

MassivelyHow do you support players that don't trust your support? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccrcustomer-supportfusionfallhelpknowledgebasephone-supportquestionssupportTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE University celebrates fifth anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/eve-university-celebrates-fifth-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/eve-university-celebrates-fifth-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/eve-university-celebrates-fifth-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Anyone who's played EVE Online for any length of time is likely to concede that it can be a complex game. While the developers have taken steps to better guide new players into EVE's setting of New Eden through the New Player Experience and the EVE Careers Guide, it's really the playerbase itself that can be the greatest asset to a new pilot. There are several player corporations (guilds) in EVE Online that can help show new players the ropes. Perhaps the real pioneer in training corps in the game is EVE University who have celebrated their fifth anniversary this month.

Darian Reymont from EVE Uni writes an excellent description of what the institution is and what it offers to the playerbase, found at the EVE University homepage: "A unique concept in the universe of EVE, the University was - and remains to this day - one of the few truly altruistic organisations in New Eden, supplying free education in all facets of EVE life to any and all who seek it. From humble beginnings as a place where experienced capsuleers could share their wisdom and experience with a handful of new pilots, the University has grown into a mammoth undertaking. Regularly scheduled lessons, supported by weeks of recorded lesson content and thousands of instructive forum posts alongside hundreds of millions of ISK spent every week provide students with the most comprehensive education that can be found anywhere in New Eden."

Continue reading EVE University celebrates fifth anniversary

MassivelyEVE University celebrates fifth anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycalden-sorccp-gamesdarian-reymonteveeve-careers-guideeve-onlineeve-unieve-universityhelpinstructionnew-edennew-player-experienceprofessionssci-fiteachingtraining-corpMon, 23 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CrazyKinux answers EVE Online questions for WoW players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're a World of Warcraft player looking for something completely different, head over to CrazyKinux's blog and read what he has to say to WoW players looking to make the move to the alien beast that is EVE Online. It reads a bit like one of those articles designed to ease PC users into a transition to Apple's Mac computers.

EVE blogger, Drone Bay podcast co-host, and former Massively contributor CrazyKinux covers many of the bases, noting many of the strongest differences (skill-based instead of level-based character advancement, everyone is on one server instead of scattered between hundreds of small servers, etcetera). He also links to several articles written by him and others that are helpful to newbies.

It's a fantastic post -- a perfect starting point for anyone considering the switch, or even for folks just curious about what EVE is all about. CrazyKinux ends on a pretty funny quote, too: "EVE is like a sandbox with land mines. Deal with it." But don't let that scare you. Really. We named it our #1 Sci-Fi MMO a while back; admittedly that's not saying much, but it ought to count for something, right?

MassivelyCrazyKinux answers EVE Online questions for WoW players originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>articlesconvertingcrazykinuxeveeve-onlinefresh-meathelpintroductionmacmovingnewbiepcserversskill-basedswitchingworld-of-warcraftSat, 13 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Who's got the best support team?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-daily-grind-whos-got-the-best-support-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fewmetsgmgriefergriefinghelpplayer-supportstolen-accounttech-supportthe-daily-grindSat, 15 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO in-game help demands extra login credentials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/lotro-in-game-help-demands-extra-login-credentials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/lotro-in-game-help-demands-extra-login-credentials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/lotro-in-game-help-demands-extra-login-credentials/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reports are coming in on the award-winning Lord of the Rings Online's official forums that players are being prompted to enter their username and password when trying to use the in-game help facility. This thread contains posts from some people worried about security issues, some saying that in-game help has always asked you to login, and others disagreeing with them.

It is all cleared up, however, on the second page, when Turbine's Community Manager makes a post confirming that it should not be happening. The quote from CM Patience: "it's definitely borked, and we'll get it fixed as quickly as possible". So if you're worried about entering your login details twice, hopefully there will be a fix going live soon. Just add the name of that annoying gold spammer to your list, and start a voodoo ritual fire the whole thing off when the issue is resolved.

MassivelyLotRO in-game help demands extra login credentials originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CMcommunity-managerhelpin-game-helploginlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-online-shadows-of-angmarlotropasswordshadows-of-angmarturbineusernameThu, 01 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST