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Xsyon update focuses on in-game economy

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Crafting

Although it's been a while since the post-apocalyptic sandbox Xsyon has seen a patch, today's update looks to make up for that. With a focus on developing the in-game economy, this update introduces a number of new features, including new resources and materials, new Artisan and Master armor sets, a tribal upkeep system that offers bonuses, special trade totems, alliance and family group formation, and more.

Trade will be bolstered through the new totems; the new trade and quest versions allow tribes to place additional totems that will serve as a marketplace and quest hub. Even better, besides the ones placed in the tribe's own land, additional quest and trade totems can be placed on allied land. For more details on this and the other new systems, check out the full patch notes.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Xsyon update focuses on in-game economy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team: Out of the frying pan edition, February 25 - March 3, 2013

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

And into the fire! Or water, as the case may be.

Have you ever had one of those days when every time you finally extricated yourself from one mess, you just landed smack dab in the middle of another, managing to climb out of a water trap only to have your celebration cut short by falling right into a sheer-sided pit? And all after getting lost in foliage on a mountainside? Well, if you ever do have a day like that, hunker down and watch some Stream Team adventures on Massively TV. Then you can laugh at the misfortunes of your favorite streamers and forget about whatever craziness awaits you in the world at large.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Out of the frying pan edition, February 25 - March 3, 2013

The Stream Team: Out of the frying pan edition, February 25 - March 3, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team: Found Nemo edition, February 18 - 24, 2013

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

Ironically, I was going to have a "Let it snow edition," but I kept bumping it in favor of focusing on other February frivolity. Good thing, too, as I don't want anyone blaming me for the storm that hit the east. I myself was intimately acquainted with that storm, as it stranded me for two days in various airports while I was trying to get home. The nerve of it -- it even forced me to miss streams. *cries* Nemo was always a troublemaker!

Luckily, that's all behind us now. We have nothing ahead but smooth livestreams. And by smooth, I mean ample opportunities for your favorite hosts to pull crazy stunts and die in spectacular ways! How many interesting and unique ways can The Stream Team members get themselves in trouble this week? Tune into Massively TV and see!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Found Nemo edition, February 18 - 24, 2013

The Stream Team: Found Nemo edition, February 18 - 24, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, Opinion, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Sandbox aficionados are known to reminisce about the "good old days." You know, that time long lost in the past when the greats of open-world play like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies (pre-NGE of course) enjoyed their heyday. Many a lamentation has also been heard about how things have never been the same, or how nothing has filled that void.

Of course, the sandbox never died. In 2012 we started the year off with a guide to games sporting sandbox features to scratch a variety of virtual world itches and we ended with a look at some promising upcoming titles for 2013. With plenty of choices abounding, why are sandbox fans still decrying the lack of a home? It could be because they want one home for everyone to settle in together, basically one game to rule them all. But how realistic is that?

Even with the plethora of offerings now, many folks want to play their ideal sandbox, and everyone has their own idea of what the perfect one would be (and conversely, what would kill it). Perhaps the answer, then, is to forget about a single universal home that accommodates the masses and actually create a number of niche games where people find exactly what they are looking for. Wait, that's already happening? Enter Kickstarter.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre

Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon aiming for wider audience on Steam's Greenlight

Jef Reahard — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

Notorious Games needs your help to bring its Xsyon sandbox MMO to a wider audience. The title has a new Greenlight page on Valve's Steam digital download service and the post-apocalyptic survival MMO is seeking enough "yes" votes from the community to make it available to Steam's 40 million-plus users.

Xsyon is "an entirely player driven online game with a living and changing environment." Gameplay involves the formation of tribes, the shaping of landscapes, and the construction of towns, not to mention variations on typical MMO questing, gathering, and hunting.

[Source: Notorious press release]

Xsyon aiming for wider audience on Steam's Greenlight originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content?

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: EVE Online, EverQuest II, Lord of the Rings Online, Game Mechanics, PvP, Opinion, The Secret World, Roleplaying, Xsyon, Miscellaneous, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox

During a recent conversation with my fellow Some Assembly Required columnist, it became apparent that we had slightly differing opinions on the definition of player-generated content. We both agreed that it was content generated by players (obviously), but when it came to the type of content, our opinions diverged. Seeing as PGC is one of the founding premise behind SAR, I thought it would be a good idea to start the new year out by defining the term more precisely to give us a stable foundation to build on. After all, we want to be on the same page, don't we?

Of course, that gives you the chance to weigh in with your opinions as well! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the term? Let's see whether your ideas about player-generated content mesh with mine, more closely resemble Jef's, or embody something totally different.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content?

Some Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon architecture contest runs through January 13

Jef Reahard — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Housing

It's been nine months since Xsyon's last architecture contest, and Notorious Games has kicked off a new competition to recognize the most creative tribes in the post-apocalyptic sandbox title. Submissions will be judged on originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification. The contest also features two sections, one for small tribes (one to five active members) and one for large tribes (six or more actives).

Submissions will be accepted through January 13th, and you can see some of the competition (and get a few ideas) via the video after the break.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Xsyon architecture contest runs through January 13 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon offers a free-to-play option

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

Have you been wanting to get in and check out the post-apocalyptic world of Xsyon but hesitant about plunking down the cash just to get a taste? Well now you can! Notorious Games just announced a free-to-play option for the current Prelude phase of Xsyon.

Previously, Xsyon offered a free trial server, but weekly wipes prevented folks from really experiencing parts of the game. Now, without any cash commitment, new players can game alongside everyone else on the main server. F2P also allows any survivors who left the chance to come back and reestablish themselves in the Tahoe Basin before the game moves to its next phase, Apocalypse.

As with many F2P options, there are some limitations, especially regarding the formation and management of tribes. For instance, players without paid access can neither form tribes nor count toward membership totals in existing tribes, thereby preventing individuals and groups from artificially padding tribe counts to enlarge tribe borders. For more details on restrictions, check out the official list.

Xsyon offers a free-to-play option originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon looks to go gold with a little help from Kickstarter

Shawn Schuster — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, Xsyon, Promotions, Post-Apocalyptic

Xyson is an ambitious sandbox MMO that first opened to public consumption in 2011 under the name Xsyon: Prelude. While the game has been out since that time with no secret about its "not really launched yet" status, the team at Notorious Games has just announced today that official launch is finally right around the corner. But they need your help.

Thanks to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, Xsyon aims to raise a total of $250,000 to help the game launch under the new name Xyson: Apocalypse. As lead designer Jordi Grau Davis says in the Kickstarter pitch, this will be what Xsyon was intended to be with two servers, nine times the world of Prelude, the addition of religion and magic, a larger dev team, and more.

If you'd like to try the current version of the game out before making a decision to support this project, Xsyon: Prelude has a free trial, and you can learn much more about Notorious Games' plans with the future of the title on their Kickstarter project page.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Xsyon looks to go gold with a little help from Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon opens free trial server

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business Models, Xsyon, Promotions, Sandbox

If you've got a hankering for some sandbox action, but find the thought of a subscription up-front is a deal-breaker, then Notorious Games has heard your unspoken plea! The studio announced that a free trial server is now open to the public.

The trial server is the same game as the subscription server, although the separation will certainly protect those investing in the title. All you have to do to access the trial server is sign up on the forums, after which instructions will appear on your account page.

There's one caveat of playing Xsyon for free, however: The team plans to hit the big reset switch on the trial server every Monday. So if you're looking to preserve your hard work, you'll eventually have to subscribe.

[Thanks to UltimateCarl for the tip!]

Xsyon opens free trial server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon creature migration system unveiled

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game Mechanics, News Items, PvE, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

As part of making a dynamic, living world, Notorious Games unveiled Xsyon's unique new creature migration system. Unlike worlds where mobs are static, this sandbox will ensure that animals don't just hang around one place. Instead, as animals breed and the populations expand, they will move from regions with higher populations to areas with lower ones.

Different species will also exhibit different tendencies when migrating. Smaller, tamer critters will congregate toward the shores of Lake Tahoe and civilization, whereas the more dangerous creatures will migrate toward the mountains away from people. The wild animals that venture too close or into the toxic mist will mutate and return to wreak havoc upon the denizens of the land.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Xsyon creature migration system unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inactive players give rise to Xsyon zombies

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, Patches, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

Normally, the worst things that happen to inactive players are that guilds kick them out. But in the world of Xsyon, the consequences are more dire, not just for the player but for everyone around. With the game's latest update, inactive tribal totems will begin to give rise to intelligent and malicious undead revenants. And these creatures are far more intelligent thatn your average monsters, hunting other players and looting them for better equipment as they capture new territory.

Fortunately for the players, there's also new armor to be looted off the revenants themselves and plenty of opportunities for players to beat back the invasion. The update also brings along a widespread upgrade to monster AI, making all foes a bit more clever and deadly aside from just the revenants. If you've been out of the game for a while, you might want to jump back in, especially to prevent your former home from turning into an undead nest.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Inactive players give rise to Xsyon zombies originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: This old house

Brianna Royce — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Galleries, Screenshots, Massively Meta, One Shots, Miscellaneous, Housing

It'd be easy for me to sit back and say that games without housing are just lazy, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, that and feature a few awesome reader screenshots of games with housing in today's One Shots! Contributor Mayrin earns the top slot this week with this image of her home in Wurm Online, a much-beloved sandbox around these parts. She writes:

This is a screenshot of my house, originally taken last September. It's a stone house built back before Wurm Online had inner walls, so it's U-shaped to suggest different rooms inside. The left side is our kitchen area (the wisp of smoke over the house is from our oven), and the right side has our beds, while the center area is used mostly for storage. The gold shape near the oak tree on the left is an altar to Vynora (one of Wurm's deities); the silver one peeking out from behind the right tree is a Fo altar. Right off the path is a "spirit castle," which is used to send mail to other players. It's located where the village of Allure once stood on the Independence server.

Mayrin's entry is tucked behind the break alongside a few other residential beauties!

Continue reading One Shots: This old house

One Shots: This old house originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon totem abandonment phase for MIA tribes starts June 25th

MJ Guthrie — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Game Mechanics, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Miscellaneous, Sandbox

Deserted structures in neglected lands, abandoned goods sitting unusable in baskets; in Xsyon, as in any game where players can own property, there comes a time when owners move on leaving valuable in-game resources tied up and inaccessible to those who remain. To combat this, Notorious Games is implementing decay for all inactive totems starting June 25th.

Abandonment, the culling of inactive tribes from land ownership, is a four-phase process. Any tribe without at least one active member will move into the first stage, neglected. The second is the deserted phase; all bins on the land will become accessible and the area will no longer be a safe zone. Revenants (aggressive creatures who can loot players and equip their gear) will haunt tribes in this stage and increase in number during the next stage -- abandoned. In the removal stage, buildings can be demolished and the land reclaimed by active citizens.

All Xsyon players -- past or present -- have the chance to log in and claim their totems from Friday, June 22nd until Monday, June 25th before Abandonment begins. All active accounts prior to June 25th will also receive two weeks of free play time.

[Source: Xsyon press release]

Xsyon totem abandonment phase for MIA tribes starts June 25th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th

Beau Hindman — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Events (Real-World), Events (In-Game), Massively Meta, Humor, Hands-On (Massively's), Livestream, Miscellaneous, Previously on MV TV

What a week of livestreaming! We've got quite the variety and tons of hours of video to watch. What's that? You had to work and missed half of the cool streams we showed? Don't worry! I gather all of the best streams from the week's collection and list them for you right here. Still, you need to bookmark our livestream page so you can see which videos are going to be shown during the week, but if you miss any, you can check out the recap here. That's why we do it.

This week we had a lot to offer. First we had good old Mike jumping into EVE Online for some space action, then into TERA for some scantily clad combat! He then explores some of the great browser-based game Drakensang Online. MJ brought a ton of goodies to the streaming table, goodies like a run-through in EverQuest II, some base-jumping in City of Heroes, a bit of hardcore survival in Xsyon, and a flight around the beautiful lands of Aion. I rounded out the end by streaming some BatMUD, a cool MUD that has been around since many of you have been in diapers!

Click past the cut and grab some popcorn. Keep the butter light but add some salt. Thanks.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th

Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay

Jef Reahard — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Xsyon, Promotions, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

Notorious Games is working overtime to highlight all of the changes it's made to its Xsyon sandbox. The company ran a 10-day welcome back promotion late last month, and it's doing so again starting this Friday. Previous subscribers will receive a free 10-day pass, while current players will get two additional weeks of game time on the house.

The dates for the 10-day passes vary, according to Notorious' latest press release. If you're a previous subscriber, check your email over the next few days to see where your game time falls within the larger five-week promotional window.

Also noteworthy for dedicated Xsyon players is the fact that the game's totem system will enter something called a decay phase once these trial periods are over. Totems represent land claimed by a particular guild, and those without any actively subscribed players will become abandoned in short order. Abandoned totems will then decay and free up the land for other players, while also leaving any buildings, resources, and containers free for the taking.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Xsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains

Jef Reahard — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Patches, News Items, Xsyon, Sandbox

What's new in the world of Xsyon? Quite a lot, according to Notorious Games' latest patch notes. The new update has overhauled many of the sandbox survival MMO's systems, including extensive skill tweaks, increased stat gains based on actions, and stat readjustment functionality.

Players may also create quests for one another. Doing so rewards both the quester and the creator with XP upon successful quest completion. Overall experience gain has been adjusted to reward players per action and via quests, which should lead to a marked reduction in the grinding necessary to gain skills.

These are just a few of the improvements, too. Have a look at the patch notes for the full list.

Latest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Xsyon, Promotions, Sandbox

Did you play the sandbox title Xsyon in the past year but you've let your subscription slip? Notorious Games wants your patronage back, and it's willing to meet you halfway with 10 days of free game time to check out all of the new additions and developments in the game.

Any former subscriber to Xsyon will receive a 10-day pass to the game sometime after May 18th. This time will be used over the course of five weeks. Eligible players will be notified by email when their 10-day slot is scheduled.

Xsyon recently celebrated its first anniversary and since launch has seen explosive growth of both player-created structures and the wildlife population. Other improvements that Notorious Games is proud of include a better crafting system, an overhauled UI, and tweaked visuals.

Xsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

MJ Guthrie — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Real-Life, Opinion, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

One year and counting. Crack open the waterskin and raise a toast to Xsyon: Today the post-apocalyptic sandbox by Notorious Games celebrates its first full year of launch. Well, the first year of the official launch of Prelude, a limited first release of the virtual world. Come to think of it, even that date seems a bit nebulous as the pre-order players in the first phase of Year Zero (basically beta) actually had their most significant change on March 11th, 2011 when the second phase launched and totems were introduced.

Semantics aside, Xsyon has come a long way from that official first day. Unlike many games where gameplay is neatly laid out, this indie title gives players only the canvas and a few tools before setting them loose to fashion their world. As the year continued, additional tools were provided and the world became more vibrant and dynamic. Initially barren without any critters (other than your surviving neighbors) to hunt, the world is now populated with large creatures that roam the land, threatening the lives of travelers and hunters alike. Even the lay of the land itself is different as players manipulate and alter the terrain, build settlements, and plant trees. Communities are forming; groups are supporting and even entertaining each other. Civilization is slowly rebuilding.

And that's only the beginning.

Continue reading Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you a bad enough dude to survive Xsyon's Mutant Maze?

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), News Items, Xsyon, Sandbox

Do you feel lucky when you log into Xsyon? Do you feel as if you can go anywhere and do anything in complete safety? Then perhaps you'd like to test your skills this weekend when the game unleashes the Mutant Maze event starting at 3 p.m. EST (12 p.m. PST). Open to everyone who wishes to take part, the event will teleport all volunteers to the designated grounds at the start and teleport them back at the conclusion... but there's no certainty you'll emerge victorious.

So what is the Mutant Maze? It's a labyrinth filled with all sorts of nasty mutants, hence the name. Players will be able to keep the spoils of their kills, and there's a special prize for completing a round of the maze by both surviving and finding the exit successfully. There are three total rounds, enough to test the game's most seasoned veterans -- but for the glory of a prize, won't you spend a weekend ambling through a maze filled with enormous bears?

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Are you a bad enough dude to survive Xsyon's Mutant Maze? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Contests, Events (In-Game), Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox

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

Some 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.

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Xsyon hosting month-long architecture contest

Jef Reahard — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Events (In-Game), Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Crafting

If you're a member of a tribe in Xsyon, you might want to check out Notorious Games' latest architecture contest. The event runs from February 1st to March 1st, and it's open to both small tribes (between one and five members) and larger groups (six or more members).

Since it's an architecture contest, you'll obviously need to construct (or re-construct) your tribe settlement. Notorious will be judging your creations for originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification.

The dev team is remaining coy when it comes to contest incentives, but the latest Xsyon press release does say that "there will be a large prize for the winning tribe in each group."

Xsyon hosting month-long architecture contest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon announces newest Guide-run event: The Grand Cart Race

Matt Daniel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), News Items, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

Earlier this month, we reported on a player-run event being held in Notorious Games' sandbox MMO Xsyon, and bear-fighting was involved. Today, the team has put out an announcement for a new Guide-run event, though unfortunately bear-fighting is not involved. What is involved, though, is cart racing.

The event, known formally as The Grand Cart Race, will begin at 3:00 p.m. EST on this coming Sunday, January 29th. Players are encouraged to bring their own carts to race, but if you haven't built or traded for a cart yet, don't worry; the guides will be handing out loaners for the duration of the event. The team doesn't reveal what exactly the race will entail, but mentions that "there will be different stages of the course aimed at taking advantage of each of the features of the carts." For the full details, check out the event's official thread on the game's forums, then prepare to do it up NASCAR: post-apocalypse-style.

Xsyon announces newest Guide-run event: The Grand Cart Race originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures

Jef Reahard — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Crafting

Xsyon's PR machine is shifting into high gear of late, and the post-apocalyptic sandbox title from Notorious Games has released another batch of screenshots. This isn't your typical 10-screenshot blast, either, but rather an entirely new gallery section on the official website devoted exclusively to user creations.

Notorious is intent on showing off what it calls player architecture, as Xsyon is one of the few games on the current MMO market that actually allows for unique creations in terms of buildings, structures, and even town layouts. You can see a few of the choice shots in our Xsyon gallery below, but you'll need to head to the game's official website to see them all.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Gallery: Xsyon

Xsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon highlights upcoming player-run event, includes bear-fighting

Matt Daniel — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Notorious-Games' sandbox MMO Xsyon, but the silence has been broken with a new press release from the studio announcing a large player-run event. The Praetorian Guard tribe is hosting a Spring Clean-Up event, throughout the course of which attendees will be treated to activities ranging from treasure hunts, obstacle courses, and -- our personal favorite, if only for the wtf factor alone -- The Bear Arena of Doom. The event will be taking place at 3:00 p.m. EST on January 14th, which is this coming Saturday, so gather up your best ursine-proof equipment and go wrestle some bears for fun and profit.

[Source: Notorious-Games press release]

Xsyon highlights upcoming player-run event, includes bear-fighting originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Super-hero, Aion, Anarchy Online, City of Heroes, Darkfall, Dofus, EVE Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Final Fantasy XI, Flyff, Lord of the Rings Online, PlanetSide, Ryzom, Wurm Online, Opinion, Second Life, Star Trek Online, Ultima Online, Vanguard, RuneScape, Free-to-Play, Virtual Worlds, Mabinogi, Mortal Online, Wizard101, Runes of Magic, DC Universe Online, RIFT, Xsyon, Family, Post-Apocalyptic, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox

If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon tweaks combat, releases new screenshots

Jef Reahard — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Patches, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox

It's been quite a while since we checked in with Xsyon, and it's been nearly nine whole months since the game officially launched with its Prelude limited release event.

In that time, Notorious Games has been hard at work, and the company has just published a partial listing of all the improvements made to the post-apocalyptic sandbox (as well as a few new screenshots). Tweaks include new twitch-based combat, an enhanced creature system, an expanded construction system that allows for buildings and towns, and various UI improvements.

Xyson: Prelude is now available for a $39.99 client fee (which includes one month of free game time) and a $14.99 monthly sub. Have a look at some of the player-created content in our gallery below.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Gallery: Xsyon

Xsyon tweaks combat, releases new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon devs talk farming, crafting and PvE vs. PvP

Jef Reahard — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, PvP, News Items, PvE, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

If sandbox MMORPGs are more ambitious than their themepark counterparts, it follows that the former are also more susceptible to bugs, performance problems, and general player discontent. Xsyon is no exception, and the post-apocalyptic world-building title from Notorious Games has traveled a rough yet familiar road since its March release.

According to a couple of recent posts on the Xsyon boards, better times are in the offing. Notorious is in fact expanding its dev roster, and new game designer/programmer Danathur throws the community a few bones in his introduction post. Aside from providing a bit of detail on his new duties, he also addresses the ongoing war of words between PvE and PvP supporters vying for the future of Xsyon. "We do not want to create a massively multiplayer first person shooter. On the other hand, conflicts and managing them (not only by violence) [are] the real challenge and where the most fun will come from in the long term," he explains.

Danathur goes on to say that both crafting and combat will become more expensive in short order due to the enabling of item stats and decay. His sentiments echo those of lead designer Jordi Grau-Davis, who posted earlier this week to announce the new dev hires and to give the community a feel for Xsyon's development roadmap. "We are going to evolve Xsyon to include farming, contested expansion totems and revamped combat. The goal is to provide more daily activities to tend to and something to fight over," he wrote.

Xsyon devs talk farming, crafting and PvE vs. PvP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: The final countdown

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Galleries, Events (In-Game), New Titles, PvP, Opinion, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Hands-On (Massively's), First Impressions, Choose My Adventure, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Your voices were heard! At least, I do hope those are your voices I've been hearing in my head... they are telling me to do things. And I listened. I am instructed to listen to the voices. The voices can't hurt me, right? Well, maybe not the voices themselves, but since they chimed in on experimenting with combat, I know I am about to get hurt some!

This week concludes our foray into Xsyon for Choose My Adventure, but I dare say it does not end my time there. Although the game does not fit the standard mold of MMO fare today, it has been quite enjoyable and a great change of pace. I have kept myself entertained with my adventures in-game and I still look forward to logging in each time (minus the apprehension as the combat loomed closer).

Take a (final) hike past the cut for the results of our look at combat, some final impressions on the game, and a sneak peek at your next CMA guinea pig.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The final countdown

Choose My Adventure: The final countdown originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: Making the world (a better place?)

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, New Titles, Opinion, Hands-On, Virtual Worlds, Hands-On (Massively's), Choose My Adventure, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Here we are, drawing closer to the end of our Choose My Adventure journey, and I feel like I have just barely gotten started in Xsyon! There is so much left to do; I haven't even scratched the surface of my goals yet. Since construction is a slow process and gathering resources is taking longer and longer each day (you should see the workout I get hauling logs!), my personal fortress is still just a few completed walls and one pillar. I also haven't managed to circumvent the lake, find any chalk, or convince anyone to let me be President/Supreme Ruler of the Lake.

All right, maybe I haven't really tried hard at that last goal, but this week has seen your CMA correspondent meeting and greeting neighbors throughout the region, gathering resources, politely declining tribe invites (I will remain true to the vote throughout our adventures), and attempting to improve my skill in architecture. Also, I have enjoyed some relaxing fishing. As jaunts into the wilds for wood became longer each day, I kept watch over my shoulder with a touch of apprehension, always on the lookout for hostile folks and animals alike. There is always some question as to whether or not the elusive animals are in the game, but I have had a couple of run-ins with a mama and baby bear that ended poorly for me, so I try to never let my guard down.

What else did I learn this week about life on the shores of Lake Tahoe? Hike past the break to take a look at this week's adventures in Xsyon and then vote on how we approach combat for our final installment of Choose My Adventure.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Making the world (a better place?)

Choose My Adventure: Making the world (a better place?) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead...

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Galleries, Game Mechanics, New Titles, Opinion, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

All the live long day! Sing it with me now...

There really is something to be said for creating your own world. How many of you gamers out there have just ached for a MMO game in which you could truly affect the world instead of rolling along on a predestined path that is the same for everyone? As I delve deeper into Xsyon, that is what I find -- a world where my actions have real meaning. A world where we can change not only the political and economic landscapes but the literal landscape.

For Choose My Adventure this week, you, the Massively readers, decided that I shall work on my architecture skills and place a homestead (thereby allowing me to terraform). This really highlights some of the most unique features of the game. Although I dove into these new tasks with gusto, I now know why olden-day manual laborers sang songs during their work -- there is serious need of brain stimulation during long, monotonous labor. And building a new world from the ground up is seriously a long and slow process. If nothing else, Xsyon is not a game for the instant-gratification crowd. Which is all the better, in my opinion.

For a deeper look at terraforming, crafting, and general life in the Tahoe Basin, build a bridge over the cut and check out where our adventures led this week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead...

Choose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead... originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: New Titles, PvE, Opinion, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Humor, Choose My Adventure, Xsyon

Well, this week has certainly been interesting. And by interesting, I mean not really usual. Then again, if any of you know me very well, that really should not come as much of a surprise; normal and MJ usually do not coexist in the same stratosphere. I am also not one to shy away from the untrodden path, and I tend to take off on my own tangents. Who needs easy when you can have interesting? Perhaps this quality alone made me a decent match for tackling the world of Xsyon for this round of Choose My Adventure. That, and a measure of patience.

In my first true week of playing Xsyon, I really didn't get to "play" much of anything. Not in any sense of the word that most MMO gamers would be familiar with. That isn't to say that I didn't have any fun; on the contrary, I really enjoyed the time I did get in, and I look forward to really digging my toes into that rich Tahoe soil. Well, my shovel, really.

So what were the unusual circumstances surrounding my first adventures? Hike past the cut for a deeper look at the week and some helpful tips for anyone planning to jump into game come launch.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again

Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: It's ALIVE!

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Galleries, New Titles, Hands-On (Massively's), First Impressions, Choose My Adventure, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Alrighty folks! I have consulted the crystal ball (polls) and now have the answer we have been so anxiously awaiting: It was Mr. Green, in the study, with the candlestick! Er, wait... sorry, let me just dust it off a bit. There we go. Actually it's armed MJ in Secret Cove with a shovel! Go terraforming.

Thanks to your votes, we have the backbone of the next Choose My Adventure guinea pig. For the most part, you Massively readers were pretty unified in your support; armed combat and terraforming led by a landslide, while Secret Cove and architecture also maintained significant leads. The only choice that was a close call was the second skill -- scavenging beat out hunting by a mere three votes.

Although we had plenty of choices for our polls, they didn't come close to covering the choices that must be made when creating a character before we ever set foot into the game world. Age, birthday, stat points, and multiple choices to create skin color are just some of the other choices the greet a new player in Xsyon.

Follow me past the cut to get an in-depth look at the creation process and to meet your guide/puppet/object of amusement in the land of Xsyon. Tahoe, ho!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: It's ALIVE!

Choose My Adventure: It's ALIVE! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Polls, Choose My Adventure, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

So my bags are packed (what exactly do you pack for an apocalypse? I vote toothbrush, regardless!) and I'm setting out for the Lake Tahoe region. Yup, our itinerary is set -- Xsyon has won the hearts of the readers for this next escapade in the Choose My Adventure series. I find this kind of exciting, as I grew up frequenting this area out here in the real world and look forward to seeing it represented in the game.

Now, I have a confession to make: I watched the vote carefully. Too carefully. OK, I was obsessed with it! I don't think I can even tell you how many times I clicked refresh in one day; it was quite addicting to watch the numbers creep up as the readers cast their votes. And since six weeks of my life was on the line, I had a vested interest in the outcome. At least, that's how I tried to rationalize my maniacal refreshing. Xsyon commanded the lead straight off, but Pirates of the Burning Sea had a good showing and maintained a solid second place throughout the contest. Four games kept running neck-and-neck: DC Universe Online, Earthrise, EVE Online, and LEGO Universe. I admit to rooting some for the underdogs as well -- each game has special and unique features I would enjoy delving into. Think about it: Can you imagine life as a LEGO? But in the end, no one could topple the promise of a vast wasteland filled with mutants and an empty canvas for players to fill in.

So now that we have the setting, all we need is the character. Unlike many games, Xsyon demands that you pick things such as your crafting skills at character creation, so please forgive the number of polls attached to this week's article.

Head on past the cut to learn a bit about Xsyon and vote to make me build the CMA creature of your bidding!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now

Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon release moved to March 15th

Jef Reahard — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Building sandboxes is hard. So hard, in fact, that not many of them get built. Those that do eventually see the light of day, like the upcoming Xyson from Jordi Grau-Davis' Notorious Games, often go through laborious birthing pains, buggy betas, and delayed releases. In a post on the official Xsyon boards, the game devs have announced the decision to postpone the official release by two weeks (the new date is March 15th) due to "problems with our servers and bandwidth" brought to light by the recent headstart launch and the sudden influx of warm bodies.

The post details the forthcoming fix for the recent lag issues (a new download server) and also puts a positive face on things by bringing up the fact that the lag has caused a few hidden problems to surface. The Xsyon client and installer have also been updated, and pre-order players will have two weeks of free game time comped to their accounts.

Xsyon release moved to March 15th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: Jordi Grau Davis answers our Xsyon questions

Jef Reahard — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Interviews, Launches, New Titles, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

With Xsyon's impending release date just around the corner, we thought it was high time we sat down and had a chat with the brains behind the indie post-apocalyptic sandbox. Notorious Games' Jordi Grau Davis was kind enough to answer a few of our questions relating to the game he's wanted to make "since I first sat at a computer," and he has a lot to say about Xsyon's unique features and how it differs from other PvP-enabled sandbox titles.

Join us after the cut for all the details.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Jordi Grau Davis answers our Xsyon questions

Massively Exclusive: Jordi Grau Davis answers our Xsyon questions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon launching March 1st

Jef Reahard — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Though it's been some time since we've heard anything new from Notorious Games regarding its Xsyon MMORPG, there is some light at the end of the lengthy beta tunnel. Lead designer Jordi Grau Davis has sent word that the post-apocalyptic sandbox game is nearing release. March 1st has been confirmed as launch day, and the company is now taking pre-orders for a limited initial release called Xsyon: Prelude.

The Prelude is set in an isolated basin somewhere in the American wilderness, where survivors of the apocalypse will carve out humanity's future in an open-ended sandbox that will evolve according to the actions of its community. Pre-order customers will receive immediate access to the game's final testing phases as well as two free months of game time and a limited edition in-game weapon.

Xsyon launching March 1st originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon beta update adds architecture skills, revamps terrain

Jef Reahard — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Bugs, New Titles, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Yep, Xsyon's still around, and the post-apocalyptic sandbox MMORPG from Notorious Games continues its beta testing phase with a full client and server update this week. The patch has also wiped all your beta characters as well as the world terrain, making way for smoother texture revisions that should be visible as you read this.

Other significant patch details include the architecture skill (which allows players to create walls and buildings), the masonry skill (designed to complement architecture), and various tweaks to combat and characters. Among these is a revision to the alignment system that flags both defenders and attackers. Finally, the new client boasts several bug fixes related to collision detection, memory leaks, and animation fixes.

Check out the full list of improvements on the official Xsyon forums.

Xsyon beta update adds architecture skills, revamps terrain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon updates ongoing, free-form inventory system discussed

Jef Reahard — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, New Titles, News Items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

You might have forgotten about Xsyon, the promising post-apocalyptic sandbox under development at Jordi Grau Davis' Notorious Games studio. While it's been some time since we've checked in on the title, we're happy to report that updates continue to flow at a steady pace.

In a post on the game's official forums, the team tells us of a major move to new server hardware, expected to take place between September 15th and 17th. After the transition is complete, Xsyon's next update will go live. Included among its features are improved and expanded inventory management, player collision tweaks, character rendering and Speedtree optimizations, and several small bug squashes.

The inventory tweaks are of particular interest, as Davis hints at a unique system that may happen in the future. "We've changed the way inventories and containers are saved. This will allow us to change to a more freeform container system (without slots) in the future if we choose to do so. This required some major changes that we are still testing," he writes.

Xsyon updates ongoing, free-form inventory system discussed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon deploys extensive beta update

Jef Reahard — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, Patches, News Items, Xsyon

Notorious Games has updated Xsyon, its post-apocalyptic sandbox MMORPG. The pre-order beta client now boasts an extensive list of tweaks, fixes, and feature improvements. In addition to the changes, the developers have upgraded both the game and download servers.

"Both the download server and the game server are now running from our new machines at a better location. This took a while to set up, but so far it looks like the switch was worth the bit of trouble," declares the update post on the game's official forums. "We've overhauled the server code and there are more changes to come. Hopefully the lag that was being caused by terraforming will be eliminated now, but this needs to be tested further. We are still in the process of optimizing the server code, but this build is a major step and has been our main focus over the past few weeks."

The new patch also brings a number of changes to crafting, skills and actions, and interface tweaks. Check out all the details on the official site.

Xsyon deploys extensive beta update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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