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[Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia
Awwwww yeah! Update 3.0, baby! Come to me, features.

Like Christmas for a five-year-old, this day seemed like it would never arrive for those of us who have been waiting for Aion's patch for what feels like forever. And ever. And then some. Aion: Ascension certainly took its jolly sweet time getting here, but now it finally has. Even better, you don't have to dodge creepy clowns or be sucked into a television screen to enjoy it.

Now the question is, is the product really worth the hype? I know I have certainly dished out a fair portion of hype in Wings Over Atreia over the past couple of months while sharing my excitement. Too many delectable features were on the menu, things that would breathe more life into the game, for me not to indulge a bit. But as with any hype, there is always a chance for things to not live up to expectations.

So is the new patch as grand and glorious as hoped? After my first few days in game, my answer is a definite...

Gallery: Aion: Ascension

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03.0-patchaionaion-3.0Aion-AscensionAtreian-Atlasf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-giftsfree-to-playhousingmaintenancemaintenance-feesncsoftnew-featuresopinionpatch-3.0restrictionswings-over-atreiaMon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Last year, I had the opportunity to meander around Xsyon for Choose My Adventure. Then, the game was still at the end of its beta phase. Now, with some time under its belt since release, the game continues to grow. And January has seen quite the growth spurt.

I won't complain if the momentum that Xsyon has shown in the last month keeps up. Announcing multiple events and an architecture contest? Not to mention introducing new goodies? You go, game! Though it's small and indie, I am totally rooting for this title to succeed. Why? The main reason is that the game is reliant on player generated content: Instead of developers designing every aspect of the game, they built the world as a foundation and gave players the tools to go from there. This game is one of the few out there that offers many avenues for players to generate their own content and have a visible and lasting impact on the world around them.

And just how is post-apocalyptic Earth shaping up with the players at the helm? This week, Some Assembly Required explores the once-ravaged land to highlight some of that generated content, from events (both player-run and developer sponsored) to small- and large-scale construction.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-xsyonCMAcontestcontestseventsevents-in-gamefeaturedin-game-eventsnew-featuresnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treesplayer-generated-contentplayer-run-eventssandboxsandbox-experienceSARsome-assembly-requiredterraformingXsyonxsyon-earth-2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE trailer shows off new Crucible expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/eve-trailer-shows-off-new-crucible-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/eve-trailer-shows-off-new-crucible-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/eve-trailer-shows-off-new-crucible-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Crucible trailer
What do dubstep and EVE Online have in common? A new expansion trailer, for starters. Yes, Crucible is finally here, and so is CCP's return to a singular focus on internet spaceships. To celebrate, the company has released a slick new video, and the clip marks another return of sorts. All of the footage was captured in-game using real players, and the metagame stylings we've seen in some of EVE's more recent trailers is noticeably absent.

The video shows off most of Crucible's major bullet points including new visuals, captain's quarters, tier three battlecruisers, and a ton of balancing tweaks. See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading EVE trailer shows off new Crucible expansion

MassivelyEVE trailer shows off new Crucible expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruisersccpccp-gamescruciblecrucible-expansionengine-trailerseveeve-crucibleeve-onlineeve-online-cruciblegraphical-upgradenew-featuressandboxsci-fitrailervideoWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite post-launch feature?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-post-launch-feature/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-post-launch-feature/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-post-launch-feature/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Single-player games can occasionally get major DLC or expansions to change the face of the game, but for the most part MMOs are the field where a game can change between two patches. Champions Online recently made a major change with the addition of hideouts, adding in a form of housing to the game that hadn't existed at all when the game launched. It's a recent example, but it's hardly the only time that a game or a expansion has gone live and later had a major addition to its features list.

Sometimes features are added in shortly after launch as promised features not quite ready at the time the game went gold, but far more frequently an entirely new feature is developed and added. So what's your favorite feature that was introduced after the game's launch? A player-generated content system a la City of Heroes or Star Trek Online? The addition of instanced PvP such as World of Warcraft's Battlegrounds? Let us know!

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: What's your favorite post-launch feature? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feature-patchesgame-featuresgame-updateslaunchmajor-patchesnew-featuresopinionpost-launchpost-launch-featurestdgthe-daily-grindSat, 09 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: First impressions of Empyrean Calling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-empyrean-calling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-empyrean-calling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-empyrean-calling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

IT'S HERE!!11! OMZG *cue altered cheer emote*

The wait is over. Yes folks, Aion 2.5 Empyrean Calling has finally arrived on the North American servers. And just as they did when 2.0 (Assault on Balaurea) launched, Daevas have been flocking back to check out a shiny new Atreia. My friends list is lighting up with names I haven't seen in... well, longer than I can actually recall!

Only the second Aion update to warrant an actual name, this patch certainly brings some new goodies to the table. While not as extensive as its predecessor, it still offers substance enough for Daevas to really sink their teeth into. But after so much anticipation, did it live up to expectations? Does the fact that I have lost track of my week since last Wednesday say anything? From the new instances to the mentoring system, there is certainly more to do in-game, especially for those who have made it to level cap and endgame.

But don't just take my word for it! In honor of the release, NCsoft is offering another reactivation celebration: For 10 days (beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, June 3rd and running until the same time on Monday, June 13th) any player with an Aion account can log in and experience the changes for herself.

Can't wait until the 3rd for a taste? Barrel roll past the cut to check out my first impressions of Empyrean Calling.

Gallery: Aion: 2.5 Empyrean Calling

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: First impressions of Empyrean Calling

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: First impressions of Empyrean Calling originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-patchaionaion-crucibleaion-gameEmpyrean-Callingempyrean-crucibleesoterraceesoterrace-instancefeaturedgalleryinstancesMentormentoringmentoring-systemnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnew-featurespatchpatch-2.5Mon, 30 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online discusses the future of the game, adding voice chat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/champions-online-discusses-the-future-of-the-game-adding-voice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/champions-online-discusses-the-future-of-the-game-adding-voice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/champions-online-discusses-the-future-of-the-game-adding-voice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The free-to-play conversion has certainly wrought some far-reaching changes for Champions Online, but as producer Rob Overmeyer puts forth in the latest State of the Game letter, there's still more to come. Aside from numerous C-Store additions for players, a new power framework and a new adventure pack are both in the works for the next couple of months. In addition, the development team is looking to add "Comic Series" missions on a regular basis, akin to the featured episodes implemented in Star Trek Online.

This letter comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Cryptic Studios will be partnering with Vivox to bring built-in voice chat to both of its current games. That benefits both Champions Online and Star Trek Online, although no details are currently available for the precise implementation of the feature or the integration timetable. Still, fans of the game should be happy to see that the change in models hasn't hurt any of the game's long-term plans for content or functionality.

MassivelyChampions Online discusses the future of the game, adding voice chat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementschampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playnew-featuresnewspatchespending-patchesst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestate-of-the-gamestotrek-onlineupcoming-patchesvivoxvoice-chatTue, 01 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online producer's letter hints at major forthcoming features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/warhammer-online-producers-letter-hints-at-major-forthcoming-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/warhammer-online-producers-letter-hints-at-major-forthcoming-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/warhammer-online-producers-letter-hints-at-major-forthcoming-fe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first Warhammer Online producer's letter of 2011 is hot off the virtual presses, and Bioware-Mythic's RvR title has a few changes in store for the upcoming year. First and foremost, Carrie Gouskos has given way to James Casey when it comes to authoring the producer's letter, and Casey states that Gouskos is "still working on WAR, but is looking at a different aspect of the game. This new focus will be revealed in due time."

As far as WAR itself, 2011 will see what Casey calls major features in each of its numbered patches. These features include the expansion of existing areas "as well as new concepts to the Warhammer Online experience." No concrete details are forthcoming as of yet, but Casey does hint at further reveals in upcoming producer's letters.

Finally, the letter takes a brief look at WAR's live events, upcoming account entitlements, and the ongoing issues with server population. Casey doesn't commit to any news on server merges but does state that "we are actively discussing our plans for lower population servers."

MassivelyWarhammer Online producer's letter hints at major forthcoming features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-mythiccarrie-gouskosfantasyjames-caseymythicmythic-eaMythic-Entertainmentnew-featuresproducers-letterrvrwaaaghwarWarhammerWarhammer-OnlineSun, 30 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forsaken World details floating guild halls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/forsaken-world-details-floating-guild-halls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/forsaken-world-details-floating-guild-halls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/forsaken-world-details-floating-guild-halls/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are guild halls and there are guild halls, and Forsaken World's recently announced command centers are definitely the latter. Perfect World Entertainment has detailed the nifty new floating guild base feature coming to its free-to-play fantasy MMO in a new blog entry on the game's official website. Obtaining (and maintaining) one of the command centers is no easy task, but it looks to be a rewarding one since the facilities will generate income for your guild via entrance fees and will house personal merchants and workshops.

Construction materials must be obtained through daily quests and events, and PWE indicates that the guild bases can grow into sprawling social and mercantile hubs given enough time and effort. "The layout of these command centers is vast and multi storied. Your guild's base will have plenty of room to expand and grow. With enough dedication, a command center can be something of a miniature city in its own right," says the blog.

MassivelyForsaken World details floating guild halls originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogf2pfantasyfloating-guild-basesforsaken-worldfree-to-playguild-baseguild-hallmerchantsnew-featuresperfect-world-entertainmentpwesocial-hubsSat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum devs working on new mech, combat log, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/perpetuum-devs-working-on-new-mech-combat-log-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/perpetuum-devs-working-on-new-mech-combat-log-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/perpetuum-devs-working-on-new-mech-combat-log-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been pretty quiet on the Perpetuum news front since the game went live towards the end of November. The indie sci-fi title is moving right along, and the developers at Avatar Creations are hard at work collecting player feedback and iterating on possible future additions. Quite a few new features are coming down the pipe for the mech-based sandbox, including robots that damage their surroundings when they die, a new freight-transport mech, and an oft-requested combat history log.

Mancs, an Avatar dev and the personality behind the official Perpetuum blog, writes about these and other upcoming tweaks in the column's holiday entry (dated December 26th).

MassivelyPerpetuum devs working on new mech, combat log, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoeavataravatar-creationsfreight-transportmancsmechnew-featuresnew-mechperpetuumperpetuum-blogperpetuum-onlinesandboxsci-fiMon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What crazy idea should someone try?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/the-daily-grind-what-crazy-idea-should-someone-try/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/the-daily-grind-what-crazy-idea-should-someone-try/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/the-daily-grind-what-crazy-idea-should-someone-try/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you want to be a cynic, or you just happen to be one anyway, it's easy to complain that MMOs have turned into something of a cookie-cutter genre. So many of the basic expectations that players have are all but carved into stone, and there's a well-understood set of basics, ranging from quests to default control schemes. Of course, there's no shortage of variances between the biggest titles, but there's certainly a general idea in people's heads of what an MMO should look like by default.

Of course, any artist knows the best thing for when a genre starts to stagnate: trying something truly absurd, something that breaks down basic assumptions of what should be done. And we're seeing games with systems that do precisely that, like TERA's action-oriented combat with no lock-on or Guild Wars 2 experimenting with environmental gameplay. But those only scratch the surface of all the assumptions about MMOs that could be turned on their ear. What insane idea would you like to see a game put into practice?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What crazy idea should someone try? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dadadefaultdifferentiationfish-hatguild-wars-2gw2new-featuresnew-ideasnovelnoveltyopinionstandardtdgterathe-daily-grindMon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Dominion patch notes long but packed with info on game changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/eve-dominion-patch-notes-long-but-packed-with-info-on-game-chang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/eve-dominion-patch-notes-long-but-packed-with-info-on-game-chang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/eve-dominion-patch-notes-long-but-packed-with-info-on-game-chang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Dominion expansion for EVE Online will arrive tomorrow, December 1st, after a lengthy downtime of roughly 19 hours (02:00 GMT/UTC to 21:00 GMT/UTC). Access to the EVE website and forums will be down for much of this time, as will the EVE API, but CCP Games has compiled a tome of Dominion patch notes to occupy at least some of that time. There's also a player discussion of the Dominion features and changes on the game's forums with some clarification on details from the CCP devs.

If reading through the full patch notes (10,000 words and climbing with updates) isn't really your thing, a few of the EVE bloggers have discussed the highlights of what's new in this expansion. Mynxee covers the good, the bad, and the comical in Dominion on her Life in Low Sec blog. We also recommend checking out Casiella's take on the Dominion patch notes over at the Ecliptic Rift blog. Casiella discusses the myriad features that haven't gotten much attention so far: voice fonts added to EVE Voice in chat channels; the in-game jukebox now using MP3s with playlist support; and how player actions for the Caldari race via factional warfare now impact the rival Gallente storyline missions.

MassivelyEVE Dominion patch notes long but packed with info on game changes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostsbuffscasiellaccpccp-gamesdominionecliptic-rifteveeve-onlineexpansionsfactional-warfaregame-mechanicslauncheslife-in-low-secmynxeenerfsnew-featurespatch-notessci-fiserver-downtimevoice-fontsMon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVEMail system reworked for Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/evemail-system-reworked-for-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/evemail-system-reworked-for-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/evemail-system-reworked-for-dominion-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While it's the major features coming in EVE Online's next expansion, Dominion, that have caught people's attention -- namely the sov changes -- there are a number of smaller things CCP is baking into the release. The developers are also addressing some long-standing issues that have been in need of a solution. The existing in-game mail system is, quite frankly, painful to use if you need to sift through and manage a decent volume of messages in a given session.

Fortunately this is about to change. Dominion will roll out with a new EVEMail system, and here are a few highlights of what will arrive this Tuesday:

Continue reading EVEMail system reworked for Dominion expansion

MassivelyEVEMail system reworked for Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-caedmonccp-gamesdev-blogdev-blogsdominioneveeve-onlineevemailexpansionsnew-edennew-featuressci-fiSat, 28 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online technical director explains new feature: Fleet Finder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/eve-online-technical-director-explains-new-feature-fleet-finder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/eve-online-technical-director-explains-new-feature-fleet-finder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/eve-online-technical-director-explains-new-feature-fleet-finder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The next EVE Online expansion will be Dominion, slated for a December release, which will introduce some major changes to the game and new features as well. The "Fleet Finder" is one such feature, explained in today's dev blog by EVE Online Technical Director Jon Bjarnason (aka CCP Atlas).

The Fleet Finder will give players much greater control over forming a fleet and, as CCP Atlas says, there will be "No more 'x up in corp channel' messages." The feature will also streamline how information is conveyed to other pilots.

Continue reading EVE Online technical director explains new feature: Fleet Finder

MassivelyEVE Online technical director explains new feature: Fleet Finder originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccpccp-atlasccp-gamescorporationsdev-blogdev-blogsdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsfleet-advertfleet-advertsfleet-findergame-mechanicsgroupingguildsjon-bjarnasonloot-loggingnew-edennew-featuresninja-lootingsci-fiTue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The developers at CCP Games just dropped some good news about the new in-game web browser (IGB) for EVE Online they've been working on, codenamed "Moondoggie", one that will deliver a "tenfold performance boost" over what exists today. We've checked CNN and BBC, and even Fox News, but hell is not freezing over... pigs are not in flight. The long-awaited new browser is on the way.

EVE Online players have been screaming about wanting a revamped in-game browser since well before Massively was even born, particularly as so many useful third-party sites function as in-game utilities for players to use without the need to alt-tab out. Of course, despite the frustrations players have felt with the IGB, delivering a better one is no simple matter. CCP Games has periodically stated that it's something they're looking into or working on, but today's dev blog written by CCP Pleognost, "The Second Coming of Moondoggie", confirms the details of the project. And that it's close to being ready.

Continue reading Can it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online

MassivelyCan it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamesccp-pleognostcosmosdev-blogdev-blogseveeve-onlineforumsigbin-game-browsermoondoggienew-featuressci-fisingularitysocial-networksocial-networkingtest-serverthird-party-applicationsweb-applicationsFri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog explains new ship fitting screen, saveable configurations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/eve-dev-blog-explains-new-ship-fitting-screen-saveable-configur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/eve-dev-blog-explains-new-ship-fitting-screen-saveable-configur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/eve-dev-blog-explains-new-ship-fitting-screen-saveable-configur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Among the changes that will come to EVE Online with the March Apocrypha expansion is the user interface for fitting ships, and this is the topic of the latest dev blog from CCP Fendahl. Critics of the game's user interface might be surprised to learn that there is a team that focuses solely on UI, and it seems they've been quite busy with this radical layout change. Ship fitting in Apocrypha will be focused on an iPod-like ring where you array your modules and rigs, as well as subsystems for Tech III ships, while viewing your ship (and how it changes) in the center. This large fitting reticle is flanked by collapsible side panels which are used for item selection and displaying ship stats.

Browsing the hundreds (in some cases thousands) of items in the various division hangars in a given station should be easier, with collapsible sections in the left side item panel. The stats panel to the right actually provides more info about your ship setup than before, by mousing over and bringing up a pop-up box. CCP Fendahl addresses the fact that this is more complex than the previous system: "While this increases the barrier to entry when learning how to fit a ship for the first time, we also think that the fitting screen is a critically important interface that needs to show all the relevant numbers."

Continue reading EVE dev blog explains new ship fitting screen, saveable configurations

MassivelyEVE dev blog explains new ship fitting screen, saveable configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-fendahlccp-gamesdev-blogeveeve-onlineexpansionsfittingfitting-screengame-mechanicsnew-featuressci-fiscrumship-fittingsingularityt3tech-3test-serveruiuser-interfaceSun, 15 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online developer explains major new feature: Tech III]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/eve-online-developer-explains-major-new-feature-tech-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/eve-online-developer-explains-major-new-feature-tech-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/eve-online-developer-explains-major-new-feature-tech-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The dev blog many EVE Online players have been waiting for was published today. Tech III ships have been the subject of a great deal of excitement and no small amount of trepidation from the game's players. EVE developer CCP Nozh introduces the playerbase to "the dark delights of Tech 3 ships" in his dev blog "Strategic Cruisers: A New Breed." This moniker "Strategic Cruisers" is a fitting one, as they certainly are a new breed of ship, and one that requires some explanation.

Nozh writes, "The elation of happening upon a unique fit, some fresh and clever setup, has always been a very appealing aspect of EVE. One of our primary goals for the Tech 3 ships was to bring this customization to a whole new level. The new ships are a fundamental departure from the tried and tested, offering such unparalleled customization that discussing them on the same terms as previous ships belies their true extent -- we're talking full-fledged, independent systems within the system. A little bit scary, really."

Continue reading EVE Online developer explains major new feature: Tech III

MassivelyEVE Online developer explains major new feature: Tech III originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphabreakingccpccp-gamesccp-nozhcruiserscustomizationdefensivedev-blogelectronicengineeringeveeve-onlineexpansionslokinew-featuresoffensivepropulsionsci-fisingularitystrategic-cruiserssubsystemstech-3tech-iiitest-serverThu, 12 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The other day we picked up on a video interview with the CEO of CCP Games, who announced a firm March 10th release date for the next EVE Online expansion -- but until today, that expansion wasn't given a name. CCP Games announced the "Apocrypha" expansion this morning, and a bit of what it'll bring to EVE.

The Apocrypha feature page isn't up yet -- so more details are likely to emerge -- but thus far they've confirmed two new game mechanics will be coming to EVE in March. Wormhole exploration is an upcoming feature that will allow EVE's explorers to discover new technology, used to create the next iteration of ships in New Eden -- Tech III. These modular ship designs will potentially allow for thousands of different configurations of ships to suit different purposes, and are a far cry from the Tech I and Tech II ship hulls currently flown in New Eden. In addition, Apocrypha will bring Epic Mission Arcs. The release states: "These branching, far-reaching mission strings are full of meaningful stories and more intelligent and deadly adversaries."

Continue reading Next EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10

MassivelyNext EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaatariboxbreakingccpccp-gamesciderepic-mission-arcepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicslaunchesmacmac-clientmmo-industrynew-edennew-featuresnew-player-experiencepremium-graphicsrelease-daterelease-datesretailretail-releasesci-fiThu, 08 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Voting for EVE's second Council of Stellar Management begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/voting-for-eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/voting-for-eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/voting-for-eves-second-council-of-stellar-management-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


This has been an important week for our American readers in terms of elections, but now that the minor distraction of real-world governance has been dealt with, it's time to focus on governance in the MMO space. You've got to keep those priorities straight, after all.

The polls are now open in EVE Online's second Council of Stellar Management (CSM) election, where players can vote for candidates to represent their interests before CCP Games... and potentially impact how the game evolves. We can already sense the impulse someone, or several someones, out there has to comment below: "But why should I bother voting? What do they even do?" And to be fair, it's not been very transparent what the CSM has been up to (aside from the meeting minutes), but more so what effect they've had on EVE and its development pipeline.

Continue reading Voting for EVE's second Council of Stellar Management begins

MassivelyVoting for EVE's second Council of Stellar Management begins originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcandidatecandidatesccpccp-gamesccp-xhagencommunitycommunity-relationscouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcultureelectionelectionseveeve-onlinegovernancemmo-industrynew-edennew-featuresorcapoliticsquantum-risesci-fiFri, 07 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's new Weapon Grouping feature explained]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/eves-new-weapon-grouping-feature-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/eves-new-weapon-grouping-feature-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/eves-new-weapon-grouping-feature-explained/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Weapon Grouping is one of the new features coming to EVE Online, via the multi-staged release of the Quantum Rise expansion. Players spotted and have been giving updates on what they've seen on the Singularity test server, but now EVE dev CCP Ytterbium has posted a dev blog that explains this new feature in great detail, right down to screengrabs of Weapon Grouping in action.

If you've been waiting to hear more about this, you'll want to check out CCP Ytterbium's dev blog, 'Weapon Grouping', for his visual explanation of how you'll soon be able to consolidate your weapons into a single icon, and reload all of them at once. He also lays out the scenarios when you wouldn't want to take advantage of this feature, like when attacking multiple targets (although there's a solution to that built into the feature). Additionally, he's written a lengthy FAQ that should help dispel some of the confusion surrounding Weapon Grouping.

MassivelyEVE's new Weapon Grouping feature explained originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-ytterbiumdevdev-blogeveeve-onlineexpansionsfaqgame-mechanicsnew-featurespvpquantum-risesci-fisingularitytest-serverweapon-groupingThu, 23 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE live dev blog on medals and certificates, Thursday Oct. 16]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/eve-live-dev-blog-on-medals-and-certificates-thursday-oct-16/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/eve-live-dev-blog-on-medals-and-certificates-thursday-oct-16/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/eve-live-dev-blog-on-medals-and-certificates-thursday-oct-16/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Medals and certificates are two of the new features coming to EVE Online, as recently announced by developer CCP Greyscale. These features may prove useful for newer players in dispelling some of the complexity of skill training, while providing some bragging rights and easier recruitment (less need to request another player's API) for veteran players, but there's still some confusion about how they'll be implemented in the game. With this in mind, CCP has decided to hold a live dev blog on this feature, slated for tomorrow, October 16th. CCP Wrangler announced:

"It is time for another Live Dev Blog and this time it's Chronotis and Greyscale who will answer all of your questions about Medals and Certificates. As usual Mindstar will be there to ask them your questions. This event will take place on Thursday, 16th October, in the in-game channel 'Live Dev Blog.' It starts at 20:00 GMT and lasts for about one hour." EVE players are already getting their questions in on the forum thread linked to this announcement. Given that the live dev blog will take place tomorrow, if there's anything you really want to know that wasn't addressed in CCP Greyscale's dev blog on certificates and medals, now is the time to ask in the thread.

MassivelyEVE live dev blog on medals and certificates, Thursday Oct. 16 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most players who've been drawn to EVE Online enjoy the game for its complexity. For such gamers, complexity in a title can be a strength, not a drawback. However, you know what they say about having too much a good thing... Newer players especially find aspects of the game daunting to learn, particularly in terms of skills and skill training plans. This complexity surrounding skills, while not a big deal to veteran players, can be hard to grasp for newer players. Enter "certificates" -- EVE's simplified and (visually) ranked groups of skills that should help rookie players better understand what they should focus on to achieve particular goals.

If the feature does what the developers hope, certificates will remedy a problem newer players face -- "an inability to clearly see where a particular skill fits into the greater scheme of things, what it enables, how to get there and where to go next," CCP Greyscale writes in his latest dev blog "Certificates: Planning the Future."

Continue reading Certificates and medals coming to EVE Online

MassivelyCertificates and medals coming to EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsccpccp-chronotisccp-gamesccp-greyscalecertificatecertificatescertification-plannerdevdev-blogdeveloperdevseveeve-onlineforumsmedalmedalsnew-featurespatchesprofessionsrookiessci-fiskill-trainingskillstitlesMon, 13 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's PJIRA improvements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/second-lifes-pjira-improvements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/second-lifes-pjira-improvements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/second-lifes-pjira-improvements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

bugsI'm currently working on my "list of predictions for Second Life in 2008" post, as a look ahead at the start of the year. One of them has already come to pass, in part. Over on the official Linden blog, Torley has just posted about three improvements to the PJIRA issue tracker.

One is a relabelling exercise: "Fixed internally" has been shifted, at long last to "Fix pending" indicating that although it has been fixed internally we're still waiting for it to hit official release into the client. The other two are new things. One is a new tool: the ability to create a "meta issue" such as a list of all issues affecting MacBookPro's, or all issues to do with Windlight. The other is a tweak, the ability to change the "resolved" status without reopening the issue.

For those of you really interested in how Linden Lab are doing, can I suggest the excellent SLJiraStats page.

MassivelySecond Life's PJIRA improvements originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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