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 MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
Heads up, ladies and gents; it's time for a special pre-E3 edition of The MMO Report. That's right, the biggest event in the industry is rolling out the proverbial red carpet next week, and MMOs have plenty on the slate for the big event. G4's fabulous Casey Schreiner has a look at some of the big pre-E3 MMO news, as well as a taste of what players can expect from the convention.

For your appetizer, we have a look at the three factions of ZeniMax's upcoming title, The Elder Scrolls Online. You can wash that down with a tall glass of Trion Worlds' MMO-television crossover game, Defiance. That should be sufficient to prepare you for the main course of PlanetSide 2's delicious MAX suit reveal, as well as a few more post-meal treats. So what are you waiting for? Pull up a seat and check out the full video below.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey-schreinerdefiancehumormmo-reportnewsopinionplanetside-2ps2rounduptesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-mmo-reporttrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It got way worse after this.
For whatever reason, Rob Liefeld has become a mini-meme on my more meta columns of the week. He's a bad artist, yes, but as I've mentioned in the past, I don't actively dislike him. There are many people far more deserving of dislike. Case in point: Pat Lee. I'm not going to explain in depth right here, but suffice to say that the man has history of hobbies like not paying his employees and taking credit for the work of others. And he's not a very good artist.

So let's move on from that meme, shall we? Great.

Of course, if I'm talking about mini-memes on Ask Massively, that must mean that it's time for this week's installment, yes? Yes. And this week, we're talking about the now almost ubiquitous case of the Kickstarter project. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of Ask Massively, leave it in the comments below or mail it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycaptialfeaturedfundinghumorkickstarterkickstarter-projectsmassively-metametammo-industryopinionventure-capitalThu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online
Massively Speaking Episode 202 is hot at the scene of the 38 Studios disaster, and without hyperbole we can say that this is more tragic than Pompeii, the Titanic, and Showgirls combined. Will Curt Schilling's dream team survive this financial crisis? We brought expert analyst Eliot Lefebvre on the podcast to give us his opinion.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcopernicuscurt-schillingd3daggerfalldiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiielder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinef2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2humorjustin-olivettikid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmassively-speakingmorrowindmultiplayerncsoftobliviononline-multiplayeropinionpirate101please-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicuspvproguelikerpgsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpwizard101zenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 202Massively.com Staff01:04:42podcasts<![CDATA[Guy steals friend's goods in APB, GM offers vigilante justice in return]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/guy-steals-friends-goods-in-apb-gm-offers-vigilante-justice-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/guy-steals-friends-goods-in-apb-gm-offers-vigilante-justice-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/guy-steals-friends-goods-in-apb-gm-offers-vigilante-justice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

APB
Account theft and compromise are tragic facts of life in all MMOs, as player BlackJackieChan discovered the other day when he logged into APB: Reloaded and realized that he was wiped out.

After posting a tirade on the forums, BlackJackieChan got the attention of a GM, who subsequently investigated the crime. His findings were stunning: BlackJackieChan's in-game friend beef43302 was the culprit. Beef43302 had crept into his friend's account, swiped a number of goods, and then deleted the temporary characters used for the theft. Beef43302 then tried to cover up his wrongdoing by consoling BlackJackieChan with a new car and encouraging him to stick with the game.

Even though BlackJackieChan was accused of not protecting his account (apparently he had shown his password to his friend), GamersFirst restored the stolen items and then offered BlackJackieChan the chance to decide his friend's punishment. "Seeing as this is a relatively unique case," the GM wrote, "we shall let you decide the fate of beef43302."

BlackJackieChan has yet to respond on the thread, but the GM did tell the offender that the company suspended his account "unless BlackJackieChan says otherwise."

MassivelyGuy steals friend's goods in APB, GM offers vigilante justice in return originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-theftall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrblackjackiechancompromised-accountcrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirsthackhackinghumorpasswordpassword-theftpvptheftvigilante-justiceSat, 19 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Overwhelming changes edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This would actually have been pretty useful in DS9.
I have to be honest, the Caitian Carrier for Star Trek Online kind of makes me want to give the game a shot again. I liked it when I played it before, but I just had no time to play it on top of everything else. But then I think about all the work I'd need to do just to get caught up to normal, and... yeah, that's about the point when my gumption evaporates. Still, though. Carrier.

In other and far more relevant news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which talks about the cycle of game announcement and subsequent disappointment. (Apropos of the recent beta weekends for The Secret World, naturally.) If you've got a question you would like to see answered in a future installment of the column, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Overwhelming changes edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Overwhelming changes edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybeta-eventsbeta-testsbeta-weekendsfeaturedhands-onhumormassively-metametaopinionreleasereleasestestsThu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Call them lockboxes, lootboxes, super packs, gift packs, treasure boxes, mystic chests, or Chupacabra's lunchpails, but these virtual boxes of mystery, fame, and fortune are all the rage in MMOs these days. Few studios have resisted the siren's call of such easy money, much to the dismay of many-a-gamer.

The idea is that a game will dish out to players free locked treasure boxes that require purchased keys to open. The allure of the box's mystery prize is often too strong to resist, especially when there's the possibility of a huge reward inside. The result too often is strong buyer's remorse and studio glee.

There's been a lot of conversation around lockboxes here on Massively, so I wanted to dedicate this week's Perfect Ten to dissecting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of these items for you.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcasinoChupacabracity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgamblinggift-packsguild-wars-2gw2humorlockboxlockboxeslootboxlootboxeslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromystic-boxmystic-chestncsoftoddsopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereal-money-tradingrmtroundupsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuper-packsuper-packssuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtreasure-boxesturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 201: No more secrets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/massively-speaking-episode-201-no-more-secrets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/massively-speaking-episode-201-no-more-secrets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/massively-speaking-episode-201-no-more-secrets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World
Massively Speaking Episode 201 gets into all of your dirty little secrets -- not to mention Funcom's, as well! We're joined by Jef, who gives us the full scoop on The Secret World now that the NDA's come tumbling down. Will this be another Failcom or possibly a Fabulouscom? Only Jef knows, and he's highly resistant to torture and bribery.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 201: No more secrets

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 201: No more secrets originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrian-greenbrian-psychchild-greenbrianna-roycebricksbrowserbrowser-basedddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineearthrisef2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomguild-wars-2gw2historicalhorrorhumorjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-speakingmastheadmasthead-studiosmythologynamastenamaste-entertainmentnamaste-incncsoftnew-englandopinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpgcplayer-generated-contentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspsychochildsalemsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedstorybricksthe-secret-worldtswturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtual-worldwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 201Massively.com Staff01:03:33podcasts<![CDATA[Allods Online prepares players for patch 3.0.2 with a new mini-site]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/allods-online-prepares-players-for-patch-3-0-2-with-a-new-mini-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/allods-online-prepares-players-for-patch-3-0-2-with-a-new-mini-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/allods-online-prepares-players-for-patch-3-0-2-with-a-new-mini-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Allods Online
Allods Online's mascots are back for another humorous video, as Troll and Crab try their hands (claws) at making potions. It doesn't quite go as expected, but it's hard to blame Crab for what happens (he's just an earnest little guy). This is all to promote the game's newest update, patch 3.0.2, which promises to be a savory concoction for players to quaff. Over the weekend, gPotato opened up a new mini-site to promote the update and has since posted several new articles highlighting the changes.

Some of patch 3.0.2's big selling points include a revamp of the Alchemy profession, the ability for pets to do the looting, a neat-sounding mentor system, a new skirmish called The Deserted Farm, a free-for-all treasure hunting space, a new raid boss, and better questing.

Before you head over to see all of the patch changes, make sure to catch up on the latest episode of Troll and Crab after the break!

[Thanks to Alex for the tip!]

Continue reading Allods Online prepares players for patch 3.0.2 with a new mini-site

MassivelyAllods Online prepares players for patch 3.0.2 with a new mini-site originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0.2alchemyallodsallods-onlineastral-spaceastrum-nivalf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netgpotatohumormentormentor-systemmini-sitepatchpatch-3.0.2patch-previewpet-lootingpvpskirmishtrailertreasure-hunttroll-and-crabvideoMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hopefully I'll get some time to play, but I'm not expecting any miracles.
So for those of you wondering, the move went quite well. The expected problems occurred at times of minimal inconvenience, and we almost completely finished unpacking at the new place in one weekend. But we still have to finish up at the old apartment, so of course the first beta for The Secret World is scheduled to be this weekend when we're slotted to head down there. Just like how Guild Wars 2 scheduled a beta weekend for our last pre-move weekend. So that's awesome.

This week's Ask Massively does not discuss this particular state of awesome. Instead, it discusses the deferred awesomeness of switching combat styles on the fly and what games feature something similar. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, leave it in the comments below or send it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyfeaturedfighting-stylegame-mechanicshumormassively-metamechanical-ideasmetaopinionstyleswapping-stylesThu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Old Massively
Massively Speaking Episode 200 is a nice round number, and people are supposed to celebrate those, right? Join us for a Very Special Episode, during which Shawn joins Justin and Bree to reminisce about the past, talk about the behind-the-scenes activities on the site, and drop a Tabula Rasa reference or two.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybehind-the-scenesbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbicentennialbrantbrianna-roycedaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmorrowindnostalgiaoblivionopinionplease-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvpsandboxskyrimtabula-rasatamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 200Massively.com Staff01:12:11podcasts<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia
A rifting we will go
A rifting we will go
Hi-ho, the derry-o
A rifting we will go!

The Asmo makes a slice!
The Asmo makes a slice...

Ahh, the frivolity of travel songs; they entertain and amuse as well as pass the time while you're en route to your destination, even in Aion. And where am I headed while chanting this little ditty? Why, deep into the dangers of enemy territory, of course! Care to join me?

If you haven't traveled through a rift in Aion, you are missing out on one of the core features of the game, not to mention depriving yourself of some fun. Admittedly, rifting has a bad rap and can be quite a polarizing topic in discussion, but don't be fooled -- it's not just for PvPers. Not everyone who rifts is looking to completely gank others; even carebears can experience and enjoy the thrill of sneaking somewhere fraught with dangers! So what's stopping you from slipping through that colorful swirl?

Let me borrow the immortal words of wisdom from a shoe: Just do it! But before you go, let Wings Over Atreia offer a few handy tips to help you make the most of the experience.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionAPbroken-allianceeventf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhaving-funhintshumorin-game-eventin-game-eventsncsoftopinionPvPriftingrifting-eventtipstips-and-trickswings-over-atreiaMon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Moving shop edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/ask-massively-moving-shop-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

My new home is in a trackless expanse of desert with a stew pot.
As you read this, I'm making my final preparations to move from my home for the past three years into a new and much nicer home. Of course, this brings with it certain concerns. Will the utility companies reconnect everything correctly? Will the movers drop something I can't easily replace? Will I forget something in the old apartment and have to go back?

So, if my posts next week seem a bit off, assume that the move resulted in fiery death all around and I've been replaced by a crude AI pasted in Visual Basic.

This week's Ask Massively, sadly, does not include anything about AI or my new apartment. Instead, it's about player-run events and why we cover some of them but not all. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Moving shop edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Moving shop edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyeventsfeaturedhumorin-game-eventsmassively-metametaopinionplayer-eventsplayer-run-eventsThu, 03 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Scooby Doo
The dead tell the best stories, they say.

Outside of Divinity's Reach in Guild Wars 2 is a graveyard. It's the type of place that you run through quickly on your way to more lively settings, unless a zombie attack emerges. It was the type of place that I was running through quickly during the previous beta weekend when I realized that the gravestones could be examined -- and each and every one of them had an interesting epitaph to read. Some crazy ArenaNet writer sat down one afternoon and wrote out dozens and dozens of gravestone inscriptions on the off-chance that any of us would slow down enough to read them. It paid off in my case.

This may be one of the most trivial Perfect Tens I've ever done, so forgive me with being absolutely fascinated by the epitaphs that came up during my explorations. With an absolute economy of words, each gravestone tells a complete story. Some are funny, some are dark, some play into the lore, and some actually managed to be quite moving.

Here are my 10 most favorite that I found. Maybe they'll haunt you as they do me.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetblack-humorcemeterycrankshaftdisney-worldEdward-Goreyepitaphepitaphsfantasyfeaturedfunnygravegravestonegravestonesgraveyardguild-wars-2gw2humorinscriptionslittle-red-riding-hoodncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTirzah-Bauertop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listThu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes Road Trip
It was the flying Scrapper on Virtue with a mask!

The masses have spoken. For this leg of our Choose My Adventure journey, we will be parking ourselves in Paragon City, fighting the forces of evil, destruction, and movement keys! I must concede that Bree certainly knew her City of Heroes community -- ya'll voted just how she said you would. But Bree, you didn't predict the mask, now did ya?! Ha!

It recently came to my attention that I could have easily queried you on the spandex issue, but come on -- what superhero doesn't have to shimmy into that painted-on suit? We want the full experience, right? Right. So let's get to it. All we have left to do to get this show off the road and into some action is whip up a character.

But this is me we are talking about here! Thankfully, I am marching into this process armed with your decisions! I mean, how bad can it be? We have three days between close of the last vote and a new set of new ones, so it isn't like there isn't time. Here goes...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcostumescovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onhumorncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospersonalizationpollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts
Massively Speaking Episode 199 has our intrepid duo sitting down with Rusty Hearts Game Producer Mark Hill to talk about the game's newest character: Leila! If petticoats and perfume and razor-sharp swords are your bag, then Leila will answer your peculiar personals ad. We also talk about several game anniversaries, the Guild Wars 2 beta weekend, and Cryptic's big boo-boo.

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Continue reading Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal

MassivelyMassively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanetanimearenanetblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdnden-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomguild-wars-2gw2humorinterviewjustin-olivettikingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmark-hillmassively-speakingncsoftneverwinteropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpirate101podcastpodcastingpodcastspwerusty-heartssuperherosuperheroesteraTue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 199Massively.com Staff01:07:09podcasts<![CDATA[Ask Massively: This hat has ruined everything edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ask-massively-this-hat-has-ruined-everything-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ask-massively-this-hat-has-ruined-everything-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ask-massively-this-hat-has-ruined-everything-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I don't care for hats.
I was having trouble coming up with a topic for this week's header, so I tried writing down a bunch of different topics on pieces of paper and sticking them in a hat. Then I put the hat on. Now I still don't know what to write for this week's header, and I have an ugly hat on my head. Plus, little bits of paper are jammed against my head, and it's itchy. I knew this would be a problem starting with the bowler hat.

This week's Ask Massively will go on despite my itchy scalp and ugly hat. And in this edition, I'm talking about potential Eastern games for a player looking for new games and beta invitations. If you'd like to have a question answered in a future installment of the column, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: This hat has ruined everything edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: This hat has ruined everything edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybeta-invitationseasterneastern-gamesfeaturedhumormassively-metametaopinionThu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Massively Speaking Episode 198 is pumped up about open beta season, as games like Guild Wars 2, TERA, and Diablo III promote their wares through shameless stress test weekends. Does it whet the appetite or serve as a potent first dose of a drug that will drag us down into the gutters of addiction and achievement-hunting? Who cares! Jack us in to the Matrix, baby!

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingmultiplayermythologyncsoftonline-multiplayeropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspweroguelikerpgsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswTue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 198Massively.com Staff56:47podcasts<![CDATA[Ask Massively: I approve of more staves edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ask-massively-i-approve-of-more-staves-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ask-massively-i-approve-of-more-staves-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ask-massively-i-approve-of-more-staves-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's no better way to beat up enemies and try out for the school's color team at once.
You know what we need more of? Staves used as melee weapons instead of a caster's Set of Stats in a Stick. Usually, what we get is closer to a cane than an actual staff, so it makes sense that a curvy stick with a lawn ornament on one end isn't much for actual combat. But come on, folks. You can do some serious damage with a metal pole and a few witless mooks. City of Heroes is ahead of the curve here.

This week's installment of Ask Massively has nothing to do with staves, however. It has to do with a few more lingering questions about the comment system and some wide-ranging "best of" topics. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, you can leave it in the comments or mail it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: I approve of more staves edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: I approve of more staves edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycolumnscommentsfeature-ideasfeaturedhumorideasmassively-metametaopinionThu, 19 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionAndy-Cataldoasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotccpccp-gamesclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playhumorinternet-spaceshipsKai-Schoberlord-britishlucasartsmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenplanetsidepsps1pvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fiscott-hartsmansoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 197 reviews a big week for MMOs, with several launches, updates, and live events going off all over the place. We had to hit the big red Massively Alarm three times during this time, prompting the MassivelyBusters to jump out of their beds, slide down the pole, and take the NERF-1 out to the scene of the action. Then we farmed spores, molds, and fungi with Elisabeth Cardy.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascendascensionbiowarebrantbrianna-roycechampionschampions-onlinechampscoconconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdark-legendse-sporteaelectronic-artselisabeth-cardyesportexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingncsoftopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwesci-fishooterspacetime-studiosstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universetruly-freeTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 197Massively.com Staff01:02:31podcasts<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Big news edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-mmo-report-big-news-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-mmo-report-big-news-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-mmo-report-big-news-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is madness. Just madness.
The MMO Report has some big news this week, and no, it's not about the fact that it's secretly carrying your baby. Nor is it even tied to all of the various big news that the show has this week, and there is quite a bit of that. Obviously, there's the new patch for Star Wars: The Old Republic, and there's also the first in-game footage of both World of Darkness and Defiance, but those aren't the big reveal in the news.

So what is it? Well, while we'd normally promise that there's going to be a new episode next week from G4 and Massively, this week it's not quite so clear-cut. The show is going on a brief hiatus for reasons that we'll allow the show itself to explain. So hop on past the break for more MMO news, and tune in when the hiatus ends for another episode. You can keep checking back here forlornly, however. We won't hold it against you.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Big news edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Big news edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey-schreinerdefiancehiatushumormmo-reportnewsopinionroundupstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reportupdatesvideovideoswodworld-of-darknessThu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: These are not Firefall beta impressions edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ask-massively-these-are-not-firefall-beta-impressions-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ask-massively-these-are-not-firefall-beta-impressions-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ask-massively-these-are-not-firefall-beta-impressions-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I do actually like my character in Firefall, though. Aside from the random mangled Spanish.
So near as I can tell from my limited time in the beta thus far, Firefall is a game in which you play a character with remarkably poor conceptions about the function of armor, especially if your character is a girl. I log in, jump around with a pair of rocket boots, and shoot things, and then my computer crashes for some reason after about 20 straight minutes of playing, so I haven't formed many other opinions. The parts I've played have been pretty satisfying, though.

But as this week's headline for Ask Massively explains, these are not actually beta impressions. Instead, this is a column covering a couple of the weird issues with our new comment system, something that I have absolutely no doubt will come up again later. If you'd like to have a question answered in a future installment of the column, send it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: These are not Firefall beta impressions edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: These are not Firefall beta impressions edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycomment-systemcommentsfeaturedhumormassively-metametanew-systemsoh-great-new-comment-systemopinionThu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 196: Tales from PAX East]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/massively-speaking-episode-196-tales-from-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/massively-speaking-episode-196-tales-from-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/massively-speaking-episode-196-tales-from-pax-east/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Matt at PAX
Massively Speaking Episode 196 takes us to the front lines of PAX East 2012, where the Massively team combed through all the latest and greatest exhibits and demos to find all the juicy revelations and impressions that will fill your hype tanks until the next convention. Eliot and Matt join us to give us all the latest and greatest (swag).

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 196: Tales from PAX East

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 196: Tales from PAX East originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobrantbrianna-roycecrypticcryptic-studiosdndeliotf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmattmythologyneverwinteropinionpaxpax-eastpax-east-2012perfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspwesci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-worldtswTue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 196Massively.com Staff01:02:29podcasts<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey tells everyone to stop whining about Mass Effect 3's ending, laments the loss of the "online" part of Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online, touches on the World of Darkness keynote, and outlines The Secret World's preorder plans. He also reveals the identity of one of TERA's key voice actors: Michael Hogan (of Battlestar Galactica fame), who will play Samael in the final game. Finally, he pulls one measly letter from the mailbag and debates which class he represents in TERA.

Enjoy the full MMO Report after the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscasey-schreinerccpccp-gamesdark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfactionfantasyfuncomgothichorrorhumormass-effect-3me3michael-hoganmmo-reportmythologynewsopinionroundupsamaelsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsupernaturalterathe-mmo-reportthe-secret-worldtswvampirevampiresvideovideosvigilvigil-gamesvoice-actorvoice-overwar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlinewhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessThu, 05 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The diversity of New England edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ask-massively-the-diversity-of-new-england-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ask-massively-the-diversity-of-new-england-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ask-massively-the-diversity-of-new-england-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Admittedly, it all looks pretty much the same in Google Maps 8-Bit.
Every year, when I head up to PAX East, some well-intentioned soul will point out that it must be nice to have a convention so close to home. Except it's really not. I live in Connecticut, and PAX East is in Boston. Despite what years of media exposure may have led you to believe, New England is not a uniform sea of snow, lobsters, and wizened old men spouting curmudgeonly wisdom. The lobsters are pretty much all Maine, for instance, and Rhode Island has the mafia instead of wizened old men. Also, no one in Connecticut says "cah." We say "car."

But you didn't click on through for me waxing poetic about my home region, I imagine. No, you came here for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which is all about how we schedule articles and why it seems like time occasionally passes us by. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, leave it down in the comments or mail it along to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The diversity of New England edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: The diversity of New England edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyfeaturedhumormassively-metametaopinionschedulesThu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-guild-counsel-the-six-most-embarrassing-things-you-can-do-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard riding a camel
There are some things in life that just go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie, sun and sand, and guilds and embarrassing moments. In fact, one thing that makes guild life so memorable is our collection of those little screw-ups that leave us laughing and wondering what on earth someone was thinking. There are tons of things people do in game that leave them flustered (believe me, I know!), but some go down in history as classic moments of mortification. Let's take a look at a few epic embarrassments in this week's Guild Counsel.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: The six most embarrassing things you can do in a guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildshumorleadershipmistellopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
When a beloved friend, family member, hero, or role model dies, we feel the pain of that loss and grieve in many different ways. Part of that grieving and healing process is often entails those left behind constructing some sort of tribute to the dearly departed. Sometimes this comes in the form of a shrine of flowers, sometimes it's the establishment of a charity, and sometimes it's creating an in-game memorial that thousands if not millions of people will see over the course of years.

So while death and illness are depressing topics to dwell upon, I find the many MMO tributes that studios and even gamers have erected to be inspiring and a celebration of individual players' lives. With the help of my fellow Massively staffers, I researched 10 wonderful in-game tributes that serve to honor the lives of fellow gamers.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionahab-wheathoofAnthony-StarkArmando-Ossexbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotCaylee-Dakcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxcoyoted-and-dDak-Krausedanieldaniels-questdaocdark-age-of-camelotdave-arnesonddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsEmilyeqeq1everquesteverquest-iiezraezra-chattertonezra-wheathooff2pfantasyfeaturedFrank-Campbellfree-to-playfreedomgalaxiesgary-gygaxhumorjeff-freemanJesse-Moraleskylelord-britishlunar-festivalmake-a-wishmake-a-wish-foundationmatthew-braggmemorialMichel-Koitermythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenphoenixpvpribbitribbitRobert-Bridenbeckerrounduprvrsandboxsci-fishrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgothe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTony-Starktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtributeturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 195 wonders if you were actually fooled by any of the pranks that MMO studios put out there, or barring that, if some of the pranks sounded so cool that you wish they were real. For Massively's part, we brought back One Shots as a joke, and then we brought it back for real just because that was the best laugh of them all.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanetaoapril-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-dayarenanetbrantbrianna-royceclassic-mmodark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgods-and-heroesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heatwaveheatwave-interactivehumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmythologyncsoftopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvigilvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 195Massively.com Staff55:56podcasts<![CDATA[One Shots: Bringing it back for realsies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Journey
By now, everyone's figured out that today's One Shots revival was an April Fool's joke, but you guys have been such great sports about it that we're going to Bring Back One Shots starting next weekend as a once-a-week featurette. No... really. No joke!

So... do send your screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include all the usual details, like your name, the name of the game shown in the screenshot, and a little explanation of the scene. Large, colorful, clear, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images.

We'll pore over the submissions every week and pick out one that really sings to us to showcase, and then we'll see how it goes. If we get lots of submissions and the feature does well, we'll keep it around more permanently!

We've tucked our first entry, from Ehra, behind the break to cap off the April Fool's festivities!

Continue reading One Shots: Bringing it back for realsies

MassivelyOne Shots: Bringing it back for realsies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-daybring-back-one-shotsgalleriesgalleryhumorone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotsuser-submissionswe-brought-back-one-shotsSun, 01 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
It may be the weekend, but that's never stopped pranksters in the past from pulling off truly epic April Fool's jokes. Many MMO studios, bloggers, and fan site operators are lining up to take a shot at the jester's crown today, hoping that their blatant (and entertaining) lies will at least amuse, if not trick, players.

It would be fool-hardy (har har) to try to round them all up, so suffice it to say that office clowns have been quite busy thus far. From Star Wars: The Old Republic's announcement of playable ship droids and City of Heroes' offer of ludicrous marketplace sales to Blizzard's focus on educational kids games and StarCraft 2's playable supply depots to SOE scaring visitors with Chatdy, the gags are flying fast and furious. We might be the most impressed with a deeply detailed wiki entry for a Guild Wars mission called Annihilator 2: Searing Day, during which players are sent into the past to save Gwen from the G-1000.

If you've spotted any other pranks, please share them in the comments!

MassivelyApril Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-dayapril-fools-day-2012arenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreedomgagsguild-warsgwhumorjokeskid-friendlykidskids-mmolucasartsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplaystation-3playstation3pranksps3sci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortricksSun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your favorite jokes of the day?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bard and walrus man - still a better love story than Twilight.
All right, we admit it, you probably haven't seen any April Fool's jokes just yet. It's early. But every year, MMO developers -- and the rest of the Internet -- delight in the absurd, the strange, and the blatantly false. Yes, the first of April is when everyone gets to troll the world just a little bit. And while some people are stalwartly opposed to a day during which you can trust no news and be sure of no announcements, the rest of us just accept nothing useful is getting done today and enjoy it.

So go ahead and see what the various jokes are around the internet. Seriously, we'll wait. Then, let us know your favorites. Maybe it's something everyone loves, maybe it's something no one has seen yet, maybe you're just going to link something on YouTube. The point is, we want to know -- what's your favorite April Fool's joke this year?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers meet to discuss the dark ritual required to summon back the most missed of all features: One Shots. So we're bringing it back today. If you can't trust the footer text today, then who can you trust? In other news, this is today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your favorite jokes of the day? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-dayculturedaily-grindhumorlaugh-nowopinionsillysilly-stuffstill-a-better-love-story-than-twilighttdgthe-daily-grindSun, 01 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Horsesteak edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The MMO Report
In tonight's ultra-short MMO Report, Casey complains that Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch for mobile platforms ahead of PC, drools all over the integration of DUST 514 and EVE Online, maintains a weirdly neutral face while discussing Anarchy Online's graphical overhaul, and regales us with an explanation of The Secret World's class-less game mechanics. He ends on a high note with a peek into Uncle Casey's mailbag and some mockery of World of Warcraft players' forum campaign to undo the latest round of Warlock nerfs. No one's ever done that before.

All this and some tips on Icelandic cuisine in the video beyond the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Horsesteak edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Horsesteak edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcasey-schreinerccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfest-2012funcomhorrorhumoricelandmmo-reportnewsopinionPhantasy-Star-Online-2pso2roundupsecret-worldthe-mmo-reportthe-secret-worldtswvideovideosworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: A confluence of awesome edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you'd like to complain about the ending, please avoid spoilers, be polite, and don't. Just don't.
Every so often, awesome things happen. Apparently, for reasons I cannot begin to explain, I can now dress my characters in Final Fantasy XIII-2 in N7 armor from Mass Effect 3. This makes me happy in countless ways. I'd like to have full-on armor customization for the suits, but then, I'd also like the game to be a totally separate storyline as opposed to providing a wholly unnecessary epilogue to Final Fantasy XIII. So I'm focusing on combining an awesome game system with a visual element of an awesome game.

This week's Ask Massively has nothing to do with combining one thing with another thing. Or maybe it sort of does, seeing as how it's all about crafting and gathering instead of killing stuff. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: A confluence of awesome edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: A confluence of awesome edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycraftingfeaturedgame-mechanicsgatheringhumormassively-metametaopinionThu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard
Massively Speaking Episode 194 welcomes aboard resident Star Trek Online expert Terilynn Shull to talk about Tribbles and bits and why Star Trek doesn't have more "The Fly" incidents involving the transporter and local flora or fauna. Captain Archer would have been vastly improved by beaming him into a badger.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesend-of-nationseonf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegothicguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmortsncsoftopinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespodcastpodcastingpodcastsromrtsrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsupernaturaltaboreatelontriontrion-worldsvampirevampiresvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 194Massively.com Staff01:05:44podcasts<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
Morgan Webb dethrones Casey this week on The MMO Report, having made the journey to Anaheim to interview Blizzard's reps about World of Warcraft's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion. J. Allen Brack and Tom Chilton focus on the philosophy of this expansion and its shift from previous expansions' ominous tone to a more playful theme of adventure, exploration, and oh yeah, the war between the Alliance and the Horde.

The pair also highlight changes to underdeveloped zones, pet battles, repurposed classic dungeons, phased farms (actual farms!), and solutions to the faction grind problem. Most interestingly, they tell Morgan that Pandaren came first... and the Asian motif followed. After all, they joke, it just wouldn't have made sense to put Pandaren in Aztec ruins.

Get your panda on in the full video behind the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanaheimblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcasey-schreinerfantasyhumorinterviewinterviewsj-allen-brackmists-of-pandariammo-reportmorgan-webbnewsopinionpandarenpandariaroundupthe-mmo-reporttom-chiltonvideovideoswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft is the new Match.com]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/world-of-warcraft-is-the-new-match-com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/world-of-warcraft-is-the-new-match-com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/world-of-warcraft-is-the-new-match-com/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Of course, gamers don't wear sunglasses and pinstripe polos while holding controllers, but artistic license.
Are you single? Do you want to be a little bit less single? Are your friends telling you that you should stop spending so much time talking with them online and more time looking for dates? Well, according to a recent infographic, your friends might be completely off-base. Onlineuniversity.net put together a graphic comparing World of Warcraft to the popular dating site Match.com, and the results come out pretty firmly in favor of blood elves.

So how does it look? According to the graphic, World of Warcraft has more than 10 times as many people involved as Match.com, and people sink more time into online gaming than any online dating site. There's also a number of factors that suggest slaughtering virtual trolls as a better way to bond than a cup of coffee. So while it's still probably bad form to hit on your raid leader between pulls, maybe you're not entirely off the mark. Unless she's married.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft is the new Match.com originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedatinggaming-relationshipshuman-interesthumorlovemmosromancewhat-is-this-i-cant-evenThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unfortunately, afterwards there will still be a lot of novelty robots out of a job.
As I personally have no real reservations about the impending destruction of human society by perfect killer robots, I thought I'd take the opportunity to dispel certain misunderstandings about living under the thumb of mechanical overseers. Specifically, I'd like to dispel the idea that we'll be living. Robots wouldn't be sending us to work in mines; they can build machines to do that faster than our frail organic bodies. Not to mention that those machines would whine a lot less. So don't worry! You won't be toiling for a monolithic AI for years; you'll just be obliterated or used as organic building material. Doesn't that make things better?

In unrelated news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which focuses on the question of raw, unfettered action. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadviceadvice-columnask-massivelycombatculturedevelopmentfeaturedgame-mechanicshumorindustry-trendsmassively-metamechanicsmetaopinionThu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Loot's not something that I see discussed much these days among MMO players. It's probably because loot's been around since the beginning of online time and is such a staple that we'd only really notice it if it went away completely or if the object in question were a major game-changer for us.

Random loot from mobs is a reward mechanic that is bordering on archaic, having been supplanted by dependable quest rewards and barter vendors that give us the gear we so desire. Of course, now we've come around the weird circle to the point that dropped lockboxes hold interesting loot, but we've got to pay for the privilege of seeing what's inside.

But let's not go there today! Instead, I'm going to share with you the 10 general types of loot that still get me excited while playing. They will shock, amaze, and radically reshape your life, as long as you've had a recent brain wipe and are awaiting brand-new neural instructions.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 193 asks this question: If we had $25 million to spend on an MMO, how sarcastic would we make its quests? And would there be a special skill called "Fire One Shots!"? And would your character die if he or she were downvoted in a group raid? And would we ever look as happy as the guy in the picture above?

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpgactivisionamalurbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaikaigothic-fantasyhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmists-of-pandariamultiplayeronline-multiplayeropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicusroguelikerpgsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttodd-mcfarlanewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 193Massively.com Staff01:06:26podcasts<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Voice chat is the worst thing ever]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/the-soapbox-voice-chat-is-the-worst-thing-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/the-soapbox-voice-chat-is-the-worst-thing-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/the-soapbox-voice-chat-is-the-worst-thing-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're not friends, headset.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Part of me thinks that voice chat is a product of the miraculous and wondrous age we live in. I can still remember when the very idea of the internet seemed like a magical idea. I could search an entire world full of knowledge and ideas at once! The fact that video games have evolved into games where I can log in to a shared world and speak to someone in a real-time discussion is nothing short of astonishing.

Most of me, however, really just hates voice chat.

I've used voice chat extensively before, and I didn't like it then. I still don't like it now. And for all of the advantages it offers, I can't say it's something that I consider a positive addition to the MMO landscape any more than I'm happy about the widespread adoption of the colloquial term "toon." It might not be a cultural issue that needs to be addressed, but I really hate voice chat.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Voice chat is the worst thing ever

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Voice chat is the worst thing ever originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureeditorialfeaturedhumormumbleop-edopinionrantrantsskypesoapboxthe-soapboxventvoicevoice-chatTue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST