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MV Guide: February 6-12, 2012

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!

Continue reading MV Guide: February 6-12, 2012

MV Guide: February 6-12, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda celebrates its second birthday with free booster codes for Massively readers

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Contests, Free-to-play, Global Agenda, Giveaways

We told you earlier today that Hi-Rez is handing out prizes in honor of Global Agenda's second anniversary, and while that's pretty awesome, we've got a little something extra for those players who have the good taste to also be Massively readers.

We've got some booster codes to give away: three days of extra experience, credits, and tokens, free for the taking. Picking one up for yourself is a snap: Go to our giveaway page to pick up your code, then log into game and type "/claimpromotion Promocode". Enter your code and that's it -- you've got your three-day booster!

Enjoy your booster code and join us in thanking Hi-Rez for the gift!

Global Agenda celebrates its second birthday with free booster codes for Massively readers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Guide: January 30-February 5, 2012

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

Continue reading MV Guide: January 30-February 5, 2012

MV Guide: January 30-February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Guide: January 23-29, 2012

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

Continue reading MV Guide: January 23-29, 2012

MV Guide: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Guide: January 16-22, 2012

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

Continue reading MV Guide: January 16-22, 2012

MV Guide: January 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda goes prehistoric with new in-game event

Matt Daniel — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

The newest Global Agenda live event proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the folks over at Hi-Rez are, in fact, certifiably insane. Or awesome. Insanely awesome? Well, that depends on how exciting the idea of wearing the severed head of an extinct creature is to you. Following on the heels of the anniversary tournament, which also rewarded players with dino-riffic headgear, the newest in-game event is rewarding players with headgear modeled after everyone's favorite winged dinosaur.

That's right, you too can jaunt around the Dome with a pterodactyl head on your shoulders, presumably while hysterically flapping your arms and screeching at the top of your lungs. If this sounds appealing to you, then just stay where you are and some men in white coats will be there to take you away shortly. That, or you can log in to Global Agenda and participate in the Special Ops playlist for your shot at this prehistoric flair. Specifically, you need to win 30 missions in the Special Ops playlist to be eligible. So hoist your guns and get out there, Agents.

Global Agenda goes prehistoric with new in-game event originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda: Year one retrospective and interview

Jef Reahard — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

What a difference a year makes, eh? Round about February of 2010, Hi-Rez Studios was an unknown indie developer gearing up to unleash a newfangled "spy-fi" shooter on an unsuspecting populace. Fast forward 12 months and Global Agenda has morphed from a relatively standard Team Fortress-style kill-'em-all to an actual MMO. Killing is still the order of the day, as few MMOs are so completely focused on fast-paced bloodletting, but Global Agenda has added an impressive amount of bulk over the past year, with more on the way.

Hi-Rez also managed to successfully change the game's business model in 2010 and ultimately ended up molding Global Agenda into one of our favorite MMOs. Suit up, grab your crescent jetpacks, and fly past the cut for a few reasons why as well as a look at the game's evolution to date. There's even an interview with Hi-Rez's Todd Harris on page two!

Continue reading Global Agenda: Year one retrospective and interview

Global Agenda: Year one retrospective and interview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda hints at new Dome Defense mission

Jef Reahard — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, News items, PvE, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

Just when you thought it was safe to park your agent in a secluded corner of the dome and troll the city chat, Hi-Rez Studios is hinting at a new Dome Defense mission coming soon to spy-fi shooter Global Agenda. In a series of teaser posts to its Facebook page, Hi-Rez says the mission is "not quite ready for the public test server yet," but is the nonetheless exciting enough to warrant three new screenshots.

In keeping with Global Agenda's free-to-play theme, the new mission won't cost game owners a dime, and it will feature attacks from Recursive Colony bots as well as grim-faced NPC Dalton Bancroft in a support role. Check out the new screens in our gallery below and stay tuned for further info.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

Global Agenda hints at new Dome Defense mission originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Which in-game item did you work for the longest?

Jef Reahard — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Culture, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind, Global Agenda

Most MMORPGs are loot-centric games, and whether the gear is required for basic gameplay or relatively meaningless "flair," often times acquiring certain items takes quite a bit of time and effort. Hi-Rez Studios' 12 Drops of Christmas promotion recently concluded with the gifting of an abominable snowman helmet to the Global Agenda die-hards who managed to make it through the lengthy set of challenges. While most of the tasks were pretty easy to accomplish in-game, coordinating the events with hectic holiday schedules took some doing, and I had a couple of close calls when it came to meeting the objectives and squeaking in under the deadlines.

Today's Daily Grind asks about your prized rare loot items and the hoops you had to jump through to obtain them. Which item took you the longest time to acquire, and how long did you work for it?

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

The Daily Grind: Which in-game item did you work for the longest? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda's 1.39 patch is here

Jef Reahard — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, PvP, News items, PvE, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

Well, technically Global Agenda's latest patch will be here when the servers come back up, which is tentatively scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EST according to Hi-Rez Studio's server status Twitter page. While you're waiting, a run through the extensive patch notes might tide you over. In a nutshell, the update brings four new maps (including Breach and Payload types), new PvP rewards, updates to the /challenge system, tweaks to Dome City, and seasonal flair for the holiday events coming later this month.

Don't forget to read up on the new Global Agenda Alienware laptop contest, and also be sure to check out our recent interview with Hi-Rez producer Todd Harris for all the latest info on 1.39 and beyond.

Global Agenda's 1.39 patch is here originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shoot things up in Global Agenda for a shot at a new laptop

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Contests, News items, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

There's quite a lot of impressive new content on deck for Global Agenda's future, and considering how impressive the game's visuals are, it all seems like the sort of thing players will want to experience in style. If you're currently playing the game on an older machine, though, you might have resigned yourself to not getting your full share of visual glory. Lucky for you, Hi-Rez Studios has teamed up with Alienware to provide players a chance at winning a brand-new laptop -- and all you have to do to enter is keep playing.

Running from now until December 20th, the promotion requires players to grab a code from the official Alienware Arena site, then either register for the game or apply the code to their existing accounts. Players then must reach level 12 and participate in at least three Mercenary PvP matches to be entered into the drawing. The grand prize is an Alienware M15x Laptop, just the sort of rig to enjoy the game in its full glory. Global Agenda players should check out the rules and get themselves entered, as it's a win-win situation for the game's fans.

Shoot things up in Global Agenda for a shot at a new laptop originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: Global Agenda's Todd Harris talks 1.39 to 1.5

Jef Reahard — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, Patches, PvP, News items, PvE, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

Massively's got its share of sci-fi shooter freaks on staff, so we jumped at the chance for a virtual sit-down with Hi-Rez Studios producer Todd Harris. Big things are on the horizon for the Atlanta-based indie developer, and no, we're not just talking about Tribes Universe.

Global Agenda is soldiering right along, adding PvP and PvE content to satiate the ravenous trigger-happy hordes of super agents that clutter the plasteel and concrete walkways of Dome City. The latest content drop takes the form of version 1.39, a new patch currently in testing and coming to a live server near you sooner rather than later.

Join us after to cut as we chat about 1.39 and beyond, including new Mercenary PvP maps, PvE content, rewards, and in-game event listings.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Global Agenda's Todd Harris talks 1.39 to 1.5

Massively Exclusive: Global Agenda's Todd Harris talks 1.39 to 1.5 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get your Global Agenda limited edition helms while they last

Jef Reahard — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, News items, Global Agenda

If you've had your eyes on one of those spiffy Anubis helmets that Hi-Rez devs have been known to wear when rubbing elbows with the Global Agenda faithful, now's your chance to nab one. Queue up for mercenary PvP matches between November 13th and November 20th (and win 25 of them), and you'll be the proud owner of a rather exclusive piece of in-game flair.

That's not enough for you, eh? Well in that case, sign up and play 10 /Challenge matches before November 22nd and get your hands on an even rarer piece of flair: the Horus helm. You can view both items and read up on all the promotional details on the official Global Agenda website.

Get your Global Agenda limited edition helms while they last originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda getting new mercenary PvP maps, high level PvE content

Jef Reahard — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Interviews, Patches, PvP, News items, PvE, Global Agenda

If you're concerned that Hi-Rez Studios might abandon its Global Agenda MMO in favor of the recently-announced Tribes Universe, you can rest easy. In an interview with Lorehound, Hi-Rez executive producer Todd Harris announced several exciting additions coming to Global Agenda over the next few months.

First up is the 1.39 patch, which will bring several new mercenary PvP maps to the team-based shooter. After that, the game will be getting its first shot of downloadable content which will focus primarily on high-level PvE content. "It will contain some PvE open zone content, new themed weapons, a new PvE defense mission, and our first 10-person PvE offensive aid. A 10-person team will be able to infiltrate a hive colony node and fight new Recursive Colony bots and bosses," Harris said.

He goes on to state that Hi-Rez will be releasing similar DLC expansions every four to five months going forward. Check out the good news over at Lorehound.

Global Agenda getting new mercenary PvP maps, high level PvE content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda server coming down for 1.38 patch

Jef Reahard — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, News items, Global Agenda

Ready to get your frag on with Massively's Global Agenda Halloween event? First make sure you patch up to the latest client build (version 1.38) which hits the live server today. Scheduled downtime is currently listed as 11:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern, and the patch will be introducing a fairly large number of changes to Hi-Rez Studios' third person shooter MMO.

Chief among the tweaks are new weapon loot drops, new achievements and associated rewards, a challenge function, and an inventory overhaul that sees most items shared across your account rather than specific to certain characters. The challenge mechanic enables pre-made 4-man teams to /challenge one another, and can be used for everything from impromptu shootouts to player-run tourneys and brackets.

Hi-Rez has made the full patch notes available for your perusal, so head over to the official website and check them out.

Global Agenda server coming down for 1.38 patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Community Detective Issue #11: Global Agenda

Jef Reahard — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, Global Agenda, Community Detective

It's time to bring the pain, Community Detective style. What style is that exactly? Well, I don't rightly know, as the column just recently passed the ten issue mark and said style is still developing. Rookie jitters notwithstanding, this week's issue is all about pain -- my pain to be exact. The kind of pain that happens when I subject myself to things that I'm not really a fan of. In this case, F2P and PvP (at the same time, oh noes!!).

Anyhow, strap on your jetpacks and blast past the cut where I'll give you the low-down on the community and customer service in Hi-Rez Studios' massively multiplayer third-person shooter known as Global Agenda. Surprisingly, my fortnight of probing the game's community brought about the completely unexpected realization that I actually enjoy the game, so there might be a few bits of commentary related to that as well. You just never can tell.

Continue reading Community Detective Issue #11: Global Agenda

Community Detective Issue #11: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: Hi-Rez talks Tribes Universe

Jef Reahard — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, MMOFPS

It's been a huge couple of days for Hi-Rez Studios, the Atlanta-based indie developer behind Global Agenda and now, the forthcoming Tribes Universe. Massively sat down with company CEO and lead designer Erez Goren for an exclusive world-first interview about the game.

Follow along after the cut for more information about the new title's development direction and time frame, as well as how it may impact Global Agenda.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Hi-Rez talks Tribes Universe

Massively Exclusive: Hi-Rez talks Tribes Universe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hi-Rez Studios announces development of Tribes Universe MMO

Rubi Bayer — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, News items, Global Agenda

The developers of Global Agenda have been taking a long look at player feedback over the past months, particularly that regarding Warzones in the game, and they've come to a decision. It's certainly not one that players were expecting, though.

Hi-Rez Studios CEO Erez Goren announced today that the company is the "proud new owner of the Tribes franchise." The company now has two teams in the studio, one devoted to Tribes Universe, which is expected to enter alpha testing at the beginning of 2011.

While some of the community worries that this news means the end of Global Agenda, Erez is clear that Hi-Rez will continue to develop and support GA. You can read all the details on the Global Agenda forums.

[Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip!]

Hi-Rez Studios announces development of Tribes Universe MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda offering friends with benefits

Jef Reahard — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, MMOFPS, Global Agenda, Promotions

Itching to get your frag on with someone you love (or at least, lust after?) Hi-Rez Studios has a deal for you in the form of its Friends with Benefits discount promotion for Global Agenda.

If you've purchased the massively multiplayer third-person shooter, you now have a set of coupon codes that can be gifted to a friend, granting him or her 30% off the initial client cost. Your benefits accrue in the form of an in-game referral achievement score, which in turn grants reward items at specific levels (including a mini-warlord pet that resembles an angry Laurence Fishburne bobblehead doll).

Todd Harris, Global Agenda's executive producer, outlines the new program on the game's official forums. "Referral achievements and new prestige items will be introduced and visible before the end of October in the 1.38 update. But we invite you to start recruiting now -- you'll earn credit for all referrals going forward as well as any referrals done prior to this campaign launch," he writes.

Global Agenda offering friends with benefits originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda version 1.37 hits live servers

Jef Reahard — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, Patches, MMOFPS, Global Agenda

Gentlemen, start your patchers (and ladies too, for that matter), as Hi-Rez Studios is about to drop the hammer on version 1.37 of Global Agenda. As of today, the sci-fi MMOFPS is rolling out its latest patch, bringing with it an achievement system, the ability to fast-switch between weapon, armor, and skill tree profiles, new vanity items, and auction house tweaks.

The auction house overhaul is fairly major, with a new "stock market" buy/sell model allowing players to see all items of a particular type and price on a single line. Buyers will see the lowest five prices for an item, and can purchase items by providing the bid price they're willing to pay. The revamped auction house will then reconcile the transaction with the listing seller(s) on a first-come first-serve basis. The auction house UI has also been redone, and 1.37 also brings a new preview function for displaying items on your avatar prior to purchase.

Be sure and read up on all the incoming changes via the patch notes on the official website.

Global Agenda version 1.37 hits live servers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Doubling season comes to Global Agenda

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

With Global Agenda's switch to a subscription-free format earlier this year, the game was put on track to begin launching content updates and small additions to replace the subscription fees. Up until now, the team at Hi-Rez Studios has been focused on the long-running Sandstorm series of updates, but the game has now begun selling boost packs as the first added service. And what do these packs do? They double your enjoyment -- assuming that you enjoy gaining experience and tokens.

The packs -- available in 10-day, 30-day, and 90-day flavors -- double all experience and tokens earned for the duration for all characters on an account. Not coincidentally, the 30-day boost costs just under $15, the same price as a monthly subscription in most subscription-based games. Each boost runs for the specified length of time and is activated immediately upon purchase, which makes the benefits and drawbacks rather transparently obvious. Players of Global Agenda can purchase packs on the official site, with a small guide available for the new feature.

[Thanks to Caleb Goh for the tip!]

Doubling season comes to Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda's latest Sandstorm patch hits today

Jef Reahard — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, News items, Global Agenda

Hi-Rez Studios brings us word of the latest round of Sandstorm changes coming today to Global Agenda. The sci-fi MMOFPS is rolling out Sandstorm Version 1.36 to the live servers, and with it a plethora of improvements to the Agency-vs-Agency (AvA) system. Seasons will now last for two weeks, and each major geographic region (North America, Europe, etc.) will feature one open zone from Monday through Thursday. Another zone will open up on Saturday and Sunday, and each will be open for six hours per day.

In addition to the timing tweaks, AvA rewards have been adjusted, token daily limits have been raised, and consumables have been removed from PvP. Be sure to view the full list of changes via the patch notes on the official Global Agenda website.

Global Agenda's latest Sandstorm patch hits today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda's Todd Harris talks player loyalty and the future

Jef Reahard — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, News items, Global Agenda

Global Agenda is fairly unique in the massive genre, not only for its blend of sci-fi setting and shooter mechanics but also for the fact that the development team at Hi-Rez Studios is renowned for actually listening to its playerbase. Producer Todd Harris recently sat down with Lorehound for an interesting interview that shows the Atlanta-based game-makers still have their finger on the pulse of Global Agenda's communal desires.

Harris touches on crafting additions, endgame raid content, and new PvP maps as specific community ideas actively being kicked around in the dev cave, and also goes into a bit of detail regarding the team's appreciation for the loyalty shown by Global Agenda's early adopters. "The folks playing AvA are our most dedicated and accomplished players, and we've changed the rules on them a lot! I know that has led to some player burnout or frustration," he says. Harris goes on to illustrate how the title's evolving endgame wouldn't be possible without player feedback, and concludes by dropping a hint regarding the game's forthcoming achievement system.

Be sure and check out the full interview over at Lorehound.

Global Agenda's Todd Harris talks player loyalty and the future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda's Todd Harris on the newly added open zones

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, PvE, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

Global Agenda has been making some changes of late. That almost goes without saying -- very few MMOs exist in a static state, after all -- but very few implement sweeping system changes and zone additions so quickly after launch. One of the largest additions with the newest phase of the Sandstorm patch is the Sonoran Desert, an open and persistent PvE zone for players to enjoy. In a new video developer blog, executive producer Todd Harris explains what the zone means for the game and how the systems within work.

The desert, which is aimed at providing a complete experience for players between levels 5 to 15, will be familiar in many ways to long-time MMO players. It's not that the idea of quests picked up from an NPC is new, but it's certainly new within the context of the game. Take a look past the cut to see the zone demonstrated in depth, and if the look strikes your fancy, it would be fair to point out that Global Agenda is subscription free.

Continue reading Global Agenda's Todd Harris on the newly added open zones

Global Agenda's Todd Harris on the newly added open zones originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phase 2 of the Sandstorm hits Global Agenda today

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, PvE, Global Agenda

After a great deal of testing, Global Agenda players can look forward to a treat today -- the second phase of the immense Sandstorm update is going live. Part of a large-scale update that rewrites several core components of the game, the first phase was rolled out about two months ago, and this continuation drops in most of the features left out of the first. The largest addition is the persistent PvE zone in the Sonoran Desert, designed for players between levels 5 to 15. The desert will allow players to take a series of missions from area NPCs to help advance a story arc, learning more about the Desert Dweller and Recursive Colony factions as they gain both loot and experience.

Players can also look forward to the addition of consumable items and the option to salvage unwanted pieces of equipment for parts, something that plays well with the updated systems that came into play during the first phase of the patch. There are also new defense raids for players past level 30 to take part in, standing tall in a difficult battle against Recursive Colony attacks. And even with the recent shift in business models for Global Agenda, the Sandstorm update is remaining free for all current and future players -- a welcome addition to the game that should provide several points of interest, as well as set the stage for future expansions to the game.

Phase 2 of the Sandstorm hits Global Agenda today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda rolls out the next phase of Sandstorm to the test servers

Eliot Lefebvre — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, PvE, Global Agenda

To call the huge 1.3 patch to Global Agenda ambitious would almost be an understatement, considering how much of the game's basic structure was rewritten. It was so ambitious, in fact, that there were several features that wound up being slightly delayed from the initial release. And while the focus of late has been on the game's shift in subscription model (namely to the complete absence of one), several of the remaining features have just been deployed to the game's test servers in time for the holiday weekend.

One of the bigger additions is the persistent PvE zone being added, the Sonoran Desert, aimed at players between level 5 and 15. On top of that, the team is adding in the option to Salvage unwanted equipment for parts, a persistent defense raid for players past level 30, and the addition of consumable items. While the holiday weekend is set to be the first testing weekend of several, it's the ideal time to get a feel for the next major addition to the game. Global Agenda players are encouraged to check the changes out, and new players would be well-served to remember that the game is on sale right through July 4th on Steam.

Global Agenda rolls out the next phase of Sandstorm to the test servers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future, part 2

Brendan Drain — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST

Continue reading E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future, part 2

E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future

Brendan Drain — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Game mechanics, Interviews, Previews, PvP, PvE, Global Agenda, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage

Sci-fi MMOFPS Global Agenda took last year's E3 Expo by storm, securing awards and impressing attendees. Launching earlier this year, the game has been rapidly updated and evolved based on player feedback. The Sandstorm Phase 1 patch recently overhauled huge areas of gameplay and delivered a lot of new content. The Global Agenda team are back at E3 this year, hoping to impress with a look at their up-coming Sandstorm Phase 2 patch. We sent our very own E3 reporter Sera Brennan to get the details from Erez Goren, founder and CEO of Hi-Rez Studios.

In this bumper two-part feature, we get to grips with Global Agenda's new open zones, warzones and game-mode updates. We tackle the issues you asked for as we quiz Erez Goren on whether the game may be on its last legs, the game's shift in focus to PvE and what new game mechanics the team have up their sleeves.

Continue reading E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future

E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda's Sandstorm goes live with phase one

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, Global Agenda

It's time for some changes over in Global Agenda... big, persistent ones. Hi-Rez Studios has been hard at work on their latest large content addition for the game, and its been in testing for nearly a month. Now the much-awaited event -- phase one of the Sandstorm patch -- drops to the live servers today. It's quite the overhaul, changing everything from the setup of weapons in the game to the persistence of the world map.

For those feeling a bit overwhelmed by the scope, we've written our share of coverage including an analysis of the upcoming changes and a chat with Todd Harris about the patch. In brief, the changes are aimed at making Global Agenda closer in scope and feel to a classic MMO while retaining its skill-based and energetic combat system. How they'll actually play out remains to be seen, but thus far the developers seem to know what they're doing. Brush up on the changes and the scope, or just jump in game and start exploring them for yourself.

Global Agenda's Sandstorm goes live with phase one originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, Global Agenda

The team over at Hi-Rez Studios may have bitten off just a touch more than they could chew with the 1.3 patch for Global Agenda. It's not that the patch is bad, just that they turned out to not quite be able to push some of the originally promised features through at the same time as the main patch. Of course, considering all of the stuff that is in the newest patch, that almost seems less like a drawback and more like an act of mercy. The advertised open zones and 64-person PvP Warzone will be slightly delayed, which only leaves...

...well, it leaves a whole lot of changes, starting with the massive overhauls to weapons and armor that bring the game closer in line with common genre conventions. The previous system has entirely been discarded, and replaced with four grades of quality for weapons and armor: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Epic. All grades can be obtained from vendors in exchange for credits (for common weapons), Mercenary tokens (for rare and epic weapons), or Conquest tokens (for epic special weapons). The weapons also have a chance to drop during PvE missions, with the weapons getting correspondingly stronger as the mission gets more difficult.

Continue reading A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch

A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda: Three months down, and the best is yet to come

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, Opinion, MMORTS, Global Agenda

It's been three months since Global Agenda appeared in the thick of the MMO scene, presenting a new way to look at MMO games that many people just didn't agree with. As the debates on its MMO-ness rose, the game seemed to be lost in the thick of things. Everyone was too busy complaining about the 10 vs. 10 battles to actually play those same 10 vs. 10 battles.

But much has happened in Global Agenda in three months, and we're not going to let the game go unnoticed! Already the game has seen two large patches with a third huge patch en-route, the company has stood staunchly by not charging the player base until the game was "worthy of your subscription," and the community is still enjoying the content provided by the game.

So come along with us as we look at what's happened with Global Agenda, where the game stands now, and what highly-requested features lurk on the horizon. *cough*50 player PvE/PvP zone.*cough*

Continue reading Global Agenda: Three months down, and the best is yet to come

Global Agenda: Three months down, and the best is yet to come originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mob Scene: Global Agenda, Thursday, 8 PM

Seraphina Brennan — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Culture, Events, in-game, PvP, MMORTS, Global Agenda

Are you guys up for some explosions and laser beams? Well, we can guarantee you that we are!

This week we're hosting a community playdate, and what better way to kick off our new line of events than with an action-packed, team-based game? Tomorrow night at 8 PM, we invite you, the Massively.com community, to jump in and play Global Agenda with us.

Plus, we're also unveiling our newest community feature -- The Massively Mob! If you're a Steam user who enjoys grouping up, or if you're looking for a few new players to take on some co-op and MMO challenges, we encourage you to join us on the Steam Community. Not only will we be hosting our own official events (which you can follow through our events RSS feed), but you can kick back and play some impromptu games with the many other readers of Massively.com!

Need full details on what's going on? No worries! Jump after the break to get the full briefing.

Continue reading Mob Scene: Global Agenda, Thursday, 8 PM

Mob Scene: Global Agenda, Thursday, 8 PM originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe to get boxed retail copies of Global Agenda

Eliot Lefebvre — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, News items, Global Agenda

Digital distribution is the in thing these days. Steam, in particular, has turned PC games into something that's almost easier to buy at home rather than in the store, with a ridiculously wide selection and the promise of never worrying about lost discs. The biggest drawbacks are the download times and potentially losing your login, and what MMO player doesn't plan for those issues? But there's still something nice about a boxed copy, which is why European gamers can take joy in the fact that Global Agenda will be releasing a boxed retail copy of the game starting in September 2010.

Thus far, the game has been using primary distribution through Steam, which has worked well -- but as the official statement explains, a retail box helps improve visibility. The game will launch in an English version in cooperation with Iceberg Interactive, with a German version due out a bit later. No word is given on whether or not an American boxed version will be available. It's a unique opportunity for Global Agenda, which itself is a very unique game, and success with the boxed copies likely will lead to more developing projects and more content for the game's fans.

Europe to get boxed retail copies of Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda offering free trials

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, News items, Global Agenda

You're all our friends here on Massively, or at least we'd like to think so. That's why we're doing what friends who play Global Agenda do for their friends who are curious about the game but don't want to commit. We're sending you along to the link to sign up for a free trial to the game that lets you experience how the game runs for... well... as long as you'd like. Once you have the trial, you have it forever. You can see why Hi-Rez Studios is encouraging people to tell their friends not yet in the game to take a look.

