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[Rumor: Is Pottermore the upcoming Harry Potter MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/rumor-is-pottermore-the-upcoming-harry-potter-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/rumor-is-pottermore-the-upcoming-harry-potter-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/rumor-is-pottermore-the-upcoming-harry-potter-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Harry Potter fan base was abuzz yesterday as a mysterious new website was launched. The site itself is rather bare, merely sporting the words "Pottermore: Coming Soon" and J.K. Rowling's signature underneath, but there's reason to believe that this may be connected to an online game.

It gets interesting when you look at Pottermore's trademark page, which lists the trademark as being owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and describes the product as follows:
Providing multiple-user access to a global computer information network; providing on-line chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for transmission of messages among users in the field of general interest; providing on-line communications links which transfer the web site user to other local and global web pages; providing on-line facilities for real-time interaction with other computer users concerning topics of general interest.
The Guardian notes that Pottermore could stand for "Potter Multiplayer Online Role-playing Experience," among other things. An editor at HPANA was one of the few to get a glimpse of the full site, commenting, "It is breathtaking in scope, detail and sheer beauty." Meanwhile, on YouTube's JKRowlingAnnounces channel, a timer is counting down to an announcement as to why "the owls are gathering" sometime on the 23rd.

Of course, a Harry Potter MMO has been heavily rumored for some time now, perhaps in association with Turbine (which is owned by WB). It's a tenuous connection but a possibility as well, so we'll be keeping our eyes on the site to see what transpires!

[Thanks to reader Alen for the tip!]

MassivelyRumor: Is Pottermore the upcoming Harry Potter MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry-potterharry-potter-mmojk-rowlingmuggles-rulenew-mmopottermorerumortrademarkturbineturbine-entertainmentWarner-Broswarner-bros-entertainmentwarner-bros-interactivewarner-brotherswizards-droolThu, 16 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix working on a new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/square-enix-working-on-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/square-enix-working-on-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/square-enix-working-on-a-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been a tough year for Square Enix, but the studio isn't down and out just yet. On the contrary, during a recent earning briefing CEO Yoichi Wada mentioned that the company is developing another title to be run alongside Final Fantasy XI and XIV.

While the details are scarce, Wada said that this goes along with the company's strategy to run two to three MMOs at the same time in order to maintain a strong cash flow. According to the report, Square Enix is focused on developing several new IPs in addition to strengthening its current lineup.

Wada said that the new game will be announced by April 2012. This doesn't mean that the studio is abandoning its promise to bring Final Fantasy XIV up to par, a focus that Wada says remains a priority.

MassivelySquare Enix working on a new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earnings-briefingearnings-reportff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-15-the-mog-strikes-backfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivnew-mmonew-titlesquaresquare-enixyoichi-wadaWed, 25 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blizzard MMO project is confirmed to be Titan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-blizzard-mmo-project-is-confirmed-to-be-titan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-blizzard-mmo-project-is-confirmed-to-be-titan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-blizzard-mmo-project-is-confirmed-to-be-titan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blizzard has kept its newest MMO project under tight wraps despite some corporate leakage earlier this month. However, Destructoid seems to have a confirmation from World of Warcraft's Executive Producer Frank Pearce that Titan is the name of the company's next big project. Pearce told Destructoid, "Titan... the media is not supposed to know anything about that. It's our next-gen MMO, and we've only started talking about it in a limited fashion because we wanna leverage the fact that we're working on something like that for the purpose of recruiting, getting some of the best talent in the industry on that project."

However, Titan may only be an internal title for the -- obviously -- massive project. The title is not meant to replace WoW, according to Blizzard President Mike Morhaime. "We think that World of Warcraft can continue co-existing with our new MMO," he said in a GameTrailers interview at BlizzCon 2010.

Massively will be sure to keep you informed as more news becomes available.

[Thank you to Merketh for the link]

MassivelyNew Blizzard MMO project is confirmed to be Titan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentfrank-pearceMike-Morhaimenew-mmorumortitanWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 16 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex pregnant with its third MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Look who's expecting: Jagex, the maker of RuneScape, not only has one bun in the oven (Stellar Dawn) but another MMO cooking as well. In an interview with Eurogamer, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard announced that the company is working on a new fantasy title.

"A lot of what we've done to push the boundary for Stellar Dawn will benefit RuneScape and another MMO we're working on," Gerhard said. "We've got the advantage in that we share the same MMO tech platform. From there it's really down to the studios to decide how its [sic] used."

While he was reluctant to share the name of the baby, er, new game, Gerhard said that it was not a sequel to RuneScape. This follows their recent announcement of Stellar Dawn, the company's "biggest MMO to date." You can read the full article at Eurogamer.

MassivelyJagex pregnant with its third MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingceoeurogamerhes-having-a-babyjagexmark-gerhardnew-mmonew-titlerunescapestellar-dawnThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE vets create new studio for TCGs based on upcoming MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/soe-vets-create-new-studio-for-tcgs-based-on-upcoming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/soe-vets-create-new-studio-for-tcgs-based-on-upcoming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/soe-vets-create-new-studio-for-tcgs-based-on-upcoming-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

They're not quite Three Wolf Moon, but the folks over at Dire Wolf Digital have their own special brand of magic waiting in the wings. Formed by several Sony Online Entertainment veterans, including Scott Martins, Paul Dennan, Ryan Anderson and Bruce Mitchener, Dire Wolf Digital will focus on creating online trading card games (TCGs). The SOE vets have several TCGs under their belt, including Legends of Norrath and the Free Realms TCG.

What's interesting for MMO fans is that Dire Wolf Digital is working on a project in conjunction with an upcoming MMORPG. Per the press page: "The company is currently producing a trading card game based on an upcoming massively-multiplayer online game, and is in pre-production on additional social and strategy game projects for 2011."

Of course, we have no idea what this upcoming MMO is, but the talent involved makes Dire Wolf Digital worth watching. Considering that the team has previously worked on several TCGs for SOE and elsewhere, it certainly appears to have the pedigree necessary to succeed in the field.

MassivelySOE vets create new studio for TCGs based on upcoming MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruce-mitchenerdire-wolf-digitalfree-realmsfree-realms-tcggamasutralegends-of-norrathnew-mmopaul-dennanryan-andersonscott-martinssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttcgthree-wolf-moontrading-card-gameWed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamesCom 09: Frogster and Runewaker are up to something]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/gamescom-09-frogster-and-runewaker-are-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/gamescom-09-frogster-and-runewaker-are-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/gamescom-09-frogster-and-runewaker-are-up-to-something/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Along with all the news coming out of GamesCom this last week is one interesting tidbit that may have been overlooked in some circles. It would appear that the partnership behind Runes of Magic - Runewaker Entertainment and Frogster Interactive - have decided that they're going to take another leap of faith together and develop an all new "next generation" MMO. According to the release this new title is "aimed to set new standards in design, technology, features and sheer dimension."

What's it about? Where is it set? Will it be Free-to-Play like Runes of Magic is? Honestly, we haven't the vaguest idea, and they're not falling for our usual intelligence-gathering tricks either. All they've announced at this point is the partnership granting full worldwide publishing rights (except Taiwan) to Frogster Interactive, and that whatever this shiny new IP is will release in 2013. Let the speculation begin in 3, 2, 1...

MassivelyGamesCom 09: Frogster and Runewaker are up to something originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frogster-interactivegamescom-2009mmonew-mmorunewaker-entertainmentunnamed-mmoSat, 22 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Square-Enix to debut unannounced MMO at E3?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/rumor-square-enix-to-debut-unannounced-mmo-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/rumor-square-enix-to-debut-unannounced-mmo-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/rumor-square-enix-to-debut-unannounced-mmo-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we've known of a new Square-Enix MMO that has been in the works for some time now, we've recently received information that Square might be showing off this unannounced title during a special press conference on Wednesday at E3.

The conference doesn't have specific details as to what's going to be presented, but fellow press site Gameplayer has made the claim that it will be this unannounced project, codenamed Rapture. Rapture will be a PC and PS3 only title, with Sony announcing the game during their own press conference, scheduled for Tuesday.

Currently only Gameplayer has announced these details, putting this story firmly in the category of rumor. However, Massively.com's Shawn Schuster, Elizabeth Harper, and Krystalle Voecks will be on site to follow up on the story and deliver the latest announcements as they occur during our coverage of E3. If this is a taste of what Square-Enix has to offer us, then it's going to be one heck of a week next week!

MassivelyRumor: Square-Enix to debut unannounced MMO at E3? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009ffxifinal-fantasy-xigameplayernew-mmopcplaystation-3ps3rapturesquare-enixunannounced-mmoSun, 31 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After the deal with Cryptic and Microsoft fell through, we weren't too terribly sure we'd ever hear another peep out of Marvel insofar as getting a game into the MMO space. However, it would seem that they've given it some thought - or more likely, thought about all the money that's here to be made - and decided to proceed on getting their own MMO into the market anyway. According to a story from the Wall Street Journal, Marvel has signed a 10-year deal with Gazillion Entertainment (previously NR2B Research, per VentureBeat) that will encompass not only a Marvel Universe online game that will tie into a Cartoon Network series, but also a renewal of the Marvel Universe MMO project for PC and consoles with Gazillion's subsidiary, Gargantuan Studios.

Considering that Champions Online is in closed beta already, DC Universe Online is showing some pretty solid previews, and City of Heroes is still chugging along with a devoted player-base, it's going to be an uphill battle from the word go for this Marvel MMO. Sure, there will be comics loyalists who prefer the Marvel universe to the DC universe, but with four superhero MMOs to choose from? Everyone involved should remember that in MMOs, no amount of retconning will help a game that doesn't bring its best from the start.

[Via Joystiq]

MassivelyMarvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolecryptic-studiosgargantuan-studiosgazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoftmuonew-mmopcretconsuper-heroTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009 announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/blizzcon-2009-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/blizzcon-2009-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/blizzcon-2009-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Blizzard, apparently deciding that listing BlizzCon so late last year was a bad idea, announced today that there will indeed be a BlizzCon 2009 according to a post on our sister site, WoW Insider. This year's BlizzCon will be held on August 21st & 22nd at the Anaheim Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. Among the many things that we're told to expect this year, Blizzard fans can look forward to:
  • Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games
  • Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
  • Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
  • Community contests with great prizes
  • Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment's game universes
  • A silent auction
  • More exciting activities and attractions to be announced
With the further announcement that they're planning to open up additional space in the convention center, more people should be able to attend versus last year's numbers. Also, considering Blizz's love of announcing big things at events, perhaps we'll get some news on this new MMO they're working on. Now, if they can fix the issues with the failoc that cropped up last year, this should be an interesting event for all those who love Blizzard games.

One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyBlizzCon 2009 announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconbreakingdiablo-3new-mmostarcraft-2world-of-warcraftwowTue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sci-Fi releases the genre for their new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/sci-fi-releases-the-genre-for-their-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/sci-fi-releases-the-genre-for-their-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/sci-fi-releases-the-genre-for-their-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently we've reported on a partnership between Trion World Network and SCI FI channel to create a new MMO that will be tied into a SCI FI show. But, for all we knew about the new project, we didn't know what genre it would fall under or what the setting would be.

That all changed in an interview from Ten Ton Hammer with Adam Stotsky, the executive vice-president of SCI FI channel, about the new SCI FI project. While most of the interview focuses on the partnership between Trion and SCI FI, Cody "Micajah" Bye was able to pull out the setting for the new project from Stotsky.

Stotsky confirms that the project will be science fiction in nature, centering around Earth in an alternate universe.

"It will be a very different Earth than the one we currently know today," Stotsky told Bye during the interview.

For the rest of the interview, drop by Ten Ton Hammer and check it out.

MassivelySci-Fi releases the genre for their new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-mmosci-fisci-fi-channelsci-fi-projectstotskyten-ton-hammertriontrion-world-networkMon, 16 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Every Tuesday you used to think "T" for Turpster and you took the "a" in "day", capitalized it, removed the little bit in the middle, turned it upside down and you got a "V". When you put the two together you had TV for TurpsterVision -- the best Internet video podcast on Massively! (Never mind that business about it being canceled by Massively...)

Good day brave adventures! I use the term "Good" in the loosest sense possible, for today is far from it. Today sees the single brightest flame on the interwebs extinguished. Unfortunately due to an on going libel suit from the makers of RuneScape I am unable to comment further, though I have managed to negotiate a time to express my thanks to you all and ask you to read on after the break to read how I truly feel about the situation.

Continue reading TurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince

MassivelyTurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaapril-fools-08bad-lightingconcept-artdancingfeaturedfiredfunnynew-mmono-powershowersoetime-traveling-flying-mountsturpsterturpster-visionTVtv-mmoTue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Valentines cute overload!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/one-shots-valentines-cute-overload/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/one-shots-valentines-cute-overload/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/one-shots-valentines-cute-overload/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For this Valentine's Day, we wanted to find the best of the screenshots that had been submitted to us -- ones that would embody the spirit of love. Of course, the few screens we do currently have involve either lovely landscapes or battles -- neither of which we thought was terribly appropriate. So instead we figured we'd go out and hunt down a screenshot for today's celebration of all things smooshy and cute. This screen comes from an MMO that just entered closed beta, and that we're working on a story for, even as I write this. Can you guess what this upcoming MMO bastion of cuteness could possibly be? Leave your idea in the comments below!

Remember, One Shots is all about you. Without your screenshots, we have no stories to tell. So be sure to drop your in-game screens to us at oneshots@massively.com!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Valentines cute overload! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-betacutekawaiinew-mmonew-titlesone-shotsvalentines-dayThu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch out for that MMO stalker...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/watch-out-for-that-mmo-stalker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/watch-out-for-that-mmo-stalker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/watch-out-for-that-mmo-stalker/#commentsFiled under:

Oh, I'm sorry, that's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. According to a recent community Q+A on GSC's website, home of the critically-acclaimed shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, the Ukranian developers are "seriously considering" entering the extremely crowded, and also extremely lucrative field of the MMOG. Sadly, they didn't leave us with any additional details, so all we're really left to do is sit here with our chin in our hands and ponder what an MMOG from GSC might be like.

Of course, the first question that comes to mind is whether this MMOG (notice the careful of absence of an "RP" anywhere in there) would be in the vein of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. with some massive elements added to it, or whether it would be a completely new side project. One also has to consider whether GSC is going to leverage their shiny new Xbox 360 SDKs in pursuit of this project, or whether it's going to be a PC-only affair. So many variables!

One thing is certain though -- GSC better have a pretty good idea of what they're getting into, because the market for MMOs is beginning to look really crowded these days.

[Via CVG]

MassivelyWatch out for that MMO stalker... originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gscgsc-game-worldsMMOGnew-mmonew-titles.t.a.l.k.e.r.stalkerxbox-360Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST