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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PRESS HAT
It's a running joke on Massively that some readers believe our lives are glamorous and that we sleep in beds made out of free video game swag. The truth is that video game bloggers are working in this field because they love the job. At least that's how it is around here. Or maybe writing in our pajamas is too posh to pass up. But people still believe we are loaded with perks just because we get to wear fancy hats that say "PRESS." Just kidding. There are no hats.

Here's a recent example from a reader named Will6:
Lucky you, getting to test drive the game. Everyone knows the press get instant invites because they are a free way [for studios] to advertise their game and get the word out.
It's time for "everyone" to be disabused of that notion.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas

MassivelyAsk Massively: The irony of media and betas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnalphaask-massivelybest-testingbetabrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedhumorimpressionsmassively-metamediametaopinionperkspresstestingThu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Movies for the MMO fan
You love movies? Sure, who doesn't? I certainly do; I've been reviewing them with friends since 1997. I'm always fascinated by how many out-of-the-way gems there are that go overlooked by the mainstream audience, and I love how films tie into our daily experiences in unexpected ways.

MMOs haven't quite gotten popular enough to spawn their own sub-genre of films, apart from the odd fan project or the long-rumored World of Warcraft flick. That doesn't mean that we're lacking good movie role models for our hobby, however. I think that there are plenty of films that are perfectly suited for the MMO fan, even if they've never been thought of as such.

So here are 10 films that speak to us as gamers. To make things interesting, I excluded any movie that shares the same IP as an MMO. Read this list and let me know what you would pick!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemafeaturedfilmfilmsflickflickshumormoviemoviesopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupscott-pilgrimthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listThu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 249: Captain Grumpypants]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/massively-speaking-episode-249-captain-grumpypants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/massively-speaking-episode-249-captain-grumpypants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/massively-speaking-episode-249-captain-grumpypants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 249
When a subscription MMO goes free-to-play, there's always a circus atmosphere surrounding it. The studios use it as an excuse to enjoy a "second launch," players pour out opinions on all sides, and new folks wander into the danger zone out of sheer curiosity.

It's not just about F2P on this week's Massively Speaking; we have game launches, layoffs, previews, and tons of reader mail to cover. Will we have the words to do it? Or will we just end the podcast humming informatively? Jef's on it today, so there definitely will be a song and dance number at some point!

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 249: Captain Grumpypants

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 249: Captain Grumpypants originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycecaptain-grumpypantsfeaturedhumorjef-reahardjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 249Massively.com Staff01:11:15podcast<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 248: Duped!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/massively-speaking-episode-248-duped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/massively-speaking-episode-248-duped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/massively-speaking-episode-248-duped/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 248
Sometimes it's all about the little details in MMOs: How a character moves. How to create billions in gold due to a duping exploit. What goodies the collector's edition will include. Why losing 1.3 million subscribers is "no biggie." And we're nothing if not about the details on Massively Speaking! Listen to Bree and Justin fact-check in real-time, racing against the clock to stop a terrorist plot to bring down auction houses everywhere!

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 248: Duped!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 248: Duped! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 248Massively.com Staff01:15:29podcast<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No percentage chance to dodge for you, miss.
Back in the day, combat in MMOs was nice and sedate. You had a weapon, the other guy had a weapon, and you both walked up and hit one another with weapons until one of you died. To ensure that you succeeded at that goal, you had huge bars of abilities filled with various tricks to make the other guy die a little more than you did. It was a bit passive, is what we're getting at.

Recent MMOs have been swinging to the other extreme, with players having a handful of abilities and a mandate to dance around the screen like a hyperactive rabbit. Titles like WildStar and The Elder Scrolls Online are previewing themselves partly on the strength of active combat. Do you like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs? Or do you wish that we could go back to more sedate combat systems, possibly with those darn kids getting off our lawns in the process?

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: Do you like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatactive-combatcombatculturedaily-grindgame-mechanicshumormobilityopinionreflexestdgthe-daily-grindtwitchtwitch-reflexesTue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO races do you detest?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Daily Grind Which races do you detest
My loathing of Elves is not only well-documented here on Massively, but stretches back to my childhood. I've just never liked them, period. Maybe it's because they're the preppie cool kids in my mind's John Hughes movie, or maybe it's their incredible haughty arrogance and froofy love of flowerwear. In any case, I don't like them, I don't play them, and I feel perfectly fine wishing all manner of humiliating harm upon them. After all, they're pretend and that makes it OK, right?

So in the tongue-in-cheek spirit of imaginary racism, which pretend species makes your skin crawl in MMOs? Can you not abide by Dwarves no matter what? Do Gnomes irk you? Will your eyes roll out of your head if you see another humanoid cat race invade your gaming space? Let's get our hate on this morning! Whee!

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: Which MMO races do you detest? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caithlincathardaily-grinddwarveselfelvesgnomeshumorno-elvesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Sword
It's time for a grab bag edition of Ask Massively! A reader named Nicholas is up first:
I was wondering if you could help me remember a game studio that was developing a new Korean action- MMORPG game engine (and it wasn't Bless, Blade and Soul, or ArcheAge). In the tech demo, no environment was being shown; it focused on the combat aspect of the engine. All the combat took place against a white background, and it was combo-based and reactive to hits. I remember a slow motion scene with an NPC being punched in the face and the face distorting. At the time, there were no announced games using the engine; the video was just showing what tech the game studio had developed. If it helps any, I remember the comments saying that the engine was just going to be vaporware.
I think we might! Massively's Lis pegged it as NetEase's Dragon Sword trailer. +1 to Lis.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps'

MassivelyAsk Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ablegamersadviceadvice-columnage-of-wushuask-massivelybeau-hindmanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelydifferently-ableddisableddmcadragon-swordemulatoreulaeula-violationfeaturedgames-in-developmentguild-wars-2gw2humorin-developmentkickstartermassively-metametaopinionprivate-emulatorsprivate-shardRichie-Procopiotrailertrailersultima-onlineThu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Perfect Ten MMOs that died in development hell
If you know me, you probably know that I have a weird fascination with alternate history. You know, the daydreams of historians when they're not rewriting the past to suit the latest trends. "What if?" my mind wonders, especially when it comes to MMOs.

You see, for every game that actually makes it to launch, there are several that die gasping and alone in the bowels of development hell. Sure, many of these are pathetic creatures that didn't really stand a chance anyway, but there are some that could have made an impact on the industry if they had reached release and been halfway decent. We'll never know what a world would look like with these games in them, but we can always muse, "What if?"

Continuing Perfect Ten's recent dark streak, here are 10 MMOs that died in development hell; it's to our eternal loss that we'll never get to play them.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscheyanne-mountain-entertainmentcodemastersdark-age-of-cameloteafeaturedhalohalo-mmohumorimperator-onlinejagexjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlevel-5microsoftmythicmythicaopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicusra-salvatoreroundupstargate-worldsstellar-dawnthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthqtodd-mcFarlanetop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtrue-fantasy-livetrue-fantasy-live-onlineultima-xultima-x-odysseywar40kwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 247: TransMMO synergy!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/massively-speaking-episode-247-transmmo-synergy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/massively-speaking-episode-247-transmmo-synergy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/massively-speaking-episode-247-transmmo-synergy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 247 TransMMO synergy!
Crossovers are cool, in this humble author's opinion. They not only keep comics spicy and interesting but have offered MMO studios the opportunity to join the hands of two games together in holy geekamony. As Massively Speaking makes a triumphant return this week, we talk about transMMO synergy, Camelot victorious, Flame and Frost, and more.

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 247: TransMMO synergy!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 247: TransMMO synergy! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 247Massively.com Staff01:26:38podcast<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What abilities do you find the most fun to use?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/the-daily-grind-what-abilities-do-you-find-the-most-fun-to-use/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/the-daily-grind-what-abilities-do-you-find-the-most-fun-to-use/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/the-daily-grind-what-abilities-do-you-find-the-most-fun-to-use/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The downside is that I wind up never having any energy left because I'm too busy rolling around like an acrobat.
Hitting 51 on my Scoundrel in Star Wars: The Old Republic meant getting what is probably the greatest ability ever, the ability to quickly roll forward. I absolutely love any sort of quick movement ability like that, especially rolls -- anything that lets me dart around the battlefield without being directly tied to combat. Being able to do so in Guild Wars 2 was one of my favorite parts of the game as a whole.

We've all got certain abilities that we just like making use of in MMOs. Sometimes they're not really beneficial to our builds, and sometimes they're not even all that useful, but darn it they're just plain fun to trigger. So what abilities do you find the most fun to use? Silly cosmetic tricks? Certain impressive storms of particle effects? Or are you just fond of abilities that work well from a mechanical standpoint with no concern for silly elements?

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: What abilities do you find the most fun to use? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesculturedaily-grindfun-toysgame-mechanicshumoropinionpowerssillinessskillstdgthe-daily-grindtoysTue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: A new era of soft launches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/ask-massively-a-new-era-of-soft-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/ask-massively-a-new-era-of-soft-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/ask-massively-a-new-era-of-soft-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter. It's blue.
Neverwinter soft launched this week. What's a soft launch? It's when a game really shouldn't be launching yet and knows it and yet has to launch anyway for reasons probably involving money. Soft launches are incredibly confusing to old school gamers who are used to a certain kind of testing and release cycle, the uncomplicated kind that involves, you know, some testing and a release. Soft launches make games writers uncomfortable too. Why won't your weird special snowflake of a game launch fit into our perfectly planned box?

Massively reader zmeul expressed his annoyance with us thusly: "I can't understand why some games get this 'soft launch' from you and others do not, even if the criteria are met."

It's a brave new world out there, zmeul!

Continue reading Ask Massively: A new era of soft launches

MassivelyAsk Massively: A new era of soft launches originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybetabrianna-royce-ask-massivelycrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedhumorlaunchlaunchesmassively-metametaneverwinteropen-betaopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwesoft-launchstar-conflicttestingwar-thunderwarframeThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What frustrates you about official game sites?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-daily-grind-what-frustrates-you-about-official-game-sites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-daily-grind-what-frustrates-you-about-official-game-sites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-daily-grind-what-frustrates-you-about-official-game-sites/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

For the record, screenshots are under the community header. Which doesn't make a lick of sense.
Working at Massively has given me several years to gain an appreciation for official game sites done properly. You wouldn't think that putting together a website for a game that's already online would be the difficult part, but apparently it is. EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online both hide their screenshot galleries in unrelated headers. Final Fantasy XIV doesn't link to the official forum from the main page. And this isn't even discussing sites with auto-playing videos or Flash elements preventing you from interacting with the site normally.

Pretty much every MMO requires you to go through the official site on a semi-regular basis, which means that any minor problems start to become continual irritations given enough time. So what frustrates you about official game sites? Wonky graphic placement? Poor font choices? Too many separate logins? For that matter, what official game sites do you think have pretty much gotten the formula correct?

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: What frustrates you about official game sites? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily-grinddisplayhumorinterfacelayoutofficial-sitesopinionsitestdgthe-daily-grindwords-on-the-internetSat, 27 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Final moments of MMOs, part 2
LAST TIME ON THE PERFECT TEN: Games were shut down, tears were shed, memories were dragged unwillingly from long-term storage, and videos were shown. Also, Marty totally suckered Biff into driving into a truck full of manure and then got his parents to kiss at a dance so that he wouldn't be erased from the space-time continuum.

AND NOW FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION!

Is it completely morbid to want to revisit (or see for the first time) the final moments of MMOs? Yes, but also no. Really, it's just interesting to me, and I have no great agenda at play here. Sometimes seeing how a game goes out can tell you a lot about its community and dev team. So join us now as we hit the second half of 10 videos showing the last few minutes of these online RPGs.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrback-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxcrimef2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfreedomg1gamersfirstglitchhipsterhumorlego-universencsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvproundupsandboxsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listunlauncheningThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

State of Decay
Last week, I promised you a second round of questions and answers regarding the types of calls Massively makes on which games and stories it will cover and why. Let's get to it.

Mike9 wrote, "I will play [State of Decay] because it looks awesome, but I never understand why Massively covers it; it is a single-player game, not an MMO by even the loosest of definitions, not unless Super Mario World is also considered an MMO now (well, I guess that did allow two players)."

I assume you're looking for a better answer than braaaaaiiiiinnnnsssssss!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyBrainsssbrianna-royce-ask-massivelyesofeaturedhumorleakleaksmassively-metametaopinionstate-of-decaytesothe-elder-scrolls-onlineundead-labszombiesThu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 246 -- The princess and the frog in her throat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/massively-speaking-episode-246-the-princess-and-the-frog-in-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/massively-speaking-episode-246-the-princess-and-the-frog-in-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/massively-speaking-episode-246-the-princess-and-the-frog-in-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 246
Bree's sick, but does that mean that her voice has just become 50% more awesome? We think it does. On this week's episode of Massively Speaking, we deal with cash shop trickery, the ups and downs of relaunching an MMO, and plenty of mailbag topics sent in by listeners!

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:
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
[iTunes] Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.
[Stitcher] Follow the podcast on Stitcher Radio.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 246 -- The princess and the frog in her throat

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 246 -- The princess and the frog in her throat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 23 Apr 2013 10:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 246Massively.com Staff01:07:22podcast<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Scarlet Blade. I'd like to say the word 'cover' in the title is a clever pun, but it really was unintended, and now I can't unsee it.
Welcome back to Ask Massively. We're all aboard the yacht this week, answering your questions while dressed like characters in Scarlet Blade. Because that's pretty much what the characters in Scarlet Blade should be doing rather than, you know, mortal combat in a thong.

Yes, today we're talking Scarlet Blade. In between all the crazed commenter ranting, several of you guys posed legit questions about why we covered it in the first place. Let me try to answer you without turning this into a debate about sexism. Why? Because it's not really about any one specific -ism.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelycommenterscommentsfeaturedhumormassively-metametaopinionscarlet-bladesexismThu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI's Feast of Swords cuts into another year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sweating moogles probably smell terrible, for the record.
We're just a month away from the 11-year anniversary of Final Fantasy XI, which means that certain events in the game have taken on a certain sense of routine. Every year the Feast of Swords comes around at the same time, and every year a ceremonial armor gets stolen. This year's lore piece isn't about the event, it's about the growing suspicion of an adventurer that there's more behind this annual event and "unexpected" theft than anyone has been told...

But you don't need that as motivation to go beat up armor with a wooden katana, do you? Of course not. The event starts off on April 24th this year and runs until May 8th. The procedure is much the same as in previous years -- characters pick up a wooden katana, get a buff, and run around starter zones tying to beat up enchanted armor. It might be a conspiracy in-game, but out of the game it's just a chance for everyone to be a samurai for a few days.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI's Feast of Swords cuts into another year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryeventsfantasyfeast-of-swordsffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihumorin-game-eventsloresettingsquaresquare-enixTue, 16 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 245 -- Wushu sushi]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/massively-speaking-episode-245-wushu-sushi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/massively-speaking-episode-245-wushu-sushi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/massively-speaking-episode-245-wushu-sushi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 245
Big releases? We got 'em! Bugged launches? We're all over them! Betas and previews? We are first on the scene, people! If you thought that MMOs had gone dormant in 2013, then this episode of Massively Speaking is out to kick that assumption in the keister!

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 245 -- Wushu sushi

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 245 -- Wushu sushi originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 245Massively.com Staff01:06:45podcast<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 244: Defiant until the end]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/massively-speaking-episode-244-defiant-until-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/massively-speaking-episode-244-defiant-until-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/massively-speaking-episode-244-defiant-until-the-end/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 244 Defiant until the end
Bree pulls into Starbucks because her internet's on the fritz, Justin's giddy about minipets, and a wild Jef arrives to give us his thoughts on the first week of Defiance. Massively Speaking: It's super effective!

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 244: Defiant until the end

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 244: Defiant until the end originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallbrantbrianna-roycedefiancefeaturedhumorjefjef-reahardjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmo-shooteropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvpsci-fishootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 11:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 244Massively.com Staff01:03:26podcast<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the funniest MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/the-daily-grind-whats-the-funniest-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/the-daily-grind-whats-the-funniest-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/the-daily-grind-whats-the-funniest-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind What's the funniest MMO
Humor is in the funnybone of the owner, so today's topic will most likely lead to a wide range of responses. That's cool. Some of us like slapstick, some like horrible puns, some get a kick out of corny pop culture references, and some enjoy a smattering of witty dialogue. In the end, it comes down to what lightens our hearts and makes us laugh, doesn't it?

So what's the funniest MMO out there? I'm going to cast my vote for, oddly enough, Fallen Earth. There's a bizarre streak of black humor that you only seem to get with a post-apocalyptic setting. The massively ugly mutated prairie chickens always make me smile, as does the weird-as-crap quotes that the wasteland inhabitants spout.

But my opinion doesn't stand alone; I want to hear yours! What MMO makes with the funny the best?

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: What's the funniest MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindf2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playfunnyg1gamersfirsthumoropinionpost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fitdgthe-daily-grindwastelandsSun, 07 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why World of Warcraft passed on April Fools' Day this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/why-world-of-warcraft-passed-on-april-fools-day-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/why-world-of-warcraft-passed-on-april-fools-day-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/why-world-of-warcraft-passed-on-april-fools-day-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fact that someone actually programmed this is enough cause to have hope for the future.
World of Warcraft usually puts together some pretty ornate pranks for the first of April. It's hard to forget about the console version of Molten Core, the Bard class, or the Tinfoil Hat. This year, fans were treated to... well, nothing. That's a pretty dramatic departure, and it prompted community manager Zarhym to take to the field and answer the obvious question about why no one got to have a laugh this year.

Zarhym explains that there were two main causes, the first being that the team simply hadn't come up with a joke that really stuck despite several ideas being bandied about. Add to that the fact that the team members usually responsible for assembling these jokes were otherwise occupied, and they were left without a joke and without people to implement the gag. So this year will go down as being sadly bereft of foolery from Blizzard.

MassivelyWhy World of Warcraft passed on April Fools' Day this year originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionapril-foolsapril-fools-dayblizzardblizzard-entertainmentculturefantasyhumorjokejokesmetawarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowzarhymThu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Feedly
Google Reader might be on its way out, but old-school RSS is here to stay. If you haven't jumped to Feedly or some other RSS platform yet, July 1st is your doomsday. How is this relevant to your interests and why am I telling you this in Ask Massively? Well, many of you readers probably don't camp our front page, and if you're not into social media and the latest faceplustweet craze, RSS can help you keep up with the parts of Massively you want to read (and avoid the ones you don't).

Continue reading Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets

MassivelyAsk Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybooleanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelycategoriescommunityfacebookfaceplustweetsfeaturedfeedfeedsgoogle-plusgoogle-readerhumormassively-metamassively-rssmetaopinionrsssocial-mediasteamtagstwitchtwitterThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Listen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack
Enjoying your Super Adventure Box groove in Guild Wars 2? Then you've probably noticed the kicking 8-bit tunes as well. ArenaNet Composers Maclaine Diemer and Leif Chappelle put together 26 minutes of brand-new (and old-school) music tracks to power the super adventure, and you can listen to the whole shebang on SoundCloud.

"It's not easy reducing a lush, bombastic orchestral piece into just the four channels we have available to us for 8-bit music," Diemer said. "After the initial statement of the theme, a galloping rhythm and bass line with more of a classic Zelda feel kick in, followed by a new melody that bridges the gap between the Guild Wars 2 we know and love and the world of Super Adventure Box."

What's even better is that each of the tracks has composer notes attached to them, so if you're interested in how the duo came up with these catchy tunes and what inspired them, your curiosity shall soon be sated.

MassivelyListen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-2013april-fools-dayarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedguild-wars-2gw2humorjokeLeif-ChappelleMaclaine-Diemermotomusicncsoftsabscorescreenshotscreenshotssoundtracksuper-adventure-boxTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 243: Super Adventure MJ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/massively-speaking-episode-243-super-adventure-mj/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/massively-speaking-episode-243-super-adventure-mj/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/massively-speaking-episode-243-super-adventure-mj/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 243 Super Adventure MJ
MJ returns from her grand GDC adventure, and boy does she have stories to tell! Most of those stories will be to her therapist who will help her overcome the trauma of five days of non-stop interviews, but some of those tales will be related in this podcast. Also, you won't hear her sing the baby monkey song, but she totally did before we started recording and it was awesome. You had to be there.

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 243: Super Adventure MJ

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 243: Super Adventure MJ originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-monkeybaby-monkey-going-backwards-on-a-pigbrantbrianna-royceconconferenceconventioneventevent-coverageeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013humorjustin-olivettimassively-event-coveragemassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssuper-adventure-boxTue, 02 Apr 2013 09:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 243Massively.com Staff01:08:35podcast<![CDATA[Your guide to Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/your-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-super-adventure-box/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/your-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-super-adventure-box/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/your-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-super-adventure-box/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box
April is almost upon us, which means that the first day of April is almost upon us, which means that April Fools' Day is almost upon us. In the past, the folks at ArenaNet have proven themselves fond of celebrating this occasion, which has given fans high hopes for continued trolling in the world of Guild Wars 2. Since March's patch, strange things have been appearing that all seem to hint at some sort of April Fools' joke: Super Adventure Box achievements on the hero panel, mysterious Continue Coins falling out of chests, and a new range of weapon skins added to the sPvP weapon pane.

Of course, it's been pointed out to me that perhaps the most delicious joke of all would be to put in all those clues and then have no actual prank. I can almost taste the rage of fans who had compulsively run characters through jumping puzzles for days in an attempt to stock up on Continue Coins that suddenly turned out to be worthless.

Fortunately (or not, depending on your sense of humor), that's not the case at all. The Super Adventure Box is real, and it's almost time for you to start playing it. Let's talk about it, shall we?

Continue reading Your guide to Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box

MassivelyYour guide to Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-2013april-fools-dayarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2hands-onholo-solidhumorjokemotoncsoftpreviewpreviewssabscreenshotscreenshotssuper-adventure-boxtrailertrailersvideovideosSun, 31 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like when developers try to be funny?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-when-developers-try-to-be-funny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-when-developers-try-to-be-funny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-when-developers-try-to-be-funny/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Malvolio is unmoved by your attempts at levity.
For most game developers, being seen as funny is a good thing. It makes the game's development team seem more likable and human. It also shows that the team is paying attention to the various in-jokes of the community. On the other hand, when a developer tries at affable humor and fails, it comes off like your octogenarian grandmother quoting Family Guy.

Some developers are excellent at getting a sense of community humor, something Blizzard has done well with World of Warcraft. Some developers are good at cracking jokes, like Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida. And some developers, like Carbine Studios, just seem to have the whole comedy thing built into their very structure.

But it's not like any of the aforementioned need to be funny to sell their games. It really comes down to what the players want. So do you like it when developers try to be funny? Or would you prefer they just work on the game instead of engaging the community?

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: Do you like when developers try to be funny? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedycommunitycommunity-engagementcommunity-jokescommunity-memesdaily-grindhumormemesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSat, 30 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 was adorbz
OK, AndyMonahan. You win. You broke me. This Ask Massively is for you.

AndyMonahan asked (approximately eight million times): It doesn't matter what games you cover as I can't spend more than five minutes on the site before my eyes bleed. Any news on a choice of background colour?

Do you really think you're going to like the only answer you know I can give?!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets

MassivelyAsk Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking Episode 242 PAX East postmortem
Another PAX East is in the bag, but we're not quite through with it just yet! The intrepid crew that was on the ground in Boston have returned to share hijinks, opinions, and impressions of their adventures and discoveries over the weekend. Plus, Eliot got a boo-boo.

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 242: PAX East post-mortem

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 242: PAX East post-mortem originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-royceconconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-event-coveragemassively-speakingopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 26 Mar 2013 09:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 242Massively.com Staff01:03:11podcast<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TESO
Last week, Massively streamteamer Richie Procopio sat down to play Elder Scrolls Online at a press demo. Like most such "all-day" media events, the press demo was approximately four hours long -- four hours for Richie to see as much as he could and take notes to transform into articles worth reading.

"It must be so hard to write an MMO article based on four hours of gameplay," remarked a reader named Dularr.

It is and it isn't. Four hours is more than enough time to grok the basics. Of course, if you're expecting a detailed endgame critique after four hours, you're in for disappointment.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews

MassivelyAsk Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onhumorimpressionsjournalismmassively-metametamoving-goalpostmoving-goalpostsopinionpreviewpreviewsreviewreviewsThu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Be as bad as you like]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-soapbox-be-as-bad-as-you-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-soapbox-be-as-bad-as-you-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-soapbox-be-as-bad-as-you-like/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yes, there are many shades of this that can be toxic.
There are a lot of reasons I love MMOs, but one of the reasons is the fact that there are so many possible goals in any given game and so many different reasons to pursue them. Even in games with more limitations, you've still got a surfeit of character options, moreso than in almost any other genre. I love to roleplay a character who wouldn't normally be the main character of a story, explore what makes her tick, and give her space and the ability to be heroic and skilled as she deserves.

What I'm less enthusiastic about is when someone asks why in the world I'm playing a particular race and class combination because obviously my character is now sub-optimal.

There's an emphasis on optimization in most MMOs, a push to create the best possible version of a character in gameplay terms that I'm not entirely on-board with. It's one with comprehensible origins, but it's unfortunately taken on a lot of ugly dimensions that sometimes short-change what MMOs can be.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Be as bad as you like

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Be as bad as you like originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-playerscultureeditorialfeaturedfungood-playershumorop-edopinionplayer-skillrantrantsskillsoapboxthe-soapboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 241: Larry-Boy!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/massively-speaking-episode-241-larry-boy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/massively-speaking-episode-241-larry-boy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/massively-speaking-episode-241-larry-boy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 241
It's one of the best perks of the job that we can sit back and talk about (a) superheroes, (b) Indiana Jones, (c) VeggieTales, (d) editor-endorsed kidnapping, (e) NES-era games, and (f) deep philosophical topics best reserved for college freshman jaw sessions. And then you get to listen to all of it! How special!

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 241: Larry-Boy!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 241: Larry-Boy! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike scores one internet-ruining point for every minute he is not wearing a cowboy hat.
Last week, Massively's Larry Everett finished off a miniseries of articles designed to help interested readers learn to livestream. Streaming has become a major part of Massively's purview; we stream about 20 hours a week. So why not use our expertise to help friends and potential future colleagues learn how to play for fun and profit?

Not everyone shares our idealism, apparently. In fact, one commenter told us we are ruining the internet.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Ruining the internet

MassivelyAsk Massively: Ruining the internet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Perfect Ten My gaming pet peeves
In general, I try to be an optimistic fellow. When it comes to gaming -- you know, that hobby we apparently love and enjoy -- I'd rather look on the bright side than the angry, cynical, disgruntled dark side most days of the week. There needs to be balance between such outlooks to be sure, but if I'm to err, I'd rather err as a happy gamer than a bitter one.

So today's list will be a departure for me, as I'm going to complain at great length about stupid little things that annoy me in MMOs. I look at it like lancing a boil: painful, gross, and generally relieving. If you want to join in with me, just remember that the area can get infected if you keep picking at it for too long.

What ticks me off? Open Pandora's Box below and ye shall never know peace...

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: My gaming pet peeves

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: My gaming pet peeves originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escortescort-missionsfeaturedhumoropinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenpet-peevepet-peevesroundupthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listThu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seeing what it takes to be a Defiance Ark Hunter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/seeing-what-it-takes-to-be-a-defiance-ark-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/seeing-what-it-takes-to-be-a-defiance-ark-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/seeing-what-it-takes-to-be-a-defiance-ark-hunter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Seeing what it takes to be a Defiance Ark Hunter
What does it take to be an Ark Hunter in Trion Worlds' upcoming Defiance? If the following lore video is any indication, you have to be really into puking, eating mutant lizards, and having needles shoved into the back of your neck. But then you get weapons, and these are really big weapons that you can shoot things in the face with.

So it's a trade-off.

Check out the latest episode of the Ark Hunter Chronicles after the jump. Then finish your lizard stew because you've got puking to do!

Continue reading Seeing what it takes to be a Defiance Ark Hunter

MassivelySeeing what it takes to be a Defiance Ark Hunter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterark-hunter-chroniclesarkfallbetadefiancefpsgiant-needleshumorloremmofpsmutant-lizardpukingpvpsci-fisyfytransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvvideovomitvomitingxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 240: We ain't no scrubs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/massively-speaking-episode-240-we-aint-no-scrubs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/massively-speaking-episode-240-we-aint-no-scrubs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/massively-speaking-episode-240-we-aint-no-scrubs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 240
With five kajillion MMOs on the market, Bree and Justin struggle to remember just what's what, some weeks. That may seem like scrub behavior, but they ain't no scrubs; they're professional goof-offs with a master's degree in goofery from Goof State University. It's an exciting podcast full of patches, Kickstarters, compensation, and sandboxy talk.

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 240: We ain't no scrubs

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 240: We ain't no scrubs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 12 Mar 2013 10:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 240Massively.com Staff01:09:01podcast<![CDATA[Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With apologies to Dungeons of Dredmor
In the last few months, the Ask Massively inbox has received several letters about breaking into the games journalism industry and employment at Massively specifically. This first one came from a reader named Vernon:
I rarely see current journalists write or blog about their own experiences of getting into the industry. I always told myself I would try to figure out how to make a go of writing about games if the opera thing did not work out. So, how did you get there (Editor in Chief), and how do you get there now?
Short answer: the two skillsets rule.

Continue reading Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos

MassivelyAsk Massively: How I mine for games journos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybloggingbrianna-royce-ask-massivelycopyeditingfeaturedhiringhumorjobjobsmassively-metametaopiniontipswritingThu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 239: Countdown to terror]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/massively-speaking-episode-239-countdown-to-terror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/massively-speaking-episode-239-countdown-to-terror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/massively-speaking-episode-239-countdown-to-terror/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 239
Sunrise, sunset. Some games reach new heights and some crash to the ground. Some questions go unanswered while some developers never stop talking. Some game futures are uncertain while some look more promising by the day. It's another week of MMO news, and some of it is more of the same and some of it is genuinely surprising.

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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[iTunes] Subscribe to the podcast 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 239: Countdown to terror

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 239: Countdown to terror originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsTue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 239Massively.com Staff01:17:43podcast<![CDATA[Ask Massively: We bake bread to crush]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ask-massively-we-bake-bread-to-crush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ask-massively-we-bake-bread-to-crush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ask-massively-we-bake-bread-to-crush/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PAWN STARS
I have a dirty little secret: A few weeks ago when I was really sick and laid up on the sofa, I got addicted to Pawn Stars. It's a cheesy little History Channel reality show that tracks the exploits of a Las Vegas pawn shop and the shop owners' good, bad, and history-related deals. (I know, I know. I'm bad and I should feel bad.)

One lesson the boss repeats to his employees and the viewers over and over is that being rare isn't enough to make something valuable and that many valuable things aren't particularly rare at all.

This is not a lesson MMO players have learned.

Continue reading Ask Massively: We bake bread to crush

MassivelyAsk Massively: We bake bread to crush originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelychampions-onlinefalse-scarcityfeaturedhumorlemurian-invasionmassively-metametaopinionpawn-starswe-play-to-crushThu, 28 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Creative MMO minigames
Few people are without opinions on minigames in MMOs. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, and some just ignore 'em. Some even despise that I won't type "th." Takes all types, really. Personally, I'm all for including new types of enjoyable systems that can be repeated, particularly if it benefits my character in some way.

There's also this perception that minigames are just for kids. It's true that more kid-centric titles like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures thrive on minigames like you thrive on deep-fried butter balls, but these little diversions exist all over the place in "grownup" titles too. Holidays are a favorite time to trot them out, although there are plenty that exist year-round.

Today we're going to look at 10 creative minigames that have tickled my fancy over the year. Yes, I used the word "fancy." Whatcha gonna do about it?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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