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 Daily Grind: Do you buy from a vendor?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-from-a-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-from-a-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-from-a-vendor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fallen Earth food merchant
In your average, run-of-the-mill themepark MMO, you'll encounter waves of NPC merchants tucked away in their own little market districts, offering everything from consumable potions to crafting materials to weapons, armor, and more. But often times, what they have to sell is nothing compared to the rewards you get from quest-givers.

With the exception of a few necessary crafting components, I think it's safe to say that NPC vendors can be ignored, as long as you complete the area's quests successfully, which brings it down to a question of playstyle. You can ignore the quests, not craft a thing, and buy everything from a vendor... if you can somehow raise the money without doing quests. That's up to you.

So our question for you on this Black Friday is this: Do you buy your wardrobe and arsenal from the NPC merchants, or if given the chance, would you rather make the items yourself, buy from other players, or earn your keep through quests?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you buy from a vendor? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economymarketmerchantsnpcopinionquest-giversqueststdgthe-daily-grindvendorsFri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storybricks: Opening the Pandora's box of MMO design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/storybricks-opening-the-pandoras-box-of-mmo-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/storybricks-opening-the-pandoras-box-of-mmo-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/storybricks-opening-the-pandoras-box-of-mmo-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Storybricks pre-alpha
"I could make a better game than this!"

At one point or another, we've all said this, usually in disgust after we've become fed up with another tired MMO trope or lazy quest design. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the good fortune to work for a major game studio and thus will never see our brilliant ideas come to fruition.

Except that this may no longer be true. Enter Namaste Entertainment's Storybricks, a bold and intriguing concept aimed at putting game design in the hands of Joe and Jane Gamer. Namaste is a small startup that began in 2010 when its team members got tired of derivative titles and mechanics in the industry. Storybricks is the team's first project, and while it's still in its infancy, it's already started to capture the imaginations -- and excitement -- of gamers everywhere.

At this past week's GenCon, I caught up with Brian "Psychochild" Green and the rest of the Namaste crew as they publicly demoed Storybricks to the gaming crowd. Hit the jump as we look at why this program may just be the answer to a question you've never fully asked.

Continue reading Storybricks: Opening the Pandora's box of MMO design

MassivelyStorybricks: Opening the Pandora's box of MMO design originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aibrian-greencity-of-heroescohfeaturedgencongencon-2011gencon-indyinterviewinterviewskelly-heckmanlegoliz-danforthnamastenamaste-entertainmentneverwinter-nightsnpcnwnpgcplayer-created-contentplayer-generated-contentpsychochildsecond-lifestar-trek-25th-anniversarystar-trek-onlinestostorybrickswastelandMon, 08 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I love taking screenshots. There, I said it. Give me endless zones with nooks and crannies to explore around every corner and I'll take screenshots of them. I'm currently sitting at 11.2 Gigs -- just for Runes of Magic. Buildings, landscapes, caves, outfits, weapons, mounts; You name it, and I've probably taken a screenshot of it. Oddly enough, it's the action shots I usually don't try to capture. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy capturing a good light show as my guild face-plants a boss, but the majority of my screenshots folder is overwhelmingly filled with persistent-world shots devoid of player characters.

Many of the factions in RoM have unique architecture and flags signifying their peoples. I've dug through the beast I call a screenshot folder and put together a visual trip through the many different ways factions choose to advertise. Did I say there were many? There are. I didn't include every last faction-flag I could find, but I've chosen from some of the more common ones -- and some of my favorites. As you'll see, there are some really great designs that help immerse you in RoM. I love these little attentions to detail that show the effort developers put into designing a world.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbariancapracentaurscyclopsfactionsfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveice-dwarfice-dwarvesjeremy-strattonleoninelost-pages-of-taboreaminotaursnpcobsidian-strongholdorder-of-the-dark-gloryraceracesromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentvaranasMon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Storyteller]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/one-shots-storyteller/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/one-shots-storyteller/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/one-shots-storyteller/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'm always captivated with NPC life in MMOs -- what these not-so-essential characters are doing in the background of our unbridled heroism. Here's a charming scene in Lord of the Rings Online's Hobbiton, where a matronly storyteller is spinning a yarn for two fascinated children and one sleeping slacker. My only regret is that you never hear the story; I guess that's between these characters and them alone.

This past week, Massively writers spotlighted some of their personal favorite One Shots. Starting tomorrow will be free-for-all week for you, our readers. Send any eye-catching, beautiful, scary, or generally epic screenshot to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll pick the best of the best for this week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Storyteller originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleryhobbithobbitonlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronpcone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsstorystorytellerstorytellingSun, 24 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World lead writer talks MMO characters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-secret-world-lead-writer-talks-mmo-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-secret-world-lead-writer-talks-mmo-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-secret-world-lead-writer-talks-mmo-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Funcom has released the latest salvo in its story-focused marketing campaign for The Secret World, and the new info comes courtesy of a dev blog by lead writer Dag Scheve. Scheve talks at length about NPC characters in the game and even goes so far as to lay out something of a mission statement.

"We want our characters to provide an experience beyond that of a mission terminal. We want them to be memorable in their own right, and to be a mirror to the world they inhabit," he explains.

While details on how this will be accomplished are scarce, Scheve does spend a bit of time discussing cinematics and even describes a few of his personal favorites from the upcoming game. Check in with Massively on Wednesday as we chat with Scheve about MMO story and how it's received by today's audiences.

MassivelyThe Secret World lead writer talks MMO characters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersdag-schevedev-blogdev-diaryfantasyfuncomhorrormission-terminalsnpcstorythe-secret-worldtswMon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall activity report highlights game-changing revamps, recent patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The March 31st patch was a big step for Darkfall, with everything from skill gain rates to the meditation system to the alignment and crafting systems on the receiving end of some developer love. Aventurine is just warming up, though, and the latest activity report illustrates what's next for sandbox PvP fans all over the world.

Work continues on racial area revamps; the Mirdain and Alfar sections of Agon are nearly complete. Aventurine's Tasos Flambouras also hints at some exciting PvE updates, including trap doors and various gameplay physics tweaks designed to delight Agonian dungeoneers. There's also a good bit of info on NPC and monster AI revamps and re-population, new player character and armor models, and a mention of new sound, lighting, and GUI systems, all of which are building toward the game-changing revamp that Aventurine has mentioned previously. Check out all the details on the Darkfall epic blog.

MassivelyDarkfall activity report highlights game-changing revamps, recent patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aialfaraventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-epic-blogdarkfall-relaunchdev-blogdev-diaryfantasymirdainmobsnpcpatchespvepvpre-populationrelaunchrevampsandboxtasostasos-flambourasupdatesMon, 04 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI brings updates for adventuring fellows]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/final-fantasy-xi-brings-updates-for-adventuring-fellows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/final-fantasy-xi-brings-updates-for-adventuring-fellows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/final-fantasy-xi-brings-updates-for-adventuring-fellows/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While Final Fantasy XI's Adventuring Fellows have always been an excellent idea, some of the implementation hasn't been quite as strong. A combination of a short summon time and strict limitations on where your fellow can be active have always hampered the system. The next update for the game is aimed at addressing several of these issues, however, giving players more reasons to call a fellow out and more opportunities to do so throughout the world.

Active duration for fellows has been doubled across the board, with new fellows staying for 90 minutes and increasing to 180 minutes at maximum bond. The number of enemies that can be engaged has been increased even more significantly; your fellow will initially engage 50 enemies before departing, rising to 100 enemies at the apex. Combine that with several new areas for Final Fantasy XI players to call their backup NPC, and there's the hope that your fellow will be less of an occasional buff and more of a near-constant companion.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI brings updates for adventuring fellows originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuring-fellowbuffsfellowffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiimprovementsnpcnpc-companionpatchespending-updatessquaresquare-enixsystem-updatesupdatesFri, 01 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall blog details PvE tweaks, hints at big PvP changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/darkfall-blog-details-pve-tweaks-hints-at-big-pvp-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/darkfall-blog-details-pve-tweaks-hints-at-big-pvp-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/darkfall-blog-details-pve-tweaks-hints-at-big-pvp-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Exciting things are afoot in the world of Agon, and Aventurine's weekly Darkfall activity report is here to fill you in on all the grisly details. Whether you're keen on seeing one of your personal weapon designs imported into the game or curious about the ongoing PvE and AI updates, this week's entry makes for interesting reading.

To kick things off, Aventurine's Tasos Flambouras gives us the low-down on grungrocs, and these gnarly boar-like bipeds are bent on ruining every adventurer's day. There's also talk of boss fight tweaks, and Flambouras writes that there are "significant changes" coming to high-end PvE content including damage cap adjustments, fight tuning, and loot table changes.

Darkfall's PvP is getting some love as well, and new land-based objectives (similar to the game's sea fortresses) are in the works. Flambouras also hints at a new "Arena" project and "a lot more we're doing with PvP" that will be revealed at a later date. Finally, all Darkfall accounts have been gifted with 25,000 meditation points (the game's offline leveling currency) to celebrate the title's second anniversary. Check out the full presentation on the Darkfall Epic Blog.

MassivelyDarkfall blog details PvE tweaks, hints at big PvP changes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activity-reportaiaventurineaventurine-saboss-fightscontestdarkfalldarkfall-design-a-weapon-contestdarkfall-onlinedesign-a-weapon-contestepic-bloggrungrocmobsnpcpvepvpsandboxtasostasos-flambourasupdatesMon, 14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It is fun, I've decided, to overthink things in life. This is especially relevant in MMOs, where we've long since taken absolutely bizarre staples as the accepted status quo. Sure, it's all polite fiction that allows developers to merge necessary game mechanics with a veneer of credibility, but many elements of MMOs simply fall apart when put under the microscope.

Case in point, the NPC. Is there a figure in online games that more symbolizes the thin barrier between the server database and user playerbase than the non-player character? NPCs exist to fill the world with warm bodies so that places don't feel empty, yet they also exhibit no more life than a mannequin with a tape recorder strapped to its back. These cardboard cutouts of the MMO scene are either reanimated corpses struggling to remember basic quest-giving instructions, or else they're prisoners of a foul witch who has struck the entire land with a paralyzing spell.

So even though it's 2011 and you'd think that NPCs would be showing us more signs of life than swiveling slightly when we approach, I'm happy to jump in and offer my opinion as to the secret life of these figures. What makes them tick? What do they get out of helping -- and prodding -- us into action? Why don't they ever sleep or use the bathroom? Just who are these people we encounter and dismiss every day?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbartenderfeaturedlovemannequinnon-player-charactersnpcnpcsperfect-10perfect-tenretiredretirementsidekicktavernteacherthe-perfect-tentop-10top-tentop-ten-listtrainerturgoth-the-destructorvendorThu, 10 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What NPCs stick in your memory?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-npcs-stick-in-your-memory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-npcs-stick-in-your-memory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-npcs-stick-in-your-memory/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm not fond of a lot of the storytelling on display in the Prophecies campaign of Guild Wars, but I have to admit that, against all logic, I was happy when Gwen showed up again. I joked about her, I complained about her uselessness and her irritating habits, but the fact that she turned up alive again always tickled me on some level. When I think about the game, I think of her, and her trials and tribulations stuck with me long after Prince Rurik had all but vanished into memory.

In an MMO with any sort of story, some NPCs are going to stand out to different people. Even beyond the signature characters of a game's box art, incidental figures wind up getting embedded in the consciousness of players. Maybe it's one of the recurring heroes in the City of Heroes tip missions, or perhaps it's one of the more amusing mission NPCs in Star Trek Online. Whatever the reason, what NPCs stick in your mind regardless of their importance or lack thereof?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What NPCs stick in your memory? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcultureguild-warsgwmajor-npcsmemoryminor-npcsnpcnpcsopinionrecollectionsignature-charactersstar-trek-onlinestostorystorylinetdgthe-daily-grindThu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion releases new RIFT Orphiel Farwind lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/trion-releases-new-rift-orphiel-farwind-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/trion-releases-new-rift-orphiel-farwind-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/trion-releases-new-rift-orphiel-farwind-lore/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With all the attention paid to RIFT's classes, souls, and game mechanics in general, it's easy to forget that the world of Telara has a fairly deep backstory. Whether or not most players will digest or appreciate the title's lore while grinding towards the level cap is anyone's guess, but Trion has nonetheless injected some interesting flavor into its upcoming fantasy MMO.

The latest example of Telarian lore is an account of Orphiel Farwind, a controversial and somewhat mysterious figure who plays a notable role in the Defiant mission to create an army of Ascended heroes. Join us after the cut for a bit of backstory and some art assets relating to the fabled character.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Continue reading Trion releases new RIFT Orphiel Farwind lore

MassivelyTrion releases new RIFT Orphiel Farwind lore originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorydiariesfantasylorenpcorphielorphiel-farwindpverifttelaratriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsWed, 09 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The Professor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This past week on January 3rd, J.R.R. Tolkien celebrated his 118th birthday -- or rather, we celebrated it for him. Tolkien was born in South Africa in 1892 and lived a rich and full life, from fighting in the first World War to working on the Oxford English Dictionary to taking a position at several universities that would earn him the nickname "The Professor."

He is, of course, most well-remembered for his seminal works of fantasy -- The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion -- although his writings didn't end there. Due to Tolkien's love of nature, linguistics, and mythology, his creations were born out of comprehensive backgrounds and rich histories, which he seemed to love making up just as much as the stories themselves.

For years now, Tolkien fans around the world have remembered his birthday by raising a glass on his birthday and giving a simple toast, "The Professor," at 9:00 p.m. wherever they lived. Likewise, in Lord of the Rings Online, many players gathered at their tavern of choice to do the same.

Today I thought I'd remember the Professor in a slightly different way by exploring the quest chain "Missing the Meeting." While it's not completely overt if you happened to come across it, "Missing the Meeting" is a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien and his life, and it's worth going through at least once if you want to pay homage and get a nifty token by which to remember him.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Professor

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Professor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bird-and-baby-innbirthdaybrandywinebullroarers-swardcarlo-williamscharles-williamschronicles-of-narniacs-lewiseagle-and-child-pubelfevendimfeaturedfrostbluff-theatrehomagehugo-dysoninklingsjack-lewisdownjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelost-doglost-leaflotrolotro-wikimiddle-earthmissing-the-meetingnarnianpcowen-barfieldowen-farfieldoxford-english-dictionarypipepostal-servicequestronald-dwaleroverandomsouth-africathe-hobbitthe-inklingsthe-professorthe-silmarilliontoasttolkientolkiennaturbineuniversity-of-oxfordworld-war-iyule-festivalFri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CABAL readies Episode V expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/cabal-readies-episode-v-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/cabal-readies-episode-v-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/cabal-readies-episode-v-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

CABAL Online is gearing up for its latest expansion, and the meaty Episode V: Mercenaries looks to add quite a bit of content to the free-to-play action MMORPG. Chief among the additions are a mailing system, a complete revamp of the dungeon and loot drop systems, and the titular NPC mercs.

The new mercenary system gives players the ability to summon an NPC ally inside of the game's dungeons, while simultaneously providing new objectives thanks to a variety of different mercs available to find and recruit. Six different NPCs will be available initially, with new and stronger flavors set for future release.

Episode V is also bringing dual pet functionality to CABAL, as well as a variety of features centered around the game's dungeons. Players may now pause dungeon encounters, talk to competing groups via a dungeon chat channel, and keep track of entry requirements on the new dungeon interface. The expansion is slated for December, and we'll keep you posted as a firm release date becomes available. In the meantime, check out the gallery of new screenshots below.

Gallery: CABAL Online - Episode V: Mercenaries

MassivelyCABAL readies Episode V expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabalcabal-onlinechat-channeldual-petsdungeon-pausedungeonsepisode-vepisode-v-mercenariesf2pfree-to-playhirelingsloot-dropsmailing-systemmercenariesmercsnpcFri, 03 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online is often thought of as a strongly PvP-based game, with player conflict and competition at the heart of practically every activity the game offers. Competition for resources, power, and notoriety routinely drive players to disintegrate each other's ships, but this effect isn't limited to just PvP. Miners compete with each other for ore on a daily basis, for example, and traders fight for market supremacy. EVE's competitive sandbox element is such a headline feature that PvE often takes a back seat in discussions about the game.

EVE's combat-based PvE comes in the form of repeatable agent missions, hidden exploration sites, and deadly Sleeper encounters. While most of these can be completed solo by experienced pilots with a well-designed ship, they're often much faster and more fun when done in groups. The lack of a limit to how many pilots can be brought on PvE expeditions even makes it feasible to take newer players along to tough missions, something that doesn't happen in most MMOs.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why EVE's PvE is so inherently soloable, which types of PvE encounters are well suited to group play, and what the future holds for EVE's possibly neglected group PvE content.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesemergenceemergenteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedgroupincursionmissionmission-runningmissionsnpcnpcspvesandboxsleepersleeperssoloSun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV discusses companions and crafting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/final-fantasy-xiv-discusses-companions-and-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/final-fantasy-xiv-discusses-companions-and-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/final-fantasy-xiv-discusses-companions-and-crafting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the more frequent complaints about the nature of Final Fantasy XIV is that the game doesn't go out of its way to be accessible. If anything, it revels in a solid veil of mystery and encouragement for players to experiment. That doesn't sit well with everyone, however, which is no doubt why Square-Enix is making a conscious effort to expand the resources on the official player site as a basic reference. The most recent update has seen some common questions about crafting answered, as well as a brief guide to choosing a path companion.

Path companions are an element of the game introduced at the start of the fifth main story quest, giving you an NPC who accompanies you on the missions. There are a multitude of different personalities, determined by race and gender, with the short guide provided explaining how each choice affects the outcome. The brief rundown on crafting is also illuminating, as it highlights certain heretofore unknown elements of the system -- such as a character's elemental affinity helping to determine what sort of crystals and shards come from gathering. Final Fantasy XIV players are encouraged to check both pieces.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV discusses companions and crafting originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>companioncraftingffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlodestonenpcofficial-faqpath-companionplayer-sitesquaresquare-enixstorystory-arcstory-questsstorylinesythensisthe-lodestoneSat, 02 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint announces key characters in Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bigpoint, the creator of upcoming browser-based MMO Battlestar Galactica Online, has revealed a part of the game that fans have been speculating on for a while. The names of key characters have been announced, and you'll certainly see plenty of familiar ones.

These characters will be NPCs, placed in the game to "create a deeper connection to the storyline, provide quests and accentuate the dramatic tension that the series is known for delivering expertly."

On the human side, you'll find William and Lee "Apollo" Adama, Starbuck and Apollo and Galen "Chief" Tyrol. The Cylon roster will be made up of One, Two, Six and Eight. (Sorry guys, no Three.)

Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz is pleased with these additions to the game: "These characters brought to life the story and captured the imaginations of a whole new generation of Battlestar Galactica fans and we felt strongly that they needed to appear in the game."

You can sign up for the game newsletter and receive more updates through the BSG Online site.

[Editor's Note: Whoops, we made a mistake in our list! Fixed that for you. ~Sera]

MassivelyBigpoint announces key characters in Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-basedbsgbsg-onlineheiko-hubertznpcsyfySat, 14 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Six things to do on your first day in game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/exploring-eberron-six-things-to-do-on-your-first-day-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/exploring-eberron-six-things-to-do-on-your-first-day-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/exploring-eberron-six-things-to-do-on-your-first-day-in-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So you've given into temptation, downloaded DDO onto your hard drive, and decided to see what all the hubbub was about with Turbine's quirky MMO-that-could. Good for you -- personally, I think you're in for a terrific time. Of course, there's a small but steep learning curve at the start of the game, which I envision claims the lives of many gamers who run all willy-nilly into said wall screaming, "Where is the auto-attack keyyyyy?" You want to avoid that. You want your DDO experience to be face-smashing-wall free.

Therefore, I have pulled myself out of a Fun Dip coma (soooo much sugar) to cobble together six vitally important tasks to perform on your first day in game in order to save the princess. Or make your life easier, I don't know. I'm assuming that you've already made your first character and are itching to test drive that bad boy or girl and see how quickly you can die.

Man, I bet you really wish Rubi were back already, huh? Wish harder, dude!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: Six things to do on your first day in game

MassivelyExploring Eberron: Six things to do on your first day in game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-lotterydonkey-kongdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpectationsexploring-eberronfeaturedguidejeetskorthoskorthos-islandlotterymyddo.commylotro.comnew-player-experiencenewbienpcshut-up-jeetssunny-korthosturbineuiuser-interfaceFri, 30 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What makes you feel like a hero?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-feel-like-a-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-feel-like-a-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/the-daily-grind-what-makes-you-feel-like-a-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's always been a big to-do in MMORPGs about making you feel like a hero (and, hey, all RPGs ever). Dev interviews, particularly before release, usually include discussion about how such-and-such will make the player feel important, feel central to the story, feel... heroic.

Of course, when everyone else and his or her specially trained dog or cat are doing the exact same thing, it's hard to feel like a unique snowflake in the hero crowd. While NPCs are supposedly helpless and need a dashing, daring stud or studette to champion their cause, after a while it may seem like they're more "lazy bums" than "weak innocents."

Or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there's something in MMOs that does, in fact, make you feel like a hero. Maybe it's not anything scripted by the developers, but instead happens out of the blue. Perhaps you're the healer who kept your raid alive, or the person who gave up a night to help out a lowbie in the guild. Maybe you saved a total stranger from annihilation, or you chained sixteen crits in a row until the bad guys were weeping for mercy.

What makes you feel like a hero in MMOs?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What makes you feel like a hero? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heroheroesnpcopinionstudettetdgthe-daily-grindyou-are-not-a-unique-snowflakeSun, 25 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Ratting, part 2: Flying safe!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/eve-evolved-ratting-part-2-flying-safe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/eve-evolved-ratting-part-2-flying-safe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/eve-evolved-ratting-part-2-flying-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week I discussed the basics of the "ratting" profession in EVE Online, from picking a good system to three popular ratting strategies. If you're planning to hunt NPCs in nullsec, of course, you'll need to get there first. Pilots who aren't in an alliance with secure access to nullsec will have to run the gauntlet from empire space to their chosen ratting system. The entry points into EVE's nullsec regions are often camped during peak hours and you can expect to run into roaming gangs. Things get a little easier once you're at your destination, but you can still expect to see the occasional pilot or gang passing through the system. Your ability to get into nullsec safely and your efficiency at ratting will be determined largely by the ship you're using and how it's set up. For someone who's never been to nullsec before, setting up a ship for the task and heading into the void can be a daunting task.

In this article, I look at selecting the appropriate ship for ratting, some popular ship setups and important safety tips that will help keep your ship safe in hostile territory.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Ratting, part 2: Flying safe!

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Ratting, part 2: Flying safe! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angel-cartelblood-raiderbubbleccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedguidesisknpcnpcspiratespveratsrattingsanshaserpentistipsSun, 30 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Ratting, part 1: Strategies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/eve-evolved-ratting-part-1-strategies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/eve-evolved-ratting-part-1-strategies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/eve-evolved-ratting-part-1-strategies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There are plenty of ways to make ISK in EVE Online, from exploration and mission-running to trading or any number of alternative professions. One of the oldest and most popular ways to make a reliable income in EVE is hunting the pirate NPCs that spawn in asteroid belts, an activity known as "ratting". Ratting is probably the best way to repair the low security status you'll be left with if you engage in piracy or suicide ganks. For those who live in nullsec, it's often the primary way to farm ISK for replacement ships to support PvP activities. Some players who don't have access to nullsec through their corporation or alliance even sneak characters in for the sole purpose of ratting. If done properly, it can make more ISK than level 4 missions and there's always that chance of finding rare faction and officer NPCs with valuable loot.

In the first of this two-part guide, I look at where to find the best NPCs, how to find a good system for ratting and the three most popular ratting strategies.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Ratting, part 1: Strategies

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Ratting, part 1: Strategies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameschainchainingeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefarmingfeaturedisknpcnpcsratsrattingSun, 23 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind continues updating new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Face of Mankind recently got a nice-sized update in the form of NPCs to hand out quests and a brand new city. Duplex Systems is continuing to fine-tune these updates by adding to them, and players will find even more new content in the next few weeks.

For those of you who found the new NPC system a bit confusing, there is now a tutorial in-game to help you get your bearings. Face of Mankind's unusual setup meant that more than a few players gave up on figuring things out, and Duplex acknowledges that, hoping that the tutorial will induce players to give them a second chance. The tutorials will be worth your while in either case, as they will offer significant monetary rewards.

You'll find some changes to combat in Face of Mankind as well, including the addition of a recoil system for a little extra realism -- you'll need a little extra skill to hit your target as you compensate for the recoil now -- as well as faster overall combat speeds.

Finally, the city of Berlin has been re-introduced as a completely lawless city: killing other players will no longer earn penalty points, so watch your back. Take a look at the Face of Mankind site to learn more about these latest updates.

MassivelyFace of Mankind continues updating new content originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlinduplexduplex-systemsf2pface-of-mankindface-of-mankind-tutorialfree-to-playnpcnpcsMon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Mob Grudge Match]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/the-daily-grind-mob-grudge-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/the-daily-grind-mob-grudge-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/the-daily-grind-mob-grudge-match/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ahh, little mobs, you pieces of innocuous computer code you. Standing still or roaming in a set pattern, you live to serve us -- walking bags of experience and loot just waiting to be cracked open. Sure, maybe sometimes you run away when you're hurt (which only ticks us off more) or call out to your buddies when you want them to die as well, but truly, you live a life free of sophistication. You live, you die, you make us better, and then you live once more.

Except that's not always the case, is it? Sometimes there's a particular mob that seems to declare a grudge match against you. It's the mob that kills you more often than not, the mob that has a really nasty trick or two up its sleeve, the mob that's stalking you with diligence that's not usually seen outside of a restraining order. What one mob has you seeing red every time it appears? What mob do you attack with a vengeance no matter what, even if you out-level it by the score? What mobs have grated so much that you've declared a crusade against their kind? Grudge match: GO!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Mob Grudge Match originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crusadegrudge-matchmobsnpcopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 09 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/eve-mission-runners-and-their-tormentors-rejoice-new-level-4-ag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mission running in EVE Online is one of the more lucrative activities players can spend their time doing, at least while in the safety of high security space. The cumulative rewards from NPC bounties, loyalty points, salvage, and loot -- in addition to the mission rewards from NPC agents -- make Level 4 missions a decent ISK/hour income for many of EVE Online's pilots. Level 4 missions are the most popular, due to their relative ease and multiple battleship (high bounty) NPC spawns which yield better loot drops and more salvage components, as well as optimal loyalty point gain. However, the grouping of agents that give the best missions leads to 'mission hubs' where hundreds of players operate in the same solar systems.

The latest dev blog by EVE's lead content creator CCP Molock is simply titled "New Level 4 Agents", and deals with dispersing the crowds (and clutter) from some of the high sec mission hubs in New Eden. CCP Games has added twenty-three new level 4 agents to the game in locations a bit removed from the heavily populated mission hubs, hopefully encourage more mission runners to fill quieter solar systems in the galaxy. Molock lists the new agents, along with their corporation and quality, as well as system security ratings for each location.

Continue reading EVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added

MassivelyEVE mission runners and their tormentors rejoice! New Level 4 agents added originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bountiesbountyccp-gamesccp-molockconcorddev-blogdev-blogseveeve-onlinegame-mechanicslevel-4-missionslootloyalty-pointslpmissionmission-hubsmission-runningmissionsnew-edennpcnpcspvesalvagesci-fiSun, 31 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE lore blends sci-fi with horror in Blood Raiders pirate faction Chronicle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/eve-lore-blends-sci-fi-with-horror-in-blood-raiders-pirate-facti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/eve-lore-blends-sci-fi-with-horror-in-blood-raiders-pirate-facti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/eve-lore-blends-sci-fi-with-horror-in-blood-raiders-pirate-facti/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The sci-fi game EVE Online is well known for being a title where player-driven activities like corporate espionage, piracy, and sweeping galactic warfare are daily occurrences. The game has a rich backstory behind it though; EVE's setting of New Eden continually gains more depth and new dimensions through bi-weekly Chronicles written by EVE developer CCP Abraxas. Since EVE's players are ship-bound in actual gameplay (until Walking in Stations is released), the game's lore adds something that a number of pilots have gotten into, with player corporations and alliances siding with a given faction discussed in the backstory. A fair amount of the Chronicles focus on New Eden's four (playable) races and regimes -- and the Empyrean Age expansion brought factional warfare into the game -- but there are also a few notable criminal organizations presented in EVE's lore.

Perhaps the most disturbing among them is The Blood Raider Covenant, a pirate NPC faction in the game that many EVE players know as their enemy through mission running, exploration content, or simply 'ratting' in asteroid belts. EVElopedia describes them as "a particularly gruesome sect of the generally reviled Sani Sabik cult. While all modern Sani Sabik rituals use blood in some manner or another, the Covenant places particular value on the blood of cloned humans, and is utterly ruthless in obtaining it, regularly boarding other spacecraft and abducting all aboard. From their base in Delve they launch lightning raiding parties and surprisingly well coordinated incursions deep into Empire space in pursuit of their goals." Their place in the game's lore provides fertile ground for mixing horror with sci-fi. Some EVE players have even established corporations and alliances aligned with the Blood Raider Covenant and the latest addition to EVE's lore focuses on this bloodthirsty faction.

Continue reading EVE lore blends sci-fi with horror in Blood Raiders pirate faction Chronicle

MassivelyEVE lore blends sci-fi with horror in Blood Raiders pirate faction Chronicle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryblood-raiderblood-raider-covenantblood-raidersccp-abraxasccp-gameseveeve-onlineevelopediafactionsfictionhorrorlorenew-edennpcnpcspiracypiratesani-sabiksci-fiTue, 19 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Burning Sea takes bold step to curb mission farming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-takes-bold-step-to-curb-mission-farmi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-takes-bold-step-to-curb-mission-farmi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-takes-bold-step-to-curb-mission-farmi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The latest devlog for Pirates of the Burning Sea is written by Lum and focuses on improving the game's mission system, particularly fixing the problem of mission farming. Lum writes, "When we create big mission arcs, we design them to be a fun, engaging, and most importantly, a linear experience. We want players to get a sense of story and to do something interesting. We also want to reward players who accomplish the goals for those missions."

He says that mission farming and the in-game monetary rewards aren't necessarily the problem, although it's not what the devs had in mind for players. Lum says that since people stop to repeat the most lucrative parts of a given mission arc, they're not experiencing the game as it was intended for the players. Even worse, some players make faction choices on the basis of how lucrative a certain mission with that faction is. Flying Lab Software wants to change missions in Pirates of the Burning Sea so that players are continually progressing through stories rather than motivated to remain in place to reap the gold harvest.

Gallery: Pirates of the Burning Sea core gallery

Continue reading Pirates of the Burning Sea takes bold step to curb mission farming

MassivelyPirates of the Burning Sea takes bold step to curb mission farming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devlogexperiencefactionsfantasyfarmingflying-labflying-lab-softwaregoldhistoricallootlummission-farmingmissionsnpcnpcsopen-seapiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapvequest-farmingquestsMon, 18 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest EVE Online Chronicle a moral tale of sabotage and retribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/latest-eve-online-chronicle-a-moral-tale-of-sabotage-and-retribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/latest-eve-online-chronicle-a-moral-tale-of-sabotage-and-retribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/latest-eve-online-chronicle-a-moral-tale-of-sabotage-and-retribu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EVE Online differs from other massively multiplayer online games out there in that it's as much a setting as it is a game; its galactic setting of New Eden isn't divided across shards. This helps the game's lore creators conjure up a sense that the stories of New Eden echo throughout and define a single expansive galaxy, at least for those who choose to get into the game's backstory.

EVE's lore has been building up for years as short Chronicles and even in novel form, creating a substantial yet growing body of work that fleshes out the gritty setting. We don't cover all of the Chronicle releases at Massively but we do tend to highlight those that have a direct bearing on the game's lore, rather than those that add flavor. Still, now and again a story comes along that really stands out. That was the case with this week's Chronicle titled "All These Lives are Fit to Ruin" by CCP Abraxas, the description of which was one simple word: "Sabotage". This caught our interest and, in this writer's opinion after having read the Chronicle twice, "All These Lives are Fit to Ruin" may be one of the best stories Abraxas has written thus far.

Continue reading Latest EVE Online Chronicle a moral tale of sabotage and retribution

MassivelyLatest EVE Online Chronicle a moral tale of sabotage and retribution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycapsuleersccp-abraxasccp-gameseveeve-chronicleeve-chronicleseve-onlinefactionsguristasloremoralitynew-edennpcnpcspiracypiratepiratespveretributionrevengesabotagesci-fisettingWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apocrypha expansion for EVE Online launches Tuesday, March 10th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/apocrypha-expansion-for-eve-online-launches-tuesday-march-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/apocrypha-expansion-for-eve-online-launches-tuesday-march-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/apocrypha-expansion-for-eve-online-launches-tuesday-march-10th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


As CCP Games rolls out the most significant expansion for EVE Online to date, Apocrypha, players should prepare themselves for an extended 13-hour downtime, lasting from 03:00 GMT to (est.) 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, March 10th. Storyline updates in the form of news reports will continue throughout downtime, kicking off the backstory of the Apocrypha expansion. Massively has a solid overview of Apocrypha for you, most recently a visual tour of the expansion and a hands-on with the developers, explaining EVE's new features.

Patch Notes for this 10th EVE expansion are up as well. Updates to the patch notes will be made in green, and you can follow the highlighted links to all of the relevant dev blogs explaining the various facets of Apocrypha. We've covered much of this content at Massively, but two recent dev blogs from CCP explain how the new exploration system will work and what exactly makes the Sleeper NPC race's AI so formidable.

Continue reading Apocrypha expansion for EVE Online launches Tuesday, March 10th

MassivelyApocrypha expansion for EVE Online launches Tuesday, March 10th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccp-gamesdev-blogdowntimeeve-onlineexpansionsextended-downtimelaunchesnpcpatch-notesracessci-fiserver-downtimesleepersthe-sleepersMon, 09 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video shows EVE Online's Sleeper NPC race in action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/video-shows-eve-onlines-sleeper-npc-race-in-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/video-shows-eve-onlines-sleeper-npc-race-in-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/video-shows-eve-onlines-sleeper-npc-race-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The ancient NPC race in EVE Online known as the Sleepers will soon come into conflict with EVE's capsuleers in the Apocrypha expansion, only a few weeks from now. Explorers willing to discover wormholes and take the risk of engaging the Sleepers within will be able to obtain some of their technology, provided they manage to survive the encounter. This could bring wealth by selling the tech outright, or reverse engineering it to create EVE's strategic "Tech III" cruisers -- modular ship designs based in part off of Sleeper technology.

CCP Games has said that the Sleepers will be unlike any NPC type that pilots in the game have ever faced, and that was no exaggeration. Their AI makes fighting these particular NPCs more like fighting other players. That is to say, they react to immediate threats and change their tactics to counter what's thrown at them, to some degree. The video embedded below (captured on the Singularity test server) shows what the Sleepers are capable of against a mixed fleet of players -- with capital ships no less -- that had great difficulty withstanding the ancients.

Check out the raw power of the Sleepers in fullscreen HD, with their sizzling blue beams and warheads absolutely melting battleships and any other threat that demands their attention:

Continue reading Video shows EVE Online's Sleeper NPC race in action

MassivelyVideo shows EVE Online's Sleeper NPC race in action originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccp-gameseveeve-onlineexpansionsgod-is-an-astronautnpcnpcspreviewspvepvpracessci-fisingularitysleepersstrategic-cruiserstech-3tech-iiitest-servervideoSun, 22 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online to introduce new NPC race with Apocrypha expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/eve-online-to-introduce-new-npc-race-with-apocrypha-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/eve-online-to-introduce-new-npc-race-with-apocrypha-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/eve-online-to-introduce-new-npc-race-with-apocrypha-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


PvE gameplay in EVE Online can be profitable, but blasting apart NPC ships can also get repetitive after a while. Anyone who's run a solid week of missions knows this all too well, and the combat dynamic between players and NPCs is something CCP Games will start remedying in the next game expansion: Apocrypha.

EVE dev CCP Ytterbium's dev blog "When Evolution Leaps Forward" has some big news about what's in store for players as of March 10th in Apocrypha. The devs tasked with revamping the game's PvE experience are making some substantial changes to the distribution of bigger and badder NPCs. They're also introducing a new NPC race to New Eden: the Sleepers, an ancient race with technology beyond what is currently available to players, but whose secrets can potentially be unlocked.

Continue reading EVE Online to introduce new NPC race with Apocrypha expansion

MassivelyEVE Online to introduce new NPC race with Apocrypha expansion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiapocryphabattleshipbreakingccpccp-gamesccp-ytterbiumdev-blogeveeve-onlineexpansionsexplorationgame-mechanicslorenew-edennpcpvesci-fisleepersspawnstech-3wormhole-explorationThu, 29 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Burning Sea's new NPC archetypes revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/pirates-of-the-burning-seas-new-npc-archetypes-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/pirates-of-the-burning-seas-new-npc-archetypes-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/pirates-of-the-burning-seas-new-npc-archetypes-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The latest Pirates of the Burning Sea developer blog focuses on the title's avatar combat revamp, which we've discussed a bit at Massively in the past. "AvCom Revamp: NPC Archetypes" is written by PotBS Content Designer Bryan Yarrow, aka 'HighLevelMob?'. In it, he introduces the NPC archetypes and the moves and abilities they can employ.

"Now, NPCs will debuff you, combo you, set up big finishers, support their allies, and do a lot of other cool stuff as well," Yarrow writes. While the developers didn't want to mire the game in too much complexity, they settled on placing all but two kinds of NPCs into one of six archetypes, with several sub-archetypes within. The differing sub-archetypes represent the specific abilities each NPC uses to fulfill his or her role in that archetype. Yarrow broke the NPC archetype list down as:

  • Defenders: largely focused on the parry stat, but with less ability to dodge.
  • Damagers: high offensive stats allow them to deal out damage, at the cost of less defense.
  • Duelists: high parry and increased offense, but they lack the specialization of either a Defender or a Damager. Duelists possess special abilities, such as a riposte attack combined with a parry.
  • Supporters: alternately strengthen allies or weaken enemies.
  • Brutes: soak up damage, but are easier targets coupled with a reduced parry.
  • Gunners: ranged attackers, with low defense against melee attacks.
See Yarrow's "AvCom Revamp: NPC Archetypes" for the full details on how they're changing NPCs in Pirates of the Burning Sea, and more info on roles the various sub-archetypes of NPCs can fulfill.

MassivelyPirates of the Burning Sea's new NPC archetypes revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"CCP fix lag nao!!" That's essentially what this writer has been hearing from players since he began EVE Online, and most assuredly it was being uttered long before that. Whether it's a typical forum whine or something much more clever, the message remains the same: Players really want to have fleet battles with several hundred people at once. After all, the shardless galaxy that players populate, in theory, should allow for that. But in practice, lag can turn such engagements into a slide show. Is it unrealistic to assume that 1000-player fleet battles will ever be a reality in EVE? Time will tell. Still, you'd think that CCP Games didn't care about wiping out lag from much of what you read on the forums.

They're making some inroads with their new server technologies and ongoing initiatives to improve performance, but players still wonder what goes on behind the scenes. The latest in the recent blitz of dev blogs from CCP Games comes from CCP Tanis, "Introducing: the EVE Performance Group," and is an attempt to explain how this group of developers works to make EVE "run better, faster, and smarter." CCP Tanis lays out how they using monitoring, profiling, and debugging tools to try and reduce server load and increase performance.

Continue reading The EVE Performance Group

MassivelyThe EVE Performance Group originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The team at Masthead Studios has released another batch of info on the upcoming Earthrise MMO, through their August newsletter. It's become standard for the Masthead newsletters to profile members of the Earthrise team. This time it's Composer Pavel Benov who's featured. He talks about how he drew upon his punk and hardcore roots to create Earthrise's soundtrack, which will be a fusion of experimental ambient and industrial.

There are also some highlights of the previous month's coverage of the post-apocalyptic title. But most of the revelations come through their Community Manager, Moll, who touches upon where Earthrise is in terms of beta testing. In addition, 'Issue IV' of the Earthrise newsletter has more concept art from the Eastern Gardens Creatures, showing off the npc spawns that will be devouring players when the game goes into beta, which Moll says will be later this year.

MassivelyEarthrise newsletter updates fans on title's progress originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been a long time since Guild Wars players have had any brand new content, so when we got word of a new Hero NPC being added soon, we got very excited. This new hero is named M.O.X. the Golem, and he is an Asuran construct, quoted as being "the ultimate in magic, mechanised party protection." He will be a Dervish class and not available in PvP at all.

However, there's more to the story. This new Hero will be made available in the new Guild Wars: The Complete Collection set due for release on September 5th, 2008. This edition will include all three Guild Wars campaigns, plus the only expansion, Eye of the North. That's not to say it will only be available through this purchased set though, as anyone who owns all three core campaigns on their account as of this Hero's September release date will get their hands on M.O.X.

MassivelyNew Hero added to the Guild Wars NPC line-up originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guild-warsgwheromoxnpcthe-complete-collectionThu, 14 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-lead-content-creator-discusses-new-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Empyrean Age expansion has been a significant content update to EVE Online for players interested in factional warfare. Of course, many players aren't willing to enlist in a militia and be under a constant wardec by their factional enemies, and simply prefer to mission run for their agents. CCP Games announced that new content was in the works, back in June, but the latest EVE Online Newsletter has an updated announcement on this from Lead Content Creator, Scott Holden.

CCP is getting closer to releasing new PvE mission content, Holden says, with Content Creation now based in Atlanta. This will be sped up by new staff on the Content Creation team in addition to the existing freelance writers already turning out EVE mission content. Holden says that new types of missions are coming to New Eden, and hints at 'epic mission arcs'.

Continue reading EVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions

MassivelyEVE Lead Content Creator discusses new missions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantacapsuleerccpccp-gamescontentcontent-creationdevdev-blogempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionfactionfactional-warfaremilitiamissionmission-arcsmission-runnermission-runningnew-edennewsletternewslettersnpcpilotpiratepvesci-fiscott-holdenwhite-wolfWed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online players know what a valuable resource the forums can be in learning about the game or keeping current with what's happening. However, it would be an understatement to say that it's been getting harder to find what you need among all the clutter. CCP Taera's latest dev blog, Forums Refined, announces the forthcoming EVE Online forum revamp, which will go into effect in the coming weeks. The announced changes don't address the search issues that players are well aware of, but rather deal with mergers of existing forum content as well as a few new additions. There will also be clearer descriptions of each forum category, hopefully resulting in fewer moved posts for those who have not trained up Reading Comprehension.

A new addition to the EVE forums will include 'Warfare and Tactics,' for PvP and Factional Warfare discussions. Once this section goes live, members of Factional Warfare NPC corporations lose their rights to post in the Corporations, Alliance and Organization Discussions (CAOD) forum, CCP Taera says. An EVE Gameplay Center category is also being added, which will place 'Science and Industry,' 'Missions and Complexes,' and 'Market Discussions' in one section, keeping them all near the top of the forums. It should have the added benefit of keeping it "easier to find specialized conversations on gameplay topics instead of just posting in General," CCP Taera adds.

Continue reading EVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting

MassivelyEVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We had a fantastic chance to talk with Matt Wilson about The Agency during E3. While a great deal of the footage they showed was largely identical to the footage we'd previously seen, many of Matt's insights about the direction they're taking The Agency in were quite illuminating. From PvP to operatives to vehicular combat and the eventual beta, Matt was generous enough with both his time and knowledge, and let us in on lots of great news and background.

If you've been hungry for more information on some of the different aspects of this upcoming game, be sure to join us after the break for a great overview on this hot upcoming SOE property.

Continue reading E308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency

MassivelyE308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IGN has a scoop on the new 'Nocturnal Sonata' expansion to Sword of the New World, an MMO also known as Granado Espada in Asia. Sword of the New World is a free-to-play title brought to North America and Europe by the K2 Network. Massively has looked at this game in the past and found it to be a quirky title; IGN describes its setting as 'the European Baroque period if it was designed by a modern anime artist'. Sword of the New World becomes even more surreal given that its old world setting is juxtaposed with a techno soundtrack.

Surreal qualities aside, the game has some interesting features, particularly the use of collectible UPCs, or Unique Player Characters. The concept is somewhat comparable to the Heroes in Guild Wars. You control up to three characters at once who are members of your 'family'; certain NPCs for whom you've successfully completed quests offer themselves up to be added to your family as UPCs and called upon to aid you in your adventures. They provide access to special hybrid classes with unique powers to match. There are over 40 such UPCs, and two more are initially being added in the Nocturnal Sonata expansion: Vincent Rio (who inflicts damage with music) and Baek Ho (martial artist extraordinaire). Yet more UPCs are to follow in the coming months, adding new gameplay possibilities to Sword of the New World. The Nocturnal Sonata expansion will be released on June 25, and closely follows the 'The Land of the Dead' expansion released only three months ago.

MassivelySword of the New World expands with Nocturnal Sonata originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hell is about to get even hotter, as Flagship Studios prepares to unleash fresh content for Hellgate: London. Our sister blog Big Download has some posted new screenshots of the upcoming Abyss Chronicles for HG:L, as well as info on the 2.0 and 2.1 updates to the title. Patch 2.0 will be Hellgate: London's second major content update, and brings with it a host of new features and changes to the game. The build is likely to go live on the Test Server in the next week, but until then, here's Big Download's breakdown of the 2.0 changes:

  • A new quest line that covers the spread of the Abyss through Parliament Square and the survivors' efforts to fight back
  • A major rebalancing of the Blademaster class
  • A complete PvP overhaul, including achievements, rankings, rewards, and a new CTF team gametype
  • Changes to the Shared Stash, such as a separate pane for each difficulty
  • Addition of two new trinket slots for players to add rings and such to their characters
  • An attribute respec NPC that allows players to remove points from an attribute for a fee-per-point
  • Three new skills for each class
  • A consignment house (read: auction house) where players can sell stuff to other players without direct trading
Beyond rolling out The Abyss Chronicles with 2.0, the next area Flagship Studios is focusing on is PvP through Patch 2.1. The patch will 'open up an entirely new side to Hellgate: London' by introducing five cohesive elements of PvP in a single update: ranking, matchmaking, rewards, achievements, and Capture the Flag. The end result is what Flagship describes as 'a robust PvP experience.'

MassivelySweeping changes to Hellgate: London in Abyss Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So far there have been two major updates to Funcom's still-new Age of Conan. The third has re-added a much-missed feature: the Trader. Traders are a combination bank, auction house, and mailbox. If you haven't yet had the chance to use them, all you have to do is drop your wares into the bank and set the item as 'for sale'. There's no option to do a traditional auction; other players can purchase your items at the price you list, or not.

Additional tweaks to the game correct a leveling exploit formerly available via the apprenticing system, correct a few class ability issues, and smooth out a number of UI issues. Interestingly, Bear Shamans have had a number of abilities moved to an earlier level, correcting a bug where class representatives weren't getting certain spells at all. For the full notes, read on below the cut.

Gallery: Age of Conan Gallery

Continue reading Age of Conan update re-adds Traders, fixes another leveling exploit

MassivelyAge of Conan update re-adds Traders, fixes another leveling exploit originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocconanexploitfuncomnpcpatchWed, 28 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Physics engine grounds Earthrise players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/physics-engine-grounds-earthrise-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/physics-engine-grounds-earthrise-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/physics-engine-grounds-earthrise-players/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Being grounded in this case is a positive thing. Honest. Moll, the Community Manager for the sci-fi MMO Earthrise, typically fields a 'Question of the Week' over at the game's forums. This time, Moll answered a few related questions in one go, writing about the physics engine in Earthrise. Moll stressed that Masthead Studios wanted to balance client requirements with server load, while trying to build a realistic experience for Earthrise's players:

"The physics engine will run simultaneously on the client and on the server. The server will ensure that the physics results from the client are feasible and prevent cheating. We are using a 3rd party physics core, which can take advantage of hardware and GPU acceleration and also have some internally-coded subsystems." Sound will be tightly integrated with all physics effects in the game, adding another layer of realism. Best of all is the revelation about Earthrise's physics engine: it will feature ragdoll style effects.

Continue reading Physics engine grounds Earthrise players

MassivelyPhysics engine grounds Earthrise players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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