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[Enter at Your Own Rift: Into the flames of the official forums]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-into-the-flames-of-the-official-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-into-the-flames-of-the-official-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-into-the-flames-of-the-official-forums/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ember Isle Fire
Over the summer at a game convention, I was having a conversation with a friend who asked me about RIFT. But curiously, he didn't ask me the usual questions about gameplay, souls, or invasions. He wanted to know whether the rumor was true that the official forums were just full of sound and fury rather than productive discussions. In the initial weeks after launch, I had to admit, the forums were a lot like the wild west. On one hand, you had post after post from people arguing about whether the game was good or bad, whether it was too much like World of Warcraft, and even whether the game would survive more than a year. On the other, you had grizzled veterans showing disdain for newer fans by posting curt replies to their questions about the game. There were some good discussions on the forum, but they often got lost in a sea of emotion, and as a result, I ended up avoiding the forum in the months that followed.

For this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, I've decided that it's time to don my flame-retardant suit and wade back into the forums to see if things have settled down at all. I've always been a believer that forums are an important part of that community feel in MMOs, and I'm channeling a bit of Jef's Community Detective to see how things fare today. Read on for my findings and for some helpful threads that I encountered in the process!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Into the flames of the official forums

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Into the flames of the official forums originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityelrarenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedforumforumsjames-nicholskaren-bryanriftrift-forumsrift-planes-of-telaratalk-of-telaratelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 09 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion extends RIFT half-birthday bonuses because of Hurricane Irene]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/trion-extends-rift-half-birthday-bonuses-because-of-hurricane-ir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/trion-extends-rift-half-birthday-bonuses-because-of-hurricane-ir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/trion-extends-rift-half-birthday-bonuses-because-of-hurricane-ir/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT birthday cake
"Trion, you should extend the birthday celebrations due to Irene," one East Coast player wrote on the forums.

"They did," came the next reply.

The many, many half-birthday bonuses that came with RIFT's kooky in-game party were set to end tomorrow, September 1st, but are now being extended until September 6th so that players affected by last weekend's hurricane can enjoy it as well. Subscribers are still expected to receive their in-game gifts tomorrow that include bonus potions and a reusable birthday cake.

James Nichols delivered the happy news: "We know many of you have been weathering out the storm on the east coast -- so we're keeping the subscriber bonuses turned on an extra week. You now have until September 6th to enjoy all the bonuses to XP, Guild XP, Favor, Prestige, Planarite, and dungeon & raid currencies. Have fun!"

MassivelyTrion extends RIFT half-birthday bonuses because of Hurricane Irene originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthday-cakebonusescakecustomer-serviceeast-coastextensionhalf-birthdayhalf-birthday-cakehalf-birthday-celebrationhurricanehurricane-irenein-game-bonusesin-game-eventirenejames-nicholsrifttriontrion-worldsWed, 31 Aug 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT patch 1.4 arriving on test servers tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/rift-patch-1-4-arriving-on-test-servers-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/rift-patch-1-4-arriving-on-test-servers-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/rift-patch-1-4-arriving-on-test-servers-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"The seas have not calmed here at Trion as we continue to bring you more to enjoy with each update," Trion Worlds' James Nichols writes. Why doth the seas continue to roil? Because RIFT's patch 1.4 is landing on test servers tomorrow, July 14th, at 6:00 p.m. EDT.

Patch 1.4 follows 1.3's Waves of Madness world event, Hammerknell raid and guild banks with even more high-profile goodies. Probably one of the most-requested features, the ability to look for groups across servers, will be part of the update. This will allow the LFG tool to draw from a wider range of potential dungeon runners.

Also included in the testing process is an alternative gameplay mode for the Whitefall Steppes PvP warfront. Players will have to collect and hold Sourcestone at their base to activate powerful rune cannons to obliterate the enemy.

Instructions on how to participate in RIFT's public test server can be found over at the site.

MassivelyRIFT patch 1.4 arriving on test servers tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4cross-server-lfgcross-shard-lfghammerknelljames-nicholslfglfg-toollooking-for-grouppatch-1.3patch-1.4public-test-serverpvpriftrift-planes-of-telarasourcestonetriontrion-worldswarfrontwaves-of-madnesswhitefall-steppesWed, 13 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT world event extended due to technical difficulties]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/rift-world-event-extended-due-to-technical-difficulties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/rift-world-event-extended-due-to-technical-difficulties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/rift-world-event-extended-due-to-technical-difficulties/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks as though the end of the world will be postponed -- at least for a week.

Due to issues on RIFT's European servers, Trion Worlds has announced that the current world event will postpone moving into its second phase until Saturday, April 16th. In a post on the forums, James Nichols said "With the opening of the final phases of the River of Souls World Event in Europe we have identified several issues that only came to light in a live server environment."

Originally, the River of Souls event was scheduled to head into Phase Two on the 9th, but issues cropped up that prevented this from happening. All told, RIFT's first world event will go through three phases before it is through.

Because of the delay, Trion said that it is both increasing the event currency players can earn and the amount of rewards available for purchase. These changes will be rolled out during the week.

MassivelyRIFT world event extended due to technical difficulties originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alsbethalsbeth-the-discordanteu-serverseuropein-game-eventjames-nicholsphase-onephase-tworiftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulstechnical-difficultiesworld-eventSun, 10 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT podcast 35 addresses hacking issues and possible server transfers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/rift-podcast-35-addresses-hacking-issues-and-possible-server-tra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/rift-podcast-35-addresses-hacking-issues-and-possible-server-tra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/rift-podcast-35-addresses-hacking-issues-and-possible-server-tra/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The RIFT podcast is back with episode 35, and there's plenty to discuss. The recent hacking issue and Trion's response to it are near the top of the list, but in-game spam and RIFT fansites has some time too. Last -- and of great interest to players who may have rolled on whatever server they could access in the first few days -- the podcast team discusses the potential for server transfers.

As usual, the discussion includes members of the RIFT crew. Community Manager Cindy Bowens and Assistant Community Manager James Nichols sit in on the podcast to provide some insight. Check out what they have to say at the RIFT podcast site.

MassivelyRIFT podcast 35 addresses hacking issues and possible server transfers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cindy-bowensjames-nicholsriftrift-planes-of-telararift-podcasttriontrion-worldstrion-worlds-networkMon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR's summer celebration event has begun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Warhammer Online is celebrating the fourth of July and summer in general by offering some in-game bonuses, and providing some explosive incentives for participating in RvR. WAR's James Nichols announced the event's official opening yesterday, saying, "It's our way of saying thanks, have fun, and enjoy the start of summer with a BANG!" As part of the event, all players can now take advantage of a 10% bonus to experience and renown gain. On top of this, slain enemy players will drop fireworks that can be used to revel in your victory -- we imagine large skirmishes will end with a whole bunch of colorful explosions for the duration of the celebrations.

These bonuses will be in effect for about a week and a half, ending on the 7th of July.

MassivelyWAR's summer celebration event has begun originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julyeaelectronic-artsexperience-bonusfireworksfourth-of-julyjames-nicholsmythicmythic-entertainmentrenown-bonussummerwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 27 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online alters loot drops in city dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/warhammer-online-alters-loot-drops-in-city-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/warhammer-online-alters-loot-drops-in-city-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/warhammer-online-alters-loot-drops-in-city-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bearers of some coveted armor and items found in Warhammer Online's dungeons may have found they lost a few bragging rights this week. WAR's Community Coordinator, James Nichols, recently let players know about some changes to city dungeons that increase the frequency of rare item drops. The dungeons impacted are: Bilerot Burrow, Bloodwought Enclave, Sigmar's Crypts, and Warpblade Tunnels.

New "Rare" and "Very Rare" items have been introduced into all of the city dungeons, but even general loot is now better distributed amongst lower-level monsters found throughout the dungeons. These increased amounts of (lower level) item drops that are less tied to main bosses provide greater rewards to those players unable to complete a given dungeon.

Continue reading Warhammer Online alters loot drops in city dungeons

MassivelyWarhammer Online alters loot drops in city dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-coordinatordungeonsitem-dropsitemizationjames-nicholslootrarevery-rarewarwarhammer-heraldwarhammer-onlineTue, 09 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR Preview Weekend attendees can start playing Friday, September 5th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/war-preview-weekend-attendees-can-start-playing-friday-septembe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/war-preview-weekend-attendees-can-start-playing-friday-septembe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/war-preview-weekend-attendees-can-start-playing-friday-septembe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We'll keep this short and sweet. Anyone who was part of the Warhammer Online Preview Weekend can join in on "Preview Weekend+." Tomorrow. That's right. Friday, September 5th, for North American Preview Weekend attendees. Warhammer Online's Community Coordinator James Nichols made this announcement today:

"WAAAGH!!!

WAR is Coming and the world is ready. Hundreds of thousands of players will descend upon the Age of Reckoning this Sunday, September 7th. In order to make this world-wide event the best it can be we're welcoming all Preview Weekend attendees back for two more days to rev things up and get the party started. We invite all Preview Weekend players to join us for Preview Weekend+ this Friday, 9/5 and Saturday, 9/6 starting tomorrow morning.

This epic weekend will be one to remember as you herald in Open Beta and the Age of Reckoning to the entire world! The tides of WAR are coming...we'll see you on the battlefield!"

There you have it. We haven't received word on what time, exactly, the servers will open up, but since they've stated "tomorrow morning"... it might be time to call in 'sick' and have yourself a 3-day WAR weekend.

Thanks Tom and Zak.

Edit: It seems that Preview Weekend + will not include WAR's European player base. This post will be updated if that situation changes.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyWAR Preview Weekend attendees can start playing Friday, September 5th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementannouncementsbreakingcommunitycommunity-coordinatorjames-nicholspreview-weekendpreview-weekend-preview-weekend-pluswaaaghwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineThu, 04 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic on the WAR guild beta phase 2 contest: We're on it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/mythic-on-the-war-guild-beta-phase-2-contest-were-on-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/mythic-on-the-war-guild-beta-phase-2-contest-were-on-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/mythic-on-the-war-guild-beta-phase-2-contest-were-on-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Several players over on the ever-busy Warhammer Alliance forums recently raised concerns about Mythic's commitment to fulfilling the terms of the contest they held for guilds trying to get into the second round of the Warhammer Online guild beta. The contest required guilds to construct WAR-centric guild websites full of guild fan fiction, and winners were going to earn themselves slots in the beta. Problem is, the contest ended back in September of last year!

James Nichols, a WAR community coordinator, stepped in to reassure players that winners have been selected and will be notified "soon." While James explained the delay as a necessary function of the development process, we have a sneaking suspicion that everybody simply forgot about the contest after former community coordinator Richard Dufek left around that time last year. In any case, we're happy to hear the goof was cleared up, and hopefully players will be getting notifications soon.

MassivelyMythic on the WAR guild beta phase 2 contest: We're on it originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mythicforumsguild-betaguild-beta-phase-twojames-nicholsmythicwarwarhammer-alliancewarhammer-onlineSat, 26 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview with WAR's James Nichols]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/interview-with-wars-james-nichols/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/interview-with-wars-james-nichols/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/interview-with-wars-james-nichols/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Genda over at The Grouchy Gamer recently interviewed James Nichols, EA/Mythic's community coordinator for Warhammer Online. James talks about leaving Sigil Games for EA/Mythic, how their focused beta testing is coming along, and what it is like to work at EA/Mythic. Electronic Arts, you'll recall, has had trouble in the past with having people work unreasonable hours for long periods of time.

Warhammer Online is in a unique position for upcoming MMOs. It's the only one that feels it has a real chance of pulling in World of Warcraft-like numbers, based on the 500,000 beta application numbers. James Nichols feels he has a tiger by its tail, and he won't know how big and mean it is until he lets go. We're all eagerly waiting for the curtain to lift so we can see the world of WAR for ourselves, but until then, we appreciate these glimpses into EA/Mythic's Waaaaaagh!-shrouded corridors.

MassivelyInterview with WAR's James Nichols originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaeaea-mythicelectronic-artsgendajames-nicholsmythicthe-grouchy-gamerwarwarhammerwarhammer-age-of-rec...Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer beta will resume any day now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/warhammer-beta-will-resume-any-day-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/warhammer-beta-will-resume-any-day-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/warhammer-beta-will-resume-any-day-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

An EA Mythic representative responded to complaints that the North American Beta Center for Warhammer Online is down, saying, "the Beta Center is currently down for maintenance getting it ready to go for when we kick Beta back into gear next month."

He also said they'll be bringing in many new testers, and that as soon as that's done and "everything is in tip-top shape," the Warhammer Online beta will resume! So, if you're already in the beta, just sit tight; you'll be back in the RvR action any day now. If you've submitted a beta application but haven't been invited in so far, cross your fingers and keep an eye on that e-mail inbox! You might get some hands-on time with the game this coming month!

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

MassivelyWarhammer beta will resume any day now originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-centerbeta-invitesea-mythicjames-nicholsrvrten-ton-hammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 30 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST