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: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Monocle day edition, May 20 26, 2013
Two weeks ago, y'all had the chance to select a new holiday to help add some cheer to the otherwise bland weeks in the middle of May. The choices teased and tantalized you, but you're a discriminating crowd. In a race fraught with nail-biting suspense, only one ultimately prevailed. And so it is with further ado we bring to you: Monocle Day!

This Tuesday, May 21st, has been selected to be the auspicious day of this most storied celebration. Why? Because 5/21 splits into 5 + 2 + 1, which of course = 8, and we all know that 8 is just two monocles stacked on top of each other! And as always, Massively TV is here to help you ring in the new holiday, with special shows throughout the entire week. Check out the full schedule of celebratory events hosted by The Stream Team after the break. Then let us know if you'll be wearing your own monocle in honor of the festivities.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, Trion Worlds' announcement that RIFT will transition to a free-to-play MMO in less than a month was tempered by news that the studio was forced to lay off a large portion of its staff, though the RIFT team itself was unaffected. Meanwhile, CCP's console shooter DUST 514 officially launched; Massively's Jef Reahard delivered tepid impressions of the game.

Read on for a look at the rest of this week's top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Trion's tribulations and DUST's launch

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Trion's tribulations and DUST's launch originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Someone no longer likes us on Facebook edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wrup-someone-no-longer-likes-us-on-facebook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wrup-someone-no-longer-likes-us-on-facebook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wrup-someone-no-longer-likes-us-on-facebook-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

UUUUUUNNNNBREAK MY HEEEEEEAAAAART
It finally happened. Like fools, we ignored the dire warnings of what would happen if we kept posting stuff about games you don't like or articles you didn't agree with. The worst has finally come to pass -- someone no longer likes our Facebook page.

We've been in shock here at the office. I've been hitting the rum pretty hard even by my standards, Jef is sitting in an empty bathtub sobbing, and Bree has been playing "Unbreak my Heart" on loop for about seven hours. We'd plead for that reader to come back, but he'll never see it. He no longer likes us. It's really the worst insult you could deliver.

Despite the fact that this traumatic event has left us as broken shells, we somehow managed to pull ourselves together long enough to put together an installment of WRUP. Click on past the break to see what we're up to for the next couple of days other than staring at the number of likes on Facebook, and let us know what you'll be up to in the comments.

Continue reading WRUP: Someone no longer likes us on Facebook edition

MassivelyWRUP: Someone no longer likes us on Facebook edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 18 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

But Iron Man 3, amirite?
Early access for Marvel Heroes is just around the corner, if you consider 11 days to be a corner. It'll be a chance for everyone to get started on the process of hitting the level cap... or at least getting halfway there before grinding dailies. Your mileage may vary. DUST 514 finally ended its testing earlier this week, meaning that you can go be obliterated by an orbital strike right now if you own a PS3.

Elsewhere in the testing world, Anno Online quietly went into open beta (keep an eye out for our own Beau Hindman's look at the game later this month). There are games preparing for a beta in the future, as well, and more information about popular titles still in beta. It's been a quiet week otherwise.

That doesn't mean there isn't a list past the break. There's always a list. As always, if you see something odd on there, feel free to let us know in the comments.

Continue reading Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasanno-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betadust-514featuredgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 screenshot
I was this close to saving myself a lot of time by finishing this article with only a few simple words: Why do I play PlanetSide 2? Because it's fun. I'm pretty sure my boss would want me to expand on it just a bit, however, but let me drive those three words home: Because it's fun. I think we are all familiar with the word "fun," but it's something that we really don't hear enough about in MMOs. I don't think we play MMOs mainly because they're fun; I think we play them because they pull out other emotions in us, emotions like wonder or awe. They might help fill in social needs that are sometimes hard to fill out in real life. These are all positive and worthy reactions, but they're different from sheer fun.

I have oodles of fun in PlanetSide 2. Gobs of it. Barrels of fun. The fun is powerful in this one. You get the point. PlanetSide 2 actually makes me laugh to myself, makes me yell at the screen -- you know, those noises you hear from someone who is having a blast. Of course, there are a few other reasons I play PlanetSide 2 as well, so I'll fill you in on those.

Continue reading Why I Play: PlanetSide 2

MassivelyWhy I Play: PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialfeaturedfpsmassively-metametammo-shootermmofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentwhy-i-playFri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team May 13 19, 2013
Nothing beats an MLT, especially when the tomato is nice and ripe! Except maybe Massively TV. MMmm mmmm. Now there's something you can really sink your teeth into -- the wild and crazy antics of your favorite Stream Team hosts! And they've got a menu for all tastes this week, from space adventures to dragons to WWII planes. Of course, it all comes with a side of reruns and a dessert highlight to complete your meal.

So pull up a chair and grab yourself a helping or two... or 10. Hey, there's no limit here; enjoy as much as you like! While you're enjoying the spread, be sure to join in the after-dinner chat in Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

Every three months, we gawk at the revealed financial health of various gaming companies, collectively cheering and jeering and sometimes both. This week, we fixated on NCsoft's mixed fortunes, Star Wars: The Old Republic's vindicating free-to-play success, and World of Warcraft's 1.3 million subscriber losses.

Blizzard was further vexed this week by a duping bug that saw the Diablo III auction house taken offline for several days before its restoration sans rollback.

Read on for a roundup of the rest of this week's top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Quarterly financials

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Quarterly financials originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardfeaturedjoystiqmassively-metametancsoftroundupstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupWorld-of-Warcraftwowwow-insiderSun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Next week on Massively edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/wrup-next-week-on-massively-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/wrup-next-week-on-massively-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/wrup-next-week-on-massively-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Absolutely nothing will explode.
Next week on Massively, tensions run high as Bree races to prevent Justin from assembling the shards necessary to release The Matrix Online from its shutdown. Meanwhile, Eliot, Matt, and Lis continue their investigation into Allods Online by concluding that it is in fact a game. Shawn investigates the fact that every game in the world is now free-to-play and concludes it's the fault of space aliens from another dimension who are also ghosts. Terry O'Quinn guest stars.

We hope you enjoyed this week of Massively, and now it's time for WRUP because no one read the end credits before. Instead of telling you who did what, we've opted to just let you know what we'll be playing over the weekend. You can let us know what you'll be up to in the comments and tune in again next week for the exciting episode that we just explained to you, thereby obviating any need for you to sit down and watch it.

Continue reading WRUP: Next week on Massively edition

MassivelyWRUP: Next week on Massively edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 11 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: May 4 - 10, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/betawatch-may-4-10-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/betawatch-may-4-10-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/betawatch-may-4-10-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's really good, it is.
You don't need to read the rest of this column, folks. City of Steam goes into open beta in two hours, so there is no reason for you to be sitting here when you could be playing that. Oh, and Marvel Heroes is running one last open beta weekend. And UFO Online is also in open beta. Plus, Arcane Saga launched (or re-launched) its beta. There is too much stuff to play for you to be sitting around reading columns about betas. You've got your project right there.

Still here? You're really dedicated to that beta list, huh? Well, we appreciate that. And you can find it just past the break as always, and you can feel free to let us know if we missed anything down in the comments just as always. But seriously, you don't even need to close your browser for City of Steam. That's accessibility right there.

Continue reading Betawatch: May 4 - 10, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: May 4 - 10, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcane-sagabetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchcity-of-steamclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingufo-onlineFri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Sword
It's time for a grab bag edition of Ask Massively! A reader named Nicholas is up first:
I was wondering if you could help me remember a game studio that was developing a new Korean action- MMORPG game engine (and it wasn't Bless, Blade and Soul, or ArcheAge). In the tech demo, no environment was being shown; it focused on the combat aspect of the engine. All the combat took place against a white background, and it was combo-based and reactive to hits. I remember a slow motion scene with an NPC being punched in the face and the face distorting. At the time, there were no announced games using the engine; the video was just showing what tech the game studio had developed. If it helps any, I remember the comments saying that the engine was just going to be vaporware.
I think we might! Massively's Lis pegged it as NetEase's Dragon Sword trailer. +1 to Lis.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps'

MassivelyAsk Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ablegamersadviceadvice-columnage-of-wushuask-massivelybeau-hindmanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelydifferently-ableddisableddmcadragon-swordemulatoreulaeula-violationfeaturedgames-in-developmentguild-wars-2gw2humorin-developmentkickstartermassively-metametaopinionprivate-emulatorsprivate-shardRichie-Procopiotrailertrailersultima-onlineThu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 12, 2013
You have to agree, May is one month that's full of holidays. The first week alone contains May Day, (unofficial) Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo. But the party doesn't stop there! Following quickly on the heels of these is perhaps one you are less familiar with: Seis de Mayo.

Not unlike its cousin the day before, Seis de Mayo is a day of celebration; however, this celebration centers on freedom from boredom via visual entertainment. No, really! And to commemorate the day, we're releasing an all-new Massively TV schedule, giving you the means to celebrate the whole week through with The Stream Team. If you can't celebrate live, just tune into a rerun and party whenever.

Well, even if you don't believe us, you can still commemorate the occasion with us. Just check out the past the cut for a heaping helping of daily festivities.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

Dungeons and Dragons-flavored action-MMO Neverwinter soft-launched into open beta this week, free-to-play for all comers except for the inconvenient parts where you're probably going to pay. Massively was prepared, if lacking in pants, with a two-part hands-on launch diary and a formal (if irreverent) first impressions piece.

Read on for a look at this week's other top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Neverwinter is... well, actually, it's here

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Neverwinter is... well, actually, it's here originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: A glance at Paragon City edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/wrup-a-glance-at-paragon-city-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/wrup-a-glance-at-paragon-city-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/wrup-a-glance-at-paragon-city-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

I'd like to think that after it all ends things are still basically all right. That the world grows a bit smaller, that everyone is more aware of that shrinkage, but there's still a general sense of peace. From now to forever.
It's a lot quieter in City of Heroes these days without all the heroes around. A lot more boring. But it's all right, after a fashion. Bringing over the old Praetorian Police seemed like an iffy idea, but it's turned out to work well, and ultimately the two worlds have learned to work together. Sometimes there's a bit too much zeal involved, but old habits die hard, and everyone's keeping an eye open.

As for the heroes, no one knows quite where they went. Some people are guessing that they ascended to some deific plane of existence; others figured that they just left when they weren't needed. The favored theory is that they're needed elsewhere, that after the Praetorian invasion they found someplace in greater need of heroes. There's no memorial in the city, but that's because everyone still remembers.

Not every random WRUP opening needs to be funny. Don't worry, we saved some jokes for our weekend plans just past the break. Let us know what you'll be up to in the comments.

Continue reading WRUP: A glance at Paragon City edition

MassivelyWRUP: A glance at Paragon City edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 04 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: April 27 - May 3, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/betawatch-april-27-may-3-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/betawatch-april-27-may-3-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/betawatch-april-27-may-3-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You get a week, then I'm calling your bluff.
So Neverwinter launched this week. Or it went into open beta. Or it did both. We've kind of got a Schrödinger's Launch going on here. You can read our first impressions of the game if you're curious about its overall quality regardless of whether it really launched or not. Lost Saga enjoyed a comparatively unambiguous launch, complete with new content compared to beta.

There's not a full open beta for Marvel Heroes yet, but you can still jump into the game this weekend in celebration of some new movie or another. Representing the other major superhero franchise is Infinite Crisis, which announced that the start of its closed beta testing will be on May 8th.

Oh, and there's the usual assortment of games in testing listed just past the cut. See something amiss? Feel free to let us know about it down in the comments.

Continue reading Betawatch: April 27 - May 3, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: April 27 - May 3, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter. It's blue.
Neverwinter soft launched this week. What's a soft launch? It's when a game really shouldn't be launching yet and knows it and yet has to launch anyway for reasons probably involving money. Soft launches are incredibly confusing to old school gamers who are used to a certain kind of testing and release cycle, the uncomplicated kind that involves, you know, some testing and a release. Soft launches make games writers uncomfortable too. Why won't your weird special snowflake of a game launch fit into our perfectly planned box?

Massively reader zmeul expressed his annoyance with us thusly: "I can't understand why some games get this 'soft launch' from you and others do not, even if the criteria are met."

It's a brave new world out there, zmeul!

Continue reading Ask Massively: A new era of soft launches

MassivelyAsk Massively: A new era of soft launches originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybetabrianna-royce-ask-massivelycrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedhumorlaunchlaunchesmassively-metametaneverwinteropen-betaopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwesoft-launchstar-conflicttestingwar-thunderwarframeThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: My lore problem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
"In the distant forests of El'quen, a dark evil stirs. Marrowgore the Unhunter, imprisoned for a thousand years in Cauldron Lake by the Eye of Son'drak, has broken free. Now, he and his evil BoneSlurpers stage an all-out war on the United Provinces. You, a freshly christened hero known for valorous acts both on and off the battlefield, must take charge of the Sacred Axeblade of Loqtai, harness the power it contains, and send the Unhunter back to his watery prison.

"But first, can you get me nine wolf pelts?"

Continue reading The Soapbox: My lore problem

MassivelyThe Soapbox: My lore problem originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betacutsceneeditorialfeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesloremassively-metammo-loreop-edopen-betaopinionplotrantrantsroundupsoapboxstorystorytellingtestingthe-soapboxtropesTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Stream Team Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 May 5, 2013
Comfort food is a pretty universally understood concept. And most folks can also easily envision the security of a blanket a la Linus in the Peanuts cartoons. But what do gamers turn to for stability and comfort during stressful times? I mean, we all know that sometimes games get pretty intense. If you don't believe me, just watch Massively TV! Death and glory, victory and defeat: The Stream Team experiences it all.

Some folks have specific food or drinks on hand for their gaming sessions. I know one gamer with a bobble-head. Me? I've got my fuzzy slippers! Yes, really. When I wear them, glorious victories are all the sweeter and harrowing defeats lose their sting. And I swear they bring me luck. Gaming is just better in fuzzy slippers. If you haven't tried it, I totally encourage you to. Uncertain? Try it, you might like it! Grab a pair and give them a test run while watching this week's shows. Or if you have your own can't-do-without gaming accessory, let us know what it is in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Fanfest
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

Every spring for the last 10 years, EVE Online fans from around the globe have journeyed to their MMO Mecca in Reykjavik, Iceland, for EVE Fanfest. This year, Massively's Brendan Drain attended the event to report not just on EVE but on CCP's other inbound titles, console shooter DUST 514 and vampire sandbox World of Darkness. From Brendan, we heard about EVE's virtual reality demo and revamp plans, DUST's launch date, EVE's anniversary collector's edition and TV series, and of course, World of Darkness' early development.

Read on for a peek at the rest of this week's top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: EVE Fanfest 2013

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: EVE Fanfest 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestfeaturedicelandjoystiqmassively-event-coveragemassively-metametareykjavikrounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 28 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: A spectacular week edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/wrup-a-spectacular-week-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/wrup-a-spectacular-week-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/wrup-a-spectacular-week-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

I'm not saying it was the Black Death, but it felt apropos.
Certain moments force you to re-evaluate certain life choices. Monday evening was one of those nights for me. Specifically, it forced me to re-evaluate the choice to ever eat anything other than saltines, as I was suffering from the most debilitating stomach virus I have ever experienced. You don't want to know the details; I will say that it was about 24 hours before I ate anything approaching food again, and that was a handful of crackers.

Given the pattern of the past couple weeks, I fully expect for everything I love to burst into flame over the course of the next several days. Right now, it's time to stop thinking about the week that's past and focus on WRUP, wherein all of the Massively staffers let you know what they'll be up to for the weekend. Check out the rundown past the break, and let us know your plans in the comments!

Continue reading WRUP: A spectacular week edition

MassivelyWRUP: A spectacular week edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: April 20 - 26, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/betawatch-april-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/betawatch-april-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/betawatch-april-20-26-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The streets are alive with laughter. Also plague germs.
Do you want to build an entire functional city? How about a barely functional one? You can do either in Anno Online, which has launched its closed beta test this week. Lunaria Story has started its open beta, and Marvel Heroes is launching a big push to give away keys prior to its launch in June.

Long-time browser-based darling City of Steam scored a major coup by getting listed on Steam Greenlight this week, and the early access beta is starting on May 10th, ramping up to a full open beta not too long after that. Neverwinter founders are already getting to enjoy the game's early access to the open beta, which begins next week.

But there's more testing afoot always, and we've done our best to compile all of that into the list just past the cut. Notice something that we've missed? Feel free to let us know about it down in the comments.

Continue reading Betawatch: April 20 - 26, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: April 20 - 26, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 26 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

State of Decay
Last week, I promised you a second round of questions and answers regarding the types of calls Massively makes on which games and stories it will cover and why. Let's get to it.

Mike9 wrote, "I will play [State of Decay] because it looks awesome, but I never understand why Massively covers it; it is a single-player game, not an MMO by even the loosest of definitions, not unless Super Mario World is also considered an MMO now (well, I guess that did allow two players)."

I assume you're looking for a better answer than braaaaaiiiiinnnnsssssss!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why we cover what we do, part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyBrainsssbrianna-royce-ask-massivelyesofeaturedhumorleakleaksmassively-metametaopinionstate-of-decaytesothe-elder-scrolls-onlineundead-labszombiesThu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Stream Team Spring has sprung edition, April 22 28, 2013
If you live in the Northeast, chances are you ignore both the calendar and the furry little four-footed weatherman when it comes to anticipating the arrival of spring. In fact, you just don't believe it until you see it! Plenty of kids in that region are pros at gathering Easter eggs in a snowsuit. Although some might argue that the four seasons are actually Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction, I contend that they can experience an actual spring. And after a week of sunshine and non-frosty temperatures, I say it's finally made an appearance!

Doh! I spoke to soon: It's back to the 20s. Tricksy weather, you almost fooled me. Oh well, I guess I can dive back under some blankets and watch more Massively TV instead of venturing into that thing called "outdoors." You, too, can take refuge from the never-ending winter by watching The Stream Team visit virtual lands of sun, warmth, even lava. Whom am I kidding? They will probably taunt us in another world of snow!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, Massively was focused on two MMO expansion releases whose status was once in question. First, Darkfall's Unholy Wars revamp finally launched, after repeated delays that turned the game into a punchline for many months during its extended beta. We sent in Darkfall veteran Jef Reahard to investigate; he was impressed by its immersive world, PvE, and crafting but not so impressed with its animations, UI, and economy.

Second, Star Wars: The Old Republic's Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion officially launched. We posted a general impressions piece to complement our critique of the update's daily quests, while BioWare contented itself with explaining reworks of all eight of the game's classes.

Read on for a look at the rest of this week's top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Expansions and revamps

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Expansions and revamps originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 21 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Here, just have some kittens edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/wrup-here-just-have-some-kittens-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/wrup-here-just-have-some-kittens-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/wrup-here-just-have-some-kittens-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

My cat isn't an Abyssinian, but that's because I go for rescues. Those aren't sorted by breed.
This week is not a week for my usual random nonsense. Instead, I'm just going to give you this photo of Abyssinian kittens thanks to the wonder of Wikimedia Commons. Why Abyssinian? Because they're particularly lovely cats. Just enjoy that for a moment you don't have to worry about all of the other insanity that's going on and you can just picture some gorgeous little bundles of mewling fur in your mind.

No punchline this week. Just have some kittens.

Of course, you might consider WRUP a punchline in and of itself, but that is also here, complete with the Massively staff's plans for the weekend. Like every week, you can feel free to let us know your weekend plans down in the comments, even if they don't include cuddling kittens. But kittens would be nice for everyone, I think. (My cat sits on my desk as I work and purrs at me; I would know.)

Continue reading WRUP: Here, just have some kittens edition

MassivelyWRUP: Here, just have some kittens edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 20 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Scarlet Blade. I'd like to say the word 'cover' in the title is a clever pun, but it really was unintended, and now I can't unsee it.
Welcome back to Ask Massively. We're all aboard the yacht this week, answering your questions while dressed like characters in Scarlet Blade. Because that's pretty much what the characters in Scarlet Blade should be doing rather than, you know, mortal combat in a thong.

Yes, today we're talking Scarlet Blade. In between all the crazed commenter ranting, several of you guys posed legit questions about why we covered it in the first place. Let me try to answer you without turning this into a debate about sexism. Why? Because it's not really about any one specific -ism.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelycommenterscommentsfeaturedhumormassively-metametaopinionscarlet-bladesexismThu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team Stepping on tax edition, April 15 21, 2013
'Tis the season! Just... not that season. This isn't one we really want; it's not a season of joyousness and brotherly kindness. No, this one's more akin to scattering LEGOs and thumbtacks all across the floor then dashing barefoot from wall to wall just to hit your head against them over and over. We understand the pain. Truly, we do. And The Stream Team is here for you.

They say nothing's certain in life except death and taxes, but we disagree! We'd totally add Massively TV to that list. Have we ever left you in your times of need? No! And we know you need us now more than ever. We're here to help you, with a full line-up of shows to help ease the pain and take your mind off the traumas that cannot be avoided. So take a load off and check out this week's schedule, catch a few reruns, see the highlight of the week, and take part in our two polls. Then remember, at least this only happens once a year!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Wushu
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, wuxia-themed Age of Wushu launched officially, turning loose a hardcore, Chinese-flavored, martial arts sandbox in the MMORPG space. Persistent-world junkies are hoping the game marks the first of the big-budget sandboxes aiming to revamp the genre in the next few years. What sandboxes are those? I'm glad you asked. Massively's Jef recently prepped a guide to the bigguns, including ArcheAge, EverQuest Next, and Star Citizen.

Read on for a peek at the rest of our top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: The return of the sandbox

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: The return of the sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametaroundupsandboxtop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 14 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Quiet, we are watching our stories edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/wrup-quiet-we-are-watching-our-stories-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/wrup-quiet-we-are-watching-our-stories-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/wrup-quiet-we-are-watching-our-stories-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is how we watch our stories.
Keep it down, now. We here at the Massively offices are watching our stories. These stories are very important to us. They contain a large number of cast members, and it is vitally important that we keep up with each and every one of them. During our story time, we don't want to hear about how RIFT is shutting down or World of Warcraft is launching an expansion about narwhals or Camelot Unchained is actually just Super Mario World with a few new sprites. We're watching our stories.

If you're so bored you can just read this week's installment of WRUP, which contains all of the Massively staff's plans for the weekend. Well, the plans of those not too involved in watching our stories to reply. These are really important, you see. Here, just sit down and watch with us. Or read our plans past the break and let us know what you'll be up to in the comments -- that works too.

Continue reading WRUP: Quiet, we are watching our stories edition

MassivelyWRUP: Quiet, we are watching our stories edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: April 6 - 12, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/betawatch-april-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/betawatch-april-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/betawatch-april-6-12-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On the bright side, I'd barely have any time to play WildStar right now even if I were in the beta.
Have you eagerly anticipated the start of WildStar's beta testing? Good news for you, then -- it has started. The bad news is that odds are fairly good that you aren't in it, but at least now you can look on longingly from behind glass.

Of course, the beta news of the week hasn't just been about big names. Genia: Brain Storm is currently looking for beta testers interested in a game of wits, and Yitien is just what you've been looking for if you're looking for a high fantasy browser-based MMO. Neverwinter is gearing up for one of its last beta weekends before the open beta test at the end of the month.

Looking for more testing goodness? Take a look at the full list past the break. If you notice anything missing that's in testing, feel free to let us know about it down in the comments.

Continue reading Betawatch: April 6 - 12, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: April 6 - 12, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 12 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Villagers and Heroes screenshots
Villagers and Heroes, formerly called A Mystical Land, surprised me. I had gone several weeks if not a few months without logging in to the game for longer than a half an hour, so you can imagine my surprise when I realized that the game not only had been improved but had added systems that I thought it never would. In other words, the game was suddenly a world, a fully realized browser-based MMORPG. Despite my feeling that the game was going to languish in state of semi-completion, suddenly it had housing, more crafting, a better UI, and a fully stocked cash shop.

I've streamed the game before, but now I find myself logging in a lot more than ever. And now, after hosting a livestream with associate designer Cameron England (embedded after the cut), I'm really having fun with the game and have noticed that it offers a lot more than games that are much more well-known.

This is why I play Villagers and Heroes.

Continue reading Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes

MassivelyWhy I Play: Villagers and Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedcameron-englandcraftingeditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphousinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromad-otter-gamesmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionSandboxvillagers-and-heroeswhy-i-playFri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like political subtext and social commentary on gaming sites?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-political-subtext-and-social-commen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-political-subtext-and-social-commen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-political-subtext-and-social-commen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Civil Rights march on Washington, 1963
Recently Massively authored a Think Tank column that asked whether studio drama affects our perception of games and gamemakers. For today's Daily Grind, I'd like to turn a similar lens toward game blogging.

While most game journos are content to write about products and companies they love (or hate), there is a growing subset of politically motivated types who stir the pot by mentioning sexism, gun control, and any number of other hot button topics at every opportunity.

Whether this is good or bad depends entirely on your perspective, and naturally that's what we'd like to hear. Do you like political and/or social change subtext in your gaming coverage, or do you prefer to separate your entertainment news from real-world issues?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you like political subtext and social commentary on gaming sites? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindgame-journosgun-controlmassively-metametano-religion-or-politicsopinionpoliticssexismsocial-changetdgthe-daily-grindThu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![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[MMO Week in Review: Defiance's launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/mmo-week-in-review-defiances-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/mmo-week-in-review-defiances-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/mmo-week-in-review-defiances-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Defiance
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

Trion's trans-media-synergy MMOTPS Defiance launched Tuesday -- just ahead of its TV show debut next week -- to the usual smattering of launch-day bugs and issues. But on the whole, Massively's Jef found the game moderately appealing and potentially worth the dough for some light but brief MMO-shooter fun, as chronicled in his four-part launch impressions piece.

Read on for a look at the rest of Massively's top MMO stories from the past week.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Defiance's launch

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Defiance's launch originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 07 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Is my face on fire edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/wrup-is-my-face-on-fire-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/wrup-is-my-face-on-fire-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/wrup-is-my-face-on-fire-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Like this, only 100% more of my face.
We've been friends a while, right? So I'm going to ask you something honestly, and I want you to answer me honestly. Is my face on fire? Right this moment, is my face wreathed in an infernal bouquet? Don't be worried about hurting my feelings; be worried that my face is burning. Or not.

I have to be honest. I can't tell myself. I mean, I see a bright light in the bathroom mirror, but that might just be a glare from the sunlight. My lips have been pretty chapped, but that's normal for this time of year. Also I smell burning hair, but you know me; my sense of smell is terrible. So really -- is my face on fire?

Oh, wait. Before you tell me about that, you should check out this week's installment of WRUP, all about what the Massively crew is up to over the weekend. And you should let us know what you'll be up to down in the comments. This face thing is probably fine; it can wait.

Continue reading WRUP: Is my face on fire edition

MassivelyWRUP: Is my face on fire edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 06 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: March 20 - April 5, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/betawatch-march-20-april-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/betawatch-march-20-april-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/betawatch-march-20-april-5-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Runescape like you have never seen it before but not all that different from how you have played it before.
Runescape 3 is entering beta soon! Of course, it's less of a new game and more of an upgrade to the existing Runescape, which is a bit less enticing. Arcane Saga is also entering its closed beta on May 7th, but that too isn't a new game, simply a rework of the closed game Prius Online. Ecol Tactics is also entering its open beta, and it... wait, that one actually is a new game. Shame, we had a pattern going.

We also found out that purchasers of an Earthrise: First Impact Founder's Pack will have priority access to the relaunched game's beta to start at an unannounced time. Darkfall Unholy Wars will finally be wrapping up its beta and relaunching on the 16th, and Final Fantasy XIV is moving closer to its own relaunch with its second phase of beta testing.

Oh, yes, and there's a full list of betas past the break, as always. Feel free to let us know if there's something missing!

Continue reading Betawatch: March 20 - April 5, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: March 20 - April 5, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/ask-massively-feeds-and-faceplustweets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Feedly
Google Reader might be on its way out, but old-school RSS is here to stay. If you haven't jumped to Feedly or some other RSS platform yet, July 1st is your doomsday. How is this relevant to your interests and why am I telling you this in Ask Massively? Well, many of you readers probably don't camp our front page, and if you're not into social media and the latest faceplustweet craze, RSS can help you keep up with the parts of Massively you want to read (and avoid the ones you don't).

Continue reading Ask Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets

MassivelyAsk Massively: Feeds and faceplustweets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybooleanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelycategoriescommunityfacebookfaceplustweetsfeaturedfeedfeedsgoogle-plusgoogle-readerhumormassively-metamassively-rssmetaopinionrsssocial-mediasteamtagstwitchtwitterThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 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[MMO Week in Review: GDC 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/week-in-review-gdc-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/week-in-review-gdc-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/week-in-review-gdc-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dragon's Prophet
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, we're building on our PAX East 2013 roundup from last Sunday to present even more of our PAX coverage combined with what we've released so far from our GDC 2013 recon. Dragon's Prophet demo? Check. How F2P saved SWTOR? Yeppers. Infinite Crisis hands-on? Roger that. Star Citizen's crafting system reveal? Yup, nabbed that too. All that and the rest of Massively's top MMO stories from the past week await beyond the break.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: GDC 2013

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: GDC 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013joystiqmassively-event-coveragemassively-metametapaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exporounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 31 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Submarines are the ultimate fishing boats edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/wrup-submarines-are-the-ultimate-fishing-boats-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/wrup-submarines-are-the-ultimate-fishing-boats-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/wrup-submarines-are-the-ultimate-fishing-boats-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you mention the Beatles in the comments, it's an obvious joke but we're cool. If you mention the Black Keys, I will be disappointed.
Look, a submarine is a terrible war vehicle. Submarines are underwater and boats are above the water. There's nothing to shoot at except for other submarines. And Captain Nemo, but he's usually busy with giant squid-related shenanigans. But there are a lot of fish under the water, and since fish are dumb they'll think the submarine is just another fish.

We should just be using all the submarines to catch all of the fish, and then we'll re-fish the oceans with all of the fish bones. Fish work like plants, right?

I'm going to be pretty busy getting the first underwater fishing company going, but you can entertain yourselves for the rest of the day by reading this week's WRUP, all about the Massively staff's plans for the weekend. Oh, and you can let us know what you'll be up to yourself down in the comments. Hopefully you'll be getting ready for delicious fish yanked straight out of the water in what I'm dubbing the Fishermarine.

Continue reading WRUP: Submarines are the ultimate fishing boats edition

MassivelyWRUP: Submarines are the ultimate fishing boats edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmassively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 30 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: March 23 - 29, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/betawatch-march-23-29-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/betawatch-march-23-29-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/betawatch-march-23-29-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I enjoyed the books, but I always wondered how someone could translate Otherland into a game. The answer was apparently not at all.
After a hard-hitting duo of conventions, it's inevitable that there would be some beta-based shakeups. The Aurora World has gone into open beta, Arena of Heroes is hosting an open beta weekend, and Defiance is looking at a full launch just around the corner. On the flip side, the long-in-testing Otherland might be out of the beta game altogether, as most of the developers for the game were unceremoniously laid off recently. Not good times for anyone.

Luckily, as I mentioned before, there has been a big pair of conventions that hit the ground running. PAX East 2013 and GDC 2013 have both featured plenty of information on games still in testing or waiting to start testing, so if you haven't already seen what Massively has out there for the cons... well, go read it.

Not slaking your thirst for a new game? Well, you can see what's actively testing just past the break with our full list. As always, if you see something missing or on there erroneously, let us know!

Continue reading Betawatch: March 23 - 29, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: March 23 - 29, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingthe-aurora-worldFri, 29 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST