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[EVE's Escalation video talks new status bar, missile effects, and more [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/eves-escalation-patch-brings-new-status-bar-missile-effects-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/eves-escalation-patch-brings-new-status-bar-missile-effects-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/eves-escalation-patch-brings-new-status-bar-missile-effects-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - new missile effects
It's patch day in New Eden. Today's Escalation update is the first step on the road to next month's Inferno expansion, so CCP has rolled out a new dev diary video to give all you internet spaceship jockeys a heads-up on the more pertinent changes.

Lead designer CCP Soundwave is today's talking head. He takes us through the changes to the drone regions, which CCP hopes will revitalize EVE Online's mining trade. "Mining will actually be done through mining rather than shooting NPCs," Soundwave deadpans.

Incursion spawns and payouts are also being tweaked, though Soundwave doesn't spend much time on that particular detail in this video. He does show off EVE's new effect bar, though. Prior to the patch, pilots needed to hunt down aggressors via the game's overview, but now there's a little status bar above the hull/armor/shield readout that displays pertinent combat info at a glance.

Finally, CCP has been hard at work revamping EVE's missile effects. The tweaks follow on from last year's turret upgrades to bring even more visual ooohs and ahhhs to EVE's combat. More details are available in the clip after the cut.

[Update: While the missile effects are featured in the video, we've changed the title of the article to reflect the fact that they're not live yet. We've also flogged ourselves accordingly.]

Continue reading EVE's Escalation video talks new status bar, missile effects, and more [Updated]

MassivelyEVE's Escalation video talks new status bar, missile effects, and more [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-mankillerccp-soundwaveescalationescalation-patcheveeve-effect-bareve-escalationeve-missile-effectseve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsnew-edensandboxsci-fiTue, 24 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Discover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/discover-the-origins-of-new-eden-and-the-melding-in-firefalls-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BOOM!
Last weekend we gave you a look at Red 5 Studios' upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall, and all of its glorious shooter action. What we didn't really take a look at, however, is the lore of the game. After all, why is everyone running around in crazy armor and shooting everyone else? And why is the last bastion of humankind on the planet a Brazilian island resort? The studio intends to answer some of these questions with today's release of the game's introductory cinematic.

And man, is it heavy. From the looks of things, humanity decided it was about time to try its luck with faster-than-light travel and failed miserably, causing a gargantuan starship to come crashing into the Earth... right on top of Brazil. But wait! If the starship crashed on Brazil, then why is it still around? Because the starship's wreckage, and the energy field it generates, is the only thing currently keeping the Melding at bay, leaving the surrounding area as the only currently inhabitable site on Earth. Could have been worse, I say; at least Brazil's pretty even after the apocalypse.

Continue reading Discover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic

MassivelyDiscover the origins of New Eden and the Melding in Firefall's opening cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematicf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playintrointro-cinematicintroductionintroduction-cinematicintroductory-cinematicloremmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthe-meldingtrailertrailersvideovideoswarFri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE launches in Japan, adds multilingual search tool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - shieldship wallpaper
Japanese sandbox fans are saying domo arigato this morning as CCP and Nexon have officially launched a localized version of EVE Online in the land of the rising sun.

Japan boasts the world's fourth largest gaming community, and CCP has added it to an impressive list of conquests that include English-, Chinese-, Russian-, and German-speaking markets. The company is handling all of the game-related conversion tasks via its in-house localization system, while Nexon is responsible for various marketing and support initiatives.

CCP has also added a multilingual search tool to the EVE client. The new functionality "helps weld the disparate language groups present in EVE into a more global and unified game experience -- truly demonstrating the impact and value of the single shard server model," says senior producer Jon Lander.

[Source: CCP press release]

MassivelyEVE launches in Japan, adds multilingual search tool originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-japaneve-nexoneve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsjapanese-evejon-landerlocalizationmultilingual-search-toolnew-edennexonnexon-evesandboxsci-fisingle-serversingle-shardTue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CCP's Tori Frans Olafsson
CCP has been pretty quiet on the subject of microtransactions since last summer's monoclegate and the ensuing Jita protests. EVE Online creative director Torfi Frans Olafsson recently spoke up about the trendy new business model, and while he acknowledged that it is popular, he also said that CCP is "very reluctant to do that in EVE because it's so established. It's like changing the DNA of a living organism after it's born. That didn't work in Blade Runner," he tells PC Gamer.

Olafsson also repeats the anti-pay-to-win mantra that comes standard in just about every developer interview these days. He says that CCP will sell cosmetic items in EVE, including makeovers for your avatar, ship, and starbase. Given the fact that players will be purchasing weapons and gear in DUST 514 (which will interface directly with EVE's pre-existing economy), we've no doubt it will be interesting to see how CCP maintains that delicate balance.

"I think we have to be very careful in introducing such mechanics into EVE. And I personally think that we shouldn't be doing it in the near future," Olafsson says, "because it's such a vulnerable little flower in a vulnerable little ecosystem. You make minor changes to an ecosystem and you can introduce hostile things and the whole system breaks down."

Check out the video interview after the cut.

Continue reading CCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions

MassivelyCCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-torfifransconsoledustdust-514economyeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-microtransactionseve-onlineeve-rmtfanfest-2012fpsinternet-spaceshipsinterviewmicrotransactionsmmofpsnew-edenplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishootertorfi-frans-olafssonvideoTue, 03 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/why-i-play-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/why-i-play-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/why-i-play-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente Iteron hauler warping past a planet
I can't for the life of me convince my friends to sign up for EVE Online. In their defense, the game can feel like a job at first. There are no skinner box particle effects or angelic choirs signifying your latest achievement, nor does anyone shower you with virtual confetti as you graduate from the newbie island.

For these reasons and others like them, CCP seems to have topped out somewhere around half a million active subs at the game's high point. EVE is seen as unfriendly in some ways, but in actuality it's the friendliest MMO around if you're an imaginative sort with the desire to direct your own in-game destiny.

Could the tutorials be better? Sure. Could PvE missions be more engaging? Absolutely. Does either of these failings, or numerous others, detract from what is the genre's premier emergent experience?

Nope.

Continue reading Why I Play: EVE Online

MassivelyWhy I Play: EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescomplexitycraftingeconomyeditorialeveeve-onlinefeaturedinternet-spaceshipsmassively-metametanew-edenop-edopinionplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentroleplayroleplayingsandboxSchadenfreudesci-fiuser-generated-contentwhy-i-playWed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest talks Inferno, World of Darkness panel later today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/eve-fanfest-talks-inferno-world-of-darkness-panel-later-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/eve-fanfest-talks-inferno-world-of-darkness-panel-later-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/eve-fanfest-talks-inferno-world-of-darkness-panel-later-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Fanfest 2012 entrance
Day two of EVE Online Fanfest 2012 had a lot to offer fans of CCP's sci-fi sandbox. First and foremost was the announcement of Inferno's official launch date and the fact that EVE's latest expansion will roll out to Tranquility on May 22nd. As we told you yesterday, the patch is heavy on PvP tweaks, and everything from faction warfare to a new specialized mercenary marketplace is on the way.

The official EVE website also received a ton of updates yesterday, the better to catalogue all of the breaking news direct from Fanfest.

Today's docket is equally fascinating, and CCP devs are scheduled to speak about EVE-related game design topics that include war decs, concept art, and growing the game's infrastructure. Also on the menu is a presentation on World of Darkness that we'll be following with great interest. You can follow it too via our EVETV Livestream channel. Be sure to look for our expert analysis of all the Fanfest happenings in this Sunday's EVE Evolved column!

MassivelyEVE Fanfest talks Inferno, World of Darkness panel later today originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 - Internet space troopers
Day one of EVE Online's 2012 Fanfest is in the books, and it was quite the interesting spectacle from CCP's perch at the top of the world.

As expected, yesterday's juicy news centered on DUST 514, and we learned a bit about merc quarters, skills, and objectives. The devs also talked about DUST's battlefield resupply mechanics (which are somewhat unique for a shooter since every bullet, weapon, and vehicle must be produced before it can be airlifted to the front lines). We also got to see the first real footage of EVE/DUST integration courtesy of a live orbital strike coordinated between a ground trooper and a capsuleer.

Today looks just as interesting, and the focus will be shifting to EVE as CCP talks up the state of the game's economy, factional warfare, and a variety of other topics. As you're probably aware, you can catch all of this via our dedicated EVETV Livestream channel, and we'll have more info and analysis for you as the weekend rolls on.

MassivelyCCP shifts gears from DUST to EVE at Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-fanfest-2012ccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-eve-integrationeveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfest-2012fpsgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterFri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - news roundup edition
Welcome back to The Firing Line, shooter fans. I'm still recovering from Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide 2 demo last week (as well as CCP's reveals regarding DUST 514 gameplay footage and impending beta dates).

Life goes on, though, and there are plenty of interesting tidbits to talk about with regard to our favorite genre. Won't you join me after the break for a recap?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklightblacklight-retributiondefiancedustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinef2pfanfest-2012fanfest-2012-dustfanfest-livestreamfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenonline-shooteropinionperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweroundupshootershooter-roundupsyfysyfy-channelsyfy-defiancetflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstriontrion-defianceFri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 header
This week I was fortunate enough to chat up the developers on the two biggest MMOFPS titles of the year. Exactly what year that is remains to be seen, and after hearing Sony Online Entertainment use the word "alpha" quite a lot, I suspect that PlanetSide 2 may slip into 2013. And that's not a bad thing at all, by the way.

CCP's DUST 514, on the other hand, is surely coming in 2012. The devs will be doling out some long-awaited hands-on time with EVE's precocious little brother at Fanfest in a couple of weeks, and while DUST and PS2 share similar core gameplay, their target audiences (and the general feeling I get from each game) are completely different.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 - Concept art
If you were hoping to play a mobile version of CCP's upcoming DUST 514 shooter, you might want to adjust your expectations just a bit. The EVE Online-inspired MMOFPS will be making an appearance on Sony's PlayStation Vita device... but as a companion app rather than a full-blown game.

CCP's Brandon Laurino explained the details to Eurogamer in an interview over the weekend. "At the most basic level, you can do transactions on the market, equip and customize your character, your vehicles, set up strategies with your friends and corporation members -- all of these sort of companion functions on the go," he says.

Laurino also says that the DUST Vita launch date has yet to be determined but that gamers should keep an eye out for further iterations of the app after its initial release. "As we continue to explore what the possibilities are between Vita and PS3, of which there are many, we'll keep updating the app with stuff like that over time," he explained.

MassivelyDUST 514 Vita version is companion app, not full game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-laurinoccpccp-gamescompanion-appconsoledustdust-514dust-514-companion-appeveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsmobilenew-edenplaystationplaystation-3playstation-vitaps3shootervitaMon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online invading Japan March 28th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/eve-online-invading-japan-march-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/eve-online-invading-japan-march-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/eve-online-invading-japan-march-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Rifter vs. pirates
EVE Online has already captured the hearts and minds of sandbox gamers in Europe and America. Now, CCP is intent on bringing its sci-fi MMO to Japan (which boasts the world's fourth largest online gaming market).

Beginning March 28th, Japanese players will experience New Eden in their native language. True to form, however, is CCP's decision to dump all of its worldwide playerbase into the melting pot that is the Tranquility server. The firm is also partnering with Korean free-to-play giant Nexon to make the deal happen, with the latter handling billing services as well as marketing and PR duties while CCP focuses on development.

[Source: CCP press release]

MassivelyEVE Online invading Japan March 28th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-nexoneveeve-japaneve-onlineeve-online-japannew-edennexonsandboxsci-fitranquilityThu, 01 Mar 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP: DUST will offer a 'more intuitive' EVE experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/ccp-dust-will-offer-a-more-intuitive-eve-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/ccp-dust-will-offer-a-more-intuitive-eve-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/ccp-dust-will-offer-a-more-intuitive-eve-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Merc from cinematic
Rock, Paper Shotgun has a new interview with CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson and CMO David Reid. The pair have a few interesting nuggets to share about DUST 514 and EVE Online, as well as how the two games are related.

Petursson says that initially, DUST mercenaries will not be riding the proverbial space elevator into orbit to parlay with their capsuleer counterparts in EVE. As in the eight-year-old spaceship MMO, though, the design will evolve and change, and "the two experiences are going to be more and more crafted over time."

The interview also also posits that DUST's accessible shooter design may lead new players into the world of New Eden in spite of EVE Online's legendary learning curve. "EVE is a very particular type of experience, made for people who want to commit a lot of energy to have a game experience like that," Petursson explains. "Over the years we've seen a lot of people interested in the EVE universe, the single shard and the political drama, but [they] might not be particularly looking for an experience like the game itself. We see DUST as a way to allow people to participate in this universe by offering them a more intuitive, familiar, speedier, quicker, shorter time-commitment type of experience."

MassivelyCCP: DUST will offer a 'more intuitive' EVE experience originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityccpccp-gamesconsolesdavid-reiddustdust-514dust-bunnieseveeve-onlinefpshilmar-peturssoninterviewmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystation-3playstation3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterSun, 26 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP still planning to expand EVE's station gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ccp-still-planning-to-expand-eves-station-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ccp-still-planning-to-expand-eves-station-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ccp-still-planning-to-expand-eves-station-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Rifter viewed from captain's quarters
Just when you internet-spaceship-only types thought it was safe to resume your relationship with CCP, the EVE Online studio has dropped a dev blog detailing its plans for further Incarna-style avatar development.

The recent CCP reorganization put bidpedal gameplay on the back burner due to a player outcry in favor of the game's flying-in-space elements, but as it turns out, CCP "still believes in the vision to bring your characters fully into the world of EVE." CCP t0rfifrans says it will simply take a bit longer for the firm to realize its ambitious sandbox goals. He also says those goals are currently up for debate, and while gambling minigames, corporation-owned hubs, and contraband trading haven't been ruled out entirely, Team Avatar has gone "back to the drawing board" in the interests of identifying rewarding gameplay and developing a prototype.

In other New Eden news, CCP's Power of 2 promotion is making a return engagement, and you can create a second account at a discount price through April 1st.

[Thanks to Kane Hart for the tip!]

MassivelyCCP still planning to expand EVE's station gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online - Minmatar fleet
Despite the commonly held belief that 2011 was a disastrous year for CCP and EVE Online, the firm recently told TechCrunch that its sci-fi sandbox game brought in $66 million in revenue last year.

The website reports that EVE's revenue features a compound annual growth rate of 53 percent, and the title has also generated $300 million in total revenue since its 2003 launch. Interestingly, the article avoids all mention of 2011's Monoclegate brouhaha and the resulting player protests that led CCP to refocus its development plans. It also paints a rosy picture of New Eden's future, and CCP head honcho Hilmar Petursson says an IPO is a possibility.

"We want to be ready for an IPO from a policy standpoint," he explains. "We're quite a substantial company, so we're thinking, OK, what is the next step?"

MassivelyCCP touts EVE growth, considers IPO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsccpccp-gamesccp-ipoeveeve-ipoeve-onlineeve-revenuefinancialhilmar-peturssonmmo-industrynew-edensandboxsci-fiWed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Caldari Ibis concept art
CCP's latest dev blog spills the beans on EVE Online's upcoming rookie ship revamp. CCP Guard reports that the redesign is "part of our ongoing effort to continuously update the art assets in EVE Online and [make] sure it remains the most beautiful MMO out there."

The blog entry features a video clip that takes us behind the scenes at CCP's art department, and there are plenty of talking-head interviews as well as a few glimpses of sexy internet spaceship concept art. The five-minute clip is basically a crash course in the lengthy process of adding new art assets to EVE, and you'll find it after the jump.

Continue reading Go behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary

MassivelyGo behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-designart-directionccpccp-gamesccp-guarddesigndev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineeve-revampeve-rookie-ship-revampnew-edenrookie-shipssandboxsci-fiship-revampvideoTue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP revisiting EVE's new player experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/ccp-revisiting-eves-new-player-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/ccp-revisiting-eves-new-player-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/ccp-revisiting-eves-new-player-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online is hard, or so goes the conventional wisdom. CCP's sci-fi sandbox has seen a lot of players roll up a spaceship avatar since 2003, and it's also seen quite a few of those players quit on account of the considerable learning curve.

A new dev blog by CCP Legion outlines a broad-stroke plan to mitigate these difficulties, and Legion says that "we want to give the players a chance to experience the coolness of EVE even in the beginning and make them understand all the potential within the game. In short, we want to make the first days, weeks and months in EVE enjoyable and not just something you have to plow through in order to get to the good stuff."

How is CCP going to do that without dumbing it down? That's still up in the air, but Legion says that the changes will focus more on teachable mechanics than step-by-step guides.

In other New Eden news, CCP has released a new video called The Awakening, and it presents the first moments of a new pod pilot as he is born into his new life. View it in full after the break.

Continue reading CCP revisiting EVE's new player experience

MassivelyCCP revisiting EVE's new player experience originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-legiondev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineeve-online-the-awakeningeve-the-awakeninggame-mechanicslearning-curvenew-edennew-player-experiencesandboxsci-fithe-awakeningvideoFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - newbie pilot video
Apparently a brand-spanking-new website wasn't enough for CCP and its EVE Online property, so the company has released a nifty new trailer to go along with the cyberspace re-branding. The clip is two-and-a-half minutes of spaceship porn underscored with the usual fembot voiceover.

The video is clearly aimed at EVE newbs, so there's not a lot to get excited about if you're a veteran capsuleer. Just the same, it's an eye-opening glance at the game's first-class visuals and hard sci-fi art direction. Give it a look after the cut.

Continue reading CCP releases EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers

MassivelyCCP releases EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinenew-edennewbssandboxsci-fitrailervideoTue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP confirms keyboard and mouse control for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - dropsuit
DUST 514 may be a PlayStation 3 exclusive for the moment, but CCP has confirmed that the title will offer USB keyboard and mouse control options. CCP Jian broke the news late last night on his Twitter account, though there's no word as of yet on whether using a keyboard/mouse combo will translate to an edge over players who are using a PS3 controller.

DUST is a sci-fi MMOFPS set in CCP's New Eden universe, and it is directly connected to the long-running EVE Online MMORPG. Players take on the role of ground-based mercenaries who fight for territory control and share the universal economy with EVE's capsuleers.

MassivelyCCP confirms keyboard and mouse control for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-jiancontrollersdustdust-514dust-controlsdust-keyboard-and-mouseeveeve-onlinefpskeyboard-and-mousemmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishooterTue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest events detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Fanfest poker table
Preparations for EVE Online's annual Fanfest are well underway, and CCP has updated its website with a blog entry that gives gamers an idea of what to expect if they're coming to Reykjavik in March.

CCP is adjusting its VIP office tour prize package this year. A contest entry will only set you back one PLEX (as opposed to the $1,000 minimum bid in years past). There's also a poker tournament, a silent auction, and a battle of the bands in the offing.

What does all this have to do with New Eden, you're asking? Well not much, aside from the opportunity to drink heavily and put a name to a face when it comes to all those capsuleers you've been swindling and killing for the past eight years. Head to the official site for details on all the events and prizes.

MassivelyEVE Fanfest events detailed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconventionsdev-blogeveeve-onlineeventsfanfestfanfest-2012new-edenreal-life-eventssandboxsci-fiFri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - planetary concept art
DUST 514 is somewhat revolutionary in that it's attempting to tie together two separate games (on two separate platforms) that take place in the same fictional universe. CCP is also innovating on the backend according to a new article at Develop.

The upcoming EVE Online MMOFPS tie-in will establish universal PlayStation Network microtransaction rules according to CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson. Petursson told Develop that the ongoing CCP/Sony negotiations will ultimately result in the establishment of price tiers for virtual items as well as the revenue split between Sony and third-party devs.

CCP is also exploring retail options for DUST 514, despite early reports that the title would only be available as a digital download. Finally, Petursson tells Develop that the PlayStation Vita version of DUST will "give people access to more asynchronous parts of the game." While he doesn't commit one way or the other, it's possible that the portable version of the game will connect to both the PlayStation 3 and PC versions via EVE's universal ISK currency.

MassivelySony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopccpccp-gamesdustdust-514dust-514-retaileveeve-onlinef2pfpsfree-to-playhilmar-peturssonitem-storemicrotransactionsmmo-shootermmofpsmobilenew-edenplaystation-3playstation-networkplaystation-vitaps3retailsandboxsci-fishootersonyvirtual-item-policyvitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shows off EVE neocom updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - new neocom
Remember that dev blog about a year ago that mentioned updates in store for EVE Online's neocom interface? Well, it hasn't been forgotten, but the New Eden poo-storm of 2011 kind of bumped it to the back of the line.

Today, the EVE website has been updated with a look at the new neocom's design, and CCP Optimal has plenty of pics as well as some insights into what's changing below the pretty exterior. Chief among the tweaks is the ability for pod pilots to pick and choose the features they use most and remove extraneous buttons from the interface.

The new neocom is slated to go live in the Crucible 1.1 patch coming later this month.

MassivelyCCP shows off EVE neocom updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-optimalcruciblecrucible-1.1customizable-neocomdev-blogeveeve-onlineinterfacenew-edenpoo-stormsandboxsci-fiuiuser-interfaceTue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Templar One novel now available]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/eve-templar-one-novel-now-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/eve-templar-one-novel-now-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/eve-templar-one-novel-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Templar One cover image
Picture this. You're sitting in your internet spaceship, pounding space rocks or waiting for your fleet leader to assign you some hapless newb of a target. You've already caught up on the all the relevant EVE Online news courtesy of Massively, and you can't really spin your ship since you're not docked.

What's a bored capsuleer to do?

Read the latest EVE novel, of course. Tony Gonzales' new Templar One is now available pretty much everywhere books are sold, and in keeping with New Eden's high-tech trappings, you can pick it up in eBook form if you're loathe to consume story content the old-fashioned way. The official EVE website has more details, as does a pre-Christmas blog posting from the author himself.

MassivelyEVE Templar One novel now available originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefictiongaming-novelsmmo-fictionmmo-novelmmo-storynew-edensandboxsci-fitemplar-onetony-gonzalesWed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reveals DUST 514 dropsuits]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/ccp-reveals-dust-514-dropsuits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/ccp-reveals-dust-514-dropsuits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/ccp-reveals-dust-514-dropsuits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - dropsuits
CCP returns with its weekly DUST 514 announcement via the PlayStation blog. This time around, the company gives us a sneak peek at some of the dropsuits available in its upcoming EVE Online MMOFPS sidequel.

What's a dropsuit?

Well, aside from the latest in sexy sci-fi outerwear, it's also standard equipment for New Eden infantry types and it comes "in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a unique slot configuration, powergrid, and CPU that inform [customization decisions]." Slot types include light, heavy, sidearm, high, low, equipment, and grenade, and CCP mentions that dropsuits will define your role on DUST's battlefields (as will your choices for the aforementioned slots). Head to the official PlayStation blog for a bit more info as well as a selection of Caldari and Amarr dropsuit images.

MassivelyCCP reveals DUST 514 dropsuits originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-gamesclassesdropsuitdropsuit-slotsdropsuitsdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgame-mechanicsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishooterMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title
EVE Online recently celebrated the release of its incredible Crucible expansion, noted as one of the most feature-heavy expansions in the game's history despite the majority of its features being produced in a period of just a few weeks. Two years' worth of graphical upgrades, features, balance upgrades and quality-of-life fixes hit Tranquility all at once, and the response from players has been incredibly positive.

Last week I rounded up all the information there is to know about the Crucible expansion, but reading articles and news posts is no substitute for hands-on experience. This week I took a tour around parts of New Eden to explore the incredible new graphics Crucible delivered. As I have a background in graphics programming, the graphical upgrades are obviously the most exciting change for me. The astounding background nebulae are even more impressive when you know just how difficult it would be to build a nebula system that looks this incredible from any location.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I explore a reborn galaxy and catalogue my adventures in a massive HD gallery.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-eveccp-gamescrucibleengine-trailseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexplorationexplorerfeaturedgalaxygallentegallerygraphicsgraphics-enginegraphics-programminggraphics-updatehands-onhighseclowsecminmatarnebulanebulaenebulasnew-edennullsecscreenshotscreenshotsspacewarpwarp-drivewarpingSun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Amarr Scrambler pistol
First-person shooters are nothing without guns -- lots of 'em -- and CCP's upcoming DUST 514 is no exception. Today the company has released a new PlayStation blog update that zeroes in on a handful of infantry weapons in the far-future sci-fi opus.

Said weapons are broken down into light, heavy, and sidearm classes, with one example of each detailed. Light weapons are the most common, and they fulfill multiple roles for short- and medium-range applications. They also come in four variants, each of which allows gamers to select a playstyle that features a number of trade-offs (lower fire rates for increased accuracy, etc.).

Heavy weapons are more specialized, and are only available to players skilled enough to use heavy dropsuits. Sidearms are generally used as backup weapons, but they're still deadly in the right hands. Finally, today's entry continues the DUST tradition of showing off factional equipment variants, so head to the PlayStation blog to get a glimpse of some Amarr, Gallente, and Caldari weaponry.

MassivelyDUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-gamesdustdust-514fpsgallentegunsheavy-weaponslight-weaponsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishootersidearmsweaponsThu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 vehicle fitting screens examined]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DUST 514- vehicle fitting screen
If you haven't managed to snag a spot in the DUST 514 beta, you'll want to have a look at a fan site known as DUST 514 Base. The site posted a detailed look at the game's vehicle fitting interface over the weekend, and it gives a good rundown on many of the options in store for the planet-based mercenaries of New Eden.

If you're an EVE Online veteran, the fitting screens will seem somewhat familiar. If not, at least you can get a leg up on what is likely to be one of the more complex console FPS UIs in the business.

The blog entry contains a fair bit of speculation in terms of the numbers presented on the UI, and there are also plenty of high-quality images augmenting the text. Hit the links below for more info.

MassivelyDUST 514 vehicle fitting screens examined originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefitting-screenfpsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishooteruiuser-interfacevehicle-fittingvehiclesMon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP expands EVE's asset search functionality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/ccp-expands-eves-asset-search-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/ccp-expands-eves-asset-search-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/ccp-expands-eves-asset-search-functionality/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - asset search update
If EVE Online is truly spreadsheets in space as some of its detractors (and even fans) have surmised, thus far it's been a spreadsheet with fairly limited search capabilities. Now thanks to the efforts of CCP developers, finding your random crap spread across the cosmos in various New Eden station storage facilities just got a lot easier.

The latest EVE Online dev blog has the details on the asset search functionality updates, and they include new keyword searches and a complete listing of keyword values. "There [is] definitely more we can do with this in the future but we started this rather late and [we] didn't want to add lots of broken functionality, but rather a few simple options that work and cover the basics and a bit more," the dev blog explains.

MassivelyCCP expands EVE's asset search functionality originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asset-searchccpccp-gamescrucibledev-blogseveeve-crucibleeve-onlinekeywordsnew-edensandboxsci-fisearchsearch-functionThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE development video features engineering team interviews]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-development-video-features-engineering-team-interviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-development-video-features-engineering-team-interviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-development-video-features-engineering-team-interviews/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - engineering team
CCP has released another behind-the-scenes video that details life as a member of the EVE Online development team. This time the focus is on the engineering group, and the five-minute clip features a few talking-head interviews with CCP Atlas, CCP Punkturis, and other luminaries.

In terms of content, we don't get a lot of new information, and much of the dialogue centers on fairly mundane design items like UI scaling, improvements to the game's bookmarking functionality, and the like. That said, it's an interesting peek behind the curtain, and it's always nice to put a face with an oft-quoted developer name. Check out the full clip after the break.

Continue reading EVE development video features engineering team interviews

MassivelyEVE development video features engineering team interviews originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesccpccp-atlasccp-gamesccp-punkturiseveeve-onlinenew-edensandboxsci-fiui-scalingvideoSun, 27 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's Crucible expansion coming Nov 29th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/eve-onlines-crucible-expansion-coming-nov-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/eve-onlines-crucible-expansion-coming-nov-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/eve-onlines-crucible-expansion-coming-nov-29th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Crucible nebula background
CCP's feel-good post count has been building to a fever pitch in recent weeks, and today the company has announced the ultimate win-back promotion in the form of EVE Online's 15th major expansion. The content drop is called Crucible, and it's currently scheduled to debut on November 29th.

"Crucible evolves the graphics, interface, and game mechanics with over three dozen updated and improved features based on feedback and challenges put forth by its players. This is EVE re-forged," CCP says on the expansion's teaser page. The web portal also provides a handy collated list of the aforementioned developer updates, and in spite of what was unquestionably the rockiest summer in the sci-fi sandbox title's eight-year existence, the future is looking pretty bright.

MassivelyEVE Online's Crucible expansion coming Nov 29th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-gamescrucibleeveeve-crucibleeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsflying-in-spacenew-contentnew-edennew-shipsTue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE dev diary talks PvE content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/new-eve-dev-diary-talks-pve-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/new-eve-dev-diary-talks-pve-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/new-eve-dev-diary-talks-pve-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - space battle
CCP has fired off another EVE Online press release, this time extolling the virtues of the PvE content coming in the winter expansion. New DED complexes are on the way, as are new bosses, modules, and "more reasons to generate massive explosions in space," according to CCP Affinity.

Anomalies will feature increased payouts and more NPCs, and consequently more ISK for the players. Magnometric sites will also see their overall value increase, and CCP is even adding a minimize function for dungeon-related pop-up messages to improve capsuleer quality of life. Read all about it on the official EVE website.

MassivelyNew EVE dev diary talks PvE content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossesccpccp-affinityccp-gamesdedded-complexeseveeve-onlineflying-in-spaceinternet-spaceshipslootnew-edenpositivitypvesandboxsci-fiserious-businesswinter-expansionFri, 11 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - starmap
Holy cow, would you believe that CCP has put out another positive press blurb? We know, it shocks us too, and the unfailingly chipper Icelandic development firm is winding down a week full of dev blog updates with a behind-the-scenes look at EVE Online's core technology team.

Thankfully there's a video involved, as a text-based behind-the-scenes look would be almost as boring as a New Eden mining run. Also, flying-in-space fans, beware: There are some stretches of the clip that focus on full-body avatars and other "non-essential" gameplay elements. Aside from that, there are bits dealing with ship shadows, readability and usability issues with the star map, and some details on the new open source crash reporting system.

Click past the cut for the full clip.

Continue reading New EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain

MassivelyNew EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarscore-technologies-teamcore-technologycrash-reporting-tooleveeve-onlinenew-edenpositivitysandboxsci-fistar-mapstarmapuivideoThu, 10 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reveals DUST 514 rapid deployment vehicle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Rapid deployment vehicle
What would a sci-fi shooter be without initials and military techno-jargon? Unusual, for starters, and though DUST 514 is more than your average kill-'em-all, it does share a love of equipment abbreviations with the rest of the genre. The latest such is the rapid deployment vehicle (or RDV), and the mobile monstrosity is the subject of CCP's latest PlayStation blog entry.

The RDVs are AI-driven, existing to deliver gear and other vehicles to players on the battlefield. The blog entry is heavy on lore details, and EVE Online veterans will recognize the RDV's manufacturer (Outer Ring Excavations) as the megacorp behind famous New Eden mining ships like the Hulk and the Orca.

MassivelyCCP reveals DUST 514 rapid deployment vehicle originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsole-mmoconsolesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterWed, 09 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP talks EVE UI scaling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - UI scaling
Font size isn't the sexiest topic when it comes to MMO design, but when you're CCP and your flagship title has the most complicated and hard-to-read user interface in the genre, it's an issue worth talking about.

The latest EVE Online dev blog does just that, and CCP Punkturis says that while a full-scale UI revamp is quite difficult and time-consuming due to the original design, the dev team is nonetheless hard at work on the next best thing: UI scaling.

The feature is currently in testing and while there's no official date for its deployment to the live Tranquility server, Punkturis does provide a few nifty screenshots if you're curious to see how it looks.

MassivelyCCP talks EVE UI scaling originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-punkturiseveeve-onlinefontfont-sizenew-edensandboxsci-fiuiui-scalingTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog outlines starbase-related tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/eve-dev-blog-outlines-starbase-related-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/eve-dev-blog-outlines-starbase-related-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/eve-dev-blog-outlines-starbase-related-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - starbase
Oh those crazy CCP devs! Not too long ago the company was hell-bent on steering EVE Online down the microtransaction dress-up path, and now the folks behind the sci-fi sandbox are posting spaceship-centric blog updates on a daily basis. The title of the latest feel-good entry is Starbase Happy Fun Time (we kid you not), and it's all about introducing the changes that are appearing in advance of CCP's planned starbase revamp.

CCP Greyscale gives us the skinny on tweaks to jump bridges, timers, and fuel blocks, and all of the adjustments are being made with an eye towards increasing capsuleer quality of life across the board. If the balance change theme sounds somewhat familiar, it's because CCP is making a habit of saying all the right things lately.

MassivelyEVE dev blog outlines starbase-related tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-greyscaledev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlinefuel-blocksgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsjump-bridgesnew-edenstarbase-happy-fun-timestarbase-revamptimersMon, 07 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Caldari Naga, EVE's latest battlecruiser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/meet-the-caldari-naga-eves-latest-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/meet-the-caldari-naga-eves-latest-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/meet-the-caldari-naga-eves-latest-battlecruiser/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Caldari Naga concept
Minmatar? Check. Gallente? Yep. Amarr? Roger roger. Caldari? It's about time! EVE Online's battlecruiser rollouts are now complete thanks to today's introduction of the Naga. Like its three factional counterparts, the new ship is coming courtesy of EVE's winter expansion. Also, like the previous reveals, the Naga is the brainchild of an EVE player and it first appeared during last summer's Design a Starship competition.

In addition to its fearsome lines and considerable bulk, the Naga is "equally capable of fitting large torpedo launchers, large rail guns or even blasters, [and] is easily the most flexible weapons platform of the four new battlecruisers," according to the latest CCP dev blog. Head to the official site for further info and additional images.

MassivelyMeet the Caldari Naga, EVE's latest battlecruiser originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruisercaldariccpccp-gamesdesign-a-starshipdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineexpansionsinternet-spaceshipsnaganew-edennew-shippew-pewsandboxsci-fiFri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP bringing back EVE's volunteer moderator program]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/ccp-bringing-back-eves-volunteer-moderator-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/ccp-bringing-back-eves-volunteer-moderator-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/ccp-bringing-back-eves-volunteer-moderator-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online - internet spaceships
CCP's community outreach continues, and the latest feel-good EVE Online PR salvo takes the form of a news blurb about the recommissioned volunteer moderator program. Applications are now being accepted for EVE's ISD (Interstellar Services Division) outfit, though there are some noteworthy changes to the program since it last saw service (most of which are designed to alleviate fears of metagaming).

New Community Communication Liaisons (CCLs) will basically serve as CCP's first line of defense when it comes to moderating the official forums and forwarding important discussions on to the community team and the devs.

If you'd like to apply, head to the official EVE website for more information and further instructions.

MassivelyCCP bringing back EVE's volunteer moderator program originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescommunity-outreacheveeve-onlineforum-modsinternet-spaceshipsinterstellar-services-divisionisdnew-edensandboxsci-fivolunteer-moderatorsFri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE offering bonuses to new players [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/eve-offering-bonuses-to-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/eve-offering-bonuses-to-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/eve-offering-bonuses-to-new-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Apotheosis frigate
There's no better time to take the plunge with EVE Online, as CCP is offering up a new promotion designed to ease the newbie transition into the harsh realm of New Eden. According to a news blurb on the official EVE website, new accounts will receive free cerebral accelerator implants.

These doohickeys "are military-grade implants that significantly increase a new pilot's skill development [...] Capsuleer training renders it ineffective after a while; as such, it will cease to function for pilots who have been registered for more than 35 days," according to the website.

Pilots will also receive a rare frigate (an Apotheosis) if they can manage to invite a friend via EVE's buddy program and convince said friend to upgrade to a paid account.

[Update: CCP has also announced that its Power of 2 special offer is back (through November 28th). Existing players can create an alt account and get 180 days of free game time or three PLEX, for $49.95. Additionally, your character on the new account will receive a cerebral accelerator.]

MassivelyEVE offering bonuses to new players [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apotheosis-shipbuddy-programccpccp-gamescerebral-acceleratoreveeve-onlinenew-edennew-pilotspromotionssandboxsci-fiFri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog unveils new Gallente battlecruiser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/eve-dev-blog-unveils-new-gallente-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/eve-dev-blog-unveils-new-gallente-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/eve-dev-blog-unveils-new-gallente-battlecruiser/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente Talos mockup
Another day, another piece of good news for EVE Online. Are we sensing a trend here? At any rate, the latest CCP dev blog reveals the Gallente Talos, the newest New Eden internet spaceship that will find its way into the hands of capsuleers everywhere when EVE's winter expansion finally hits.

If the Talos looks strangely familiar, that's probably because you saw it during EVE's Create a Starship contest last spring. Like its recently revealed Minmatar counterpart, the Talos is a battlecruiser, and CCP describes it as an "in your face glass cannon." Warp to the official EVE website for some more pics and the full dev blog.

MassivelyEVE dev blog unveils new Gallente battlecruiser originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruiserccpccp-gamescreate-a-shipcreate-a-starshipdev-blogeveeve-onlinegallentegallente-talosinternet-spaceshipsnew-edennew-shippvpsandboxsci-fitalosThu, 27 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 could be the PS3's 'most important game']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - lore concept art
Still miffed about CCP's decision to limit its DUST 514 MMOFPS to Sony's PlayStation 3 console? According to an article at Develop, the title is worth following anyway because it could be just what the doctor ordered in terms of bridging the gap between the PC and console gaming markets.

"The console space right now is where the PC was before the internet really kicked off," CCP's Thor Gunnarsson told Develop. "It is about to leap forwards and it won't look back."

Unlike traditional console games that may see an update or two (and in more recent years, a handful of downloadable content packs) before fading into obscurity, DUST will be built "iteratively in front of our community, with the same tight feedback loop as before," according to Gunnarsson. The ongoing attention, and the game's real-time connection with EVE Online, should allow for an engaging console experience to be found nowhere else.

It's not all roses, though, as Develop points out that console shooters are casual games almost by definition, while the EVE Online experience is anything but. Hit the source link to read the full article.

MassivelyDUST 514 could be the PS3's 'most important game' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoleconsole-mmoconsolesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinemmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystation-3playstation3sandboxsci-fishootersonythor-gunnarssonTue, 25 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog talks new Minmatar battlecruiser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/eve-dev-blog-talks-new-minmatar-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/eve-dev-blog-talks-new-minmatar-battlecruiser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/eve-dev-blog-talks-new-minmatar-battlecruiser/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Tornado battlecruiserMore good news for EVE Online fans just showed up on the sci-fi sandbox game's official website. It turns out that CCP wasn't kidding when it said it has shifted its focus back to internet spaceships.

The latest EVE dev blog features a couple of images of the new Minmatar Tornado battlecruiser as well as a bit of verbiage confirming that CCP will be announcing the ship's factional counterparts in the coming weeks.

And yes, we did say battlecruiser, since CCP has thought better of its original plan to release the Tornado as a battleship. "When reviewing the armadas of existing ships we came to the conclusion that it would make much more sense to add another tier of battlecruisers instead of a fourth battleship tier, and that the accessibility of BC skills would mean more of these ships might be in the hands of younger, brasher pilots. That means more pew pew pew overall," CCP Guard writes.

MassivelyEVE dev blog talks new Minmatar battlecruiser originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruiserbattleshipccpccp-gamesccp-guarddev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsminmatarmore-pew-pewnew-edennew-shipssandboxsci-fitornadoFri, 21 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST