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[EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Several weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Greyscale published possibly the single most important devblog of the past two years. Titled Nullsec development: Design goals, the blog laid the ground rules for high-level discussion on EVE's upcoming nullsec revamp. For those who live in nullsec, territorial warfare and nullsec life represent the true endgame of EVE. It's in these massive lawless regions of space that players forge alliances, build their own empires, and lead massive fleets of ships into enemy territory to kick over some space sandcastles.

Over the past two weeks, I've been delving into the discussion surrounding the upcoming nullsec revamp and speculating on what changes we might see. I started with a look back at the early days of nullsec industry and went on to give some ideas aimed at reclaiming those glory days. I followed that up with last week's summary of EVE Online's empire-building history, the problems faced by today's territorial warfare mechanics, and further speculation on how the system could be radically changed for the better.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I conclude this series of articles on the upcoming nullsec revamp with an examination of the discussion surrounding PvE, the local channel, and the potentially revolutionary smallholding system that could give even casual and solo players a taste of nullsec.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone

MassivelyEVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancecasualccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaleeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedfleetfleet-commandfleet-warfarefleetshomesteadintelintelligencelocalmissionmission-runningnullsecplayer-owned-starbasepvepvpsandboxscoutscoutingsmallholdingsmallholdingssolostarbasewarSun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Building a successful fleet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 65093.1...

Hello, computer (and players)! In the Star Trek Online universe, fleets are the foundation that ensures ones' in-game (and even out-of-game) experience is one that is active, social, and fulfilling. Whether you enjoy PvP, Special Task Forces, role play, or a combo of all the above, there should be a fleet out there for you to call home. But, what do you do if you can not find one that suits your warp core? Well, you start your own! That's right! Gather your friends (or make new ones), visit the fleet contact on Earth Space Dock, think up a clever name, and click that "create" button.

Okay, okay -- I make it sound a lot easier than it actually is. Building a fleet takes a lot of work, time and dedication, but is possible with the right spirit at the helm. Then, just when you have it built, successfully running it becomes an even bigger challenge. During this week's Captain's Log, I am going to take you on a tour of duty as we explore a possible structuring to your future fleet. Based off of one of the most successful fleets in-game, Stonewall Fleet, which has had over 1,400 members sign-up for membership, let's take a look at the roles they have in place to make it all happen.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's help our readers create the perfect structure to their fleet...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Building a successful fleet

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Building a successful fleet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiraladmiraltyalliesambassaforcode of conductCodeOfConductcombatcounselorcraftingcrafting corpCraftingCorpcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdata samplesDataSamplesenergy creditsEnergyCreditsfleet admiralfleet resourcesFleetAdmiralFleetResourcesfleetsHazard teamHazardTeamintelligenceinvitesKDFklingonlas vegasLasVegaslivestreamnewsletternicholas swinfordNicholasSwinfordnick swinfordNickSwinfordofficersPersonnelpvprecruitmentrostersocialst-onlineStar Trek Conventionstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineStarTrekConventionSTFstlvstostonewall fleetstonewall-fleetStonewallFleettrek-onlineThu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Triumphant return]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/wasteland-diaries-triumphant-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/wasteland-diaries-triumphant-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/wasteland-diaries-triumphant-return/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I remember way back when the Fallen Earth team released Deadfall there were many people didn't partake because they were waiting for Sector 4. And Deadfall was a pretty major update. It was practically a sector unto itself, with the level cap raised by four. As far as content goes, it wasn't far behind Alpha County in terms of scale.

Yet for some reason, many players were holding off on re-subbing until the elusive Sector 4 raised its mythical head. Hopefully those players are willing to wait another week or two. Sector 4 is finally here, but I don't feel it's quite ready yet. It's not S4 itself, it's a slew of other things which I'll cover that later.

The important thing is if you decide to head into Alpha, be prepared. You might be a little rusty after all of this time away from the wasteland and in need a refresher course in the finer points of not taking a Kaibab dirtnap. If that's the case, don't sweat it, we all are still working out kinks due to the new combat system. But even if you are stumbling back into the game in the most ungainly of fashions, an ounce of prevention is still much better than a pound of cure. There are a few things you can do to help yourself thrive in the new sector. After the cut, I'll give you some advice that may or may not help you along your way. I'm hoping on the former.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Triumphant return

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Triumphant return originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-countycombat-systemconsumablesdeadfallfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedfirst-aidgamersfirsticarus-studiosintelligenceInterceptorinterceptor-security-modellevel-caplevel-cap-increasenew-combat-systemsector-4Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic releases more intel on the Imperial Agent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/star-wars-the-old-republic-releases-more-intel-on-the-imperial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/star-wars-the-old-republic-releases-more-intel-on-the-imperial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/star-wars-the-old-republic-releases-more-intel-on-the-imperial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the frequently-voiced concerns about Star Wars: The Old Republic is the possibility that the non-Force classes will wind up becoming almost irrelevant. Who's going to pay attention to being a spy when you can wield an energy sword and fling lightning, right? As a matter of fact, the Imperial Agent would like very much if no one ever notices they exist. They're quite happy to stand in the background and never be observed, because as the latest developer's entry explains, that's precisely what the Agent does best. They exist in the shadow, the man of many faces and a hundred names, a presence whose influence is strongest when it isn't evident at all.

Star Wars: The Old Republic faces the difficult task of making the Sith -- traditionally the villains of the franchise -- into a playable and likable faction rather than monolithic evil. As the developer entry points out, the Imperial Agent is a major part of that, of giving the chance to look at someone who is quite possibly a proud citizen of the Empire and happy to serve in keeping the peace and bring down the Republic. It's also a look at the parts between the lines of the films, the spies and intel operators whose role was important but whose faces were rarely seen. But you might decide not to look at the full discussion of the class anyway -- and as we've mentioned, really, that's what the agent would want.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic releases more intel on the Imperial Agent originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentbiowaredesign-discussiondeveloper-diarydeveloper-entryeaelectronic-artsgame-designimperial-agentintelintelligencelucasartssithsith-empirespiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorupcoming-gamesSat, 02 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's spies and metagamers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/eves-spies-and-metagamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/eves-spies-and-metagamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/eves-spies-and-metagamers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


EVE Online is one of the few MMOs where players in guilds (corporations and alliances) have some valid concerns about spies from rival groups infiltrating their ranks. The concept of being a spy or saboteur is a profession of sorts that arose in the game. There aren't any game mechanics that necessarily enable spying or make it into a viable profession, nor are there any rules that prohibit most of these activities.

Wes from EVE Tribune recently wrote a piece called "Metagaming", dealing with how espionage can impact rival corporations and alliances in EVE. Wes asks, "Why is everyone so paranoid about spies and metagaming?" then goes on to explain how espionage in EVE works, categorizing spies by their modus operandi:

Continue reading EVE's spies and metagamers

MassivelyEVE's spies and metagamers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccpccp-gamescorporationscultureespionageeveeve-onlineeve-tribuneforumsgame-mechanicsguildsintelintelligencemetagamemetagamingmolesparanoiapoliticspvpsabotagesaboteurspiesspyspyingteamspeakwesSun, 12 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online creates guide to factional warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/eve-online-creates-guide-to-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/eve-online-creates-guide-to-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/eve-online-creates-guide-to-factional-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Factional warfare is the center of attention in most EVE Online news, given the changes affecting players in The Empyrean Age expansion. While these changes are new to everyone, they may not be terribly complex to seasoned players. However it's definitely a lot to grasp at once for newer players of the game -- much less those who are giving EVE a shot for the first time. CCP Games is trying to dispel some of the complexities surrounding the factional warfare game mechanics. In other words, they're answering the question: Where do I start?

They've added a new section to the online player guide, which explains the main aspects of participating in factional warfare. The guide walks a player through enlisting in a factional militia, the consequences of being a combatant, territorial control, ranks, and everything in-between. They've also added new knowledge base articles related to factional warfare, such as explanations of ship restrictions in militia missions and battlefield intelligence. If you're interested in giving The Empyrean Age a go, but your head is spinning trying to figure it all out, these new sites are what you need to get a handle on it all.

MassivelyEVE Online creates guide to factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As a gamer who was holding a controller long before I'd ever even heard of a D20, the attribute systems that seem to be standard in the world of RPGs were always a little foreign and foreboding. The idea of Strength and Dexterity were easy enough to grasp, but what the heck did Constitution mean? And for that matter, what's the difference between Wisdom and Intelligence? Even as an adult, the attribute system in a game like World of Warcraft is a bit strange to me. They give general descriptions on the website and in the game's manual, but when you start throwing in things like crit chances, the five second rule, and attack power, it all becomes a dense, tangled mess.

On his blog, Brian Green ponders whether such a system can't be simplified in a way that would encourage a deeper understanding for players who don't take their games so seriously that they've got their gear progression mapped out in Excel. His first suggestion is to sweep away derived stats, or more accurately, JUST have derived stats, and ignore the base stats that influence them. Seems reasonable enough, if a bit more long-winded. His second suggestion is to take away the level curve, making stats behave the same regardless of the player level. It's an interesting idea in the abstract, but one wonders whether developers, and indeed the players they're developing these games for, are ready to put in such a radically different system.

MassivelyAttribute systems have -10 to Intelligence originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attributesbrian-greencharismacrit-chanced20derived-statsdexterityintelligencelevel-curveROGsstrengthwisdomFri, 08 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST