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[Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Leaderboard
Believe it or not, there are actually loads of incredible MMO soundtracks. Oh, I know we all bellyache about the repetitive music and how we turn it off and just listen to speed metal or Justin Bieber while we grind boars, but the scores are often wonderful when removed from infinite looping.

Today we're going to pit two of the greatest MMO soundtracks against each other as they vie for your approval. In the first corner is Age of Conan's score, which was composed by Knut Avenstroup Haugen. It's not only award-winning and famous outside of MMO circles but hauntingly beautiful to listen to as well. In the other corner is Mr. Jeremy Soule's epic Guild Wars soundtrack (we'll lump all four of them together for this poll), which many claim to be just as memorable as the game's visuals.

It's the cream of the audio crop presented for your judgment: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score. Give each one a listen and then let us know which you'll vote for after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score

MassivelyLeaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanetaocaoc-unchainedarenanetbattle-royalconanf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomguild-warsgwhyboriajeremy-souleKnut-Avenstroup-Haugenleaderboardncsoftone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsunchainedversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
The last time on the Perfect Ten, disaster struck the good ship Poseidon and the surviving readers were running out of air as they tried to escape the flipped-over vessel. Also, we were counting down the top 20 MMO themes, but that's of small consolation to the soon-to-be bereaved friends and families, don't you think?

Because we play these games extensively, it's not uncommon for MMO music -- and themes -- to become vilified by the sheer number of times we've heard them. That's a little unfair to a three-minute piece of soundtrack that slaves every day to feed his wife and kids, doing the best he can in a trying situation. So perhaps we can put aside melodic oversaturation to look at these tracks anew, shall we?

With half of them out of the way, it's time to look into the elite of the elite: the 10 best MMO themes of all time. According to me. A guy you don't know. You've got goosebumps, don't you?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two)

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acallodsallods-onlineasherons-calleqeq2everquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedgranado-espadaguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2jeremy-soulelistmusicperfect-tenromrunes-of-magicscorestar-trek-onlinestosword-of-the-new-worldthe-perfect-tenthemetheme-musictitle-themeturbineultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PLAY! Video game symphony will feature music from Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Are games art? It's a long-running debate, but one thing that can't really be disputed is the artistic merit of many video game soundtracks. The compositional stylings of Jeremy Soule, in particular, are among the most memorable in the growing catalogue of epic game scores.

On June 21st and 22nd, Seattle-area concertgoers can feast their ears on the live sounds of Soule's Guild Wars score (as well as several other seminal game-related works including Soule's instantly recognizable themes for Morrowind and Oblivion). The music is all part of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, and ArenaNet is highlighting the performance on its official blog.

Tickets are available now at the Seattle Symphony website (or by calling 206.215.4747). If you're going, be sure to say hello to the Guild Wars artists on hand for signings in the Benaroya Hall lobby.

MassivelyPLAY! Video game symphony will feature music from Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concertcultureeventsguild-warsguild-wars-soundtrackgwjeremy-soulemusicreal-world-eventsscoresoundtrackThu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just yesterday, we talked a bit about the fact that Guild Wars 2 fans love the small details just as much as the large ones. As we learn more and more about Guild Wars 2, so much of what is exceptional about the game is found in those little details. Attention to the little things, right down to the stitching on a ranger's armor piece, adds up to create an overall sense of immersion and depth that helps make a good game a great one.

That attention to detail comes heavily into play when the GW2 team looks at how the story is presented. Way back in May, Lead Designer Colin Johanson spoke at length about the traditional system of quests and quest text. We know that ArenaNet is actively rejecting the traditional -- and immersion breaking -- system, but what will take its place?

We got some exciting news on that very thing last night, and as always, it's all in the details. Follow along after the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading New ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyNew ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogaudiobobby-steincolin-johansondialoguefeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-audiogw2jeremy-soulencsoftvoice-overvoiceoverFri, 06 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Composer Jeremy Soule on creating the music for zOMG!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/composer-jeremy-soule-on-creating-the-music-for-zomg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/composer-jeremy-soule-on-creating-the-music-for-zomg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/composer-jeremy-soule-on-creating-the-music-for-zomg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're the type of person who turns your game music off, to listen to your favorite mp3s while gaming, then this post is not for you. Anyone who has bought a game soundtrack in the last 15 years is probably aware of the name Jeremy Soule. He has worked on such mega hits as Guild Wars, Oblivion, Morrowind, Company of Heroes, KOTOR, Neverwinter Nights and many more. I guess you could say he's kinda legendary.

His latest endeavor includes music for Gaia Online's zOMG! MMO. Worlds in Motion was fortunate enough to sit down with Soule and discuss his work on this game, and his origins in the business. Since 1994, Soule has created some amazing in-game music, so working with a Flash-based MMO is something new for him. He sees it as a way for more people to hear his work, and enjoy what he creates. Check out the entire article and his official website for more on Jeremy Soule.

MassivelyComposer Jeremy Soule on creating the music for zOMG! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaia-onlinejeremy-soulemusicsoundtrackworlds-in-motionzomgThu, 22 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars music to be featured in PLAY! concert series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The official Guild Wars website and the official site for the concert series PLAY! are trumpeting the addition of some MMO music to Seattle musical performances. Jeremy Soule's work on the Guild Wars campaigns joins his compositions from Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Prey on the touring circuit. The prolific composer is probably one of the most recognizable names in game music today, having won numerous awards from a number of prestigious groups. They currently only have a few stops on the schedule for the 2008 tour, but hopefully this new musical addition will make its way to a venue near you.

ArenaNet has announced that music from its Guild Wars franchise of games will be performed as part of the "PLAY! A Video Game Symphony". This world-wide symphonic tour features music from a number of top videogames, including songs from Guild Wars. The tour kicks off in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 19, 2008 ... Guild Wars has been praised for its rich soundtracks created by renowned video-game music composer Jeremy Soule and co-composer Julian Soule. The Soule brothers have created music for the entire Guild Wars franchise including the original Guild Wars, as well as the Factions and Nightfall campaigns. The music of Guild Wars is also featured on CD in special edition retail packages for each campaign.

MassivelyGuild Wars music to be featured in PLAY! concert series originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compositionsgame-musicguild-warsjeremy-souleoblivionplay!Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:00 EST