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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Why The Raid is worth seeing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-guild-counsel-why-the-raid-is-worth-seeing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-guild-counsel-why-the-raid-is-worth-seeing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-guild-counsel-why-the-raid-is-worth-seeing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Raid's Double Dragons
Over the weekend, Gary Gannon from Gamebreaker.TV hosted a unique event in the world of MMOs: a film premiere, complete with fancy suits and ties and even an afterparty (albeit in the form of a chat room). The film is The Raid, which followed the World of Warcraft guild Double Dragons as it worked through the raid content from Wrath of the Lich King. There has been a lot of feedback from those who saw the premiere, but it's been decidedly mixed so far. Furthermore, viewers had such strong reactions to certain parts of the documentary that director Kevin Michael Johnson made a post on the site to try to address some of the criticism.

But is the mixed review simply the cynical gamer at his best, or is it legit? In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll take a closer look at The Raid, and I'll explain why I think it's definitely worth seeing.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Why The Raid is worth seeing

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Why The Raid is worth seeing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbonnie-nardidouble-dragonsedward-castronovafeaturedgamebreakergamebreaker.tvgary-gannonguildguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-warsguildsjesse-schellkaren-bryankevin-johnsonlich-kingloremonths-behindraidingraidsthe-raidWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-movieswotlkwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 11 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: The Lich King calls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/one-shots-the-lich-king-calls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/one-shots-the-lich-king-calls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/one-shots-the-lich-king-calls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The day many World of Warcraft players have looked forward to has finally arrived. Today marks the launch of Blizzard's newest expansion for World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King. As the darkness of night marched across the globe last night, so too did the midnight release parties. The blackness of Arthas' presence could be felt as players spawned their first Death Knights in a floating necropolis near Light's Hope Chapel, and bent their frozen hearts to do his bidding. Then, of course, there were the folks who rolled DKs named "rofflewaffle" and proceeded to annoy others mercilessly. Too bad you can't kill your own faction, eh?

If you are one of the 11 million worldwide players currently stomping around in Northrend, or Arthas' necropolis, we want to see your screenshots! There's lots of stories to be told, lots to do and see, so send us your tales and images. It's easy - just email them to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and a description - server, guild and other details welcome too! We'll post your screenshots of this new land up for everyone to see and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: The Lich King calls originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthas-menethilblizzardexpansionfrostmournelaunchlich-kingone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This leads us to the most noble road of all -- simply not putting the sword into the game. If the players kill Arthas, the sword needs to go somewhere that isn't the hands of the player community. Another NPC perhaps, back into the ice, or to simply never leave the corpse of the Lich King.

This seems like it's a poor solution at first glance, but truly this is the best solution of all. Frostmourne is not the Twin Blades of Azzinoth that Illidan carries -- it is something more. Leaving exactly what Frostmourne does in the dark actually gives it more credibility and more power than defining it inside of the game would. What you don't know is spookier and more interesting than what you do know. It's the usual "the grass is greener" concept, except now it's being applied to a blade that has the power to consume your soul.

When you neglect to define exactly how powerful the blade is, you also never truly disappoint the player. Sure, there are those who probably would wish the blade was included in the game. But if you, the player, don't know exactly what the sword does, then the magic that it provides will never die. You can keep thinking and keep speculating to your heart's content.

If the sword is included and everything about it is revealed, then there is a strong possibility that players would not be happy with it. Something about the sword would not please them, something about the stats would be off, or something about the penalty would cause players to cry foul and tug on the skirt of Mother Blizzard until it was changed to be in their favor.

"Adding Frostmourne to the game would shatter the icy sword."
Adding Frostmourne to the game would shatter the icy sword. In truth, it would no longer be Frostmourne. It would be Item ID #103821, or whatever variable is assigned to it. The magic would die, and it would no longer be an infamous symbol of hate and malice -- it would just be another bunch of pixels on the screen, carried around by yet another jerk who wouldn't be worthy of its name.

We all keep telling ourselves we play this game to level, to earn achievements, to make new friends. Certainly, all of that is true and then some. But we would be lying to ourselves if we said there wasn't some magic, some great mysteriousness to the main figures of the story. Something that kept us coming back in the state of suspense, of wanting to know more. So, my question to you is, "Why shatter the magic now?"

If you live in the greater Pittsburgh area and feel like meeting Colin, he'll be attending tomorrow night's Wrath of the Lich King Midnight Launch at the GameStop in the Oakland district on Forbes Avenue at 10 PM, just outside of the University of Pittsburgh campus. If you need directions, here it is on Google Maps!
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who treasures lore as much as he treasures loot. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's over running Epic Loot For All! with his insane roommates. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilblizzardfrostmournelich-kingworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The word on everyone's lips this month is "Arthas" as we're approaching the release of the Wrath of the Lich King, the second expansion pack for World of Warcraft. Ok, so now that the boring introductory sentence is out of the way, let's talk about what is on everyone's minds -- Frostmourne.

When you think of Northrend, when you think of Arthas, and when you think of the possible "phat purple lewtz" that could drop off of Arthas's cold, icy corpse, you pretty much automagically think of Frostmourne. But is letting Frostmourne in as a droppable item a good idea? Should its dark legacy continue at the side of a player, or should it be flown away somewhere, never to be mentioned again until it strikes another NPC of the World of Warcraft?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilblizzardfeaturedfrostmournejoystiqfeatureslich-kingworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lich King begins assault on Azeroth, starting with Orgrimmar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-begins-assault-on-azeroth-starting-with-ogrimmar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-begins-assault-on-azeroth-starting-with-ogrimmar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-begins-assault-on-azeroth-starting-with-ogrimmar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


World of Warcraft players are experiencing a world event leading up to the launch of Wrath of the Lich King. No, it's not another invasion of flesh-craving zombies -- but it's just as cool. You see, the Lich King is currently launching attacks on Orgrimmar via Frostwyrms and Aboms. The event restarts every 20 minutes and is specifically located in the Valley of Honor. We're unsure how many servers the event has begun on, so if you run into yours and find it peaceful and serene don't feel discouraged as you may only need to wait a little bit before the frost bolts start raining down.

Gallery: Orgrimmar is under attack!

One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyLich King begins assault on Azeroth, starting with Orgrimmar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abomazerothblizzardbreakingfrostwyrmlich-kingorgrimmarwarcraftworld-eventworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 10 Nov 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Seriously, don't get me startedThis was the point where things got interesting for me. One lasting memory of the event I have is a one-line message I saw in the Trade channel while in Ironforge. It read simply, "Stay out of Stormwind, it's infected." I did the only thing a sane person would do in that situation and hopped on the first Gryphon to Stormwind. It was like a dream come true. Zombies were thronging the streets, attacking anyone they could get their hands on, vomiting on those they couldn't, and blowing themselves up when all else failed. Nowhere was safe. I could barely see the floor of the Auction House for all the skeletons there; the Bank was similarly decorated and my FPS dropped sharply from the shimmery green glow the infection gave off.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasauction-housebanksbehind-the-curtainexanimusinfectedinfectionlich-kingmax-brooksscourgescourge-invasionworld-of-warcraftworld-war-zwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombie-invasionzombie-survival-guidezombiesSun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-pt2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


But, while some players used the event as a way to grief others, other players began to take a stand against it. Heroes pulled out their swords, turned on their sense undead, and began vigils in the cities to keep them functioning the way they should. By doing something as simple as "playing along" with the event, the cities could be kept in their standard working order, letting business be conducted as usual.

When players didn't work together -- when they were more concerned with complaining about how bad the event was and how they couldn't do anything -- the result was catastrophic. I dropped by Stormwind one night to find all of the NPCs dead, bodies literally covering the streets, and only about 4 Alliance players attempting to make a stand against 30+ zombified players. The bankers were turned, the auctioneers were turned, the guards were even turned. Stormwind had literally fallen to the plague. The Argent Healers had retreated, and now no one was left in the town square but me and my horseman's sword.

So my guild was sick of it, and they didn't want to see it happen anymore. We all got together in Elwynn Forest, made a 35 man raid group (which ended up becoming 55 once more people heard what we were going to do.) Our guild mistress made a bold speech, everyone cheered, and then we mounted up and rode straight into Stormwind. With arrows flying and exorcises filling the air, we took back the city, posted priests and paladins to keep watch for the infected ones, and turned the Cathedral of Light into a refuge shelter for lowbies who needed aid and assistance.

Many in the Alliance kept up what we had started by particpating in a new channel called the ArgentDefense, and Stormwind began to function again. Complaints about how "no one could do anything" began to dwindle, because people had stood up and done something. Griefers got tired of griefing because they would either get killed much too quickly or find themselves being cleansed of the plague before they could turn by groups of priests. Even roleplaying, which was amazingly sparse on my RPPvP server, was more popular as people openly roleplayed the defense of the city streets. Amazingly enough, there was a way out of this "bad game design" by, gasp, embracing it.

"Most importantly though, people have an amazing experience to share with others, even those who may not play the game."
If this event was something you could "opt-out" of, or avoid, I don't think it would have anywhere near the same impact. Stories, like this one above, wouldn't have occured at all. Instead, people would have just looted their loot, sold what they wanted, and gone on with the constant improvement of themselves. This event would have gone mostly unnoticed, perhaps applauded by a few people, but it would have found itself forgotten in the history books of WoW lore freaks.

Now people have a reason to really hate Arthas and the scourge. People have a reason to journey to Northrend and deliver the fight to the doorstep of Icecrown Glacier. Most importantly though, people have an amazing experience to share with others, even those who may not play the game. All because a few people stood up for themselves and did something to fight back when everyone else said "it was impossible to do anything."
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who likes to fight against impossible odds. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's over running Epic Loot For All! with his insane roommates. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilauction-houseauctioneersblizzardeventlich-kingscourgescourge-invasionwoltkworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombiesWed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Going to Northrend has always been something that bugged me. It's a land that's literally a boat trip away, and no one's set foot on it or even mentioned it since Arthas went bonkers and started living up there. Even the groups that should have been concerned about it, like the Argent Dawn or the Knights of the Silver Hand, didn't really go out of their way to even give thought to the icy land to the north. No, no, we were more concerned with running through a giant portal just so we could bonk Kil'jaeden on the head and make Illidan whine more about how life doesn't work out for him.

So my thoughts were as follows: "What could Arthas possibly do to make everyone simultaneously angry and want to journey to Northrend?"

I don't know why I never thought of the answer before. What could be possibly more annoying than giving the power to grief the NPCs to the lowlifes of World of Warcraft? Arthas, you cunning, cunning man.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilauction-houseauctioneersblizzardeventfeaturedjoystiqfeatureslich-kingscourgescourge-invasionwoltkworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombiesWed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If the anticipation of Wrath of the Lich King has been steadily growing for World of Warcraft fans, this latest cinematic trailer will absolutely push them over the edge. The trailer is set within the icy continent of Northrend and introduces us to its master, The Lich King Arthas, while providing a look at the harsh setting of Blizzard's latest expansion. Click through below to see The Lich King's minions assembled in all their bluish necromantic glory.

Continue reading New Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills

MassivelyNew Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasblizzardlich-kingnorthrendwowwow-trailerwrath-trailerThu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Insider plays host to leaked Lich King screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wow-insider-plays-host-to-leaked-lich-king-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wow-insider-plays-host-to-leaked-lich-king-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wow-insider-plays-host-to-leaked-lich-king-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

If you've been waiting for more news on Blizzard's in-development Wrath of the Lich King expansion, you're pretty much just like everyone on-staff here at Massively. We hope you'll join us, then, in our open-mouthed appreciation of these leaked screenshots for the next addition to World of Warcraft's Azeroth. Our sister site WoW Insider obtained them via various clandestine internet meetings, and ran them past the same source that let us know the expansion was already in Alpha testing.

According to Deep Murloc many of the screenshots currently out there are faked, but the images hosted on WoW Insider are verified (by the source) to be legit. They're essentially identical to what the friends-and-family Alpha testers are experiencing right now. We're told that eventually the site will offer up some of the faked shots for comparison, so make sure to check back later this week!

The real images show several different scenes from life around the Utgarde Keep area, including what appears to be a killshot for a boss named Ingvar the Plunderer. For your first glimpse of Death Knights in action, dead expansion bosses, and what appears to be a very angry Ram, click through to the gallery.

Gallery: WotLK Leaks

MassivelyWoW Insider plays host to leaked Lich King screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-testblizzarddeath-knightdeep-murlocleakslich-kingscreenshotsworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Lich King fansite kit released: it's purty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/new-lich-king-fansite-kit-released-its-purty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/new-lich-king-fansite-kit-released-its-purty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/new-lich-king-fansite-kit-released-its-purty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Blizzard has announced on their forum that the first Lich King fansite kit is officially available for public use. Among the goodies that they've included in the 32mb download are Lich King concept art pieces, sample HTML for WoW-esque page layouts, new logos, wallpapers, a fact sheet and FAQ, a sample Lich King article, and graphic source files.

Now, if you're at all like we are, you'll go download the fankit now and ogle all the shiny new material for Blizzard's upcoming expansion. A cursory glance through the screenshots shows how Blizzard has so far succeeded in striking the right balance between maintaining WoW's scale and detail while still evoking familiar feelings from The Frozen Throne.

MassivelyNew Lich King fansite kit released: it's purty originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardfansiteLich-Kingscreenshotswallpapersworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 31 Oct 2007 16:04:00 EST