Of course, their are limitations -- specifically, there are a limited number of trials available, meaning that if you're interested you need to sign up by April 1st. There are also level and content restrictions, as detailed by the official disclaimer. But none of that should stop the people curious about how the game plays out from signing up in hopes of getting in for free. If there's one thing we've heard over in over in comments about Global Agenda's rapid-fire patches, it's the want for a trial -- and here it is. Isn't that friendly?

Global Agenda offering free trials originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sandstorm cometh to Global Agenda

Eliot Lefebvre — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Classes, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, Global Agenda

What is the Sandstorm? Well, it's the name for the upcoming Patch 1.3 for Global Agenda, which follows in the footsteps of the most recent patches in two ways. The first is that it's coming fast, with the whole thing tentatively scheduled for April. The second is that it's going to be quite large, containing several sweeping upgrades to the way the game plays. Even more so than one might expect, in fact -- one of the major features of the patch as announced today is a plan for large, open areas for players to move through and perform missions.

If that sounds remarkably similar to outdoor environments in most MMOs, you're probably on to something. The zones planned are preliminarily going to include a PvE zone and a PvPvE area, allowing somewhere between 30-50 players concurrently in the map. There are also several new weapons and devices being added to facilitate the new "specialization" system. Each class will be able to select one of two specializations at level 30, opening up a range of new abilities and equipment. And that's only the tip of the iceberg, with several additions and upgrades being added to drops, crafting, and token rewards. Take a look at the full announcement for what's planned for patch 1.3, and get ready to experience even more of Global Agenda from a new perspective.

The Sandstorm cometh to Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda sale on Steam

Eliot Lefebvre — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, News items, Global Agenda

It's no secret that we're rather fond of Global Agenda. It has a certain je ne sais quoi, which is a French phrase meaning that it's an entertaining shooter in a massive online environment, with a strong dose of strategy on top of that. Oh, and no elves whatsoever. (Probably.) But we can understand if our enjoyment of the game isn't quite enough to convince you that the game is worth checking out. There's no substitute for getting your hands on the game, after all. Luckily, the ever-popular Steam has made it easier to get into the game than ever by lowering the price.

The price drop is effective immediately, moving the game down to $39.99 through the online game distribution service. Best of all is that this price drop doesn't appear to be one of the famed Steam sales, but a permanent reduction. Considering the amount of content that has been getting pushed live by the team over the past few weeks, now might be a perfect time to buck up and give Global Agenda a shot. Lower prices are a marvelous inventive like that.

Global Agenda sale on Steam originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda drops patch 1.2 to the test servers

Eliot Lefebvre — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, PvP, Global Agenda

We're only about a week out from the first patch to Global Agenda, but Hi-Rez Studios has been hard at work in their super-secret laboratory (only slightly less secret than that) producing new content for the game. Patch 1.2 has already gone to the test server for experimentation and stress testing, and it expands the Alliance vs. Alliance gameplay substantially. Instead of forcing you into direct conflict, it opens up the possibility for theft missions to draw resources and hamper production for enemies, as well as letting players take part in battles where their Agency controls no territory.

New defense facilities are also being added, allowing those under attack more options to keep themselves safe. There are also options to trade territory to other forces or abandon areas that an Agency can no longer defend confidently. And that's not counting the large list of updates to the game's systems, expanded battle brackets, and re-tuned maps to make the existing gameplay more enjoyable. Take a look at the full list of updates for more of the changes, as well as a sneak peek of what's coming in Global Agenda's subsequent patch -- it might be young, but the game is clearly firing on all cylinders.

Global Agenda drops patch 1.2 to the test servers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda 1.1 patch released on test

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, Crafting, Global Agenda

Global Agenda isn't necessarily for everyone, but there's no shortage of people it is for, and their reception to the game thus far has been positive. Still, like any new game there are kinks to work out and things not quite ready for launch time. Both are making a showing in the game's 1.1 patch, which has just hit the test servers in anticipation of hitting live servers next week. Among the larger changes are the implementation of a Friend/Ignore list, further queueing improvements, and a widespread overhaul to crafting and blueprints to make upgrades easier to work with.

The crafting overhaul is probably the biggest single gameplay-related change, with the randomness of crafting replaced with a more specific set of craftable items. Upgrades have also been streamlined and clarified to make it easier for players to identify what they want rather than manually searching through each item on a list. With a number of bugs also having been squashed, the patch is no doubt going to improve the lives of Global Agenda players significantly, so take a look at the full notes and expect for it to hit the live servers very soon.

Global Agenda 1.1 patch released on test originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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