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 Elder Scrolls Online using HeroEngine 'as a whiteboard']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-elder-scrolls-online-using-heroengine-as-a-whiteboard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-elder-scrolls-online-using-heroengine-as-a-whiteboard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-elder-scrolls-online-using-heroengine-as-a-whiteboard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online - using HeroEngine as a whiteboard
Fan outcry over the announcement of The Elder Scrolls Online was long and loud, not just for the presumed MMOification of a beloved single-player franchise, but for the toolset chosen by ZeniMax Online Studios to bring the world of Tamriel to its new audience.

Game Informer confirms that ZeniMax is using the HeroEngine -- which also powers Star Wars: The Old Republic, and which has come under fire from some in the MMO fan community. Game director Matt Firor says that the firm isn't using the engine like you may expect, though.

"Think of HeroEngine as a whiteboard for us -- a great tool to get some ideas in the game and start looking at them while the production engine was in development," he explains.

[Thanks to Austin for the tip!]

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online using HeroEngine 'as a whiteboard' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionshero-engineheroenginematt-firormorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosSat, 26 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Discussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Instead of wiping out these skeletons and the dread necromancer animating them, let's go back to the village and wipe out the villagers. Less complaining.
The Elder Scrolls Online has certain player expectations going in, such as an expectation of the sort of quest structure you usually find in the series. More specifically, it's the sort of structure in which you start off on some simple quest and wind up wandering off into some completely unrelated point of interest. A recent interview with creative director Paul Sage and lead content designer Rich Lambert reveals that the team is aiming for just that sort of model in the game.

As Lambert explains, the team wants to move away from the usual hub design in favor of several points of interest, each of which provides a little snippet of content and story. The points aren't meant to be structured as an A-to-B affair; instead, you have several points of interest in a given region which build into a large overarching story. Take a look at the full interview for more information about how quests will work in the game and how players will be guided through objectives as they play.

MassivelyDiscussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionsgame-designgame-mechanicsmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpoints-of-interestpvpquest-mechanicsquestingquestsrvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpvideovideoszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online
Massively Speaking Episode 202 is hot at the scene of the 38 Studios disaster, and without hyperbole we can say that this is more tragic than Pompeii, the Titanic, and Showgirls combined. Will Curt Schilling's dream team survive this financial crisis? We brought expert analyst Eliot Lefebvre on the podcast to give us his opinion.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcopernicuscurt-schillingd3daggerfalldiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiielder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinef2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2humorjustin-olivettikid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmassively-speakingmorrowindmultiplayerncsoftobliviononline-multiplayeropinionpirate101please-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicuspvproguelikerpgsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpwizard101zenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 202Massively.com Staff01:04:42podcasts<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online Ebonheart Pact faction profiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online: the Ebonheart Pact
The flashlight of knowledge has already been directed at two of The Elder Scroll Online's three main political factions, and now the third is getting a little time in the light. We've already told you about the Daggerfall Covenant and the Aldmeri Dominion, and today Game Informer is closing out ouroboros with the third faction, the Ebonheart Pact.

The alliance that makes up the Ebonheart Pact was first forged after an Akaviri invasion, when the Nords and Dunmer banded together and then cut the Argonians in on the friendliness in order to find safety in numbers. While the Aldmeri Dominion is bent on conquering and ruling, the Ebonheart Pact is really just an attempt to stay alive in a world of invasions and power struggles.

The Dunmer, also called Dark Elves, call the familiar lands of Morrowind home. Skyrim, which a few folks may have heard of thanks to a rather underground game that came out last year, is home to the militant and cold-resistant Nords. The reptilian Argonians, or Saxhleel as they like to call themselves, come from the Black Marsh, also known (by way of total coincidence, I'm sure) as Argonia. They share the area with the Hist, a race of sentient trees, and all matter of poisonous and malicious critters and plants.

If you need help keeping all the names straight (the Nords are also referred to as children of the sky, by the way, although apparently that's an informal title), be sure to read the full profile.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online Ebonheart Pact faction profiled originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonianbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftchildren-of-the-skydaggerfalldark-elvesdunmerebonheart-pactelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionmorrowindnordoblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxsaxhleelskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Firor on The Elder Scrolls Online's '100% solo' personal story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- The Elder Scrolls Online
Games in the Elder Scrolls series have always been about giving players the opportunity to become the game's hero, and it looks like The Elder Scrolls Online will be no different. The title's game director, Matt Firor, has announced that each character's main storyline in the game will be "100% solo."

Firor points back to the previous entries in the series, stating that "in The Elder Scrolls games, you're always the hero... The last thing you want to do is have the final confrontation with Mehrunes Dagon as he's stomping across the Imperial City, and you see like 15 guys behind you waiting to kill him." While it's a good point, we can't help but wonder what kind of an impact this design will have on the social aspect of the MMO, but at this point all we can do is wait and see. Firor's full interview over on Game Informer has plenty of extra information as well, so if you're jonesing for more details, just head on over and check it out for yourself.

MassivelyMatt Firor on The Elder Scrolls Online's '100% solo' personal story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinematt-firormorrowindoblivionpersonal-storypersonal-storylineplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimsolostorystorylinetamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online factions profiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online - Daggerfell Covenant
Three alliances control the political scene in The Elder Scrolls Online's Tamriel, and Game Informer is taking a closer look at all of them, starting with the Daggerfall Covenant and the Aldmeri Dominion.

The Daggerfell Covenant is made up of the Orcs (also called Orsimer), Bretons, and Redguards -- although the latter two are coming out of something of a love-hate relationship, with a history of as much internal conflict as external. Apparently time does heal all wounds, though, because the three races have worked out a democratic system of mutual love and respect. The Orcs and Bretons call the beautiful land of High Rock home, while the Redguard are based in Hammerfell.

The Aldmeri Dominion is a more hostile power composed of the Altmer, the Bosmer, and Khajiit and intent on total domination. Also known as Wood Elves, the Bosmer call Valenwood home (surprise: It's a heavily wooded area) and enjoy tramping through forests, living in harmony with nature, and building cities in migratory trees. The Altmer, or High Elves, can be found in the little-known Summerset Isles. The Khajiit, who missed out on the alternative name lottery, live in Elsweyr, whose climate is ideal for the cultivation of Moon Sugar.

Got all that? Study up, there'll be a test. Feel free to read the full profiles, and keep an eye out for Ebonheart Pact information on Friday.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online factions profiled originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldmeri-dominionbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldaggerfell-covenantelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinegame-informerhigh-rockmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online - Giant orchid monster thing
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Language is a pretty fascinating thing, and studying a second one is something I've long intended to do. Aside from entertaining thoughts of learning Korean to play ArcheAge, though (seriously, I looked into it), I haven't gotten around to much beyond college-level Deutsch.

But as I watched last week's interview with The Elder Scrolls Online creative director Paul Sage, I realized that I already have some pretty good second-language skills. I'm fluent in both English and MMO dev-speak, so as a public service, I'm going to translate some of what Sage said into the former.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldev-speakdeveloper-speakeditorialelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefeaturedmehmorrowindoblivionop-edopinionpaul-sageplease-dont-suckpvprantrantssandboxskyrimsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-soapboxthemeparkthree-faction-pvptodd-howardtranslating-dev-speaktranslating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speakzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst predicts The Elder Scrolls Online will launch with a subscription fee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We're a bit of a ways out from getting dynamic screenshots here.
Are you hoping that The Elder Scrolls Online will be part of the classic subscription model rather than go the free-to-play route? According to analyst Nicholas Lovell, founder of Gamesbrief, the odds are good that you'll get your wish. Lovell notes that since the game began development in 2007, when subscription games were at their apex, Bethesda is likely to launch using the more familiar business model. Whether or not it will remain as a subscription game is another matter.

Of course, the price of play is far from the minds of most fans -- the real question is what the game will look like when it's actually playable. Director Matt Firor recently sat down to discuss the game's earliest stages of development, the relationship between ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethesda, and working within the lore of the established IP. It's an interesting look behind the scenes of development, and if you're interested in the game, watching the video is certain to be six minutes well spent.

MassivelyAnalyst predicts The Elder Scrolls Online will launch with a subscription fee originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldesigndevelopmentelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinematt-firormorrowindnicholas-lovellnick-lovelloblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimsubscriptionsubscription-feestamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/massively-speaking-episode-200-bicentennial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Old Massively
Massively Speaking Episode 200 is a nice round number, and people are supposed to celebrate those, right? Join us for a Very Special Episode, during which Shawn joins Justin and Bree to reminisce about the past, talk about the behind-the-scenes activities on the site, and drop a Tabula Rasa reference or two.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 200: Bicentennial! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybehind-the-scenesbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbicentennialbrantbrianna-roycedaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmorrowindnostalgiaoblivionopinionplease-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvpsandboxskyrimtabula-rasatamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 200Massively.com Staff01:12:11podcasts<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls creative director: We want to make a good game first]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/elder-scrolls-creative-director-we-want-to-make-a-good-game-fir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/elder-scrolls-creative-director-we-want-to-make-a-good-game-fir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/elder-scrolls-creative-director-we-want-to-make-a-good-game-fir/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online - Creative director Paul Sage and some guy from Game Informer
The recently announced Elder Scrolls MMO has a lot to live up to. If the initial fan reaction is any indication, it's not doing as well as you might expect in the court of public opinion. Creative director Paul Sage recently stepped in front of the camera to talk at length about the project, and some of what he has to say probably isn't going to sit well with fans who are concerned that ZeniMax is making a generic themepark MMO out of the much-loved single-player sandbox series.

"We have to make our own game," he tells Game Informer. "We want to make a good game first. Not a good MMO, not a good Elder Scrolls game, we want to make a good game first, a great experience for the player."

MassivelyElder Scrolls creative director: We want to make a good game first originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldev-speakelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinegeneric-mmomorrowindoblivionpaul-sageplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 08 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reckoning
As MMO fans, we're keeping a close eye on 38 Studios for its development of Project Copernicus, the MMO that will serve as the follow-up to next month's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The risk factor of not only developing two major intertwined projects in parallel but to have the additional task of creating a brand-new IP in which to put them must be a pressing one, which is why CVG sat down with Reckoning Lead Designer Ian Frazier to talk about challenges the studio has been tackling.

Frazier outlines the balance the studio's struck between its three big-name creators -- Todd McFarlane (art), R.A. Salvatore (story), and Ken Rolston (design) -- not to mention the ideas that pour in from founder Curt Schilling. Fortunately, Frazier says that these larger-than-life personalities mesh well together: "The nice thing that's worked out is, I think if we'd got three famous game designers, it would have been a disaster: big egos, they're all on the same plane, it wouldn't have worked out. What makes this work is they're all different."

Even though Rolston previously worked on The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, Frazier said the designer wanted to try his hand at something fresh with a better combat system. "They're all great games," Frazier said of the Elder Scrolls series, "and I think they're progressively better, but they're all the same game. It's not like they're radically changing with time."

Frazier said Reckoning has been compared to a "single-player WoW" as well as Dragon Age and Fable, but he insists that the world and ideas the team's been creating will take it far past those basic comparisons.

You can take your first peek into the world of Amalur with the Reckoning demo -- and let us know what you think in the comments!

MassivelyCreating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusCurt-Schillingcvgdragon-ageegoegoselder-scrollsfableIan-FrazierinterviewKen-Rolstonkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningoblivionR.A.-Salvatorera-SalvatorereckoningTodd-McFarlaneworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Massively single-player does not an MMO make]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/free-for-all-massively-single-player-does-not-an-mmo-make/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/free-for-all-massively-single-player-does-not-an-mmo-make/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/free-for-all-massively-single-player-does-not-an-mmo-make/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sims Social screenshot
Oh, the constant attempts at defining how we play. While many of them might seem strange or even laughable, they are all attempts at defining something for the sake of streamlining the sale. If you cannot describe your product to someone, especially in very few words, then it probably isn't going to sell. A while ago I attempted to define what MMORPG means, but I would never pretend that I'm the first one to attempt to do so. After all, the games have changed, the way we connect to them has changed, and the interactions we have with each other have changed. So why not the term?

Nintendo seems to think that "Massively Single-Player" makes for a good description. It's a slightly odd one, if you ask me, for many reasons. But let's look at it anyway and see how it might fit into the world of MMOs.

Click past the cut!

Continue reading Free for All: Massively single-player does not an MMO make

MassivelyFree for All: Massively single-player does not an MMO make originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfacebookfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpmassively-single-playerOblivionsimssocial-gamesthe-sims-socialWed, 21 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda's Todd Howard not interested in an Elder Scrolls MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/bethesdas-todd-howard-not-interested-in-an-elder-scrolls-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/bethesdas-todd-howard-not-interested-in-an-elder-scrolls-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/bethesdas-todd-howard-not-interested-in-an-elder-scrolls-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Skyrim
Whenever the subject of untapped RPG franchises that could make the jump to MMOs comes up, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series is almost always mentioned. After all, if Blizzard and BioWare made the jump, why not the folks behind Oblivion?

In talking with our sister site Joystiq at PAX, Bethesda's Todd Howard fields the question with blunt honesty. "I like this kind of game better," he said. "You know, it's what most of us are into. I'm not really an MMO guy. I respect them, I look at them, but I don't play them. It feels more real to me when I'm the hero and it's crafted for that. A community aspect to it, I recognize a lot of people would want that in a game like this, but it changes the flavor for me.

Of course, one man's feelings toward the genre aren't always enough to stave off corporate demands, but Howard says that isn't the case: "We can just do our thing, and it's kind of grown with each game. So there was no pressure from anybody above me to say 'Hey, you need to change this.'"

That doesn't mean Bethesda will forever abstain from MMOs, however. Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, built an MMO customer support facility in Ireland earlier this year, an indication that online gaming may very well be in the company's future.

MassivelyBethesda's Todd Howard not interested in an Elder Scrolls MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbiowareblizzardelder-scrossirelandjoystiqoblivionpaxpax-prime-2011skyrimtesthe-elder-scrollstodd-howardzenimaxzenimax-mediaWed, 31 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From talking with Richard Bartle, reading his blog, and looking over several interviews that he's done, I've concluded that the co-creator of the first multi-user dungeon is, in many ways, a card. A smart one, a perceptive one, and an outspoken one, but a card nonetheless. I say this in a good way, of course, because for all of the verbal pussyfooting that often goes on in this industry, it's refreshing to hear the voice of someone who knows what he thinks and isn't afraid to say it, even if it goes against the grain.

Dr. Bartle's name often comes up in discussions of both MUDs and MMORPGs. His designs, work and scholarship have influenced MMOs in substantial ways, and it's possible that if our children end up learning about massively multiplayer RPGs in school some day, Bartle's name will be mentioned once or twice.

While he's sometimes polarizing, it's hard to deny the incredible work he's done, which is why I was excited to get to talk to him about this month's subject on the Game Archaeologist. So hit that pesky jump and let's pick the mind of a guy who really earned the right to post "FIRST!!1!"

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertadventureancient-anguishassemblerassembly-languagebaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2bartle-testbatmudBCPLciv1civ2civ3civ4civ5civilizationcoding-headachedarklandsdesigning-virtual-worldsdlcenglish-channelfeaturedfootball-managergemstoneipclegendmudmacro-10master-of-orionmedieviamoomoo2moo3morrowindmudmud1mud2multi-user-dungeonoblivionplay-testerplaytestingrichard-bartlerogueroy-trubshawSETUWPstar-firesunsetThe-Patriciantops-10Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeniMax Online Studios builds new MMO customer support facility]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/zenimax-online-studios-builds-new-mmo-customer-support-facility/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/zenimax-online-studios-builds-new-mmo-customer-support-facility/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/zenimax-online-studios-builds-new-mmo-customer-support-facility/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The folks at ZeniMax Online Studios have founded a new support facility in Galway, Ireland with the intent to provide customer service for "players of future massively multiplayer online games." While some of you are probably wondering just who in the heck ZeniMax is, others have no doubt seen the parent company name scrolling by on the startup screens for Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

ZeniMax Media owns not only ZeniMax Online but also Bethesda Softworks and id Software (the brains behind the Doom franchise). ZeniMax Online is headed by Mythic co-founder Matt Firor, and ex-World of Warcraft dev Rich Barham is serving as the director of customer support. Though the studio has yet to make an official game-related announcement, it's clearly laying the foundation for something big.

MassivelyZeniMax Online Studios builds new MMO customer support facility originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkscustomer-servicedoomelder-scrollsfallout-3fallout-new-vegasmatt-firorMiscellaneousmmo-industryoblivionrich-barhamthe-elder-scrollszenimaxzenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 16 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Elder Scrolls MMO in the works?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just about every MMO player has an IP he'd like to see undergo the MMO treatment. For some of us here at Massively, that IP is Bethesda's long-running Elder Scrolls series. Due to a deep reservoir of lore and the fact that earlier games in the series (notably Morrowind and Daggerfall) were more MMO-like than many modern MMOs, we'd love to see what Bethesda would do with such a beast.

Apparently we're not the only ones, as SystemLink has posted a bit of speculation on a possible The Elder Scrolls V, highlighting a few job postings as evidence in support of its theory. While we're not completely sold on the author's conclusions -- mainly due to Bethesda's plainly articulated stance on the massive genre -- we suspect this won't be the last we hear of an Elder Scrolls MMORPG..

MassivelyRumor: Elder Scrolls MMO in the works? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-Studiosbethesda-mmoBethesda-Softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldo-wantelder-scrollselder-scrolls-mmomorrowindOblivionrumorrumorstestes-mmothe-elder-scrollszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-online-studiosMon, 18 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One thing is for certain: When you are sitting in the crosshairs of Curt Schilling and R.A. Salvatore during an interview, it's easy to become bowled over by their collective intensity and passion, especially when it comes to their interest in games and fantasy worlds.

While GenCon Indy lacked its usual MMORPG presence this year, Massively was able to grab a few minutes of face time with 38 Studios' founder and lead writer as they passed through the convention. It was a bit of an odd interview, however, as two of the biggest topics -- 38 Studios' move to Rhode Island and any solid details about their top-secret MMO -- were off the table for discussion. Do not fret, as that certainly didn't stop us from trying to pry for a few hints along the way. Schilling and Salvatore were obviously eager to spill the beans about Copernicus, but they are still biding their time until the right moment.

Happily, the duo didn't mind us fencing with them for facts, and were quite open about their single-player RPG lead-up to Copernicus, their general philosophy of designing the MMO, and why they've waited so long to unveil it to the public. Read on, gentle gamers, for a few ripostes, parries and lunges with two of the biggest figures in the industry right now.

Continue reading GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios

MassivelyGenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurart-stylecopernicuscurt-schillingeqeq2everquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedforgotten-realmsgencongencon-10gencon-2010gencon-indygencon-indy-10guildsiconsjustin-is-a-hobbitjuttenken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmass-effectmother-earthoblivionr.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningscopethe-elder-scrolls-iv-obliviontodd-mcFarlaneuiultima-onlinewarcraft-3world-buildingworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Nightfall larger than Azeroth?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/guild-wars-elona-desert-larger-than-azeroth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/guild-wars-elona-desert-larger-than-azeroth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/guild-wars-elona-desert-larger-than-azeroth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We here at Massively love to lurk on gaming forums. Aside from the occasional breaking news bit or entertaining discussion, we sometimes stumble across something so interesting that we can't help but share. In this case, a discussion concerning game world size over at GuildWars2Guru.com piqued our interest.

The thread, originally started to discuss a preview article on ArenaNet's forthcoming Guild Wars sequel, quickly veered into new territory, namely the sizes of various worlds both online and off. A user by the name of IceD'Bear even produced a couple of images showing direct map comparisons of games as diverse as the Elder Scrolls series, Grand Theft Auto III, Lord of the Rings Online, and of course Guild Wars.

Now, we know what you're thinking. A game's map size doesn't automatically translate into playable area, and therein lies the rub with these types of comparisons. That said, it makes for a nifty trek down memory lane with regard to old games, and it might add a few onto the list of titles to check out if you're of the explorer persuasion. You can view the map comparisons here and here, and be sure to let us know what you think about the largest game world to date, as well as any games you'd like to see measured against those listed.

MassivelyGuild Wars Nightfall larger than Azeroth? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daggerfallelder-scrollsgame-world-sizegrand-theft-auto-iiijust-causemap-sizeoblivionopinionworld-sizeWed, 02 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Court documents say Bethesda's MMO already under dev, rumor says it's Elder Scrolls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/court-documents-show-bethesdas-mmo-already-underdev-rumor-says/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/court-documents-show-bethesdas-mmo-already-underdev-rumor-says/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/court-documents-show-bethesdas-mmo-already-underdev-rumor-says/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In this most recent round of court scuffles between Interplay and Bethesda over the Fallout MMO rights, it would seem that some details are coming to light about what's going on at Bethesda's MMO "branch", Zenimax Media. According to filings, the word is that there are close to 100 people working on an MMO that costs "tens and tens of millions of dollars" and has been under development since late 2006. Apparently these same filings claim that the title is a "World of Warcraft" type MMO. Of course, considering World of Warcraft is about as equal to McDonalds in terms of brand recognition with its millions and millions served, saying something is like World of Warcraft could mean anything from 'it's a DIKU-based, kill-ten-rats, FedEx, fantasy MMO that looks rather a lot like WoW' on up to 'it's somewhere in the general MMO neighborhood.'

Now, to follow this interesting tidbit up, the word is that Bethesda is moving to have this particular chunk of testimony censored to protect trade secrets. To stir the pot a bit further on why they might be scrambling to block it, VG247 have a source they claim is reliable confirming this is the often-rumored Elder Scrolls MMO. What's more, their source says the Elder Scrolls MMO should have been announced last year.

Continue reading Court documents say Bethesda's MMO already under dev, rumor says it's Elder Scrolls

MassivelyCourt documents say Bethesda's MMO already under dev, rumor says it's Elder Scrolls originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbreakingfallout-3interplaymmommorpgoblivionrumorthe-elder-scrollsunder-developmentzenimax-mediaWed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Roleplaying and the lack of it in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/roleplaying-and-the-lack-of-it-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/roleplaying-and-the-lack-of-it-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/roleplaying-and-the-lack-of-it-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We refer to our genre as MMOs in shorthand, frequently, as an abbreviation of MMORPG. Of course, there are entries that don't fit the mold -- Planetside makes no pretense of being an RPG, for instance, while Second Life is really a virtual environment rather than a game per se. But the roots of the term do define what most MMOs are fundamentally aiming at: being an RPG with a massive component of players. Which is ironic, because as We Fly Spitfires points out, they're not really RPGs at all. They feature the stats and the leveling, but nothing of the larger sense of place and story that the genre hails as its strengths.

Compared to games such as Dragon Age: Origins or Oblivion, it's clear that for all the strength of options we might have in some MMOs, we lack any sense of real character specialization or unique progression. Part of the concern, of course, is content -- you don't want to necessarily force any player who didn't happen to make the right choices in a dialogue tree to miss out on a major endgame event. The ubiquity of communication also helps herd players toward a specific set of specializations or ability tree, with little to no deviation encouraged.

But there's more that can be done, and games such as Star Wars: The Old Republic seem to have a greater intent to focus on individual story and progression. Even if you don't necessarily like the impromptu acting which is usually associated with roleplaying in the genre, it's hard to deny that a greater sense of individual choice and uniqueness would be intoxicating.

MassivelyRoleplaying and the lack of it in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-customizationchoicescustomizingdaodragon-age-originsmmorpgmoral-choicesoblivionplanetsideroleplayingrpgsecond-lifeslstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorwe-fly-spitfiresSun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A first look at Mythos' Overworld]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/a-first-look-at-mythos-overworld/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/a-first-look-at-mythos-overworld/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/a-first-look-at-mythos-overworld/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

What do you call it when the developers of a hotly anticipated free-to-play Diablo-esque MMO decide at virtually the last minute to entirely redesign their game? You could call it crazy, or unwise, but developers of the upcoming title Mythos went ahead and did just that. Many of Flagship Studios' beta players said the game was more than ready to ship as it was, but it wasn't good enough for the developers. They combined all the instanced, single player overland zones into one massive continent, shared among all players. Instead of being reached by maps that led players through narrow paths to dungeons which looked identical from the outside, the devs placed the dungeons, Oblivion-like, through the world.

For the past week, the folks at Flagship promised the Overworld Real Soon Now. A deathwatch was kept on the forums. It was going to be the next day, or the day after, or in a few hours. Players gathered on Mythos' IRC channel where devs tossed out tantalizing hints of what was to come. Then around 9pm EST dev Taylor Balbi advised everyone to re-patch and log in to the Test Center to see the Overworld. He gave some advice as people hurried to be the first into the new world.
  1. Test Center will be a separate server.
  2. Test Center and Beta Server will be online at the same time and require the same client.
  3. To tell which version you currently have, the login screen screen will make it obvious (two different ones).
  4. Test Center will start lagging after like 800 people, Mythos Beta won't.
  5. Taylor Balbi is Awesome.
We think the other Flagship devs are pretty awesome as well. Though there were more than a few glitches with patching, we were able to eventually get in and take a quick run around some of the Overworld, its dungeons, the villages outside Stonehill, and the city of Stonehill itself. All we have left to wait for now is the open beta, expected in the next several weeks.

Take a first look at Mythos' Overworld with us

Gallery: Mythos

MassivelyA first look at Mythos' Overworld originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-a-glancebetacasualdiablo-2diablo-iifantasyfeaturedflagship-studiosfree-to-playgalleryjoystiqfeaturesmythosnew-titlenewsoblivionoverworldpatchespreviewserver-downtimeThu, 29 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythos Overworld delayed; more beta news leaks out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/mythos-overworld-delayed-more-beta-news-leaks-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/mythos-overworld-delayed-more-beta-news-leaks-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/mythos-overworld-delayed-more-beta-news-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Flagship Studios sends their regrets, but the mega-update to Mythos that would turn their heavily instanced over world into one seamless land spattered, Oblivion-like, with dungeons has been delayed. Due yesterday, it now looks as if Mythos beta testers will have to wait until next week to run naked and free ... through Mythos' world of Uld, at any rate.

To tide us over while we wait, player Kirent has compiled a list of all the interesting snippets of developer responses to questions about the delay. Characters won't be wiped when the Overworld goes live, but they likely will be wiped when the test server is folded into the live beta server, after which open beta will likely begin. Zones 2 and 3 (mid and high level areas) won't be enabled initially, but we knew that. The pressures of pushing the Overworld out the door means that new monsters, dungeons, and quests won't be in in any significant way. Most of the crafting changes will be on the test server, but the balancing of the heraldries (temporary buffs applied to crafted items) will not be. Special armor sets, a new class (!!!) , retirement (here you voluntarily retire a high level character to start a new character with some sort of advantage) and any sort of endgame are all taking a back seat to the Overworld. However, it sounds like Epic weapons will be in.

Mythos is currently slated to release late this year. It will be free to play, but with an item store where you can buy items for real money, though you will be able to see and do everything in the game without paying a cent. Bored with waiting for the update? Kanthalos at MMOre Insight has been writing a series of articles about the best character builds for maximum wtfpwnage -- check it out!

MassivelyMythos Overworld delayed; more beta news leaks out originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclassescraftingfantasyflagship-studiosfree-to-playkanthalosmapsmmore-insightmythosnew-titlesnewsoblivionpatchesFri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Should MMOGs allow modding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/player-vs-everything-should-mmogs-allow-modding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/player-vs-everything-should-mmogs-allow-modding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/player-vs-everything-should-mmogs-allow-modding/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When Diablo first came out, I was a huge fan of it. It was pretty much all I played for months. Then, after a while, I got bored. Even with randomly generated dungeons and enemies, there are only so many loot runs you can do. When Hellfire was released I got back into it again. But with time, the newness of that wore off too. I put Diablo on the shelf, satisfied that I had done everything interesting there was to do with the game. A few months later, I was bored and looking for something to play. That was when I stumbled onto a random website and discovered my first Diablo mod.

Someone had taken the game I knew and loved, and changed it -- it was like playing a whole new game while keeping everything I loved about my favorite game intact. This experience spurred a long-standing fascination with the modding scene for me, and I've since downloaded and enjoyed mods for most of my favorite single-player games. It's amazing what people can do when developers hand them the keys! In fact, I would argue that it dramatically improves both the value and shelf life of your computer game if you make it easy for the modding community to get their hands on your game. Case in point: Morrowind is still an amazing game that looks great and has tons of content, despite being almost six years old at this point. That wouldn't have happened without the support of modders. Given all of the cool things that you can do with modding, shouldn't developers let us tweak their MMOGs, too?

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Should MMOGs allow modding?

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Should MMOGs allow modding? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescontentdiabloelder-scrollsfeaturedmodmoddingmodsmorrowindoblivionpirates-of-the-burning-seaplayer-createdplayer-vs-everythingryzomryzom-ringWed, 07 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Exploits are fun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/player-vs-everything-exploits-are-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/player-vs-everything-exploits-are-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/player-vs-everything-exploits-are-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pretty much everyone knows that "exploit" is a dirty word. An exploit in an MMOG is anything that lets you work outside of the established rules of the game to do something that you couldn't normally do, usually in a way that lets you bypass or defeat content more easily than you're supposed to be able to. Finding a way to jump the fence before Arathi Basin actually starts is an exploit. Purposely glitching trash mobs into walls so that you can walk past them to a raid boss is an exploit. Killing a monster from a position where they're totally unable to hurt you is an exploit. In PvP gameplay, exploits are the kiss of death -- they break the game and make things totally unfun, because one player is cheating at the game.

But is that necessarily the case for PvE gameplay? I'm not so sure. The commonest way to avoid players using exploits to kill monsters is that when a monster decides that a player is jerking it around too much (and is able to damage it without being hurt themselves), the monster just starts evading and goes back to its starting point. It's the virtual NPC equivalent of saying, "Fine, you don't want to play fair? I'm going home." But that mechanic misses an important consideration -- it's kind of fun to find and use ways to exploit mobs.

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Exploits are fun

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Exploits are fun originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbugscheatingcity-of-heroesexploitexploitationexploitsfeaturedgame-designgame-mechanicskitingoblivionplayer-vs-everythingworld-of-warcraftTue, 06 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: MMO-unfriendly games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/the-digital-continuum-mmo-unfriendly-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/the-digital-continuum-mmo-unfriendly-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/the-digital-continuum-mmo-unfriendly-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a subject that's been touched on here at Massively not once or twice, but three times. Still, I feel like there's more to be said on the subject of making some non-MMO games into actual MMOs.

Being a constant contributor to Massively means I obviously love MMOs, but that doesn't mean they're all I play. In fact I find myself constantly playing genres of all sorts on various platforms. Still, I do love to end the day (or sometimes spend most of the day) in a great massively multiplayer online game. There have been several occasions where I find myself playing a particular offline game and wonder, "Could this be developed as an MMO?" I eventually come to the conclusion that -- no, it probably can't.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: MMO-unfriendly games

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: MMO-unfriendly games originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdablizzardeverquestfallout-3featuredoblivionsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-digital-continuumthe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivionthe-simswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowzeldaSat, 12 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars music to be featured in PLAY! concert series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guild-wars-music-featured-in-play-concert/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The official Guild Wars website and the official site for the concert series PLAY! are trumpeting the addition of some MMO music to Seattle musical performances. Jeremy Soule's work on the Guild Wars campaigns joins his compositions from Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Prey on the touring circuit. The prolific composer is probably one of the most recognizable names in game music today, having won numerous awards from a number of prestigious groups. They currently only have a few stops on the schedule for the 2008 tour, but hopefully this new musical addition will make its way to a venue near you.

ArenaNet has announced that music from its Guild Wars franchise of games will be performed as part of the "PLAY! A Video Game Symphony". This world-wide symphonic tour features music from a number of top videogames, including songs from Guild Wars. The tour kicks off in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 19, 2008 ... Guild Wars has been praised for its rich soundtracks created by renowned video-game music composer Jeremy Soule and co-composer Julian Soule. The Soule brothers have created music for the entire Guild Wars franchise including the original Guild Wars, as well as the Factions and Nightfall campaigns. The music of Guild Wars is also featured on CD in special edition retail packages for each campaign.

MassivelyGuild Wars music to be featured in PLAY! concert series originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compositionsgame-musicguild-warsjeremy-souleoblivionplay!Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


What is it with lists? I recently harped on a G4 writer's most Epic Gaming Failures list; at numero uno the writer picked every MMOG since WoW. IGN's list is also another huge disappointment. The only MMORPG that made the cut was of course, World of Warcraft -- it ranks 83. Forget any of the pioneer MMOs that made it all possible, not even Ultima Online is found, nor is EverQuest recognized, which was the first graphical Diku-based MMOG to hit 500k subscriptions. Even great non-MMOGs like Morrowind and Oblivion weren't invited to the party. At least Mario Kart made it, which is personally one of my all time favs...

With so many games to choose from picking the cream of the crop is going to stir up some controversy. But from what I gather from the list, very few editors at IGN even play MMOs beyond WoW, which is their loss. What I really guffaw at are the trolls, the haters, the dolts who truly accost MMOs as seen in this Digg thread. News flash: MMOGs aren't the only "waste-of-time." Anything entertainment based, or any hobby that isn't saving the real world from lava penguins (lolz) is considered as such, and can be a huge time sink if taken serious. Nick Yee, the research mastermind, has built-up quite a bit of empirical evidence that the average MMOG player spends 20 hours a week and the national average for television watching is 28 hours a week. Our hobbies are merely switched around and invested elsewhere.

Continue reading IGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list

MassivelyIGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-gamingdikueverquestignlistsmario-kartmmo-industrymorrowindoblivionultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftxboxSun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Under The Hood: Pseudo-MMOs, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/under-the-hood-pseudo-mmos-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/under-the-hood-pseudo-mmos-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/under-the-hood-pseudo-mmos-part-two/#commentsFiled under: ,


I realized in my last article I promised to explore the viability of pseudo-MMOs as an expanding market, but it appears I will have to renege on that pledge. I've been getting a veritable glut of the names of games that incorporate MMO-style play in a distinctly non-MMO structure or environment. So instead, here is a brief exploration of the Massive Single-player Offline, or MSO, market, as well as a few online games which share MMO elements.

The one which absolutely fits every single criteria for an MMO except for online play (and a rare few others) is Final Fantasy XII. This game, like no other, incorporates MMO-style play into an expansive and engaging single-player environment. Friendly NPCs, hunting quests, main story quests, instanced environments (monsters respawn after leaving and reentering a zone), real-time combat, non-random encounters (you see it, you fight it), and a distinct waypoint system. It's best described as the solo player's MMO.

Continue reading Under The Hood: Pseudo-MMOs, part two

MassivelyUnder The Hood: Pseudo-MMOs, part two originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafffinal-fantasymassive-singeplayer-offlinemsoobliviontabula-rasatrunder-the-hoodFri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An Elder Scrolls MMO: should they or shouldn't they?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/an-elder-scrolls-mmo-should-they-or-shouldnt-they/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/an-elder-scrolls-mmo-should-they-or-shouldnt-they/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/an-elder-scrolls-mmo-should-they-or-shouldnt-they/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The MMO world was knocked on its butt last week, when rumors began percolating through media outlets that Zenimax Online, a new MMO studio created to be the online cousin of the renowned Bethesda Softworks, was working on an MMORPG based in the Elder Scrolls universe. Evidence seeming to support these claims followed not far behind. Zenimax Studios, the parent company of which both Bethesda and Zenimax Online are a part, received seed funding from Providence Equity Partners in mid-October to, "fund future growth, ramp up publishing and development, facilitate acquisitions, and finance MMOGs." And, as if the writing on the wall wasn't quite clear enough, sharp-eyed domain watchers spotted the acquisition of the URL elderscrollsonline.com, registered by Zenimax Studios on August 15. At this point it seems all but certain.

Until Zenimax decides the time is right to let the cat out of the bag, all we're left to do is sit back, palm our copies of Oblivion and Morrowind, and play armchair quarterback. And probably the biggest question on our minds is whether it is in fact the right move for Bethesda to bring their beloved RPG franchise into the rough and tumble world of the massively multiplayer. Is it the right fit for the IP or is it a big mistake? There are strong arguments in either direction, and they're all worth exploring.

Join me after the jump, won't you?

Continue reading An Elder Scrolls MMO: should they or shouldn't they?

MassivelyAn Elder Scrolls MMO: should they or shouldn't they? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-mmoelder-scrollselder-scrolls-mmoelder-scrolls-onlinefeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmorrowindobliviontamrielzenimax-onlinezenimax-studiosWed, 07 Nov 2007 10:31:00 EST