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[Some Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
The sunsetting of Star Wars Galaxies. Beyond the obvious, that statement holds more meaning for me, something deeper and more personal. See, throughout my years in SWG, I would often stop whatever I was doing just to sit and watch the Tatooine suns set. Honestly. Just a simple act of sitting upon the plateau -- sometimes alone, sometimes with friends -- quietly watching one of the universe's greatest pleasures inside an MMO. It was amazing to me how vibrant this galaxy was, filled with so many little details that breathed life into it in a way that I think is still unmatched. Details such as sunsets made the world real, but what really made it "home" was the housing.

Few, if any, games can claim the mastery of housing that Galaxies attained. Quite frankly, it is still the standard by which I measure housing. And there is almost no way to sum it up and do it justice in one short article. Despite this challenge, Some Assembly Required dedicates this 12th issue to immortalizing (and hopefully prodding future developers to emulate) one of the greatest housing systems ever and highlighting the very thing that made this great feature phenomenal: incredible player ingenuity and creativity.

But don't just take my word for it. A number of readers joined in and sent in screenshots of and waypoints to these expressions of creativity. So step on over the threshold for our tribute in word and image to SWG housing and the player creativity it engendered.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza

MassivelySome Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-buildingcreativitydecoratingfeaturedgalleriesgalleryhouseshousinghousing-tourpgcplayer-creativityplayer-generated-contentsandboxscreenshotscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmosunsetswgswg-sunsettourFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pix or it didn't happen: Calling for your SWG house screenies!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/pix-or-it-didnt-happen-calling-for-your-swg-house-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/pix-or-it-didnt-happen-calling-for-your-swg-house-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/pix-or-it-didnt-happen-calling-for-your-swg-house-screenies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies -- Bree's old Bio-Engineer
In exactly one month, the Star Wars Galaxies servers will be shut down forever, but that doesn't mean your creations have to be sunsetted along with them. MJ Guthrie, the co-author of our biweekly sandbox column, Some Assembly Required, is hoping to immortalize the niftiest player-decorated SWG houses, but she needs your help to do it.

If you'd like to pitch in and make sure that SWG's amazing housing mechanics aren't lost to time, just email screenshots of your favorite homes and player-run cities to MJ (mj@massively.com). If you haven't got screenies, a waypoint or coordinates (and the planet and server name) will work just as well, assuming you've unlocked the building(s) for visitors. She's also open to taking a personal tour! The December 9th edition of the column will feature the highlights along with a gallery of all the submissions.

As MJ herself posted: "Don't miss out on being a part of this housing extravaganza! Something so great deserves to be savored for a long, long time to come."

MassivelyPix or it didn't happen: Calling for your SWG house screenies! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citiescitygalleriesgalleryhousehouseshousingmj-guthriepix-or-it-didnt-happenplayer-run-citiesplayer-run-cityscreenshotscreenshotssoesome-assembly-requiredSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessunsetswgTue, 15 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All right, Free Realms fanatics, it's time for another visit from the fabulous Referee Ruby. Today she's focused on Free Realms' housing options. After giving viewers a small sampling of the housing lots available to players (as well as a... toilet theme park?), she shows us how a player can take their creative masterpiece -- such as, Ruby suggests, a theme park dedicated to a certain referee -- and share it with the rest of the world. To watch the full video, and maybe get some ideas for your own Free Realms lot, jump on past the cut!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playhouseshousinghousing-lotslotsrefereereferee-rubyrubyshrugsoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: New Eden Eternal Zumi race screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/massively-exclusive-new-eden-eternal-zumi-race-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/massively-exclusive-new-eden-eternal-zumi-race-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/massively-exclusive-new-eden-eternal-zumi-race-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week we put the spotlight on Eden Eternal and its upcoming Zumi race. The adorable little anthropomorphized rodents seem to fill the game's "mad scientist inventor" niche, and we have some new pictures to show them off.

First off we have some renders of the precious wittle Zumi in a variety of class-specific outfits. Alongside the dress-up rats, we have some concept art of their dwellings, which are delightfully steampunk with all the brass gears and pistons. So scamper on to the gallery for all of the new art, and keep an eye on Massively for new information as it comes.

Gallery: Eden Eternal Zumi Race

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: New Eden Eternal Zumi race screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gameseden-eternaleef2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhouseshousingmouse-peopleomg-so-cutescreenshotscreenshotszumiWed, 06 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The idea of a Harry Potter MMO is hardly a new one at this point -- we've even speculated on it around Massively for years now. Rumors and wishful thinking have brought up this hypothetical MMO time and again, and for good reason: It simply makes sense.

In fact, the more you think about it, the more surprising it is that we haven't heard official word of a Harry Potter MMO by now. After doing some poking around, the most likely suspects to take on this project would either be Warner Bros. (which owns the rights to the franchise) or Electronic Arts (which purchased a license from WB to make the movie video games). Both companies have MMO studios at their command -- Turbine, BioWare, Mythic -- and both have the resources to make it happen.

So why does Harry Potter make perfect sense for MMO-adaptation? Hit the jump and I'll run you down the top 10 reasons! And if you post a positive comment after this column, I'll add five points to the house of your choice (go Hufflepuff!).

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclassesdeathly-hallowsdefense-against-the-dark-artseaea-biowareea-mythicelectronic-artsfactionsfantasyfeaturedgolden-goosegoose-that-lays-golden-eggsharry-potterharry-potter-mmoherbologyhogwartsholy-trinityhouseshufflepuffipj-k-rowlingjk-rowlingkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlevelinglevelslord-of-the-ringsmagicmythicnarniapotionsquidditchrowlingspeculationturbinetwilightUniversal-Orlando-Resortwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwizardwizard101wizardsworld-buildingThu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Home sweet home]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-tattered-notebook-home-sweet-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-tattered-notebook-home-sweet-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-tattered-notebook-home-sweet-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


When I sat down to brainstorm this week's column topic, the thought occurred to me that I've never really spent much time expounding on my absolute favorite feature of SOE's EverQuest II. Sure, the progression is pretty well done, the crafting is awfully good, and the large and varied zones are an explorer's paradise. However, all of that pales in comparison to the simple fact that my adventurers can go home at the end of a lengthy dungeon crawl or an evening at the forge.

Yes, I'm a fan of player housing, and if you're one of those unimaginative souls who thinks housing has no place in MMORPGs, well, you're wrong. I've touched on housing here and there, mentioned it in passing, and certainly written a few news articles about it when patch notes have warranted a mention, but The Tattered Notebook has thus far lacked a proper discussion of housing in the world of Norrath.

Turn the page to remedy that fact.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Home sweet home

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Home sweet home originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedhouseshousingopinionsoesoe-eq-2soe-eq-iiSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardMon, 01 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 releases December patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/wizard101-releases-december-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/wizard101-releases-december-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/wizard101-releases-december-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Fast turnarounds are always nice. It's been a little over a week since we posted the first news about Wizard101's upcoming school-specific housing, and it's already moved from "upcoming" to "live." The December patch has just been released, and in addition to giving players the opportunity at having the literally hottest house around (among others), it brings a number of other improvements to the game's client. Most notable is the option to block chat from your opponents in PvP, a welcome feature to avoid the frequently non-stop boasting that seems to go hand-in-hand with the playstyle. It is an option that can be changed even in the middle of a duel, and while it's not game-defining it should be a welcome addition.

Much of the meat of this update comes in the form of the team relentlessly hunting down bugs and squashing them, with a long list of prior bugs that are no more. The team even notes that some of the killed bugs are ones the majority of players didn't even know about. While the update is a little lighter on actual content compared to the last one, fewer bugs and a better all-around experience are nothing to sneeze at, not to mention some exceptionally nice new houses. Wizard101 players still have a few days until the main event, but they still got a nice early Christmas present.

MassivelyWizard101 releases December patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsf2pfixesfree-to-playhouseshousingpatchesupdateswizard-101wizard101wizard101-december-updateMon, 14 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hello Kitty Online to feature character creation and ... farms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


I have to apologize in advance to any stalwart fans of the Hello Kitty franchise who are anxiously anticipating Hello Kitty Online with baited breath. Perhaps it is a sad commentary on the inherent cynicism and snarkiness of your modern blogger, but I have serious doubts about whether or not you will ever see a post about HKO here on Massively without some at least a touch of sarcasm or irony. Fault us for our taste if you will, but never doubt or honesty!

Having said that, this official trailer for Hello Kitty Online demonstrates such innovative new features as character creation, personalized avatars (which is different than character creation, in some way that eludes me), virtual community, farms, in-game items, houses, and mini-games including fan favorites like Rock-Paper-Scissor! In this respect, the game appears less interested in re-inventing the wheel, than in ensuring it is super cute and perhaps slightly creepy. As the game moves into beta in the near future, look for more impressions and news to surface.

[Via ZergWatch]

MassivelyHello Kitty Online to feature character creation and ... farms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-vreationfarmshello-kittyhello-kitty-onlinehkohousesmini-gamesofficial-trailerrock-paper-scissorstrailerWed, 05 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Furniture catalogue for LotRO housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/furniture-catalogue-for-lotro-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/furniture-catalogue-for-lotro-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/furniture-catalogue-for-lotro-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're the proud new owner of a Lord of the Rings Online abode, and are going through the pains of organizing and decorating, then this guide may be right up your alley. Hot on the heels of Book 11's player-housing, LotroLife.com have started a furniture catalogue to help make life easier for citizens of Middle Earth who are settling in to a new home.

The catalogue, still in beta and being added to, contains a listing of house-items by type. Clicking through to a category, and then an individual item, will bring up a picture of said item, a short description, the cost, and exactly where to get a hold of it. Very handy! The items can also be selected directly from a drop-down menu.

As more things will undoubtedly be added in the future, the site may be worth a bookmark if you feel you may have an ongoing affair with decking out your place. After all, the next time your neighbours visit to smoke some pipe-weed, you want them leaving jealous, don't you?

MassivelyFurniture catalogue for LotRO housing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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