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: Did you get gaming gifts for the holidays?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/the-daily-grind-did-you-get-gaming-gifts-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/the-daily-grind-did-you-get-gaming-gifts-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/the-daily-grind-did-you-get-gaming-gifts-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All of those boxes contain computer hardware.
The holiday season is winding down and the gift-giving days are done. People are sitting back and enjoying their break from school or work, and maybe enjoying some new items that Santa dropped in their stockings. Last weekend the Massively staffers talked about what gaming-related goodies they were hoping to receive, and we posed the same question to you.

So what's the verdict? Were your holiday gaming wishes fulfilled? Is your Steam wish list shorter? Is your pile of gaming boxes taller? Do you have some shiny new game time codes to use? Leave a comment and let us know what your newest gaming goodies are!

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: Did you get gaming gifts for the holidays? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giftsholiday-giftsholidaysopinionopinionstdgthe-daily-grindwish-listsTue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT wishes fans happy holidays with a new Fae Yule video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/rift-wishes-fans-happy-holidays-with-a-new-fae-yule-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/rift-wishes-fans-happy-holidays-with-a-new-fae-yule-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/rift-wishes-fans-happy-holidays-with-a-new-fae-yule-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
Trion Worlds has released a new video in order to wish its fans happy holidays from RIFT's land of Telara. The new Fae Yule-themed video shows Telara on holiday, with people standing in line for presents, riding some rather derpy reindeer across a snowy landscape, and of course, beating the ever-loving daylights out of a gargantuan treant wrapped in lights. To get your dose of Telaran holiday cheer, just click on past the cut for the full video.

Continue reading RIFT wishes fans happy holidays with a new Fae Yule video

MassivelyRIFT wishes fans happy holidays with a new Fae Yule video originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fae-yulehappy-holidaysholidayholidaysplanes-of-telarariftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsvideovideosTue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamebreaker's 12 Days of Smack Talkin' brings holiday cheer, WoW-vs.-SWTOR arguments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/gamebreakers-12-days-of-smack-talkin-brings-holiday-cheer-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/gamebreakers-12-days-of-smack-talkin-brings-holiday-cheer-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/gamebreakers-12-days-of-smack-talkin-brings-holiday-cheer-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Boom!
Everybody knows that nothing says "Happy Holidays" like throwing some more fuel on the WoW-vs.-SWTOR fire. Gamebreaker.TV fully realizes this and has decided to contribute its own rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas in the form of a World of Warcraft Rogue trading verbal blows with a Star Wars: The Old Republic Sith Assassin over whose game is better. It's a rather amusing way of mixing MMOs and holiday spirit, but let's not let it devolve into a real flame war, hm? Click on past the cut for the full video.

Continue reading Gamebreaker's 12 Days of Smack Talkin' brings holiday cheer, WoW-vs.-SWTOR arguments

MassivelyGamebreaker's 12 Days of Smack Talkin' brings holiday cheer, WoW-vs.-SWTOR arguments originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-christmas12-days-of-smack-talkinbiowareblizz-bluesblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchristmasgamebreakergamebreaker-tvgamebreaker.tvholidayshumorstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortwelve-days-of-christmasvideovideosworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft's holiday sale includes $10 sparkleponies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/world-of-warcrafts-holiday-sale-includes-10-sparkleponies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/world-of-warcrafts-holiday-sale-includes-10-sparkleponies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/world-of-warcrafts-holiday-sale-includes-10-sparkleponies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WoW Holiday Sale banner
The holidays are here, and you know what that means: holiday sales! Blizzard is joining the fun with a number of (rather good) deals. The World of Warcraft Battle Chest, which includes vanilla WoW and The Burning Crusade, is on sale for a measly $5 US. Wrath of the Lich King is on sale for $10, and Cataclysm's price has been reduced to $20.

And as if that's not enough, Blizzard is also providing discounts for two of its cash shop items. Players can get their hands on a sparklepony for $10 or a Pandaren Monk non-combat pet for $5. The sale lasts until December 19th, so act now. For the full details, check out the news on WoW's official site.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft's holiday sale includes $10 sparkleponies originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-chestblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcatacataclysmchristmasholidayholiday-saleholiday-salesholidayspandaren-monksparkles the fire safety dogSparklesTheFireSafetyDogtbcthe-burning-crusadeworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 07 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you giving the gift of games this year?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-daily-grind-are-you-giving-the-gift-of-games-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-daily-grind-are-you-giving-the-gift-of-games-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-daily-grind-are-you-giving-the-gift-of-games-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Christmas presents
If you've got a gamer on your Christmas list, congratulations. With the proliferation of digital download titles and services like Steam and Good Old Games, it's never been easier to put a smile on the face of your favorite geek.

Digital gifting does have a dark side, though, or at least a hmm-that's-kind-of-impersonal side. While most of us would never turn down a virtual copy of Skyrim or a few funny bucks to spend in an MMO cash shop, it is nice to get (and give) an actual present that someone's taken the time to wrap and deliver.

What about you, Massively crew? Are you giving the gift of digital gaming this year?

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: Are you giving the gift of games this year? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopchristmaschristmas-giftsdigital-distributiondigital-downloadsfeaturedfunny-bucksfunny-moneygame-discussiongamer-discussiongiftsgoggood-old-gamesholiday-giftsholidaysitem-shopmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionpresentstdgthe-daily-grindFri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup: 2011 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup-2011-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup-2011-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup-2011-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Black Friday - shoppers in the most horrific checkout line ever
So apparently there's this thing called Black Friday. This is news to me because shopping isn't really my thing, see, especially if it involves looking for parking spaces, Christmas music, or entering a retail establishment of any sort (regardless of season). OK, I do occasionally make allowances for the grocery store.

Anyway, when it comes to holiday consumerism, fortunately there's this place called the intarwebs, where savvy merchants have taken to selling all manner of whatever and delivering it directly to your front door with the bare minimum of fuss. I hear there are even a few deals and steals for the budget-conscious MMO fiend in this land of digital plenty, and you should head past the break for links to a few of the more noteworthy sales.

Continue reading Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup: 2011 edition

MassivelyMassively's big fat Black Friday roundup: 2011 edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-fat-black-friday-roundupblack-fridayblack-friday-2011consumerismdealsfeaturedholidaysholidays-2011mmo-black-fridaymmo-dealspromotionsroundupspecialsstealsthanksgivingthanksgiving-2011Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT gets into the holiday spirit with the Fae Yule world event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/rift-gets-into-the-holiday-spirit-with-the-fae-yule-world-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/rift-gets-into-the-holiday-spirit-with-the-fae-yule-world-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/rift-gets-into-the-holiday-spirit-with-the-fae-yule-world-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aww lookit the Corgi
It's that time of year again, it would seem. A time for mirth, merriment, and fending off an evil dragon to ensure that it isn't able to enslave an entire race of magical creatures. Well, that's what's going on in Telara, anyway, thanks to RIFT's Fae Yule celebration. The event, which started today, will span six weeks and will feature "fancy holiday hats, new quests, a grumpy mead-guzzling satyr, and other festive items."

But of course, this is Telara, so the festivities simply wouldn't be complete if Crucia, the evil dragon of air, didn't decide to make an appearance. She's already tired of the Fae's newfound freedom and wants to wrest them back into servitude. It's up to players to make sure she does not succeed. And to top it off, Trion is presenting players with experience, favor, prestige, plaque, and planarite bonuses this weekend only. So what are you waiting for, Telarans? Get a move on.

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyRIFT gets into the holiday spirit with the Fae Yule world event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmascruciaeventeventsfae-yuleholidayholidaysin-game-eventin-game-eventsin-game-holidayrifttriontrion-worldsTue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Eric Flannum on promises, pets and purpose [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/guild-wars-2s-eric-flannum-on-promises-pets-and-purpose/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/guild-wars-2s-eric-flannum-on-promises-pets-and-purpose/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/guild-wars-2s-eric-flannum-on-promises-pets-and-purpose/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"Think of the personal story in Guild Wars 2 as you would the 'main' storyline of a great single player RPG," ArenaNet's Eric Flannum said in an interview with GamerZine. Instead of rote MMO quests, this storyline will be full of significant, one-time choices that will have a huge impact on your character.

This is just one of the many promises that ArenaNet has made in regard to Guild Wars 2 as the studio strives to differentiate it from the rest of the fantasy pack. The interview covers the main features list of the game: the event system, the personal storyline, and the emphasis on exploration.

When pressed about in-game events and holidays, Flannum said that many Guild Wars holidays will be returning: "We haven't planned out exactly what we're doing yet, but we certainly plan to support all of our usual holiday events in Guild Wars 2. Since our event system is very robust I imagine we'll be able to do a lot more things than we were able to do in the first game."

He also said that the team is striving to "push the fun and collectability" of the mini-pets system over Guild Wars 2's predecessor. You can read the full interview at GamerZine.

[Update: Tap Repeatedly also has a whopper of a GW2 interview up today, this one with Jon Peters and Jonathan Sharp!]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Eric Flannum on promises, pets and purpose [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcollectioneric-flannumeventevent-systemeventsexplorationgamerzineguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2holidayholidaysin-game-eventsinterviewmini-petspersonal-storylinepetsvanity-petsFri, 10 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Easter event roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/massivelys-easter-event-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/massivelys-easter-event-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/massivelys-easter-event-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our ears invariably perk up when it comes to seasonal MMO events, and with a long Easter weekend in full swing, we figured it'd be a swell idea to collate the various holiday-related goings-on in our favorite virtual worlds.

While many of you are no doubt gorging on chocolate-covered bunnies and/or hanging out with your families, just as many are taking advantage of the weekend festivities in your favorite MMOs. Whether it's anniversary celebrations in Lord of the Rings Online or Easter-themed shindigs in Vindictus and RuneScape, there's something for everyone. Hop past the cut for more details.

Continue reading Massively's Easter event roundup

MassivelyMassively's Easter event roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecycabal onlineCabalOnlineeastereaster-eggseaster-eventseaster-roundupeqeventseverquesteverquest-iifantasyfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiholiday-roundupholidaysin-game-eventsland-of-chaos-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-industryrounduprunes-of-magicrunescapesci-fivindictusSat, 23 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The favorite day of the year for anyone named April has [verb ending in ed] the internet, making some web surfers [emotion] and others [emotion]. In [adjective] Massively fashion, we felt it best to gather all this news [adverb]. After all, what would an event be without a [adjective] Massively roundup?

World of Warcraft [past tense verb] not just one internet prank but four for the [plural noun] of BattleNet. Turbine invited its [plural noun] to be the broccoli for [adjective] race in Dungeons and Dragons Online. The [plural title] of Star Wars: The Old Republic did not want to leave the Wookiee [plural noun] from playing their [adjective] game, so they created a Shyriiwook interface for all those [adjective] people. However, the prank that takes the [food] has to be ArenaNet's new Guild Wars 2 class, the Commando; Anet created [adjective] videos complete with jiggle physics and placed helicopters into the current Guild Wars game.

After the cut, we have [past tense verb] all the [adjective] pranks in this year's batch of favorite MMOs. Now you won't have to [verb] around the internet to find them yourself! But if you do [verb] something not on our list, let us know in the comments.

Continue reading Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup

MassivelyMassively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011arenanetCCPdark-age-of-camelotDDOdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEAEVEeve-onlinefeaturedfirefallforsaken-worldfuncomgazillion-entertainmentglobal-agendaguild-warsGuild-Wars-2hi-rez-studiosholidayholidaysincarnaLEGO-Universemad-libmad-libsmad-libs-april-fools-day-2011Mythic-Entertainmentperfect-world-entertainmentpocket-legendspuzzle-piratesred-5-studiosround-uprounduproundupssecret-worldSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesthe-secret-worldTurbine-Entertainmentwizard-101Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Brew Day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/the-tattered-notebook-brew-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/the-tattered-notebook-brew-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/the-tattered-notebook-brew-day/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's spring in Norrath, but if you're out adventuring in Velious, you might not realize it. Thankfully, Brell Serillis is helping us remember that sometimes we need a break from all the snow and ice, and what better way to celebrate than pouring a nice foamy mug of Tumpy Tonic or Minotaur Hero Brew!

That's right, EverQuest II's festival of Brewday is back, and in this week's Tattered Notebook, we're going to search for the best brews, don our beer goggles, and even do a little cow tipping. Read on for a look at some of the quirky quests and boozy rewards that come with Brell's spring holiday.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Brew Day

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Brew Day originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-of-belowbrell-serillisbrew-daybrew-day-cloakeq2eqiieventeventsEverQuest-2everquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfeaturedgigglegibberholidayholidaysin-game-eventminotaur-hero-brewst-patricks-daytattered-notebooktumpy-tonicMon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ah spring! 'Tis the time when young men and women's thoughts turn to love -- or at least scoring some nifty holiday-themed loot! This year there's quite a bit going on. Some events are old familiar ones that have stood the test of time. Others offer new twists and things to do for those who have been there, done that. If you aren't feeling the love bug biting, there's even the odd anti-Valentine's-type event, perfect for those who would rather rain destruction down on the head of anyone foolish enough to approach him with anything heart-shaped or pink. Curious as to what's going on? Check out our listing below -- and feel free to chime in if you know of a fun event others should check out!

Rip out your Fallen Earth character's heart for Valentine's Day (February 11th-13th)
What's better than surviving a nuclear holocaust and wandering your way across a blasted brown landscape rife with societal collapse? Why, sharing said wanderings with someone you love, of course (or at least, someone you lust after in that we've-got-to-do-this-for-the-future-of-mankind sort of way). In a novel spin on the traditional mid-February holiday, Icarus Studios is presenting Fallen Earth's Valentine's Day Massacre event, and clones everywhere can literally offer their hearts as a sign of affection (and a +3 stamina buff).
Vindictus spreads the love with new update and holiday (February 1st-15th)
Quirky events have quickly become one of Vindictus' staples. Right now players can participate in V-Day events for special rewards. If fishing and chocolate hunting isn't your bag, you can simply purchase a Valentine's Package at the Supply Depot for "sexy Valentine's themed Inner Armor." Cute undies, in other words. Valentine's events will end after the 15th, so players are encouraged to partake sooner rather than regret it later.
Time for love in Final Fantasy XI (February 1st-15th)
Valentine's Day is almost here, that special time of year when you attempt to distill the essence of a romantic relationship into chocolate form. And if you were hoping to escape from the day within Vana'diel, your efforts are rather misdirected -- Valentione's Day coincides nicely with the holiday in the real world, with just as much saccharine summation of liaisons in Final Fantasy XI.

Continue reading Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities

MassivelyMassively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlinecash-shopChangyouchangyou.comcity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscomedycostumescovdc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedewok-love-festivalfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfefestivalffxifinal-fantasy-xiifrfree-realmsfree-to-playfungpotatoheartholidayholidaysicarus-studiosin-game-eventsncsoftnexonromancesoesony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixsqueenixstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresstar-wars-galaxiesswgtlbbvalentinevalentines-dayvalentines-day-2011vindictusvirtual-worldFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Playtime over the holidays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/exploring-eberron-playtime-over-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/exploring-eberron-playtime-over-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/exploring-eberron-playtime-over-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's Christmas Eve, and most everyone is on some sort of holiday break. The interesting thing about holiday "break" is that it's often not so much a break as it is a different kind of hustle and bustle than the usual one.

Still, it's supposed to involve at least a little bit of downtime, and we MMO fans look forward to indulging with some extra time in our favorite games. While it's hard to find time to spend hours raiding, the design of Dungeons and Dragons Online allows players to take a half-hour here and there to relax and play. The downside of this is that there's a lot of content, and it's easy to wind up staring at the game thinking "I have no idea what I want to do." A few suggestions can usually get the ball rolllng, so follow along after the jump for some ideas on how to make the most of your DDO downtime!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: Playtime over the holidays

MassivelyExploring Eberron: Playtime over the holidays originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boredboredomddoDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexploring-eberronf2pfeaturedfestivultfree-to-playftpholidaysturbineTurbine-EntertainmentFri, 24 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated: On the third day of giveaways, Icarus gave to me...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/on-the-third-day-of-giveaways-icarus-gave-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/on-the-third-day-of-giveaways-icarus-gave-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/on-the-third-day-of-giveaways-icarus-gave-to-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



[UPDATE: All winners have been selected and contacted. Congratulations!]

On the third day of giveaways, Icarus gave to me... three months of gameplay!
On the second day of giveaways, Hi-Rez gave to me... two gift packages!
On the first day of giveaways, Turbine gave to me... a lifetime VIP!

Today we continue Massively's 12 Days of Giveaways! During this 12-day event, you'll find presents galore, courtesy of some of the best MMOs out there. Every day until December 24th, we'll post a new contest for you to enter. We've got a huge pile of goodies to give away, so they're going to be fast and furious -- you'll have 24 hours from the time the contest is posted to enter. Don't worry, though, because we're going to do our best to accommodate everyone -- you'll simply have to leave a comment to be entered in the random drawing, and we'll be posting each contest at a different time of day.

Today's holiday gifts are courtesy of Icarus Studios, the developer behind Fallen Earth. This post-apocalyptic sandbox game has been through some staff changes lately, but that hasn't prevented the team from planning some fun holiday events. The devs have included Massively in on the fun, so peek behind the cut to see what we have for you!

Continue reading Updated: On the third day of giveaways, Icarus gave to me...

MassivelyUpdated: On the third day of giveaways, Icarus gave to me... originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-giveawayscontestfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcgiveawayholidaysicarusicarus-studiosproduct-codeswinter-holiday-2010Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fantasy Earth Zero celebrates the holidays with decoration and giveaways]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/fantasy-earth-zero-celebrates-the-holidays-with-decoration-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/fantasy-earth-zero-celebrates-the-holidays-with-decoration-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/fantasy-earth-zero-celebrates-the-holidays-with-decoration-and-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year that even the supernatural creatures summoned into battle feel the urge to dress for the occasion. At least, that's the case in Fantasy Earth Zero, which is embracing the spirit of the season by giving its summons a uniquely festive appearance. Considering the importance of summons in the game's PvP maps, players can expect to see quite a bit of the festive models during the available timeframe.

If that wasn't enough, however, the community team is also holding two promotions for players. Players are asked to design a holiday card for the game, with five winners being selected to win five gold coins each. The team is also taking the opportunity to play Santa, as three lucky players will be granted their item of choice from the cash shop absolutely free. If your holiday plans include claiming land for your nation in Fantasy Earth Zero, you'll have several chances to enjoy the festive spirit while doing so.

MassivelyFantasy Earth Zero celebrates the holidays with decoration and giveaways originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-2010contestcontestsdecorationsdesignf2pfantasy-earth-zerofestive-spiritfezfree-to-playgamepotgamepot-usagiftsholiday-decorationholidayssquaresquare-enixFri, 10 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth Holiday Apocalypse Challenge starts today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/fallen-earth-holiday-apocalypse-challenge-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/fallen-earth-holiday-apocalypse-challenge-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/fallen-earth-holiday-apocalypse-challenge-starts-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Want some wasteland in your Christmas stocking? Icarus Studios has just the thing, and it's called the Fallen Earth Holiday Apocalypse Challenge. Aside from managing to put the words holiday and apocalypse in the same sentence, the contest gives you a chance to win a custom PC, an iPhone 4, and various and sundry additional goodies.

Enter for your chance to win (and check out the phat lewt) via the official contest website, and make sure you log in to Fallen Earth as often as possible from today through January 7th. Each day you log in earns you an additional contest entry. Also be sure to use the email address associated with your Fallen Earth game account when entering the contest. Finally, if you're not currently subscribed, Icarus has temporarily extended the game's trial to 30 days, so what are you waiting for?

MassivelyFallen Earth Holiday Apocalypse Challenge starts today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmascontestcustom-pcfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcholiday-apocalypseholiday-apocalypse-challengeholidaysicarusicarus-studiosiphonepost-apocalypticprizessci-fiThu, 09 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Zentia contest information and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/exclusive-zentia-contest-information-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/exclusive-zentia-contest-information-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/exclusive-zentia-contest-information-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

My, how Zentia has grown! One moment, the charming game is slowly working its way into our hearts, and the next it's parading around with a fat playerbase and upcoming contests. Well, we have more exclusive information for you again -- this time it involves server changes and prizes.
  • Time to celebrate the first PvE server opening for Zentia! The PvP server Spoon will be converted to a PvE server (date to be announced)
  • There will be no force attack on regular maps anymore
  • The battlegrounds War of Camp, Royal Hunt Park and Treasure Island will have force attack enabled
  • Don't worry; dueling will still be allowed on all maps
In celebration of the new server and the holidays, ChangYou has decreed that lucky random players will receive 200 tokens to use in the cash shop -- a total of $50,000 in tokens! On top of that, four really lucky players will receive a $500 Amazon gift card, just in time for some holiday shopping. (I wear a small, by the way.) If you'd like to find out more information about the game, check out some of our first impressions here and here. You can sign up for a free account on the website and follow the game on Facebook.

MassivelyExclusive Zentia contest information and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbattlegroundbattlegroundsbeau-hindmanChangyouchristmas-2010contestcontestsf2pfree-to-playftpholidayholidayspvpserver-changesserverszentiazentia-mmoFri, 03 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aye, it's that time of year again, time for a celebration of culture and everything we can shoehorn under the aegis of getting drunk on green-tinted beer. We hope you're spending the day with friends and family, listening to traditional music and possibly enjoying a meal of corned beef and cabbage to celebrate the occasion. Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to get out and celebrate with the people you know and care about.

What? Sticking to the holiday that's actually happening is boring.

Luckily, sticking to Ask Massively isn't boring, at least not if you like getting your questions answered. Jump on past the break for questions about the new site layout as well as the venerable EverQuest, and of course our requisite question of ridiculousness at the end. So jump on past the break, and if you have a question you'd like to see answered here, feel free to leave it in the comments or mail ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelydesigneqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiextendedf2pfree-to-playholidayholidayslayoutq-and-aquestionsquestions-and-answerssite-designsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can you feel the love? The food comas? The day of sitting around napping while the kids sneak into the kitchen for another piece of pie? As you can see from the holiday e-card we've gotten, the gorging has already started in certain MMOs. However, for the rest of us who aren't virtual-demented-clown versions of Mr. Creosote, the promise of great deals looms once the turkey and pie are dispensed with. As we here at Massively are always on the lookout for a good deal, we've rounded up some MMO and hardware deals worth putting on your wish list.

Join us behind the break for some of the best 100% frosting-covered-clown-free bargains we've found. Also, if you spot anything particularly tasty in terms of sale prices, be sure to let us all know in comments!

[Updated] Switched the image out due to unintended offense, and adding more deals in as we find them!

Continue reading [Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup

Massively[Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2010dealsfeaturedgameshardwareholidayholidaysholidays-2010mmommofpsmmorpgsalesalessoftwarespecialsthanksgivingthanksgiving-2010Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Guide to Pumpkin Festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/lost-pages-of-taborea-guide-to-pumpkin-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/lost-pages-of-taborea-guide-to-pumpkin-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/lost-pages-of-taborea-guide-to-pumpkin-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Runes of Magic has been around long enough now that holiday events are making a second round. In the wake of the Juice Festival's first appearance, the Pumpkin Festival is one of the events getting a second go.

Legend tells us that before humans rediscovered the continent of Candara, the land of Kolydia was ruled by tyranny. On a cold winter's night, unknown assassins wearing masks succeeded in eliminating the unsavory rulers and the hoi polloi rejoiced. The people started celebrating that day by wearing masks which became rumored to bring good luck.

Unknown years and another continent later, humans made do the best they could on the underdeveloped land. The tale is said that a farmer carved out a pumpkin and put a candle in it. After seeing this, the Eye of Wisdom thought it would be a great idea to mark the day for rest and celebration before Winter. The mask wearing was added to this, kids added costumes and trick-or-treating, thus the Pumpkin Festival was born.

I don't have a photographic memory nor did I painstakingly write down all event-minutea from last year, but this year's festivities look to offer more activities. On top of that, there are plenty of costumes, holiday furniture and even holiday mounts to obtain or buy. The only problem is the absence of any source to help you traverse the ins and outs of what you can do and what you can win. Until now. Click past the break for help making your way through this year's Pumpkin Festival.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Guide to Pumpkin Festival

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Guide to Pumpkin Festival originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costumeseventsfeaturedfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivehalloweenholidayholiday-eventsholidaysmasksmountspumpkinpumpkin-festivalromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmenttitlestrick-or-treatMon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Happy Halloween, here's a giant dragon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/exploring-eberron-happy-halloween-heres-a-giant-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/exploring-eberron-happy-halloween-heres-a-giant-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/exploring-eberron-happy-halloween-heres-a-giant-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Welcome to October. It's time for ghouls, ghosts, things that go bump in the night, and shambling undead. Halloween events are a grand tradition in nearly every MMO, and Dungeons and Dragons Online has something special this year. The developers have really scaled things up for this holiday, but how well will it work?

Fernando Paiz and the team teased us with hints of the event last month at PAX, showing off a creepy red sky in Delera's Graveyard. Unfortunately for this curious DDO fan, the tour stopped there, leaving me to wait and wonder.

Yesterday my wondering was over, because we spent some time during my tour of Update 7 to explore the event. If you were in the area Thursday and noticed a sudden spawn of pumpkins, undead, and collectors in the graveyard, that was courtesy of Fernando. He was kind enough to turn the event on briefly and give me a little tour of what the holiday will have to offer.

Follow along after the cut for my thoughts on the good, the bad, and the creepy of the upcoming DDO Halloween event. Don't forget to check the link at the very end to see what OnedAwesome, Massively's DDO guild, is up to next week too!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: Happy Halloween, here's a giant dragon

MassivelyExploring Eberron: Happy Halloween, here's a giant dragon originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeventeventsexploring-eberronf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphalloweenholidayholidaysin-game-eventonedawesomeraidturbineTurbine-EntertainmentFri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Did you get your piratin' in?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/one-shots-did-you-get-your-piratin-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/one-shots-did-you-get-your-piratin-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/one-shots-did-you-get-your-piratin-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ye might have been too busy with yer chores to note, but yesterday was Talk Like a Pirate Day, mateys! While many different MMOs had events going on to mark the occasion, Aion decided to take its normally graphically pretty avatars and make them look rather rum-soaked, if not deliciously deranged. This image from yesterday's celebration comes to us from Qaz, who writes in to give us some more background on this piratical image: "This is a screenshot from Aion taken after eating 'Pirate Form Candy,' which all players received free for Talk Like a Pirate Day. This was taken in the Ishaglen zone."

If you've got celebration screenshots from your favorite MMO, we'd love to see them! Just email them in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Please make sure your image is at least 1024 pixels wide and has as few UI elements as is possible. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Did you get your piratin' in? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-the-tower-of-eternityholidaysncsoftone-shotspirates of the caribbeanPiratesOfTheCaribbeanQazscreenshotscreenshotstalk-like-a-pirate-dayMon, 20 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Tis the season to party in Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/flameseeker-chronicles-tis-the-season-to-party-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/flameseeker-chronicles-tis-the-season-to-party-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/flameseeker-chronicles-tis-the-season-to-party-in-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yarrr! Yesterday was Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day, and as always ArenaNet stepped up to the plate with a fun event. The Talk Like a Pirate event arrived last Friday, along with a mysterious poem that may or may not mean anything. At any rate, it's keeping a lot of fans busy trying to figure it out.

This event heralds the start of what I call the Guild Wars party season. The pirate event is followed shortly thereafter by the Halloween event, then the Thanksgiving event, then Wintersday. In between are various community events as players and guilds throw parties to celebrate various holidays and milestones, and it's generally a few straight months of reveling.

Each type of event -- both community-created and developer-created -- has its own ups, downs, and quirks. Follow along as I take a look at what they are.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Tis the season to party in Guild Wars

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Tis the season to party in Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcommunity-eventseventsfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsgwhalloweenholidayholidaysmassively-overpoweredmvopncsoftspecial-treats-weekendtalk-like-a-pirate-daywintersdayMon, 20 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Great achievements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here in the States we're celebrating one of the great achievements in our nation's history -- the adoption of our Declaration of Independence! However, as we're a site that spans more than just the shores of one nation, we thought today we'd take the time instead to talk about achievements in the MMOs we all know and love. From leveling in World of Warcraft, to managing to level without dying in Lord of the Rings Online, to clicking on your own avatar 5,000,000 times in Warhammer Online, people really seem to enjoy chasing those little badges that say "I came, I saw, I did something!"

Today, in honor of great achievements everywhere, we thought we'd talk about MMO achievements. Whether it's the more formalized ones that come with banners or Facebook status updates, or just a personal milestone you managed to accomplish after a long period of planning and working at it, there are many things to celebrate. So jump down to the comments below and tell us -- what is your greatest MMO achievement?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Great achievements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementachievementsholidayholidayslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommotdgthe-daily-grindwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: So what did you get for the holidays?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/the-daily-grind-so-what-did-you-get-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/the-daily-grind-so-what-did-you-get-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/the-daily-grind-so-what-did-you-get-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You know, we put off this question for far too long. It's such an obvious breakfast question, really, because we know that all of you want to talk about the phat-lewt that appeared under your Christmas tree, or menorah, or what you expect to get for Kwanza, or what you got for any gift giving occasion.

So did you get that new MMO that you were lusting after? Did you get perhaps some time cards for your favorite subscription game or points for your favorite free-to-play title? Or did you just get a nice wad of cash which you promptly blew on Steam or at GameStop? These are important questions because inquiring minds want to know.

So what are you waiting for, an invitation? Get down to that comment box, bang out a sentence or two, and let it rip onto our webby-site. Holiday loot, go!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: So what did you get for the holidays? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giftsholidaysopinionphat-lewtpresentsthe-daily-grindSun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online giving players free holiday gift: the Zephyr]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/eve-online-giving-players-free-holiday-gift-the-zephyr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/eve-online-giving-players-free-holiday-gift-the-zephyr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/eve-online-giving-players-free-holiday-gift-the-zephyr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


EVE Online players received some good news today, when CCP Games announced a free holiday gift for all active subscribers: the Zephyr, a pure exploration vessel that's unique among all ships of New Eden in both form and function. Beyond the pimp factor of this Intaki Syndicate ship, the Zephyr's primary use will be in the uncharted expanses of wormhole space. It's the only ship in EVE Online that has a probe launcher built in. This "Prototype Iris Probe Launcher"-equipped ship pairs minimal mass (and less likelihood of collapsing a wormhole) with a small sensor footprint, which makes it hard to scan down by hostiles. While the integrated exploration gear is nice, even better is that Sleeper NPCs -- the awakened and powerful guardians of wormhole space -- will not fire upon a Zephyr (EVE filmmakers take note!). What's even cooler is that it actually has sails; it's designed to soar through space on solar winds when not in warp.

The Zephyr exploration ship will be free to all players and available to be claimed between December 18th and January 6th, 2009. Redeeming the ship is easy, simply log in to the EVE client on or after December 18th and click "Redeem Items!" on the lower right of the client window. Remember it's one ship per active (non-trial) account, not per character, and this may very well be a one time offer. Have a look at CCP Wrangler's full description of the Zephyr for more on this rather unique addition to New Eden's array of ships.

MassivelyEVE Online giving players free holiday gift: the Zephyr originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerdev-blogseveeve-onlineexplorationholiday-giftholidaysnew-edennew-shipssci-fisleepersthe-zephyrwormholewormholeszephyrTue, 15 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate the holidays with Mythic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/celebrate-the-holidays-with-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/celebrate-the-holidays-with-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/celebrate-the-holidays-with-mythic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


There's good news for everyone who's a fan of one of the MMOs supervised by Mythic Entertainment -- Dark Age of Camelot, Ultima Online, and of course Warhammer Online. Admittedly the recent history has not been particularly kind to the game's fans (and has at times been downright unsettling), but the company is still rolling along with its "Twelve Days of Mythic" celebration of the holidays. By following the MythicNews twitter account, fans of the company have chances at prizes as well as special item codes.

Here's the breakdown of the process: each day, the MythicNews twitter will post a tweet with a link to a YouTube video. In order to be entered into the giveaway, all that players have to do is retweet the link before the end of the day. Winners will be randomly selected for prizes that "celebrate all the great games you enjoy." In addition, the team will be randomly offering up item codes for Warhammer Online on the twitter feed, with the codes free to anyone who nabs them in time. It promises to be an interesting way for fans of the company's stable to get involved and celebrate the holidays, so grab a Twitter account if you don't have one and enjoy the giveaway.

MassivelyCelebrate the holidays with Mythic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestsdaocdark-age-of-camelotholiday-celebrationholidaysmythicmythic-entertainmentmythicnewsreal-world-eventstwitterultima-onlineuovideoswarwarhammer-onlineTue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like holiday events?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-holiday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-holiday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-holiday-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've only been done with Halloween for about a month, and we just finished Thanksgiving. There's still some other holiday coming up this year, followed by New Year's Day, followed by Valentine's Day, and so on and so forth. And all of these holidays are usually accompanied by events in the middle of your game of choice -- usually with a different name or a slightly different backstory, but with the ultimate effect of more holiday experience being shoved directly into your retinas.

On the one hand, this is fun. It gives you a chance to break up the flow of the year a bit better within the game, it lets everyone kick back and relax a little more, and the best events give every player something new to do for a little while. On the other hand, they can distract from the game's actual focus, the rewards can sometimes be disproportionate, and for some people they get enough holiday coverage anyway. Work retail around Christmas, for instance, and you don't want more Christmas decorations in your favorite MMO. (You might want more Hanukkah, but that's a different discussion.) Today we ask: do you like having holiday events in your games of choice? If so, what are your favorite sorts and best examples? If not, what's your personal reason?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you like holiday events? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasculturehalloweenhanukkahholiday-eventsholidayshumorin-game-eventsnew-years-dayopiniontdgthanksgivingthe-daily-grindvalentines-dayFri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively wishes you a happy Halloween]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/massively-wishes-you-a-happy-halloween/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/massively-wishes-you-a-happy-halloween/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/massively-wishes-you-a-happy-halloween/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Halloween is probably second only to Christmas in terms of holiday popularity. Ask just about anybody what their favorite holiday is, and they'll probably list one of those two (if it fits the culture). Naturally, as MMO players, we have fun celebrating it in our virtual worlds just like we do in the real world. And boy, this year, do we ever celebrate. Just about every active MMO out there had (or has) something going on. The 2009 lineup included:
Most of these events last a few days into November, so if there's any one in particular you're dying to experience, you might still have a chance if you have a subscription laying around. If you're not able to visit any of these in person, we have screenshots from many of these events in the gallery below. Enjoy!

Gallery: Halloween 2009

EverQuest II CostumeAnother EverQuest II CostumeEverQuest II ScarecrowEverQuest II's Headless HorsemanEverQuest II Skeletons

MassivelyMassively wishes you a happy Halloween originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brraaaaaainsscavern-of-chaosdaemon-moon-risingdays-of-the-deadgalactic-moon-festivalhalloweenhalloween-2009halloween-in-mmosharvest festivalharvest-revelhaunting-of-norrathholidayholidaysmmo-halloweennights-of-lost-soulsnights-of-the-deadpumpkin-festivalroundupspooks-and-scarecrowssuper-spooktacularthe-deadly-apocalypsethe-mad-kings-revelrySat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We hope our U.S. readers have been enjoying their Independence Day celebrations. Clearly most everyone working in the MMO industry has been chowing down on BBQ as there hasn't been much in the way of major gaming news stories breaking during the holiday. However, we did come across a Global Agenda story that we think is fitting for the 4th of July weekend.

Hi-Rez Studios VP of game operations Stew Chisam writes that the Global Agenda team received this from the wife of U.S. Army Captain Chris Ficquette: "My husband is in the United States Army and will be re-deployed for his second tour of duty this summer. To date, I have not yet found a bigger fan of video games than him. Is there any way that I could have my husband involved in motion capturing so that he could be immortalized in your video game?" It turns out Hi-Rez Studios was willing to oblige.

Continue reading Global Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty

MassivelyGlobal Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julydaniel-lillebergfourth-of-julyglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosholidaysindependence-dayjuly-4thlead-animatormo-capmotion-capturesci-fispy-fistew-chisamSun, 05 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runes of Magic opens new PvE server, will hold Independence Day celebration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/runes-of-magic-opens-new-pve-server-will-hold-independence-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/runes-of-magic-opens-new-pve-server-will-hold-independence-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/runes-of-magic-opens-new-pve-server-will-hold-independence-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It looks like Runes of Magic is getting in on the 4th of July MMO celebrations this weekend. Frogster America has announced that players can usher in Independence Day with bundles of fireworks (minus any fines or risk of bloody nubs), which they can pick up for 1 diamond in-game. They've also said the holiday celebration will bring specials in the item shop with prices on three Power Bundle slashed by 75%.

Frogster America also announced they'll launch a new PvE server tomorrow, "Reni", and there will be other summer activities that kick off on July 4th as well: a community screenshot contest; item and prize giveaways; and a leveling contest for players and guilds on Reni. Be sure to see their full announcement for more details on the Runes of Magic Independence Day contests and giveaways.

MassivelyRunes of Magic opens new PvE server, will hold Independence Day celebration originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julydiamonddiamondseventsfantasyfireworksfrogsterfrogster-americaholidayholidaysindependence-daynew-serverpower-bundlepvepve-serverreniromrunes-of-magicserversFri, 03 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest 2's Brewday is underway this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/everquest-2s-brewday-is-underway-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/everquest-2s-brewday-is-underway-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/everquest-2s-brewday-is-underway-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, SOE has announced that EverQuest 2's Brewday 2009 will run from March 12 through 19. The in-game holiday features quests with special rewards, including lizard plushies to display in your houses, as well as my favorite: the Stone Jug of Kaladim, great for holding "Luclinshine," since the highly potent drink would eat through any weaker material. (Note from Massively staff: Please enjoy Luclinshine responsibly. Don't drink and ride your mount.)


This year's quest tasks players with helping Gilin Rockbreath, a drunk dwarf, determine if his gnomish goggles are broken or not. The quests from previous Brewdays are also available for anyone who wishes to run through them.


Just remember, on Brewday, everybody's dwarven!

MassivelyEverQuest 2's Brewday is underway this week originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brewdayeventseverquest-2everquest-iiholidayssoeSat, 14 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A comprehensive look at WoW's Lunar Festival achievements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/a-comprehensive-look-at-wows-lunar-festival-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/a-comprehensive-look-at-wows-lunar-festival-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/a-comprehensive-look-at-wows-lunar-festival-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Holiday festivals in MMOs aren't limited to Christmas events. The Lunar Festival in World of Warcraft began this weekend, and is timed to coincide with the real world Chinese Lunar New Year (January 26th). WoW celebrates the holiday with quests to find Elders, unique items like season clothing, fireworks, and seasonal decor splashed all around WoW's major cities, Booty Bay, and Moonglade.

Our sister site WoW Insider has put together a comprehensive guide to all of the Lunar Festival achievements, and explains how to complete the meta-achievement "To Honor One's Elders." The WoW Insider guide is well worth a look if you want to get the most out of the annual event, this year being the fourth time around for WoW's Lunar Festival. The event runs from January 24th to February 12th, so there's still plenty of time to get in on the fun.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyA comprehensive look at WoW's Lunar Festival achievements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementachievementsblizzardchinese-new-yearelderfantasyguideguidesholidayholiday-eventholiday-eventsholidayslunar-festivallunar-new-yearqueststo-honor-ones-eldersworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 25 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Lion's Arch Wintersday panorama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/one-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today's image may not look nearly as awesome as it is when you consider the limitations of the blog format, but the above thin strip of image is actually an enormous Guild Wars Wintersday panorama! These gorgeous panoramas are compiled from several screenshots, carefully edited together by Shawn W. and then posted to his Flickr gallery of lovely Guild Wars panoramas for all to enjoy. You can not only find a full-size of today's frosty festival image there, but several others, all waiting for your eyes. Great work, Shawn, and thanks for sending this in to us here at One Shots!

If you've created a panorama of images from your favorite game, we'd love to see them. Of course, if you've got lots of regular-sized images, we'd love to see those too. (We're equal-opportunity screenshot fans, really.) Just grab that screenshot and send it to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and the name of the game. We'll post it for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Lion's Arch Wintersday panorama originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsgwholidayholidaysncsoftone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsMon, 05 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How was Keg End?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-daily-grind-how-was-keg-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-daily-grind-how-was-keg-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-daily-grind-how-was-keg-end/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With all the holiday hootnannying, we never really had the chance to ask you how your holiday in Warhammer went. All the other games were rolling out pretty familiar offerings for us this year, from World of Warcraft's tried-and-true Winter Veil to the Hobbity fun of Lord of the Rings Online's Yule Festival. Warhammer's brand-new live event, "Keg End" was a unique offering this year, and from the sound of things offered a lot of fun times. Festive fireworks were fired, unique holiday experience bonuses were all around, and the fest itself offered a lot of holiday-themed tasks for players to sink their teeth into.

Our question to you this morning is simple: How was it? Did you have a chance to participate in the keggy goodness? Was Ogre-killing and seeking the Golden Stein as much fun as the merry Mythic rhyme made it sound? Did you manage to obtain the Elite reputation reward for completing all of the event's tasks? Let us know in the comments below while some of us are still getting over our own keg-related events ...

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How was Keg End? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidayskeg-endmythic-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindwarwarhammer-onlineSat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's snowball fights to end January 6th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/eve-onlines-snowball-fights-to-end-january-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/eve-onlines-snowball-fights-to-end-january-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/eve-onlines-snowball-fights-to-end-january-6th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While implementing "future Christmas in space" wasn't the most feasible option in EVE Online, CCP Games did revive their holiday tradition of giving players snowball launchers, with harmless snowball ammo. The snowball launchers sound and function like standard missile launchers, and upon impact the snowballs burst into a cloud of snowflakes. However it seems the cat's out of the bag in terms of baiting surprised targets into returning (live) fire in high security space, and having them put down by CONCORD -- EVE's NPC police.

Perhaps it's just as well though. Soon those unused snowballs will melt, thus ending EVE Online's holiday celebration on January 6th. Needless to say, players who quickly tore through their snowball supply and are trying to replenish their cache will have to hurry. CCP Fallout, EVE's Associate Community Manager, writes that "capsuleers who bid on snowball contracts before this date, yet receive them after, will find themselves owners of a pile of melted snowballs upon delivery." So use 'em or lose 'em. They'll be reduced to puddles in just a few days, and since CCP Games doesn't do this every year, it might be your last chance for quite some time to try these out.

MassivelyEVE Online's snowball fights to end January 6th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>associate-community-managerccpccp-falloutccp-gamesconcordeveeve-onlineholidayholiday-celebrationsholidayssnowball-fightsnowball-launchersnowballswinter-eventFri, 02 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Friends for the Holidays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/one-shots-friends-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/one-shots-friends-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/one-shots-friends-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ah, the winter months, when folks love to gather together and hang out by the fireplace while the snow rages outside. Of course, if you're in a place where there is no such thing as snow during December like I am, you can enjoy it vicariously in games like City of Heroes and City of Villains! This One Shot was snapped by me while hanging out in the holiday-event Ski Chalet that all Heroes and Villains can get to from inside Pocket D. One thing I love about the winter events is that friends who like to play on opposite sides can get together and run the mission to Save Baby New Year together, then enjoy a cup of cocoa and talk. Of course, if you're really feeling festive, you can dress up in holiday wear, as we see in the foreground!

Spending relaxing time with friends and family (and friends who pretty much are family) is a great way to ring in the new year. Whatever you find yourself doing on this New Year's Eve, I hope you have a great and safe night! Of course, if you're getting your game on, be sure to snap a picture of the fireworks, or other celebrations going on tonight and send them to me here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and what game its from.

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Friends for the Holidays originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesholidaysncsoftone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Happy Holidays!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-daily-grind-happy-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-daily-grind-happy-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-daily-grind-happy-holidays/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's Christmas Day, and that means most of the Massively bloggers are probably hunkered down around their in-game trees. We're counting the pieces of loot that virtual Santa left us this morning, and by now we're probably engaged in a good old-fashioned game of "who got the best stat bonuses?" It's tradition, after all. We hope that all of you reading the site are having really great holidays, be they spent in-game or not.

From everyone at Massively, whatever the holiday you celebrate this time of year (or not), have a happy one. We'll camp the spawn till you all get back tomorrow.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Happy Holidays! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasfeaturedholidaystdgthe-daily-grindThu, 25 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: MMO gift giving?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-daily-grind-mmo-gift-giving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-daily-grind-mmo-gift-giving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-daily-grind-mmo-gift-giving/#commentsFiled under:

Last week Massively put up a gift guide for gamers looking to share their favorite hobby. We don't imagine a lot of you ran out to put it into use, but it did bring up a question among some of us regarding gift-giving and MMOs. Every year after the holidays the NPDs reflect season gifts of MMO boxes, and spikes in online gaming. We have to wonder though: are the December holidays really a time to get into or give an MMO?

So, that's the question for today. Have you ever given an MMO box or subscription card as a Christmas gift? Have you ever recieved one? Did your exposure to an MMO as a result of gift giving result in a long-term relationship with the genre? Give us details and heart-warming holiday stories on this, the last day before Christmas Eve. Drop us your holiday hijinks in the comments below!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: MMO gift giving? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giftsholidaysmmo-boxestdgthe-daily-grindTue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: 'Tis the season]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-daily-grind-tis-the-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-daily-grind-tis-the-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-daily-grind-tis-the-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's that time of year again -- when every MMO on the market decides to break out in some form of winter-y celebration. Festivities abound! AoC is handing out gifts, EVE offers snowball fights, Nexon holds festivals, Warhammer celebrates Keg End, Lineage II lets you save Santa, the World of Warcraft celebrates Winter Veil, Guild Wars players celebrate Wintersday, City of Heroes and Villains hold their uncreatively named Winter Event, LotRO hosts the Yule Festival, EverQuest II celebrates Frostfell, Final Fantasy XI hosts the Starfall Celebration, and probably a number of other events in a number of other games that have slipped our immediate notice.

Whew! If you haven't been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of holiday cheer provided by that simple list of events, then here's the question(s) from Massively HQ to you. Are you celebrating this holiday season MMO style? Seeking out every seasonal quest and seeing how many MMOs have virtual eggnog to indulge in? Would you prefer not to have real world holidays barging into your virtual reality? Or does celebrating in real life provide you with more than enough holiday cheer for one lifetime?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: 'Tis the season originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidayholidaysholidays2008keg-endtdgthe-daily-grindwinterwinter-eventwinter-veilwintersdayyuleyule-festivalMon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST