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[Dark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

He bit her right in her main catsup artery.
So you like vampires? It's kind of a thing these days. Maybe you like vampires so much that you really want to play around with some vampiric content on your mobile device. That's for the best, as Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends today. Building off the success of the studio's previous mobile/browser titles (Pocket Legends and Star Legends), the newest game allows players to take on the role of a bloodsucking monster of the night.

The game is currently available in the the Google Play Store and the Chrome app store; it won't be available in the iOS app store for a few more weeks. Like previous offerings, it's free-to-play, and you can log in from separate devices to play both on the road and at home. Unlike previous games, this one is definitely not aiming for the family market, being a fair bit more overtly violent and bloody. Still, if you feel the urge to rampage through dark alleys while you are walking through said alleys in real life, Dark Legends has you covered.

[Update: We've clarified that the game is not yet available for Apple users. Sorry for the confusion!]

MassivelyDark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-mmodark-legendsf2pfree-to-playmobilenew-gamesnew-titlespocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampiresWed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SteelWar Online kicks off alpha testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/steelwar-online-kicks-off-alpha-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/steelwar-online-kicks-off-alpha-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/steelwar-online-kicks-off-alpha-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Once those robots have you in their grasp, you can't escape. Because robots are made of steel, and steel is strong.
Are there enough robots in your life? If your answer is "yes," you're most likely not concerned about the alpha testing of SteelWar Online. For those of us who instead welcome our new mechanical overlords, the kickoff of the alpha test is good news, as it means that the game is drawing ever closer to release. And seeing as it's a browser-based game available directly via Facebook, you'll have an easy time if you feel the urge to take part in said testing.

Not a big fan of testing free-to-play games? Well, developer PopPace is trying to sweeten the pot slightly. During the alpha test, players will be given the equivalent of $2000 to blow in the game's cash shop, unlocking every option at will. While that's only good for the alpha test, players will receive an extra stash of microtransaction currency once the game goes live, and an extra stipend will be granted to players who find and report bugs. It's just the thing to fill that robot-shaped void in your life.

[Source: PopPace press release]

MassivelySteelWar Online kicks off alpha testing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingbetabrowserbrowser-gamesearly-testingf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playnew-gamespoppacerobotssteelwar-onlinetestingWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Goblinworks announces Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/goblinworks-announces-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/goblinworks-announces-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/goblinworks-announces-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pathfinder logo
For pen-and-paper RPG players, Pathfinder remains a perennial favorite game setting. Those players may find themselves excited to know, then, that Goblinworks has announced Pathfinder Online. This MMORPG adaptation of the extremely popular system will be a "hybrid sandbox/theme park-style MMO roleplaying game." The title will feature a "robust trading system [that] puts players in control of the world's economy," which should be wonderful for players who like to work the market. Characters can also establish settlements and expand them into full kingdoms while raising an army to help defend their turf.

The announcement boasts randomly generated events, as well, stating that "as settlements develop, the surrounding wilderness develops more complex and challenging features." The goal appears to be not just to create a game, but in fact to bring to life a real, evolving world. Pathfinder fans should keep their eyes on Goblinworks' official site, where further development updates will be posted.

MassivelyGoblinworks announces Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementgoblinworkshybridnew-gamenew-gamesnew-titlenew-titlespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepen-and-paperpnpsandbox-theme-park-hybridTue, 22 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Where would you take an MMO vacation?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-take-an-mmo-vacation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-take-an-mmo-vacation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-take-an-mmo-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You could always take a vacation on the Holoshed. Unless it broke down.
There are places in the world that are nice as a bit of a change from your usual living space, somewhere to get away from the day-to-day stresses of your life, but you certainly wouldn't want to actually live there. But there's no reason that should be exclusive to physical spaces, if you think about it. Maybe you have no real desire to ever stop playing EverQuest II as your main MMO, but it's still fun to occasionally dip your toes in the water of DC Universe Online once in a while.

MMOs are usually a commitment that lasts for a while, but sometimes you want something that will just last for the moment. So where would you like to take an MMO vacation? Is it an old game that you'd like to visit again? A new game that you haven't ever quite had the urge to play? Or a game you've heard things about that make it sound interesting but not a good full-time choice?

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: Where would you take an MMO vacation? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegame-vacationhumormmo-vacationnew-gamesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindvacationSun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamania announces musical MMO Tiara Concerto]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/gamania-announces-musical-mmo-tiara-concerto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/gamania-announces-musical-mmo-tiara-concerto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/gamania-announces-musical-mmo-tiara-concerto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Have you ever thought to yourself that bards are such a supremely cool idea for a character class that they ought to have a whole game devoted to them? Apparently you're not the only one, as Gamania today announced its upcoming game, Tiara Concerto, a game focused around musical gameplay in floating castles in the sky. And with all joking aside, it seems like a pretty interesting concept at face value, although it's a bit difficult to divine how well it will play out over time.

According to the game's backstory, the game takes place 800 years in the past, with humanity on the brink of eradication due to the ambiguous sinning of mankind. The Seven Wise Men helped preserve civilization in floating palaces, developing the art known as "tuning" to allow musical melodies to be used as weapons. While the localization appears to be a bit scattered, the trailer just past the cut certainly promises some interesting visuals if nothing else. You can also look at the official Facebook page, which features a series of comics translated to English to help introduce the game's concepts and play style.

Continue reading Gamania announces musical MMO Tiara Concerto

MassivelyGamania announces musical MMO Tiara Concerto originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamaniagamania-digital-entertainmentlocalizationmusicnew-gamesnewstiara-concertotrailerupcoming-titlesvideoMon, 01 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are there too many new MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-daily-grind-are-there-too-many-new-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-daily-grind-are-there-too-many-new-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-daily-grind-are-there-too-many-new-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There was a time not too long ago (although about a decade in internet time) when new MMOs were a rare event, the sort of launch that happened irregularly at best and promised to whisk you away for quite some time. Of course, a cursory glance would make it clear that this is no longer the case -- Betawatch is filled with titles in various stages of testing, and despite having already seen a high-profile title launch this year, we're due for at least one or two more before the year is out.

It's not a bad thing to have choices, of course, but we've gone from having a small sub-genre to having a veritable explosion of different MMOs on the market, from Ultima Online being the golden standard to having both Global Agenda and Mortal Online fit comfortably beneath the same aegis. Do you feel as if there's too much on the market at the moment and too many new games in development? Or do you hope we continue to see the same diversity of product, if not even more?

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: Are there too many new MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betasnew-gamesnew-improved-lemon-scentnew-launchesnew-releasesnew-titlesopinionreleasestdgthe-daily-grindTue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asda 2 announced by GamesCampus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/asda-2-announced-from-gamescampus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/asda-2-announced-from-gamescampus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/asda-2-announced-from-gamescampus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Marriage is a tricky thing. You have to balance out your goals with those of your potential spouse, make sure you're compatible in dealing with stress and finance and humor, and most of all make sure that your partner will enhance your power as much as possible. At least, that's the case in Asda 2, the upcoming game that's just been announced from GamesCampus. While its predecessor, Asda Story, will remain operational, the new game updates several of the game's features while retaining the flavor.

Yes, one of those features is the Marriage System, making two characters significantly more powerful when together. But that's hardly all the game brings to the table; it also has stylized and clean graphics backed up by a war between Light and Dark. The war is set to change dynamically with the in-game clock, thus forcing players to think tactically. Check out our gallery below, and if Asda 2 sounds like your cup of tea, sign up for the closed beta now.

Gallery: Asda 2

MassivelyAsda 2 announced by GamesCampus originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asda-2asda-storybetaclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygamescampusnew-gamesnew-titlesnewsupcoming-titlesThu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How long do you really plan to play a new title?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-really-plan-to-play-a-new-title/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-really-plan-to-play-a-new-title/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-really-plan-to-play-a-new-title/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Let's be honest with ourselves for a moment. While we like to talk about being a lifetime member of a new game, we generally are referring to the game's lifespan rather than our own. No matter how awesome a game is on release, it's going to show signs of age over time, and some of us just don't have the attention span or the will to stick with a game for years on end. It's unusual to even get the chance to be in a game from opening day to closing day, and there are few Ultima Online players who were there at launch and refuse to start a new game until they're completely finished with this one.

So we leave. And when we buy a new game, in the back of our minds we pretty much know that an online game is a long-term commitment, but not necessarily a lifetime one. So how long do you expect to be playing a new game once you buy it? Did you purchase RIFT expecting to get a solid six months out of it before you moved on, or did you pick up Aion just for the free trial month? Or did you go the other route, buying Star Trek Online at launch and sticking with it for at least two or three years before changing games?

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: How long do you really plan to play a new title? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionculturegameplaylife-of-playlifetimenew-gamesnew-titlesopinionplanningplaytimeriftstar-trek-onlinestotdgthe-daily-grindultima-onlineuoSat, 02 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer announces, cancels a new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/developer-announces-cancels-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/developer-announces-cancels-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/developer-announces-cancels-a-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earlier today, [developer] announced [type of fish] Online, a brand-new [themepark/sandbox] game set in a vibrant [genre] world, complete with player [verb ending in -ing] and all the [type of furniture] you could eat. The post also [adverb] hinted that the game would involve [character], a fan favorite that many players have been waiting for over a [time interval] to see.

[Number] minutes later, the company [verbed] the post to announce that the game was no longer on the table. Due to [game developer]'s enormous [noun] habit and problems with adapting [game engine] to run on [operating system], the project was shelved indefinitely.

Players caught up in the maelstrom feel [emotion]. "I can't believe we'd be so easily [verbed]," said [player name]. "I really thought this would be the game for me, like [game name 1] and [game name 2] could have been if the devs didn't [verb]. Or like [game name 3] was before they nerfed [class]. Or like [game name 4] before they [verbed] it down for the casuals." [Player name] continued listing MMOs for the next [number] minutes.

Games Journalism sure is hard work, so we've decided to take a break today and let you write your own news! Too many stories about RIFT on Massively lately? Not enough about the game of your choice? No problem! Much in the style of Mad Libs, today is your day to create the news you want to read, all day on the :30s. Simply fill in the blanks and it's yours. Have fun!

MassivelyDeveloper announces, cancels a new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcancellationscancelled-titlesculturehumorjokemad-libs-april-fools-day-2011new-gamesnew-titlesFri, 01 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How long does a new game have to get you hooked?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-daily-grind-how-long-does-a-new-game-have-to-get-you-hooked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-daily-grind-how-long-does-a-new-game-have-to-get-you-hooked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-daily-grind-how-long-does-a-new-game-have-to-get-you-hooked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Buying a new MMO implies a certain level of commitment. Whether you're purchasing the game on day one or just buying it after hearing about it from friends, you have some investment when you shell out the cash for the new box. It's true for the recent launch of RIFT and it was true for Ultima Online. But just because you want to be there for launch doesn't mean that you're ready to place yourself in the game for the long haul, even if you've got the nigh-ubiquitous free month to keep you engaged.

It's been said that the real test of subscribers isn't at launch but 32 days out from launch, long enough that the rush of people who would just play for the free month have departed. So how long do you take in a game you've purchased to decide if you want to stick with it? Do you make up your mind during the free month? Wait until you no longer feel like logging in? Or is it an ongoing process in which you have to decide fresh on every given month?

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: How long does a new game have to get you hooked? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-copybox-pricefree-monthlaunchnew-gamesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindTue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's first look at Faxion Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/massivelys-first-look-at-faxion-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/massivelys-first-look-at-faxion-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/massivelys-first-look-at-faxion-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The worst thing about touring through a virtual world is not knowing exactly what to bring with you. Over the last several months I have slowly but surely tweaked my habits to make writing easier. Even then I am sometimes perplexed as to how to do it better and what tools would work best for me. Luckily, the greatest tool of all time does exist and is dirt cheap. It fits within my pocket and works with any operating system or peripheral.

Yes, I'm talking about a stack of Post-Its.

As I ran through the different areas of Faxion Online with one of the developers, I scribbled my notes down on the tiny notepad. Then I stuck the notes to my computer monitor for later reference. I also took screenshots (not the ones you see in this article -- these were supplied by UTV True Games, the developer behind Faxion) and later used them to try to remember how I felt during the walkthrough. While writing, I looked down at my Post-Its and saw three key words: optimization, stylized graphics, and gross fat guy.

Click past the cut to see what else I might have jotted down.

Continue reading Massively's first look at Faxion Online

MassivelyMassively's first look at Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabeau-hindmancash-shopdeath-metaleve-onlinef2pfaxionfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpheaven-and-hellMicrotransactionsmulti-classnew-gamesoffline-advancementoffline-levelingpreviewpvpscreenshotsskill-basedUTVutv-true-gamesFri, 21 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: New Mega Man games edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/ask-massively-new-mega-man-games-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/ask-massively-new-mega-man-games-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/ask-massively-new-mega-man-games-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I'm really happy to see that we're getting two new Mega Man games at long last. Mega Man Universe looks like it's going to be pretty awesome, even if it should really be taking cues from later installments, and Mega Man Legends 3 is a game that I've been waiting to see for... yeah, just about 10 years. Unfortunately, that does mean that I'm going to have to purchase another platform for the game, but that's all right by me. I already have a few dozen systems in my house; one more isn't going to hurt.

But we're not here to talk about my pet causes -- we're here for the latest edition of Ask Massively. This week's questions were all about Chronicles of Spellborn and administrative details, so click on past the cut for our answers, and send your questions in to ask@massively.com! Or just leave them right here in the comments, makes no nevermind to us.

Continue reading Ask Massively: New Mega Man games edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: New Mega Man games edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimadministrativeask-massivelychronicles-of-spellbornfeaturedlinksmassively-metamega-mannew-gamespsychicsq-and-aquestions-and-answersspellbornThu, 14 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you wait for reviews?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-reviews/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's always a bit of apprehension when it comes to picking up a new game -- it might be great, or it might be terrible and mean that you're out time and money. Picking up a new MMO on launch day is even more of a gamble, since it could result in your being in on the ground floor of the next big thing... or it could mean wasting a month of playtime on a game you don't like. So it can be tempting to wait for a review of some kind to come in from sources you can trust.

On the one hand, having a review means that you have some idea of what you're getting into before you buy. On the other hand, reviews of MMOs are difficult at the best of times and outright incomplete at the worst -- after all, it can take a long time to reach the endgame and see all the game has to offer, at which point you're no longer in on the ground floor. So do you wait for reviews? How many external opinions do you need or want before you'll commit to a new game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you wait for reviews? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-reviewslaunchesnew-gamesnew-launchesnew-titlesopinionreleaserelease-dayreviewsstarting-newtdgthe-daily-grindSat, 25 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV fatigue format fully put forward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-xiv-fatigue-format-fully-put-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-xiv-fatigue-format-fully-put-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-xiv-fatigue-format-fully-put-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ever since the beginning of the third beta phase, "fatigue" has been a hot topic among Final Fantasy XIV fans. In a move familiar to longtime Square-Enix players, the system was put into place without a great deal of description, with players left to speculate as to how the system worked. But a very uncharacteristic move comes from director Nobuaki Komoto with an open statement on what the system is, how it works, and what it's meant to do. Many answers are given, albeit not the answers that all players would want.

The short version is that for each class and character, you will get normal experience for eight hours, followed by a slow drop-off over the next seven hours that ends at no experience gain. This goes for both class levels and physical levels, which means that after 16 hours of play your character's physical level cannot advance further until a week has passed from the start of leveling. Komoto mentions the reasoning behind the system in the full letter, as well as the several ways that the team is working to adjust it. Although it's nice to have the system spelled out in full, "you can only level so much" won't sit well with a large part of Final Fantasy XIV's expected playerbase.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV fatigue format fully put forward originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaexperienceexperience-gainfatigueffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicslevelingleveling-mechanicsleveling-restrictionsnew-gamessquaresquare-enixupcoming-gamesWed, 25 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What will make you stay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-will-make-you-stay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-will-make-you-stay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/the-daily-grind-what-will-make-you-stay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wow, there are so many MMORPGs coming out in the near future. Whether it's because of full games like Final Fantasy XIV or expansions like Aion's Assault on Balaurea, September is shaping up to be a busy month. Further on in the fall you have DCUO, rumors of WoW's Cataclysm, and then on into 2011 you've got TERA, Rift: Planes of Telara, and of course SWTOR.

With all the new blood coming soon, some hard choices will need to be made regarding our current games, some of them favorites and some of them mere diversions on the road to something new and shiny.

Today's question is two-fold, Massively readers. One, does any of your current games tickle your fancy enough to remain faithful when the deluge of AAA titles hits in a few months? And two, what is it about your favorite game that's likely to make you stay?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What will make you stay? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuo-iconic-charactersfinal-fantasy-xivgame-hoppingnew-gamesopinionrift-planes-of-telarastar-wars-the-old-republicswtorterabytethe-daily-grindupcoming-gamesSat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon iNitiative launching contest for new games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nexon-initiative-launching-contest-for-new-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nexon-initiative-launching-contest-for-new-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nexon-initiative-launching-contest-for-new-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Having a great idea for a video game goes hand-in-hand with playing them, and it goes double for MMOs. (Admit it, you have at least two that you keep locked up tight in your mind on the chance that Blizzard or Turbine or NCsoft come calling. It's okay.) But more often than not, those of us who specialize in playing and talking about making games never get beyond the idea stage. Making these things costs quite a bit of money, after all, and one lone game fan ranting about ideas isn't usually going to attract venture capital.

Nexon America wants to make life just a little bit easier for the indie game developers and aspiring developers out there. They've just launched the Nexon iNitiative to bring funding to smaller studios and independent games, with an open contest for submissions. The best idea gets a cool million dollars of invested money, as well as a chance at a Nexon publishing contract. So while it's not quite a private design studio to make your great MMO idea come to fruition, it's a great chance for small developers to get a big leg up. If you think you've got what it takes, check out the submission guidelines and get cracking!

MassivelyNexon iNitiative launching contest for new games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentgame-developmentnew-gamesnexonnexon-americanexon-initiativeprogrammingventure-capitalThu, 04 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamepot Partners with Square-Enix for Fantasy Earth Zero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/gamepot-partners-with-square-enix-for-fantasy-earth-zero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/gamepot-partners-with-square-enix-for-fantasy-earth-zero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/gamepot-partners-with-square-enix-for-fantasy-earth-zero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Apparently, Square-Enix isn't satisfied with just launching the highly-anticipated Final Fantasy XIV this year. In partnership with Gamepot USA, they're also going to be rolling out Fantasy Earth Zero, a new game for this side of the pond. The game promises PvPvE elements a la Aion, will be free to play, and should be available early this year.

Sound like a remarkably short turnaround? That's because the game isn't actually new, having launched in Japan in 2006. Square-Enix had initially put quite a bit of promotion behind the game, but it very nearly died in its home country soon thereafter. Gamepot saved the game from a swift death, uncoupled it from the rather ill-fated PlayOnline Viewer, and moved to a free-to-play model that's been working out quite well for the game ever since.

Tortured history aside, players can expect Fantasy Earth Zero to deliver a very active PvP experience with large-scale battles, as well as the usual high production values associated with a Square game. Take a look at the official teaser site to see about entering the local beta, and keep an eye open for more details about the game become available in the likely very near future.

MassivelyGamepot Partners with Square-Enix for Fantasy Earth Zero originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionf2pfantasy-earth-zerofezfree-to-playgamepotgamepot-usalaunchlauncheslocalizationnew-gamesnew-titlesplayonline-viewerpvpvesquaresquare-enixtranslationThu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/the-daily-grind-if-all-of-your-friends-jumped-off-a-bridge-wou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/the-daily-grind-if-all-of-your-friends-jumped-off-a-bridge-wou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/the-daily-grind-if-all-of-your-friends-jumped-off-a-bridge-wou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


How many times did we hear that growing up? Peer pressure is a powerful thing, but when it comes to the allure of a new MMO, it may take on a whole new meaning. Let's say you've had a favorite game that you've been playing for years now with a steady group of friends. A shiny new game comes along and those friends all want to check it out, and they're begging you to join them. The problem is, you love your current game and have already invested so much time and energy into getting your characters exactly the way you want them!

So what do you do? Do you grudgingly follow your friends to this new game, even if you know you won't enjoy it? Is it really so much about staying in the group that you're willing to endure crappy game mechanics for the comaradarie of friends? Maybe the new game actually turns out to be much more fun anyway! Let us know if you've ever faced this situation and how you dealt with it.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friendsgroupingnew-gamesopinionpeer-pressurethe-daily-grindFri, 07 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOGology: I lost a friend to WAR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/mmogology-i-lost-a-friend-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/mmogology-i-lost-a-friend-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/mmogology-i-lost-a-friend-to-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week I wrote about Blizzard's Recruit-a-Friend program and my experience leveling through World of Warcraft with triple XP. The Recruit-a-Friend program is a seemingly brilliant strategy on Blizzard's part. In addition to recruiting new players, it also serves as way of keeping existing players occupied while waiting for Wrath of the Lich King; players that might otherwise divert their attention to Warhammer: Age of Reckoning. Who can resist the allure of triple XP, right? My friend Rob couldn't and for a while we enjoyed the rush of leveling as fast as we could.

But the thrill of light-speed-leveling wasn't enough to hold his attention for long. It was still the same content we'd run through time after time. An astute reader of mine, Jeromai, left the following comment about my last article, "There's a sidelong danger to power-leveling fast. All the content you once enjoyed as content now becomes a means to an end. It's a headlong race right towards the burnout phase of a game." Jeromai couldn't have been more right.

I logged into WoW a few nights ago, ready to blast through another level or two with my friend. He never showed. A few days later I called him up and realized I'd lost him to WAR.

Continue reading MMOGology: I lost a friend to WAR

MassivelyMMOGology: I lost a friend to WAR originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardchanging-gamesfeaturedfriendsjoystiqfeaturesmythic-entertainmentnew-gamesswitching-gameswarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftMon, 06 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley: a Brave New World?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/huxley-a-brave-new-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It is a curious thing to hear of a game being themed after a classic speculative fiction novel. It's even more curious because the novel in question, Brave New World, has little in common with Starship Troopers (as the game's images suggest) and a whole lot in common with Idiocracy (did they have sex hormone gum in that movie?). Brave New World itself was Aldous Huxley's take on American excessive trust in technology, the future, manufacturing, science, and hedonism, culminating in images such as babies being processed in factories instead of born, people being altered to meet almost cookie cutter standards of beauty, and sex being so casual as to almost require assigned seating. One can only imagine what Aldous Huxley would think of the United States in 2008.

Huxley promises to be a great game combining the MMO and FPS genres in a new and entertaining fashion, and I am all for creativity and license. But that's just the problem. When I heard about Huxley the game, my mind immediately leaped to the possibilities of some other first person shooter games derived from the other works of Aldous Huxley, and frankly, that boggles the mind.

Continue reading Huxley: a Brave New World?

MassivelyHuxley: a Brave New World? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldous-huxleybrave-new-worldfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterhuxleyjefferson-airplanemmofpsnew-gamenew-gamesparliament-funkadelicthe-doorsthe-doors-of-perceptionwebzenThu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Keep fishing or cut bait?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/the-daily-grind-keep-fishing-or-cut-bait/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/the-daily-grind-keep-fishing-or-cut-bait/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/the-daily-grind-keep-fishing-or-cut-bait/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new MMO comes out. You've read the reviews, Watched the promo videos. Changed your desktop to show the buxom model on their cover art. Subscribed to the newsletter. Read all the developer interviews. Attended the chats! Participated in the lively banter between the lead designer and the people of a well known community forum! You've made your own guild before you even got to play the game! You pre-ordered the special collector's edition, and the game's theme music is on continual repeat on your iPod!

The fateful day comes, you install the game and ... well, it's a decent enough game, but it just isn't what you expected. You play it for a few days, and then start wishing you hadn't given away all your gold and sharded your epics in your old game. And maybe you suddenly regret telling the raid leader just exactly, precisely what you thought of him. So do you stick with the new game? Or return to the old? How long do you give a new game to grab you before you erase it from your hard drive, put the disks on the shelf, and call it a decent effort but just not the game you wanted to play? Just the free month? Until you reach the max level? Or just fifteen minutes perhaps?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Keep fishing or cut bait? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabuyers-remorsefeaturedfree-monthfree-trialmmosnew-gamesnew-shinysharktdgthe-daily-grindFri, 09 May 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vogster Entertainment introduces CrimeCraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/vogster-entertainment-introduces-crimecraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/vogster-entertainment-introduces-crimecraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/vogster-entertainment-introduces-crimecraft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CrimeCraft concept artCrimeCraft, a "gritty, crime drama MMO", has just been announced by Vogster Entertainment for your enjoyment. Hopefully no company will have an objection to the name.

Vogster has yet to release in-depth information for the game, but their website points to a third-person shooter MMO that pushes cooperation via a fleshed out economy and territory control. They've already licensed out the Unreal Engine for the game, so we can expect some fun with physics and a polished graphics system.

Vogster has announced that CrimeCraft will include five classes and feature an advanced character customization system, as well as allow players to evolve their characters through special fighting skills. Gangs will be able to claim control of territory and defend their holds from rival gangs, all while running from the police.

Right now though, the game looks to be a version of All Points Bulletin except minus the police and with alot more dystopia. The game is set in a city where crime controls the streets and the cops can do little more than shrug and bunker down in specially sectioned off areas. Sounds to this blogger like someone needs to call out the tanks.

We'll be following CrimeCraft and giving you more information as it's released. Until then, enjoy their teaser site.

[Via TenTonHammer]

MassivelyVogster Entertainment introduces CrimeCraft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbcrimecrimecraftnew-gamespvpthird-person-shooterunreal-engineunreal-engine-3vogstervogster-entertainmentTue, 15 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Your New Year MMO resolutions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/the-daily-grind-your-new-year-mmo-resolutions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/the-daily-grind-your-new-year-mmo-resolutions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/the-daily-grind-your-new-year-mmo-resolutions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

From all of us here at Massively to all of you out there, we'd like to wish you a Happy New Year! For today's Daily Grind, we thought we'd ask the question just about everyone else is undoubtedly going to ask today; what your plans are for MMO gaming in 2008?

For me personally, I have a fairly short list.
  • Check out as many new MMOs as is humanly possible. I can't help it -- I'm a genre addict. Luckily with such a good first quarter full of new MMOs shaping up, this shouldn't be too hard.
  • Spend more time with my home guild in World of Warcraft, even if it's just making raids once a week. -- Oh, and finally get that freaking epic flyer I keep waffling on bothering with.
  • Put more time into the games I'm currently playing and try to hit endgame with at least one character in each game. (Where such thing is possible, anyway.)
  • Try to enjoy as many end-of-beta events as is possible. (Those are always a lot of fun!)
  • Branch out and check out some of the older games I haven't seriously tried beyond the initial phases.
  • Dig up some more up-and-coming games that we can all check out together.
I'd give you my short list of games that I plan to check out, but to be honest, that would probably be pushing the wall of tl;dr a bit. How about you? What are your New Year gaming resolutions? Anything on the radar for 2008 that you just can't wait to try out? Any games you're absolutely going to avoid like the plague?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Your New Year MMO resolutions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmore-gamingnew-gamesnew-titlesnew-years-resolutionsspending-more-time-with-friendsthe-daily-grindTue, 01 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Avoiding the relatives edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/wrup-avoiding-the-relatives-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/wrup-avoiding-the-relatives-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/wrup-avoiding-the-relatives-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, it's Friday again, and even though we missed it last week, that means its time for our weekly WRUP feature, in which we ask you, dear readers, what you're playing lately. I have to say that this weekend I'm pretty out of the loop in terms of MMO playing-- I've got the Macbook here at home in St. Louis (while all of my other gaming rigs are up in Chicago), so gaming time will be few and far between, I'm sure. WoW might get a little time, and I may jump on the EVE client (though I have to install it first, and before I left I made sure to set Astrogeology V to training, so I won't need to jump on there for a long time).

But I'm sure we're not all stuck at home with just a laptop to carry us through-- what are you all playing? Anyone take advantage of Black Friday spending to grab a new MMO (like Lord of the Rings Online or Guild Wars-- both only $10 at Best Buy today), or taking the three day weekend to get some good grinding done in the virtual world of your choice?

MassivelyWRUP: Avoiding the relatives edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayeve-onlineguild-warslord-of-the-rings-onlinenew-gamesworld-of-warcraftwowwrupFri, 23 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST