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: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gaming platforms
I have both a desktop and laptop computer that I use regularly. My desktop is my mainstay; a gaming fortress with loads of power and storage space with a 22" screen. My laptop is the best portable gaming machine that $650 could buy, which was surprisingly quite a lot. While it doesn't have the muscle of my desktop, it will run most everything just fine -- and let me do so while I'm reclining on the couch, in bed, or in line at the DMV (their wifi is awesome).

It strikes me that there's no gold standard when it comes to gaming platforms for MMOs. Excluding mobile and console devices for the moment, I'm vastly curious how many of you prefer to game on a desktop or a laptop. Do you enjoy the extra bang for the buck that desktop machines give you, or is your trusty laptop with its size and portability all the technology you'll ever need?

Let's hash it out on the Leaderboard today: Is it better to go with a gaming desktop or laptop? Vote after the jump and then back up your opinion in the comments!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops

MassivelyLeaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royaldesktopdmvgaming-desktopgaming-laptopgaming-platformlaptopleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplatformpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why these are my top five]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/free-for-all-why-these-are-my-top-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/free-for-all-why-these-are-my-top-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/free-for-all-why-these-are-my-top-five/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Runescape screenshot
For some time now, my gaming habits have been morphing. I was worried that I might start having more issues gaming and with finding enough time to cover the games I wanted, but lately the opposite is happening. I have less physical issues now and I tend to do more gaming than ever before. Why is that, I wonder?

I decided to sit down and look at my top five most-played games over, say, this last month or two. I love analyzing my own playing because I am a pretty honest gamer. I will never feel obliged to a game or a group of friends; I never log in to grind or raid simply because everyone else does. If I find a game boring, or if it doesn't work out for any number of reasons, I don't play it.

Click past the cut to see my list and be sure to leave your top five games in the comments! (If you play that many.)

Continue reading Free for All: Why these are my top five

MassivelyFree for All: Why these are my top five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeatutedfree-for-allftpglitchillyriadillyriad-gamesjagexjunebud-ablaptopmilmomobilerunescapespiral-knightstiny-speckwurm-onlineWed, 12 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: My week in mobile]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/mmobility-my-week-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/mmobility-my-week-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/mmobility-my-week-in-mobile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Calendar picture
I love exploring the mobile gaming world. I also really enjoy window-shopping on different websites, looking at the latest mobile technologies. If I really let my imagination run, I can picture society in only a dozen or more years: people walking around while constantly being connected to their family and friends, playing games while video chatting.

Of course, I also wonder whether this would be a good thing or not, but I forget the concern as soon as I spy the latest patch for one of my favorite MMOs. The last week was an eventful one, and as usual I was all over the digital map. Why don't you click past the cut and see what happened? I promise I'll skip the parts about what I had for breakfast (always two pieces of toast, a cup of tea, and a fruit smoothie) and will get right to the better digital parts.

Continue reading MMObility: My week in mobile

MassivelyMMObility: My week in mobile originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBest-Buychrome-oschromebookeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftplaptopMMObilitymobilenetbookouter-empirespuzzle-piratesTue, 16 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: How to real-time-strategize your way into my heart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/mmobility-how-to-real-time-strategize-your-way-into-my-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/mmobility-how-to-real-time-strategize-your-way-into-my-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/mmobility-how-to-real-time-strategize-your-way-into-my-heart/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

If there is one thing I can appreciate in my gaming choices, it's flexibility. I want to be able to not only do what I want but do it when I want. If I want to avoid combat or other players, the game should allow me to do that. I don't want to bother with things that annoy me. If I am in the mood for tweaking my character, sure, I'll do that, but I don't want it to be forced on me by a pushy fellow player or virtual progression wall. In other words, give me as many choices as possible and I will love you.

Once I discovered the world of browser-based real-time-strategy games, I found a large number of games that provided me with almost everything I needed. While I normally preferred more "immersive" play, I found that the miniature armies and grand scale of most of these newer titles filled in my imagination just fine. In fact, the more I play with them, the more I am reminded of tabletop gaming as a teen. Those were glorious times, despite the fact that I am now, and always have been, horrible at war.

Let me tell you all about my recent obsession with browser-based real-time-strategy MMOs. (That's quite a mouthful.) Click past the cut!

Continue reading MMObility: How to real-time-strategize your way into my heart

MassivelyMMObility: How to real-time-strategize your way into my heart originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedillyriadIOSlaptoplaptop-gamingministry-of-warMMObilitymmortsmobileRTSTue, 05 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: As I pack these devices for E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mmobility-as-i-pack-these-devices-for-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mmobility-as-i-pack-these-devices-for-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mmobility-as-i-pack-these-devices-for-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As I sit here waiting for a fresh reinstall of Windows Vista on one of my desktop PCs, I decided to take stock of all of the equipment currently in my nerd life. It's funny that when you have access to more devices, habits start to form around those devices. My morning ritual is typically to get up, start up the laptop, and prepare breakfast while it readies. Then I sit down and poke around on Twitter, check email, or catch up on different blog sites. Sometimes I will make a cup of tea and sit in the stoop of the backdoor with my iPad, waiting for my wife to get up.

Over time I have discovered that some devices work better for certain tasks than others. For example, I prefer to write my articles on my basic laptop, but I prefer to finalize them with photos and re-editing on my desktop. I now would rather check my email and Twitter on my iPad (I got my wife's old one when she moved up to an iPad 2) and would rather use my iPhone for music than my HTC: Inspire. It's odd, what a mix of devices I have now... but how inconvenient.

So I wanted to go over a few comparisons between all of the devices and talk about what I might find at E3 next week. Click past the cut!

Continue reading MMObility: As I pack these devices for E3

MassivelyMMObility: As I pack these devices for E3 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basede3e3-2011featuredhtcipadiphonelaptopMMObilitymobilemobile-mmoTue, 07 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shoot things up in Global Agenda for a shot at a new laptop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/shoot-things-up-in-global-agenda-for-a-shot-at-a-new-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/shoot-things-up-in-global-agenda-for-a-shot-at-a-new-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/shoot-things-up-in-global-agenda-for-a-shot-at-a-new-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's quite a lot of impressive new content on deck for Global Agenda's future, and considering how impressive the game's visuals are, it all seems like the sort of thing players will want to experience in style. If you're currently playing the game on an older machine, though, you might have resigned yourself to not getting your full share of visual glory. Lucky for you, Hi-Rez Studios has teamed up with Alienware to provide players a chance at winning a brand-new laptop -- and all you have to do to enter is keep playing.

Running from now until December 20th, the promotion requires players to grab a code from the official Alienware Arena site, then either register for the game or apply the code to their existing accounts. Players then must reach level 12 and participate in at least three Mercenary PvP matches to be entered into the drawing. The grand prize is an Alienware M15x Laptop, just the sort of rig to enjoy the game in its full glory. Global Agenda players should check out the rules and get themselves entered, as it's a win-win situation for the game's fans.

MassivelyShoot things up in Global Agenda for a shot at a new laptop originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarecontestcontestsf2pfree-to-playgagaming-laptopsglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-stdioes-global-agendahi-rez-studiosin-game-contestlaptoplaptopsnew-laptoppromotionThu, 02 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryzom gets ported to Linux as a native application]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ryzom-gets-ported-to-linux-as-a-native-application/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ryzom-gets-ported-to-linux-as-a-native-application/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ryzom-gets-ported-to-linux-as-a-native-application/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're looking for MMOs that run on a Mac, you face an uphill battle. If you're looking for MMOs that run on Linux, the battle is so steeply uphill that it more closely resembles a vertical cliff. But Ryzom has joined those small ranks, with the release of an official Linux client for the game. This goes hand-in-hand with the game's move to open source earlier in the year, which allows players unhappy with the official client the freedom to make a number of alterations.

To celebrate the official Linux release, Winch Gate is holding an in-game contest running through January 11th, 2011. Players are tasked with finding seven Linux Steles scattered around the world and answering their riddles, with a ZaReason Linux Terra-HD netbook (or cash equivalent) as a grand prize for entrants. Whether or not you intend to start playing Ryzom on Linux, it's a nice prize and an excellent incentive for players to celebrate the new release.

MassivelyRyzom gets ported to Linux as a native application originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clientcontestcontestsin-game-contestlaptoplinuxlinux-mmommos-on-linuxnetbookopen-sourceportable-computerryzomsaga-of-ryzomwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedThu, 02 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Step 1: Design a new Enterprise for STO. Step 2: ??? Step 3: Cool prizes!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/step-1-design-a-new-enterprise-for-sto-step-2-step-3-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/step-1-design-a-new-enterprise-for-sto-step-2-step-3-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/step-1-design-a-new-enterprise-for-sto-step-2-step-3-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The starship Enterprise has appeared in a number of iterations in both real life and through Star Trek's series and films. Next month, Cryptic is excited to launch the newest edition of the Federation's flagship, which will be designed by... you! Or someone else who plays Star Trek Online. Either way.

The design contest will kick off on December 9th, on which date Cryptic will make design tools available to the public. The winner will get the immense satisfaction of seeing his Enterprise model warp into STO and will also receive an Alienware laptop, a lifetime subscription to the game, the Collector's Edition of STO, and a 3-D model of their creation for keeps. There will also be a number of other prizes for runners-up, including lifetime subs, another laptop, and posters.

We're looking forward to seeing what the Star Trek Online community can whip up, and if the first place design really is deserving of the Enterprise namesake! Check out the contest page for more details.

MassivelyStep 1: Design a new Enterprise for STO. Step 2: ??? Step 3: Cool prizes! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarecollectors-editioncontestcrypticcryptic-studiosenterpriselaptoplifetime-subscriptionprizespromotionstar-trek-onlinestarship-enterprisestouss-enterpriseWed, 17 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: What could Apple's new iPad mean for MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/editorial-what-could-apples-new-ipad-mean-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/editorial-what-could-apples-new-ipad-mean-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/editorial-what-could-apples-new-ipad-mean-for-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you consider yourself any type of technophile at all, you're probably well aware of Apple's announcement yesterday regarding their new iPad. This is basically the love child of an iPod Touch and a tablet PC, allowing users to take a fairly powerful slab of computing power with them wherever they go. While it might not be as beefy as your desktop machine or even a mid-range laptop, it has caused a giant wave of interest from consumers. So how does this affect us, as MMO gamers? We're glad you asked!

Interestingly enough, Apple wanted to make sure that some gaming press were there for this huge unveiling of their new product. Our sister site Joystiq made an appearance for the in-person announcement in San Francisco yesterday and made some interesting observations about the role that gaming will play with the iPad. So follow along after the break as we explore the many possibilities that the iPad has as a next-gen mobile online gaming device that may or may not interest us.

Continue reading Editorial: What could Apple's new iPad mean for MMOs?

MassivelyEditorial: What could Apple's new iPad mean for MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gapplehardwareipadiphonelaptopmobile-gamingnetbooknotebooktablet-pcThu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online system requirements revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/star-trek-online-system-requirements-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/star-trek-online-system-requirements-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/star-trek-online-system-requirements-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like most people won't have a whole lot to worry about when it comes to the system requirements for Star Trek Online, unless of course you couldn't play Champions Online. Actually, that's a pretty good measuring stick in one way, since both games run on the Cryptic engine. Although, there is a useful rule of thumb when considering performance.

The lower your display resolution, the higher your graphics settings. Or in other words, if you're running a laptop and float somewhere between the minimum and recommended specs then it's likely your game will look rather good. Why? Most laptop displays have native resolutions lower than what you'll get on a 21 inch desktop monitor. If you are running a desktop and find yourself wondering what your most important upgrade is when preparing for an upcoming game, the answer is usually a new videocard.

Find the full system requirements after the jump.

Continue reading Star Trek Online system requirements revealed

MassivelyStar Trek Online system requirements revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakingchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdesktoplaptopminimumrecommendedstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestosystem-requirementsWed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter to win a FigurePrints (and oh yeah, a laptop) from WoW Insider]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/enter-to-win-a-figureprints-and-oh-yeah-a-laptop-from-wow-ins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/enter-to-win-a-figureprints-and-oh-yeah-a-laptop-from-wow-ins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/enter-to-win-a-figureprints-and-oh-yeah-a-laptop-from-wow-ins/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This little figurine above is actually a FigurePrint, a little 3D printer-created model of your ingame WoW character. They aren't cheap ($115 shipped), but right now until Friday, you have a chance to win one for free over at WoW Insider. And oh yeah-- it comes with a souped-up WoW-branded laptop.

Yes, WoW Insider is giving away one of those Dell mega-packs, with everything (and we mean everything) a WoW fan needs to live, breathe, and play WoW. The contest continues through Friday, and you can leave a comment on that post (not this post-- the contest post on WoW Insider) once per day every day this week. Have you left your comment today yet? Consider this your daily reminder. And as always, whether you've entered just once or every single day so far, good luck! With almost 16,000 entries so far, you're going to need it.

MassivelyEnter to win a FigurePrints (and oh yeah, a laptop) from WoW Insider originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5kdelldell-notebookfigureprintsgiveawaylaptopwow-insiderwow-insider-contestMon, 17 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Insider is giving away a Dell World of Warcraft Laptop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wow-insider-is-giving-away-a-dell-world-of-warcraft-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wow-insider-is-giving-away-a-dell-world-of-warcraft-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wow-insider-is-giving-away-a-dell-world-of-warcraft-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Remember that "epicly geeky WoW laptop" that Dell is giving away? Think the $4500 price is a little too steep for the stepping? Good news, because as promised, our sister site WoW Insider is giving one away. That's right, the blog for all things WoW is giving away a laptop that is... all things WoW. Customized for Horde or Alliance, outfitted with some great hardware, and stacked with everything a WoW fan would ever want-- novels, trading cards, strategy guides, collector's edition pets, beta keys, and even one of those FigurePrints, all given away to one lucky winner. "WoW" is all you can say to something like that.

So how do you win? To enter, leave a comment on the WoW Insider giveaway post (not this post-- leaving a comment on this Massively post enters you in nothing), and you'll be entered in a random drawing to win it all. And there's even better news-- you can put one comment on that WoW Insider post (not this post) per day of the contest-- between now and Friday, December 21st, you've got eight days in total, which means eight chances to win.

There are rules (you must be 18 years of age, and a US resident-- you wouldn't believe the legal red tape we had to go through to get this contest up for you all), but if you meet the requirements, by all means, go over to the WoW Insider post (not this... oh, you get the idea), and comment away! Good luck!

MassivelyWoW Insider is giving away a Dell World of Warcraft Laptop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestsdelllaptopwow-insiderFri, 14 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell announces new epicly geeky WoW laptop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dell-announces-new-epicly-geeky-wow-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dell-announces-new-epicly-geeky-wow-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dell-announces-new-epicly-geeky-wow-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When Dell started dropping hints a few weeks ago that World of Warcraft players simply weren't prepared for some epic announcement they had planned for December, the more easily manipulated among us immediately assumed that it must have had something to do with a Dell advertising cross-over for the anxiously anticipated Wrath of the Lich King expansion. And of course, the cynical folks retorted that it was probably just a lot of hullabaloo about a new laptop or something.

When we checked our inboxes this morning, we found out the cynics had it! Dell has announced a new WoW-ified version of its XPS M1730 notebooks. These things go far, far beyond being simply a "WoW notebook" however, as Dell has gone all out to create a gamer dreambox. Sporting an Intel Core Duo at 2.2ghz, 2 gigs of ram, a GeForce 8700M, and a hearty 17" screen, the real allure of the M1730 is its custom case, which can be tailored to your faction preference with Horde and Alliance version. It also comes with a Beta Club key card (giving you access to all future WoW betas), a pre-installed retail copy of Burning Crusade with all the updates, a WoW-themed backpack and a host of other goodies like a behind-the-scenes DVD, a soundtrack, novels, strategy guides, some CCG cards, and more.

All for the low, low starting price of $4500! That's a lot of dough for those kind of specs, but just look at the thing, it's gorgeous! Rumor is we've got one of these floating around the Massively/WoW Insider offices, so we'll let you know if the thing is as pretty as it looks... and if it's worth it!

Gallery: Dell XPS M1730

Alliance branded Dell XPS M1730Horde branded Dell XPS M1730Alliance branded Dell XPS M1730Horde branded Dell XPS M1730Alliance branded Dell XPS M1730

MassivelyDell announces new epicly geeky WoW laptop originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingburning-crusadedelldell-wow-laptopepiclaptopworld-of-warcraftwowXPS-M1730Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:48:00 EST