Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Soapbox: My MMORTS is more MMO than your MMORPG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-soapbox-my-mmorts-is-more-mmo-than-your-mmorpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-soapbox-my-mmorts-is-more-mmo-than-your-mmorpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-soapbox-my-mmorts-is-more-mmo-than-your-mmorpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Golden Age screenshot
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Have you ever played an MMORTS? No, I'm not talking about a single-player PC strategy game or city sim; I mean an MMORTS. There are so many to choose from that it would be hard for me to even begin to list them all, but I'll try. There's Illyriad, Ministry of War, Evony, Call of Gods, Dragons of Atlantis, Thirst of Night, 8Realms, Lord of Ultima, Golden Age and many, many others. Either you recognize some of those titles or you do not. Oddly enough, I've found that many standard, three-dimensional-world explorers do not consider MMORTS titles to be MMOs. I'm not sure why, but every time I stream an MMORTS live or write about one, I have to answer, at least once, the concern from the audience that what I am playing is not really an MMO.

The reality is that the MMORTS, as a design mechanic, genre, and style, is very much an MMO. I'd like to explain why in the hopes that many of you might grow to enjoy the genre as much as I do and that some much-needed light shines on the fact that the MMORTS is actually one of the last true MMOs around.

I think the task is to define "MMO" and to show how MMORTS fits in. We've attempted it before, but for a quick refresher, let's go over what I consider an MMO to be. You can add your own definitions in the comments section. I have no problems admitting that my definition could probably use some tweaking.

Continue reading The Soapbox: My MMORTS is more MMO than your MMORPG

MassivelyThe Soapbox: My MMORTS is more MMO than your MMORPG originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsbeau-hindmacall-of-godsdefining-mmosdragons-of-atlantisevonyfeaturedgolden-ageillyriadillyriad-gameslord-of-ultimaministry-of-warmmommorpgmmortssoapboxthe-soapboxthirst-of-nightFri, 09 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you define MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-define-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-define-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-define-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

My taxonomy is completely incomprehensible!
Defining "MMORPG" isn't difficult: it means "massively multiplayer online roleplaying game." It's an acronym. But drawing the line between what is and is not an MMO is significantly more difficult. Guild Wars has persistence and shared areas, for instance, but as soon as you leave a town, you're in an instance unique to you and your party. There are elements of persistence in games like League of Legends. Heck, there was a time when people wondered if you could call World of Warcraft an MMO with its instanced dungeons and lack of housing.

As with a lot of subjective categories, there's really no right or wrong place to draw the line, but pretty much everyone seems to think that there's a line to draw. More often than not, it's not even a matter of quality so much as a set of consistent characteristics. So what about you? Where do you draw the line between an MMO and something else? How do you define a game as being an MMO instead of a similar sort of game?

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: How do you define MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegenregenre-discussiongenre-opinionmmommo-featuresmmorpgopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: December 18-24, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/global-chat-december-18-24-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/global-chat-december-18-24-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/global-chat-december-18-24-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard's Hybrid entry
We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

Merry Christmas, Massively readers! We're enjoying some time with our loved ones today here at Massively, and we hope you're doing the same. We've prepared a few things for you to read in your downtime today, though. One of them is this week's Global Chat, so follow along after the break for the best of what our readers had to say last week!

Continue reading Global Chat: December 18-24, 2011

MassivelyGlobal Chat: December 18-24, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceclassesehraf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgaming-definitionsmechwarrior-onlinemmonot-an-mmoopinionopinionsryansam-not-spamSun, 25 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Super Hero Squad Online
There's a growing number of great kid-friendly MMOs available, and one that I've been meaning to check out for a while now is Super Hero Squad Online. The game has only been out for eight months, yet in that short time, it's reached over a million registered users and added lots of new content and characters.

I've spent some time in the game, along with my two young testers, to find out what the buzz is all about. We formed up a squad and set off to check out missions, the card game, our headquarters, and the opportunities for exploration out in the world, and our first impressions are found below. If you've ever wanted to know what the little super heroes eat or what holiday treats are available at the Parker household, you'll definitely want to read on!

Continue reading MMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online

MassivelyMMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>family-friendlyfamily-friendly-mmofeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentHeadquartershousingkaren-bryankid-friendlykid-friendly-mmomarvelmarvel-super-hero-squadmmommo-familyshsosuper+hero+squadsuper+hero+squad+mmosuper+hero+squad+onlinesuper-herosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherosuperhero+games+onlinesuperherogamesonlinesuperherosquadsuperherosquadmmosuperherosquadonlinetcgtrading-card-gameWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online
Like the gameplay of SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online, the title of the game itself may need some translation. "Online" and "Fighter" you can probably make sense of, and even if your knowledge of Japanese cartoons ends on Saturday mornings in the '80s and '90s, "Gundam" is probably familiar -- this is a game where you drive robots around shooting at each other online. But "Capsule" might throw you a bit, and "SD" was a new one to me. "SD" means "super deformed," and Gundam Capsules are like those little plastic balls you can get from 25-cent-machines in the supermarket. They're toy versions of Gundam mechs, basically.

In other words, SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online is essentially a game about toy robots fighting. It was first released in South Korea in 2007, and it's slowly made its way around the world here to North America, where it's in closed beta and is set for a full free-to-play release in "early December" by OGPlanet.

As you might imagine, it's cute, and the mechanic of collecting and customizing these little robot machines that you can send into battle will likely appeal to quite a few players. Unfortunately, after playing a few matches of the third-person shooter at OGPlanet headquarters recently, I determined that it'll be tough to recommend the title to anyone but the most die-hard of Gundam fans.

Gallery: SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online

Continue reading First Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online

MassivelyFirst Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionfeaturedfirst-impressionsgalleriesgallerygameplayhands-onkoreanmmoogplanetpreviewpreviewssd-gundam-capsule-fighter-onlinesd-gundam-onlinesdgoThu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Stir-crazy edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It looked like this, except higher resolution, and with a fat guy wielding a sword
With no power, no real Internet access, no running water, and no access to just about anything, I was getting a little bit stir-crazy. Fortunately, I've made use of my training as a Boy Scout and assembled a crude pastiche of elements to bring some of my favorite electronic online games into the offline space. Success has been mixed. Sitting in dowtown and periodically shouting that a level 34 Dragoon was looking for a party produced exactly the right reaction to simulate logging in to Final Fantasy XI, but my attempt at "logging in" to City of Heroes resulted in a lengthy discussion with police regarding the appropriateness of waving a Nerf sword at teenagers.

My makeshift attempts at answering this week's lineup for Ask Massively, however, have proved pretty fruitful all around. Skip on past the break for discussions about some very meta considerations, not the least of which being a potential subdivision of the site. As always, leaving a question in the comments or mailing it to ask@massively.com will quite possibly get it included in a future edition of the column. Sometimes even if the question is ridiculous.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Stir-crazy edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Stir-crazy edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersappearanceask-massivelycapitalizationfeaturedgrammarhumormmommorpgopinionpunctuationquestionsquestions-and-answersThu, 01 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ask-massively-something-approaching-a-tribute-to-safety-dance-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ask-massively-something-approaching-a-tribute-to-safety-dance-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ask-massively-something-approaching-a-tribute-to-safety-dance-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Safety Dance was a song released by Men Without Hats in 1982. It is astonishing for me to realize this, but there is now a substantial portion of our audience that post-dates not only this song but the entire decade. So allow me to say right now that yes, the 1980s were a real time, they did in fact happen, and if that video doesn't tell you a good portion of what you need to know about that time period, any further elaboration won't make it clearer.

OK, maybe one further piece.

This week's questions have absolutely nothing to do with dancing, safety, or looking at one's hands. Instead, it's about pricing models for games and the never-ending discussion about where one draws the line between an MMO and something that is not an MMO. As always, you can leave questions in the comment field for next week, or you can mail them along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acronymsask-massivelycolumncolumnsexpansionsfeaturedhumormmommo-qualitypersistencepersistent-worldplayer-interactionpricingsafety-danceThu, 05 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformers MMO to become a reality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/transformers-mmo-to-become-a-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/transformers-mmo-to-become-a-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/transformers-mmo-to-become-a-reality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The time has come for Autobots and Decepticons to roll out into the MMO world! As of this morning, we've heard news that Hasbro has entered into a contract agreement with Jagex (most commonly known for its popular free-to-play title, RuneScape) to develop a brand-new game based on the incredibly popular Transformers IP.

While details on just what players can expect from the Transformers MMO are still scarce at this point, the release states that the developers are aiming to launch the game sometime in 2012. Will this also be a free-to-play title, considering Jagex's experience? Will this be geared more toward children than adults? Will we be able to build our own super-awesome Transformers or just play as iconic characters? At this point it's all up in the air, but rest assured we'll keep our ears open for more news.

MassivelyTransformers MMO to become a reality originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinghasbrohasbro-toysjagexjagex-game-studiosjagex-ltdmmommorpgrunescapetransformerstransformers-mmoMon, 14 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo opens the news floodgates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

"Cry havoc, and unleash the titles of war" might as well be gamigo's cry, as today it has seen fit to give us what can only be termed as a new title news explosion. Aside from offering up an interesting tidbit on its upcoming space dogfighter, Black Prophecy, the company has released information on a handful of other new titles that should pique the interest of gamers who are looking for something beyond the standard free-to-play MMO fare. Better still, some of these titles will be available in-browser, helping to open up more "jump in and game" free-to-play options.

Grimlands offers something for players who have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic title that promises the ability to evolve their own playstyles -- and cities. UFO Online: Fight for Earth features a tactics-heavy browser-based MMO environment where players will battle against each other and enemy NPCs in a world overrun with gobsmackingly enormous amounts of aliens. Magic Campus offers adventure in a turn-based world where players build a powerful cadre of pets and mentor others in the ways of magic -- all in their browsers.

Sound intriguing? Join us behind the break for a first look at screenshots and video from these upcoming gamigo titles!

Continue reading Gamigo opens the news floodgates

MassivelyGamigo opens the news floodgates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbetablack-prophecybrowser-basedconcept-artcross-platformf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playgallerygamigoGrimlandsjrpgmacmagic-campusmmommofpsmmoomgmmorpgmmortsnew-titlespcpost-apocalypticpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsteaser-trailertrailerufo-onlineufo-online-fight-for-earthunityunity-enginevideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wakfu's beta delayed in North America, potentially for Rogue activity]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/wakfus-beta-delayed-in-north-america-potentially-for-rogue-act/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/wakfus-beta-delayed-in-north-america-potentially-for-rogue-act/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/wakfus-beta-delayed-in-north-america-potentially-for-rogue-act/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wakfu has captured more than a few eyes of late, and for understandable reason. The game features distinctive and detailed sprite graphics, a tactical battle system, and a world that reacts to your actions. Details have just been released on the game's explosive and underhanded Rogue class, specializing in disrupting enemies with a variety of elemental bomb spells while avoiding damage with quick movement.

Unfortunately for players looking forward to the game's beta, it might be a bit further away than it seemed, at least in North America. The international open beta was previously announced to be starting on April 27th, but word has been released that details on open beta in North America will be announced on a later date. While the game is set for a worldwide simultaneous release, if you're here in the US, you might have to wait just a little longer to get your Wakfu on. Fortunately, some brand-new screenshots -- including a couple of roguish ones -- should help ease the pain a little.

Gallery: Wakfu beta screens

MassivelyWakfu's beta delayed in North America, potentially for Rogue activity originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamabetabeta-previewbeta-screenshotsbeta-testingclassesgallerygraphicsmmonew-classesopen-betaroguerogue-classscreenshotscreenshotsspritessquaresquare-enixtesting-windowwakfuThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Bungie's MMO won't be WoW in space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The top secret MMO project from Bungie continues to raise fan and industry eyebrows despite the absence of any real information about the title. The game, rumored to carry the code name Destiny, will be massively multiplayer, and it will be set against a space/sci-fi backdrop. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess as to what will actually emerge from the Halo-maker's secret laboratory.

Joystiq has unearthed a blurb about the project from this week's GDC, wherein Bungie lead network engineer David Aldridge was overheard referring to the game as "massively multiplayer" as well as the fact that it won't be "WoW in space."

MassivelyGDC 2011: Bungie's MMO won't be WoW in space originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-destinybungie-mmobungie-studiosbungivisiondestinyhalohypemicrosoftmmommo-industryrumorssci-fiscience-fictionspace-mmowow-in-spaceFri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Rule of many]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-many/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-many/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-many/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It feels a bit meta to respond to my own column, but my last article caused quite a stir. I would be vainglorious to believe that my point of view is the only one or that it is the best one. Given the 68 responses to my article in the comments section here and over 17 pages on the official Star Wars: The Old Republic forum -- at least half of which completely disagreed with me -- I would be ignorant to believe that there is room for only one approach to the subject. On top of that, Principal Lead Combat Designer Georg Zoeller offered a compelling argument that counters my stance in a completely unrelated thread.

In this issue of the Hyperspace Beacon, I'm going to give voice to the opposition. I would hope that everyone who responded to the last article wants SWTOR to succeed as much as I do. (I realize that what I said previously could be construed as not wanting this game to be great, but that's untrue. I want the game to be the best it can be.) Many of the comments I received can be categorized together, so following the break, I will summarize the other positions. Let's see how SWTOR is keeping the MMO in the MMORPG.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Rule of many

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Rule of many originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>define-an-MMOEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedgeorg-zoellergreg-zeschukMMOmultiplayerpersistent-worldPvPRP-in-the-MMORPGStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTORTue, 01 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Rule of one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/hyperspace-beacon-rule-of-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I hate doing this. I really do. But sometimes one little phrase stands out way too much. One tiny thing a developer says can create an oh-@#$% moment. "Your ship's cargo hold is, indeed, your bank." That small phrase uttered by Lead Combat Designer Damion Schubert on the official Star Wars: The Old Republic forum was one of the phrases that made me do a bit of a double take. The concept of SWTOR changed for me. I began to question -- again -- whether this is truly a multiplayer game.

We know the developers at BioWare have stated that they hope to put the RP back into the MMORPG; however, are they taking out the MMO? We know now that your bank is on your ship. Although they can be utilized from just about anywhere, Crew Skills are centered around your ship. There will be PvP and Flashpoint queuing, which can be done from your ship. Your companions are on your ship. What isn't on your ship? Trainers? Leveling quests? Many developers have said you don't have to group for your leveling quests, implying that they can be completed solo from beginning to end.

It appears to me that perhaps there is something that I am missing. What part of the game is going to require -- or at very least, encourage -- me to actually play with other people? Force leap through the cut and let's discuss this further.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Rule of one

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Rule of one originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander-freeddamion-schubertdefine-an-MMOEAElectronic-ArtsMMOmultiplayerpersistent-worldPvPRP-in-the-MMORPGStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTORTue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the first month of DC Universe Online now in the past, the time has come for that all-important MMO decision -- is the game worth renewing? For some, the answer is no. The first major patch still has not dropped; it's meant to offer us many fixes and the new content we've been told is coming. Some players have hit the level cap and aren't interested in leveling alts or doing endgame content. Whatever each person's reason may be, the shine is wearing off for some.

Meanwhile, Hal Halpin, President of the Entertainment Consumer's Association, recently wrote a piece that presented another reason that some may not be renewing: Console gamers are feeling that Sony Online Entertainment has been less than open about the game's being locked to a single account. Many are upset about not being able to trade DC Universe Online in for another game now that their free month is up. His reasoning? "The problem, of course, is that console games are sold and the ownership conveyed, along with rights." There's only one flaw in that statement: This isn't anything new -- not even on consoles.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum

MassivelyAlter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmodc-universedc-universe-onlinedreamcastdude-wait-whatecaentertainment-consumer-associationentertainment-consumers-associationeulafeaturedhal-halpinlicenselicensesmmommorpgPlayStationplaystation-2playstation-3Playstation3ps2ps3reselling-gamessingle-usesoesony-online-entertainmentthe-ecatostrading-gamesSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Newstastic edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-mmo-report-newstastic-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-mmo-report-newstastic-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-mmo-report-newstastic-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Welcome back! This week on The MMO Report, Casey Schreiner and the team at G4TV are serving up a heaping helping of highlights, as the news has been crazy busy during the last week. Up first, Casey points out the sales numbers for DC Universe Online, which has been flying off shelves. From there, it's on to Bigpoint Games' upcoming free-to-play browser-based Battlestar Galactica Online, which will either enthrall space-drama fiends, or just give people a reason to say "frak" a lot. Zipping along, it's on to Eskil Steenberg's LOVE, which went through an upgrade while narrowly avoiding a random Craigslist hookup.

Also included are tidbits on an upcoming short documentary on the making of Minecraft, as well as an interesting piece on the MMORPGRTS alphabet soup of Reverie World Studios' upcoming game Dawn of Fantasy. Finally, this week ends out, as most weeks do, with Casey rifling through the best (or worst; we're not quite sure) to be found in Uncle Casey's Mailbag. For all the excitement and more, you can check out this week's episode of The MMO Report embedded for your ocular and aural pleasure behind the break, or catch it every Thursday on G4TV.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Newstastic edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Newstastic edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowser-basedbsgbsgocasey-schreinerdawn-of-fantasydc-universe-onlinedcuoeskil-steenbergfree-to-playg4tvhumorloveminecraftmmonewsprgreverie-world-studiosrtssillysnarksoesony-online-entertainmentthe-mmo-reportuncle-caseys-mailbagupcoming-gamesvideoFri, 28 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle gets elemental in Dynasty Warriors Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/battle-gets-elemental-in-dynasty-warriors-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/battle-gets-elemental-in-dynasty-warriors-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/battle-gets-elemental-in-dynasty-warriors-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Historical hack-and-slash isn't just for the movies any more! Now, along with hacking through wide swaths of enemies in Dynasty Warriors Online, players can add some insult to injury by using special elemental abilities. Why would you want to do that? Well, so you can do mean and nasty things like setting people on fire, as we see above. Just imagine -- roast DOTted mob. Mmm, festive!

Mind you, you're not restricted to only using fire; you can opt to kill your enemies using other elemental attacks instead! Ice grants the ability to freeze enemies into blocks of ice as a means of crowd control. Lightning allows players to zap enemies, stunning them so you can chain together huge damage combos. Wind offers crowd control in the form of knockbacks, allowing you to focus damage on one targeted group at a time rather than getting swamped. Finally, there's void power, which offers the ability to negate opponents' armor and drive home pure butt-kicking damage. For those curious about what the elemental attacks look like, we've gathered a handful of screenshots in our Dynasty Warriors Online gallery for you, or you can pop over to the Aeria Games site and sign up for some hack-and-slash elemental free-to-play fun of your own!

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Online gallery


MassivelyBattle gets elemental in Dynasty Warriors Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaeriaaeria-gamesdwodynasty-warriors-onlineelemental-attackf2pfree-to-playhistoricalmmoWed, 22 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's ho-ho-holiday MMO roundup for 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/massivelys-ho-ho-holiday-mmo-roundup-for-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/massivelys-ho-ho-holiday-mmo-roundup-for-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/massivelys-ho-ho-holiday-mmo-roundup-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time of year again -- when snow falls in lands that normally don't even see weather effects! When you're supposed to love your fellow elf, human, dwarf -- or at least maim them in the nicest, most brotherly way possible. As one would expect with a plethora of MMOs out on the market, there are gobsmackingly huge numbers of events to take advantage of. Being the festive holiday folks we are (well, OK, some of us anyway), we've gathered up a listing of some of the many things going on. So if you're curious about just what holiday merriment can be found out there, grab some egg nog (alcohol optional), click past the break, and dive into our festive roundup of holiday events.

Also, be sure to keep an eye on Massively as Rubi continues giving great gifts to gamers galore in our 12 Days of Giveaways event!

Continue reading Massively's ho-ho-holiday MMO roundup for 2010

MassivelyMassively's ho-ho-holiday MMO roundup for 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholiday-2010holidays-2010mmommorpgmobile-mmoroundupwinterwinter-holidaywinter-holiday-2010winter-holiday-eventFri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Catackalysm special]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/the-mmo-report-catackalysm-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/the-mmo-report-catackalysm-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/the-mmo-report-catackalysm-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

First things first, to really understand this week's intro to The MMO Report, you need to do a wee bit of homework, assuming you don't already get the reference in the title anyway. Pop over here and watch this user-created video about the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion. We'll wait.

OK, all caught up? Great. Off we go then!

This week, Casey is joined by the lovely (and World of Warcraft-addicted) Morgan Webb, who sits down with Game Designer Tom "Kalgan" Chilton for a chat about the myriad things that have come in Cataclysm. Sure, it's chock-full of the normal things one would expect, like talk about things players both old and new will be experiencing in the expansion. Morgan also gets Tom to tell us more about some of his favorite quests in the revamped areas, as well as a bit more insight into Blizzard's development cycles for this expansion -- certainly a hot topic this week. In all, this will definitely be a treat for any World of Warcraft loving gamer.

We've tucked the video behind the break for your enjoyment, or you can catch The MMO Report every Thursday on G4TV.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Catackalysm special

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Catackalysm special originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcasey-schreinercataclysmG4TVgame-designerKalganmmommorpgmorgan-webbthe-mmo-reporttom-chiltontom-chilton-interviewWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 10 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamer pays a buttload of cash to play an MMO on a huge screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/gamer-pays-a-buttload-of-cash-to-play-an-mmo-on-a-huge-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/gamer-pays-a-buttload-of-cash-to-play-an-mmo-on-a-huge-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/gamer-pays-a-buttload-of-cash-to-play-an-mmo-on-a-huge-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you had $15,000.00, what would you do with it? Pay some bills? Maybe upgrade a few holiday gifts? Well, if you're the guy featured in this video from MMOsite, apparently the thing to do with all that spare cash is renting out the biggest honking video screen one can find and playing an MMO. Yes, indeed, for the low, low price of roughly 1,500 dollars a minute, you too can subject random passers-by to a raw display of your mad online skillz and leetness for a whopping 10 minutes.

All joking aside, this guy has managed to pull off one crazy stunt -- being the first MMO gamer to get his game on across a gobsmackingly enormous freaking screen. (The second-longest LCD screen in the world, even.) As for the game of choice? If you guessed World of Warcraft, you'd be wrong. Apparently his online poison of choice is a game called Magic World Online 2. (Although after looking at the site, perhaps it's not that far off.) What's next? Well, we'll wait for the inevitable e-peenery of someone renting out the entirety of Fremont street's 1,500-foot long Las Vegas LCD skyscreen. For those who would like to see this particular display, the video is embedded behind the break.

Continue reading Gamer pays a buttload of cash to play an MMO on a huge screen

MassivelyGamer pays a buttload of cash to play an MMO on a huge screen originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enormous-monitorgamerlcd-monitorslcd-screenmmommorpgmonitornot-the-way-i-would-spend-15krecord-sizesecond-largestvideoMon, 29 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/massivelys-big-fat-black-friday-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can you feel the love? The food comas? The day of sitting around napping while the kids sneak into the kitchen for another piece of pie? As you can see from the holiday e-card we've gotten, the gorging has already started in certain MMOs. However, for the rest of us who aren't virtual-demented-clown versions of Mr. Creosote, the promise of great deals looms once the turkey and pie are dispensed with. As we here at Massively are always on the lookout for a good deal, we've rounded up some MMO and hardware deals worth putting on your wish list.

Join us behind the break for some of the best 100% frosting-covered-clown-free bargains we've found. Also, if you spot anything particularly tasty in terms of sale prices, be sure to let us all know in comments!

[Updated] Switched the image out due to unintended offense, and adding more deals in as we find them!

Continue reading [Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup

Massively[Updated] Massively's big fat Black Friday roundup originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2010dealsfeaturedgameshardwareholidayholidaysholidays-2010mmommofpsmmorpgsalesalessoftwarespecialsthanksgivingthanksgiving-2010Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An early look into CardMon Hero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For those who have ever enjoyed collectible card games, the idea of an MMO that features collectible and playable cards might be intriguing. Well, if you're in the market for a new game, Redbana, T3fun and Hanbitsoft have a treat for you. Their newest free-to-play game, CardMon Hero, offers a system that is heavily based on building up certain cards and playing them in the world against mobs and other players. Not only will players get cards for skills, but adventuring through the world will net special monster cards known as mercenary cards, which are picked up via questing, crafting, and drops. As of this evening, the game is entering closed beta as well.

We had a chance to take a look at CardMon Hero with Redbana's Project Manager, Damien Moreno, who gave us an early peek at some of the things players can expect within the game. Many of the systems present will be fairly familiar to veteran MMO players. Movement is handled through either click-to-move or WASD. Also present are familiar UI options like action bars, maps, a quest journal, character sheet (with a cosmetic pane) and the like. Eventually, a cash shop will also be implemented, although Moreno informed us that it is being worked on to provide a plethora of cosmetic and helpful options, as opposed to gear or weapons that will create game-breaking imbalances between paid players and free-to-play gamers -- a very important thing to many Western gamers.

For more on this free-to-play game, join me after the break, or check out the gallery of concept art and in-game screenshots below!

Gallery: CardMon Hero

Continue reading An early look into CardMon Hero

MassivelyAn early look into CardMon Hero originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camon-herocardcardmon-herocardsclosed-betacollectible-card-systemdamien-morenoearly-lookf2pfree-to-playhanbitsoftmercenarymmopreviewredbanaredbana-usat3funWed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda looks back at its first six months]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/global-agenda-looks-back-at-its-first-six-months/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/global-agenda-looks-back-at-its-first-six-months/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/global-agenda-looks-back-at-its-first-six-months/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a whirlwind six months for Hi-Rez Studios. In that time frame the studio released its MMOFPS Global Agenda, converted the game to a "buy it once and play it forever" model similar to Guild Wars, released a major expansion named Sandstorm, and finally released the game in boxed format. Now, the devs have taken a moment to breathe, reflect, and answer some questions for the folks over at IGN as to what they set out to do, what lessons they've learned, and what players can expect in the upcoming months.

The interview focuses on discussing the shift of payment options, what it's like to create and continue running an MMOFPS hybrid, and whether or not others may be looking in that same general direction. While short, it offers an interesting peek into the minds behind the ever-evolving Global Agenda and offers some wide-ranging discussion on the games market in general.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda looks back at its first six months originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosigninterviewmmommofpssandstormsandstorm-patchFri, 17 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/free-for-all-so-what-does-mmorpg-mean/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As a reader of Massively, you should have a pretty good idea what MMORPG means. Not just what it stands for, but what it feels like, looks like, and behaves like. The problem is, despite common definitions, the games keep coming in different shapes and sizes -- and from all over the world. While I receive many comments about the Western coverage that Massively features, I would only be doing half my job if I reported on only the latest half a dozen games to break the multi-million-dollar budget mark in America.

The world is a smaller place, especially now. And across the world there are MMORPGs that are being played and enjoyed in many different ways. There are PvP games, games that place players into instance after instance with only a handful of other players, all while offering the potential to hang out with thousands of other people. Is an instanced combat game still an MMO? How about a game like Mabinogi, which maintains a persistent world, but is broken into several invisible channels for players to skip in to and out of?

This is impossible, but I think I will try to define exactly what MMO means -- now, in this current market.

Continue reading Free for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean?

MassivelyFree for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandefining-mmosdefinitionsfeaturedfree-for-allfriends-listguild-warslarpmabinogimassivemassivelymassively-multiplayermassively-multiplayer-onlinemassively-multiplayer-online-gamemassively-multiplayer-online-gamesmmommorpgmobile-gamesmultiplayerphonesreal-liferoleplayroleplayingsocializationsocializingtechnologyterminologywesternWed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's time once again for our yearly invasion of Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Georgia! While, yes, we will have several members of our team covering everything going on at PAX, Dragon*Con offers us a chance to get involved with the community and give back some of the love we get during the year. (Oh yes, and some of the snark too.) Of course, it doesn't hurt that Dragon*Con is also an enormous 4-day long party for just about everything any geek would ever be interested in!

If you've been wondering what's going on this year with the MMO track, which we'll be back to help with for our fourth year straight, then join us after the break for this year's panel listing! Also, for those friends who haven't picked it up (or anyone curious), the online pocket guide to the overall con is available for download.

Continue reading DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing

MassivelyDragonCon 2010: MMO track listing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2010dragon-condragoncondragoncon-2010mmommo-trackmmorpgtrack-listingTue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waging WAR: A healer's advice for melee-DPS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/waging-war-a-healers-advice-for-melee-dps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/waging-war-a-healers-advice-for-melee-dps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/waging-war-a-healers-advice-for-melee-dps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Waging WAR starts the month of August with a look at archetypes in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and the way they work together in RvR and scenarios. Although Greg's rules apply to pretty much any class-based, group-based, PvP-centric game, he prefers to think of them as particular to WAR, since there's a bunch of game-specific slang in there that he's too lazy to change.

Having a role to play is integral to the massively multiplayer online experience, but when the term "roleplay" comes up, it usually means something very specific and closely related to dramatic acting. Taken in a broader sense, it means that we choose our roles when we project the most imaginative aspect of our psychic selves and ask the question "who (or what) do I want to be?" Thus, our vicarious adventures begin. For the purposes of social gaming, it should come as no surprise that those classes usually fit another staple in the MMO universe -- the role trinity of tanker, healer, and damager. While the bond between the healer and tanker is obvious, the unspoken pact between healer and damager is just as sacred and yet all too easily forgotten. For those who were unaware such a promise existed, it goes something like, "I, the healer, promise to keep you alive so you can kill stuff in the face (better)." However, in many cases, the damaging character is delegated an expendable role, compared to the tank's priority or the healer's own survival. These are exceptions that the melee-damager is usually aware of and even comfortable with.

But today I'm not here to challenge those roles like I normally would when talking about damage-healer hybrids. As a specialized healer, I've defined a few, easy-to-remember rules that I believe every melee-damage player should follow in group situations (PUG or premade - there is little difference when it comes to these rules). Solo play is an entirely different realm and beyond the scope of this column; I want to focus on the special synergy between healer and melee-damager, and to dispense advice to those brave, wayward souls in their never-ending quest to face blades as they bring their own to bear.

I'll bestow these tidbits of wisdom after the break.

Continue reading Waging WAR: A healer's advice for melee-DPS

MassivelyWaging WAR: A healer's advice for melee-DPS originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebioware-mmorpgbioware-mythicdpsdpsingEAea-mythicfeaturefeaturedhealer-questionshealersholy-trinitymeleemelee-combatmelee-DPSmmommorpgmythicmythic entertainmentmythic-eaMythic-EntertainmentMythicEntertainmentsquared-addontankTrinitywaging-warWarhammerwarhammer-eaWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-Reckoningwarhammer-online-eaSat, 07 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Rumor] World of Darkness MMO may emerge from the shadows soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What's that just out of sight... that darkness that flits maddeningly at the very edge of vision? Well, if you're a fan of the long-running World of Darkness series, that unsettling presence that makes your blood run cold could be a vampire, werewolf, or perhaps the rarest monster of all -- CCP's World of Darkness MMO. While we know the game has been under development for some time, trying to find out anything more about it from CCP employees is about as pointless as attempting to convince Marilyn Manson that khakis are the new black.

Well, according to some, a recent interview with Shane DeFreest, Community Developer on World of Darkness, offers a nugget of hope that many MMO fiends have been looking for. According to the post on Flames Rising, DeFreest notes that the upcoming White Wolf convention in September will play host to something important: "The big news that I can't really give to (sic) many details on is that we've got something really big we want to show our fans first. Friday at sundown is where we give everyone the first look at the future of the World of Darkness. If you have been a fan of our games for two months or two decades you won't want to miss what we have to say."

Now as to whether this reveal will be the long awaited World of Darkness MMO, or if people are seeing monsters where there is only smoke and mirrors, we can't say. In the meantime, we'll have to content ourselves with rolling dice and dreaming of a murderously delicious future.

[Thanks, Option!]

Massively[Rumor] World of Darkness MMO may emerge from the shadows soon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpCCP-Gamesmmorumorthe-grand-masqueradevampirewerewolfwodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlineWed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 still planning on making their MMO [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/red-5-still-planning-on-making-their-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/red-5-still-planning-on-making-their-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/red-5-still-planning-on-making-their-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You have to give Red 5 Studios credit for tenacity, if nothing else. When they initially announced their connection with Intel via licensing the Offset Engine, the plan was to use Red 5's upcoming fantasy MMO, codenamed Project Offset, to showcase Intel's high-end Larrabee processors. However, last month, Intel decided to scrap their plans for the Offset Engine, and redirect the Larrabee processor towards more business-type uses. Meanwhile, despite Red 5 having financial difficulties requiring a layoff of staff, they're continuing on. This is all thanks, in large part, to China's The9, who have stepped in to give them a $20 million infusion of cash in exchange for a majority stake in their company.

While some startup studios might fold after a series of large setbacks like this, word is that development on Project Offset continues, according to a story on Gamasutra. Only now, it's running on a "highly modified" version of the original Intel Offset Engine, giving this graphics intensive first-person MMO life. While details are still thin as ever beyond the game being a fantasy title, we hope that this newest partnership with The9 coupled with the recent infusion of cash helps their studio get back on track.

[Update: We've received word from Red 5 that they have no relationship to the canceled Project Offset, but they are still using a highly modified Offset Engine to continue their work on their own game.]

MassivelyRed 5 still planning on making their MMO [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intelmmommorpgoffset-enginered-5red-5-studiosthe9Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Great achievements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/the-daily-grind-great-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here in the States we're celebrating one of the great achievements in our nation's history -- the adoption of our Declaration of Independence! However, as we're a site that spans more than just the shores of one nation, we thought today we'd take the time instead to talk about achievements in the MMOs we all know and love. From leveling in World of Warcraft, to managing to level without dying in Lord of the Rings Online, to clicking on your own avatar 5,000,000 times in Warhammer Online, people really seem to enjoy chasing those little badges that say "I came, I saw, I did something!"

Today, in honor of great achievements everywhere, we thought we'd talk about MMO achievements. Whether it's the more formalized ones that come with banners or Facebook status updates, or just a personal milestone you managed to accomplish after a long period of planning and working at it, there are many things to celebrate. So jump down to the comments below and tell us -- what is your greatest MMO achievement?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Great achievements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementachievementsholidayholidayslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommotdgthe-daily-grindwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout Online offers up a large FAQ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/fallout-online-offers-up-a-large-faq/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/fallout-online-offers-up-a-large-faq/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/fallout-online-offers-up-a-large-faq/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If tons of tasty information about the upcoming post-apocalyptic playground, Fallout Online, is something you're hungry for, then you're in luck! A fan has compiled Interplay forum responses into a rather lengthy FAQ that's full of all manner of information every vault dweller could possibly want. Well, OK -- not everything. There's still no release date, nor are there tons of beta keys available for the grabbing. However, it's still a nice bundle of information to look over.

Among the morsels on the Fallout Online FAQ are notes on PvP (yes, it will be there), death penalties (definitely worth reading for yourself), and more. It looks like the hotly debated "Project V13" has been moving along more solidly than many might have realized. Head on over to the Interplay forums to read all about it!

[Thanks, Nickelpat!]
[Edited to correct posting source]

MassivelyFallout Online offers up a large FAQ originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfalloutfallout-onlinefaqfrequently-asked-questionsinterplaymmoproject-v13Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: MMOre haiku for you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/the-daily-grind-mmore-haiku-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/the-daily-grind-mmore-haiku-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/the-daily-grind-mmore-haiku-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just the other day
We had a post about tanks
It featured haiku

That post was so fun
We wanted to share the love
With everyone here

So today we have
MMO haiku madness
for all the games here

Kudos or bitching
On MMOs, in haiku
Should be amusing

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: MMOre haiku for you originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-for-allhaikuhumormmommorpgtdgthe-daily-grindMon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed World offers new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/need-for-speed-world-offers-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/need-for-speed-world-offers-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/need-for-speed-world-offers-new-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You can always tell when an MMO is getting ready to release -- the information (some will say hype) machines get cranked up to 11. What you don't always see, though, is the developers of the game in question sitting down to not only tell you about their upcoming game, but to soundly kick each other's butts in-game; a treat we get to see from the Need For Speed World team.

In this latest edition of the Need For Speed World video diaries, we're treated to a look at some of the various buffs that players will have a chance to use on their cars during play. The options range from more obvious things like nitrous for speed, to something called "traffic magnet" which is a bit low on specific details, but we gather is quite handy for getting ahead of the pack. With the release coming soon, we're sure more details will continue to pour out in coming weeks -- hopefully with more devs smack-talking each other! Until then, you can check out all the action in the newest video, just behind the break.

Continue reading Need For Speed World offers new video

MassivelyNeed For Speed World offers new video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsdeveloper-diaryeammoneed-for-speed-worldnfswpreviewRacingvideoFri, 25 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms confirmed for PS3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yesterday, we celebrated the first birthday for Free Realms, in which we heard some details on things that Sony Online Entertainment had added to the game to make it better for players. With that said, it appears that the folks over at Kotaku managed to wrangle one additional piece of information out of the Free Realms team -- and this one is a sweet birthday surprise!

Despite many companies considering porting their MMOs to consoles and later deciding to skip it, SOE has charged full steam ahead with their dual-platform development. As such, it would appear that family favorite Free Realms will indeed cross to the PlayStation 3. What's better, they're planning on showing it off at E3 this year! Of course, we'll have a team on the ground at the show to get all the juicy details such as release dates, and whether or not PC and PS3 players will be able to play together on the same servers. Hopefully if Free Realms garners as many PS3 players as it has on PC, other developers will reconsider their plans for console launches, and we'll see more enter the market in coming years.

[Thanks, Amana!]

MassivelyFree Realms confirmed for PS3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfrfree-realmsmmoplaystation-3portps3soesony-online-entertainmentFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Single-game conventions, or multi-title meccas?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/the-daily-grind-single-game-conventions-or-multi-title-meccas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/the-daily-grind-single-game-conventions-or-multi-title-meccas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/the-daily-grind-single-game-conventions-or-multi-title-meccas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When it comes to gaming conventions, the options for MMO players seem to get bigger every year. (Not that we're complaining, mind you!) You can get a taste of the MMO world within a bigger convention like PAX or the MMO track at Dragon*Con. Alternately, fans of a particular game or company have more and more choices to check out -- EVE FanFest; BlizzCon, SOE's Fan Faire, and now Jagex's RuneFest. Add to that the LFG Expo, which promises to give us more MMOs in one space than we've seen before, and you can see where a gamer might not know which to pick!

But with all the myriad choices opening up to us, we wondered this morning just how you like MMOs in your conventions? Are you more inclined to hit company-specific MMO conventions, so you can immerse yourself in a particular game (or series of games)? Do you prefer the large conventions where Mario and Magic: The Gathering fans mingle with murlocs? Or are you chomping at the bit for a convention like L4G, which should give players a huge choice of MMO diversity under one roof?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Single-game conventions, or multi-title meccas? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconconventionconventionsfan-fairefanfestlfg-expommoopinionpaxrunefesttdgthe-daily-grindWed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Tanks releases explosive new gameplay video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/world-of-tanks-releases-explosive-new-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/world-of-tanks-releases-explosive-new-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/world-of-tanks-releases-explosive-new-gameplay-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If you've been waiting to see more of the heavy-metal thrashing MMO World of Tanks, then we've got a treat for you. The newest video from the team over at Wargaming.net shows off some of the sweet visuals that players can expect to see in this explosive upcoming game.

Aside from just showing off tanks blowing each other into next year, it also shows off how much time and detail the team has put into recreating some of the the 150 WWII tanks that the game features. From long-range guns to closer-range weapons, this looks to be a pretty creative use of enormous rolling machines in PvP. How the mechanics will roll out (no pun intended) isn't quite clear, but it's still a tasty look for those who can't wait to get on the field and blow things -- and other players -- to bits.

The video awaits you behind the break, so be sure to click on through if explosions and huge hulking behemoths of steel are your thing!

Continue reading World of Tanks releases explosive new gameplay video

MassivelyWorld of Tanks releases explosive new gameplay video originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaygameplay-footagemmopvptanksvideowargaming.networld-of-tanksTue, 13 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA unleashes trailer on the masses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/tera-unleashes-trailer-on-the-masses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/tera-unleashes-trailer-on-the-masses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/tera-unleashes-trailer-on-the-masses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The upcoming action RPG fantasy MMO TERA from Bluehole Studio and En Masse Entertainment definitely caught our eyes at GDC 2010. While our fearless leader Shawn got a chance for (several) hands-on sessions with this intriguing new title, the trailer from GDC has come out today for the rest of us who weren't so fortunate as to make it to the conference.

What is most impressive about this trailer to us (beyond the fact that nobody seems to fall out of those skimpy metal bikinis) is that the footage was created using all in-game resources. If that's the case, the in-game graphics -- including facial emotes -- are quite impressive. Of course, considering how deep the game's various systems appear to go based on that hands-on at the convention, we're not surprised to find the graphics are equally as impressive.

So if you haven't had a chance to see TERA in action, be sure to check out the trailer behind the break. Between all the details we keep hearing about and luscious visuals like this, we think this is definitely going to be a game to watch.

Continue reading TERA unleashes trailer on the masses

MassivelyTERA unleashes trailer on the masses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbluehole-studioen-masse-entertainmentgameplay-footagein-game-graphicsmmommorpgrpgteratera-onlinetrailervideoThu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Love launch day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/love-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/love-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/love-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Eskil Steenberg's Love
Today is the day that Eskil Steenberg launches his indie procedurally-generated art-house MMO, Love. As if the idea of one man creating his very own MMO weren't ambitious enough, Steenberg also created a comprehensive set of tools to build the entire game from scratch. If you're curious for more information on this beautifully unique MMO, we've gathered up some highlights from our coverage of Love here for you to check out. Perhaps we'll see you in game!

Anti-Aliased: What is Love?
So what is love? That's certainly the metaphysical question of the ages, isn't it? ... That's why we're going to spend this week talking about Eskil Steenberg's indie-MMO, Love!
A first look at the Love alpha
The graphical style floats somewhere between impressionist and Abstract, with only the suggestions of people and things. Gone are the "customize your character heavily" moments of an MMO. You simply log in and your character is immediately created - an amorphous entity ready to take part in all that Love has to offer.
Two new videos bring the Love
Since we've heard about Eskil Steenberg's concept for a procedurally generated MMO, we've been craving a close look at Love. Luckily for those of us who have only heard about it through news sources, he's decided to publish a video presentation showing off just what gameplay is like in Love....

Continue reading Love launch day roundup

MassivelyLove launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eskil-steenbergindependentindielaunch-daylovemmommorpgroundupThu, 25 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camon Hero closed beta is in the cards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/camon-hero-closed-beta-is-in-the-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/camon-hero-closed-beta-is-in-the-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/camon-hero-closed-beta-is-in-the-cards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're one of the multitudes who grew up playing a lot of Yu-Gi-Oh or other card battling games, then we've got news about an upcoming MMO that may well interest you. Camon Hero, also known as Orka in other parts of the world, is coming to the West with fast-paced free-to-play card game MMO fun -- and a closed beta that starts tomorrow.

In Camon Hero, players explore the world, attempting to rid the lands of evil, and picking up different cards along the way. The game offers a classless system based entirely on the cards you have selected at the time. In the mood to be a battle mage? Load those cards up and get to playing. Prefer to go full-on melee or pure caster? You can do that too. From there, it's all about who has the better cards as you pit your deck (and thereby character) building skills against players in PvP, or against the world in PvE. Only unlike playing a traditional TCG, the cards spring to life and fight for your side!

For now, we've embedded the trailer for Camon Hero behind the break, which shows off some tantalizing hints of game play. Hopefully we'll hear some more news about this interesting MMO (or maybe score some beta keys) in the days to come.

Continue reading Camon Hero closed beta is in the cards

MassivelyCamon Hero closed beta is in the cards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacamon-herocard-battlecard-duelistccgclosed-betafree-to-playhanbitsoftmmot3-entertainmenttcgtrading-card-gameuforiaMon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragonica Online puts their money where their MMO is in a Side-Scroller Showdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/dragonica-online-puts-their-money-where-their-mmo-is-in-a-side-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/dragonica-online-puts-their-money-where-their-mmo-is-in-a-side-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/dragonica-online-puts-their-money-where-their-mmo-is-in-a-side-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You've got to hand it to the folks at THQ*ICE -- it's pretty obvious they believe they have an excellent free-to-play side-scrolling MMO on their hands with Dragonica Online. Why? Because they're offering up $50,000 in prizes in their newest promotion, the "Side-Scroller Showdown" to see if players pick their MMO as the best side-scrolling free-to-play game!

Essentially, the idea is this: THQ*ICE want you to check out Dragonica Online. Log in, run around, have some fun, battle some monsters; then decide which side-scroller shall reign supreme. For participating, each player will receive $5 in-game credit in their favorite f2p side-scrolling MMO -- even if it's the competition! Of course, if you do pick Dragonica Online as your favorite side-scroller, not only will you get $5 worth of in-game credit, you'll also get a special "Side-Scroller Showdown" gift pack.

Continue reading Dragonica Online puts their money where their MMO is in a Side-Scroller Showdown

MassivelyDragonica Online puts their money where their MMO is in a Side-Scroller Showdown originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonica-onlineeddie-chenf2pfree-to-playmmoside-scrollerside-scroller-showdownthq-iceTue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What genres will never work as an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/the-daily-grind-what-genres-will-never-work-as-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/the-daily-grind-what-genres-will-never-work-as-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/the-daily-grind-what-genres-will-never-work-as-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lately we've begun to see the shooter genre creep into the massively multiplayer online game space. Titles like Global Agenda and All Points Bulletin are both equal parts shooter and MMO. Assuming the trend continues, we'll probably see more shooter MMOs in the coming years -- potentially even other genres, too.

Obviously, this makes most of us wonder what other genres could hit the MMO scene. But, what we really want to know is which combinations you think are lost causes. Will there ever be a successful MMORTS? If not, why? Would anyone even want to play an MMO version of a fighting or racing game? The mind reels at the possibilities.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What genres will never work as an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbfighterfightingfighting-gameglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmommortsopinionracerracingracing-gamerealtime-worldsrtsshootertdgthe-daily-grindFri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez fleshes out their plans for Global Agenda, includes open world MMO zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/hi-rez-fleshes-out-their-plans-for-global-agenda-includes-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/hi-rez-fleshes-out-their-plans-for-global-agenda-includes-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/hi-rez-fleshes-out-their-plans-for-global-agenda-includes-open/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last we heard, Hi-Rez Studios was considering adding more "open" mission areas around Dome City, giving players an open-world feel to their game. Well, Hi-Rez's Erez Goren stopped by the forums on Saturday to lay out the full plans for not only the areas outside of Dome City, but also for some new weapons appearing in the game, new maps in AvA, and new options to help agencies compete and hold ground in AvA. All of this is scheduled on a very ambitious timetable -- available by the end of March. If certain features become pushed back or delayed, Hi-Rez will also reconsider extending their current "free subscription" policy.

However, it was surprising to find that the open-world areas mentioned in the last newsletter literally will be open world areas. Multiple mission teams and players will find themselves on one gigantic map, completing PvE and PvP objectives for experience and loot. Missions on these maps will be for a varied number of players, starting out at the solo player and going all the way up to a 10 man strikeforce. And, of course, some areas of the map will be "unsafe" and open for agents to beat on other agents. Now you too can gank in Global Agenda.

Continue reading Hi-Rez fleshes out their plans for Global Agenda, includes open world MMO zone

MassivelyHi-Rez fleshes out their plans for Global Agenda, includes open world MMO zone originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-vs-allianceavacraftingepic-itemserez-gorengame-designglobal-agendahi-rez-studiositem-statsmap-typesmmoopen-worldpvepvprare-itemsTue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST