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[Some Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
The few. The proud. The quest writers.

At the best of times, the fruits of their labors guide us along in our progression of a local or global story, immersing us in the world. Even the nefarious "kill 10 rats" versions can be mini stories that pull players in when done well. But how many of us have ever had a "I could do better than that" moment or have simply wanted to live out a personal story or share in a customized grand adventure with our friends? Someone wished upon the right star because with features like the Mission Architect in City of Heroes you can do just that.

I am just going to come right out and say it -- the quest builder is one of the greatest boons ever for player-generated content in MMORPGs. Besides housing, it is the feature du jour for the creative crowd; I honestly can't see how any game can actually go without one. During this latest round of Choose My Adventure, I had the opportunity to check out the system in City of Heroes and revel in the creativity of others as well as try my hand at developing missions. And I tell you, it is addicting.

Feel like trying your hand at shaping some stories for heroes (and villains) to star in? Stick with me, kid, and you'll be directing your own missions in no time.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect

MassivelySome Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgame-mechanicsmissionmission-architectmission-creatorncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospgcplayer-contentplayer-created-missionsplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-questssandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredsuperherosuperheroesFri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spiral Knights update introduces new mission types and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Spiral Knights
It's been a little while since we heard from Three Rings' free-to-play dungeon-crawling title, Spiral Knights, but today we have some new information regarding the game's latest patch, and it brings a whole new degree of structure to the title in the form of new mission types. The team is adding four different types of missions in order to give players a solid path of progression as well as a quick fix for players who don't have a ton of time on their hands.

The first of the four mission types is known as a rank mission. Rank missions comprise the main campaign of Spiral Knights and will allow players to climb the ranks of the organization. Each rank mission will grant players pre-set awards in addition to any loot found on the mission itself. Prestige missions, the second type of mission, are daily tasks that will reward players with prestige. Players with high prestige scores will receive an unspecified bonus sometime in the future. The third mission type, expansion missions, operate similarly to rank missions in that they "feature set rewards," but the missions must first be "unlocked with purchase," though as of now we don't know whether that means a microtransaction or an in-game-currency purchase. Lastly, we have arcade missions, which are the same arcade missions that players know and love, except now they can be joined directly from the mission interface instead of making you run to the arcade itself.

For the full details on all the new mission types and features being added in the new patch, just head on over to the Spiral Knights forums and take a look.

MassivelySpiral Knights update introduces new mission types and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade-missionsdungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingexpansionexpansion-missionsf2pfree-to-playmissionmission-typemission-typesmissionspatchpatchesprestigeprestige-missionspverankrank-missionssegaspiral-knightsthree-ringsupdateupdatesThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you favor random quests?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies
One of Star Wars Galaxies' content quirks, borrowed heavily from Anarchy Online, is the random quest. If you tire of themepark questlines, you can trek over to a mission terminal and ask it to generate a random kill-10-rats quest for you. In SWG's prime, these quests were terribly annoying; no one really wants to spend all of his time leveling up by taking missions to destroy a gubbur lair over and over and over. Thank goodness for this new era of individual, scripted quests brought on by World of Warcraft, right?

Well, not necessarily. More than once, I (and some our our forum-goers) have been irked at hand-written quests in WoW-esque games. They're usually trite and transparent, and the quest-givers rarely have good reason to entrust me with their tasks. We're still getting kill-10-rats quests -- we just have to click through a bunch of lame dialogue first.

What do you think? Do you prefer pre-scripted, one-off, linear quests, or do you long for the simplicity and honesty of random quest generation?

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 you favor random quests? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineaobrianna-royce-tdgkill-ten-ratsmissionmission-terminalopinionquestquestsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Two weeks ago, I began an experiment to look into EVE Online's new player experience from the perspective of someone who has never played the game before. I convinced my friend Kajatta to try the game for the first time, with his only prior knowledge being the same stories, videos and screenshots that anyone will have seen before signing up to give the game a shot. In the first part of this investigation into the new player experience, Kajatta delivered a harsh first impression of the user interface and character creation.

A common story I've heard when I'm talking to current EVE players is that many didn't really get into the game the first time they played. As happened to Kajatta, some found adapting to the UI and control scheme a jarring experience and were put off as a result. It was usually the second time they played EVE that seemed to make the game stick, whether that was restarting a new character immediately or giving the game a second try up to a year later.

Could it be that EVE is most likely to appeal to new players the second time they play it? To put this theory to the test, this week Kajatta took a fresh second stab at EVE Online and played through all the career agent content. But has his first attempt provide the equipment necessary to scale EVE's famous learning cliff, or did the UI and control scheme prove as impenetrable a barrier as ever?

In this week's EVE Evolved, Kajatta delivers his verdict on whether EVE is better the second time around and delves into the Cash Flow For Capsuleers combat missions.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auracash-flow-for-capsuleersccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfrigategallerykajattamissionmission-runningmissionsnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersscreenshotscreenshotstutorialtutorialsSun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Several weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Greyscale published possibly the single most important devblog of the past two years. Titled Nullsec development: Design goals, the blog laid the ground rules for high-level discussion on EVE's upcoming nullsec revamp. For those who live in nullsec, territorial warfare and nullsec life represent the true endgame of EVE. It's in these massive lawless regions of space that players forge alliances, build their own empires, and lead massive fleets of ships into enemy territory to kick over some space sandcastles.

Over the past two weeks, I've been delving into the discussion surrounding the upcoming nullsec revamp and speculating on what changes we might see. I started with a look back at the early days of nullsec industry and went on to give some ideas aimed at reclaiming those glory days. I followed that up with last week's summary of EVE Online's empire-building history, the problems faced by today's territorial warfare mechanics, and further speculation on how the system could be radically changed for the better.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I conclude this series of articles on the upcoming nullsec revamp with an examination of the discussion surrounding PvE, the local channel, and the potentially revolutionary smallholding system that could give even casual and solo players a taste of nullsec.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone

MassivelyEVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancecasualccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaleeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedfleetfleet-commandfleet-warfarefleetshomesteadintelintelligencelocalmissionmission-runningnullsecplayer-owned-starbasepvepvpsandboxscoutscoutingsmallholdingsmallholdingssolostarbasewarSun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Two weeks ago, the escalating drama in EVE Online saw me drained of my normal enthusiasm as I contemplated the very real possibility that my time in the game I love was coming to an end. While the forums were filled with the most vocal and angry players, discussions with veteran players featured mainly disappointment and a distinct sadness. For those few days spent in limbo waiting for the results of the emergency CSM meeting, I and many of my in-game friends remained a hair's breadth from giving up on EVE entirely.

It was a delicate situation based more on perception and poor communication than intent or fact, and I think CCP pulled things back well with formal statements from both itself and the CSM in addition to an in-depth follow-up press conference. One of the big points to come out of the press conference was that while CCP and the CSM are both confident that none of the future microtransaction plans are game-breaking, the company did not restrict itself to vanity goods such as Incarna clothing.

While the CSM was convinced that CCP planned only to produce pure vanity goods, CCP Zulu was careful not to rule out gameplay-affecting microtransactions altogether. Both CCP and the CSM also talked about "game-breaking" sales rather than using a clearer term like "gameplay-affecting" or "non-vanity." It's reasonable then to assume that in the future we might eventually get non-vanity goods that do interact with gameplay but aren't game-breaking in terms of balance, mechanics or interaction with the in-game economy.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I show exactly why options like selling ships would be game-breaking and then let my imagination run wild as I speculate on possible non-vanity microtransactions for the far future that shouldn't disrupt gameplay.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness-modelscash-shopccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zuluclothingconvenienceeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-is-here-to-staygrindincarnainterbusloyalty-pointslpMicrotransactionsmissionmission-runningmmo-industryneural-remappingnexnoble-exchangeplexrunes-of-magicshortcutSun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player creativity -- Papercraft pod edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every month, EVE Online developer CCP Fallout trawls the forums to find the best of the community's creative efforts. Previous editions of the Celebrating the Creative Player blog have looked at in-game news websites, a Gallente shuttle remade in Minecraft, and the cross-platform Python Fitting Tool. This month's bumper edition starts off with one of my favourite recent creations -- a flowchart designed to help players pick what they want to do in EVE. Each option is linked to further reading on the topic, making it a handy tool for new players who find themselves lost in EVE.

Also impressing the devs this month is a tool designed to track the bounties gained from missions. It's often difficult to work out what the most profitable missions are to run, and this tool simplifies that by recording a log of bounties on each mission. My personal favourite highlight this month was EVE player Guindel Angeline's papercraft escape pod. We've seen some incredible papercraft EVE ships before, but I think this is the first time someone's made the escape pod.

MassivelyEVE Online player creativity -- Papercraft pod edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bountiesccpccp-eveccp-falloutccp-gamescreativecreativitydevblogeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinemissionmissionspapercraftpodSun, 06 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Because it is stigmatised as a boring and inactive activity, mining is perhaps EVE Online's most overlooked profession. While it can be a repetitive and sedate affair, mining is a good way to make ISK during low points in your game time. A lot of miners use the profession to make a little ISK while they chat with friends in-game, read the forum or do some other activity. In the first two parts of this three-part guide to mining in EVE, I looked at some of the basics of solo or group mining and how to make the most ISK for your invested time.

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks and strategies for mining that have come in handy. If the local asteroid belts are stripmined clean and you need somewhere nearby to mine, for example, it's possible to use the mission system to spawn a practically endless supply of low-end ore. If setting up camp in high-security space isn't your thing, it can also be very profitable to run a nomadic mining expedition. Using a starbase as a base of operations, you can set up ore depots and refining stations in either normal space or wormhole space.

In this final part of the EVE Evolved guide to mining in EVE, I look at spawning asteroids using the mission system, using a starbase as a base of operations in outlying systems, and running a wormhole mining expedition for massive profit.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgravimetrichighseclow-seclowsecminingmissionmission-miningpospverefineryrefiningrorqualsleepersleepersstarbasewormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Massively Mob Mission Mash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/eve-evolved-massively-mob-mission-mash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/eve-evolved-massively-mob-mission-mash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/eve-evolved-massively-mob-mission-mash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In last week's EVE Evolved, I released details of the brand-new Massively Mob corporation in EVE Online. Although the Massively Mob corp is a great place for readers to congregate, chat and play together, its primary purpose is to provide a financial safety net for new players. Anyone can join the corp and gain access to a stockpile of modules, skillbooks, implants and pre-insured ships that can be used to explore everything the game has to offer. The idea is to take the harsh fear of death and learning curve out of EVE for new players and so encourage them to try new things. To help with that, the Mob will be running regular themed event nights during which we explore different aspects of EVE's gameplay.

Over the coming months, we plan to run events on mission-running, skirmish PvP, exploration and more. Once January hits and the Incursion expansion's final feature is released, we'll begin actively taking part in battling the Sansha menace. Each event will be geared toward showing newer players what they can expect from the game if they continue to play, and having a bit of a laugh while doing it. There will be prizes, medals and special mentions on Massively for older players who help organise these events or younger players who perform well in them. To take part, you don't even need to be a part of the Massively Mob corporation!

With just over a hundred pilots signed up to the corp and more sure to come, there's no time like the present to kick off the first big event night. Skip past the cut to find out how you can get involved in the Massively Mission Mash, and leave us a comment if you have an idea for a future event.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Massively Mob Mission Mash

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Massively Mob Mission Mash originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeventeventsfeaturedmassively-metamassively-mobmassively-mob-corpmassively-mob-eventmissionmission-runningnyphurpveSun, 05 Dec 2010 18:00:00 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[EVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Several months ago, pirate faction Sansha's Nation began invading the populated systems of New Eden in force and abducting colonists from the defenseless planets. Using a frightening new technology, Sansha's forces have been able to open controlled wormholes directly in orbit of their target planets. CONCORD and the local faction navies have been unable to defend against the incursions, leaving the fate of EVE Online's planets solely in the hands of capsuleers. EVE players immediately began to organise intelligence networks and corporations dedicated to detecting and fighting the Sansha threat.

In the upcoming Incursion expansion, Sansha's Nation will be stepping up its attacks to full-scale invasions of entire constellations. Having converted the millions of colonists they've abducted to mindless drones of the Nation and even having moved a conquered Jovian space station into their hidden wormhole home, Sansha's forces have never been stronger. When the Incursion expansion's main feature goes live in January of next year, players will find themselves on the front-lines of a war. We'll group up in fleets of 5-10, 10-20 or 20-40 players to tackle the various incursion sites and ultimately destroy each invasion wave's mothership. With the first Incursion release scheduled for this month and less than two months to go until the constellation-wide Sansha attacks begin, now is the perfect time to prepare for the expansion.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at some of the ways you can benefit from the upcoming expansion and what players can do to prepare for the war against Sansha's Nation.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgroupgroupinggroupshighsecincursionlowsecmissionmission-runningmissionsnullsecpvepvpsanshasanshas-nationSun, 21 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI previews the end of Wings of the Goddess]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The December version update is kicking off the end of many things for Final Fantasy XI -- the end of the year, the end of the level cap from the last update, and perhaps most notably the end of Wings of the Goddess. After a very long and drawn-out storyline and series of missions, it's time for players to finish up their adventures in the past. But as can be expected, it's not going to be quite as simple as walking up to the Spitewardens and politely asking them to pack up shop.

After a series of defeats, challenges, and the usual confusion regarding any time-travel storyline, it seems the final movement begins in Grauberg with a rather flustered Cait Sith and moves on to the Walk of Echoes. It's time to face off against the Spitewardens and Lillith, the main villains of the expansion's arc, if adventurers want to maintain any hope of a future controlled by the free people of Vana'diel instead of the beastmen. While the preview only gives us a small taste of what's coming, Final Fantasy XI players had best steel themselves in advance -- this promises to end with a bang.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI previews the end of Wings of the Goddess originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>december-version-updateexpansionexpansion-storylineffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximissionmission-conclusionmissionsspitewardenssquaresquare-enixstory-arcstorylinewalk-of-echoeswings-of-the-goddesswotgFri, 12 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online is often thought of as a strongly PvP-based game, with player conflict and competition at the heart of practically every activity the game offers. Competition for resources, power, and notoriety routinely drive players to disintegrate each other's ships, but this effect isn't limited to just PvP. Miners compete with each other for ore on a daily basis, for example, and traders fight for market supremacy. EVE's competitive sandbox element is such a headline feature that PvE often takes a back seat in discussions about the game.

EVE's combat-based PvE comes in the form of repeatable agent missions, hidden exploration sites, and deadly Sleeper encounters. While most of these can be completed solo by experienced pilots with a well-designed ship, they're often much faster and more fun when done in groups. The lack of a limit to how many pilots can be brought on PvE expeditions even makes it feasible to take newer players along to tough missions, something that doesn't happen in most MMOs.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why EVE's PvE is so inherently soloable, which types of PvE encounters are well suited to group play, and what the future holds for EVE's possibly neglected group PvE content.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesemergenceemergenteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedgroupincursionmissionmission-runningmissionsnpcnpcspvesandboxsleepersleeperssoloSun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The Industrial-Sized Knowledgebase]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/eve-evolved-the-industrial-sized-knowledgebase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/eve-evolved-the-industrial-sized-knowledgebase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/eve-evolved-the-industrial-sized-knowledgebase/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The EVE Evolved column has been home to dozens of in-depth guides on various aspects of EVE Online. Over the past two years, I've written multi-part guides to many industrial and PvP-oriented topics. On the topic of research and development, we've covered tech 1 research, invention, reverse engineering and five top tips for researchers. Perhaps more useful was the three part series on trading, which first covered the basics before delving into advanced trading strategies and a few useful tips. Other guides which have proven popular among newer players included our three-part guide to mission-running, and the recent three-page guide to exploration.

Members of the EVE community regularly produce new guides and tools to help players make the most of their time in New Eden. This week, EVE player Laci surprised the EVE community with the release of an impressive new guide aimed at new players and industralists. The comprehensive 416-page Industrial-Sized Knowledgebase (or ISK for short) covers practically everything a new player could want to know about the game. Until now, the guide had been available only in Hungarian. After intensive translation and design work, the full guide has been released in English.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I take a look at this impressive guide and ask its creator Laci a few questions about it.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The Industrial-Sized Knowledgebase

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The Industrial-Sized Knowledgebase originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedguideguideshaladaLaciminingmissionmission-runningnullsecplanetary-interactionplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationposprofessionspveresearchship-fittingstarbasetradingSun, 29 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Heroes ruined Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/flameseeker-chronicles-heroes-ruined-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/flameseeker-chronicles-heroes-ruined-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/flameseeker-chronicles-heroes-ruined-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oh, settle down. I'm not stating that as a fact, I'm just repeating what others have said. It's an old argument, but one that's recently come to my attention several times over the past week, so I want to take a look at the argument today.

Heroes came to Guild Wars near the end of 2006 with the introduction of Nightfall. They were a huge upgrade from the much-maligned Alesia and her companions. Sure, you had to level them up, but you had as much control over their runes and insignias, skill bars, and weapons as you did your own.

The addition gave players the option to add three of these customized companions, making it much easier to continue adventuring even if you couldn't get a group at the moment. It sounds perfect, right? Not everyone agrees, and it's a debate that flared back up in the past months when the possibility was raised of companions in Guild Wars 2.

Hit the handy "read more" button to check out both sides of the argument.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Heroes ruined Guild Wars

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Heroes ruined Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alesia-you-are-not-a-tankanetarenanetbonusfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesgroupingguild-warsguild-wars-heroesguild-wars-nightfallgwhero-henchheroeskoss-is-like-a-wild-beast-unchainedmissionncsoftnightfallopinionpugpugssoloingstop-that-orion-everything-is-dead-alreadyMon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MMOs are a popular hobby for hardcore and casual players alike. While some people love getting firmly embedded in their favourite MMO every night, a growing number of players prefer to log in occasionally and just kill a few hours at a time. EVE Online is no exception, with a mix of both casual and hardcore players. Taking part in things like alliance warfare, starbase industry or corporate management may require that a player log in every night but most other avenues of gameplay don't. A lot of EVE's gameplay can be picked up for a few hours and set back down with no added responsibility. In fact, player demographic data shows that most players prefer to live in the more casual environment of high security space. So what kind of things can you do if you just fancy playing internet spaceships for a few hours?

In this opinion piece, I look at five of my favourite ways to kill a few hours in the name of EVE. What's your favourite way to spend a few hours?

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-gamercasual-gamescasual-gamingccpccp-eveccp-gamesefteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-fitting-tooleve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-radioexplorationfactional-warfarefeaturedgameplayhardcorehardcore-casualhardcore-gamerhardcore-vs-casuallevel-4-missionsmissionMissionsopinionpvpwormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: Player developers!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/redefining-mmos-player-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/redefining-mmos-player-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/redefining-mmos-player-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few weeks ago, we at Massively started the weekly "Redefining MMOs" series, a collection of articles examining how the MMO genre has been redefined during the current generation of games and where it's headed in the next. So far, we've looked at the terminology we use to refer to MMOs, how the art of storytelling has changed over the years, and the rise of the "massively singleplayer" online game. In this week's article, I examine what happens when players are given the reigns of an MMO or have a hand in part of its development. If you have something important to say on the topic, feel free to post a comment on page 3 or even write your own "Redefining MMOs" blog post and leave a comment with the URL.

Traditionally, all content for an MMO is designed by the game's development studio and players have no direct influence on its creation. The idea of handing the reigns of an MMO to its players is considered heresy and we shudder to think of what horrible quests and areas players would construct if given a chance. But is our aversion justified or is it something developers should strive to overcome? Certainly Second Life has successfully capitalised on letting players develop almost every aspect of its virtual world but could successful mainstream MMOs make use of it too? City of Heroes, EVE Online and even World of Warcraft are prime examples which suggest they can. All three of these games have handed at least some part of the game's development over to players, with incredibly promising results.

In this article, I look at these three successful examples of players being allowed to develop aspects of an MMO. I then go on to explain why this works and how the next generation of MMOs could learn from these pioneering feats.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: Player developers!

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: Player developers! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonblizzardcities-xlcity of heroescity-of-heroesCityOfHeroescohcommunitiescommunityeveeve-onlinemissionmission architectmission-architectMissionArchitectoutpostsposRedefining-mmosuiworld of warcraftworld-of-warcraftWorldOfWarcraftwowThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mission-running top five tips]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/12/eve-evolved-mission-running-top-five-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/12/eve-evolved-mission-running-top-five-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/12/eve-evolved-mission-running-top-five-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

In the first two parts of this guide on mission-running in EVE Online, I explained the basics of mission-running and went on to give a race-by-race breakdown of the most popular mission-running ships. In this final instalment of the EVE Evolved mission-running guide, I dig up my top five tips and tricks for improving your standings, mission-running speed and general mission income in EVE.

Tip #1 - Gaining faction standing
As high faction standing unlocks the agents of every corp in an entire faction rather than just from one corp, faction standing gains are very desirable and often the ultimate goal of early mission-running. In addition to a few other methods discussed later in this article, faction standing gains can be had from COSMOS missions. These are special once-only missions, like quests in the standard MMO paradigm. They are given out by special agents-in-space located within EVE's COSMOS constellations, some at designated agent sites and some hidden away at moons or sites only able to be found with probes. Each of these missions counts as an important mission for the purposes of faction standing gains and their rewards can be extremely good. Using COSMOS missions, it's possible to boost your faction standings from around 4 to up to 6 or 8 in some of these areas.

Read on as I give my top five mission-running tips to maximise your income from mission-running.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mission-running top five tips

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mission-running top five tips originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesCOSMOSeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturesgrindiskjoystiqfeatureslootmissionmissionsprofessionssalvagesalvagingskillsstandingsSun, 12 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/eve-evolved-mission-running-ship-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/eve-evolved-mission-running-ship-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/eve-evolved-mission-running-ship-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In last week's first instalment of this guide, I explained the basics of mission-running in EVE Online and how to find your best agent. In this second part of the guide, I get into the nitty gritty details of essential ship designs for mission-runners. Choosing an appropriate ship and fitting it adequately are arguably the two most important factors in mission-running. While having a weak mission strategy and poor support skills can cause a lot of bother, a poorly designed ship is almost guaranteed death on some of the tougher missions. With the advice in this guide, a little research and a good deal of practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a mission guru.

Read after the cut for a race-by-race break-down of EVE's most popular and effective mission-running ships, complete with links to some further reading and popular mission fittings.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Agent missions are one of EVE Online's most popular pastimes. While EVE is most often lauded for its open-ended gameplay, player-determined markets and PvP action, a significant portion of the game's players use missions as their primary income source. There is something comforting about missions that seems to draw players in. For many, running missions and upgrading their ship with the ISK becomes the focus of their achievements and their primary measure of progress. The ability of mission-running to provide a direct translation of effort into a stable ISK income offers us a reassuringly linear work-to-reward scheme in a relatively risk-free environment. Missions and exploration are EVE's primary PvE experiences and new missions are released with each major expansion to help keep the game fresh for casual players. There are even several epic mission arcs planned for the future, long sequences of storyboarded missions much like the quest chains you might find in other MMOs.

In this multi-part guide, I will thoroughly examine the profession of mission-running, from the basics to ship fittings and finally some tips and tricks for maximising your performance. In this first part of the guide, I look at the basics of mission-running from mission types and rewards to agent standings and how to find the best agent for you.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mission-running - the basics

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mission-running - the basics originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentccpccp-gamescourierdeadspaceencountereveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguideiskjoystiqfeatureskillmissionmissionsnewbieSun, 28 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mission running in EVE Online is one of the more lucrative activities players can spend their time doing, at least while in the safety of high security space. The cumulative rewards from NPC bounties, loyalty points, salvage, and loot -- in addition to the mission rewards from NPC agents -- make Level 4 missions a decent ISK/hour income for many of EVE Online's pilots. Level 4 missions are the most popular, due to their relative ease and multiple battleship (high bounty) NPC spawns which yield better loot drops and more salvage components, as well as optimal loyalty point gain. However, the grouping of agents that give the best missions leads to 'mission hubs' where hundreds of players operate in the same solar systems.

The latest dev blog by EVE's lead content creator CCP Molock is simply titled "New Level 4 Agents", and deals with dispersing the crowds (and clutter) from some of the high sec mission hubs in New Eden. CCP Games has added twenty-three new level 4 agents to the game in locations a bit removed from the heavily populated mission hubs, hopefully encourage more mission runners to fill quieter solar systems in the galaxy. Molock lists the new agents, along with their corporation and quality, as well as system security ratings for each location.

Continue reading EVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added

MassivelyEVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bountiesbountyccp-gamesccp-molockconcorddev-blogdev-blogseveeve-onlinegame-mechanicslevel-4-missionslootloyalty-pointslpmissionmission-hubsmission-runningmissionsnew-edennpcnpcspvesalvagesci-fiSun, 31 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Shield tanking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-shield-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-shield-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-shield-tanking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

In part 1 of this series on the world of tanking in EVE Online, I introduced the concept of tanking as it applies to EVE and explained how to select which type of tank to use with your ship. I then went on to give a complete overview of armour tanking, including the equipment and skills you'll need to succeed. In this second part of the guide, I explore the art of shield tanking.

Shield tanking:
In addition to the differences mentioned in the previous article, shield tanking differs significantly from armour tanking. Shield boosters can repair damage a lot faster than armour repairers due to their faster cycle time but are less efficient and will use up a lot more capacitor. An active shield tank is characterised by the use of hardeners to resist damage and a shield booster to repair damage that makes it through. However, since shield naturally recharges over time, it's possible to make a completely passive shield tank that relies on a high recharge rate rather than a shield booster. Different sets of equipment are used for these two different types of shield tank.

Read on and find out all you ever wanted to know about shield tanking, including what modules and skills you can use to boost your combat performance.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Shield tanking

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Shield tanking originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdrakeeveeve-onlinefeaturedguidehardenerjoystiqfeaturesmissionnyphurpassive tankPassiveTankpvpravenresistanceshieldtanktankingMon, 12 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Armour tanking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-armour-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-armour-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/eve-evolved-the-art-of-tanking-armour-tanking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Back in 2005, I became obsessed with the art of tanking in EVE Online. Before writing the definitive tanking guide for EON issue 2 (for which the EVE community dubbed me "the tanking guy"), I spent a lot of time working out the mathematics behind the art. At a time when people preferred a trial and error approach to combat, I went as far as to create a spreadsheet to automate calculations on the strength of your tank. Over the years, more advanced tools like EFT (EVE Fitting Tool) have been released which have this functionality and more. In this short series of articles, I aim to cover tanking from start to finish in a concise and informative manner. In this first part, I begin with an introduction to tanking and follow up with a brief guide on how to select which type of tank to use and a complete overview of armour tanking.

What is tanking?:
Any MMO player will know the role of the "Tank" but the word's usage in EVE Online is a little different. Broadly speaking, a tank is whatever you use to keep yourself alive and it's something every ship can do. The MMO holy trinity of tank, healer and damage-dealer are combined into every ship in EVE. Because of this ability to self-heal, the word "tank" in EVE generally refers to the combination of both resisting damage and healing it. Fitting your ship then becomes a matter of balancing between tank and damage.

Read on to find out how to select what type of tank to use and learn all about armour tanking.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Armour tanking

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Armour tanking originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorarmourccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefeaturedguidehardenerjoystiqfeaturesmissionnyphurpvpresistanceshieldtanktankingMon, 05 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Exploring New Eden]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A common theme in popular MMOs today is the idea of exploration. For a surprisingly large number of players, their reason for playing an MMO is to experience new content and explore new lands. Each new MMO or expansion becomes a new country to explore with its own set of features and game mechanics. Limits such as levels, raid progression and quest chains are used to ensure we don't burn through all the game's content too quickly.

New Eden:
EVE Online is set in the expansive universe of New Eden. This nebular stellar nursery contains thousands of stars, of which approximately 5000 have been explored and added to the game's stargate network. Even though EVE doesn't have level limits, it does have a familiar approach to exploring content. Some content such as difficult complexes (space dungeons) will not be completable solo and other content like level 4 missions will be so difficult as to require large ships with a lot of skills behind them. The majority of the universe, however, is free to explore from day one and there's a lot to explore.

In this visual article, I explore some of the stunning content of EVE Online and take a brief look at what the future holds for explorers in New Eden.

Gallery: Exploring New Eden

The Blue PlanetAcceleration gateYan Jung ruinsAzure Canyon tourist resortThe Caldari titan

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Exploring New Eden originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeologyblood raiderBloodRaidercomplexdungeoneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedgallerygatecampjoystiqfeaturesluminairemissionnew edenNewEdenplanetrogue droneRogueDronescreenshotserpentisstargatetitanyan jungYanJungSun, 30 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II designers on The Shadow Odyssey expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The latest EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey, will launch this week on November 18th. In advance of the launch, Stephanie Morrow of Beckett Massive Online Gamer recently interviewed some members of the EverQuest II design team -- Noel Walling (Design Supervisor), Paul Molina (Game Designer), Adam Stevens (Game Designer) and Carlos Mora (Associate Game Designer).

The Beckett Massive Online Gamer interview focuses on the lore of EverQuest II (with an emphasis on background for readers who've never played), but also gets down into some specifics regarding The Shadow Odyssey dungeons, the challenges of designing around the 80 level cap, and some of the new features that players can expect from this week's launch of the fifth EverQuest II expansion. If you're an EQ II fan, the interview is worth a read, and of course we also hope you're enjoying our ongoing coverage of The Shadow Odyssey.

MassivelyEverQuest II designers on The Shadow Odyssey expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsfantasygame-mechanicsinterviewsloremissionmissionsmmo-industryquestssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoSun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Split Infinity Radio, a gamer-run internet radio station (with a noticeable sci-fi MMO bent) recently interviewed Scott Holden, Lead Content Creator of EVE Online at Gen Con 2008. Holden has been integral in building up all the mission content that's about to drop in the upcoming Empyrean Age expansions over the next few months. Split Infinity asks Holden a question that's been on the minds of a number of EVE players: Can player actions really influence the storyline?

Holden's answer is 'yes'... to a point. He discusses the initiative at CCP to create a system where events are announced in contested parts of space, prompting players to get involved. Their actions would be reported on through the in-game news, and in this way affects (or creates aspects of) the storyline. Participants in factional warfare, or anyone who reads the Interstellar Correspondents news pieces, know that this already exists to some extent in EVE, but Holden states that CCP would like to take the idea further as time goes on.

Continue reading EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline

MassivelyEVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbackstoryccpccp-gamesembedded-reporterembedded-reportingempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfarefactionsfictionguildsimmersioninterstellar-correspondentsinterviewsisdlead-content-creatorloremilitiamilitia-missionsmissionmissionspveracesroleplayingsci-fiscott-holdensplit-infinitysplit-infinity-radiostorylinevolunteerwalking-in-stationsSun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


In part 1 of this guide, I examined the usefulness of the overview system in EVE Online and explained the various customisation options available to players. In this final part of the guide, I look at the best ways to set up your overview for PvP, mission-running and a few other tasks. No matter what you do in EVE, this guide should offer some helpful hints and tips on getting the most out of this useful tool.

Default settings:
The default overview settings that exist when you first log in are less than optimal. They can fill your overview with extraneous information that make it difficult to find what you want. No matter what activity you're undertaking, you'll benefit from creating a new default settings list. With the overview settings menu open, click the "select all" button on the states tab. This will enable everything that can possibly appear on your overview, allowing you to manually deselect those things that are useless in your everyday life in space.

Read on for detailed instructions on setting up your overview for everything from mining to PvP.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefeaturedfleetguidehow toHowTojoystiqfeaturesmissionoverviewpvpMon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Visual Guide: Before you undock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eve-visual-guide-before-you-undock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eve-visual-guide-before-you-undock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eve-visual-guide-before-you-undock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


There are a few essential things any pilot in EVE Online should do before they undock from a station and get themselves into a potentially hostile situation. Come to think of it, anytime you undock there's at least some chance of hostility. Keeping that in mind, think of this as a visual checklist you should go through before entering space, as you're not only risking your ship, but your skillpoints if you bite off more than you can chew. This happens all too often, to novice and veteran pilots alike in EVE. So to help you avoid this fate...

Gallery: EVE Visual Guide: Before you undock

Know your character sheetKnow your station servicesFinding stations with Medical servicesClone statusUpgrading your clone

MassivelyEVE Visual Guide: Before you undock originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autopilotcapsuleerccpccp-gamescharacter-sheetclonecloningcloning-servicescriminalcriminal-countdowncriminal-flaggingeveeve-onlineeve-survivaleve-visual-guideeve-visual-guidesfeaturedgalleriesgame-mechanicsglobal-criminal-countdownguideshow-toinsurancejoystiqfeaturesmedical-servicesmissionmission-runningmissionsneocomplatinumpvepvpsci-fiship-fittingskillpointsstar-mapstationstation-servicestips-and-tricksundockThu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/eve-evolved-setting-up-your-overview-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Since it can often be hard to find or click on something in three dimensional space, EVE Online provides a useful tool called the "overview" to make life easier. The overview window lists objects and ships in your general vicinity and is one of EVE's most important tools for providing situational awareness. Whether you're mining, running missions, pirating or engaging an enemy fleet, almost every activity in space relies heavily on using the overview. In this two-part guide, I break down the overview settings and examine the best way to set up your overview for activities ranging from fleet warfare to mission-running.

Why is the overview so important?:
In addition to the convenience of clicking on items in a list rather than having to locate them in space, the overview has some essential functions. Information such as a ship's speed, name and distance from you can be displayed on the overview. Items on the overview can also be differently coloured or filtered out based on a wide range of factors from security status to whether they're in your alliance or not.

With all of these options, setting up your overview can be a confusing affair. In part 1 of this guide, I explore the various overview options and what they all do.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 1

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Setting up your overview, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefeaturedfleetguidehow toHowTojoystiqfeaturesmissionoverviewpvpSun, 17 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Empyrean Age expansion has been a significant content update to EVE Online for players interested in factional warfare. Of course, many players aren't willing to enlist in a militia and be under a constant wardec by their factional enemies, and simply prefer to mission run for their agents. CCP Games announced that new content was in the works, back in June, but the latest EVE Online Newsletter has an updated announcement on this from Lead Content Creator, Scott Holden.

CCP is getting closer to releasing new PvE mission content, Holden says, with Content Creation now based in Atlanta. This will be sped up by new staff on the Content Creation team in addition to the existing freelance writers already turning out EVE mission content. Holden says that new types of missions are coming to New Eden, and hints at 'epic mission arcs'.

Continue reading EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions

MassivelyEVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantacapsuleerccpccp-gamescontentcontent-creationdevdev-blogempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionfactionfactional-warfaremilitiamissionmission-arcsmission-runnermission-runningnew-edennewsletternewslettersnpcpilotpiratepvesci-fiscott-holdenwhite-wolfWed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Morality and legality in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the strengths of EVE Online is that the game's professions can be freeform. Many players take the standard route of being a miner or a mission runner. However, new and deviant professions have arisen in a kind of symbiosis with the more established trades in the game. This is the focus of an article called 'Morality and Legality', written by ISD Magnus Balteus of CCP Games. 'Morality and Legality' looks at two of the sketchier professions that sprang from EVE's more standard career paths.

Mining has given rise to ore theft, which boils down to theft that has the side benefit of potentially baiting the victim into combat, even in high security space. If the ore thief or 'can flipper' is successful, he or she can make off with the ore that someone else mined plus the modules looted from the miner's ship wreck. The morality of this type of career doesn't even enter into the equation... this is EVE. CCP's unwillingness to change the game mechanics involved in can flipping means that this is not an exploit, it's a valid profession, albeit not in the mind of the miner victim.

Continue reading Morality and legality in EVE Online

MassivelyMorality and legality in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>can-flipcan-flipperccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsgriefgrieferhighsecisdmineminermissionmission-runnermissionsninjaninja-lootninja-lootingninja-salvageninja-salvageroreore-thiefprofessionsvictimSat, 09 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Empyrean Age factional warfare exploit identified]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Factional warfare in EVE Online, by design, ensures that ships of a much greater ship class cannot engage smaller ships in certain deadspace mission pockets. If you and your fellow militia pilots are in a zone designated for nothing larger than frigates, for instance, you shouldn't find yourself getting locked by battleships fighting for your rival militia. Apparently this has started to occur; some players have found that the jump gates to these zones don't actually prevent them from warping in ships of a magnitude not allowed in such areas.

GM Grimmi had this to say at the EVE Online site: "Flying bigger class ships than allowed by the jump gates to Factional Warfare complexes has been classed as an exploit. If you are found doing this we will be forced to take in-game actions as abusing game mechanics is not allowed." So there you go. You might still be able to get in there with something obscenely overpowered and pop frigates like balloons, but you'll say goodbye to your account over it.

MassivelyEmpyrean Age factional warfare exploit identified originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleshipccpccp-gamesdeadspacedevdev-blogeveeve-onlineexploitfactionfactional-warfarefrigategame-mechanicsgmgm-grimmijump-gatejumpgatemacharielmissionpvpsci-fiFri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Van Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/van-hemlock-the-distrust-of-recruits-and-the-path-of-acceptance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/van-hemlock-the-distrust-of-recruits-and-the-path-of-acceptance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/van-hemlock-the-distrust-of-recruits-and-the-path-of-acceptance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Podcaster and PlanetSide-fragger extraordinaire Van Hemlock recently had a look at EVE Online's Empyrean Age expansion, and gave his take on what's needed to get the most from factional warfare. He tackled The Empyrean Age in two parts: The Distrust of Recruits... and The Path of Acceptance.

In The Distrust of Recruits, Van Hemlock was surprised that factional warfare isn't quite as accessible as he envisioned. He wasn't daunted though, and prepared to move his main character into the battlefield. Except, there were one or two issues. Perhaps the main one, which is a core mantra in EVE, is that you "don't fly what you can't afford to lose." By joining up with any of the militia, you become a war target for two other factions, who will attempt to kill you on sight -- no matter where they see you. No matter what you've done. That's the price you pay for access to this level of PvP, a first in the game, but for some that price tag is too steep.

Continue reading Van Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance

MassivelyVan Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-gamesempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfaregallentegrindminmatarmissionmissionspvpstandingsvan-hemlockMon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online dev blog: new missions galore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/eve-online-dev-blog-new-missions-galore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/eve-online-dev-blog-new-missions-galore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/eve-online-dev-blog-new-missions-galore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EVE Online developer CCP Molock writes in his dev blog that CCP Games has big plans for PvE content in the game, especially for mission-runners. Eight devs are currently working full-time on mission and deadspace creation. In addition, there are a number of freelancers working on new mission text. The freelance opportunities were announced in EVE's EON magazine, so it seems they found the people they needed -- particularly in light of just how much PvE content is on the way.

Molock describes the process of getting everything in order for The Empyrean Age and Factional Warfare as 'dizzying', particularly in light of the 160 new Factional Warfare missions that were part of the expansion's launch. Molock states that more content is to come in subsequent Empyrean Age releases, and explains what we can expect from EVE's PvE experience in the future.

Continue reading EVE Online dev blog: new missions galore

MassivelyEVE Online dev blog: new missions galore originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdevdev-blogdowntimeempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefreelancefreelancergame-mechanicsmissionmissionsquestquestssci-fiSun, 15 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/player-vs-everything-age-of-conan-closed-beta-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Everyone and their brother seems to be writing about Age of Conan over the last few days, but hopefully you're hungry for a little more. I've spent the last day and a half trying out different classes and playing through the various starting missions, and I'm ready to serve up some impressions. If you want the quick and dirty version, I'm really impressed with what Funcom has done. This game is worth your money. I'll try to talk about the aspects of the game that I haven't seen discussed much yet, as well as the stuff that everyone is talking about.

It's also important to note that I've been playing with the closed beta client -- not the open beta one. There is a serious difference. I should mention that when I wrote Friday's article, I hadn't yet played the game and I was basing my arguments largely on the claims of people who had had bad experiences with the open beta client. I still stand by my arguments about making games with outlandish system requirements, but I think Age of Conan will run just fine on many systems. Keeping all of that in mind, here's what I think of the game.

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-guideaocbetacombatdialogueenvironmentfeaturedfuncomgameplaygraphicsmissionnpcsplayer-vs-everythingpreviewquestsstabilityMon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Real Villains: Peter Themari]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/the-real-villains-peter-themari/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/the-real-villains-peter-themari/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/the-real-villains-peter-themari/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Continuing our series in which we look at the most authentically villainous content on offer in City of Villains, we're stopping by Peter Themari.

Themari's a very different kind of villain from Doctor Creed. He's cadaverous, decadent and concerned with nothing but indulging his own vile nature. He can be found in the Haven sector of Cap Au Diable, and is available between levels 10-14. You'll need to carry out three newspaper missions and succeed at a Mayhem Mission before your broker offers you Themari as a contact.

Themari's the first contact in CoV who is actively evil. Other contacts have had their own agendas: Fortunata Kalinda is an Arachnos lackey, Mongoose a snake hunter, Burke a mercenary and Creed a deranged scientist. Each one engages your services for reasons of their own. But Themari wants to do wrong for its own sake, and assumes you'll want to as well.

Continue reading The Real Villains: Peter Themari

MassivelyThe Real Villains: Peter Themari originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcontactscovevilmissionncsoftvillainThu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Real Villains: Doctor Creed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/the-real-villains-doctor-creed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/the-real-villains-doctor-creed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/the-real-villains-doctor-creed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

"What I really delivered was a City of Heroes experience with a slightly evil twist."

So spake Jack Emmert on City of Villains, as he perceived it with the benefit of hindsight and (one may add) the perspective of not being involved with it any more. It's not an uncommon complaint, either. CoV players can have trouble finding content that gladdens their black hearts with the joy of sheer, arbitrary evil.

It doesn't help that some content is blatantly hero content with the numbers filed off, the most brazen of this being the 'kidnap' missions in which you have to retrieve a hostage who is being held captive by other villains. If you think this sounds a lot more like a rescue than a kidnap, then congratulations.

But that doesn't mean there isn't genuine evildoing in City of Villains. There's plenty, if you know where to look for it and have the stomach for it. And now that so many of you are pounding away at the levels in the hope of unlocking a Villain Epic Archetype by the time Issue 12: Midnight Hour rolls around, we thought you'd like a few hints.

Continue reading The Real Villains: Doctor Creed

MassivelyThe Real Villains: Doctor Creed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcontactscovevilmissionncsoftvillainMon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Main Man]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/the-main-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/the-main-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/the-main-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online is a game where collective action trumps individual action. It's certainly a game that can be played solo although nowhere near as effectively as when your main's activities are supported or enabled by an alt. CCP provides 3 character slots per account, but skillpoint training can only progress on one character at a time. So where the real alt-play comes in is with dual boxing -- running two accounts at once to facilitate an activity. The main/alt duo can take a number of forms, by no means limited to the following basic examples:

Continue reading The Main Man

MassivelyThe Main Man originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altaltsccpeveeve-onlineexplorationminerminingmissionmission-runningpiracyscoutingterra-novatradetradingSun, 20 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Statistical Anxiety Separation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/the-digital-continuum-statistical-anxiety-separation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/the-digital-continuum-statistical-anxiety-separation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/the-digital-continuum-statistical-anxiety-separation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One thing I've taken to recently is lurking over at the Nerfbat forums, where many great minds discuss a lot of different things concerning massively games. One idea in particular has given me a spark of -- probable -- insanity in regards to something I've been giving plenty of thought to lately. The insane idea is this: What would a massively game be like if character avatars had no stats?

After reading though several different concepts presented in the thread responsible for this lunacy of mine, I started to wonder why every one of them focused on keeping with the fantasy motif. To me, it seemed obvious that if you're going to delve into a massively game where the characters have no numerical (or numerical-like) levels, stats or personal equipment it, was going to have to happen in something other than your standard fantasy adventure.

That's when two unexpected things came together for me and I realized something. A game where characters don't have any stats attached to them could exist with a difficult-to-design IP that's quite near and dear to me. What's the property, you ask?

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Statistical Anxiety Separation

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Statistical Anxiety Separation originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmissionnerfbatnerfbat-forumsranksspacespaceshipsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestarfleetstoSat, 09 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST