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[World of Tanks appreciates the military with a World of Thanks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/world-of-tanks-appreciates-the-military-with-a-world-of-thanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/world-of-tanks-appreciates-the-military-with-a-world-of-thanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/world-of-tanks-appreciates-the-military-with-a-world-of-thanks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you've actually been shot at in a tank, this game is probably a bit less fun.
When you log in and play World of Tanks, you're playing the entertaining part of war, the part with cool machines wreaking havoc. Real wars obviously aren't fought by logging in and choosing a tank; they're fought by brave men and women willing to lay down their lives for their country if necessary. Thus, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Wargaming.net is donating to several charities for American veterans with your purchases.

Four charities -- AMVETS, Homes for our Troops, the Military Families Fund, and Paralyzed Veterans of America -- will be receiving 10% of the proceeds from all American purchases of larger Gold packs and 75% of the proceeds for all American purchases of the T14 package. To help raise awareness of veteran concerns, the company will also be hosting several giveaways through the month. It's a nice nod toward the reality of armed conflicts, and it lets you play at a private little war while still donating to survivors of real battles.

MassivelyWorld of Tanks appreciates the military with a World of Thanks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycharity-donationscharity-eventsf2pfree-to-playhistoricalin-game-eventsmilitarymilitary-appreciation-monthpvptanktankswarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotThu, 03 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battleground Europe celebrates D-Day, adds U.S. forces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/battleground-europe-celebrates-d-day-adds-u-s-forces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/battleground-europe-celebrates-d-day-adds-u-s-forces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/battleground-europe-celebrates-d-day-adds-u-s-forces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

June 6th is an historic day in the annals of both U.S. and military history. The Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy was not only the largest amphibious assault ever but also a decisive turning point in the course of the second world war. It's fitting, then, that D-Day also marks the 10th anniversary of Battleground Europe (or World War II Online, as it was known in 2001).

To celebrate, Cornered Rat Software has announced the addition of American forces to the long-running WWII sim. The dev team has also been hard at work on behind-the-scenes functionality improvements and a scenario-based gameplay option called Rapid Action.

A special Rapid Action D-Day scenario pack will mark the introduction of U.S. troops and equipment to the game, as will a special Battle for Aachen campaign event. Details on all the new deployments present in version 1.34 can be found on the official Battleground Europe website. You can also take a peek at Cornered Rat's 10th anniversary teaser after the cut.

Continue reading Battleground Europe celebrates D-Day, adds U.S. forces

MassivelyBattleground Europe celebrates D-Day, adds U.S. forces originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.34-patchamerican-forcesbattle-for-aachenbattleground-europecornered-ratcornered-rat-softwared-dayd-day-scenario-packinfantrymilitarymmofpspatchrapid-actionsandboxshootersimsimulationteasertrailerupdateversion-1.34videowarworld-war-2world-war-iiww2-onlineMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Tanks rolls on to release day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/world-of-tanks-rolls-on-to-release-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/world-of-tanks-rolls-on-to-release-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/world-of-tanks-rolls-on-to-release-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

How's about we strap ourselves inside 60 tons of steel, form up with a company of like-minded comrades, and steam-roll those unfortunate chaps rolling along in the enemy tank brigade on the other side of the map? If you answered hooaahh, World of Tanks is probably an MMO that you'll want to check out (and even if you didn't, the game is free-to-play, so you've got nothing to lose).

So grab your buddies, your extra ammo, and a cup of that engine degreaser that passes for coffee and avail yourself of video tutorials, interviews with Victor Kislyi, and clan wars discussions -- all courtesy of the best World of Tanks coverage on the web. That's right, release day for Wargaming.net's action/strategy MMO is finally here, and Massively's got your mission-critical intel briefing just after the cut.

Continue reading World of Tanks rolls on to release day

MassivelyWorld of Tanks rolls on to release day originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoclan-warsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhistoricallaunchlaunch-daylaunch-roundupmilitaryreal-worldreleaserelease-dayroundupstrategyvictor-kislyiwarwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-war-2world-war-iiwotTue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Soldier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-soldier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-soldier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-soldier/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Welcome to this week's installment of Storyboard, in which I'm starting off what I am tentatively hoping to keep as a semi-regular series. For all the previous discussion of characters that don't work, we haven't touched upon any that do work. And considering we've all sat there trying to think of any sort of hook for our characters, it's useful to have some stock types to draw from. I'm going to take a look at some of the more common stock types, how and why they work in a variety of settings, and what sort of touches you can add to make a character stand out.

Of course, the first archetype we're looking at doesn't stand out. In fact, he excels at being a part of something larger, a cog in a machine whose only purpose is death. He's fighting for Stormwind, he's fighting for Bastok, he's fighting for the UFP -- he's the universal soldier, and he really is to blame. So why not cue up some appropriate background music, and take a look at the soldier as an archetype.

Continue reading Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Soldier

MassivelyStoryboard: Archetype discussion -- the Soldier originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armiesarmycharacter-archetypescharacter-creationcharacter-rolesconflictdutyfeaturedideasmilitariesmilitaryopinionroleplayingrolesrpsoldiersoldiersstoryboardwarFri, 12 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a Dynasty Warriors Online beta key, or we'll send Lu Bu to camp your gate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/take-a-dynasty-warriors-online-beta-key-or-well-send-lu-bu-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/take-a-dynasty-warriors-online-beta-key-or-well-send-lu-bu-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/take-a-dynasty-warriors-online-beta-key-or-well-send-lu-bu-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Look at that man and his fancy beard. Do you want a piece of that? Do you, punk?

Lu Bu (and our good friends at Aeria Games, but mostly Lu Bu) has given us 2,500 beta keys for Dynasty Warriors Online that we're giving to you guys! Now you too can step into the shoes of a Three Kingdoms officer and fight the good fight against thousands of nameless soldiers who will inevitably die at your feet! Huzzah!

If you've never played a Dynasty Warriors title before, let us sum it up for you. You take control of an officer in the military, specialize in some sort of neat, exotic weapon, and then win entire battles by yourself. It's the ultimate game of one versus 1,000, and the one person usually comes out triumphant. Epic battles are epic.

But now since it's online, you'll be doing the same thing with friends! So if you want a key then look no further than after the break.

Continue reading Take a Dynasty Warriors Online beta key, or we'll send Lu Bu to camp your gate

MassivelyTake a Dynasty Warriors Online beta key, or we'll send Lu Bu to camp your gate originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesancient-militarydwodynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-onlineepicfantasyhistorical-epichistorical-fantasyholy-crap-its-coming-right-for-uskoeilu-bulu-bu-will-break-your-facemilitaryomg-its-lu-buthree-kingdomsFri, 15 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Serve in the military and get a discount on Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/serve-in-the-military-and-get-a-discount-on-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/serve-in-the-military-and-get-a-discount-on-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/serve-in-the-military-and-get-a-discount-on-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's a hard time to be serving in the military, even if you're not stationed overseas at the moment. After all, the armed forces don't always get the luxury of having Christmas off. So it's nice to know that the gamers among the armed forces get a little bit extra if they're inspired to pick up Fallen Earth. The company has just announced that the military will receive a 20% discount on the price of the game, plus a free t-shirt with their purchase. And not one of the in-game items the game has been fond of giving out lately -- a real one.

The offer is open to members in any one of the US armed branches -- the Coast Guard, Marines, Army, Air Force, or Navy are all eligible. All that's required is a .mil e-mail address to verify that the person ordering is in the military. The one catch is that it's only applied to orders through the official Fallen Earth store, so Steam and similar venues aren't available. But it's an excellent way of compensating the men and women serving their country, so if you are eligible and haven't grabbed the game yet, head on over to pick yourself up a copy.

MassivelyServe in the military and get a discount on Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-forcearmycoast-guarddiscountfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfemarinesmilitarynavynews-itemsspecial-offerst-shirtWed, 09 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab offers 6 months of Pirates of the Burning Sea to military personnel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/flying-lab-offers-6-months-of-pirates-of-the-burning-sea-to-mili/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/flying-lab-offers-6-months-of-pirates-of-the-burning-sea-to-mili/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/flying-lab-offers-6-months-of-pirates-of-the-burning-sea-to-mili/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Flying Lab Software announced this week that they're offering six months of free Pirates of the Burning Sea gameplay to military personnel and exclusive in-game items. In addition, the promotion waives the standard $19.99 purchase cost of the game. Sign-ups for the promotion require a military email address to qualify and will last through November 30, 2009. The promotion is open to all branches of the military. Current Pirates of the Burning Sea subscribers who are in active service are also eligible to get six months of free play time.

Flying Lab Software CEO Russell Williams issued a statement about the Care Package, which was originally proposed by community members on the game's forums. Williams wrote: "One of our players posted about serving in Afghanistan, and it got us thinking about the challenges of trying to play an MMO in an unpredictable situation like active service. We feel a special gratitude towards the members of the armed forces who take the time to get involved and play our game, in the face of the very difficult job they have to do to keep us all safe."

[Via Gamers Daily News]

MassivelyFlying Lab offers 6 months of Pirates of the Burning Sea to military personnel originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>care-packagefantasyflying-labflying-lab-softwarehistoricalmilitarymmo-industrypirates-of-the-burning-seapotbspromotionsWed, 28 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Wild Bill Stealey on his military MMO project]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/massively-interviews-wild-bill-stealey-on-his-military-mmo-proje/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/massively-interviews-wild-bill-stealey-on-his-military-mmo-proje/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/massively-interviews-wild-bill-stealey-on-his-military-mmo-proje/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

You may have heard the recent news concerning MicroProse co-founder J.W. "Wild Bill" Stealey diving into the MMO business. You may have heard that he plans to get together with some of his old crew, like Fred Schmidt and Jim Bull, to make an action-based military MMO. Yet, did you know that this is simply the tip of the iceberg when to comes to what Wild Bill and his team have in store for us?

To find out more information on this newly announced project, we jumped at the chance to sit down with Wild Bill and get some more intel on his classified operation. If you were ever a big fan of the MicroProse age of military simulation games, or you're just tired of the same old fantasy MMOs, this interview may get your excitement levels up. Wild Bill Stealey has a passion for what he knows best, and it's evident in this interview. Could a massive, persistent, military PvP world be exactly what you've been waiting for? Follow along below for more on what the folks at Thriller New Media have in store for the MMO world.

Continue reading Massively interviews Wild Bill Stealey on his military MMO project

MassivelyMassively interviews Wild Bill Stealey on his military MMO project originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionespionagefeaturedmicroprosemilitarypvpsocial-networkingspythriller-new-mediawild-bill-stealeyThu, 12 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds to make a dramatic showing at Comic Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/stargate-worlds-to-make-a-dramatic-showing-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/stargate-worlds-to-make-a-dramatic-showing-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/stargate-worlds-to-make-a-dramatic-showing-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Firesky, MGM Home Entertainment, and the United States Armed Forces will be showing Stargate Worlds at Comic-Con 2008 in San Diego. The convention will run from July 24th to 27th. Firesky plans to deploy a full-sized stargate replica outside the convention center for photo ops. Fans will also get to be among the first in the public to see gameplay footage. Check out booth 3525 if you're going to be there.

Footage is exciting and all, but we're intrigued by the partnership with the Armed Forces. Presumably this means recruiters will be present at the event as well. The Stargate franchise has always had a close relationship with the military; its central characters have mostly been members of the Air Force. In fact, Stargate SG-1 has featured a handful of cameos by real-world military figures, including Air Force chief of staff Michael E. Ryan, who played himself in the episode "Prodigy."

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

MassivelyStargate Worlds to make a dramatic showing at Comic Con originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armed-forcescomic-concomic-con-2008conventionfireskymgmmgm-home-entertainmentmilitarysgwstargatestargate-sg-1stargate-worldsSun, 29 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New FPS/MMO enters closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/new-fps-mmo-enters-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/new-fps-mmo-enters-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/new-fps-mmo-enters-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From Nexon America, the publisher of the wildly successful MapleStory, comes Combat Arms, a new free-to-play online first-person shooter which shares many qualities of both an MMO and an FPS in one. With persistent worlds, customizable characters (and equipment) and the opportunity for players to track their performance against others in the Combat Arms community, the game should prove to be a contender for those seeking something new in the free-to-play market.

The game will be entering the closed beta phase on May 30th, which will be available for one week exclusively through FilePlanet. According to Nexon America's vice president of marketing Min Kim, "Competition in video games among friends is always fun, but Combat Arms takes it to another level by letting gamers frag for free. Combat Arms delivers all the great socialization elements found in other popular Nexon Games and presents them in one of the most popular gaming genres in North America."

MassivelyNew FPS/MMO enters closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combat-armsfree-to-playmaplestorymilitarynexonnexon-americawarTue, 27 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Memorial Day in MMO-land?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-daily-grind-memorial-day-in-mmo-land/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-daily-grind-memorial-day-in-mmo-land/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-daily-grind-memorial-day-in-mmo-land/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the United States today it's Memorial Day, a holiday designed generally to remind the average citizen of the military's role in the union. As it's a government holiday, this means a lot of people in the states have the day off of work. There's not likely to be a ton of breaking news today as a result. Here at Massively we'll keep the MMO-newsfires burning just in case you need a break from barbecuing or relatives.

It does beg the question, though: what are you doing today? Stepping AFK to have a burger or brat with loved ones? Camping, maybe, or attending a parade? Or are you celebrating the way we do every holiday, Pinky? By jumping online and touching base with friends in a massively multiplayer game? Give us a shout-out.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Memorial Day in MMO-land? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidaymemorial-daymilitaryrespecttdgthe-daily-grindunited-statesMon, 26 May 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TV shows that could be MMOs: Battlestar Galactica]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Watching the final season of the new Battlestar Galactica the other night, and getting only a taste of the amazing, chaotic, shaky-cam ship-to-ship action left us wanting more. But even better than a full episode devoted to space combat would be an MMO based in that world. How would that work, you ask? We're glad you did! Keep in mind that this article assumes basic knowledge of the show universe and its characters. If you haven't seen it, get thee to a torrent, or a rental store immediately!

First, consider some of the great two-sided rivalries in MMOs: Horde vs. Alliance; AFS vs. the Bane; Humanity vs. Hell -- Mankind vs. the Cylons fits right in. In fact, since the show itself manages to portray both sides as sympathetic, there isn't too much storyline massaging to be done; the universe of Galactica is nicely morally ambiguous. All that really matters is survival.

Continue reading TV shows that could be MMOs: Battlestar Galactica

MassivelyTV shows that could be MMOs: Battlestar Galactica originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFSalliancebanebattlestar-galacticabsgcallsigncenturionscylonsfeaturedhellhellgate-londonhordejoystiqfeaturesmilitarynoobnuggetponderosaraidersrobot-dogssci-fispace-combattabula-rasathe-simsworld-of-warcraftWed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soloist: Why I do it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-soloist-why-i-do-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-soloist-why-i-do-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-soloist-why-i-do-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

After this post, I had it in mind to think through why I prefer to solo, and whether the reasons why are valid ones, given that I'm playing in a genre meant to provide a social experience. I'm going to try to list as many reasons as I can think of in favor of grouping and playing with buddies, and provide a counter-argument if I can. Bear in mind, this is not me telling you that you should go solo; this is just me trying to 1) explain why I do it, and 2) understand for myself whether my reasons hold water.

Enough said; excelsior!

Continue reading The Soloist: Why I do it

MassivelyThe Soloist: Why I do it originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agroAmericaArnold-SchwartzeneggerBeowulfBuckaroo-BanzaicamaraderieClint-EastwoodConnor-MacLeodconstitutionDae-sudo-it-yourselfEnter-the-DragonEric-DravenexcelsiorgroupmindgruntshealHong-Kong-CavaliersIndiana-JonesJames-BonJason-BourneJohn-McClaneJohn-RamboKing-ArthurKnights-of-the-Round-TableLeelone-wolfmassivelyMerry-MenmilitaryMystery-MenNeoOcean's-ElevenOldboyOnce-Upon-a-Time-In-ChinaOng-BakpresidentraidRbon-HoodRobin-Hoodsecond-life-insiderSnake-Plisskensolothe-Man-with-No-Namethe-MatrixTingwipeWong-Fei-HungMon, 19 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST