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 Daily Grind: From start to finish in no time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-daily-grind-from-start-to-finish-in-no-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-daily-grind-from-start-to-finish-in-no-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-daily-grind-from-start-to-finish-in-no-time/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There is a grind. There is almost always a grind in any MMO, whether it be the real-time skill progression of EVE Online or the slow acquisition of deeds in Lord of the Rings Online. Conventional wisdom shows that the grind has to be there, that slowing progression is what keeps you playing, and removing it entirely would result in players leaving the game in short order.

Anyone who is having flashbacks to the state of MMOs in the heyday of EverQuest would not be entirely incorrect. After all, conventional wisdom at the time was that you had to force players to party early on, or no one would keep playing. More recent games have greatly streamlined the need for grouping, and the idea of being unable to solo to the level cap in most games is a thing of the past.

So, would you play a version of your favorite game that removed all of the grind? Would you keep coming back, day in and day out, if there was almost nothing grindy left? Or would you lose interest if the pacing was closer to a game like Mass Effect 2, where any level grinding is almost an afterthought?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: From start to finish in no time originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureeqeveeve-onlineeverquestgame-designgrindgrindinggroupinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromass-effect-2me2opinionrequirementstdgthe-daily-grindFri, 04 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What would you like streamlined?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-like-streamlined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-like-streamlined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-like-streamlined/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's not a secret that several bloggers around these parts are enjoying some quality time with Mass Effect 2, a game that's made a few ripples for massively streamlining the entire RPG experience. Superfluous elements like inventory management and sprawling urban areas are excised in favor of a clean yet satisfying sequence of events. On paper it almost sounds as if the game has been gutted, but in play it feels just as full as the last course.

On the flipside, Warhammer Online's streamlining of processes has more than a few people up in arms at the perceived depletion of the game's most interesting content. While we're all familiar (or hopefully familiar) with the basic design guideline of KISS, the argument is being made is that Warhammer Online is simplifying to the point where the fun parts of the game are obliterated.

Needless to say, there's a happy medium to be found, and we can all think of at least one aspect of a game that received some much-needed simplification. What part of your preferred game could do with a solid sweep to get rid of unnecessary complexity? Similarly, what complicated part of the game should remain like it is rather than be slimmed down?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What would you like streamlined? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keep-it-simple-stupidmass-effect-2me2simplifystreamlinestreamliningtdgthe-daily-grindwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic rumored for spring in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-rumored-for-spring-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-rumored-for-spring-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-rumored-for-spring-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A long time from now, in a game store probably not too far away... you might be getting your copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Well, all right, spring of 2011 might not be all that far along, but if you're one of the many eagerly looking forward to Bioware's entry into the MMO arena, it certainly feels like an eternity.

ShackNews has recently reported on a rumor that John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts, mentioned that they were looking forward to their next big MMO launch in spring of 2011 while discussing the company's financial outlook. Although he was cautious and stated they had not announced a launch date, he did mention that the team was making "great progress" toward that timeframe.

Obviously, the game was not specified by name, which does technically mean he could have been referring to another game. But unless they've secretly been developing Warhammer Online II: The Warhammering, in all likelihood we can expect to see Star Wars: The Old Republic early next year. Which might be good news if you're a Bioware fan anyway, since Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2 are making enough of a dent on your wallet this year.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic rumored for spring in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daodragon-age-originseaelectronic-artsJohn-riccitiellolaunch-rumorsmass-effect-2me2rumorsshacknewsspring-2011star-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-the-old-republic-launchswtorswtor-launchwarhammer-online-2-the-warhammeringMon, 11 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST