Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hang out with Massively (and Joystiq) at the E3 2011 reader meetup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/hang-out-with-massively-and-joystiq-at-the-e3-2011-reader-meet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/hang-out-with-massively-and-joystiq-at-the-e3-2011-reader-meet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/hang-out-with-massively-and-joystiq-at-the-e3-2011-reader-meet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So E3 is coming up, and you what that means: games booze! If you've done the convention circuit before, you know that listening to PR reps and watching multiple presentations on the greatest-game-in-the-history-of-games pales in comparison to the opportunity to indulge in a bit of pub-crawling with industry types.

If you're over 21 and a fan of Massively, Joystiq, or WoW Insider, you'll want to mark Friday, June 10th on your party-going calendar. The Joystiq crew will be taking over the La Cita bar in downtown Los Angeles for a swag-filled shindig sure to please the most discriminating gamer.

And if not, hey, you can always drink with us.

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelyHang out with Massively (and Joystiq) at the E3 2011 reader meetup originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conventionse3e3-2011electronic-entertainment-expoeventsjoystiqla-citamassivelymassively-metameetupsreal-world-eventsshindigswagwow-insiderMon, 06 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Week in Review: Spoiled by war]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/week-in-review-spoiled-by-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/week-in-review-spoiled-by-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/week-in-review-spoiled-by-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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. Miss a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week? You've come to the right post.

RIFT's Spoils of War update made its way to the live servers this week, bringing with it (among other things) a new referral promotion, a free trial, and a looking-for-group tool players hope will make teaming up a more seamless experience. To mark the occasion, Trion Worlds sounded a call to arms in the form of a pun-filled trailer that asks gamers to "join [the] horde" of RIFT players already swarming the game.

Meanwhile, in spite of record profits, World of Warcraft-maker Blizzard Entertainment admitted subscriptions had fallen to a "mere" 11.4 million players at the end of this past March. Are we witnessing RIFT's effect on the aging MMO behemoth? Or is Mike Morhaime right when he suggests ex-WoW players will return to Azeroth?

Join us past the break for a look at this week's other top MMO stories.

Continue reading Week in Review: Spoiled by war

MassivelyWeek in Review: Spoiled by war originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqmassivelymassively-metametarift-vs-wowrounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 15 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Two semi-stunning thoughts hit me this week. The first is that March 5th marks the debut of my very first column on Massively a year ago, and I still have my life and sanity intact. The second is that even with the release of RIFT, which I'm playing, I still feel compelled to play Lord of the Rings Online just as much -- if not more -- than the new shiny on the block. These thoughts are related after a fashion, so just hang in there with me.

When I first came on board Massively and chose the game I'd be following for a presumably lengthy stretch of time, only LotRO seemed as though it would fit the bill. I knew it was a great game from experience and that I had a lot to do, see and learn about it, and I'd hoped that it had a lot in store to keep me from getting bored. Still, I was worried that I would lose interest after six months or so, as I'm a habitual MMO sampler. Could I settle down and form a serious relationship with an MMO like this?

It turns out that yes, yes I could -- and quite easily at that. While I had liked LotRO before last year, these past 12 months have helped me form a deep appreciation and connection with this version of Middle-earth. This relationship has held firm even as I've dabbled -- or dived in deep -- with other MMOs, because there's something LotRO has that I've never experienced in another MMORPG. So what is it about this world that sets it apart and has endeared itself to me?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bilbochickencouncil-of-the-secret-fireelves-suckf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgandalfhail-marykinshiplord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassivelymiddle-earthmordormoviesriftshireturbineTurbine-Entertainmentworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Back in November, we began the Massively Mob -- an EVE Online corporation designed to help our readers get into EVE despite the game's steep learning curve and harsh death penalty. The primary goal of the Mob was was to provide advice and assistance to new players as well as a financial safety net to help them overcome the game's notoriously steep learning curve. Free corp ships were available to help players try out the many things the game has to offer without that fear of losing a lot of belongings in one newbie mistake.

Players flocked to the corp in droves, many just starting EVE or returning to give the game another shot. One member set up a forum, another a killboard, and a third provided a free teamspeak server. Members wrote helpful guides; the forums filled with ship fitting advice and mission fleets flew almost every night. Regular events and contests kept the corp alive with activity, and for a time everything was good. We started out with the best of intentions and set our sights on the very difficult task of being a large corporation that does a little bit of everything. It's been a bumpy road; the corp has lost its way several times and we've learned some very tough lessons.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I dig up some tough personal truths and share my experiences of the difficult job of corporate management.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationdelegationeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedguildmanagementmassivelymassively-mobmassively-mob-corpwarwardecwarfareSun, 27 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's top five MMO trailers of 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/massivelys-top-5-mmo-trailers-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/massivelys-top-5-mmo-trailers-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/massivelys-top-5-mmo-trailers-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The year 2010 has been a big year for MMOs, with a lot of new releases and news on upcoming titles. Nothing gets us more worked up about an upcoming MMO release than a good trailer, and this year we've been absolutely spoiled with some incredible examples. Some have been epic cinematic trailers, designed to explain the storyline behind a game, and get people excited about its release. Others MMO studios have opted for a more hands-on approach, showing off in-game footage to excite people about a game's art direction or content. Recently, we've even seen studios mixing developer talks into their trailers, giving a glimpse into the gameplay, what makes it stand apart from competition, and how development is going.

It was hard to pick just five trailers out of all the excellent examples released this year, and even harder to put them in some kind of order. We discussed, debated and outright argued about which videos should make the cut, but in the end we settled on our top five MMO trailers of 2010.

Skip past the cut for a run-down of Massively's top five MMO trailers of the year, all embedded in HD.

Continue reading Massively's top five MMO trailers of 2010

MassivelyMassively's top five MMO trailers of 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-of-the-year-2010fantasyfeaturedloremassivelymassively-metaopinionsci-fitop-5top-fivetrailertrailersvideoWed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Week in Review: Happy holidays!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/week-in-review-happy-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/week-in-review-happy-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/week-in-review-happy-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on the site and then present them all in one convenient place. Miss a big story last week? Curious about what's going on next door at our sister site, WoW Insider? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

If you thought the week before Christmas would be a quiet one, you've forgotten that millions of people are home this weekend, looking for a new game to play. Fully aware of your weakness, game companies across the globe turned this week into a deluge of exciting MMO news. RIFT dazzled with new cinematics, a third beta event announcement, and an NDA drop that allowed us to post first impressions, interviews, and guides. DC Universe Online revealed a January 11th launch date, gave us an interview with Chris Cao, and unveiled Area 51 and Harley Quinn. And through it all, we delivered 12 days of giveaways from 12 different companies and even more games.

Follow along after the break for a look at this week's other top stories!

Continue reading Week in Review: Happy holidays!

MassivelyWeek in Review: Happy holidays! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massivelymassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 26 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What current MMOs do you follow but not play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/the-daily-grind-what-current-mmos-do-you-follow-that-you-dont/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/the-daily-grind-what-current-mmos-do-you-follow-that-you-dont/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/the-daily-grind-what-current-mmos-do-you-follow-that-you-dont/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Part of the fun of Massively is that we... Massivonians? MassHeads? Massivites? OK, someone get on a nickname for who we all are, stat!

Anyway, as I was saying, part of the fun of Massively is that we aren't confined to following just one MMO. No matter what games I'm currently playing, I love to read up on the others that I'm not, particularly in the weekly columns by some of our much more legible writers. Even if I have no personal interest in playing a title -- or no time to do so -- it's cool to hear about experiences, perspectives and ideas from all quarters.

I suspect I'm not alone in following more games than I actually play. While some of us are quite comfortable in our single-game communities, many more of us keep an open mind to and free hard drive space for other titles out there. So what are some current MMOs that you follow but not play? What intrigues you about the stories and discussions of these MMOs that pique your interest?

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: What current MMOs do you follow but not play? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massheadsmassivelymassivitesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindFri, 24 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Week in Review: In a galaxy far, far away]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/week-in-review-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/week-in-review-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/week-in-review-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on the site and then present them all in one convenient place. Miss a big story last week? Curious about what's going on next door at our sister site, WoW Insider? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

Star Wars: The Old Republic has had a gigantic week leading into the holidays. We added to the buzz with a lengthy hands-on from Jedi Immersion Day and an early review of SWTOR's novel, Deceived. Then the team launched preview chapters for Deceived along with a Q&A on SWTOR's PvP and more. Hype or hope, the buzz can only get louder as we head into the game's launch year!

Join us past the break for a look at our other top stories!

Continue reading Week in Review: In a galaxy far, far away

MassivelyWeek in Review: In a galaxy far, far away originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massivelymassively-metamassively-week-in-reviewmetarounduproundupsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortop-storiestorweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 19 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Update to the Massively makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/update-to-the-massively-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/update-to-the-massively-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/update-to-the-massively-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hello, readers! It's been a few weeks since our massive Massively site overhaul landed, and our web gurus have been scurrying in the background fixing bugs and responding to your reports. Not all of the bugs have been vaporized just yet, but we'd like to update you on the status of some of the problems that most affect you.

RSS -- Our most-reported problem over the last few weeks revolved around our RSS feeds. Many users reported a doubling-up of posts as the site spewed out two copies of every post. Others reported an inability to subscribe to specific categories and bloggers, and still others were finding that every RSS feed was producing copies of the podcast (great news for podcast fans, I guess!). Our techs currently report that all of our RSS feeds should be functioning now, but they note that many RSS readers do not well tolerate the kind of switcheroo we had to do. If you're still having problems, unsubscribe again from all of your Massively feeds and try resubbing one more time. I can tell you that I am using Google Reader and stopped having problems a few days ago. If you need to resub to specific feeds, this will help: for the writers, visit the individual pages on our team portal; for columns and features, hop over to our columns list; and for specific games, click on your chosen game in the games list for a category with a feed button.

There's more behind the cut... follow along!

Continue reading Update to the Massively makeover

MassivelyUpdate to the Massively makeover originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bug-reportbugscode-of-conductcommentcommenterscommentingcommentsfeedbackjoystiqmassivelymassively-metaredesignregistrationrssrss feedsrss-feedRssFeedsMon, 13 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you join a Massively Guild?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-join-a-massively-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-join-a-massively-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-join-a-massively-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guilds and groups spawning from website communities is nothing new, and here at Massively we've created a number of groups for our readers to join. To start with, there's the Massively Mob Steam group that readers can join to get updates on events. Long-time writer and Community Manager Rubi Bayer also runs the Massively Overpowered guild in Guild Wars and the OnedAwesome guild in Dungeons and Dragons Online. For our Choose My Adventure series, fans even set up groups for Fallen Earth and Lord of the Rings Online.

Most recently, we started the Massively Mob corporation in EVE Online, a small group intent on giving newer EVE players a helping hand and older players a group to mentor. Almost 100 readers have joined so far, and a flood of players have been hanging out in the official "Massively" channel to lend a hand.

A good guild or group can make an MMO much more enjoyable than going it alone. A Massively guild comes with the added advantage of playing with people who write guides and articles on your favourite MMO, not to mention the inevitable events and articles about the guild's in-game shenanigans. Some of the Massively crew have been considering starting more groups in popular MMOs, including a potential new Lord of the Rings Online kinship if there's enough interest. Would you like to see a Massively guild or group in your favourite MMO, and would you join one if it started up?

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: Would you join a Massively Guild? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eveeve-onlineguildguildsmassivelymassively-metamassively-mobmassively-mob-corpthe-daily-grindSat, 04 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Week in Review: Mutability]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/week-in-review-mutability/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/week-in-review-mutability/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/week-in-review-mutability/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on the site and then present them all in one convenient place. Miss a big story last week? Curious about what's going on next door at our sister site, WoW Insider? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

To hear some of you folks tell it, our new website redesign made you blind -- not even goggles and a tank could protect you from the horrors of something so unspeakable and rare as a white website. Hopefully, you're finding ways to cope as our rollout continues and our tech gurus continue mopping up the (many, many) bugs. We're going to be focused on using our new site tools to bring you even better content... and that's why you were here all along, right guys? Guys?!

Join me past the break for a look at this week's other top stories!

Continue reading Week in Review: Mutability

MassivelyWeek in Review: Mutability originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massivelymassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 28 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

At the end of last week's article on preparing for EVE Online's Incursion expansion, I mentioned that part of our expansion preparation here at Massively would involve opening a Massively corporation in the game. This is something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the time to properly launch. I've been running the Pillowsoft corporation in EVE for the past six years or so, during which time the corp has been involved in almost every major game expansion. In two and a half years of the EVE Evolved column, I've had countless readers ask to join my corporation and have had to turn them all down.

With Incursion rapidly approaching and Pillowsoft's latest wormhole expedition coming to an end, we now have the perfect opportunity to start a proper Massively corporation. In addition to providing financial help and some solid guidance to newer EVE players, the corp will be running frequent contests and event nights for any readers who want to participate. If you don't want to leave your current corporation but still want to hang out with other Massively readers and take part in our contests and events, don't worry. We also have an option just for you!

In this week's EVE Evolved, I introduce the EVE Online Massively Mob and explain how you can get involved.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentagentsccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfreemassivelymassively-mobmassively-mob-corpmissionmission-runningmissionsmobsecurityshipsSun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't panic -- Massively's getting a makeover! [Update #5]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/dont-panic-massivelys-getting-a-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/dont-panic-massivelys-getting-a-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/dont-panic-massivelys-getting-a-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blizzard isn't the only team around preparing for a cataclysm. The perceptive among you might have noticed a few subtle changes around Massively today and wondered what was going on. Is it the end times?!

Nope! In fact, we have exciting news! Tonight (Monday, November 22nd) and continuing through the week, we'll be rolling out our brand-new site. That's right, folks: Massively's getting a much-deserved facelift meant to bring the site in line with our community's needs and position us a bit more prominently alongside our sister site, Joystiq. We'll not only be easier on the eyes but easier to navigate, and best of all, we'll have a new and improved login and comment system. Rejoice! We'll get a new URL too -- massively.joystiq.com -- although www.massively.com will continue to redirect just fine to all the content you love, old and new.

Over the next week, Massively might be a little bit weird as our Gnomish Engineers scramble to get a site of this size into its new outfit, so please bear with us while we tinker. Just to quell any remaining fears -- we're not closing down, we've not been bought out, and we're not selling out to corporate overlords. We've always been part of the Joystiq network; it's just going to be a bit more obvious now. The same bloggers will still be bringing you the same MMO posts and features as before. We're just going to look a whole lot more stylish doing it. We'll keep you posted as the rollout continues!

[Ongoing updates are behind the cut! Last update was at 11:05 a.m. EST on Wednesday, November 24th. -Bree]

Continue reading Don't panic -- Massively's getting a makeover! [Update #5]

MassivelyDon't panic -- Massively's getting a makeover! [Update #5] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeverybody-panic-anywayfeedbackfruit-rollupjoystiqmassivelymassively-metanew-sitepardon-our-dustredesignrolloutsite-rollouttip-us-makes-bree-declare-idiom-abusewebsiteMon, 22 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Three years of Massively: A few of our favorite things]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/three-years-of-massively-a-few-of-our-favorite-things/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/three-years-of-massively-a-few-of-our-favorite-things/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/three-years-of-massively-a-few-of-our-favorite-things/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Three years ago today, Massively cartwheeled into the MMO blogosphere, providing fresh fields on which its writers could ruminate (and a credible reason for its editors to go prematurely grey). If you don't remember those earliest days, it's probably because you were too busy "actually gaming" to "read about gaming." But if you're here reading this now, then you understand the unavoidable, irresistible lure of the gaming meta and why we writers do what we do (protip: it's really, really not for the money).

To commemorate the occasion of our having existed three whole years without being thanklessly defenestrated, dethroned, or otherwise decommissioned, we asked the Massively staff members to reminisce about their past articles and offer up their favorite posts from the site for your amusement. Join us after the break for a retrospective of our very best work -- funny, sad, ranty, weird. Then hit the comments and let us know which of our posts really made a splash for you this year.

Happy birthday, Massively! Let's eat internet cake!

Continue reading Three years of Massively: A few of our favorite things

MassivelyThree years of Massively: A few of our favorite things originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaybirthday-2010birthdayscolumnsfavoritesfeaturedmassivelymassively-birthdaymassively-metametaopinionTue, 02 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Three years of coffee talk]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-daily-grind-three-years-of-coffee-talk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-daily-grind-three-years-of-coffee-talk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-daily-grind-three-years-of-coffee-talk/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Three years! Three years we've been here at Massively, talking about all manner of things! Speaking as someone who has been here from the start, it's all been like butter. Like butter, I tell you! Along the way, every morning, we've gotten up, grabbed our coffee and enjoyed some coffee talk here on The Daily Grind. From simple questions about things like favorite music in MMOs to more in-depth discussion about systems, lore, character development, and more, we've given you over a thousand different topics so you could talk amongst yourselves -- like now, when we're a little verklempt.

There. OK. It's passed.

This morning, we thought it would be fun to give you the chance to ask us (and of course, the other Massively readers) something in honor of our third birthday as a site. Ever wanted to know what a day in the Massively virtual offices is like? Does Shawn really have a post-apocalyptic costume? Does Eliot randomly say "kupo?" If you've got burning questions, we've got answers. Just leave them in the box below, bubeleh... and you know... we'll talk.
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: Three years of coffee talk originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaybirthday-2010hopefully-snl-has-a-sense-of-humor-and-doesnt-sue-usmassivelyquestionssillytdgthe-daily-grindthird-birthdayTue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As a reader of Massively, you should have a pretty good idea what MMORPG means. Not just what it stands for, but what it feels like, looks like, and behaves like. The problem is, despite common definitions, the games keep coming in different shapes and sizes -- and from all over the world. While I receive many comments about the Western coverage that Massively features, I would only be doing half my job if I reported on only the latest half a dozen games to break the multi-million-dollar budget mark in America.

The world is a smaller place, especially now. And across the world there are MMORPGs that are being played and enjoyed in many different ways. There are PvP games, games that place players into instance after instance with only a handful of other players, all while offering the potential to hang out with thousands of other people. Is an instanced combat game still an MMO? How about a game like Mabinogi, which maintains a persistent world, but is broken into several invisible channels for players to skip in to and out of?

This is impossible, but I think I will try to define exactly what MMO means -- now, in this current market.

Continue reading Free for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean?

MassivelyFree for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandefining-mmosdefinitionsfeaturedfree-for-allfriends-listguild-warslarpmabinogimassivemassivelymassively-multiplayermassively-multiplayer-onlinemassively-multiplayer-online-gamemassively-multiplayer-online-gamesmmommorpgmobile-gamesmultiplayerphonesreal-liferoleplayroleplayingsocializationsocializingtechnologyterminologywesternWed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Better to have gamed and lost]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/wrup-better-to-have-gamed-and-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/wrup-better-to-have-gamed-and-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/wrup-better-to-have-gamed-and-lost/#commentsFiled under:

Unhappy Jedi and Friend by zayzayem on Flickr, used under CC license
Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the Massively team and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" (Otherwise known as: WRUP!) Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game -- and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

This week has been crazy hectic -- both in the MMO world and in general. We've seen the news that Earth Eternal is likely heading for shutdown, listened to a lot of unhappy people talking about Star Wars: The Old Republic's space being on-rails, seen a handful of the ArenaNet team jump ship to Undead Labs, and more. Of course, all of this was eclipsed by the insane story of the week about an EVE Online player who had loaded 74 PLEX into his Kestrel, and was summarily podded by two pirates in Jita. While the pirate pair didn't get to keep those 74 PLEX, they do get bragging rights for the pod heard 'round the world -- at least until someone does something crazier, anyway.

Inspired by that news story, we decided to ask the team what the biggest thing they've ever lost was in an MMO. Join us behind the break for not only what we're playing, but what we've lost over the course of gaming. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know about your biggest in-game loss too!

Continue reading WRUP: Better to have gamed and lost

MassivelyWRUP: Better to have gamed and lost originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-itemLostmassivelymassively-metaopinionwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 14 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively introduces premium membership services]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/massively-introduces-premium-membership-services/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/massively-introduces-premium-membership-services/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/massively-introduces-premium-membership-services/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're reading this now, chances are, you're a fan of Massively.com. We want to make sure your experience here is as deep and customizable as possible. For this reason, some important changes will be coming to Massively starting tomorrow.

With more advertising space and less post text on the front page, your eyes won't be bogged down with confusing layout issues. And with our new Premium Services shop, you get to choose the features you want on the site. Custom content for the next generation of gaming journalism!

These changes promise to bring more exclusive content, more hard-hitting interviews and more chances for you to express yourself through the Massively community. Follow along after the jump for more information on the new Massively.com!

Continue reading Massively introduces premium membership services

MassivelyMassively introduces premium membership services originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbreakingitem-shopmassivelymassively-metapremium-servicesThu, 01 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively's own Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster will be appearing on Internet television today at 12pm PST live from GDC 2010. That's right, Gamebreakr with Gary Gannon is going to do a live streaming web show and this particular blogger thinks it'll be worth catching -- even if only so Shawn knows that countless people are staring at him while he's on air.

Actually, the show's had plenty of interesting people from the gaming realm on already including CCP's Nathan Richardsson, President of SOE John Smedley and Christina Norman of BioWare. And, as our leader extraordinaire, Shawn will most definitely make for an interesting guest. We can't wait to see it!

[Edit: see the recorded video after the jump]

Continue reading GDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV

MassivelyGDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareccpchristina-normangamebreakrgdc-2010gdc10john-smedlymassivelynathan-richardssonshawn-schustersoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOrigins: Life's funny like that, page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that-page-2/#commentsContinue reading MMOrigins: Life's funny like that, page 2

MassivelyMMOrigins: Life's funny like that, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amigablizzardccpcomputer-sciencedungeons-and-dragonseaElectronic-Artseliteeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifrontiergame-designjagexmassivelynyphuroceanprogrammingrunescapesocialsocialisingteam17universityFri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOrigins: Life's funny like that]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mmorigins-lifes-funny-like-that/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We all got started gaming somewhere. For a lot of people, it was the Sega Mega-drive, the Atari 2600 or the NES that signaled their first steps into gaming. For me, it was the Commodore Amiga, a machine that was more a complete home computer than a games console. It was on the Amiga that groups like Team 17, Ocean, Electronic Arts and Blizzard first really made their mark on gaming and it was a great time of innovation in the industry. I recall long nights spent playing Frontier: Elite II, scooping hydrogen fuel from the corona of a star or wormholing into deep space. Another favourite that I still play occasionally was K240, an early space 4x game and still one of the best I've ever played.

It was the public domain market on the Amiga that really caught my attention. It's one thing to play a game, but here was the opportunity to make one and sell it via a page in CU Amiga magazine or a PD order disk. I've always been more interested in making games than playing them but being young with no programming experience, I was limited in what I could do. I tooled endlessly with the "Shoot 'em up Construction Kit" and "Reality Game Creator" packages, making countless primitive prototype games that only I ever played.

Continue reading MMOrigins: Life's funny like that

MassivelyMMOrigins: Life's funny like that originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amigablizzardccpcomputer-sciencedungeons-and-dragonseaElectronic-Artseliteeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfrontiergame-designjagexmassivelynyphuroceanprogrammingrunescapesocialsocialisingteam17universityFri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: Have your say]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/redefining-mmos-have-your-say/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/redefining-mmos-have-your-say/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/redefining-mmos-have-your-say/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Back in July, we started our Redefining MMOs series of articles to explore how the MMO genre has been redefined during the current generation of games and where it's headed in the next. Each of us here at Massively contributed our own unique perspectives on various topics, from those first articles on the terminology we use to refer to MMOs and the importance of lore to the latest article where developers weighed in with their opinions. Developers from several major MMO development studios discussed the term "MMO", what they think it means now and whether it's time for a new word. It's been an exciting series of articles for us to write and we hope you've enjoyed reading it.

Many of you have already been inspired to comment on the articles and discuss your views on each topic. Your comments have given us a great deal of cause for thought and before we wrap up this popular series, we'd love to hear more of your thoughts. If you've ever wanted to get your opinions on the MMO genre in the spotlight, this is your chance. Simply write your own Redefining MMOs article on your own blog or website and drop the link in the comments. We'll announce our favourite reader submission next week and give them pride of place in next week's final wrap-up article.

Skip past the cut for our full submission guidelines.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: Have your say

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: Have your say originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogcompetitioncontestfeaturedmassivelyopinionredefining-mmosThu, 01 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Hello, Aion edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/wrup-hello-aion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/wrup-hello-aion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/wrup-hello-aion-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Another week culminates in another weekend. And with the launch of both Aion and Fallen Earth this week, it's a busy one! The problem, as always, comes down to countless available MMOs and only 24 hours in a day. So what's a gaming blogger to do? There are tough choices that need to be made. So, for the curious, here's what the Massively team is playing this weekend:

  • Brendan Drain (@nyphur): Having spent much of this week in EVE Online preying mercilessly on miners in wormhole space, I plan to take a break from piracy to make a little ISK. I'll be blitzing some class 5 sleeper anomalies with a few buddies using a new strategy that combines remote armor repair ships with energy transfers and ECM. Other than that I'll be catching up on some reading and getting some hours in on a game design project.

Continue reading WRUP: Hello, Aion edition

MassivelyWRUP: Hello, Aion edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massivelywhat-are-you-playingwurpSat, 26 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW.com posts coming to Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/wow-com-posts-coming-to-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/wow-com-posts-coming-to-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/wow-com-posts-coming-to-massively/#commentsFiled under: ,


You may have noticed that Massively doesn't talk very much about World of Warcraft. Even though it's the biggest MMO on the block, our friends at WoW.com cover it so comprehensively that it seems silly for us to duplicate their efforts. But WoW is an MMO too, and it only makes sense to talk about it when there's news. So, from here on out, we'll be co-opting WoW.com's coverage when appropriate. When you see a post on Massively that says "WoW.com" in the upper left (as in the image above) with an unfamiliar writer's name -- that means you're seeing a post directly from our WoW-centric sister site! It should look and feel the same to you, dear reader, but if you head off to comment, be advised that you'll be leaving Massively for WoW.com, where the WoW fans outnumber the rest of us. You'll be able to comment with your existing Massively account, but tread with caution!

MassivelyWoW.com posts coming to Massively originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardmassivelyworld-of-warcraftwowwow.comThu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Become a fan of Massively, win cool stuff]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/become-a-fan-of-massively-win-cool-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/become-a-fan-of-massively-win-cool-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/become-a-fan-of-massively-win-cool-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're a fan of this website -- and I mean seriously, who isn't? -- then we have a special new group for you. Our brand new Facebook fan page has been created, and we want you to be a part of it!

Why should you join this group? Simple: free stuff and exclusives! As a fan of our Facebook page (not to be confused with our Facebook group), you'll get special beta keys, in-game item codes and other offers earlier than anyone else! We'll also be able to alert you to special exclusives and discussions aside from what goes on in the comments of this website.

Head on over to this link to join the fan page and thanks for being a fan!

MassivelyBecome a fan of Massively, win cool stuff originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusivesfacebookfangiveawaysmassivelyThu, 25 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Global Agenda impressions, continued]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agena-impressions-continued/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agena-impressions-continued/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agena-impressions-continued/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

My "Engineer" equipped, we ran over to the PvE mission master, grabbed a mission, and then got a cinematic of a dropship taking off and landing in the zone. After a little experimentation with the force fields and turrets (Robotics characters put down a marker which then needs to be repaired up to full strength with a special weapon), we dropped into the building, and were instantly confronted with some Star Wars-style droid robots. With the character at mid-level already, they were a little tougher than beginners will find, so at first, when we tried just a straightforward assault with the "flubber" gun, they got the better of us. But after a short delay (death brings just a few seconds' respawn time, and then you can respawn and warp back into the battle through a respawn beacon), we went back into the fray, and when we used our special skills (put up a one-way forcefield and created a turret and a robotic pet to help us fight), we finished off the robots (including a "worker," who served to bring in reinforcements and had to be taken down first, and a bigger ED209-esque boss robot).

Next up, we tried jumping in to some PvP. Players in Global Agenda will be able to level up via either PvE or PvP -- PvE missions will accept 1-4 players, and while the enemies may be the same (though Harris said they were experimenting with putting players in at different spawn points or switching up enemy spawns a little bit to give the levels some more variety), they'll scale in difficulty depending how many friends you bring along. PvP missions are more common shooter settings (Attack and Defend, Capture the Flag, Escort), though sometimes with a special twist: The CTF maps are actually "capture the robot," where the flag is actually a giant mech that players need to jump in and return to their side to score.

This time, we specced a medic together, and saw a few of the different ways you can play that class: you can make it very much like a TF2 medic with just a single target healing gun, or go with a chain-healing gun (that can hit multiple targets with the tradeoff of being weaker), or you can choose a "nanite" weapon, which hits with single shots rather than a channeling stream, and provides a heal over time when they hit. All weapons and abilities are governed by an energy stat, which works like mana in other MMOs -- there's no ammo, so if you have energy, you can fire, otherwise you'll have to seek cover and rest. Lower level guns can be fired indefinitely, but more powerful guns have a rate of fire just limited by how much energy you use with each shot.

Turns out our medic did pretty well -- not only did we keep up some friendly players in the Attack and Defend map, but with the medic's boost ability (all classes also build up "boost" as they play, and when you fill that meter, you can use a special move that usually affects the whole team, very much like Call of Duty 4's perks), we laid down some great AoE healing that turned us into a pretty powerful force on our own, too. PvP was actually lots of fun -- given that the game is still in alpha, it wasn't completely balanced yet, but the feeling of a good shooter is there: we took attack points, Robotics turrets defended until they were overpowered, medics held up tanks through enemy assaults, and Recon characters snuck around with stealth and tried backstabbing with melee.

But while the action is in a good place, the rest of the world still needs work. Harris says that outside of battle, there will be similarly instanced social areas to go through, but the places we saw were still pretty generic: you can visit mission givers, buy armor in an auction house, and buy dye to customize that armor, but otherwise the social areas were pretty lifeless. There were still people running around -- the game is currently in an alpha, and is starting up a closed beta this summer -- but there's no open world, no place to watch matches in action, and no real social mechanics to tie people together. At the highest levels of the game, the world depends on huge guilds working as a team: players will be competing for hundreds of different maps to try and advance their Global Agenda (see what we did there?). But while there will be a pickup matchmaking system in place, with no open world, it'll be interesting to see how players find each other. A little social boost might go a long way.

But other than that, Global Agenda is shaping up well -- Hi Rez is doing a great job of mixing in some uncommon influences and combining them with the persistent MMO genre. We'll definitely be on the lookout for the beta later this year.

MassivelyE3 2009: Global Agenda impressions, continued originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlesglobal-agendagunshands-onhi-rezhi-rez-studiosinstancedmassivelymmopcpvpsci-fishootertodd-harrisWed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Global Agenda is coming right along nicely -- we last saw the game in action at GDC, and today at E3, executive producer Todd Harris was nice enough to sit down and show us a never-before-seen part of the game: PvE gameplay.

We started off by checking out the character creator, which has come along quite a bit. They've built a very in-depth face creator -- there are about eight or ten different factors to switch between (eyes, mouth, and so on), and for each one, there are seven or eight sliders to adjust and tweak. Which allows for quite a few different variations, as you might imagine. Hair and skin color can also be edited, but Harris told us that body shape will generally be determined by the armor you wear (which is more or less determined by the class you choose).

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out
Massively is on the ground in Los Angeles this week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.

Continue reading E3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris

MassivelyE3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostclassese3-2009engineerglobal-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosmassivelymedicreconroboticsscoutshooterskillsteam-fortress-2third-persontodd-harrisWed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Team: Kyle Horner]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/meet-the-team-kyle-horner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/meet-the-team-kyle-horner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/meet-the-team-kyle-horner/#commentsFiled under: ,


Once a week our writers will give you a glimpse into their lives, to let you get to know them and the characters they play a little better. Click here to read more Meet the Team.

What do you do for Massively.com?

As a news monkey - aka blogger -- I'm responsible for rubbing two neurons together in my head and making posts. In addition to that, I also put together a weekly column, The Digital Continuum. That's my regular thing, but you'll probably see interviews or other forms of one-off features on the site from me as well. And I'm also the fellow who puts together those nifty little images you see along the right of the website.

Massively is more or less a full-time thing for me, and I love every minute of it. Well, expect when we're electroshocked. That part stings.

Gallery: Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Tim DaleMeet the Team: Jon ShuteMeet the Team: Lemuel PewMeet the Team: Lesley SmithMeet the Team: James Egan

Continue reading Meet the Team: Kyle Horner

MassivelyMeet the Team: Kyle Horner originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocblizzardbruce-campbellcity-of-heroescohcoxcrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xifuncomkyle-hornermassivelymeet-the-teammythic-entertainmentncsoftplaystation-3ps3square-enixwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftxbox-360Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 45]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-45/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-45/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-45/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 45 returns this week as a one-on-one interview with Glen "Famine" Swan, Funcom's Community Manager for Anarchy Online and Age of Conan. Shawn and Glen chat about the newest content patch introduced recently for AoC, as well as community management in general.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to Massively Speaking via the Zune service.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[Digg] Like the show? Digg it.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
[VW] Listen at VirginWorlds.com
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 45

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 45 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccommunity-managementcommunity-managerfaminefeaturedfuncomglen-swanjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastpodcastsWed, 04 Mar 2009 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 45Massively.com Staff42:21podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 44]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-44/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-44/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-44/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 44 is our first Michael-less show where Shawn and Kyle Horner discuss the week in MMO news. There are discussions of GW2, Jumpgate Evolution's June launch date, Star Trek Online's starship customization, our impressions of Darkfall and much more!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to Massively Speaking via the Zune service.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[Digg] Like the show? Digg it.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
[VW] Listen at VirginWorlds.com
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 44

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 44 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastWed, 25 Feb 2009 11:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 44Massively.com Staff61:23podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 43]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-43/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-43/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-43/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 43 is just Shawn and Michael this episode as we discuss the week in MMO news and Michael's special announcement regarding the podcast. There's also talk of WAR's newest events, Fallen Earth's beta, our tour of Atlantica Online and much more. Plus, we thought we'd have a bit of fun at the end of this one with some Q&A based on our popular morning feature: The Daily Grind.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to Massively Speaking via the Zune service.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[Digg] Like the show? Digg it.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
[VW] Listen at VirginWorlds.com
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 43

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 43 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastWed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 43Massively.com Staff45:31podcasts<![CDATA[WRUP: Who isn't playing EVE edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/wrup-who-isnt-playing-eve-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/wrup-who-isnt-playing-eve-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/wrup-who-isnt-playing-eve-edition/#commentsFiled under:

EVE Online
It seems there's been some excitement in EVE Online this week. At the dawn of the week, everyone was talking about the PVP tournament assassination and by the end of the week everyone had something to say about Band of Brothers disbanding. The end result? More of your Massively staff are in EVE this week than any other game.

  • Brendan Drain: This weekend I'll be preparing a plan on what to do in EVE when the next expansion hits in March and watching the BoB drama unfold. I'll also be going to an all-nighter LAN party on Saturday to celebrate someone's birthday, too, which should be fun. Oh, and I finally hit level 60 on my Bruiser "Mailea" in EverQuest 2. \o/
  • Colin Brennan: Final Fantasy XI has my attention this weekend. Getting my friend up to level 10 so we can go hit Valkurm Dunes together. Then, later in the weekend, getting to level 77 in World of Warcraft.
  • James Egan: With all the drama in EVE Online this week, I'll probably be glued to that game, plus the Alliance PvP Tournament is being streamed in live video this weekend. Anything else I do will involve a Spy, a butterfly knife, and Team Fortress 2. Maybe killing zombies as well.
  • Krystalle Voecks: I'll be offline for most of the weekend myself between homework, projects and a date with my other half to go see Coraline. If I do get a moment to game, I'll probably stick with console games since I don't get sucked into those as long.
  • Kyle Horner: Since everyone I know seems to be downloading the EVE Online client, I'm tempted to eschew MMOs this weekend and play Aurora Feint on my iPhone. It's either that, or I pretend like I'm playing Jumpgate Evolution
  • Michael Zenke: I'm going to play this awesome game called Packing to Move Across the Country (Multiplayer Edition). It has a pretty low Metacritic score but I'm feeling obligated to try to ding a few levels just the same.
  • William Dobson: Coming home from interstate this weekend. After the joys of travel are over, I will probably get back into a bit of Vanguard, and perhaps even venture over to my growing (and already huge) stack of plastic-sealed console games and try to knock at least one off the "to-play" list.
So, dear readers, that's what we're playing. But what are you playing this weekend?

MassivelyWRUP: Who isn't playing EVE edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobeq2eve-onlineeverquest-2final-fantasy-xijumpgate-evolutionmassivelyteam-forteress-2vanguardwhat-are-you-playingworld-of-warcraftwrupSat, 07 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 42]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-42/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-42/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-42/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 42 has a lot of information all about WAR! Appropriate, since joining us this week is Massively.com's newest blogger, Brooke Pilley. A writer on the Greenskin blog, Brooke brings a bevy of Warhammer Online knowledge to the podcasting booth and, along with Shawn and Michael, offers up a great deal of insight into the recent expansion announcement. That and a whole lot more await you in this episode!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 42

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 42 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastwarhammer-onlineWed, 04 Feb 2009 10:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 42Massively.com Staff42:53podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 41]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-41/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-41/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-41/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 41 continues our great tradition of inviting in podcasters from beyond the walls of Massively! John "Shuttler" Nicholson of the Limited Edition superhero MMO/comics podcast joins Shawn and Michael for talk of all the day's MMO news! Come along with us as we chat about WoW's 3.0.8 'disaster' patch, our recent feature on Free Realms, and the upcoming Warhammer events that must not be named! Tune in for the commentary, the laughs, and a bit of information along the way.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 41

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 41 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastWed, 28 Jan 2009 11:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 41Massively.com Staff53:52podcasts<![CDATA[The week in Massively features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/the-week-in-massively-features/#commentsFiled under: ,

Every week we take a bit of time to reflect. To look back on the last week's worth of content on Massively.com, and applaud the hard work of Massively bloggers. Read on below as we highlight the best original content posted to the site. You might want to shout at your monitor, or you might be thrilled by an upcoming game you've never heard of. You might laugh at us, or you might find a new favorite blogger. Either way, you'll find something you won't regret reading this week in Massively features.
Checking in on Free Realms, just months away from Beta!
Join us as we talk about their Diablo-style combat, their deep pet system, the role of innovation in 'kiddie' games, and a bit about their extensive collections system. We'll even get a sense of when Beta for this novel project will begin! Read on through below the cut for the full details.
Massively interviews Champions Online's lead designer
Massively recently had the chance to speak with Champions Online's intrepid lead designer, Randy Mosiondz. Topics included are the game's unique brand of action-combat (and how it differs from other games), a substantial achievement system, new mission structure and even what new and exciting travel powers would be featured come launch time.
Anti-Aliased: The Darkfall prophecies
Darkfall. Everyone talks about it. Our mailboxes get flooded with requests about it. Comments regarding the game are both frothingly energetic and intensely angry. Just writing a piece about it can get a writer wacked.
Checking in with Warhammer Online
It's been a while since Warhammer Online was released and in that time we've seen a lot of crazy stuff happen. Namely, Wrath of the Lich King launched, became the fastest selling PC game of all time and rocketed World of Warcraft into an even high number of subscriptions.
Massively's EVE Online new player guide
In the past few months, the column has been aimed at informing new and prospective players about the varied world of New Eden and giving them the helping hand they deserve in getting started. In this handy wrap-up (or should I say warp-up?) article, I've collected all of the articles aimed at new and prospective players into a set of handy clickable image links.

Continue reading The week in Massively features

MassivelyThe week in Massively features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinedarkfalleve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsmassivelywarhammer-onlineweek-in-mv-featuresSun, 25 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq announces conglomeration of subsites, new site look]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/joystiq-announces-conglomeration-of-subsites-new-site-look/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/joystiq-announces-conglomeration-of-subsites-new-site-look/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/joystiq-announces-conglomeration-of-subsites-new-site-look/#commentsFiled under:


Massively's big-sister site, Joystiq, is undergoing some pretty impressive changes. They're getting an all-new site look and a bunch of tech upgrades. More dramatic than that is their announcement that the console-specific 'Fanboy' websites are going to be merged with the central Joystiq URL. Xbox 360 Fanboy, for example, will become xbox.joystiq.com. I'll reiterate what Chris has to say about this here, that this is not the result of cutbacks, rollbacks, required layoffs, or anything of that nature. This is purely about making Joystiq a better site with an eye towards the future. Check out the full extent of the site's plans in Chris's post, or listen in on the latest edition of the Joystiq podcast so that Luddy, Chris, and Justin can explain it to you.

From our side of things, Massively isn't going to be changing one bit as a result of this decision. Massively and our fellow bloggers at WoW Insider and Big Download have different sets of plans, ones we're really excited to be working towards. If you've come to enjoy Massively's take on the world of MMO gaming, worry not: we're not going anywhere.

MassivelyJoystiq announces conglomeration of subsites, new site look originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqmassivelyultrastiqSat, 24 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 40]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-40/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-40/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-40/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 40 marks yet another milestone in the Massively Speaking archives, as Shawn and Michael tackle another week's worth of news. We've got launches, launch dates, staff cuts, business moves, and much much more. Plus tune in to hear our views on government intervention in our virtual spaces. All this and more on the fortieth episode of Massively Speaking.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 40

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 40 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastsWed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 40Massively.com Staff36:07podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 39]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-39/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-39/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-39/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 39 suffers from a British Invasion! Shawn and Michael are joined this week by Tim Dale and Jon Shute of the Van Hemlock podcast and website. News of all sorts is discussed, from the Conan server closings to the dismal (or not) state of MMO gaming last year. Join in on the conversation below, drop us a review in iTunes, but listen in for a 'cracking good' Massively Speaking.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 39

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 39 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastsWed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 39Massively.com Staff56:32podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 38]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-38/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-38/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-38/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 38 returns to form with a trio of podcasters talking all the MMO news from the just-past holiday. Shawn Schuster, Colin Brennan, and Michael Zenke gab about the Worlds.com lawsuit, the Turbine Microtransaction Manager position, a bit about the Keg End holiday, and mull the new content coming to one of EQ2's oldest zones. Tune in to get the full skinny on the last few weeks worth of news!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 38

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 38 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastWed, 07 Jan 2009 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 38Massively.com Staff44:41podcasts<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 37]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-37/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-37/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-37/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 37 is a quiet little show with just Shawn and Michael. For the last Massively Speaking of the year, we thought we'd talk about the year just past and gab a little bit about what we hope is coming down the pipe. Join us for a retrospective/prognostication episode of Massively.com's companion podcast.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 37

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 37 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymassively-speakingpodcastyear-in-reviewWed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 37Massively.com Staff43:09podcasts