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[All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
In the wee hours of this morning, the press NDA for World of Warcraft's Mists of Pandaria expansion came tumbling down, and our sister site WoW Insider has a bounty of coverage to share. The much anticipated -- and much debated -- expansion is slated for release this year and will include a new continent, the Monk hero class, the Pandaren race, pet battles, a level cap increase, and a massive overhaul of the game's talent system.

World of Warcraft players are undoubtedly fixated on the expansion, as January's 4.3 patch was announced to be the last major update to the game before MoP arrives. You can check out all of the juicy info squeezed from the press beta groves after the jump, including hands-on impressions and insights you won't find anywhere else!

Continue reading All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at

MassivelyAll the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlegroundsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentexpansionfantasyfirst-impressionsmedia-eventmists-of-pandariamists-of-pandaria-talentsmonkmonk-classndapandarenpet-battlespress-eventpress-ndapreviewpvpsiege-of-orgrimmartalenttalent-treetalent-tree-revamptalentsuiwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet confirms Guild Wars 2 beta invites are in progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/arenanet-confirms-guild-wars-2-beta-invites-are-in-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/arenanet-confirms-guild-wars-2-beta-invites-are-in-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/arenanet-confirms-guild-wars-2-beta-invites-are-in-progress/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2
Brooding over your lack of a beta invite for Guild Wars 2? Are you anxiously refreshing your inbox every three seconds on the off-chance that ArenaNet finally came to its senses and opened the door to the best tester in the world (that's you, of course)?

It might help you to know that ArenaNet has indeed begun sending out beta invites for the lucky few who were accepted after the recent 48-hour call to arms. Rubi Bayer confirmed this on Guild Wars 2's Facebook page:
"Yes, beta invitations have begun going out. They'll be sent out over the next few days. Please remember that discussing the beta in any way, shape, or form -- including your status in it -- is a breach of NDA. Don't risk your beta access!"
Keep in mind that whether or not you're admitted to this round of beta testing, you can ensure your place in future beta weekends by pre-purchasing the game.

MassivelyArenaNet confirms Guild Wars 2 beta invites are in progress originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-invitebeta-testingclosed-betaclosed-beta-invitefacebookfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftndapre-purchaserubi-bayerSat, 17 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II drops Age of Discovery's NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/everquest-ii-drops-age-of-discoverys-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/everquest-ii-drops-age-of-discoverys-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/everquest-ii-drops-age-of-discoverys-nda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EQII
Here's the invisible key: You can unlock and unzip your lips to finally talk freely about the next EverQuest II expansion, Age of Discovery. Sony Online Entertainment has released us from our pinky swear promising to keep mum on the project, and now everyone is free to share their experiences.

There are a couple exceptions to the NDA dropping, however. Testers still may not share anything that's being posted in the beta forums, and no screenshots taken during the testing period may be made public.

Age of Discovery is launching on December 6th. and includes many new features to the game, including the Beastlord class, the Freeport revamp, and the dungeon maker tool. Oh, and there's also a small matter of the entire game going free-to-play, but you knew that already. Because you didn't zip your ears closed.

MassivelyEverQuest II drops Age of Discovery's NDA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverybeastmasterdungeon-designerdungeon-makereq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playfreeportfreeport-revampftpndanon-disclosure-agreementsoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 02 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Admiral Ackbar
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.

So Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA dropped. Now the entire world (officially) knows the skinny on BioWare's new themepark, and I'm hard-pressed to think of a more anti-climactic NDA death. Even if you weren't following the game over the past few months, you knew exactly what to expect -- provided you weren't a Star Wars or a BioWare virgin.

This complete lack of surprise is one reason why the whole MMORPG NDA thing is a joke, and TOR is just the latest in a long series of punchlines.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absurdityabsurdity-of-the-ndabambig-ass-monsterbig-ass-monstersbiowarebioware-ndaea-biowareen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfeaturedgame-journalismhypemarketingmmo-absurditymmo-industrymmo-ndammo-shootermmofpsndandas-are-stupidnon-disclosure-agreementopinionplanetside-2planetside2prpublic-relationssci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorterathe-absurdity-of-the-ndathe-soapboxthemeparktortor-ndaTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Welcome to a very special edition of The Perfect Ten, the column that my two toddlers contribute to with their awe-inspiring counting abilities! With last week's dropping of Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA, the internet has exploded with information, testimonials, and poorly spelled flamewars between the camps of believers and non-believers alike. It's a good time to be alive, eh?

In the spirit of the NDA drop and the upcoming December 20th launch -- less than a month! -- I've put together a list of 10 excellent ways that a SWTOR fan can prepare him or herself for the coming MMOcalypse. I totally understand that it can be frustrating to be waiting for an anticipated game launch, feeling impotent with your inability to speed up time. However, taking action in other ways can help with the wait and make us feel like we're being productive. That's what I'm here for today.

It's OK, there's no need to thank me. I get Light Side points for this.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-new-hopebetabiowarecomic-bookcomic-booksfeaturedguildknights-of-the-old-republicKnights-of-the-Old-Republic-2kotorlight-sidelistlistsmoviesndanovelizationsnovelsperfect-tenpre-orderreturn-of-the-jedistar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-art-and-making-of-the-old-republicthe-empire-strikes-backthe-perfect-tenThu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have the post-NDA testimonials changed your mind about SWTOR?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/the-daily-grind-have-the-post-nda-testimonials-changed-your-min/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/the-daily-grind-have-the-post-nda-testimonials-changed-your-min/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/the-daily-grind-have-the-post-nda-testimonials-changed-your-min/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR
It's been a half a week or so since BioWare hit Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA with a Death Star-sized superlaser, and boy have the spaceships hit the fan. Massively readers, fansite operators, forumites, Tweeters, podcasters, and the entire cantina at Mos Eisley have piped up with impressions, thoughts, analysis, and opinions as to whether this MMO has lived up to expectations or not.

While we cannot stress enough that a beta is a beta and not a launched product deserving of a full-range judgment, many curious players have taken this opportunity to soak up the information, particularly if they have not been in the beta as of yet. Others might have dipped their toes in the beta but are interested to hear what some of the long-time vets have to say at this juncture.

So what about you? Has anything you read or heard about SWTOR following the NDA drop changed your mind?

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: Have the post-NDA testimonials changed your mind about SWTOR? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredeath-starea-biowareelectronic-artsfansitesfeaturedimpressionsmos-eisleyndanda-dropopinionpodcasstpost-ndastar-wars-the-old-republicswtortdgthe-daily-grindWed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR lifts NDA and reveals Legacy system, new flashpoint, art book]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
Do you hear that? That's the sound of a million voices who were silenced suddenly freed to share their experiences with Star Wars: The Old Republic. That's because BioWare has officially lifted the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) allowing testers to talk about the game.

BioWare VP Greg Zeschuk posted the announcement just minutes ago on the forums:
As of now, the non-disclosure portion of our Game Testing Agreement is officially lifted. While all players must still accept the Game Testing Agreement, from this point on testers may now freely talk about their experiences this past weekend in the game, as well as post screenshots and gameplay videos of their testing experiences. We encourage you to come join us on the official Star Wars[TM]: The Old Republic[TM] Forums to share your experiences!

The Star Wars: The Old Republic community site will have a copy of this message on the forums and it will also appear in the Patcher. Players may not talk about nor reprint posts from our testing forums as they are still fully covered by the confidentiality portions of our Game Testing Agreement. And all players who want to participate in the upcoming Beta Test Weekends still have to accept all terms of the Game Testing Agreement. So, other than that, free feel to talk about and share your experiences in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
If all that wasn't exciting enough, the dev team also released articles covering the flashpoint Bringing Down the Hammer, the book, The Art and Making of The Old Republic, and the Legacy system, which allows for a family last name shared across characters.

MassivelySWTOR lifts NDA and reveals Legacy system, new flashpoint, art book originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbiowarebringing-down-the-hammerea-biowareflashpointgame-testinggame-testing-agreementGreg-Zeschukndanon-disclosure-agreementstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-art-and-making-of-the-old-republicFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: 'Twas the night before Isengard...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-road-to-mordor-twas-the-night-before-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-road-to-mordor-twas-the-night-before-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-road-to-mordor-twas-the-night-before-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Road to Mordor
I feel it. It's those excited butterflies that appear somewhere in my navel region when I realize that I'm on the verge of something new, fun, and possibly involving an alien xenomorph bursting out of my insides. It's the thrill of anticipation almost realized. For this time next week, we'll be well on our way to Isengard.

I've never been around for a Lord of the Rings Online expansion release, which makes this a first for me. Sure, I have my concerns about Rise of Isengard, but on the whole I'm ready to jump into an untamed region and explore the living deeds out of it. I'm not in a rush to get through it all and start raiding or anything, so my Lore-master will be taking his sweet time milking each quest for the calcium-rich story within. Oddly enough, I'm most excited about the prospect of cool new cosmetics because I have a sick obsession with them that's going to require a full-scale intervention.

I'm not quite sure how LotRO's third expansion will be taken by the larger community, and I probably won't know until the launch fever dies down and we evaluate how useful, entertaining, and engaging it is over the long term. I'm just glad we're moving forward.

In this week's Road to Mordor, I want to look back at the build-up to Isengard's release, what we know so far, and what changes are in store for our characters. Might as well tidy up the place since it's going to get hecka messy soon enough.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: 'Twas the night before Isengard...

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: 'Twas the night before Isengard... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorbetaclass-balanceclassescontestdraigochexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinstancesisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playndapvmprise-of-isengardround-uproundupsarumanstoreturbineTurbine-Entertainmentturbine-storewrapupFri, 23 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online
It's one thing to sit down during a beta and poke around on your own, making educated guesses about why what went where and who what is wherefore. It's another thing entirely to pick up the phone and go, "Hey Turbine? Drop everything -- no, not your pants! -- and take me on a tour of Rise of Isengard! Um, magic word? Oh! Pretty please? With a cherry on top?"

The first approach is good, but I wanted to get a more in-depth look into the making of Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion from the people who actually made it. How does one approach fleshing out an area that received relatively little source support from the books? What is Turbine trying to do differently in its fourth year of LotRO development? And why should we be afraid of an old guy in a bathrobe who won't come out of his tower?

See? These are good questions to ask, which is why I sat down with Bob Hess, Aaron Campbell and Adam Mersky, who graciously took me on a whirlwind tour of Rise of Isengard. I wanted to cut through the PR-speak and learn about the real stories of the making of the expansion and what we'll be encountering within, and the devs were happy to oblige.

Hit the jump as we travel further down The Road to Mordor and take the Hobbits to Isengard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelladam-merskybetabob-hessdunlandexpansionfeaturedhorsesisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromountsndaopen-betaorthancrise-of-isengardrohanrohirrimsarumanturbineturbine-entertainmentwulfs-cleftFri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: NDA drop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/the-road-to-mordor-nda-drop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/the-road-to-mordor-nda-drop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/the-road-to-mordor-nda-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO Draigoch
With last week's NDA drop, the last vestiges of secrecy surrounding this expansion were wiped away and the beta testers (including yours truly) were free to spill the Dwarven beans about Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion.

I know I was pretty critical of Rise of Isengard's scope in last week's Road to Mordor, but I want to make it clear that I'm pretty happy with the amount of pure PvE questing content that's on display here. LotRO's quests and epic storylines have always been the meat of this MMO, and even if Rise of Isengard is being served up with few garnishes, it's still looking to be a filling meal.

Today I want to check out what the community has to share about this expansion following the NDA drop, although apparently it's important to note that beta testers aren't allowed to share patch notes, videos, and excessive content. On Twitter, Sapience made it clear: "We have always held that an NDA drop is not 'open season.' It's fair game to share your experiences, opinions, and thoughts. Not endless screens, videos, copy and pasted posts/notes."

So let's focus on those "experiences, opinions, and thoughts" -- what do beta testers have to say about our upcoming journey into Dunland and beyond? Hit the jump and let's find out!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: NDA drop

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: NDA drop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorbetabeta-testersdoc-holidaydocholidaydunlandexpansionfeaturedgap-of-rohanisengardisengard-depthslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromirkwoodmoriandanda-dropnon-disclosure-agreementrise-of-isengardthekhazadguards-blogturbineturbine-entertainmentwulfs-cleftFri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2011: Turbine lifts Rise of Isengard NDA, shows off LotRO and DDO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-turbine-lifts-rise-of-isengard-nda-shows-off-lotro-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-turbine-lifts-rise-of-isengard-nda-shows-off-lotro-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-turbine-lifts-rise-of-isengard-nda-shows-off-lotro-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dunland map
Turbine's two free-to-play star pupils are battling it out for their mother's attention at PAX this week, but mommy loves both equally. On one hand there's Dungeons and Dragons Online, which is releasing Update 11 on September 12th with the much-anticipated Artificer class; on the other hand there's Lord of the Rings Online, which has its third expansion, Rise of Isengard, coming out on September 27th.

The studio is showing off both titles and their respective new content at PAX, and Turbine has announced that the NDA for Rise of Isengard has lifted as of this morning. So now beta testers can feel free to share their experiences and impressions of the expansion -- and we hope you do so in the comments section!

We have several new screenshots from both Isengard and Update 11 in the galleries below, as well as a LotRO dev diary highlighting Dunland after the jump!

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery


Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online Update 13 Preview

Continue reading PAX 2011: Turbine lifts Rise of Isengard NDA, shows off LotRO and DDO

MassivelyPAX 2011: Turbine lifts Rise of Isengard NDA, shows off LotRO and DDO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificerbetaddodev-diarydungeons-and-dragons-onlinedunlandf2pfree-to-playgalleryisengardndapaxpax-primepax-prime-2011rise-of-isengardscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-11videoFri, 26 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Despair not: Frogster promotes RoM Chapter IV closed beta contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/despair-not-frogster-promotes-rom-chapter-iv-closed-beta-contes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/despair-not-frogster-promotes-rom-chapter-iv-closed-beta-contes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/despair-not-frogster-promotes-rom-chapter-iv-closed-beta-contes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Did you watch Runes of Magic's Chapter IV trailer and instantly start glaring at the calendar that patch day hasn't arrived yet? While we can't make Chapter IV: Lands of Despair arrive any sooner, we can point you to a special contest that may get you a sneak peek at the all of zombie goodness a few weeks early!

Frogster is granting closed beta spots to players who can convince the studio that they deserve to be on the front lines of cutting-edge new content. It's fairly simple, too: Just write three sentences as to why you deserve to be part of this beta and email them in to rombeta@frogster-america.com.

Runes of Magic's Chapter IV update will be in closed beta from April 6th through April 29th and will have no NDA attached. As you wait to see whether you won the contest or not, why not check out Massively's preview of Lands of Despair? Your eyes will thank you later.

Gallery: Runes of Magic Chapter IV

MassivelyDespair not: Frogster promotes RoM Chapter IV closed beta contest originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachapter-4chapter-ivclosed-betacontestfrogsterfrogster-interactivelands-of-despairndapromotionrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsneak-peekzombieSun, 27 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hot on the heels of its GDC updates, Heatwave Interactive has released a new dev blog detailing further aspects of Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising. The mythological MMORPG boasts four unique character classes (the Priest, the Soldier, the Gladiator, and the Mystic), and today's dev blog offers a look at a few class-specific issues through the eyes of senior content designer Todd Bailey.

Bailey discusses how the Soldier and Gladiator differ despite the fact that both focus on close-range melee combat. He also talks about why the Scout and Nomad classes won't be available at launch. "The honest answer is that the Nomad was completely overpowered as a class and just felt like it was the catch-all for abilities that didn't go anywhere else," Bailey explains. He also says that combat tuning and balancing is an ongoing process, noting that the overall combat feel is much improved even though a few new wrinkles have been introduced during the tweaking process. Head to the official Gods & Heroes website for the full dev diary.

In still other G&H news, Heatwave has officially dropped the game's NDA, so beta players can now freely talk about the title here and elsewhere!

MassivelyGods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdev-blogdev-diaryfantasygladiatorgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemysticmythologyndanda-droppriestsoldiertodd-bailyFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII's Destiny of Velious expansion reviewed, sort of]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/eqiis-destiny-of-velious-expansion-reviewed-sort-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/eqiis-destiny-of-velious-expansion-reviewed-sort-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/eqiis-destiny-of-velious-expansion-reviewed-sort-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hey guess what? The EverQuest II Destiny of Velious expansion NDA is down!

Not!

That's basically how it went for EQII fansites recently as SOE pulled a fast one in regard to allowing info on the highly anticipated expansion into the wild. We were quite interested in a preliminary Velious review, and Feldon from EQ2Wire was all set to oblige us when... well, let's just say his hands were tied. "Really, when the 'NDA lifts,' all this means is you are allowed to talk about what you experienced in beta. The gag order is lifted. You get your voice back. But anything else is still off limits," he writes.

Feldon goes on to say that EQ2Wire will still be publishing a couple of articles on the expansion, but nowhere near as many as had been planned. So how's the new Norrathian content itself? Pretty good, it seems. "The group and raid zones are some of the most impressive, well-built, engaging, interesting content designed yet for EQII," Feldon tells readers. He goes on to praise flying mounts and new art assets while saving a few unkind words for public quests, solo quests, and itemization. It's quite a lengthy write-up despite the lingering restrictions, so head over to EQ2Wire and check it out for yourself.

MassivelyEQII's Destiny of Velious expansion reviewed, sort of originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destiny-of-veliousEQ2eq2wireeqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeldonfree-to-playndareviewsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentveliousWed, 16 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT beta powow with Scott Hartsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-powow-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-powow-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-powow-with-scott-hartsman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is, by any measure, a busy week for RIFT. Fresh off the second beta event, Trion Worlds has dropped the NDA for the game and announced a third beta to take place over the holidays. As the process speeds exponentially faster toward launch, Scott Hartsman and his team have a white-knuckled grip on RIFT for all the bumps, shimmies, dips and hills that such a high-profile title offers.

Even with a heaping amount of work on its plate, the team has been willing to share its passion for RIFT with the press and community. During this slight lull between betas two and three, Hartsman sat down with us over the phone to jaw about lessons learned from the beta, why Trion has dropped the NDA, how RIFT's already made history, and when we might be seeing this game on the shelves.

Hit the jump and let's do this thing. As Hartsman is fond of saying about the game, "S**t just got real."

Continue reading RIFT beta powow with Scott Hartsman

MassivelyRIFT beta powow with Scott Hartsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactsbetabeta-eventbeta-onebeta-threebeta-twocharacter-wipecollectionsdirectxdungeonsexpert-dungeonsfeaturedin-game-eventinstancesinterviewinvasioninvasionsiron-tomblfglfg-toolndanon-disclosure-agreementoptimizationprince-hylas-aelfwarquicksilver-collegerealm-of-the-faeriftrift-planes-of-telarariftssanctumscott-hartsmansilverwood-foresttriontrion-worldswysiwygzone-wide-invasionsWed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy drops NDA, gears up for open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/black-prophecy-drops-their-nda-gears-up-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/black-prophecy-drops-their-nda-gears-up-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/black-prophecy-drops-their-nda-gears-up-for-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Have you been dreaming of the day when you could fly through space and shoot folks down, dogfighter-style? Did you think that the best part of Star Wars Galaxies was the Jump To Lightspeed addition? Well, if that's the case, then you're in for a treat as the NDA has finally been lifted on Reakktor Media's space battletastic MMO, Black Prophecy. As of today, all players are allowed to post screenshots, videos, and talk about everything they've seen in the last several months of testing since Black Prophecy was picked up by gamigo and worked into its current incarnation as a free-to-play game.

Also of note is that all of the beta forums for the game are wide open as well, giving curious folks a chance to sift through all the threads there for an inkling of how the game has been progressing, and what players can expect. We here at Massively will be publishing our own first impressions and gallery in the coming days -- and there will undoubtedly be a livecast in the mix for those curious to see it in action. If you still haven't made it into the closed beta, never fear: Open beta is expected to begin sometime in the first part of 2011, which isn't too far away. If you did make it in to this stellar shooter beta, feel free to drop your thoughts about the game in the comments below!

MassivelyBlack Prophecy drops NDA, gears up for open beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablack-prophecyclosed-betagamigogamigo-agndanda-dropnda-liftopen-betareakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHWed, 22 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT announces the second beta event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rift-announces-the-second-beta-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rift-announces-the-second-beta-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rift-announces-the-second-beta-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you got to take part in the closed beta event for RIFT over the weekend... well, don't tell us about it. Seriously, don't; it breaks the NDA to even say you're taking part. But if you enjoyed it, you'll get another shot at playing the game sooner rather than later. The second closed beta event has just been announced to run between 10 a.m. PST on December 17th to 10 a.m. PST on December 20th.

For the second testing phase, titled "Guardians of the Vigil," players will be testing the first 20 levels of the game, presumably on the Guardian side. Reborn as ascended souls of the Vigil, players are tasked with stopping the tyrant Aedraxis, although we suspect many players will mostly be focused on whatever cool tricks their characters can do with another 10 levels. RIFT is still allowing players to sign up for the beta, so if you're interested in the second beta, you might be well-advised to give it a shot. Not that you could tell anyone about it.

MassivelyRIFT announces the second beta event originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-eventsbeta-testingclosed-betalevel-bumplevel-capndaphase-2riftrift-betarift-ndarift-planes-of-telaratesting-phasestriontrion-worldsupcoming-testingMon, 06 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: Player sagas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-amanda-and-jons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-amanda-and-jons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-amanda-and-jons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's an odd thing to realize how far MMOs have come right in front of our eyes in a relatively short span of time. After all, 1999 wasn't that long ago, despite what Prince and Y2K would have you believe. One day we'll be telling our children -- if we aren't already -- about the primitive MMOs that didn't feature RealGore[TM], motion sensor-linked emotes, and mostly nude elves dancing for tips on mailboxes. They may gasp and sputter in disbelief, but you'll assert that it is true: You experienced an era when polygons were blockier than LEGO pieces, people logged in over dial-up connections, and the community was small enough for GMs to host personal live events.

There's been a lot of love flowing into my email inbox and Twitter since posting the first Game Archaeologist on Asheron's Call, enough to tell me that this title is a dear old friend to many a seasoned gamer out there (including a few on the Massively staff who won't stop writing epic haikus about AC in its honor this month). As a result, I got in touch with two die-hard fans of the game, and they agreed to scribe their memories of this MMO for future generations to discover, generations who will undoubtedly marvel at the hardship and perserverence that such scrappy gamers showed in being part of the first wave of MMO players.

Without further ado, please give a warm round of applause to Amanda and Jon. No, nobody can hear you clap over the internet, but it's the thought that counts.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: Player sagas

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: Player sagas originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1999acac2asherons-callasherons-call-2ddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeverquestfeaturedkwiplegolord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromeridian-59naked-elvesnatndanetworknetworkingnude-mailbox-dancingparty-like-its-1999princeRealGoresandboxshadow-invasionthe-game-archaeologistturbineTurbine-Entertainmenttwitterultima-onlineuowarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowy2kTue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because of reasons!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-of-reasons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-of-reasons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-of-reasons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's weird to say it, but City of Heroes feels like it's still on the cusp of a storm. Going Rogue was a fine expansion, but it doesn't have the sense of breaking that built-up tension, that feeling of something major just over the horizon. Or perhaps it's just me, perched out on my metaphorical porch and loudly proclaiming that this next one is going to be the big one, as I puff on my metaphorical corn-cob pipe and look across the metaphorical skyline of rural Metaphorbraska.

OK, that one kind of got away from me there, but what I was trying to get at was that it's time for another question-and-answer session for City of Heroes and that I don't think I'm the only person feeling like Issue 19 might hold some great secret. We'll know soon enough, although right now it's time for Issue 20's super-secret beta, which even I don't know about just yet. I'm very curious. On to the questions!

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because of reasons!

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because of reasons! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcscharacter-typescharacterscity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxfeaturedfitnessgoing-roguegrissue-19issue-20levelslimitsncsoftndaparagonparagon-studiosstorystory-arcWed, 06 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Community lives!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/a-mild-mannered-reporter-community-lives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/a-mild-mannered-reporter-community-lives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/a-mild-mannered-reporter-community-lives/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The community for City of Heroes got a big shot in the arm when the expansion came out. While it hadn't exactly died in the last few years, it was certainly on a lower pulse. These days, I can't log in without seeing pretty much every server near capacity. Even with a month having passed since the initial release, it seems that Going Rogue is doing a fine job of keeping people wrapped up in the game. You can rail about the lack of endgame all you want, but Praetoria's a pretty good starting ride.

Of course, it's high time for us to do another community roundup post, so the fact that the community has rallied back serves my own purposes. We've got more than just a surfeit of content to talk about -- we've got a whole collection of new missions and gameplay types to work with. And, of course, there are those "just 20 levels" of starting content to chat about. So click on through to see what City of Heroes players have been chatting about for the past month.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Community lives!

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Community lives! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationcity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcombat-animationcombat-mechanicscombat-stylecovcoxfeaturedgoing-roguegrissue-20ncsoftndaparagonparagon-studiospraetoriavisualvisual-styleWed, 22 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO F2P launch day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/lotro-f2p-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/lotro-f2p-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/lotro-f2p-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volume III, Book 2: The Ride of the Grey Company is upon us, a massive Lord of the Rings Online patch that is functioning as a virtual relaunch of the game. In addition to adding loads of new content, Turbine is transforming LotRO into a hybrid subscription/free-to-play model in the hopes that this choice will draw fresh crowds to the game. The company's even opened eight new servers for the launch -- four for US and four for EU.

Unfortunately, we have received word that Codemasters is going to release the patch in Europe "later than expected."

Hit the jump for a roundup of our LotRO F2P news and discussion!

Continue reading LotRO F2P launch day roundup

MassivelyLotRO F2P launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolualua-scriptndapatch-notesrep-ponyroundupserversstarting-areasturbineuivolume-3-book-2volume-iii-book-2wardrobeWed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the not-so-recent NDA lift on the beta, LotRO players are fast at work discussing, analyzing, dissecting and pouring over all of the information coming from testers. Like a double Shire rainbow, the main question on everyone's lips is, "What does it mean?" We want to know how this is going to impact us, our future, and our gameplay, and the massive scope of this change is both unsettling and heady.

Last week we sifted through the LotRO forums for testimonies about several aspects of the beta, which was treated with a stony silence from the lot of you. Oh, I kid! Nothing gets the tongues wagging around here like a good mouthful of free-to-play, although I've been informed by the leaders of the Global Conspiracy Against Gamers Having Fun that this topic has three days left on the clock until it's locked away in a vault forever.

So even though I tried to touch on the relevant points of the beta last week, there's simply so much of it out there that I had to leave some behind. It's easy to forget that this fall's update contains more than the LotRO store, like a whole barrel of additions and fixes to the game -- including class tweaks. Grab my hobbity hand, and we will venture into the land of the unknown... the land of class changes.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class"

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaburglarcaptainchampionclass-previewclass-previewsdouble-rainbowf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpglobal-conspiracy-against-gamers-having-fungoldilocksguardianhobbity-handhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrominstrelndarune-keeperturbinewardenwhat-does-it-meanFri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Final Fantasy XIV beta will tell you everything]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-will-tell-you-everything/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-will-tell-you-everything/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-will-tell-you-everything/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The start of a new phase of Final Fantasy XIV testing is always good news for the game's fans, but this particular phase has brought with it even better news. Those of you not in the beta can now regale us non-beta testers with tales of your adventures, as Square-Enix has officially announced that most everything may be spoken about freely. This coincides nicely with a long list of changes that have come in the most recent build, including several system updates and balance tweaks to the engine.

The team at FFXIVCore immediately set to remedy one of the major omissions from Square's PR -- namely, the experience of crafting. This step-by-step diary of working as a crafter should answer many questions about how much depth the crafting and gathering classes possess... even though it raises several more. As always, it isn't the same as getting to play around in the Final Fantasy XIV beta yourself, but it's the next best thing to being there.

MassivelyThe Final Fantasy XIV beta will tell you everything originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-changesbetabeta-buildbeta-changescontrol-changescraftingcrafting-experienceffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivndanda-dropsquaresquare-enixtestingtesting-phaseWed, 11 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Near-Death Adventures (NDA) lifted!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/the-road-to-mordor-near-death-adventures-nda-lifted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/the-road-to-mordor-near-death-adventures-nda-lifted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/the-road-to-mordor-near-death-adventures-nda-lifted/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In case you were wondering, I'm part of the crowd that doesn't really believe in non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Oh, if I agree to one I'll stick to it and keep my word, don't get me wrong. What I mean is that I don't believe in the usefulness of NDAs, particularly in a day and age when all the information is available anyway -- this is, after all, the omniscient internet. Not to mention that by trying to keep a lid on testers and prevent them from sharing their experiences, companies tend to suppress the positive accolades (those are the people who want to keep playing, after all) while letting the badmouthers escape to tell their tale (they don't care if they break the NDA, because they're not going to play anyway).

But my personal feelings aside, the brief NDA lockdown on the upcoming LotRO F2P edition (hey Turbine, can we get a name for this yet? LotRO Unlimited? Free-Range LotRO?) has lifted and testers have swarmed out from under its veil to share their stories and thoughts. I'd be remiss if we didn't spend some time this week looking at what people have to say about all of the changes, additions and updates to the game -- not to mention the looming specter of the LotRO store.

Let us see what is to be seen as we scout the forums and blogosphere: LotRO exposed, uncovered, dissected and digested for the good of all. I've pulled salient quotes to help give you an idea how the beta is progressing thus far -- and remember, it is still in beta. Everything here is quite subject to change by the time LotRO II: Hobbit Boogaloo launches.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Near-Death Adventures (NDA) lifted!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Near-Death Adventures (NDA) lifted! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggro-reductionarmor-setbankbetablogospherecash-shopdirectx-11enedwaithf2pfall-festivalfeaturedforumsfree-range-lotrofree-to-playftpgreat-barrowshaunted-cellarhobbit-boogalooi-am-for-sale-for-500-tpinstance-scalingitem-shoplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-iilotro-storelotro-unlimitedlualua-scriptmountsndapvptemporary-mountsthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-pointsturbine-storewardrobeFri, 06 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine lifts The Lord of the Rings Online beta NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/turbine-lifts-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-beta-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/turbine-lifts-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-beta-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/turbine-lifts-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-beta-nda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


"Please be aware of what and where you are posting! Any mention of Beta or related topics outside of the Private Beta forums may result in your removal from the program! "

That's been the warning at the top of the Lord of the Rings Online forums for a while now, reminding beta testers that they're under NDA. That's all about to change, as the NDA lifted this morning. Have you been dying to talk about your beta experiences? You can finally do so, and Turbine has even provided an extra outlet in the form of the Beta Journals.

Beta participants will be submitting their thoughts on a given subject each week, and Turbine will post the journals for all fans to get an overview of certain areas of the game. The first entry, all about the starting areas and tutorials, is available now, and you can find plenty of general beta discussion on the LotRO forums.

MassivelyTurbine lifts The Lord of the Rings Online beta NDA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pforumsfree-to-playftplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-free-to-playndaplayer-journalturbineMon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beta journals testify about the LotRO store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While the new version of Lord of the Rings Online is still under NDA lockdown, Turbine's opened a crack in the door to allow a few beta testers to jaw about the LotRO store. On the EU site, beta testers were encouraged to submit their thoughts and experiences with the new store for non-testers to assimilate, with four stories chosen to be posted.

Although these stories come with the caveat that they were hand-picked to be shared, they seemed free to share both likes and dislikes about the store. Some of the positive mentions include the speed of the store's delivery to player inventory, the sheer amount of items available, fun items like emotes and mounts, and general ease of use. They report that cosmetics are a big hit with beta testers.

On the flip side, the authors were critical of the unfinished feel to the store and the fact you can't see the items you're purchasing in the dressing-room window. Generally, however, the four testers are upbeat about this new LotRO feature. You can read their full thoughts at LotRO EU's site.

MassivelyBeta journals testify about the LotRO store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-caveat-goldbetabeta-journalbeta-testerscash-shopscodemasterseuropef2pfree-to-playfreebie-fo-sheezyftpitem-shopslord-of-the-rings-onlinelord-of-the-rings-online-storelotrolotro-eulotro-europelotro-storendatestimonialsturbineFri, 23 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything you ever wanted to know about TERA's testing but were afraid to ask]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-teras-testing-but-were/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-teras-testing-but-were/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-teras-testing-but-were/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So your interest has been piqued in TERA. That's really understandable, considering the impression it left on us at the GDC and the jaw-dropping graphics it's put on display thus far. Based on that, it's quite possible that you signed up for the focus group testing when it was first offered. But simply signing up doesn't provide you with all of the answers to questions you need. Fear not, for if you were one of the many who signed up to test, an official sheet of information has now been posted.

For those of us not taking part by choice or by poor luck, two of the most important pieces of meta-information are the fact that there will be an NDA in effect and there will not be enough spots for everyone who wanted in. One can also infer from the information about what's been added that the game is progressing nicely and still has a ways to go before launch -- yet it's still shaping up quite impressively. Those interested in finding out more can take a look at the full information sheet on the official TERA site, and keep your eyes open for more news here.

MassivelyEverything you ever wanted to know about TERA's testing but were afraid to ask originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiodevelomenten-masse-entertainmentfocus-groupfocus-group-testinginformationndateratestingSun, 04 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What would you break the NDA for?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-break-the-nda-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-break-the-nda-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-you-break-the-nda-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's easy to miss amongst all of the GDC 2010 coverage and news, but Final Fantasy XIV and All Points Bulletin went into beta this week. Of course, not much new information has surfaced about either, both due to the relatively short time they've been out there and to the three letters that are the bane of any tester's existence: the NDA. Those documents are the barrier between whatever fun gameplay (or buggy, glitchy nightmares) the testers are experiencing and the eager public, and Mark Jacobs has gone so far as to say on record that the earlier the NDA drops, the more confident a company is in its game.

That doesn't mean that the NDA is an ironclad protection, of course. There are always one or two testers that find something so surprising, in either direction, that they consider it worth breaking the rules and being thrown out of testing for the chance to break a story. So put yourself in their shoes. What sort of things could you uncover within a game you were testing that would inspire you to break an NDA? Would you be more likely to break it for good news, or to warn other people off from a mess of a game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What would you break the NDA for? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbbetabetasbreaking-the-ndaffxivfinal-fantasy-xivmark-jacobsndanon-disclosure-agreementtestingthe-daily-grindSat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online lifts the NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/mortal-online-lifts-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/mortal-online-lifts-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/mortal-online-lifts-the-nda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Getting into a closed beta is usually good news for the player, with one unmistakable caveat -- the NDA. You can't talk about anything that's going on when you play the game, either the cool features that are encouraging to anyone on the fence about the game or the horrible problems that make it a miserable slog. Mortal Online has long been fairly quiet to the outside simply because of its NDA -- but that changes now. As of today, the NDA is lifted on the game and it can be discussed freely.

Henrik Nystrom on the official forums explains that while the game is still undergoing more polish, the core features have all been implemented and tested, which means that the developers are comfortable having the game discussed and dissected elsewhere. The post also states that the release date might be pushed back a little, as well as the plans for the game to move into a fully-open free-to-play beta as they move on to the next phase of testing. It's certainly good news for people interested in Mortal Online who didn't want to purchase the game sight-unseen. So, if you've been playing the game in beta so far, what are your thoughts? You can tell us all about it now.

[Thanks Mortal Online Radio!]

MassivelyMortal Online lifts the NDA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasclosed-betahenrik-nystrommortal-onlinendanda-liftnews-itemsopen-betapreviewsstar-vaultMon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online's beta starts rolling out more features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/mortal-onlines-beta-starts-rolling-out-more-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/mortal-onlines-beta-starts-rolling-out-more-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/mortal-onlines-beta-starts-rolling-out-more-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We still don't know nearly as much about Mortal Online as we would like, but the slow deployment of information we've been getting is certainly appealing. With promises of open PvP, long-term repercussions of actions rather than the usual respawns and resets, a crafting system encompassing nearly every item in the game... suffice to say it aims at being a niche game that knows its place and its peers. Unfortunately, as it's in beta and under an NDA, information is slow to be released. The October newsletter for the game has mercifully given us a few more bits of information, most importantly the next features being brought out in testing.

November 1st (that's today!) will see the release of the next beta build, which carries with it the opportunity to start taming and harnessing mounts as well as building houses. The newsletter specifically mentions that building materials -- most likely the type of wood -- will be integral to the home's quality, keeping with the very detail-oriented approach the game has taken so far. There's also an in-game event promised for the patch, which should certainly be a nice bonus for the players lucky enough to take part. For those of us not yet in the testing, however, there's a promise that there are more lore and developer updates coming to the site in the near future. You can currently get into the beta by pre-ordering the game, which might be a bit of a risk for some players... but for the niche Mortal Online is aiming for, it might well be the sort of thing you can't get anywhere else.

MassivelyMortal Online's beta starts rolling out more features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacraftingin-game-eventsmortal-onlinendanews-itemspatchesplayer-housingpre-orderpvpSun, 01 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawntide reaches beta phase 2, re-opens testing applications]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Did you miss the first round of Dawntide beta testing applications? Well fear not, as Working As Intended has re-opened their request for testers as they march Dawntide into its second phase of beta.

Dawntide's beta testing has been quite unique so far, as it hasn't come with an NDA to keep testers quiet. The testers have been sharing their opinions on the game, as well as offering lots of feedback over on the Dawntide forums.

While information on the game has been quite limited, the website has been updated with a wealth of information regarding general gameplay, combat, territory control, and plenty more. Plus, we here at Massively got to sit down with Dawntide's producer, Christian Hummeluhr, and talk with him about his vision for the game. So if you're interested, don't drag your feet, sign up for a beta testing spot!

MassivelyDawntide reaches beta phase 2, re-opens testing applications originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachristian-hummeluhrclosed-betadawntidendasandboxsandbox-mmosignupsworking-as-intendedWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player elected council rep steps down in wake of insider trading]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/eve-online-player-elected-council-rep-steps-down-in-wake-of-insi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/eve-online-player-elected-council-rep-steps-down-in-wake-of-insi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/eve-online-player-elected-council-rep-steps-down-in-wake-of-insi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


One of the unique aspects of the sci-fi massively multiplayer online game EVE Online is that it has a peer-elected council of players that represents the interests of EVE's subscribers to the title's developer CCP Games, working with them to improve the MMO. This select group of EVE Online players is called the Council of Stellar Management (CSM).

No other online game in operation has anything quite like it, but that's because EVE Online is one of the few games where something like this would even work. Given the scope of interactions that happen in EVE's single shard setting of thousands of solar systems where player actions have the potential to affect others in the game, it comes as no surprise that players can take the game very seriously. They form military and political alliances to conquer and hold regions of space. Players even establish financial institutions built upon the game's virtual economy. Any insider knowledge about how the game's New Eden galaxy will change through future development could be valuable. CSM delegates are expressly forbidden from divulging or using insider information for their own advantage, or those of their friends.

However, CCP Games revealed today that exactly such a situation has arisen. Larkonis Trassler, a prominent member of the Council of Stellar Management, used insider information to attempt to profit in the game's virtual InterStellar Kredit (ISK) currency. He has stepped down from his position on the council and his accounts have been banned by CCP for Non-disclosure Agreement violations.

Continue reading EVE Online player elected council rep steps down in wake of insider trading

MassivelyEVE Online player elected council rep steps down in wake of insider trading originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcultureeconomyeve-onlineinsider-tradingisklarkonis-trasslermarket-speculationndanda-breaknew-edensci-fiTue, 08 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online NDA has dropped]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/champions-online-nda-has-dropped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/champions-online-nda-has-dropped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/champions-online-nda-has-dropped/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Champions Online closed beta testers, please observe a moment of silence for your now-deleted characters. They died yesterday as part of the server wipe to make the world a better place for open beta, which kicks off today. The biggest news here is that the NDA is now lifted, and we're expecting there will be a flood of impressions about Champions Online in the coming days from people who've spent time in the game.

The Cryptic Studios superhero MMO will enter open beta today at 10 a.m. PDT, and will last through August 24th at 10 a.m. PDT. Barring unforeseen technical issues, daily server downtime is scheduled from 1 a.m. PDT - 3 a.m. PDT. Aside from that, open beta testers have a solid week of gameplay ahead of them.

Continue reading Champions Online NDA has dropped

MassivelyChampions Online NDA has dropped originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbreakingchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosmmo-industryndanda-dropnda-liftnew-titlesopen-betasuper-herosuperheroMon, 17 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion NDA drop and first database revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-nda-drop-and-first-database-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-nda-drop-and-first-database-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-nda-drop-and-first-database-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We just received the official word from NC West and can confirm that the North American NDA has dropped for Aion. This is great news for the 5% of testers who exhibited enough self-control to uphold the NDA, while the other 95% spoke freely as if it didn't exist at all. Some bloggers even took the loophole approach and downloaded the Chinese client so they could share their early impressions without breaking the NDA.

We can expect to see all sorts of new goodies release now that the NDA is no more. One such tool is called the Aion Armory, which is a database project partnership between AionSource and Curse. Anyone familiar with WARDB or WOWDB will find themselves quite at home on this site. AionSource also opened a new free guide subforum you may want to check out before participating in the Asmodian beta event taking place this weekend.

An early September release is looking more and more likely every day.

MassivelyAion NDA drop and first database revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-armoryaionsourcebetacursedatabasehalyconimpressionsnc-westncsoftndawardbwowdbTue, 16 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Truth or Consequences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/the-daily-grind-truth-or-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/the-daily-grind-truth-or-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/the-daily-grind-truth-or-consequences/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Today's The Daily Grind is a bit of a personal pet peeve of mine, as I've been seeing this happen more frequently in the world of gaming journalism. I'm speaking of the growing practice of breaking NDAs. Not only is this something practiced by beta testers more and more frequently, as Johnny Blogger decides it's okay to brag about this shiny new beta he's in, but "professional" game journalism sites are joining in the fun more frequently by revealing embargoed information the day before the embargo actually lifts.

Where this really chaps my hide is when there are no consequences for it. The larger gaming sites can get away with this, and the game studios will continue to give them the exclusive information because of traffic numbers. No consequence equals repeated NDA breaks. So my question to you, Massively readers, is if this bothers you as well. Sure, it's great to get the info a bit earlier than you were meant to, but it's a question of integrity here. Should there be harsh consequences for those sites or blogs that break their beta NDA? Oh, and don't even get me started on those large-name gaming sites that don't even play the games they discuss. Seriously, don't.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Truth or Consequences originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaconsequencesembargondaopinionthe-daily-grindSat, 18 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall's NDA has been lifted, system requirements given]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/darkfalls-nda-has-been-lifted-system-requirements-given/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/darkfalls-nda-has-been-lifted-system-requirements-given/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/darkfalls-nda-has-been-lifted-system-requirements-given/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Earlier this afternoon, the Non Disclosure Agreement for Darkfall Online has been lifted, in preparation for next's week's highly-anticipated launch. With this NDA lift comes complete information on the game's pricing, availability and system requirements.

According to the announcement by Tasos, the European launch is still on track to happen next Wednesday, February 25th. North Americans are welcome to participate in the European launch, with North American servers coming soon. They say the option will come to migrate servers later. Continue reading below the cut for the complete announcement, and look for our own post-NDA coverage of Darkfall's beta coming soon from Massively.

Continue reading Darkfall's NDA has been lifted, system requirements given

MassivelyDarkfall's NDA has been lifted, system requirements given originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebetabreakingbreakingnewsdarkfalldarkfall-onlinendanda-liftWed, 18 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall to launch with limited pre-order and launch copies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/darkfall-to-launch-with-limited-pre-order-and-launch-copies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/darkfall-to-launch-with-limited-pre-order-and-launch-copies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/darkfall-to-launch-with-limited-pre-order-and-launch-copies/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With Darkfall set to launch in Europe a couple weeks from now, MMORPG.com caught up with lead developer, Tasos Flambouras, for an interview. Things have been a bit quiet on the Aventurine front since late January, which Tasos attributes to them working furiously on getting the game ready for release and supporting thousands of beta testers.

Several interesting things were revealed in this interview, including denial that they are planning on delaying release yet again, their plans to lift the NDA to give players enough time to make an informed decision, and that they aren't looking past the EU launch for a North American one just yet. The most interesting piece of information is that they plan to release a limited number of pre-order and launch copies of Darkfall to ensure their infrastructure can support the initial rush of players eager to get their hands on the game. This is a very different strategy than most MMO developers take. Usually, players are forced into long server queues or servers that can't handle the player load and crash frequently. This can lead to more servers being opened that spread the population too thin once the initial rush is over. Given Aventurine's strategy, you may want to keep your eyes on eBay if you miss out on a pre-order or launch copy.

MassivelyDarkfall to launch with limited pre-order and launch copies originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurinebetadarkfallndatasos-flambourasFri, 13 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall unleashes first wave of invites]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/darkfall-unleashes-first-wave-of-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/darkfall-unleashes-first-wave-of-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/darkfall-unleashes-first-wave-of-invites/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The latest news surrounding Darkfall should have some gamers whipped up into a frenzy -- the first wave of invites for clans and for individual testers has been sent out. Those for whom the pearly gates open will be able to download the Darkfall installer and patch their way in to the game.

The announcement from Darkfall's creators, Aventurine, states that they're spacing out the invites to better accommodate the number of people they'd like to bring to test Darkfall. So if you haven't been invited yet, there's still hope that you may be; they'll be sending out more invites each day until they've hit their capacity. The NDA will remain in effect throughout this first phase of testing, however. The final bit of info Aventurine put out there deals with their website issues: the site and forums have been coping with denial of service attacks, which Aventurine is working to resolve... it looks like the PvP has begun before the game's even launched.

[Via MMORPG.com]

MassivelyDarkfall unleashes first wave of invites originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebetabetasccpccp-gamesdarkfallddosdenial-of-serviceeveeve-onlinefantasyforumsndapvpFri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively in Moria: The beta NDA lifts tomorrow!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/19/massively-in-moria-the-beta-nda-lifts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/19/massively-in-moria-the-beta-nda-lifts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/19/massively-in-moria-the-beta-nda-lifts-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


We here at Massively are happy to announce that the Non Disclosure Agreement for Lord of the Rings Online's Mines of Moria beta will be officially lifted tomorrow! We've spent several weeks in the beta, exploring the deepest depths, leveling the two new classes and experimenting with the new Legendary Item system all for you!

You can look forward to several feature articles about Moria coming out from Monday until the release date of November 18th, and beyond. In fact, you can look for our first one, a complete guide to the entire Book 1 of Volume 2 to be released Monday morning, with many more to follow. We'll provide galleries, helpful class guides and much more over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

MassivelyMassively in Moria: The beta NDA lifts tomorrow! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamoriandanda-liftturbineSun, 19 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is WAR the WoW killer?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-daily-grind-is-war-the-wow-killer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-daily-grind-is-war-the-wow-killer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-daily-grind-is-war-the-wow-killer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Warhammer Online NDA has been lifted, and a veritable tidal wave of WAR-related information has struck the internet. The open beta test is imminent, but countless pre-order customers are already in the closed beta. The game's launch is only a month away! So this is a great time to ask for your predictions: is Warhammer Online the long-awaited World of Warcraft killer?

Some folks hoped it would be Age of Conan, but while that game is doing all right, it hasn't lived up for the hype for everyone. Are all your hopes placed in WAR now, or will it take BioWare's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Online or Cryptic's Star Trek Online to move the genre into the next era? Hell, maybe WoW will never be dethroned by one game.

Make your predictions here, but we have a disclaimer: we won't be held responsible for any shame and embarrassment when you're proven way off base in the future!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is WAR the WoW killer? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbetabiowareblizzardcryptic-studiosea-mythickotorolaunchmythicmythic-entertainmentndapredictionprophecystar-trek-onlineswtortdgthe-daily-grindwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwow-killerWed, 20 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST