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[The axe falls: DDO's first novel is released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-axe-falls-ddos-first-novel-is-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-axe-falls-ddos-first-novel-is-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-axe-falls-ddos-first-novel-is-released/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Shard Axe
It's not every MMO that is honored with a published novel set in its world, but when it happens, it's a cause for celebration. Today Dungeons and Dragons Online joins the ranks of other novelized MMOs by being immortalized in book form, as Wizards of the Coast has released The Shard Axe by Marsheila Rockwell.

According to the description, The Shard Axe is steeped in familiar DDO settings:
Sentinel Marshal Sabira d'Deneith has spent the last eight years trying to drown the memories of the mission that cost her partner his life and gave her the nickname, the Shard Axe. But all the old memories come flooding back when she's recalled from the city of Stormreach to carry out a mission on House Deneith's behalf-to protect and defend the heir of the dwarven city of Frostmantle during his murder trial. The same heir she and her partner guarded eight years ago in the same city-from the same style of murders. Is the dreaded Nightshard still alive and taunting her? Or is there another serial killer loose in the Mror Holds?
We got the opportunity to talk to Ms. Rockwell back in February with an extensive interview about the book. The Shard Axe is just $6.99 and is available in both paperback and on a variety of e-readers.

MassivelyThe axe falls: DDO's first novel is released originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronf2pfree-to-playinterviewmarcy-rockwellmarsheila-rockwellnovelnovelizationstormreachthe-shard-axeturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 07 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArcheAge novel penned by popular Korean fantasy author]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/archeage-novel-penned-by-popular-korean-fantasy-author/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/archeage-novel-penned-by-popular-korean-fantasy-author/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/archeage-novel-penned-by-popular-korean-fantasy-author/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO novelizations are pretty common nowadays, what with everything from EVE Online to Guild Wars represented in extra-game lore-centric endeavors. ArcheAge is looking to join the hit parade with its first tie-in novel, a fantasy romp called The Fir and the Hawk that fleshes out the upcoming sandpark's extensive backstory.

When we say extensive, we really mean extensive, as the book chronicles ArcheAge history some 2,000 years prior to the game's timeline. The novel is the work of popular Korean fantasy author Min-Hee Jeon, and fansite ArcheAge Online calls it "ArcheAge's first official tome of lore."

The Fir and the Hawk isn't yet available in the States, but Korean-language fans can pre-order it via the Aladin service.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyArcheAge novel penned by popular Korean fantasy author originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to 2011! I, along with pretty much the entire Guild Wars fanbase, am incredibly excited about what this year is going to bring to both Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.

There's a lot in store, so I want to start the new year by looking at the thing that finished 2010 and brought us into 2011: Edge of Destiny. Of course, there are spoilers galore, so if you're one of the few who hasn't read the book, be warned.

They're all past the cut, so follow along and let's look at Edge of Destiny.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Recap and review of Edge of Destiny

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Recap and review of Edge of Destiny originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not every day you get to read a novel on Massively, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage, curl up next to the fireplace (assuming it's relatively chilly in your neck of the woods) and prepare for something a bit out of the ordinary.

We recently interviewed RuneScape novelist T.S. Church about the impending re-release of 2008's Betrayal at Falador. Now that the mass market edition of the book is hot off the presses, we're pleased to bring you this exclusive excerpt in order to whet your appetite for all things RuneScape.

Turn the page for more.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: RuneScape Betrayal at Falador excerpt

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: RuneScape Betrayal at Falador excerpt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betrayal-at-faladorchurchf2pfree-to-playfreemiumjagexnovelnovelizationrunescapetom-s-churchts-churchThu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The future of the RuneScape novels: Massively's interview with T.S. Church]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-future-of-the-runescape-novels-massivelys-interview-with-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-future-of-the-runescape-novels-massivelys-interview-with-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-future-of-the-runescape-novels-massivelys-interview-with-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I had a lot of fun recently reading and reviewing Betrayal at Falador. This RuneScape novel was published in a very limited format a few years ago, and this month it's being re-released in paperback on a much wider scale.

I enjoyed the opportunity to read the book and give my perspective as a RuneScape novice, but the follow-up was even better. Author T.S. Church spent some time chatting with me about the the characters, his plans, and the world of RuneScape.

Church was very open and forthcoming about the story so far and gave plenty of exciting details on what's to come. Follow along after the jump to see what he had to say.

Continue reading The future of the RuneScape novels: Massively's interview with T.S. Church

MassivelyThe future of the RuneScape novels: Massively's interview with T.S. Church originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betrayal-at-faladorf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpinterviewjagexnovelNovelizationrunescaperunescape-novelt-s-churchMon, 11 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape's Betrayal at Falador: Impressions of a newbie]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/runescapes-betrayal-at-falador-impressions-of-a-newbie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/runescapes-betrayal-at-falador-impressions-of-a-newbie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/runescapes-betrayal-at-falador-impressions-of-a-newbie/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The first RuneScape novel, Betrayal at Falador, will be released October 12th. If you were a RuneScape fan a few years back, you may be a little confused, seeing as how this novel came out back in 2008. That version was a limited release hardcover, and fans have been hoping for a wider publication since then.

This version is a mass-market paperback, so if you missed the tale the first time around, you're in luck! If this is all news to you -- Runescape fan or no -- follow along after the cut to see what my first impressions of the novel are.

Continue reading RuneScape's Betrayal at Falador: Impressions of a newbie

MassivelyRuneScape's Betrayal at Falador: Impressions of a newbie originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betrayal-at-faladorbookbooksf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpjagexnovelNovelizationreturn-to-canifisrunescaperunescape-bookrunescape-novelt-s-churchMon, 04 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have MMOs prompted you to read books?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/the-daily-grind-have-mmos-prompted-you-to-read-books/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/the-daily-grind-have-mmos-prompted-you-to-read-books/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/the-daily-grind-have-mmos-prompted-you-to-read-books/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's no denying the fact that MMORPGs come with a lot of reading built-in (Exhibit A: the quest text box). But for some folks, they can't get enough of their favorite MMO and look to read about the world elsewhere. Perhaps it's the desire to stay connected with the online world even when you can't be near a computer, or perhaps you want to learn more about the lore and backstory of the places and people you encounter in your daily gaming sessions.

Whatever reason it might be, have MMOs prompted you to pick up and read a book based on the same world? Has an MMO gotten you excited enough about an IP that you've gone back and read novels that the game is based on, such as The Lord of the Rings or Conan the Barbarian? Or did you dive into paperbacks derived from the MMO, like the Warcraft series or the new Star Trek Online novel, The Needs of the Many? Or are you eagerly snatching up books based on upcoming MMOs to tide you over, such as Guild Wars 2's Ghosts of Ascalon and The Old Republic's Fatal Alliance?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have MMOs prompted you to read books? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbooksfatal-allianceghosts-of-ascalonGuild-Wars-2lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronovelizationnovelsstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstotdgthe-needs-of-the-manythe-old-republictorwarcraftThu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/new-eve-online-novel-the-burning-life-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Storyline is an important part of any MMO and EVE Online is no exception. New Eden is steeped in story-telling, from the regularly released fictional chronicles to the countless blogs, battle reports and dramatic events recorded by players. EVE is a game that lends itself very well to creating immersive stories, videos and other creative efforts. Back in June of 2008, CCP commissioned author Tony Gonzales to write a novel set in the EVE universe. The novel, titled "Empyrean Age," came at the same time as the expansion of the same name and gave some background story for faction warfare. June 2009 brought the announcement that CCP's own fiction-writer Hjalti Daníelsson had begun work on a second EVE novel entitled "EVE: The Burning Life." Hjalti is better known as CCP Abraxis, the pen behind most of the EVE chronicles and the current driving force behind the game's storyline.

Continue reading New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released

MassivelyNew EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For many players, EVE Online is a game where the developers provide the galactic setting of New Eden but it's them, the playerbase, who makes their own stories. They join together or band against their rivals in alliance warfare, drug cartels, pirate organizations, and industrial powerhouses. The complex interplay of involvements that allow the game's players to establish and destroy invariably triggers cascades of drama. This is the point of the sandbox design of the game, what you do in New Eden affects other players on some level.

For some players, EVE is just about their interactions with one another and the fiction underpinning of the game is of marginal concern. While not all players choose to immerse themselves in the game's backstory, the setting is actually quite rich -- built on roughly six years' worth of lore fleshed out in the Chronicles, short stories that provide snapshots of the various levels of activity in New Eden.

Continue reading EVE Online novel The Burning Life to focus on pirate factions

MassivelyEVE Online novel The Burning Life to focus on pirate factions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryccp-abraxasdev-blogdev-blogsempyrean-ageeve-onlinefictionhjalti-danielssonlorenew-edennovelizationnovelspirate-factionssandboxsci-fisettingstorylinethe-burning-lifethe-empyrean-agetony-gonzalesTue, 28 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The challenges of storytelling in EVE Online's player-driven setting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-challenges-of-storytelling-in-eve-onlines-player-driven-set/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-challenges-of-storytelling-in-eve-onlines-player-driven-set/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-challenges-of-storytelling-in-eve-onlines-player-driven-set/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMO storylines finding their way into books is becoming increasingly common, but typically it's the fantasy titles we see in print. Guild Wars, Warhammer Online, and of course World of Warcraft all have their lore fleshed out in paperback form. But sci-fi lends itself well to novelization as well, and in the MMO scene as it exists today, EVE Online is a prime example. The game's far-future setting of New Eden is known for its sweeping warfare between vast empires, republics, and federations, but the game's lore has also shown there's a lot happening on a much smaller level.

That sweeping warfare was the focus of the first EVE Online novel, The Empyrean Age written by Tony Gonzales, and this was tied in with the storyline events leading up to all-out war between the game's races. However, EVE's creators CCP Games will be showing a different side to the game with the second novel, The Burning Life, written by Hjalti Danielsson.

Continue reading The challenges of storytelling in EVE Online's player-driven setting

MassivelyThe challenges of storytelling in EVE Online's player-driven setting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-crecenteccp-gamesfictionhjalti-danielssonkotakulorenew-edennovelnovelizationsandboxsci-fistorytellingthe-burning-lifethe-empyrean-agetony-gonzalesMon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you read an MMO novelization?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/the-daily-grind-would-you-read-an-mmo-novelization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/the-daily-grind-would-you-read-an-mmo-novelization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/the-daily-grind-would-you-read-an-mmo-novelization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The funny thing about translating a game to a novel is that it's a tightrope walk between sticking to canon, and inventing something new that feels canonical. Balancing between just writing up the events of the game, and trying to expose action lying just outside of view. Stray too far, and you'll alienate the fanbase; hew too closely, no one will feel the need to read it.

A game like World of Warcraft, though, has a fairly extensive lore, with lots of unexplored nooks and crannies just begging for attention. We can see a great deal of promise in books based on the Hellgate: London title, and can imagine the complexity of EVE Online fiction. What's a good way to turn a game into a novel, and which worlds deserve the treatment?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you read an MMO novelization? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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