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[Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond handing out trips to the (virtual) moon!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-handing-out-trips-to-the-virtu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-handing-out-trips-to-the-virtu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-handing-out-trips-to-the-virtu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Astronaut
As Project Whitecard wraps up its Kickstarter fundraiser to raise funds for Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond, it wants to give a little extra incentive for any would-be donors. Anyone -- past, present and future -- who gives to the NASA project will be entered into a drawing for one of 50 free copies of Project Moonwalk.

Project Moonwalk is a video game simulation of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, designed to be not only fun but also educational. The game hits the high points of space race history, from Sputnik's launch to the lunar landing and subsequent return to Earth. Made with the Unreal Engine, Project Moonwalk will be released this fall.

Currently, Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond has raised over $41,000 through Kickstarter, well exceeding its $25,000 goal. If you're interested in helping in the second great space race, then you have six days to get your pledge in to the cause before the fundraiser ends!

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond handing out trips to the (virtual) moon! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyonddonorsfreefundraiserfundraisinggiveawaykickstarternasaproject-moonwalkproject-whitecardpromotionspace-racesputnikTue, 04 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond prepares to plumb the depths of space for adventure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond
While NASA's shuttle mission may be over and the International Space Station's future in doubt, there is one place that space exploration is moving forward: online. Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond is looking more promising by the day, especially now that the team has secured almost $40,000 via Kickstarter to help fund the project.

So why did NASA agree to an MMO of all things? Daniel Laughlin, project manager of NASA's Learning Technologies, sees the two as having a lot in common. Talking with Universe Today, Laughlin said, "Based on the existing literature as well as my own experiences gaming, an MMO was the logical choice for a game project for NASA."

While NASA is partnered with the development team, the space agency is not funding the game -- hence the use of Kickstarter to raise money for Astronaut. It takes place in 2035 as mankind is just starting to colonize the solar system, and it promises to use real physics and technology to simulate these efforts.

Khal Shariff says that players should expect a lot of crafting, use of proper gear, and missions that flow together for a bigger storyline. Interestingly enough, it seems that even NASA has room for a few new heroes. "We have protagonists in the game, and I won't say much about them, because I don't want to spoil the opening scene of Chapter One," Shariff said. He hopes that players will enjoy the melding of science fiction with science fact: "We want you to sit down and curl up with one session and have a feeling like you had when you read the best short science fiction stories, especially like those of Clarke. There is plenty of adventure to plumb."

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond prepares to plumb the depths of space for adventure originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthur-c-clarkeastronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondcolonizationdaniel-laughlininternational-space-stationkhal-shariffkickstarterlearning-technologiesnasasci-fiscience-factscience-fictionscifisolar-systemuniverse-todayMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond developer talks educational mission]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-developer-talks-educational-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-developer-talks-educational-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-developer-talks-educational-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond - ISS
Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond has been in the news a lot lately, but just who are the folks behind the educational MMO from NASA and Project Whitecard? A new piece at Gamasutra sheds a bit of light on that as well as a few more details about the project as a whole.

"I'm originally a developer," says Project Whitecard CEO Khal Shariff. "I thought, 'oh, I could be a developer for the rest of my life, or I could start my own company.'" That company has some pretty lofty goals for its first MMO, including reaching out to millions of kids worldwide and getting them interested in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

"We are dedicated to using game technology to do things that, when somebody interacts with the game, it maybe leaves the world better or leaves somebody smarter," Shariff says.

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond developer talks educational mission originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondeducationeducationalengineeringfamilyinterviewskhal-shariffkidsmathematicsmmo-industrynasaproject-whitecardreal-worldsciencespace-mmostemtechnologyThu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond meets fundraising goals, updates FAQ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/#comments Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond - logo Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond has taken several small steps over the course of its short lifetime, but can it make one giant leap to a full-fledged release product? It's off to a decent start, judging by its Kickstarter fundraising tally.

The devs have issued a press release proclaiming the success story and are drafting a FAQ document designed to get more information out there to potential investors (and eventually, players). The latest version of the FAQ is viewable on the official website, and we've included a few highlights for you here:
  • The game is a follow-up to Moonbase Alpha (released in 2010)
  • Project Whitecard and Wisdom Tools are the developers per a "Space Act Agreement" with NASA
  • The target audience will be the 5-24 age and the gaming and science enthusiast markets
  • The game will be available for iOS and Windows PC; other platforms are being considered
  • Unreal Engine 3 is being used to develop the game
  • A beta is planned for December 2012

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond meets fundraising goals, updates FAQ originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondeducationalfundingfundraisingkickstartermoonbase-alphamy-god-its-full-of-starsnasaproject-whitecardreal-lifesciencespaceunreal-engine-3wisdom-toolTue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut MMO may finally launch (pun intended)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/astronaut-mmo-may-finally-launch-pun-intended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/astronaut-mmo-may-finally-launch-pun-intended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/astronaut-mmo-may-finally-launch-pun-intended/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond
Just when Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond was about to be written off as vaporware, NASA has popped back on the scene to announce some commercial backing for the project from developers Project Whitecard, Wisdom Tools, and Virtual Heroes.

According to the first announcement over two years ago, the MMO aims for a demographic of players age 5 to 24, setting them up as astronauts who are training to explore deep into Earth's star system in the year 2035. Imagine Space Camp... but actually in space.

To assist in funding the project, the developers of the upcoming MMO have created a Kickstarter page that includes a four-minute video explaining what the game is about. CEO for Wisdom Tools Dr. Sonny Kirkley explains in the video that the game is meant to be fun, but at the same time the designers "want the learning to be authentic." To that end, NASA has granted the developers full access to the rich history of the space program so that a true sense of realism can be achieved.

The game has been developed with the Unreal Engine 3 to work on PC, iPad, and some yet-to-be-announced consoles. Look for the beta testing to start in December of 2012, and watch the full Kickstarter video after the break.

Continue reading Astronaut MMO may finally launch (pun intended)

MassivelyAstronaut MMO may finally launch (pun intended) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondfailure-to-launchiPadipad-mmokickstarterNASANational-Aeronautics-and-Space-Administrationproject-whitecardsonny-kirkleyUnreal-3unreal-engine-3virtual-heroesWisdom-ToolsTue, 23 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With the holiday shopping season upon us, gamers are hot for great deals and cheap entertainment. As my wife's logic goes, if something is 80% off, you buy it, even if you didn't really want it in the first place. It's the principle of the thing, an automatic 80% dose of smug satisfaction at being a savvy shopper!

Not every deal should be pursued, however. Although most video games are playable for years and decades after release, not so with MMOs that have had their service shuttered. It's recently come to my attention that even though these games are completely unplayable -- rendered nothing more than a few cents' worth of a DVD and cardboard packaging -- online retailers haven't kept up with the times and keep these products on the virtual shelves long past their expiration dates.

That's not to say you should avoid these products at all cost, because studies show that a large percentage of Massively readers have a sick and twisted sense of humor. What would make a better gift this Christmas than a multi-million-dollar-budget MMO that died a horrible death years before?

So don't be the typical gifter who settles for a Blu-ray player or an iPod -- give a package of misery, disillusionment and broken dreams! Hit the jump for 10 items that absolutely belong in your shopping cart if you wish to be feared!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinamazonapbasherons-call-2auto-assaultbill-roperblack-fridayblu-raybostonbox-artchristmascircuits-of-timeclock-craftcyber-mondayearth-and-beyondfeaturedflagshipflagshippedflux-capacitorfuryguamhellgate-londonhubbleipodkrystallematrix-onlinemxonasancsoftnerd-rageperfect-10perfect-tenrf-onlinerichard-gariottrichard-gariotts-tabula-rasa-limited-collectors-editionshadowbaneshoppingsoespocktabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentime-traveltimecardturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moonbase Alpha takes one small step, goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/moonbase-alpha-takes-one-small-step-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/moonbase-alpha-takes-one-small-step-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/moonbase-alpha-takes-one-small-step-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ready for the federal government's first MMORPG? We're not either, but we're getting a taste of one possible future with today's release of Moonbase Alpha, a multiplayer simulation co-developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Virtual Heroes.

While the game is not technically an MMO as of yet, it will eventually feature a massively multiplayer version, in much the same way that the forthcoming Torchlight MMO started life as a smaller dungeon-crawler. Moonbase Alpha looks to immerse players in a "futuristic 3D lunar settlement. Their mission is to restore critical systems and oxygen flow after a nearby meteor strike cripples a solar array and life support equipment. Available resources include an interactive command center, a lunar rover, mobile robotic repair units and a fully stocked equipment shed," according to the game's website.

The title currently features both single-player and two-, four-, or six-slot multiplayer gameplay. You can download it free of charge at the NASA website or on Steam. Don't forget to check out the gameplay trailer after the cut.

Continue reading Moonbase Alpha takes one small step, goes live

MassivelyMoonbase Alpha takes one small step, goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moonbase-alphamultiplayernasasimulationspace-mmosteamtorchlightvirtual-heroesTue, 06 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA releases new information on their upcoming MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/nasa-releases-new-information-on-their-upcoming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/nasa-releases-new-information-on-their-upcoming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/nasa-releases-new-information-on-their-upcoming-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back in November, we talked about an exciting space MMO in the works from NASA, called Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond. The information they had at the time was pretty extensive, and left us anxious to find out more and try it out.

We're getting our wish, as NASA has announced that Moonbase Alpha, a "mini-demo game', will be available on Steam around January of 2010. Moonbase Alpha gives a real look at NASA Constellation program design details that are planned by NASA for 2020.

The full game is set farther in the future -- around the year 2035 -- "but the ability to explore our own near-future moon missions are in scope in the much-anticipated STEM-learning game sponsored by NASA Learning Technologies."

MassivelyNASA releases new information on their upcoming MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondBreakingNewsdemomoonbase-alphaNASAsteamWed, 16 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take part in space exploration with NASA's coming MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

How would you like to take a trip into space? No, not the stylized science fiction that Star Trek Online promises, or the fantasy-with-spaceships of Star Wars: the Old Republic. We've heard the announcement about NASA's coming space MMO, Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond, but the game hasn't been making the rounds in the usual gaming circuit. An in-depth article about the game's development and planned release is interesting for any fans of the rigors and challenges of spaceflight, not mention a look at a game that's moving far outside the usual realm of our genre.

Much like America's Army, the goal of the game is to try and give players a taste of what it's like to actually work in the field being simulated. While the game is focusing on creating enjoyable gameplay first, players can expect to see landscapes and tasks grounded in solid scientific principles and based upon actual astronaut missions, complete with the real and tangible challenges of exploring inhospitable worlds. The article also discusses the MoonBase module, which is set to be launched as a free standalone component on Steam in January to serve as both a preview and a testbed for the game. Take a look at the full article for a closer examination of what the game could mean, and what it might be like to play a space game where you were less concerned about arming weapons and more concerned with understanding the world around you.

(Or, if you have to, start imagining an expansion set in the 1980s adding the Soviet space program as a new faction. Which is only slightly less realistic.)

MassivelyTake part in space exploration with NASA's coming MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicamericas-armyammbastronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondeducationsnasanational-aeronautics-and-space-administrationnew-titlesreal-lifespacespace-explorationsteamvirtual-worldsSun, 15 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life takes you to the moon (almost)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/second-life-takes-you-to-the-moon-almost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/second-life-takes-you-to-the-moon-almost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/second-life-takes-you-to-the-moon-almost/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tucked away on one side of the Space Frontier Sandbox in Second Life is a reproduction Saturn V , apparently to scale, at rest on the launch-pad and serviced by the customary gantry. The individual pieces are made by different Second Life users, but the combined work is that of one Wicked Quasimodo, who has turned it into a very authentic-seeming launch, flight and (eventually) moon-landing simulation.

A HUD object provided on the launch pad provides all the NASA ambience that you'd expect from a detailed simulation. While still a work-in-progress, and with a few little glitches, it remains a very atmospheric experience.

Continue reading Second Life takes you to the moon (almost)

MassivelySecond Life takes you to the moon (almost) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apollo-11lunar-landermoonnasaopinionsecond-lifesecond-life-placesspace-frontier-sandboxvirtual-worldswicked-quasimodoMon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA MMOG Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/nasa-mmog-astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/nasa-mmog-astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/nasa-mmog-astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Talk of NASA's upcoming MMOG has been circulating since last year, but it wasn't until March 20 that the agency formally announced its plans for Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond. They're going to partner with developers Information Place, Virtual Heroes and Project Whitecard to create the virtual world, which NASA hopes will build interest in space exploration among students.

Financially, the game won't demand much taxpayer dollars; most money is coming from individual investors and sponsors, although NASA will be lending its experts to the game's development.

Virtual Worlds News has dissected the announcement further. No word from beloved space explorer Buzz Lightyear just yet, but we'll keep an eye out.

MassivelyNASA MMOG Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond announced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondinformation-placenasaproject-whitecardvirtual-heroesFri, 20 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First look at NASA's Unreal Engine 3 MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/first-look-at-nasas-unreal-engine-3-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/first-look-at-nasas-unreal-engine-3-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/first-look-at-nasas-unreal-engine-3-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Big Download took a look (one of the very first, in fact) at the Unreal Engine 3 powered NASA MMO. They came out the the experience with two pages of information. Some of the more interesting facts are that the game is actually set in the year 2035, and is designed to spark a fire of infatuation with space and NASA in those who play it -- similar to what America's Army was all about.

So head on over and take a look, if getting your virtual space walk on (trainable at level 40, we hear) is something you'd be more than happy to participate in. Don't say we didn't warn you about those urine packs, though.

Gallery: Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond

MassivelyFirst look at NASA's Unreal Engine 3 MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadepic-gamesnasanasa-mmospace-stationunreal-engine-3Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a video of Richard Garriott's geeky but enviable space voyage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/watch-a-video-of-richard-garriotts-geeky-but-enviable-space-voy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/watch-a-video-of-richard-garriotts-geeky-but-enviable-space-voy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/watch-a-video-of-richard-garriotts-geeky-but-enviable-space-voy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

By now a lot of you know that Richard Garriott, creator of Ultima Online and Tabula Rasa, is in space. Sadly, since we didn't watch the live broadcast of his liftoff, we only know this through second-hand reports. But it's all going to be okay -- the NASA TV broadcast has been uploaded to YouTube, so if you missed it as we did then you too can watch an eccentric and wealthy nerd experience his lifelong dream. We've embedded it after the jump. Enjoy!

Garriott lifted off on October 12th, carrying with him the DNA of Operation Immortality participants, including some Tabula Rasa players. Shortly after liftoff he displayed to the camera a Logos message to the camera on the spacecraft -- simultaneously an inspiring quote about space travel from a Russian scientist ("Earth is the cradle of humanity but mankind will not be in the cradle forever.") and a hint at upcoming additions to Tabula Rasa.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Watch a video of Richard Garriott's geeky but enviable space voyage

MassivelyWatch a video of Richard Garriott's geeky but enviable space voyage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>international-space-stationissliftofflogosnasanasa-tvoperation-immortalityrgtrrichard-garriottrichard-in-spacesoyuzspacespace-traveltabula-rasatrvideoyoutubeThu, 16 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Witness Richard Garriott launch into space on October 12]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


One of the MMO industry's most recognized names, Richard Garriott, is about to become the world's sixth private citizen to participate in a space mission aboard the International Space Station. The trip into space comes at no small cost through Space Adventures, and the whole experience of gearing up for the trip is documented on Garriott's dedicated site. The MMO tie-in is that Garriott's space walk is part of "Operation Immortality" which we've touched upon in the past here at Massively.

Garriott fans can watch him launch into space via streaming video at NASA TV, NASA Select TV (Australia), or the NASA TV Public Channel. Haters can do the same thing, just describing it as "seeing him strapped to a rocket and shot into space." It's all about perspective. Regardless of whether you think Operation Immortality and the trip to the International Space Station is interesting or not, it's a first in the industry. If you're in the Austin area, there will be a space watch party at Opal Divine's Penn Field restaurant, with live music and pre-launch activities.The launch is scheduled for October 12, at 1 pm Kazakhstan time. Since we suspect most of our readers don't reside in Kazakhstan, that's Sunday at 2 am Central, 3 am Eastern, and midnight Pacific. Best of luck with the flight, Richard.

MassivelyWitness Richard Garriott launch into space on October 12 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kazakhstannasancsoftoperation-immortalityplayboyrgtrrichard-garriottspacespace-adventuresspace-missiontabula-rasaultima-onlineFri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life Places: NASA CoLab]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/second-life-places-nasa-colab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/second-life-places-nasa-colab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/second-life-places-nasa-colab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've wanted to visit NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for years, but haven't previously had the opportunity. Some of us live on the wrong continent to do so, for one thing. We've visited NASA now however, and you can too. NASA has a presence in Second Life.

NASA created the CoLab Island to enable 'co-working and project incubation ... for NASA staff and the entrepreneurial technology community'. There's a bunch more marketer-speak on their 'NASA CoLab SL Project Overview' notecard, but the English form of it is that they want to talk to us, and want us all to talk to them.

Gallery: Second Life Places - NASA CoLab


Continue reading Second Life Places: NASA CoLab

MassivelySecond Life Places: NASA CoLab originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anderson-urqhartcultureeducationfeaturedfuture-forumglamorgan-universityinternational-spaceflight-museumjpll5-societynasanasa-colabnational-space-societypicnic-hillsae-aero-designsecond-lifesecond-life-placesspace-riggersspace-shuttlevirtual-worldsWed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An experiment for NASA offers cash while you play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/an-experiment-for-nasa-offers-cash-while-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/an-experiment-for-nasa-offers-cash-while-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/an-experiment-for-nasa-offers-cash-while-you-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Feeling bad for neglecting the kids? Want to do something for society? Well ladies and gentlemen, NASA wants you! Not for the vigorous life of an astronaut, but to stay in bed. They will even pay you (US)$17,000 to do it. What about World of Warcraft or the other MMOs we play? How are we to survive for up to 90 days away from the internet? Too easy says NASA! They will provide the internet and anyone is welcome to bring their own system. Since we spend hours in bed or sitting at the computer hacking away at gnomes, why not get paid for it?

The NASA experiment has nothing to do with video games. It is actually an experiment to test the bodies reaction to low gravity. The fine folks at NASA want us to help them understand just what happens to a person who spends a long time in space. We already help promote economic studies through the games we play so why not take it one step further? As long as our fingers and thumbs do not wither away, it could make for a fine opportunity to play, get paid, and benefit the entire human race.

MassivelyAn experiment for NASA offers cash while you play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>experimentnasanasa-experimentstudiesstudyworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 13 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA MMO hopes to awaken a stale engineering workforce]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nasa-mmo-hopes-to-awaken-a-stale-engineering-workforce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nasa-mmo-hopes-to-awaken-a-stale-engineering-workforce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nasa-mmo-hopes-to-awaken-a-stale-engineering-workforce/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We're guessing the interest in a NASA career is dying down after the last hype wave during the Space Camp years. So now the government space agency is looking for a fresh way to get young people interested in reaching for the stars, by following through with their earlier-reported plans of creating a NASA MMO. Hey, the online career-promotion thing worked for America's Army, didn't it?

The NASA MMO, still being in the infant stages of searching for an actual developer, is interested in making this the first educational MMO using the "STEM discipline". This promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics within the game to get people interested in these subjects, and help them better understand how to pursue a career incorporating these skills. If you think about it, many MMOS already use this system, but the trick is disguising it in a thin veil of fun. That is the biggest challenge to creating a government-sponsored online game that aims to educate a particular target audience. But with the recent insane growth of games like EVE Online, we don't think the target audience will be a problem.

MassivelyNASA MMO hopes to awaken a stale engineering workforce originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americas-armyeducationalnasanasa-mmostemThu, 01 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everyone got it wrong about the NASA MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/everyone-got-it-wrong-about-the-nasa-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/everyone-got-it-wrong-about-the-nasa-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/everyone-got-it-wrong-about-the-nasa-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nicodemus at the Kill Ten Rats blog took great exception to coverage of a recent meeting held by NASA. The meeting took place Monday in Baltimore, and was an opportunity for the space agency to pitch the idea of a NASA MMO to prospective developers. As reported by sites across the internet, the whole thing was a bit of a bust. As we phrased it here at Massively, "In a news post at Gamasutra, it's been related that the Learning Technologies group has, for some reason, either rethought or lost its 3-year/$3,000,000 budget to develop its educational MMO. Instead, they'll be asking any interested developers not only to design and build the thing, but to host it as well."

According to Nicodemus, that's completely incorrect. Not only will NASA be offering up a 3 million-dollar budget to an interested company, but the development partner would be able to commercialize the resulting product separately. Further comments from articles covering the event were disparaging of NASA's stance on the use of its logo but the KTR article clarifies that not as a commercial interest, but instead one of proper use: "They have very specific and restrictive rules about how, where, and when the NASA logo is presented. Most large companies have similar rules, but NASA is REALLY picky about it. The logo can't be used in such a way as to imply that NASA endorses a particular product or political stance, or whatever. They were quite clear about their willingness to try to work around this a bit and make it work."

The post's author was at the event, felt the tenor in the room, and read over the FAQ at the official NASA MMO site. He came away with a completely different point of view than almost everyone who wrote about the pitch. Hopefully further statements from NASA will clarify this issue in the near future.

MassivelyEveryone got it wrong about the NASA MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingeducationgamasutrakill-ten-ratslearning-technologiesNASAWed, 23 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA MMO stalls on the launch pad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/nasa-mmo-stalls-on-the-launch-pad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/nasa-mmo-stalls-on-the-launch-pad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/nasa-mmo-stalls-on-the-launch-pad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

For one brief, shining moment, it was filled with promise. Now, regardless of all the other things it would need to have gotten right, the speculative NASA MMO will also have to learn to fly on its own. In a news post at Gamasutra, it's been related that the Learning Technologies group has, for some reason, either rethought or lost its 3-year/$3,000,000 budget to develop its educational MMO. Instead, they'll be asking any interested developers not only to design and build the thing, but to host it as well.

In return, " ... NASA will consider negotiating brand placement, limited exclusivity and other opportunities." Well, gosh, that's awfully big of you. So in other words, some shop will create and maintain an MMO all on its own, with all the associated costs, and if they're lucky, NASA will think about letting them try to make their money back somehow. Tempting, to be sure. It's unknown at this time how many proposals they've received, but it's little things like this that make it plainly clear to us that NASA's head is mostly filled with space.

MassivelyNASA MMO stalls on the launch pad originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingeducationgamasutralearning-technologiesNASATue, 22 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Trinity 1.2 patch notes: Junk In Space!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/eve-trinity-1-2-patch-notes-junk-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/eve-trinity-1-2-patch-notes-junk-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/eve-trinity-1-2-patch-notes-junk-in-space/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


NASA must be envious. They'd probably pay billions to just set a timer to their space junk and have it poof out of existence in thirty days. The difference between NASA and CCP is that CCP can do something about their junk. According to the EVE Trinity 1.2 patch notes, starting April 16, anchored containers which are not in the vicinity of a starbase and have not been interacted with will be given a thirty day timer. At the end of that, if nobody has touched them, they will just be given a short trip through a wormhole into the Dimension of Unwanted Trash. Further, at the first of every month, abandoned drones, fighters, shuttles and rookie ships will be scrapped as a hazard to navigation. With the trash gone, bookmarks pointing to them will become invalid. To save y our bookmarks that point to junk, go through the list and redirect them to coordinates in space (right-click in space next to the container) instead of some random orbiting piece of space debris. Be sure to do this before Downtime on the 16th, because they will be poofed when EVE comes back up if you have not switched them to coordinates before then.

If your ship takes more time to undock in the morning, it may just be getting old. Or it could just be that in a re-balancing, your ship had fewer equipment slots than it had the night before. You may no longer leave a station until you remove the excess equipment. Along with the Junk In Space initiative, EVE Trinity 1.2 also includes a huge number of UI and game fixes. They even managed to close a few exploits -- and the world is a better place for us all.

MassivelyEVE Trinity 1.2 patch notes: Junk In Space! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babylon-5ccpeveeve-onlineeve-patch-1.2eve-trinityhazard-to-navigationnasaquarkSun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: An evening with Will Wright minus friends (video)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-an-evening-with-will-wright-minus-friends-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-an-evening-with-will-wright-minus-friends-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-an-evening-with-will-wright-minus-friends-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I applied for, and received an invitation to 'An Evening with Will Wright and Friends', held in Mezzanine, a swanky club in San Francisco's SOMA district on Thursday evening. I didn't know what exactly to expect, but I knew two things: 1) It wasn't going to be about Spore, and 2) It was Will Freaking Wright. How did I know Spore wasn't on the offering? 'Cause we're all kind of Spore'd out, aren't we?

I was right about the lack of Spore, but was pleasantly surprised and gratified to hear Will speak on a variety of topics -- James Bond, cosmonauts, Gilligan's Island as the predecessor of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman comics, Godzilla, Care Bears, Lost, Walt Disney, Battlestar Galactica, Spiderman, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance -- before finally wrapping it all up with the observation that the stories that resonate with us are deconstructible; we can reduce them to components, and using those components, build our own stories.

Finally, accepting questions from the audience, I asked him what advice he'd give NASA as they create their MMO. His friends never showed up, but man, Will Wright is always worth a listen. He knows his stuff so well and is such a wonderful speaker ... check out the video I shot after the break, and you'll see what I mean.

Continue reading GDC08: An evening with Will Wright minus friends (video)

MassivelyGDC08: An evening with Will Wright minus friends (video) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticacare-bearscosmonautseventfeaturedgdcgdc08gdc08fanboygilligans-islandgodzillajames-bondlostnasaneil-gaimansan-franciscosomaspidermansporethe-sandmanwalt-disneywill-wrightzen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenanceFri, 22 Feb 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life streams the NASA shuttle launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/second-life-streams-the-nasa-shuttle-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/second-life-streams-the-nasa-shuttle-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/second-life-streams-the-nasa-shuttle-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NASA is serious about their investment in virtual worlds. In addition to gathering information about how best to create their own MMO, they display continued interest in Second Life, as witness the in-world streaming of their recent space shuttle launch.

Even twice removed, the power of a launch still moves the spirit. While watching this short video, keep in mind that yes, the footage is sped up roughly 2x, but that actually helps move things along a bit. It also serves to display the movement of the gorgeous Windlight sky over the amphitheater dome.

[Thanks, Aki!]

MassivelySecond Life streams the NASA shuttle launch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantisNASAsecond-lifespace-shuttlespace-shuttle-launchvideowindlightFri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic Watch: Action Trip orbits NASA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/comic-watch-action-trip-orbits-nasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/comic-watch-action-trip-orbits-nasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/comic-watch-action-trip-orbits-nasa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

As recently announced, NASA's in the planning stages of crafting their own MMO. Action Trip has commented nicely on this with their comic 'Pigs in Space'. World of Warcraft layers transparently over a trip to what appears to be Mars, with humorous results.

Something I love about this comic is the astronaut gamely going about his grinding duties; he seems to actually kind of enjoy it all. Also, maybe it's an orc in that suit -- the planet looks like the Valley of Trials, especially with the boars there. Go check it out and enjoy!

MassivelyComic Watch: Action Trip orbits NASA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-tripboarscomicNASAorcpigs-in-spacevalley-of-trialsworld-of-warcraftTue, 05 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[8 things NASA needs to get right]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/8-things-nasa-needs-to-get-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/8-things-nasa-needs-to-get-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/8-things-nasa-needs-to-get-right/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As mentioned previously here, NASA is in the process of gathering information from the public on how best to proceed with designing their proposed educational MMO. If you've been feeling doubt about their ability to pull this off, then you'll want to read this blogpost, entitled Eight Steps to The Stars: How NASA Can Make A Successful Massively Multiplayer Online Game. This was written by BJ West, a former colleague of mine from our days at Atari (Warning: occasional NSFW language).

BJ is a man who cares passionately about space exploration, so it was without surprise, and a good deal of pleasure, that I came across his list of things NASA needs to do to make this work:
  1. It's about people, not science
  2. Make it dangerous
  3. Make it social
  4. Make it big
  5. Show me, don't tell me
  6. Failure is not only an option, it's necessary
  7. Embrace the past, embrace the future
  8. Rise above NASA culture
Check out the meaning of each of these list items, and hope that someone out there's paying attention.

Massively8 things NASA needs to get right originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-itemsataribj-westeight-steps-to-the-starsnasaThu, 31 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Could MMOs be a substitute for high school spanish class?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/could-mmos-be-a-subsitute-for-high-school-spanish-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/could-mmos-be-a-subsitute-for-high-school-spanish-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/could-mmos-be-a-subsitute-for-high-school-spanish-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Educational games have traditionally occupied that strange territory between "don't know" and "don't care." The very phrase evokes an image of a brightly colored box adorned with the image of Dora the Explorer or perhaps, if you're lucky, Bob the Builder. The idea of an educational MMO is one that has eluded me entirely. That is, until we found out NASA may be working on one. But a more general question, and one that's brought up by the blog A Ding World: would MMOs be a good vehicle for teaching players basic grammar and vocabulary in a foreign language?

It's actually sort of an intuitive idea, as A Ding World points out. There are already games out there that have some sort of imbedded language mechanic built into the game. There's the language of the V'rix in Earth & Beyond, or the simple utility of the Logos language in Tabula Rasa. While it's debatable whether most players pay attention to these instructive nuggets within the game, it seems plainly obvious that the work/reward mechanic of an MMO would have some utility that high school Spanish teachers would have a hard time competing with. If studying had the same rewards grinding did, we might all be bi-lingual by now.

MassivelyCould MMOs be a substitute for high school spanish class? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-ding-worldeducationeducationallanguagesloreNASAtabula-rasatrMon, 21 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA to launch MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/nasa-to-launch-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/nasa-to-launch-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/nasa-to-launch-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With six (that I can think of off the top of my head) MMOs releasing this year (and probably twice that number in development), why not another? MMORPG.com is reporting on a press release from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration that the space agency is investigating the idea of creating their own heavenly MMO.

The Learning Technologies (LT) arm of NASA was created to support education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (something they call "STEM") through innovative technologies. MMOs definitely fall into that "innovative technologies" category, and NASA know it. Not wanting to get left behind, LT is looking at developing an educational MMO that lets players accurately simulate science experiments, practice repairing high-end NASA equipment, experience microgravity... basically live the life of an astronaut. Most kids list "astronaut" as one of the things they want to be when they grow up, so being able to virtually live out that dream is nothing short of amazing.

While this may not appeal to every gamer, some of the comments made in the press release regarding MMOs might, primarily: "The power of games as educational tools is rapidly gaining recognition." About time someone recognizes that! What's more, they go on to say that MMOs (or "synthetic environments" as NASA calls them) are the perfect "hands-on" tools to teach complex subjects, and help develop strategic thinking, interpretative analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, team-building and cooperation, and adaptation to rapid change. In short, they can edumacate people.

Perhaps the understanding that NASA (a federally funded entity mind you) has about MMOs will help change how the rest of our government views gaming. And maybe the space explorers will finally take us where no gamer has gone before... true legitimacy.

MassivelyNASA to launch MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronauteducationLearning-TechnologiesMMORPG.comNASANational-Aeronautics-and-Space-Administrationspacespace-travelsynthetic-environmentsteachingThu, 17 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST