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[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-mythica/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-mythica/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-mythica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While Microsoft may be the big cheese when it comes to operating systems and worldwide domination, for whatever reason the company has the absolute worst of luck (or worst of decision-makers) when it comes to MMOs. Microsoft Game Studios has proven remarkably skittish when it approached the swimming pool of online RPGs, choosing to dip a toe into the water, give a girlie scream, and run away without taking the dive.

True Fantasy Live Online had a bumpy ride with the studio, Marvel Universe Online circled the drain faster than my morning shower, and the less said about its relationship with Vanguard's development, the better. But there was yet another aborted project that Microsoft jumped into -- and then back out of -- between 2003 and 2004, and in my opinion, it was the one the company should've stuck out to completion.

I remember when Microsoft first announced Mythica, because I thought "This is gonna be cool." Vikings, Norse mythology, gods made flesh, and a big-name studio funding limitless adventures. In the pre-World of Warcraft era, the field was wide open for a company to come up and rival Sony Online Entertainment for the crown, so why not this one? But... cold water, skittish toes, and another MMO kicked the bucket before it saw the light of its first day.

Take my hand (don't worry, I washed today) and we shall travel back to Ragnarök and beyond!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-waalkesbears-bears-bearsdemi-godfeaturedfourth-pillarghostbustersgodgodhoodmatt-wilsonmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmythicmythic-entertainmentmythicamythologynorsenorse-mythologyragnaroksoesony-online-entertainmenttrailertrue-fantasy-live-onlinevanguardvideovikingsworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 19 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE talks about the challenges of cross-platform gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In a recent article over at Gamasutra, Sony Online Entertainment's Executive Producer Matt Wilson explains some of the challenges they face with getting an MMO truly cross-platform. With the upcoming spy MMO The Agency being released on the PC and Playstation 3, they've run across some obstacles during development, but they're probably not the ones you'd expect.

Wilson explains that it's not so much a technological problem between the two platforms, it's more an issue of regular updates. On the open platform PC, developers can release immediate updates and patches to correct problems, balance game mechanics or introduce new content. On the closed platform console, they would need to go through a certification process first. This could cause quite a problem for a genre of gaming that lives and breathes by its regular, immediate updates.

MassivelySOE talks about the challenges of cross-platform gaming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformmatt-wilsonplaystation-3soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While at E3 2008, we had a great deal of time to talk to Matt Wilson, Executive Director of Development for SOE Seattle, the studio in charge of making the new MMOFPS title, The Agency. While we were sadly unable to procure the video they were showing at E3, we did manage to get oodles of pictures to help illustrate just what we were seeing. Join us now as we take you through Matt WIlson's walkthrough on this great upcoming title!

Matt Wilson: Back in the old days (which was like three years ago) we thought "hey, let's make an MMO that breaks the mold of MMOs." We had worked back in Microsoft on Asheron's Call and a variety of other games that were more geared towards the fantasy MMO space. So, we really wanted to break away from that. Our goal at the very beginning was also to attack the console as a primary platform. However, to really crack the console open, you have to design for the console. You can't just take a PC MMO and cram it onto the console.

Thus, we came up with an idea called The Agency. The whole inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. In all the places I've been, even internationally, everybody knows who James Bond is. It has that kind of broad appeal. It's easy for me to say "hey, what's your favorite Bond moment"; "what's a great villain that you can remember"; or "who was a femme fatale you liked?" All manner of things will come from off the top of your head when I ask those questions. So we figured if we put those elements in the game, players would be able to recognize the world right off the bat.

Continue reading E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer

MassivelyE308: Walking through The Agency's trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308matt-wilsonsoethe-agencywalkthroughSun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Espionage. Spies. High-tech weaponry. All of it sounds great to us, but what's the deal with the two factions in the upcoming Sony Online Entertainment title The Agency? We got a chance to talk to Matt Wilson at E3, who gave us all the news on how the two factions, ParaGON and UNITE are progressing through the alpha. We also asked about how these agencies will shake out in terms of cooperative (and not-so-cooperative) play.

So tell us a bit about the two sides for those who are unfamiliar with The Agency.

We have ParaGON and UNITE, red and blue -- well, orangish red -- and the idea behind it is kind of uptown versus downtown. It's Jack Daniels versus Grey Goose. It's the coolest gadgets versus duct-tape and bailing wire. It's the attitude you choose as a player when you come into the game.

ParaGON is more the mercenary for hire. They will work for anyone who can afford to pay them. UNITE is all about staying within a code of conduct, and working with the global authority. Eventually, they will wind up working together. We're hoping that the cross-faction game will bring in an interesting dynamic into play. We want to create areas where both factions really have to work together to solve problems.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions

MassivelyE308: A closer look at The Agency's factions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308governmentmatt-wilsonmercenaryparagonsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyuniteTue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We had a fantastic chance to talk with Matt Wilson about The Agency during E3. While a great deal of the footage they showed was largely identical to the footage we'd previously seen, many of Matt's insights about the direction they're taking The Agency in were quite illuminating. From PvP to operatives to vehicular combat and the eventual beta, Matt was generous enough with both his time and knowledge, and let us in on lots of great news and background.

If you've been hungry for more information on some of the different aspects of this upcoming game, be sure to join us after the break for a great overview on this hot upcoming SOE property.

Continue reading E308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency

MassivelyE308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barclubdeath-penaltye3-2008e308featuredfinancial-modeljoystiqfeaturesmatt-wilsonmicrotransactionmmofpsnew-titlesnpcpartyps3shootersoesoe-seattlesubscriptionthe-agencyvehicle-combatMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In our recent talk with Matt Wilson at E3, we were given a lot of really illuminating information about classes and guilds in the upcoming SOE title, The Agency. It would seem that the Agency crew is doing a very good job of listening to many of the frustrations of MMOG players, while taking the time to study popular games like Team Fortress 2. If you've been wondering about the different classes and abilities, as well as social structure in this upcoming MMOFPS, then you'll be interested to hear what's in the works.

Massively: What are the classes or archetypal roles in The Agency?

Matt Wilson: Our four primary classes are basically Combat, which is the ability to have weapons and have high defenses. Stealth, which is more of a high-DPS, sniper rifles and other things that you take into battle, [Undercover] Stealth which is very important, which is sneaking around and distractions. And finally, there's the Support classes like your Medics and Field Techs. Field Techs are about defense, turrets, other cool things like that. Medics are more about supporting the team, being able to support med stations while you're out in the field, heals, that kind of thing. Those are the general archetypes. Then we have specialties that fall out of those, allowing players to specialize further in each class.

Continue reading E308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes

MassivelyE308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agencyclassclassescombate3-2008e308featuredguildsjoint-agenciesmatt-wilsonrolesoesony-online-entertainmentstealthsupportteam-fortress-2TF2the-agencyundercoverMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Operatives and the in-game economy in The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-operatives-and-the-in-game-economy-in-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-operatives-and-the-in-game-economy-in-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-operatives-and-the-in-game-economy-in-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

As part of our long talk with Matt Wilson from SOE Seattle at E3, we got more information on operatives and the plans for the player-based economy coming in The Agency. As you may recall, there was a lot of confusion on just what type of a role operatives would play, based on the talk of RMT. As such, we were glad to get a chance to get some further information on just what the plans were for the in-game economy as well as a bit more on operatives.

Will there be some type of a player-based economy?

Yes. The economy is money and items, and alternately operatives. The way all these MMOs evolve it's the rare currency, whatever that rare currency is -- like 30 iron keys in Asheron's Call -- that ends up being the thing that players find important. Money ends up usually not being the factor when it comes to in-game economies. And so operatives are what is going to drive the economy in The Agency, because that is the rare system of collection. Once I have the Black Mamba card, and you want the Black Mamba card, then that's where the value in it is for a player. It's all about getting the fun and unique items that will help you play the game better.

Continue reading E308: Operatives and the in-game economy in The Agency

MassivelyE308: Operatives and the in-game economy in The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economyfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesliving-lootmatt-wilsonoff-line-playoperativesplayer-economysoesoe-seattlethe-agencytime-is-moneyMon, 21 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new videos of The Agency show more action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/two-new-videos-of-the-agency-show-more-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/two-new-videos-of-the-agency-show-more-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/two-new-videos-of-the-agency-show-more-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The more of The Agency we see, the more interested we get. G4's X-Play recently showed off two new videos featuring more in-depth looks at gameplay than we've gotten to see previously. In speaking with Director of Development Matt Wilson and Designer Hal Milton, we get to see glimpses of various elements, such as cool spy gadgets a la James Bond's Q, and how the Operatives can help you in your missions.

We've got both videos after the jump, and you'll find them in larger resolutions on G4's site.

[Thanks, Steven!]

Continue reading Two new videos of The Agency show more action

MassivelyTwo new videos of The Agency show more action originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g4gadgetshal-miltonjames-bondmatt-wilsonoperativesthe-agencyvideox-playTue, 20 May 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: SOE Seattle studio tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Our mission: infiltrate SOE's Seattle studio, obtain intel on The Agency, regale the awesomely hyperactive lead designer Hal Milton with questions from left field. Operatives were dispatched, urban primitive ladies were photographed, and foyer introductions were presided over by a really cool gun. Stay tuned for more news about living the life of an elite agent, and check out the gallery for tour photos featuring concept art from The Agency, giant robots, and a not-so-secret reveal.

Gallery: ION 08: SOE Seattle studio open house

MassivelyION 08: SOE Seattle studio tour originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhal-miltonIONion-2008ION08ION2008matt-wilsonSOESOE-Seattlestudio-tourthe-agencyThu, 15 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What do you want play more: The Agency or Warhammer Online?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ken Smith, writer for MSNBC's gaming section sure does crank out a bunch of Top 5 lists, some are ridiculously bad. In a more serious effort, The Agency is the only MMOG to rank on his "Top 5 Most Anticipated Games of 2008" list. Who cares, right? Tons do, well enough to say "your list sucks." Skimming through two hundred plus comments Warhammer Online received more votes than any other MMOG due to launch sometime this year. (Who knew MSNBC's gaming site was that popular?)

Tapping into Massively's metrics I can tell you that Warhammer Online easily beats out The Agency in the war for eyeballs, but you know what other MMOG beats it? If you guessed World of Warcraft, you're wrong. Second Life currently holds the top spot. Don't worry, we'll be posting more and more about Warhammer Online and The Agency, more so after both games launch.

As for the video above, if you've been keeping tabs on The Agency there isn't much new footage. Matt Wilson, the dev shown peddling the goods, claimed the team is still undecided on whether or not PS3 gamers will play with their PC counterparts on the same servers. John Smedley, SOE President, reiterated last month that it was unlikely given that it would give PC players an unfair advantage. Given the conflicting statements, I guess it's still up in the air, although, I'd go with Smed on this one. Smedley also reassured player accounts will be universal and not tied to a specific platform. As noted in the video, the game is still in alpha.

MassivelyWhat do you want play more: The Agency or Warhammer Online? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamythicjohn-smedleylistsmatt-wilsonplaystationps3soesonythe-agencyvideowarhammer-onlineSat, 08 Mar 2008 22:35:00 EST