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[Nexon unveils Vindictus' EU website]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/nexon-unveils-vindictus-eu-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/nexon-unveils-vindictus-eu-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/nexon-unveils-vindictus-eu-website/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

European players eager to get their hands on Vindictus have a good reason to get pumped up today, as Nexon Europe has launched the Vindictus EU teaser site for the upcoming MMO regional release.

The gorgeous website boasts both English and German language options, has an overview of the game and characters, and is prepared to inject fans with screenshots, wallpapers and a rocking trailer to keep the excitement level high. Players looking to put in for extra credit may sign up for the game's newsletter and Facebook page as well.

Seeing as how incredibly popular Vindictus has been in both the Asian and North American markets, Europe should prepare to fall in love with the fast-paced action MMO. Vindictus will launch in Europe sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, and is prepared to make a splashy appearance at next month's Gamescom in Germany.

MassivelyNexon unveils Vindictus' EU website originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeextra-creditgamescomgermangermanymedianexonnexon-eunexon-europescreenshotsteaser-sitetrailervideovindictusvindictus-euvindictus-europewallpaperwebsiteFri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do cross-media tie-ins interest you?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/the-daily-grind-do-cross-media-tie-ins-interest-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/the-daily-grind-do-cross-media-tie-ins-interest-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/the-daily-grind-do-cross-media-tie-ins-interest-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Trion Worlds is taking on a big new project with Defiance, linking a television show's ongoing plot developments with an MMO. In many ways, this seems like an ideal mix -- players who care about the ongoing story can enjoy the show, and the rest of the time you can just play the game without being shoehorned into a developer's pre-scripted story. On the other hand, this also means that you know your player character is unlikely to be a major player in the game's storyline. You'll just be some guy (or girl) without any sort of major impact.

City of Heroes tried a similar tack with the comic book that launched with the game, showcasing several player characters in each issue and trying to marry an ongoing story with an MMO structure. Do you like the idea of tying together passive and active entertainment in this way? Are you excited to see how Defiance manages it? Or do you want your MMO's story contained within the MMO itself rather than tied to the needs of a television series?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do cross-media tie-ins interest you? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-mediaculturedefianceloremediaopinionstorysyfytdgthe-daily-grindtrion-worldstv-tie-inWed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Breaking into MMO gaming journalism pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/anti-aliased-breaking-into-mmo-gaming-journalism-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/anti-aliased-breaking-into-mmo-gaming-journalism-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/anti-aliased-breaking-into-mmo-gaming-journalism-pt-2/#commentsContinue reading Anti-Aliased: Breaking into MMO gaming journalism pt. 2

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Breaking into MMO gaming journalism pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliaseddo-you-love-video-gamesfeaturedfinding-a-jobgame-bloggergame-columnistgaming-journalismgetting-a-jobjob-helpjob-tipsmediaopiniontipsFri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Story moments in new Siege of Mirkwood screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online is well known for its story, which it has Tolkien's works to thank for -- although Turbine does a great job of making it all come alive. These new Siege of Mirkwood screens depict a few of the new epic story moments players can expect come December 1st when the expansion is made available for purchase.

From giant spiders to cozy campfires, much about these new screens inspire. Whether thick with peril or cool and mellow, Siege of Mirkwood looks set to offer its community wonders unparalleled. Yes, we're kind of rhyming on purpose. We blame the poetic imagery seen in the gallery below; its vistas both terrible and cold.

Gallery: LotRO: Siege of Mirkwood - Epic story moments

MassivelyStory moments in new Siege of Mirkwood screens originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionexpansionsgalleryimagelord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromediascreensscreenshotscrenshotssiege-of-mirkwoodsomstorytolkienturbineThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive screenshots from Jade Dynasty's upcoming "Ascension" expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/exclusive-screenshots-from-jade-dynastys-upcoming-ascension-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/exclusive-screenshots-from-jade-dynastys-upcoming-ascension-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/exclusive-screenshots-from-jade-dynastys-upcoming-ascension-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Perfect World Entertainment's Jade Dynasty really is a unique offering on the MMO market. We here at Massively have been covering it and commenting on it since we got to see it at E3, and we're always interested to hear more about the MMO that "plays itself." Well, the team at Jade Dynasty hasn't disappointed us and they've let us here at Massively check out some exclusive screenshots of their upcoming expansion, Ascension.

Ascension is opening up the path for players to become veritable gods, but it's also adding two new factions, a brand new race, realm versus realm PvP opportunities, aerial combat, and much more. We've also gotten the opportunity to sit down with Jade Dynasty's product manager, Andrew Brown, and talk with him about all of the gritty details in the next expansion. However, you'll have to wait until Monday to check out that interview.

In the meantime, check out these screenshots and concept art of the Divine Realm area, and come back on Monday to check out our exclusive interview about the future direction of Jade Dynasty.

Gallery: Jade Dynasty: Ascension Screenshots

MassivelyExclusive screenshots from Jade Dynasty's upcoming "Ascension" expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-brownascensionesperexclusiveinvigoratejade-dynastyjdmediaperfect-world-entertainmentpwescreenshotsskybladeFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New DCUO screens appear out of GamesCom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/new-dcuo-screens-appear-out-of-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/new-dcuo-screens-appear-out-of-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/new-dcuo-screens-appear-out-of-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


From the deep recesses of GamesCom comes the one threat that no one predicted. The arrival of... "them."

Yes, "they" have appeared. All eight of them. They've come marching out of the convention to media sites across the internet, seeking superheroic domination over the masses. They show images, amazing images, of things to come in our future. They are... screenshots!

Ok, so perhaps the screenshots don't deserve their own movie trailer, but they are quite impressive. DC Universe Online is shaping up to be quite a gorgeous game in its own right, and we've gotten eight more insights into the game. S.T.A.R. Labs is featured prominently in these shots, and we even have one of Batman facing off against the Joker.

Check out our gallery below, and be transfixed!

Gallery: GamesCom '09: DC Universe Online

MassivelyNew DCUO screens appear out of GamesCom originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmancolognedc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuogamescomgamescom-2009jokermediascreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-labsThu, 20 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ijji.com unleashes new screenshots for Huxley, Soul of the Ultimate Nation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/ijji-com-unleashes-new-screenshots-for-huxley-soul-of-the-ultim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/ijji-com-unleashes-new-screenshots-for-huxley-soul-of-the-ultim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/ijji-com-unleashes-new-screenshots-for-huxley-soul-of-the-ultim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Ijji.com sent us a whole slew of information about two of its upcoming titles to us today, and we figured that we should pass on the love. If you're looking forward to either Huxley: The Dystopia or Soul of the Ultimate Nation, you'll be happy to hear that we added 10 new screenshots of each to our galleries today. Huxley's screenshots show a few more battle scenes, including the scoped in view on one of their guns, while SUN has elected to show off some spectacular landscapes accompanied by some nice armors.

If that wasn't enough, we also have two trailers, one featuring gameplay and the other a pre-rendered video, for Soul of the Ultimate Nation, featuring the Shadow class, included in this post right after the break. The Shadow looks like one heck of a wicked rogue class, so take the leap across the break to see his high flying, fast running stunts that even put the Team Fortress scout to shame.

Gallery: Huxley: The Dystopia

Gallery: Soul of the Ultimate Nation

Continue reading Ijji.com unleashes new screenshots for Huxley, Soul of the Ultimate Nation

MassivelyIjji.com unleashes new screenshots for Huxley, Soul of the Ultimate Nation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgfree-to-playgameplayhuxleyhuxley-the-dystopiaijji.commediammofpsmmorpgscreenshotssoul-of-the-ultimate-nationsuntrailervideoTue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King will ship on DVD only]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-will-ship-on-dvd-only/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-will-ship-on-dvd-only/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-will-ship-on-dvd-only/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the most annoying things about installing World of Warcraft is that chances are your installer discs are in CD format, hence it's "discs" instead of "disc." That means you do a lot of swapping CDs out while installing the game. Okay, so that's obviously not a deal breaker, but it's still annoying. We have good news: both the Collector's and regular editions of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion will ship on DVD. Hurray! We already knew this about the Collector's Edition, but that the regular edition will too is good news.

Here's the bad news: they'll only ship on DVD. So if you're got a really, really old computer (and WoW will run on really, really old computers so you might), you'll be scat outta luck. That is, until a digital download version comes out. Inevitably it will, of course, but it probably won't be on day one. No Death Knight for you!

Thankfully, this is not 1997, so we imagine that only a very tiny minority of WoW players will be bothered. And if you are affected, go buy a DVD drive for 20 bucks, you cheapskate! We thought we'd give you the heads up just in case.

MassivelyWrath of the Lich King will ship on DVD only originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdcd-romcollectors-editiondigital-downloaddiscdvddvd-romexpansionmediaworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 27 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cute and scary glimpses from Florensia Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/cute-and-scary-glimpses-from-florensia-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/cute-and-scary-glimpses-from-florensia-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/cute-and-scary-glimpses-from-florensia-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Check out the above glimpse from Florensia Online's vast dungeons, dark secrets, horrifying monsters, sinister nightmares, and infernal bosses. Oh no, what will you do? Combine efforts and lead your band of cute and merry anime-inspired adventurers to victory of course! If you want to dare the impossible join the open beta that is underway.

In all seriousness, the Japanese import is free-to-play and will sustain development from a micro transaction "itemshop" model. Florensia does feature a somewhat unique leveling twist. The dual battle system gives players the freedom to choose if they want to level at land or at sea, as well as the ability to specialize in both areas of combat. The sea system is more difficult to master, but the catch is that sea based gameplay is unavoidable if you want to visit other islands. There's a new dungeon preview on the official website along with other news updates. If you thought the trailer was a bit cheesy and left you lingering for something like some ship action, there are several other official clips available.

If you're looking to download a copy and check it out, our sister site Big Download has the files waiting for you!

MassivelyCute and scary glimpses from Florensia Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asianasian-mmobetabetasflorensiaflorensia-onlinefree-to-playimportitemshopjapanese-mmogmediamicrotransactionmicrotransactionsnew-titlespiratereal-money-tradermtseabasedtrailersFri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/leadership-in-eve-online-applicable-to-real-world-ventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/leadership-in-eve-online-applicable-to-real-world-ventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/leadership-in-eve-online-applicable-to-real-world-ventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online has been getting increased mainstream media coverage. Recently the New York Times covered EVE's Council of Stellar Management (CSM) summit in Reykjavik, as well as the self-styled 'bad guy' alliance Band of Brother's initiative to annihilate their rivals in New Eden, wiping them from New Eden's star maps.

A new MMO article at Forbes takes a close look at the corporate paradigm of EVE Online, both in-game and out. The piece touches on the views of Goonswarm alliance leader and CSM delegate Sean Conover (aka Darius Johnson, CEO of Goonfleet) and the real-world CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar Veigar Petursson. The Icelandic CEO states: "There isn't a lot of difference between what you can apply within the game and out of it... It's more about social skills than gaming skills. It's very hard to stay on top."

Continue reading Leadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures

MassivelyLeadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceband-of-brothersbobccpccp-gamesceocorpcorporationentrepreneurentrepreneurshipeveeve-onlineforbesgame-mechanicsgoonfleetgoonswarmguildhardcorehilmarleadershipmainstreammaxmedianew-york-timesnytpoliticsreykjavikskillssocial-skillsTue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy this box for $60 or go to hell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"Buy this box for $60 or go to hell, I don't want your money." That's the message on the tunnel vision of boxed game sales that Alex St. John, CEO of WildTangent, is trying to get across to the gaming industry. The dominant business model in PC gaming largely ignores the possibilities of in-game transactions and ad-sponsored gameplay. St. John spoke on the need to pursue new gaming revenue models at the recent ION Game Conference in Seattle and more recently, at the 6th annual Wedbush Morgan Securities Management Access Conference in New York City. Gamasutra followed St. John at both events, where the WildTangent CEO raised some eyebrows when he asserted,"In a few years any business not making money from ads is leaving half their money on the table."

According to St. John, the industry fixation on boxed sales will be the downfall of a number of companies that fail to change their business models and embrace in-game or in-world revenue streams. "There's a wide open opportunity here. Anybody can get into this, and everything the traditional publishers and game companies know about doing business will ensure their failure," he stated at ION.

Continue reading Buy this box for $60 or go to hell

MassivelyBuy this box for $60 or go to hell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingalex-st-johnconsoleeconomyfeaturedgamasutrain-game-adsin-game-advertisingionmediamicropaymentmicrotransactionpcrmttelevisionwild-tangentThu, 29 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthquake not the only impact on China's online games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/earthquake-not-the-only-impact-on-chinas-online-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/earthquake-not-the-only-impact-on-chinas-online-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/earthquake-not-the-only-impact-on-chinas-online-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the wake of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, the government mandated an observance of the tragedy. In addition to Monday's three minutes of silence in national mourning, the Chinese government placed a three-day moratorium on all 'public amusements' in the country. This imposed break extended to online gaming and virtual worlds throughout the mainland, which prompted some commentary by Frank Yu, the China Angle columnist at Gamasutra.

While residents of Sichuan or those with friends and loved ones in the quake-affected region were not likely to want to play games in the aftermath of the disaster, the three-day imposed blackout on entertainment media was an unusual move for China. The suspension of these activities essentially made the entire country give up something, albeit briefly, in order to share the pain of those whose lives have been affected by the catastrophe. "The earthquake has had another major impact on the China gaming industry as well in what seems like an exercise of government media control... This includes, concerts, television shows, movies and for the first time, even online games," Yu said. The virtual worlds of China's major online game companies remained dark between May 19th and 21st. Although the game companies and operators complied with the suspension of their activities, they clearly assumed substantial profit losses.

Continue reading Earthquake not the only impact on China's online games

MassivelyEarthquake not the only impact on China's online games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinadisasterearthquakefrank-yugamasutraindustrymarketmediamicrosoftshandaubisoftThu, 22 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tanya Byron addresses addiction, walks a fine line on TV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/tanya-byron-addresses-addiction-walks-a-fine-line-on-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/tanya-byron-addresses-addiction-walks-a-fine-line-on-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/tanya-byron-addresses-addiction-walks-a-fine-line-on-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Some members of the gaming community were offended by the content of a BBC TV special written by psychologist Tanya Byron. The special spent a fair amount of time addressing the issue of game addiction. Among other things, it suggested that World of Warcraft addicts have some things in common with heroin or cocaine junkies, and even called WoW "a childish fantasy game."

Gaming addiction is a real problem that needs to be addressed, but it's difficult not to cringe when comparisons like that are made in a society still rampant with misconceptions and prejudices about the medium. That said, don't start demonizing Tanya Byron just yet.

Continue reading Tanya Byron addresses addiction, walks a fine line on TV

MassivelyTanya Byron addresses addiction, walks a fine line on TV originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionam-i-normalbbcbyron-reportchildrengovernment-reviewmediapoliticstanya-byronukFri, 18 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why mainstream media hates the Internet, games, MMOs and you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/why-mainstream-media-hates-the-internet-games-mmos-and-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/why-mainstream-media-hates-the-internet-games-mmos-and-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/why-mainstream-media-hates-the-internet-games-mmos-and-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From the Sexbox and Mass Effect to World of Warcraft, Everquest and even face-to-face Dungeons and Dragons, the mainstream media hates your hobbies. They're turning you into suicidal addicts, mass-murderers, inappropriate touchers, criminals and terrorists, right?

Well, seeing that you don't seem to be any of those things, has it occurred to you to wonder just why such FUD keeps turning up over and over. No, it's not Luddism (well, it's mostly not Luddism as it's commonly thought of). For the most part, this is about money.

Continue reading Why mainstream media hates the Internet, games, MMOs and you

MassivelyWhy mainstream media hates the Internet, games, MMOs and you originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessculturefeaturedgaming-industryhypemediammo-industryMMOsopinionvirtual-worldsMon, 11 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds Trailer plus further details on classes, story, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This is the big Stargate Worlds debut trailer that appeared last night on the SCI FI channel. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's IT Director popped by the Stargate Worlds forums and provided the following details about the video:
  • The footage is CGI; however, it does use some in-game art assets and is intended to resemble the look and feel from the actual game.
  • Two worlds are shown in the following order: Agnos and Anima Vitrus (new)
  • Three races: Asgard and his drone, SGC Solider with improved body armor, female Jaffa solider with a staff weapon and Horus guard helmet
  • Heavily modified P90 implies broad weapon customizations
If that glimpse wasn't enough for the interstellar traveling junkies there is a very slight extended version over on Gamespot. The bigger news regarding Stargate Worlds comes from all the juicy details found in Gamespot's interview with Rod Nakamoto, CME's Senior VP of Product Development. Quick fact list from their exchange:
  • Unreal 3 Engine and Big World back end
  • Two factions
  • Classes: Jaffa, Goa'uld, Asgard, human soldier, scientist, archeologist, and commando
  • No vehicle combat or player controlled starships
  • The MMOG will follow the events from SG1 but feature different stories: Replicator War, the Apophis War, the Tok'ra war with the Goa'uld, etc.
  • Beta testing starts this spring and with the launch to follow in the fall
  • 15 USD monthly subscription rate
  • Possibility that SG cast members to do voice-overs
  • Evolutionary Combat and Advanced AI
The translation from the show to an MMOG might work well, certainly, better than other properties such as Firefly. I guess it also helps that you know Stargate Worlds is actually in development and Firefly MMOG will probably never see the light of day. No matter the content, I don't trust any MMOG that was only tested for a short period of time considering Stargate Worlds hasn't been in full production (announced in 2006) very long. It takes time to implement quality content, but maybe CME's Developers can pull it off. What do you guys think?

MassivelyStargate Worlds Trailer plus further details on classes, story, and more originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmefireflymediammog-tv-moviesci-fistargatestargate-atlantisstargate-worldsstargate-worlds-classesSat, 05 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype and backlash cycle "missing the point" with regards to Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

teaching in SLKeen followers of Second Life Insider, before we became Massively, will know we have, at various stages charted the reporting of Second Life in the media, as the media follows its own hype and backlash cycle. Now, MediaShift is reporting something we've been saying all along, although in their own way: the media cycle has missed the reality of the situation, virtual world and real world.

The whole article is well worth a read, as it contrasts various styles of (real world) reportage on Second Life, from Hamlet Linden as was, to Reuters, to Wired to CNN, and even has Wired's editor saying that both their hype and their over-the-top backlash were mistakes. The conclusion? A not very startling - it's better to, in the current terminology, embed your reporters or use local information than not, and particularly don't only listen to other journalists - but the steps along the way are well worth a read. They might be especially worth a read if you have to defend your engagement in Second Life to people that have only seen the backlash.

[Original lead via SLEd list]

MassivelyHype and backlash cycle "missing the point" with regards to Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backlashCNNHamlet-LindenhypemediaMediaShiftReutersSecond-LifeWiredThu, 06 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Second Life belongs at Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Or: Why gamers and virtual worlders should care about each other.

We're shy of a month in to Massively's existence, and one of the more persistent bits of feedback we continue to receive regards the inclusion of Second Life content on a site about MMOs. There are really two questions to answer here:
  1. Does Second Life coverage belong on Massively at all?
  2. Is the amount of Second Life content disproportionate to its mindshare?
I will herein state a claim for a definitive yes on point 1, and readily admit that point 2 is arguably a matter of taste. Maintaining editorial balance surrounding all of the many, varied games we cover is an ongoing process, and we've selected a suite of "core games" based on many factors including subscriber/member numbers, overall buzz and mindshare in the industry, and input from a secret algorithm I would love to call "interestingness" if it weren't already taken. We are proud to offer in-depth Second Life coverage as one of those core current titles.

Overall, we're taking a broad definition of the concept of MMO here at Massively. While the majority of our coverage concerns traditionally "gamer"-oriented titles like City of Heroes, Tabula Rasa, Lord of the Rings Online et al, we're also providing both news and feature content surrounding more casual, often browser-based titles like Dofus, Runescape, and Flyff. Despite popular perception as niche titles, some of these games are rivaling the big dogs in terms of membership and hours played. In an industry toying with the idea of whether or not Facebook is an MMO and witnessing Google almost surely building one, we see projects like MetaPlace further blurring the lines between web-based social networking and Gaming with a capital G. In the middle of those two trends -- hardcore and casual games getting mashed up, and MMOs and the web getting mashed up -- sits Massively; and we're excited to be covering it all as it happens.

Continue reading Why Second Life belongs at Massively

MassivelyWhy Second Life belongs at Massively originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseditorialentertainmentfeaturedgaming-industrymassivelymediaMMOstechnologyvirtual-worldsWed, 28 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Bastard Machine gets a dig in at both Second Life and Fox News]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/the-bastard-machine-gets-a-dig-in-at-both-second-life-and-fox-ne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/the-bastard-machine-gets-a-dig-in-at-both-second-life-and-fox-ne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/the-bastard-machine-gets-a-dig-in-at-both-second-life-and-fox-ne/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tim Goodman, television critic of the San Francisco Chronicle, is one of the few critics of any stripe that I enjoy reading. It's not so much that I agree or disagree with whatever he's saying; it's more that I love his style. On a recent post for sfgate.com, he makes a slight poke at Second Life when talking about CNN's announcement that they'd be opening an island there. Calling residents 'sexless losers who can't cope with reality' first, then retracting it impishly immediately thereafter is enough to win points from me.

And then he makes a joke about Fox news being more influential than CNN which is so true it holds up in SL as well. I'd like Mr. Goodman to do a whole piece on SL, except there's no connection with television there ... oh wait, he must've said something about that CSI: NY episode. Or Law and Order? The Office? No? Anyone? Bueller?

[Via sfgate.com]

MassivelyThe Bastard Machine gets a dig in at both Second Life and Fox News originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnncsi:nyferris-buellerfox-newsgames-in-medialaw-and-ordermassivelymediaMSMsan-francisco-chroniclesecond-lifethe-officetim-goodmanMon, 05 Nov 2007 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life "Wonderland" scandal hits mainstream media]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/second-life-wonderland-scandal-hits-mainstream-media/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/second-life-wonderland-scandal-hits-mainstream-media/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/second-life-wonderland-scandal-hits-mainstream-media/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UK media outlets are blowing up with stories of "Wonderland", a virtual playground in Second Life where Ageplay is the go. Sister-site Second Life Insider has been following the various stages of this story over the last day, including its growing coverage by mainstream press and the reply from SL developers Linden Lab.

For those who need a little background, Ageplay is when an adult roleplays a child. This need not be for sexual purposes, but to use the quote from SL Insider of Sky News reporter Jason Farrell, "Wonderland is a virtual children's playground where paedophiles cruise and kids are solicited." Even though there probably aren't real children controlling the characters, it is still an offensive community for others within SL, and a Kid Avs community representative has already spoken out about it. It is also something that SL fans wouldn't want to be mistakenly associated with -- now that it has hit the mainstream, it may be one of the first things that people remember about Second Life, akin to "Oh, wasn't that the computer game for pedophiles?".

The response Linden Lab provided to SL Insider essentially says that they have found no wrongdoing after investigating the Wonderland community. I'm not sure how well the rest of the media will take this answer. Provided below is a link to SL Insider's on-going coverage of this story as it develops.

MassivelySecond Life "Wonderland" scandal hits mainstream media originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ageplayKid-avsLinden-Labmainstreammainstream-mediamainstream-pressmediapaedophilespressreplyresponseSecond-life-insiderSky-newsSLSL-insidervirtual-playgroundwonderlandwonderland-scandalWed, 31 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Law and Order borrows from Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/law-and-order-borrows-from-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/law-and-order-borrows-from-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/law-and-order-borrows-from-second-life/#commentsFiled under:

In a recent episode entitled "Avatar" Law and Order: Special Victims Unit created a scenario in an MMO so close to Second Life it might as well have been.

In the episode a serial baddie stalks his victims using the a game called Alternate Youiverse, and creates an avatar based on his previous victims. While the majority of the episode seemed to be largely surrounding the tired themes of the dangers of the internet, not much was said about how the killer actually found his victims in real life, or why he chose one girl while impersonating one he had just killed. It appears that they largely relied on the smoke and mirrors that is the latest popularity in attacking online gaming to create an episode people would find interesting, rather than writing a tight plotline that just happened to use online gaming as a setting.

Related Story

MassivelyLaw and Order borrows from Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-in-mediaLaw-and-OrdermediaSecond-LifeWed, 10 Oct 2007 13:31:00 EST