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[iPhone app developer says MMOs will be abandoned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/iphone-app-developer-says-mmos-will-be-abandoned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/iphone-app-developer-says-mmos-will-be-abandoned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/iphone-app-developer-says-mmos-will-be-abandoned/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although Kepa Auwae and his team are working on Rocketcat Games' first RPG for the iPhone, the developer doesn't see much of a future for MMORPGs.

In an interview with MTV Multiplayer, the creator of hit iPhone smashes like Super QuickHook prognosticated a vastly different gaming future than what we see today: "I think developers will completely abandon MMOs and social games, for the most part. Both genres were dead-ends, and they always allowed only one developer at a time to have any real success. Instead, most developers will make games with deep mechanics, designed for heavy replay value mixed with community content. These games will also strongly feature hat customization... top hats, bowlers, straw boaters. SO badass."

Ironically, Auwae voiced his dislike for the disposable nature of current games, which seems to describe the polar opposite of MMOs: "I think many games are too disposable. They're designed with no mod content tools in mind, no community involvement, no real replay value, no updates."

You can read the full interview over at MTV Multiplayer.

MassivelyiPhone app developer says MMOs will be abandoned originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlershatsinterviewiphoneKepa-Auwaemodmtv-multiplayerquoterocketcat-gamesrpgsocial-gamesstraw-boaterstop-hatsFri, 21 Jan 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Get acquainted with Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/get-acquainted-with-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/get-acquainted-with-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/get-acquainted-with-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Jessica Orr -- product manager on Fallen Earth -- was recently interviewed by Tracey John over at MTV Multiplayer. Brand new game information wasn't the focus, and instead the interview covers everything a new person should know about the upcoming post-apocalyptic third/first person MMORPG. Still it's a good interview for anyone interested in the game.

One other thing the interview addresses is the increasing count of shooter MMOs and Jessica's thoughts on competing in a market where this genre is quickly becoming popular. Her answer is exactly our opinion on the game thus far, that it fills a specific niche currently not found elsewhere: post-apocalyptic, classless, FPS/RPG hybrid. We'd also mention its open sandbox design and non-futuristic focus, as in you won't find laser beams and plasma rifles at higher levels.

What's even better is that, as she says, the Fallen Earth team looks to be doing everything they can to make the most of their position.

MassivelyGet acquainted with Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfallen-earth-teammtv-multiplayertracey-johnSun, 10 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV Multiplayer speaks with MMO devs looking to attract shooter fans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/mtv-multiplayer-speaks-with-mmo-devs-looking-to-attract-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/mtv-multiplayer-speaks-with-mmo-devs-looking-to-attract-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/mtv-multiplayer-speaks-with-mmo-devs-looking-to-attract-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Undoubtedly, the developers of games like All Points Bulletin, The Agency, CrimeCraft and Earthrise would like shooter fans to give their game a try. And with so many of these titles on the way, it can be a little difficult to know which one may be for you. So, MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John went out and got each developer's take on why they think shooter fans should look into their respective games.

Not all of these games take the same shooter mentality approach, but that's a good thing. Variety is of course the spice of life, especially when those things involve itchy digital trigger fingers. You can be sure we'll be bringing you even more information in the future so you can decide which of these games is for you.

MassivelyMTV Multiplayer speaks with MMO devs looking to attract shooter fans originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbcrimecraftearthrisemasthead-studiosmtv-multiplayerrealtime-worldssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencytracey-johnvogsterThu, 23 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online developer Noah Ward on player drama in the sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/eve-online-developer-noah-ward-on-player-drama-in-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/eve-online-developer-noah-ward-on-player-drama-in-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/eve-online-developer-noah-ward-on-player-drama-in-the-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


There's been no shortage of player-driven drama in EVE Online over the past few months. The things players can do within the game is a testament to EVE's sandbox design, but also to the developers who allow the players accomplish whatever their devious little hearts desire. It's true that most who play the game don't embezzle virtual currency from player-run banks, engage in spycraft or turn double agent, much less publicly assassinate another player during a PvP tournament, but all players in the game benefit from the risk these activities inject into the game. It all becomes part of the game's setting and ultimately makes New Eden a gritter place.

This is a topic of discussion over at MTV Multiplayer this week. EVE Online's lead game designer Noah Ward (aka CCP Hammerhead) sat down with MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John, to discuss some of the potential within the EVE sandbox. The interview focuses on CCP Games' hands-off approach to what the players are doing in the game. As long as players aren't spouting racial epithets or making real-life threats against one another, EVE's gamers can basically do whatever they choose on an individual or collective level.

Continue reading EVE Online developer Noah Ward on player drama in the sandbox

MassivelyEVE Online developer Noah Ward on player drama in the sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesassassinationccp-hammerheadculturedramaembezzlementeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsghscguiding-hand-social-clubguildsinterviewslead-designerlead-game-designermmo-industrymtv-multiplayernew-edennoah-wardsandboxsci-fitracey-johnWed, 04 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic's Bill Roper: Don't count Warhammer Online out just yet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/cryptics-bill-roper-dont-count-warhammer-online-out-just-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/cryptics-bill-roper-dont-count-warhammer-online-out-just-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/cryptics-bill-roper-dont-count-warhammer-online-out-just-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MTV Multiplayer's ever-interviewing Tracey John managed to speak with Bill Roper at length concerning his thoughts on Warhammer Online and the trials it and other like-minded online games are facing. "I know many games out there that would love to have 300,000 subscribers." said Roper in regards to the recently revealed subscriber count. And we'd have to agree with him there, it certainly is a number that several smaller-budget titles would love to have.

When questioned on the recent Mythic layoffs and future prospects of the game, Roper said, "I think Warhammer's got a lot of awesome stuff about it, obviously the Mythic guys are great." However, there was much more he had to say on the topic of Warhammer Online, including Cryptic's own take on dealing with the tough economy that all developers and publishers are currently facing -- which is to make sure their games come with financially reasonable system requirements.

MassivelyCryptic's Bill Roper: Don't count Warhammer Online out just yet originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribill-roperchampions-onlinecrypticeaelectronic-artsmtv-multiplayermythicmythic-entertainmenttracey-johnwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 20 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe eventually hitting consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/lego-universe-eventually-hitting-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/lego-universe-eventually-hitting-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/lego-universe-eventually-hitting-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just yesterday, MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John spoke with LEGO Universe's project lead Mark Hansen about several topics. His most curious response was to the inquiring of a possible console version of the up-and-coming click 'em together MMO, wherein he basically said yes -- albeit with a caveat. That little "but" is that a console version would exist sometime in the game's future and probably not at the launch date. And considering that launch day just got a little further away, we could be waiting a while.

And while putting something like LEGO Universe on a console sounds like the perfect idea, it seems like we'll just have to build our giant space pirate ships complete with castle tower and damsel in distress on our PCs first, and our Xbox's and PlayStation's second.

MassivelyLEGO Universe eventually hitting consoles originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolelegolego-universemicrosoftmtv-multiplayernetdevilplaystation-3ps3sonytracey-johnxbox-360Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comics legend Marv Wolfman on his involvement with DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/comics-legend-marv-wolfman-on-his-involvement-with-dc-universe-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/comics-legend-marv-wolfman-on-his-involvement-with-dc-universe-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/comics-legend-marv-wolfman-on-his-involvement-with-dc-universe-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo caught up with DC Universe Online writer Marv Wolfman last week, to discuss what he's bringing to the table on SOE's upcoming super-hero MMO. (Despite Totilo's good-natured ribbing, the comics-industry veteran is certain his writing on DCUO will be able to top his resurrection of Optimus Prime in the original Transformers animated series, which some of our readers may remember.)

Details about the game's storyline are scarce, as Wolfman hasn't begun working with the developers yet. As of last week, he was delving into the storyline written by Geoff Johns in preparation for turning that story into the missions (and capers) that players will run in DCUO. Wolfman hopes to create a sense that each mission or battle isn't a stand-alone event, and rather has some integration into a much larger story. Another challenge Wolfman is tasked with is striking a balance between keeping fans of DC comics titles happy, while keeping the game accessible to those who aren't necessarily well-versed in DC comic book canon. Check out the MTV Multiplayer piece on Marv Wolfman and his role in fleshing out DC Universe Online.
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MassivelyComics legend Marv Wolfman on his involvement with DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycapersdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuogeoff-johnsinterviewsloremarv-wolfmanmissionsmmo-industrymtv-multiplayeroptimus-primequestssoesony-online-entertainmentstephen-totilostorylinesuper-heroTue, 17 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online not getting that quirky Captain Kirk smirk]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/star-trek-online-not-getting-that-quirky-captain-kirk-smirk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/star-trek-online-not-getting-that-quirky-captain-kirk-smirk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/star-trek-online-not-getting-that-quirky-captain-kirk-smirk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alas, in case any dear readers were holding out hope for some kind of time traveling Captain Kirk appearance in Star Trek Online, we're here to inform you that it probably isn't going to happen. MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John sat down with STO's executive producer Craig Zinkievich last weekend at NYCC and got the goods on both Shatner's absence from the game, as well as some intriguing cross-platform information.

So yes, no Kirk. However, it seems like Cryptic is not against the idea of dropping console and PC players into the same server. While no revelations were given about which (both?) console would see the game, apparently both Sony and Microsoft are excited at the prospect. ZInkievich stressed that ultimately their choice will have a lot to do with how certification for patches is handled.

It's certainly a touchy subject, but Final Fantasy XI seems to have handled itself well on the Xbox 360. If we had to throw down a guess, it would be that we're likely to see the game his Microsoft's console at the very least. But until Cryptic makes an announcement, everyone will just have to assume they'll be boldly clicking, etc, etc.

MassivelyStar Trek Online not getting that quirky Captain Kirk smirk originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricraig-zinkievichcrypticcryptic-studiosjames-t-kirkkirkmicrosoftmtv-multiplayernew-york-comic-connycc-2009sonystar-trekstar-trek-onlinestotracey-johnwilliam-shatnerxbox-360Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/dc-universe-online-and-its-appeal-to-female-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/dc-universe-online-and-its-appeal-to-female-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/dc-universe-online-and-its-appeal-to-female-gamers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The days when comic books and video games were predominantly male pastimes are thankfully fading into memory, and the growing number of women gamers in the MMO space drives this point home. But are these games "female-friendly?" According to MTV Multiplayer, we may see Sony Online Entertainment reach out to women with DC Universe Online.

Tracey John recently interviewed DCUO creative director Jens Andersen and senior producer Wes Yanagi about what the upcoming title may have to offer women beyond some of the in-your-face combat we've been seeing lately in the DCUO footage. Andersen says DC Universe Online won't just be about clobbering the hell out of your opponents. Rather healing, buffing, and support in the game are designed to be far more engaging, not simply stats shown in the interface. Andersen believes that these elements of gameplay, combined with extensive character customization will draw more women to the super-hero title.

Continue reading DC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers

MassivelyDC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-booksdc-universe-onlinedcuogame-mechanicsinterviewsjens-andersenmmo-industrymtv-multiplayersoesony-online-entertainmentsuper-herosuper-heroestracey-johnwes-yanagiwonder-womanWed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Issues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Will cross-platform play be a part of DC Universe Online come launch day? In light of a recent interview between Tracey John of MTV Multiplayer and DCUO devs Wes Yanagi and Jens Andersen, it's not looking too good.

While the official answer was more of a "We'll see." the overall direction of the two developers' response to the cross-play question was to punctuate the social discrepancies between PC MMO players and console users. They cited the PC MMO ritual of getting to know someone in text chat before speaking via TeamSpeak or Ventrilo, then followed that with the console experience: Microphones, matchmaking and lots of subsequent smacktalking. A fair point.

Although, on the other hand, Playstation 3's don't come with a standard headset like Xbox 360's. In fact, many users seem to have been adjusting just fine to text in the recently launched Home service -- although there seems to be plenty of griefing. So while console and PC MMO players may not blend well as is, the PS3 is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to communique in the first place. So who knows?
Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!

MassivelyIssues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoheadsetjens-andersenmtv-multiplayerpcplaystation-3ps3socialsoesony-online-entertainmentteamspeaktracey-johnventrilovoice-chatwes-yanagixbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A video tour of the Blizzard Entertainment campus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/a-video-tour-of-the-blizzard-entertainment-campus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/a-video-tour-of-the-blizzard-entertainment-campus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/a-video-tour-of-the-blizzard-entertainment-campus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tracey John from MTV Multiplayer was recently given a tour of Blizzard Entertainment's Headquarters in Irvine, California, just before BlizzCon 2008.

Executive VP of Game Design Rob Pardo led them on the tour of the campus as they filmed the whole thing, from the Blizzard Museum (with a signed script of Make Love Not Warcraft) to a dedicated theater for the staff. It's an interesting look at some of the perks employees get for putting in all those hours, and the campus itself seems like a great place to work. Check out the video below the cut.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

Continue reading A video tour of the Blizzard Entertainment campus

MassivelyA video tour of the Blizzard Entertainment campus originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzcon is this weekend, and journalists and bloggers the world over are descending upon California to report on everything from Diablo 3 classes to -- you guessed it -- World of Warcraft. MTV's Multiplayer blog counts itself a member of that gaming press Horde, and in addition to your usual Blizzcon coverage, it visited Blizzard's headquarters and took lots of photos.

The HQ has a museum, a movie theater, a gymnasium, and a bunch of other amenities, and they're all documented in Multiplayer's gallery. The walls are covered in Warcraft and Starcraft artwork -- basically, it's just as awesome as you would expect it to be. Hit the source link to browse the gallery to your fanboy/fangirl heart's content.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyExplore the halls and amenities of Blizzard HQ originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In an interview with MTV Multiplayer, Funcom's Jørgen Tharaldsen speaks surprisingly frank about the many criticisms Age of Conan has been dealt. Topics cover everything from the current state of the game to what Funcom is doing to bring back players with a "come back and play for free" invite sometime in 2009, according to Jørgen. The whole read is just generally very interesting and well worth your time if you've any interest in Age of Conan and where it's headed in the coming months.

At the end of the interview, the question of Warhammer Online and Wrath of the Lich King come up in relation to any possibly concerns for Funcom. Jørgen delivers one of his most lucid comments about AoC when he says, "I don't think anything is easy in the world of MMO's, and fighting to get new subscribers is a constant challenge. Now it's 'WAR' and 'Lich King' - going forward there will be many others." The list of other contenders is indeed longer than a Dream Theater solo and in a couple of weeks we may have to add yet another large contender to that laundry list.

MassivelyFuncom speaks out openly about Age of Conan criticisms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardage-of-conanaocbiowareblizzardeaeidoselectronic-artsfuncomjorgen-tharaldsenlucast-artsmtv-multiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlinewrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DC Universe Online Creative Director Chris Cao told MTV's Multiplayer blog that SOE hopes to support cross-platform play between PlayStation 3 and PC DCUO players, but isn't ready to commit to it just yet.

Cao said that cross-platform play is still high on the priority list, but no definite promise has been made because delivering game updates to PS3 users is a very different process than delivering them to PC users. SOE is still trying to figure out how to do simultaneous updates on both platforms.

We've heard about this problem before, of course. Funcom is facing something similar as it works to port Age of Conan to the Xbox 360. SOE is in a good position to deal with it though, since it is actually a part of the company that's responsible for the PlayStation Network authentication process. "I think if anybody is going to do it and make it simultaneously seamless for people it's going to be us," said Cao. "It's just that we haven't done it yet, so we don't like to promise what we haven't delivered yet."

MassivelyPatches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If there's one thing people love to do, it's quote Mythic employees. So let us continue that trend. In a recent interview with MTV Multiplayer, Warhammer Online's Mark Jacobs stated his case for why people should play Warhammer Online instead of World of Warcraft. But in stating his case, he brought up an interesting point: "All online games have a lifespan." True, there's no denying that everything has a lifespan (except maybe plastic), but we all know what he's saying here.

Over at Matt Mihaly's blog, he focuses on Jacobs' words a bit more. Sure WoW won't live forever, and it may not always be the dominant force in the Western MMO scene forever, but when will its lifespan end? With Ultima Online still pulling a profit after 11 years, do we see the next generation of gamers eventually playing the exact same games as us in 10-15 years from now? That's a scary thought.

MassivelyWhat is the potential lifespan of an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>life-spanlifespanlongevitymark-jacobsmtv-multiplayermythictracey-johnsultima-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 20 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's product manager speaks out on Gaute Godager's departure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/funcoms-product-manager-speaks-out-on-gaute-godagers-departure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/funcoms-product-manager-speaks-out-on-gaute-godagers-departure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/funcoms-product-manager-speaks-out-on-gaute-godagers-departure/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the recent news of Age of Conan's Gaute Godager departing Funcom so suddenly, many players want to know what happened exactly. As an original founder of the company and through 16 years of employment at Funcom, one can only wonder what this says about the company. So MTV Multiplayer was able to sit down to a short interview with Funcom's product manager Jorgen Tharaldsen concerning this sudden departure of Godager.

Tharaldsen is understandably positive about the new direction of the company under replacement game director Craig Morrison. He praises Morrison's work as a community manager at Funcom and as a game director for Anarchy Online. Yet he also touches on the legacy of Godager and what he has meant to the history of MMOs in general. Not much else is said about the reasoning behind Godager's departure (besides what Godager has already said himself), but Tharaldsen seems optimistic about the future of the company and Age of Conan.

MassivelyFuncom's product manager speaks out on Gaute Godager's departure originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfuncomgaute-godagerhyborian-adventuresinterviewjorgen-tharaldsenmtv-multiplayerFri, 19 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV previews Warhammer Online, finds five things interesting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/geek-previews-warhammer-online-finds-five-things-interesting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/geek-previews-warhammer-online-finds-five-things-interesting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/geek-previews-warhammer-online-finds-five-things-interesting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MTV's Multiplayer blog sent its resident Warhammer geek (Joe DeShano) into the Warhammer Online beta. He came out with five key observations and published them on the blog. The observations: the game's world is at war, PvP is constant, the Tome of Knowledge should please Warhammer fanboys, the Empire's capital city is both cool and big, and applying dyes to armor is an awesome reminder of nerdy miniature-painting sessions.

He wrote up a general preview around those five key points (and a number of screenshots), and while you're not likely to learn anything totally new from it if you've been following the game, it can't hurt to read someone's hands-on impressions. At the end of it all, he seemed to have a high-ish opinion of the game, calling it "World of Warcraft 2.0."
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyMTV previews Warhammer Online, finds five things interesting originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a sea of Wrath of the Lich King beta reviews, it's nice to occasionally get some that aren't aimed towards the hardest of the hardcore, consisting of flavor-of-the-week buzzwords and catchy acronyms. Over at the MTV Multiplayer blog, we get treated to a casual review of the Wrath beta, focusing on the Death Knight and the character carry-over experience.

In this review, we're told of this player's thoughts on how WotLK is "more of the same - but better." They're particularly happy with how the Death Knight isn't just a new class thrown into the mix, but it has its own storyline and unique set of skills that combine elements of the other classes. The achievement system is also discussed (and praised) in detail, but just enough to interest people who may be looking at World of Warcraft for the first time. Yes, there are people like that out there somewhere.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyMTV's weekend with Lich King originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcasualdeath-knightmtvmtv-multiplayerworld-of-warcraftwotlkwotlk-betawrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft achievements will expand to other Blizzard titles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/world-of-warcraft-achievements-will-expand-to-other-blizzard-tit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/world-of-warcraft-achievements-will-expand-to-other-blizzard-tit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/world-of-warcraft-achievements-will-expand-to-other-blizzard-tit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's no secret that World of Warcraft will feature an achievement system that will roll out with the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. The writing's been on the wall for a little while now. New details have emerged, revealing that the achievement system will not be limited to World of Warcraft alone. Ultimately, the achievements will connect WoW with Blizzard's other major titles, namely Starcraft II and Diablo III.

MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John recently spoke with WoW Lead Designer Jeff Kaplan about the impending first incarnation of this system, which will be character-specific, as well as Blizzard's plans for account-level achievements that focus more on classes and professions. Hit MTV Multiplayer for more details on account-based achievements, WoW points, and the 'Blizzard Level' -- that all-important ranking which will soon command the attention of most Blizzard fans.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft achievements will expand to other Blizzard titles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John sat down with the female members of SOE's The Agency team to talk about not only their upcoming MMO (which looks hot), but what it's like to work in what John calls a "male-dominated field." While it's true that much of the videogame market is still dominated by men, there has been quite a bit of inroads made in terms of female developers in the MMO genre-- DDO's Senior Producer Kate Paiz jumps to mind, but from NCSoft to Bioware to Linden Labs, there is now quite a bit of female representation on MMO and RPG development teams.

Most of the talk centers around "G.I.R.L.," short for "gamers in real life," which is a program set up by Sony to "educate and recruit women in the videogame industry." They do say that they don't feel they've faced many challenges because of their gender, and considering that the gaming audience has changed quite a bit in the past few years, that's not really a surprise. But they have had to make a few woman-specific calls as developers, like making sure a female outfit in The Agency didn't show off a characters' bra line.

Interesting read, if only to see how far women have come into the field of videogame development, and yet how much farther there is to go.

MassivelyWomen of the Agency originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I don't know how the MTV Multiplayer staff connect up with the makers of the World of Warcraft comic, but they continue to have amazing level of access to the talented folks behind the book. We've previously noted their special online-only #0 issue, and the gangbuster success of issue #1. This week they have up an interview with the penciller on the project, Ludo Lullabi.

Because of the nature of the interview subject, much of the discussion centers around getting the 'feel' of Azeroth right. Lullabi also describes his efforts to make the players happy by representing the world they care about as best he can. His work stems from "passion more than fear" (of getting it wrong), and sometimes loses sight of the millions of players who inhabit the reality he draws.

It's a great look behind the scenes of a comic that's shaping up really nicely. If you haven't been following along via your friendly local comic shop, the site's previews of Issue 1, Issue 2, and Issue 3 are all worth checking out.

MassivelyWoW comic artist on keeping the fans happy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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