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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 14, 2013

It's definitely not a new thing. Throughout the ages, when intense frustration strikes, a colorful epithet can slip past the lips of even the most soft-spoken. Heck, at particularly annoying times, a full string of them has been known fly forth from the most unexpected sources. And we all know that there are plenty of frustration-inducing situations in gaming. So it's not hard to equate swearing with gaming, right?

Of course, we at Massively TV advocate a responsible use of language during our adventures. While there could be a time or a place for the universally known curses, we prefer bursts of creative language skills. And if there's one thing The Stream Team has, it's an abundance of creativity! We've learned it is possible to express frustration while avoiding the censors because censors are mean and carry big, painful sticks! Ouch.

Need proof? Pop into any of the shows scheduled this week or the reruns from last; watch how deftly (or not) our intrepid streamers react to curse-creating incidents. Hope as they might, nothing can go smoothly all the time... or for the very unlucky, at all! A perfect demonstration of this is highlighted in our newest section, a place devoted to showcasing a stream of the week. Catch MJ's colorful repurposing of the English language first-hand in Highlight Reels, then offer your most creative expression in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2la-mystical-landactionaction-mmoactivisionage-of-wulinage-of-wushuaionanetarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallascensionasiabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmococonquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodefianceDinostormdotadota-2e-sporteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gvggwgw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidnappingkidskids-mmolindenlinden-lablivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmetaming-dynastymmo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppweraiderzreal-liferiftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrs2s2-gamessandboxScarlet-Bladesci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldshooterskill-basedslSmitesnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorsyfytanktanksthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstruly-freetswtvtwitchtwitch-tvVillagers-andheroesvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarwarcraftwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowwushuwuxiaxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
There's nothing more important to me than the ability to freely explore MMOs. Heck, exploration is the reason I got into MMOs. I remember grabbing that box of Ultima Online (man, I wish I still had that box!) from a shelf at the local game store and looking in wonder at just how vast this virtual world seemed to be. I'm still the same way, although after years of doing this, I am a bit more cynical about games. I've heard so many promises that never came true, but I know that even the worst of titles offers the chance to explore a brand-new world.

There are a lot of exploration mechanics out there. Free Realms has an adventurer "job," The Secret World needs players to explore to solve mysteries, Guild Wars 2 offers experience based on discovering new areas, EverQuest II entices people to explore by offering collectible items embedded in the ground, and there are so many MMOs that allow players to gain experience just by approaching areas they haven't before.

But I have my favorites. These are games that just make me feel like an explorer.

Continue reading Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration

MassivelyFree for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atysbeau-hindmanEverQuest-2explorationexploreexplorerf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labopinionrolf-janssonRyzomsecond-lifeSOEvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Fools vs floppy ears edition, April 1 7, 2013
Though infrequent, it does happen: Once in a while two holidays go toe to toe on the calendar. This year, it just so happens that April Fools' Day rides in on the tail of the Easter Bunny. So what do you do when these very different holidays bump up against each other? You do what any self-respecting Stream Team fan does: You watch more Massively TV! Of course, that's pretty much the answer to everything, isn't it?

Some day these two holidays might actually overlap. If that were the case, who do you think would come out on top in a brawl over celebration rights -- that floppy-eared frolicking rabbit known for leaving chocolate or the fool (with or without a bell-tipped hat) who delights in pranking and tricking? After watching Rise of the Guardians, I think my money is on the bunny. Worst case scenario is they team up together and we end up with trick chocolate.

While contemplating this match-up, join us for a week of intense livestreams with your favorite hosts, playing such classics as Fruit Ninja and Fruity Loops Studio.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactionaction-mmoactivisionallodsallods-onlineanetApril-Foolsarcane-legendsarenanetastrum-nivalbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gamesconquestconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodotadota-2e-sporteaEasterelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playFruity-Loops-Studiofuncomgala-netgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlindenlinden-lablivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmassively-metamassively-tvmetamobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftnew-englandparadoxparadox-interactiveperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpermadeathplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppweraiderzreal-liferiftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrs2s2-gamessalemsandboxscarlet-bladesci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldsegaskill-basedslSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspiral-knightsspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsteamstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthree-faction-pvpthree-ringsthree-rings-designthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldstswtwitchtwitch-tvvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowMon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Frindie Awards logo
It's time once again for the Frindie Awards, my attempt to shine some light on the best indie, browser-based, free-to-play, and unusual MMOs that are all-too-often ignored by press -- and players. This one is for the little guys! Well, mostly. It's also for those games that seem to have passed under the collective radar of Massively readers or that seem to be very misunderstood.

Picking the winners this year is just as hard as it was last year, maybe even harder. 2012 was an incredible year for MMOs, so I would rather have just put together an article that highlights every single favorite. In the end, it's more helpful to make myself pick out a winner. It's a rare thing for some of these games to even receive a nod on a major website, something I still can't figure out. Either way, it's best to think of all of the MMOs on this list as my favorites from 2012.

Anyway, let's get to the awards!

Continue reading Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards

MassivelyFree for All: The second annual Frindie Awards originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landalganonarcane-legendsasherons-callbeau-hindmanbrowsercastle-empireclub-penguindeepworldderek-smartdrakensang-onlinef2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfrindiefrindie-awardsfrindiesgameglobeglitchhabbo-hotelinnogamesistariajagexlife-is-magiclinden-labmilmonadirimopinionrunescapeRyzomsalemSandboxsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-Entertainmentspacetime-studiosSquare-EnixStar-Stablethe-matrix-onlinethe-missing-inkThereThere Will Be Bloodtiny-specktravianturbineVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewakfuwurm-onlineWed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Female avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'll take three gallons of eyebleach, please. Do you also have a brain scrub I could borrow?
You really needed to be told this, right? You may not have been sure whether a lady-type avatar was more likely to be closer to naked than a manly-type avatar. If you were dying to know and really had no idea, there's an actual study now to get you all informed.

Anna M. Lomanowska and Matthieu J. Guitton went into Second Life and examined 404 (192 male and 212 female) avatars of the humanoid-but-not-furry type. They found that 57% of lady-type avatars had less than half of their skin covered, compared to only 10% of masculine-type avatars being similarly exposed. Lomanowska and Guitton were not privy to the actual sex of the folks controlling the avatars.

Do you feel enlightened?

MassivelyFemale avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lavatarfashionlady-typelindenlinden-labreal-lifesandboxscientific-studysecond-lifesexismskinskin-exposureslstudyvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsyou-really-needed-a-study-to-come-to-this-conclusionSat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab preps four releases for November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Linden Lab preps four games for November
The boys and girls of Linden Lab are expanding their operation. Rapidly expanding, as it turns out. The Second Life studio announced that it has not one, not two, not three, but four titles scheduled for release in November.

We've already heard about the first, which is the Minecraft-wannabe Patterns, but the others are just now being revealed. The second is the iPad-only (for now) Creatorverse, which allows users to draw shapes, have them interact via physics, and then share them on the cloud. The final two are Dio, a room creator, and Versu, a storytelling toolset.

Linden Lab CEO Rod Humble affirmed that Second Life will remain important to the studio, but it will need to make room for all of the new children coming into the family.

MassivelyLinden Lab preps four releases for November originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lcreatorversediolindenlinden-labminecraftpatternsreal-lifereleaserelease-windowrod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslversuvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab reveals its next game, Patterns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/linden-lab-reveals-its-next-game-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/linden-lab-reveals-its-next-game-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/linden-lab-reveals-its-next-game-patterns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Pointy.
Where does a company like Linden Lab go after Second Life? Obviously any other titles from the studio need to be creative and offer players a wide realm of personalized options... but Second Life is so open that it's difficult to follow up with something that's any more open to player creativity. Nevertheless, the company is certainly aiming for that with its upcoming new title, Patterns. And while the game looks at a glance like Minecraft with triangles, there's more to the concept than that.

As explained in the trailer, Patterns is focused on an experience not dissimilar to Minecraft but with a heavier focus on creativity. The game will sport a real-time physics engine as demonstrated in the trailer, giving objects physical properties that come into play as they enter the world. While the game is still in very early development, you can get a sense of what's in the future by glancing at the trailer just past the break.

Continue reading Linden Lab reveals its next game, Patterns

MassivelyLinden Lab reveals its next game, Patterns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-trailerearly-developmentgame-enginegame-mechanicslinden-labminecraftnew-titlespatternsphysicsphysics-engineplayer-generated-contentpreview-trailerpreviewssecond-lifesltrailerupcoming-titlesThu, 20 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Xulu Universe screenshot
Xulu Universe is a new world built with far-reaching horizons. In reality, those horizons are within reach for anyone who wants to take the time to travel. If you see it, you can go to it. Xulu Universe is also a world of endless building opportunities as in Second Life, although comparing it to Second Life wouldn't quite be accurate. Where Second Life is a sandbox with no set boundaries, Xulu Universe is more of a standardized experience. Sure, there are plans to allow players to add unique touches to creations, but initially, creators will have access to a limited toolset. Don't let that fool you; the tools are quite robust and easy to use.

Last week I joined Xulu Entertainment's co-founders, CEO Nanci Solomon and CTO Joe Santos, for a tour around the new building MMO. We drove, flew, ran, shot, stacked, and jumped through the physics-based world thanks to a new peer-to-peer-styled server plan. What does all of this mean? Click past the cut and I'll do my best to explain what Xulu Universe is all about.

Gallery: Xulu Universe alpha screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite

MassivelyFree for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbuildingf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumjoe-santoslinden-labNanci-Solomonopinionsecond-lifevelvet-ropeVirtual-Worldvirtual-worldsxuluXulu-EntertainmentXulu-UniverseWed, 05 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Iran blocks Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft
Reports are coming in that Iran is moving to block access to several MMOs, including World of Warcraft and Guild Wars. This comes following a conference by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance earlier this month. At the conference, the Islamic Revolution Game Designers Community was formed and decided to ban games that promote superstition, mythology, violence, and revealing clothing.

Following the decision, the government started cracking down on various services and MMOs, such as Battle.net's library and ArenaNet's Guild Wars series. Other games targeted include RuneScape, Second Life, Dofus, Evony, and Entropia Universe.

It's unclear to what extent the government is attempting to enforce these bans, and Iranian players are looking into workaround solutions to access their MMOs. It's interesting to note that Blizzard does not authorize downloads of its products or services in Iran.

MassivelyIran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactivisionanetarenanetbanbattle.netblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblockbrowserbrowser-basedcensoredcensureclassic-mmodiablo-3diablo-iiidofusentropia-universeevonyf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2iranIslamic-Revolution-Game-Designers-Communityjagexjagex-games-studiolindenlinden-labMinistry-of-Culture-and-Islamic-Guidancencsoftreal-lifersrunescapesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

That genie was kinda sneaky. (Credit: Disney's Aladdin)
Writing MMO Blender feels like getting three wishes from a magical lamp and having to think very, very carefully about what you ask for. You have to word it just right and ponder the consequences of each wish on the others because you just know that Genie's going to screw with you.

If I were stronger, I'd reject the wishes (here, the 1000 words) outright, knowing they're a trap, but I just can't resist a turn at this column. I want a new sandbox. A good one, not one made by gank-obsessed fanboys on a shoestring budget. I don't think sandboxes are dead; I just know it takes money to make money, and modern indie sandboxes are forgetting that rule. Fortunately, I don't need money for this column. I'll take my MMO Blender wishes and build a sandbox that's more than just a pile of sand and an empty box.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox

MassivelyMMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaladdinaladdins-lamparenanetarmchair-game-designasherons-callbazaarblizzardblizzard-entertainmentccpccp-gamescharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroesclassic-mmocohcovcraftingdisneyeconomyeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifactional-pvpfavorite-mmofeaturedffa-pvpfireflygame-designgame-mechanicsgenieguild-warshousingl-e-modesittlinden-labmechanicsMicrotransactionsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymobile-appmonarchymusic-systemncsoftoffline-levelingopen-world-housingopinionparagon-studiospgcplayer-driven-economyplayer-economyplayer-housingreclucesandboxsci-fantasysecond-lifeskill-basedsmartphonesoesony-online-entertainmentspace-operastar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-saga-of-reclucetradeskillsturbinevirtual-worldwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Second Life
Do not call Second Life a game. If you find yourself in the position of describing the game at all publicly, be prepared to be corrected: Second Life is not a game; it's a world. Let me amend that: Second Life is an experience, a world, a game, or whatever the players, residents, and consumers want to call it. In fact, the Linden Lab baby is whatever you want to make of it, and I have seen many, many sides of it over the last eight years since I joined the experience.

Don't worry; this column will not be a fanboy rehash of the successes of Second Life and will not be a recount of my favorite memories. Instead, we'll focus on facts to prove just how incredible this latest ninth anniversary is.

Continue reading Free for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could

MassivelyFree for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labopinionrod-humblesecond-lifevelvet-ropeWed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Looking at Second Life's mesh with Bernhard Drax]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/free-for-all-looking-at-second-lifes-mesh-with-bernhard-drax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/free-for-all-looking-at-second-lifes-mesh-with-bernhard-drax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/free-for-all-looking-at-second-lifes-mesh-with-bernhard-drax/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Flufee avatar screenshot
I've been hearing the word "mesh" thrown around the Second Life community for quite some time now. I'm no dummy, so I have a pretty decent idea about what it is and how it works. Essentially it is a modeling tool that allows creators more flexibility when it comes to building in Linden Lab's sandbox. Mesh creations can seem more realistic, flowing, and smooth when compared to much of their prim counterparts. But I'm getting ahead of myself already and now need to explain what a prim is.

I decided to get some help from Bernhard Drax, known in Second Life as machinima artist Draxtor Despres. He works with Bytegang, a group responsible for Flufee and the first series of fully-mesh avatars in Second Life. Even with his explanation, it won't be easy for me to explain mesh, but let's have a go at it. Mesh is important to understand because it represents a huge shift in not only how Second Life residents build, but how they play as well.

Continue reading Free for All: Looking at Second Life's mesh with Bernhard Drax

MassivelyFree for All: Looking at Second Life's mesh with Bernhard Drax originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffaflufeefree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labmeshopinionsecond-lifevelvet-ropeWed, 30 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 14th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On logo
So you accidentally missed your favorite MassivelyTV livestream featuring your favorite Massively personality or writer? Don't worry; we'll forgive you as long as you promise to bookmark our MassivelyTV guide and check back on this weekly recap. That way you are sure not to miss another stream, and you wouldn't need to come back to us, begging for a link. You could also follow Massively on Twitter, one of the best ways to be alerted to new things.

This week we featured a Tboo Thursday, one of our most popular livestreams, which stars resident APB: Reloaded expert Taryn. We also had some more World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria action from Richie, a bit of newbie content in EverQuest II with MJ at the helm, a quick introduction to skybox building in Second Life hosted by me, Mike's return to EVE Online in his shiny new Drake, and Adventure Mike's leap back into Final Fantasy XIV. Pretty exciting stuff if you're into giant rats, explosions, beautiful sunsets, and piles of bullets.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 14th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 14th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apb-reloadedbeau-hindmanBlizzardccpEQ2eve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfree-to-playftpgamersfirstlinden-labLiveStreamLiveStreamingmassivelytvmists-of-pandariamj-guthriepreviously-on-mv-tvsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-EntertainmentSquare-Enixtwitchtwitch-tvvideoWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 22 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 7th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
Oh hey, guys and gals, did you know that it was just Friday the 13th? Yes, it was. Don't worry; you'll have nothing but good luck on this week's recap of livestream goodness. If you missed a stream that you really wanted to see, or if you've never tuned in to check out what we do, head on over to our Twitch.tv page and keep an eye out. Be sure to bookmark the livestream guide as well so you can keep up with the current schedule. We have a lot of variety in our line-up, so it's always good to check back!

This week we had some great stuff! MJ has been streaming like her life depends on it lately, first jumping into EverQuest II, then spending some time in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. She had to pay some attention Aion, of course, and there, she showed off some player housing and took a trip on an airlink. Mike was back in EVE Online avoiding death-rays and spacemen and later found himself dead in RIFT... again. The Mists of Pandaria have tempted Richie once again, and thankfully our cameras were there to capture it. Meanwhile, I spent some time boating in Second Life and gave a first look at Stronghold Kingdoms.

Just look at that lineup, will you? We're proud! Now click past the cut and get to viewing!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 7th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 7th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbeau-hindmanBlizzardccpeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedFirefly-Studioslinden-labLiveStreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmj-guthriemv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvriftround-uproundupsecond-lifeSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamstronghold-kingdomstelontriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 15 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-31st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-31st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-31st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MVTV banner
What a week, huh? We had all sorts of great livestreaming for you to enjoy. If you missed some of the cool things we put on live during the week, no worry! Just check back here every week and you'll be able to recap many of the best moments from our week of live video games. Each week is something new, and this week is no different. We've got quite the variety!

This week, we have Mike jamming on some EVE Online and then jumping into RIFT for horrible magical adventures. Richie ventured into the Mists of Pandaria beta for World of Warcraft to show off cute, cuddly, and furry butts while wielding a weapon of destruction! I had to check out some of the good and bad points about Second Life's Linden Homes, free structures that come with any premium account; I also jumped into Luvinia Online to participate in a huge PvP event, and let me just give you two words to entice you to watch: giant chickens. Blake took some time to shoot things in Global Agenda, and finally, we had MJ taking on some Bristlebane quests in EverQuest II, following it up by attacking stuff all over Aion! Check us out!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of March 31st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbeau-hindmaneq-iieq2eve-onlineeverquest-iifeaturedglobal-agendalinden-labLiveStreamlivestreamingluvinia-onlinemassively-metamassively-tvmetamv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvriftsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideoWorld-of-WarcraftwowSun, 08 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life used to teach relaxation techniques]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Second Life - happy avatars
Who says Second Life's best days are behind it? Not Medical News Today, which reports that the long-running virtual world from Linden Lab has been successfully used to teach relaxation techniques. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers recently conducted a study that concluded that online worlds like Second Life can be useful in "teaching a mind/body approach that includes the relaxation response."

The study found that by doing away with the limitations of face-to-face meetings (and easing the minds of participants who are uncomfortable in real-world group settings), virtual worlds can foster more relaxing and healthy experiences. The study featured 24 individuals who were divided into three groups and subjected to eight weeks of online sessions in Second Life.

Researchers found that participants "showed reductions in depression- and anxiety-related symptoms," though it's also important to note that participants had prior experiences with virtual worlds.

MassivelySecond Life used to teach relaxation techniques originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labmassachusetts-general-hospitalmedical-news-todayreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifesecond-life-relaxation-researchsecond-life-researchsecond-life-studyslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Second Life screenshot
Every year I attempt to go through my Second Life inventory in the hope that it actually works out for me. I really do want to get rid of the 7,000+ items I have after eight years in the game (my game-birthday is on May 26th!), but it's such a daunting task. Where do you start? Is organization really even needed? Well, yes it is, from what I have heard. Everyone is running in-world carrying endless pockets filled with everything possible, and that's going to cause some lag and effort on the server's part.

Also, I have an obsession with minimizing my life. I hate physical stuff. It takes up room, collects dust, and just sits there. Sure, I maintain all of my art if I can and some other important items like pictures and cute little knick-knacks, but otherwise, if I don't use it, it gets tossed, sold, or set on the curb for the junk-people to grab.

I feel the same way about Second Life. There's a mental burden that years of junk presses onto someone, digital representation or not. It's no wonder those people in that Hoarders show look so down; it's a hard life to lose the ability to throw anything away, ever.

I am making a stand, slowly. I am going to get this inventory under control by coming up with some ideas to help me along.

Continue reading Free for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues

MassivelyFree for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpinventory-managementLindenlinden-labsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously On MVTV: The week of March 17th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-17th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-17th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-17th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
Ah, livestreaming: the greatest thing we do here at Massively. Well, in my opinion at least. Playing video games live for others to watch is not just about virtual glory or showing off just how tough our rigs are (Jeremy wins, anyway), but they can act as instructional guides, introductions to new games, and special glimpses of content that has never before been seen. It's sort of a sad fact that some of these livestreams can do the work of entire columns. Pictures might be worth a thousand words, but animated pictures are worth much more.

This week we have a lot of variety as well as some old favorites for you. Be sure to check out and bookmark our MVTV Guide so that you know what is coming up and when to set your alarm clock. Once you're in the chat room, you can ask questions, point out errors (we love that), and jump into the game with the streamers!

In this week's roundup, Blake starts off with some Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Richie follows up with a bit of Guild Wars action. Next we have Mike returning to EVE Online and then popping into RIFT for some more exploration of the initial free 20 levels. I then take the time to add some animations to my otherwise-bland character in Second Life and then show off a bit of Parallel Kingdom, a browser-based MMO that is layered on top of the real-world map! Jeremy rounds things out with more Atlantica Online, showing off the Tactical Battle System that acts a lot like a boardgame within the game.

Continue reading Previously On MVTV: The week of March 17th

MassivelyPreviously On MVTV: The week of March 17th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarena-nearenanavatarbiowareccpeve-onfeaturedguild-warguild-wars-2lindenlinden-lablivelivestreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvparallel-kingdomperblueriftround-uproundupsecond-lifestar-warsstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamswtortriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideovideosSun, 25 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MVTV: The week of March 10th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-march-10th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
This week was another exciting week for livestreaming. If you missed it, don't worry! I'm here to show off some of the best moments from the previous week. Of course, you could always bookmark our Livestream guide so that you never miss a show again!

This week we have some EVE Online action with Mike, followed by his adventures in RIFT. Richie is back in Guild Wars for some adventures in Kryta. I took a tour of some amazing art spots in Second Life to show just how wonderful the world is for artists and other creative people, then I finally finished my One Piercing Note quest in RuneScape (with the help of the chat room, of course!). Are you curious about Lime Odyssey? I was allowed to be the very first person to stream it live during alpha. I have to say, it sure is a polished alpha. I thought I was playing a released title. Lastly, Psykopig checked out Age of Conan and made us all laugh... he's good at that!

Continue reading Previously on MVTV: The week of March 10th

MassivelyPreviously on MVTV: The week of March 10th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-age-of-conanallodsanetankamaarena-netarenanebeau-hindmanbiowarebrowserccpeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-plaftpfuncomgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2jagexlime-odysseylinden-lablivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvround-uprounduprunescapesecond-lifesqaure-enstar-wars-thestreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamswtortwitchtwitch-tvvideovideoswakfuSun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Second Life - hot air balloon at sunset
Second Life has dropped out of the limelight in recent years, but if a new piece at GamesIndustry.biz is on the mark, the long-running virtual world may be primed for something of a renaissance.

Former Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon vacated the throne in June 2010, and veteran developer Rod Humble took over at the beginning of 2011. Since then, the EverQuest and The Sims veteran has been working hard to bring a bit of structure to Second Life's virtual sprawl, and in the process, reinvigorate what was one of the first MMORPG media darlings.

"I was taken aback by just how big Second Life was," Humble says. "To be honest, it had fallen off my radar until I got the call offering me the position. And I looked at their numbers; this is a world that has got 1 million people logging in every month, generating well in excess of $75 million a year -- it's extremely profitable."

Humble spent much of 2011 refining the product, and everything from the sign-up process to the UI to world transportation received some attention. The result was a 40 percent uptick in new users, and now Humble is bent on expanding Linden Lab's offerings beyond Second Life. "Linden Lab has been very successful with one innovative product, but I want to stretch the company out again, to make it a really exciting place where people can't wait to find out about the next unusual title we're going to release," he said.

MassivelyLinden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labreal-liferod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: Week of February 6th, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-february-6th-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MVTV logo
Welcome back to Previously on MV TV, your source for highlights from last week's Twitch.tv streams! If you happen to miss one or want to check out some of our shows for the first time, then this is a great place to start.

This week we have some Guild Wars developer fun with Richie and then again with Adventure Mike, a bit of Wurm Online exploration and construction with Jeremy and the creator of the game, the first stages of owning land and building a house in Second Life with yours truly, some MOBA action in Heroes of Newerth with Dylan, and the usual Star Wars: The Old Republic goodness with Larry.

So what are you waiting for? Click past the cut to catch up on the streams you might have missed. While you're at it, bookmark our Massively TV guide so you won't miss any more!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: Week of February 6th, 2012

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: Week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-patrickanetArena-Netarenanetbeau-hindmanBioWarefeaturedguild-warsheroes-of-newerthjeremy-strattonlinden-labLiveStreamMOBAnot-so-massivelypvprolf-janssonSandboxsecond-lifestar-wars-the-old-republicswtortwitchtwitch-tvvideowinds-of-changewurm-onlineSun, 12 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars
Welcome to Previously on MV TV! Our livestreaming schedule has picked up a lot over the past few weeks, and our readers have busy lives, so we know it's impossible to watch every single streaming event live. Fortunately for you, we save all of our streams all for posterity on Massively's Twitch TV channel, so you can view them at your leisure. Even better, we've got a roundup of a few of last week's MV TV highlights from the livestream team. Follow along after the jump for the best of the best!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-guild-warsblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentccpccp-gamesd3diablo-3diablo-iiidiiieveeve-onlineguild-warsguildwarsgwlinden-labsecond-lifeslsoesony-online-entertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldSun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Second Life documentary screenshot
So I was working on this week's Free for All last night when a buddy of mine asked me if I had seen a certain older Second Life documentary. I didn't think I had before, but it turns out that my usual record of consuming everything MMO still stands, and it was fun to re-watch the older documentary again for several reasons.

One of the most important things I noticed about the film was just how universal to MMO gaming the documentary was. The issues it brought up are still issues, the problems with virtual worlds are still problems, and the fact that any technology older than six months looks laughable on film is still true. It was also encouraging to see how well Second Life has aged since 2007, but it's slightly depressing to see just how horrible MMO documentaries can be at showing the entire picture.

Continue reading Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths

MassivelyFree for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Lbeau-hindmanBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdocumentariesdocumentaryf2pfeaturedfour-cornersfree-for-allfree-to-playftplinden-labphilip-rosedalesandboxsecond-lifeSLvideovideosvirtual-sexvirtual-worldsWorld-of-Warcraftwowyou-only-live-twiceWed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: January 2-8, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/mv-guide-january-2-8-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/mv-guide-january-2-8-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/mv-guide-january-2-8-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump for the latest edition of MV Guide!

Continue reading MV Guide: January 2-8, 2012

MassivelyMV Guide: January 2-8, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapb-reloadedbiowareccpeqiieve-onlineeverquest-iigamersfirstglitchglobal-agendahi-rezjagexkingdom-of-loatinglinden-lablivestreammilmomv-guidemv-tvrunescapesecond-lifesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortiny-speckvanguarVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 02 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Next month, raid content.
Something very unusual is coming to Second Life on December 1st: a game. All right, that in and of itself isn't all that unusual, since the virtual world has long empowered users to create their own systems and their own games. But this is still something different because it's not a user-created game. Linden Realms has been developed specifically by Linden Lab, and as of December 1st all users will be able to experience what a first-party game for the virtual environment feels like.

Second Life content creators will, rather unfortunately, be facing off against an in-house project. Luckily, the tools used in the development of Linden Realms will also be made available to the community, giving everyone a chance to play with the new tools and improve upon gameplay experiences. Whether or not this is a good thing or not for the game's overall health remains to be seen, but it may well provide an interesting boost to the community's user-created content.

MassivelySecond Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-contentdevelopmentgameplaygameslinden-lablinden-labslinden-realmssandboxessecond-lifesluser-created-contentvirtual-worldsWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The MMO Report
Today on The MMO Report, Casey chronicles DC Universe Online's F2P growing pains ("It's almost like they're giving it away for free," he says cheekily) before moving on to the Total Recall MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic's server types, Guild Wars 2's pet system, and the bizarre addition of Second Life to the FBI's watch list for criminal gangs and drug traffickers. "Way to give criminal organizations a wonderful idea, FBI," jokes The Beard.

This episode also sees the return of Uncle Casey's mailbag and a new contest to devise an MMO Report-themed drinking game. Winners will receive (what else?) World of Warcraft-themed MEGA Bloks.

Casey ends the show on a Skyrim note: "For some reason, I am always drawn to the most useless skills and end up creating a character that's only good at talking to people and getting lower prices on things but not so great at killing things." Sounds like some of my toons!

Hit the break for the full episode!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Lanetarenanetbiowarecasey-schreinerdc-universe-onlinedcuodrinking-gameeaElectronic-Artsfbiguild-wars-2gw2linden-labmega-bloksmmo-reportncsoftnewssecond-lifesee-virtual-worldsskyrimSLsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reporttotal-recalltotal-recall-mmototal-recall-remakeuncle-caseys-mailbagvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rod Humble details experimentation and innovation at Linden Lab]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/rob-humble-details-experimentation-and-innovation-at-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/rob-humble-details-experimentation-and-innovation-at-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/rob-humble-details-experimentation-and-innovation-at-linden-lab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Linden Lab logo
Linden Lab's popular Second Life is known for being one of the more creative, outside-the-box titles available on the market. That tradition carries over into Linden Lab CEO Rod Humble's newest initiative, which he says "puts the 'lab' in Linden Lab." Rather than having his developers spend all their time between projects working on bug-fixes, Humble has begun a rapid-prototyping R&D initiative. For all the information on this new project, head on over to Gamasutra and check out the full feature.

MassivelyRod Humble details experimentation and innovation at Linden Lab originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>experimentationinnovationlinden-lablinden-labsrod-humblesecond-lifeslTue, 08 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Electrobit City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Second Life screenshot
Today's screenshot features a name we don't often see in One Shots: Second Life. Massively reader and SL fan Kaozz sent us this unusual view from on high:
This is not something you see every day, kind of like a tribute within a game. I thought I'd submit this very cool picture from Second Life. It is an aerial view of a player-created sim called Electrobit City. I thought it was just awesome.
We're all about looking up this week on One Shots! Show us your favorite aerial image -- whether it be taken from the ground looking up or from atop a high-flying mount or tall perch, we want to see! Add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in this week's One Shots!

Next week we're throwing the ball back to you. There's no theme and no requirement; just send us your favorite screenshots and tell us why you love them. Ready, set, go!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Electrobit City originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgallerylinden-labone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssecond-lifeWed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Second Life recently hit a milestone in the MMORPG industry: eight years in service. This is ancient in MMO terms, and yet the game has shown continued growth. How would you explain such success, especially when the game... er, world... is such an enigma? Even the players are not sure how to describe it.

Well, we called out the big guns and sat down with Rod Humble, CEO of Linden Lab, the maker of Second Life. He was kind enough to not only do the interview but allow us to embed the audio in the article for you to hear! Don't worry; we've also written up much of what was said, so you can choose to listen, read, or both!

Click past the cut and let's get right to the interview with Rod as he talks about success, explaining Second Life and some of the surprises he's met with along the way.

Continue reading Second Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries

MassivelySecond Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanbirthdayeighth-anniversaryfeaturedinterviewinterviewslinden-labrod-humblesecond-lifeSLvideovideosThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duran Duran and Second Life, isn't that bizarre?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Tateru Nino at Dwell On It, Duran Duran had promised its presence in the world of Second Life back in 2006. Second Life residents were hungry like a wolf for more information, but the band was lost in a crowd. At long last, the band announced yesterday the launch of Duran Duran Universe, a new zone in Linden Lab's virtual world. Although there may be no dancing on the sand, community manager Crissy Welinder posted the official announcement to the Duran Duran website: "Duran Duran Universe is packed full of wonderful artistic treasures, interactive features, innovative multimedia and exciting events and games." Every part of the Second Life zone has been carefully selected by members of the band, and they hope it is one continuous party.

For more information about Duran Duran Universe, don't twist through a dusty land, just visit the band's official website.

MassivelyDuran Duran and Second Life, isn't that bizarre? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80s-bandcrissy-welinderDuran-Duranhungry-like-a-wolflinden-labone-continuous-partyRiosecond-lifeTateru-Ninothe-reflexvenueThu, 16 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: Room for improvement edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/global-chat-room-for-improvement-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/global-chat-room-for-improvement-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/global-chat-room-for-improvement-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

We love our MMOs here at Massively, but we'll be the first to tell you that nothing's perfect. There's always room for improvement, but sometimes things just are what they are and you find a way to work with the situation and enjoy yourself anyway.

Today's Global Chat is all about acknowledging those limitations and less-than-fun aspects of gaming and what you can do in spite of those potential roadblocks. Follow along after the jump to see what the Massively community had to say this week!

Continue reading Global Chat: Room for improvement edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: Room for improvement edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-contentask-massivelybiowarecaliburn-susantoclassescommenterscommunitycommunity-chatfeaturedfree-for-allglobal-chathyperspace-beaconintegrated-voice-chatkasapinalinden-labloreopinionracesresurgesecond-lifesecond-life-is-not-all-about-teh-sexorzslstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtortorvoice-chatvoipSun, 29 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: The throne of agony edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This week on the MMO Report, our very own mountain man, Casey Schreiner, decided to grace us with his presence after taking off a week for his birthday. I mean, really... where is his loyalty? Thank goodness he returned because the internet would have exploded if we had to see another flawless MMO Report from Morgan Webb. The internet can't take that level of perfection.

At any rate, this week we discover just how awesome Massively is as Schreiner reports on our report of the Bungie MMO rumors; then we find out that Second Life may be just as weird as we thought it was; next, the power of the Guild Wars 2 Engineer has inspired Casey to tackle the next level of greatness; and lastly, we find out what can no longer be contained in Casey's Mail Bag.

Life is too short for you to miss a single episode of the MMO Report, so catch it after the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: The throne of agony edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: The throne of agony edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetBungiecasey-schreinerg4G4TVGuild-Wars-2gw2humorlinden-labmmo-reportmorgan-webbncsoftsecond-lifethe-mmo-reportthrone-of-agonyThu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Recently I've taken a great interest in Second Life. For the record, I've been interested in the game -- er, world -- for the past seven years. More specifically, my seventh "birthday" is coming up on May 26th, 2011, meaning that I have been exploring, building, discussing and watching Second Life for a long, long time. I truly enjoy wandering into groups of other players who seem to think that my fairly basic avatar means that I am either new or ignorant about the game. I love telling them that I have been playing a long time, probably longer than they have. I'm actually proud of it.

Still, in spite of my history with the game, I do miss major developments. I am not consumed with the politics and goings on at Linden Lab (maker of Second Life). So when I heard about the changes that were being made concerning adult content, I sort of tuned it out and continued to play off and on. I typically disliked -- no, hated is a better word -- the adult content I came across in Second Life, so I simply avoided it.

If there is one thing I am asked about Second Life, it's "aren't there orgies going on all the time?" Seriously. I get asked about orgies more than anything. I wanted to go over the official rules to reassure those curious and wary potential players that they will not be shot in the face with a sex toy -- unless they want to be.

Click past the cut and let's discuss.

Continue reading Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life

MassivelyFree for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ladultadult-contentadult-migrationadult-mmobeau-hindmancybercyber-sexf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftplinden-labLLmaturesecond-lifezindraWed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I thought writing about Second Life would be easy. I figured that my seven-year experience with the game -- er, world -- would make writing this that much easier. I was wrong about that. I could list many of the technical specifications, telling you how to build something or how to script a basic weapon. I could also tell you how to host an event or how to form a group. In fact, I could make this recap a list brimming with specific details about the most sandbox of sandbox games in existence.

Instead I decided to let you watch the embedded video for building details while I write up how I felt during this week long revisit. Technically I have never left the world of Second Life, but over the last week I crammed in more hours building, buying and exploring than I have in a long time. I found many new ways of doing things and many wonderful places. Second Life is not, and never was, about one specific thing, so let me just tell you what I found over the last week.

Click past the cut to read it, and be sure to leave any questions or experiences in the comments section!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Second Life

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfeaturedhome-and-gardenlinden-labLiveStreamrise-and-shinysecond-lifeslvideovirtual-worldSun, 15 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Allods Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-allods-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-allods-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-allods-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Oh, Allods Online. You poor, misunderstood beast. Those who love you speak very little, while those who once loved you and were burned for whatever reason... well, they speak the most. I tried to keep this in mind when I took an "official" look at (or re-visit in) the game. Allods has been called many, many things since first rearing its beautiful head, but no one seems to talk about how fun, or not fun, it is. Generally all you hear about are cash-shop woes.

I already have a character that I never leveled past 11, so I logged him in and got right to it. Despite all the patches, fixes, tweaks and cash-shop rearranges that went on since I last actively played, the game seemed pretty much the same. It was still beautiful, ran well, and sounded nice. So what was I looking for? What would I notice that I had not noticed before?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you all about it.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Allods Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Allods Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allods-onlinebeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xifree-to-playftpgpotatolinden-labLiveStreamngesecond-lifestar-wars-galaxiesWorld-of-WarcraftzentiaSun, 08 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's Rod Humble on accessibility, new tech, and the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Second Life doesn't get a ton of press anymore, partly because of its age and party because -- even after nearly eight years -- people still don't know what to make of it. Is it a game? Is it a virtual world? Is it a melting pot for anyone who has ever thought to themselves: "I know! Let's code, model, and distribute some giant free-standing genitalia!"

Luckily, Rock, Paper Shotgun has stepped up to interview new Linden Lab boss Rod Humble and shed some light on the matter. Humble recently left EA after six years overseeing the second and third entries in the long running Sims franchise, and speaks about trading the relatively insulated world of virtual suburbia for the wild and incredibly untamed frontiers of Second Life.

"What makes Second Life so intriguing to me is its hard to define nature. I have heard people call it a virtual world, a game, the 3D internet, a social media platform, the list goes on. I like that kind of unresolved ambiguity, I think it shows something that is not yet fully evolved and has exciting new roads to discover," Humble says. He goes on to outline plans to revamp Second Life's performance, ease-of-use, and service aspects in order to counter the recent decline in user hours.

MassivelySecond Life's Rod Humble on accessibility, new tech, and the future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eainterviewlindenlinden-labmmo-industryrock-paper-shotgunrod-humblerpssecond-lifethe-simsuser-contentvirtual-worldsThu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab names new CEO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For some time now there's been a question as to who would eventually be stepping into the shoes of CEO over at Linden Lab. In June, Mark Kingdon (aka M Linden) stepped down with very little warning after a series of layoffs, and Philip Rosedale (aka Philip Linden) stepped in as interim CEO while the company was reevaluating its direction and future technology potential. Now, news comes today that Rod Humble will be stepping into the CEO spot at Linden Lab in January.

Humble has been in the games industry since 1990, during which time he's racked up involvement in over 200 different games. Prior to making the jump to CEO at Linden Labs, Humble was the President of Product Development on EverQuest, and worked on other SOE titles such as EverQuest Online Adventures and Star Wars Galaxies. Most recently, Humble worked as label lead on The Sims at EA, later attaining Executive Vice President for that division. His expertise in large online games and connection to a crazy hot title like The Sims may prove to be the combination needed to lead Second Life into an even more promising future.

[Via Tateru Nino]

MassivelyLinden Lab names new CEO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoeaelectronic-artslinden-labPhilip Rosedalephilip-rosedalePhilipRosedalerod-humblesecond-lifethe-simsThu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Skylight puts Second Life right into your browser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When most people (who don't play) think of Second Life, they don't have a terribly flattering picture in their head. That's neither fair nor even-handed, but it's hard to convince someone to download a new game and install it on the basis that it might be better than expected. So it's a good thing all around that Project Skylight, a new viewer for the game, is now available. It's a viewer with a crucial difference -- it's a browser-based client that allows players to start tooling around immediately with no prior installation.

According to players, the client works well enough, albeit with some caveats such as a limited amount of time allowed per day. The service is clearly aimed at new players, as a 45-second promotional video plays before the client can be accessed, and players can only log in using guest accounts. That being said, it's a full client inside your web browser, requiring no extra setup or commitment beyond the willingness to try the game. Second Life fans should be happy, but people who have never tried the game should be happier, as it just got easier to see if the virtual world might be the place for them.

MassivelyProject Skylight puts Second Life right into your browser originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-based-viewerguest-accountlinden-labnew-playerproject-skylightsecond-lifeskylightslviewervirtual-worldweb-browser-clientweb-clientWed, 17 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Microsoft making a play for Linden Lab]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If most of the horrific violence that happens in the ocean takes place unseen beneath the waves, then the same goes for the massive acquisitions that happen unseen behind boardroom doors.

Yesterday, Tateru Nino posted a rumor on her blog that several Linden Lab employees were saying that Microsoft was making a bid to purchase the company: "Funny as that might seem on the face of it, a small number of Linden Lab staff are today spreading the story that Linden Lab is now entertaining offers for sale, and that Microsoft has actually presented one."

TechEye.net seconded the rumor, noting that as the Linden Lab UK office closed down this week, an employee tweeted: "A little birdie told me that Microsoft may have silently offered to buy Linden Lab this week."

Linden Lab runs the popular virtual world Second Life, which has seen its share of troubles lately. So far, Linden Lab is neither confirming nor denying the rumor.

MassivelyRumor: Microsoft making a play for Linden Lab originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gateslinden-lablinden-lab-ukmicrosoftrumorsecond-lifetateru-ninotecheye.netFri, 01 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yesterday, Linden Lab's interim CEO Philip Rosedale and CFO/COO Bob Komin did a talk and Q&A session in Second Life focused on where things were at, and where things were going. This week, on The Virtual Whirl, we're going to take a look at that session and see if some sense can't be made of it all.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bk-lindenbob-kominbusiness-modelsfeaturedgrace-mcdunnoughlinden-labmark-kingdonopinionphilip-lindenphilip-rosedalesecond-lifesecond-life-enterprisesecond-life-viewerthe-virtual-whirltreet.tvuser-generated-contentviewer-2.0virtual-worldsSat, 31 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST