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[Elsword Online open beta starts April 27th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not enough side-scrolling manga-style beat-'em-ups in your life? Elsword aims to remedy that, and the title's closed beta is rapidly nearing an end. According to a new Kill3rCombo email blast, open beta is just around the corner and the servers will be up and running at midnight PDT on April 27th.

You can download the client right now, and the game will automatically patch to the new open beta version as soon as the servers come up. The new public testing period will also see Elsword's item mall open for business, and guild features (as well as consumable items) will be enabled.

You can learn more about the title at the game's official website as well as via our recent hands-on impressions piece.

MassivelyElsword Online open beta starts April 27th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetacash-shopclosed-betaelswordelsword-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-featuresitem-mallkill3r-combokill3rcombokog-studioslevel-up-gamesmangaopen-betaMon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soul Master closing down for redesign, scheduled to return in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/soul-master-closing-down-for-redesign-scheduled-to-return-in-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/soul-master-closing-down-for-redesign-scheduled-to-return-in-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/soul-master-closing-down-for-redesign-scheduled-to-return-in-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Soul Master, an action MMORTS from GamesCampus, has announced that it will be joining the ranks of shuttered MMOs on November 16th. In something of a departure from your typical MMO shutdown, the notice on the free-to-play title's official website states that the game is tentatively scheduled to be re-launched in the summer of 2011 after it has been completely reworked. The current build is "not sufficient to meet our standards in both the direction we feel game development should go and the quality of the experience we feel is deserved by the player community," says the announcement.

The statement also hints at Soul Master's resurrection in six to eight months, one that will apparently feature a more traditional style of MMO character progression. Check out all the details on the official website.

MassivelySoul Master closing down for redesign, scheduled to return in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureclosuresf2pfree-to-playgamescampusitem-mallmmortsre-designrtssoul-masterMon, 15 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waging WAR: Warhammer's new online store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/waging-war-warhammers-new-online-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/waging-war-warhammers-new-online-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/waging-war-warhammers-new-online-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This week's Waging WAR catches a whiff of recent happenings on the internet and with Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Greg dives in face-first, grabs a fist-full of the news, and delivers a fast-ball rant on the issue.

Well, apparently the RMT has hit the fan, and the resulting spackle is starting to plaster the proverbial walls of the blogosphere and beyond. Recently, some information was released about what players can expect to buy at EA-Mythic's new store. Although only a few items are actually available now, there's a pretty extensive FAQ on the server transfer service, and we'll have to wait a little longer for the Progression and Personality packs, as they're set to be released along with patch 1.4. Naturally, the drama is building up some nice momentum, and it will be interesting to see how the whine will affect this particular cheese over at the Mythic official forum.

For now, you can read past the break and enjoy my rant.

Continue reading Waging WAR: Warhammer's new online store

MassivelyWaging WAR: Warhammer's new online store originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebioware-eaBioware-MMObioware-mythiccash-shopEAea-mythicf2pfeatureditem-mallitem-shopmythicmythic-eaMythic-Entertainmentopinionopinion-columnpay-to-playpay-to-winrmtwaging-warwar-tractSat, 06 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: What's $15 worth?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-pages-of-taborea-whats-15-worth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-pages-of-taborea-whats-15-worth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-pages-of-taborea-whats-15-worth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hello everyone! This week, Jeremy Stratton (your usual Lost Pages of Taborea host) and I are swapping columns for variety -- so thanks to Jeremy for allowing me, Beau Hindman, to take over his column for the day! I have to admit that I am relatively new to the game, never having really given my character time to grow into a proper hero. Fortunately, the game's free-to-play status allows for this type of reckless avatar growth. But how free is it? Runes of Magic is not a "freemium" game, one that literally asks for payment at some point in order to level higher or to explore new content. It's my favorite type of free-to-play: the kind that gives you the client, gives you a free house, and even loans you a mount to make early level travel much easier.

Critics of free-to-play will say that most free-to-play games trick, convince, or even force players to spend large amounts of money in the cash shop in order to "succeed," often without defining what "success" means. While I admit that I play at the speed of molasses, I do maintain a few titles in which I slowly, but surely, obtain higher levels. Runes of Magic isn't one of them, yet, so I want to take a look at how much I will get for a typical subscription amount: 15 US dollars. So, how much does it buy me?

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: What's $15 worth?

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: What's $15 worth? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopdiamondsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivehousingitem-mallromrubiesrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse's response to microtransaction speculation: TERA is not a microtransaction game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/en-masses-response-to-microtransaction-speculation-tera-is-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/en-masses-response-to-microtransaction-speculation-tera-is-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/en-masses-response-to-microtransaction-speculation-tera-is-not/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In one of our recent TERA articles, we speculated that TERA may be going towards a microtransaction/subscription model thanks to the wording in a press release sent out by Digital River, TERA's online shop service. However, senior producer Brian Knox has sent us a statement that sets the facts straight: TERA is not a microtransaction game.
"After a press release by Digital River announcing our e-commerce partnership a few players expressed concerns that TERA would be a micro-transaction game in addition to requiring a subscription fee; that is not the case," said Knox.

"TERA is not a micro-transaction or cash-shop item game. The game is built and designed to function as a subscription-based game. We would have to make dramatic changes to the game's design to support micro-transactions and there is no intention of doing so."

Continue reading En Masse's response to microtransaction speculation: TERA is not a microtransaction game

MassivelyEn Masse's response to microtransaction speculation: TERA is not a microtransaction game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbrian-knoxcash-shopcharacter-servicesdigital-riveren-masseen-masse-entertainmentitem-mallitem-shopmicrotransactionsservicesstatementterathe-exiled-realm-of-arboreaFri, 13 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: You can play for free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/lost-pages-of-taborea-you-can-play-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/lost-pages-of-taborea-you-can-play-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/lost-pages-of-taborea-you-can-play-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The life of a free-to-play game columnist sometimes feels like driving a super-charger across a post-apocalyptic planet's surface: pock-marked with jagged smoking craters, littered with crumbling cities and dotted with shanty towns full of biker gangs. No matter how hard I try to avoid anything dangerous on my way to a coveted twinkie factory, it's only a matter of time before I run into some. I usually try to avoid anything that I think will immediately ignite a box of old, wet dynamite when talking about Runes of Magic, but I think I'm going to go out on a limb this time by saying you most certainly can play RoM for free.

I had spent two years browsing many other MMOs' cash shops before I saw RoM's, and back then a lot of what they sold were time-restricted items. You could buy any assortment of outfits, mounts, or even some attribute boosters, but you lost most items after a short amount of time. I know a lot of F2Ps operate differently now and have started experimenting with many ways of selling items, beyond any perceived notion that the game was built with simple roadblocks. Still, I think those games feel very separated from their cash shops and that's why RoM's shop stands out to me.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: You can play for free

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: You can play for free originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-interactiveitem-malllost-pages-of-taborearomrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: The cash shop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-cash-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-cash-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-cash-shop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I'm really looking forward to the coming weeks in Runes of Magic. I'm shopping around for a new guild to partake of siege wars and other guild goodness. I'm also planning to throw some funts or maybe even a macaroni toward the Item Mall. I've spent money on RoM before, but most of it went toward decorating my house, customizing the look of my equipment, or extra storage chests. This time around, it's all about beefing up my attributes and jumping into more content.

I need to alleviate that trudging-through-mud feeling I'm getting from the leveling curve while prepping for some dungeon action. It will be win-win for everyone. I'll be having more fun by opening up new aspects of gameplay and you'll get to read all about it. First thing I need to do though is speed up some armor-enhancing to boost my ability to kick some butt. Since I'll be doing all of this shopping, I thought I'd cover my opinions on how Frogster handles the Item Mall.

Click past the break -- free of charge -- to see my opinions on pricing, what types of items you can get and how it will affect your gaming.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: The cash shop

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: The cash shop originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-interactiveitem-mallmicro-transactionsrmtromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which titles should try F2P?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/the-daily-grind-which-titles-should-try-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/the-daily-grind-which-titles-should-try-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/the-daily-grind-which-titles-should-try-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Let's face it. In these harder economic times, there are a lot of people cutting back on subscriptions. Folks that may have carried multiple MMOs are now choosing more carefully. Those who probably wouldn't have taken a look at a free-to-play game before are now at least reading up on them in case anything they might like shows up. Companies like Turbine, EA/Mythic and others are starting to look towards models that turn the old "14-days to try it, then either buy it or sod off" on their ears.

Our question this morning is what game (or games) do you think need a F2P overhaul? Would you use something like what Turbine has done with Dungeons & Dragons Online, offering free play and an item mall that sells adventure packs? Do you think the Warhammer Online unlimited trial/velvet-rope model is better? Grab your morning caffeine and let your thoughts flow in the comments below!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which titles should try F2P? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaf2pfree-to-playitem-mallmicrotransactionsmythicopiniontdgthe-daily-grindturbinevelvet-ropewarhammer-onlineSat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy special Station items and SOE will donate to Haitian relief]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've been considering donating to Haitian relief efforts and happen to play EverQuest, EverQuest II, or Free Realms, then we've got some news that you'll undoubtedly want to take a look at.

Between now and midnight PST on January 18th, for every purchase of either a Zando T-Rex pet in Free Realms, a Protectors of the Faydark armor crate in EverQuest II, or a Plush Bear item in EverQuest, SOE will donate $10 to the relief efforts up to a maximum of $25,000. Considering each of the items only costs 500 Station Cash to purchase, that equates to players donating $5, then SOE matching the donation with $5 of their own and then sending it along. That's pretty cool in our book.

So if you want to help a great cause and land a little something fun for your EQ, EQII, or Free Realms character, then these items are something you'll want to pick up before the midnight on the 18th. Also, a big thumbs up to SOE for offering items to raise money for Haiti.

[Update: SOE has raised $25,000 for this relief effort in just three days!]

MassivelyBuy special Station items and SOE will donate to Haitian relief originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifree-realmshaitihaitian-reliefitem-mallsoesony-online-entertainmentvirtual-itemsSun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon America's financials continue to impress in Q3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We reported back in August that Nexon America had begun the third Quarter of 2009 with a very solid July; their revenue for the month grew 35% over the numbers for July 2008. Now that Q3 is over, they are happily touting some additional (and still impressive) figures. August 2009 beat out last year's August revenues by 32%, and September hit a lofty 44% growth in revenues compared to the same time in 2008. Overall, Nexon America's third quarter revenue grew 36% compared to Q3 2008.

Nexon America's CEO David Kim pointed out that this success comes without the bump that releasing a new game often brings: "Increasing our revenues without having added any new games to the company's portfolio for more than a year tells me that we are on the right track. Dungeon Fighter Online is just ramping up, so no revenues generated by that game are reflected in the outstanding third quarter we've had.

Dungeon Fighter Online is still in open beta, but an item mall has just been launched for the game. We can only imagine that Nexon's growth will continue when these revenues begin to show up on future financial reports.

MassivelyNexon America's financials continue to impress in Q3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceodavid-kimdungeon-fighter-onlineearningsfinancialsitem-mallmaplestorynexonnexon-americaq3revenuesthird-quarterFri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bright Shadow set to light up Western shores in 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/bright-shadow-set-to-light-up-western-shores-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/bright-shadow-set-to-light-up-western-shores-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/bright-shadow-set-to-light-up-western-shores-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The US arm of Japanese game publisher Gamepot (note: not Gamespot, nor indeed Gamestop) has announced that they will be bringing a new free-to-play title to North American gamers by the end of the year. Bright Shadow promises hordes of unique monsters -- frightening stuff like squirrels with scythes -- collectively known as "Umbra" to battle throughout the game's world, using one of 20 different character classes. One of its other main features is a strong focus on social functions, with a robust guild system including guild halls and rankings. The world will have an "ever-changing weather system" and will contain a plethora of instanced dungeons.

While the Umbra monsters will remain fairly untouched during the localization process, there will be new story lines and some beefed up character customization options awaiting players of the US version of Bright Shadow. Down the line, an RMT item mall will be introduced, allowing players to spend "Pot Cash" to get their hands on some aesthetic character enhancements. A teaser site has been launched and a closed beta application will be available through it some time soon, with the closed beta scheduled to begin this fall. Hit the jump to see a CGI trailer for the game.

Continue reading Bright Shadow set to light up Western shores in 2009

MassivelyBright Shadow set to light up Western shores in 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabright-shadowclosed-betafree-to-playgamepotgamepot-usaguildsitem-mallpot-cashrmtumbraweather-systemMon, 24 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: The rise of F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/redefining-mmos-the-rise-of-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/redefining-mmos-the-rise-of-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/redefining-mmos-the-rise-of-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


These days it seems like you can't move three feet in the MMO space without bumping into a Free-to-Play (or F2P) game. As the person who writes First Impressions from time to time, I play quite a lot of them. As such, I'm always looking at new F2P games that pop up, from tiny indie titles to mega-corporate offerings. Just about any subset you can imagine is represented out there: flash games, isometric, side-scrollers, mini-games, embeddable web-only, local client. Curious about what genres you might find? How about fantasy, steampunk, post-apocalyptic, casual, cartoon, pirate, anthropomorphic, space, and so much more. If it hasn't been made yet, wait six months - someone will probably do it, considering. Quality, too, runs the gamut. Some games are incredibly addictive, while others make you want to take a run at the dev team with a sock full of quarters.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: The rise of F2P

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: The rise of F2P originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changesf2pfeaturedfreefree-to-playfreemiumgenreitem-mallredefining-mmosshiftssubscriptionFri, 21 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is there a difference between item malls and gold farmers?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-daily-grind-is-there-a-difference-between-items-malls-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-daily-grind-is-there-a-difference-between-items-malls-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-daily-grind-is-there-a-difference-between-items-malls-and-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the recent news of China banning the exchange of virtual currency for real world currency, it brings up the future of gold farming in that country, and possibly the world. While China is certainly not the only country which employs MMO gold farmers, it's often labeled as the biggest offender. There is certainly a difference between trading real world money for virtual money and trading virtual money for real world money, but this new China legislation shows that the legalities of both practices are becoming real issues to lawmakers.

So we're curious to know how you feel about the whole process of trading in either direction. It was once a stigma among gamers, but many companies are adopting this practice in a legal way, conducted by item stores and in-game currency exchange. Besides the fact that these item malls are supported by the game studios, do you see a difference? If so, what are they? Discuss!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is there a difference between item malls and gold farmers? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold-farmersgold-farmingitem-malltdgthe-daily-grindWed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The pros and cons of free to play Dungeons and Dragons Online pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online-pt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online-pt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online-pt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The cons of the whole switchover

Item malls that offer players the ability to purchase items or item upgrades degrade the gaming experience. We've been over this before -- letting Mr. Moneybags deck out his character at level 1 so he's 10x more awesome than everybody else is a major downer to people who don't have the money.

While I've pored over the text that Turbine is released, it doesn't appear that they will be offering items like weaponry or armor. They will be offering "items of convenience" to the players. My best guess is things like potions, perhaps portals, resurrection scrolls, things such as these. Even though these are low powered items, they can still annoy you when Moneybags can teleport all over the place and you're left walking and taking the slow route.

This con is, however, offset by the fact that points can be earned by actually playing the game. It sounds like they are attempting to make the cash shop available for everyone, not just the Moneybags of the world. This will be interesting to watch, as no other developer as truly tried this in the American market.

"I could easily see some players offering up items in the auction house above the amount that a free player's wallet could hold."
The big con to this is the limited play that free players get. Limited auctions and limited mail are two nasty inconveniences in their own right, but limited gold storage and limited chat seem to be the features that take the cake. How would you like it if you couldn't chat in all of the chat channels, or were restricted to how much you can say in game? Even worse, limited gold storage may mean that you might not be able to purchase the best items from the auction house simply because your wallet just doesn't hold enough.

I could easily see some players offering up items in the auction house above the amount that a free player's wallet could hold. This is going to inconvenience the player further because it's going to restrict how the player can interact with the auction house and interact with the vendors in the world.

Another two bites out of the pro pile are the fact that free players rank lower than DDO VIP subscription players in the login queue and free players don't get access to customer support. This means that a constant influx of DDO VIP players could easily keep bumping free players back in the login queue, should the server become overpopulated. While I don't exactly see this happening, it could become problem should the lines really get backed up. I know I wouldn't like to see that my place in line as number 27 get jacked backward to 30 or 35 just because a few subscribers chose to log in.

Lastly is the fact that free players are stuck with the online knowledge base and the forums as their source of aid should they encounter problems. I can foresee some free players attempting to play the game, getting stuck on some odd technical problem, and then becoming unable to solve it simply because the knowledge base doesn't have their problem on file. You're going to inevitably lose some people over this, just because they don't want to deal with the frustration of attempting to make a free game work. It's a free game, so if it doesn't work, just move onto the next game.

The bottom line?

The final thoughts for all of this is you should weigh it for yourself. If you want to save some cash and you like Dungeons and Dragons, then this might just be the experience for you. If you're looking for a second quality MMO to have as a side-game, then this might also be what you want to pick up.

If you're someone who's easily frustrated by limitations, however, then you might not enjoy this experience. Some of the stuff, like decreased auctions, gold storage, and chatting capabilities might hamper gameplay just enough to turn off some people.

But, don't take my word for it. Judge the game for yourself when it hits free to play status later this summer.
Turbine has just announced that Dungeons and Dragons Online will be moving to a free-to-play business model, and we have the inside scoop. Be sure to read our complete coverage of the changeover, and look for more info as DDO Unlimited approaches launch.

MassivelyThe pros and cons of free to play Dungeons and Dragons Online pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consddoddo-storedebatedecisiondnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberron-unlimitedfree-to-playitem-mallitem-shoplevel-20module-9prosturbineWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The pros and cons of free to play Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/the-pros-and-cons-of-free-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Dungeons and Dragons Online going free to play is undoubtedly an awesome announcement. But exactly how awesome of an announcement is it?

Yesterday we were all over the announcement, covering the basics of what can be expected with this changeover from subscription based to free to play. But now, I'd like to break that down even further, and really look at the changes in an in-depth manner.

Certainly not everything about the new version of DDO has been defined by Turbine, but we're going to take a look at the basics of what this new version offers and compare the ups and downs of what's being offered. By the time we're done looking over the new system, you'll be able to answer that one burning question that's plaguing your mind.

Is free to play DDO worth it for you?

Continue reading The pros and cons of free to play Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyThe pros and cons of free to play Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consddoddo-storedebatedecisiondnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinedungeons-and-dragons-online-eberron-unlimitedeberron-unlimitedfree-to-playitem-mallitem-shoplevel-20module-9prosstormreachturbineWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Launch date announced for Rohan: Blood Feud's crafting system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-launch-date-announced-for-rohan-blood-feuds-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-launch-date-announced-for-rohan-blood-feuds-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-launch-date-announced-for-rohan-blood-feuds-crafting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


YNK Interactive has revealed at E3 that their free-to-play MMO Rohan: Blood Feud will be getting a crafting system later this month. Andy Tubbs, the head of YNK Interactive's Rohan Division, helped make the announcement: "We are excited on soon releasing the Crafting System that will coincide greatly with our other game features like the Exchange Market, a place where players will have the ability to sell and/or buy crafted items from other players." The Exchange Market Tubbs referred to allows players to sell their items for Rohan Points, which is the currency needed to purchase things from the Item Mall -- in other words, crafting and selling the results could potentially become a good alternative to spending your own real cash.

The crafting system will involve three steps: the first is collecting resources, then comes the extraction of crafting materials from those raw goods, and finally, the actual crafting can take place with the refined materials. Various enhancements can be applied to crafted items once the creator is skilled enough. Look out for the new system to debut on the 16th of June.
Massively is on the ground in Los Angeles this week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.

MassivelyE3 2009: Launch date announced for Rohan: Blood Feud's crafting system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-tubbscraftingcrafting-systeme3-2009exchange-marketf2pfree-to-playitem-mallrohanrohan-blood-feudrohan-onlineynkynk-interactiveFri, 05 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outspark giving away $15,000 in prizes to players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/outspark-giving-away-15-000-in-prizes-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/outspark-giving-away-15-000-in-prizes-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/outspark-giving-away-15-000-in-prizes-to-players/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're one of the people playing any of Outspark's free-to-play games - Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, Wind Slayer or Project Powder - we've got a bit of news that may be of interest to you. Apparently Outspark has decided to reward the players who are using their item mall with a little contest. From now until May 17th, 2009 anyone who makes a purchase of at least $25 will be entered for a prize drawing. What's up for grabs? Well, that depends on how much you spend in their item mall.

If you drop at least $25 on SparkCash, you'll be entered in the drawing for one of 250 'Ultimate Gamer Packs' which include lots of in-game items for your character in whichever is your favorite Outspark game. Of course, if you plonk down some serious dinero - $50+ in SparkCash - you'll be entered for the cherry prize. One lucky player will walk away with a $15,000 prize pack:

  • Toshiba 46" REGZA XV645 LCD Screen 1080p 120 Hz TV
  • Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System
  • 1 Year Netflix Subscription
As usual, this contest is open to those who are 18+ and a US Citizen. They've got all the information over on their page for those who are curious. So if you've been considering spending some money in the Outspark item mall, good luck! Maybe you'll get lucky and all that SparkCash will net you something bigger.

MassivelyOutspark giving away $15,000 in prizes to players originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestfiestafree-to-playitem-malloutsparkproject-powderpurchaseSat, 02 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NDOORS CEO on Atlantica Online succeeding in the West]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/ndoors-ceo-on-atlantica-online-succeeding-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/ndoors-ceo-on-atlantica-online-succeeding-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/ndoors-ceo-on-atlantica-online-succeeding-in-the-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Massively multiplayer online games operating on the free-to-play business model are definitely a mixed bag in terms of quality. As such, they get a mixed reception in the West. Those who like more variety in their gameplay choices than the standard subscription model offers them tend to be more open to alternative business models. Staunch supporters of the AAA subscription model typical of the industry in Western markets have some serious misgivings about what the new crop of free-to-play titles could mean for the industry climate.

NDOORS Interactive hopes to change some of these perceptions with Atlantica Online, their strategic turn-based MMORPG. Danny "Ralsu" Gourley from Ten Ton Hammer interviewed NDOORS Interactive CEO Peter Kang about Atlantica Online and how it fits into the industry climate in the West.

Continue reading NDOORS CEO on Atlantica Online succeeding in the West

MassivelyNDOORS CEO on Atlantica Online succeeding in the West originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaatlantica-onlinebusiness-modelsdanny-gourleyeconomyf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgold-spamgroupinginterviewsitem-mallmicrotransactionsmmo-industryndoorsndoors-interactivepeter-kangsatisfactionstigmaten-ton-hammerSun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rohan: Blood Feud gets new dungeon and more in latest patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/rohan-blood-feud-gets-new-dungeon-and-more-in-latest-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/rohan-blood-feud-gets-new-dungeon-and-more-in-latest-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/rohan-blood-feud-gets-new-dungeon-and-more-in-latest-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a couple of months since we last checked in on Rohan: Blood Feud, and it was doing pretty well back then. The latest big news from YNK Interactive's free-to-play MMO is a decent-sized patch that was released last week, which featured a brand new dungeon called the Fire Temple Garden, among other things. The Fire Temple Garden is intended to be a pretty dangerous area for level 80s, and has four separate sections within: Kasa's Tower, The Blazing Temple, The Ring of Flames, and the Lamp of Flames. Starting to pick the common theme here? The selection of screenshots that came with the dungeon's announcement confirm that there will be some firey foes to contend with.

16 new quests were added to the game in the patch, and all of these are found in the new dungeon. A system to fuse Option Stones was also introduced, allowing players to fuse multiple stones of the same grade to form a better one. The other main update is a new sidekick called Molly that can be purchased from the Item Mall. Molly can be used to heal your character every two minutes, and she can be leveled up a bit to increase her healing powers. If you haven't tried Rohan yet, you can do so by downloading the client and making an account at the official site.

MassivelyRohan: Blood Feud gets new dungeon and more in latest patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fire-temple-gardenfree-to-playitem-mallkasas-towermollypatchpatchesrohanrohan-blood-feudsidekickthe-blazing-templethe-lamp-of-flamesthe-ring-of-flamesynkynk-interactiveMon, 19 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browser-based Pirate Galaxy announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/browser-based-pirate-galaxy-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/browser-based-pirate-galaxy-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/browser-based-pirate-galaxy-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just how massive can free-to-play MMOs be when there seem to be just as many of them as there are people living on Earth? This we wondered when we learned of yet another new browser-based game. This particular game is called Pirate Galaxy, and it's under development by a German company called Splitscreen Studios. The company employs some folks who used to work at Bigpoint, a leading name in browser games that's also based in Europe.

Players of Pirate Galaxy pilot starships which can be upgraded both by things acquired through normal gameplay and through -- you guessed it -- an item mall. Splitscreen's press release stresses that the game's big selling point is how easy it is to pick up and play. "The swift registration process, streamlined interface and seamlessly integrated turorial ensure that the game appeals to beginners and experienced gamers alike," it says.

Pirate Galaxy is slated to release later this year. Oh, and it's 3D. Splitscreen claims the graphics "push the envelope in the browser-based games segment." That's not saying much, but of course gameplay is what matters. Unfortunately we don't know much about that yet.

MassivelyBrowser-based Pirate Galaxy announced originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbrowser-basedcasualflyinggermanitem-mallmicrotransactionspirate-galaxysci-fisplitscreen-studiosSat, 12 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rohan Online's Trading Center now open]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/rohan-onlines-trading-center-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/rohan-onlines-trading-center-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/rohan-onlines-trading-center-now-open/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

All of the most popular and successful MMOs have an auction house of some sort, but Rohan Online's recent addition of their Trading Center introduces players to some interesting features. Despite the fact that their basic in-game economy is based on the RMT purchase of Rohan Points, there are many options available.

The three main parts of the Trading Center are the Item Mall, the Exchange Market and Special Services. In the Item Mall, you can purchase in-game items from the company itself, but with the Exchange Market, you buy, sell and trade with other players. This is a great way to make your own Rohan Points instead of buying them yourself. In the Special Services section, you can buy changes to your characters from a new name to a new gender. All item purchases are conducted through a safe and secure environment and will be immediately added to your account.

MassivelyRohan Online's Trading Center now open originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-houseitem-mallrmtrohanrohan-blood-feudrohan-onlinetradingtrading-centerynk-interactiveTue, 08 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's new western targeted MMOG Sugar Rush in closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/nexon-s-new-western-targeted-mmog-sugar-rush-arena-in-closed-bet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/nexon-s-new-western-targeted-mmog-sugar-rush-arena-in-closed-bet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/nexon-s-new-western-targeted-mmog-sugar-rush-arena-in-closed-bet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Nexon America's Min Kim dropped a hint in late May that an upcoming MMO title was in development in their Vancouver studio. The big secret is Sugar Rush, a new casual based MMO romp and stomp with coin collection mixed into the fray. It is the first MMOG from that studio that is intended specifically for North American audiences. While Sugar Rush is free to play, it will sustain development costs via a microtransaction model "item mall" similar to many other free to play MMOs. The game is currently in closed beta and Nexon America is not accepting applications at this time, but we hear it may launch in the very near future.

The development team working on Sugar Rush is based in Vancouver, Canada and includes former Electronic Arts Worldwide Studios Group vice president and creative director Steve Rechtschaffner, as well as studio Klei Entertainment. Headed by Jamie Cheng, Klei Entertainment previously developed and published Eets, a 2D puzzle game for PCs which was later revamped for Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade.

It will be interesting to see how Sugar Rush does in North America. MapleStory is unquestionably highly successful. It put Nexon on the global radar and shocked the naysayers when MapleStory earned 29 million dollars in revenue -- not bad for a free to play MMOG! The whole western and eastern MMOG market juxtaposition is fascinating; many have shunned a lot of eastern games in discussing the western market and vice-versa. A video from the closed beta showcasing game play is after the jump. Let us know what you think.

Continue reading Nexon's new western targeted MMOG Sugar Rush in closed beta

MassivelyNexon's new western targeted MMOG Sugar Rush in closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casual-gamesfree-to-playitem-mallmaple-storymicrotransactionmin-kimnexonnexon-americapvprmtsteve-rechtschaffnersugar-rushTue, 24 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Turbine is busy gearing up for its Korean launch of Lord of the Rings Online. The title is currently in closed beta in Korea and moving toward limited open beta. Fantasy titles are hugely popular in the country, but the enthusiasm with which beta testers are greeting LotRO has likely been spurred on by the popularity of the films directed by Peter Jackson.

MMORPG's Jon Wood recently caught up with LotRO Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel to discuss Turbine's plans in the east. They discussed some of the details about LotRO's forthcoming Korean launch, which revealed how this might impact North American and European subscribers.

Continue reading LotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model

MassivelyLotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetabusiness-modelsfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsitem-malljeffrey-steefelkorealocalizationlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommorpgmonsterpeter-jacksonpvpquestsubscriptionturbineFri, 20 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The European connection in 9Dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-european-connection-in-9dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-european-connection-in-9dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-european-connection-in-9dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Acclaim's martial arts MMORPG 9Dragons is about to gain some more European fans, with the launch of Bardo Euro -- their new European server. Bardo Euro promises to offer the European playerbase an improved game experience with better connections all around.

Apparently the players have been calling for a European 9Dragons server for some time; Acclaim is delivering on their promises to improve the game and is holding a number of special events to celebrate the launch:

  • 30% off sale: All items in the 9Dragons Item Mall will be 30% off for 3 days only. June 6-8.
  • Bonus exp rate events: Earn 2 times experience points by playing on the Bardo server. June 3-9.
  • Monster spawn event: High level monsters will invade Bardo. June 3-5, 6, 8-9.
  • VGM/GM PvP event: Test your martial arts skills battling against Acclaim VGM and GM staff. June 3-6, 8-9.
  • Fireworks in Bardo: To celebrate the official launch of the European server, fireworks will light up the sky at random times from May 30 to June 8 on the Bardo server.
If you're in Europe, why not give 9Dragons a shot? Roll yourself a Shaolin or Wu-Tang badass and see if you can take down a GM or two in martial arts combat.

Via Warcry

MassivelyThe European connection in 9Dragons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-dragons9dragonsacclaimasiachinadragoneuropefantasyfireworksgmhistoricalhistoryitemitem-mallitemsmartial-artsnine-dragonspvpserverwarcrywu-tangThu, 05 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST