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[Darkfall update brings new clan permissions system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/darkfall-update-brings-new-clan-permissions-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/darkfall-update-brings-new-clan-permissions-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/darkfall-update-brings-new-clan-permissions-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Darkfall screenshot
The folks at Aventurine are still working hard on a number of improvements for Darkfall such as new weapons styles, performance optimization, and UI modifications, but in the meantime they've decided to roll out a new feature that should be a great boon to clan leaders and officers. Currently, clan leaders are only allowed to grant clan-related permissions to their members based on clan rank. With the new system, clan leaders will be able to assign permissions to individual players, regardless of their ranks within the clan.

In addition, each clan permission will have an associated title that any member with that permission can choose to display if they so desire. For instance, a clan member with permission to recruit members can choose to show the "recruiter" title. Military ranks will remain in the game, but they are now governed by PvP performance and each new military rank is granted automatically upon the completion of specific goals. These ranks have no bearing on clan permissions. The full details on the new system are available for perusal over at the Darkfall official site.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

MassivelyDarkfall update brings new clan permissions system originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurineclanclan-permissionclan-permissionsclan-rankclan-ranksclansdarkfalldffantasymilitary-rankmilitary-ranksopen-pvppvprankrankssandboxSun, 27 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online's CEO has high hopes for the game's subscriptions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mortal-onlines-ceo-has-high-hopes-for-the-games-subscriptions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mortal-onlines-ceo-has-high-hopes-for-the-games-subscriptions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mortal-onlines-ceo-has-high-hopes-for-the-games-subscriptions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I see this armor as being able to stop a dragon's breath without a problem.
A game company's CEO should always promote the company's games and be enthusiastic. There is such a thing as too much enthusiasm, however. Case in point: StarVault CEO Henrik Nystrom's comments during an IRC chat with fans. The chat was meant to cover the game's next major update, Awakening, but it included fan questions for future updates as well. It also included Nystrom telling a fan that he sees Mortal Online having roughly as many players as EVE Online in five years.

By way of elaboration, EVE Online currently has roughly 450,000 players. Mortal Online's subscription numbers have never been revealed, but estimates place it under 10,000 players.

An impossible goal? Definitely not, but certainly one that might be a bit overly ambitious. Fans of the game can still take a look at the chat for other interesting tidbits, however, including plans to add drugs and improve the new player experience in the future.

[Thanks to Sandboxer for the tip!]

MassivelyMortal Online's CEO has high hopes for the game's subscriptions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>additional-featuresadditionsawakeningcommentsdrugsfantasyfuture-featureshenrik-nystrommortal-onlinemortal-online-awakeningopen-pvppvpsandboxstar-vaultstarvaultWed, 23 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Embers of Caerus website boasts extensive sandbox feature list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Embers of Caerus concept art
Forsaken Studios has taken the wraps off a new website for its Embers of Caerus MMORPG. The fantasy sandbox has quite an extensive feature list, which includes level- and class-free advancement, a seamless game world that measures 44,000 square kilometers, and player-controlled markets and political/legal systems.

Backstory is a big deal to the devs as well if the new site's lore section is anything to go by. There's plenty of reading material about the world, its factions, and a bit of story to pass the time while you're waiting for the game.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

MassivelyNew Embers of Caerus website boasts extensive sandbox feature list originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>embers-of-caerusfantasyfeatures-listforsakenforsaken-studiosfull-loot-pvpopen-pvpsandboxsandbox-featuressandbox-features-listskill-basedThu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Catching up with Darkfall and The Repopulation
It's not often that we use this space for news recaps. Generally MJ and I have a particular topic (or game) in mind for Some Assembly Required's biweekly rotation. This time, though, I figured we should highlight some of the recent goings-on with a couple of pertinent sandbox titles simply because Massively news posts don't offer enough space to expound on anything other than the basics.

Join me after the break, then, for a rundown on what's new with Darkfall and The Repopulation.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesagonaventurinecity-buildingcraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-craftingdffantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsnation-buildingopen-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvprepopulationsandboxsarsci-fisome-assembly-requiredthe-repopulationtradeskillinguser-contentuser-generated-contentFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Darkfall development blog touches on key points]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Points not granted for equipping a dog with a hat, for the record.
Development on the next incarnation of Darkfall continues, promising big changes to the game's core mechanics. The latest update on the official blog addresses a variety of systems that hadn't previously been covered, starting with the game's large-scale UI improvements. The biggest revelation and item of interest, however, is the promise of the upcoming point system, which allows players to receive rewards for accomplishments that in turn fuel new play options.

Although the terminology used in the blog is a bit vague due to the fact that specifics on the system are under wraps, it's made very clear that the point system is not simply an achievement system (which will also be added). Rather, using points in-game will fuel certain abilities or grant access to new abilities, allowing players to open new paths as a reward for their accomplishments. There's also a few updates on the future of crafting, all of which should give Darkfall players something to look forward to when version 2.0 finally goes live.

MassivelyNew Darkfall development blog touches on key points originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0achievementsagonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0developmentdevelopment-previewdffantasygame-systemopen-pvppoint-systempointspvpsandboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall polishes content until it shines]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work Darkfall's development team goes (and now that tune is stuck in your head. You're welcome.)! And as the game's 2.0 edition slowly takes shape, we're given yet another dev blog about the massive undertaking of this project.

Improved visuals are one of the priorities for the team, and players will be pleased to hear that SMAA -- uber-anti-aliasing -- should make the game's graphics shine. Weapons are being modified to have distinctive looks based on which rank they are, and the team reports that there are six weapons styles with nine ranks apiece, each requiring a unique design.

Also on the table for examination is the improved crafting process. Aventurine is introducing two new professions dedicated to converting one material into a more refined product. Tanning will take on skinning's former duty of taking hides and turning them into leather, and weaving will be the primary avenue to create cloth from cotton. On top of these new professions is the expansion of the crafting system to allow professions to "infuse" rare materials into common ones, resulting in special crafting mats for high-quality gear.

MassivelyDarkfall polishes content until it shines originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0agonanti-aliasingaventurinecraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0dffantasygraphicsopen-pvppvpsandboxskinningsmaatanningweapon-ranksweavingFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall believes in magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Okay, not believing in magic is a mite hard at times in a magical fantasy world.
There are a lot of changes in the pipeline for Darkfall, but it's safe to say that whatever else changes in the game, magic will remain important. The newest development blog for the game discusses the revised state of low-level magic and some of the basics of more powerful magic as well. Every character can use the lowest tier of magic, which mixes both Intelligence and Wisdom as important stats and can be cast regardless of what the character is wearing. Known as Minor Incantations, the school contains only five spells, but they're all of basic utility, ranging from basic magical damage to a simple self-healing spell.

Beyond the earliest steps, the developers have taken pains to try to make magic more balanced and interesting. The biggest element in spell potency is the governing attribute of the spell (Intelligence or Wisdom), but the level of the spell, the staff being used by the caster, and the overall level of the magic school in question all come into play. Take a look at the full diary to get a better sense of where the game's mystical arts are heading in the future.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

MassivelyDarkfall believes in magic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldffantasygame-mechanicsmagicmechanicsnewsopen-pvppvpsandboxupdatesThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Christmas Eve eve eve edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/ask-massively-christmas-eve-eve-eve-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/ask-massively-christmas-eve-eve-eve-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/ask-massively-christmas-eve-eve-eve-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Did you know it snows in December in certain parts of the world? It's true!
After years of railing against the idea that Christmas gets pushed back further every single year, with most major retailers now preparing for it in mid-May, I finally understand why it's necessary to turn the entire month of December into a martyr for one appropriated pagan holiday: It's because sometimes it's really hard to come up with anything else to talk about, so you just look to the next landmark on the calendar and go with it. Coming up next week: Freedom Day Eve edition!

Moving on... this week's installment of Ask Massively is not all about Star Wars: The Old Republic, but as you probably expected around now, it's still poking its nose in. Also, last week's Lineage II questions continue. As always, further questions for future editions can be left in the comments or mailed along to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for grammar and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Christmas Eve eve eve edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Christmas Eve eve eve edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-massivelyculturedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedhumorl2liilineagelineage-2lineage-iincsoftopen-pvpopinionpvpsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Not everyone wants to be your friend edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ask-massively-not-everyone-wants-to-be-your-friend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ask-massively-not-everyone-wants-to-be-your-friend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ask-massively-not-everyone-wants-to-be-your-friend-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is a very handsome orc, but he probably does not wish to chat with you about your favorite films.
I don't dislike Lineage II, but my experiences with it sort of cemented my feelings on non-consensual PvP. Suffice it to say that it involved someone who had set herself up a little sniping-hole from which she would murder any and all low-level characters with an arrow through the neck. As she explained in the area chat, this wasn't for rewards or anything. She was doing it because she found it funny.

Lots of of people do find that fun. But I'm personally not keen on that as a motivational technique. I don't want to level up so I can be one of the bullies instead of the bullied; I'd rather just opt out.

Why did I tell you that story to lead off Ask Massively? As Bill Cosby would put it, I told you that story so I could tell you this one, or at least so I could answer one of this week's questions about Lineage II. Also, thermodynamics. If you've got a question for a future installment, you can leave it in the comment field or mail it along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Not everyone wants to be your friend edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Not everyone wants to be your friend edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-massivelyculturefeaturedhumorl2liilineagelineage-2lineage-iincsoftopen-pvpopinionperpetual-motionpvpsolosoloabilitythermodynamicsThu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine hosting free Darkfall weekend, quadruple XP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/aventurine-hosting-free-darkfall-weekend-quadruple-xp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/aventurine-hosting-free-darkfall-weekend-quadruple-xp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/aventurine-hosting-free-darkfall-weekend-quadruple-xp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Darkfall - Mahirrim fighting
If you've ever wanted to see what all the Darkfall fuss is about, this weekend would be a great time to clear your calendar. Aventurine is making the fantasy sandbox accessible to everyone for free, and the devs are also quadrupling the normal experience gain through Sunday.

Previously active accounts have been reactivated, and new players can sign up on the game's official website prior to rolling a character. Darkfall is set in the harsh realm of Agon, a huge medieval fantasy world filled with dungeons, dangerous mobs, and open PvP. The game also features full corpse-looting, crafting, and clan-based warfare.

Check out our Darkfall Choose My Adventure series for an in-depth look at the title's gameplay and community, and be sure to hit up the gallery below for the latest screenshots.

Gallery: Darkfall main gallery


[Source: Aventurine press release]

MassivelyAventurine hosting free Darkfall weekend, quadruple XP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinebonus-xp-weekendcorpse-lootingdarkfallfantasyfree-trialfree-weekendopen-pvppvpquadruple-xpsandboxxp-bonusFri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Ork in da wild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/choose-my-adventure-ork-in-da-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/choose-my-adventure-ork-in-da-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/choose-my-adventure-ork-in-da-wild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not to put too fine a point on it, but this past week was the sort of event that turns one's entire life upside-down. The stuff that happened was also pretty unambiguously good, yeah, but between that and my computer randomly screwing up, this has not been the best of weeks for Warhammer Online and myself. Which is odd, seeing as how there's been big (albeit secretive) news for the community, and I've still managed to sit down and get some solid time clocked in with Klurgind despite that.

Last week's polls both indicated that I should follow the WAR Report around the map, and they also indicated that people would really like to roll up with some Massively warband action. So we're going to make an event out of it, based on the best details and planning I can provide. Click on past the break for a recount of Klurgind's most recent adventures in Warhammer Online, plans for the meetup on the weekend, and the new set of polls.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Ork in da wild

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Ork in da wild originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecolumnsea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsfeaturedgreenskinmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentopen-pvpopinionpvprvrwarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaWed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: To each his own edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

We had our share of differing opinions this week on Massively! From business models to PvP, everyone had plenty to say. Follow along after the cut for some of the best of this week.

Continue reading Global Chat: To each his own edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: To each his own edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avidlurkercommenterscommentscrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpglobal-chatnohopeforsomeopen-pvpopinionpvpstar-trek-onlinestoSun, 05 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is free-for-all PvP a dealbreaker?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/the-daily-grind-is-free-for-all-pvp-a-dealbreaker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Games like EVE Online, Darkfall, and Mortal Online sell themselves on the premise of being wild and lawless. Like in the Wild West of ages past, anyone can kill you at any time. Of course, also like in the Wild West, this reputation bears only some resemblance to reality, as you're relatively unlikely to be consistently ganked and robbed by someone for no reason. But the fact that it's possible makes a lot of players decide that it's just not worth the hassle. The threat of losing everything to malicious player actions is more powerful than the real rarity of the event.

Obviously, some players embrace the possibility as part of the charm of an open-world game. But it's possible to have a game with broad player options without the constant threat of cruelty, and there's a reason a lot of Ultima Online players happily opted out of being hunted by other players. Is open PvP the sort of thing that makes you write off a game no matter what other features it might have?

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: Is free-for-all PvP a dealbreaker? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gankinggriefingopen-pvpopen-pvp-environmentsopen-worldopinionpvpsandboxsandbox-gamestdgthe-daily-grindFri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The P-word: Earthrise first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Prior to taking the plunge with Masthead Studios' new Earthrise MMORPG, ask yourself the following questions: Do you have patience? Do you like to read? If the answer to either one of those questions is no -- regardless of whether you consider yourself a sandbox fan -- the game's current incarnation probably isn't for you.

Earthrise is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG featuring two human factions struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of a third world war. In this distant, dystopian future, nanotech, quantum engineering, and cloning are commonplace technologies, and that's a good thing for you since you'll be dying. A lot.

If you're pre-disposed to sandboxes, excited by complexity, and not averse to a little ganking, the game might just tickle your fancy despite its rough-around-the-edges presentation and sub-par performance. We previewed the game a few weeks back over livestream, but today we add to that with a full hands-on with the game post-launch. Join me after the cut for my first impressions after 10-plus hours of gameplay.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading The P-word: Earthrise first impressions

MassivelyThe P-word: Earthrise first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcraftingearthriseenterrafeaturedffa-pvpFirst-Impressionsgallerieshands-onlaunchlaunchesmastheadmasthead-studiosopen-pvpopinionpvepvpsandboxsci-fiscreenshotssubscriptionFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A wrap-up of the Paradox Interactive MMO conference in NYC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/a-wrap-up-of-the-paradox-interactive-mmo-conference-in-nyc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/a-wrap-up-of-the-paradox-interactive-mmo-conference-in-nyc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/a-wrap-up-of-the-paradox-interactive-mmo-conference-in-nyc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If you're unfamiliar with Paradox Interactive, you could be forgiven -- it's never been a flashy studio. But it does have a very solid track record of producing historical simulations and strategy games, including the critically acclaimed Mount & Blade and the Europa Universalis series. So when the company's New York convention includes two upcoming online games, it's with a background of producing solid games with a strongly simulationist angle. Two titles, Dreamlords Resurrection and Salem, were both on display at the conference, with two very different foci but similar levels of polish.

Dreamlords Resurrection is an MMORTS with an emphasis on player armies rather than on city building. Players take on the role of a newly awakened Dreamlord attempting to work with allied players to claim as much land as possible... with the caveat that the game's regular resets will keep any one group of players from becoming too overpowering. Salem, meanwhile, is a sandbox game that plans to include not only open PvP but the threat of permanent death, forcing players to hopefully band together and police behavior. Both sound like interesting takes on the genre that will give players plenty to mull over as they move through development.

MassivelyA wrap-up of the Paradox Interactive MMO conference in NYC originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drealord-resurrectionmmortsnew-titlesopen-pvpparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpreviewprogress-resetpvpsalemsandboxserver-resetssocial-structurestimed-resetsSun, 23 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The feeling of personal possession, of place. A sense that your character's goals are your own. A wide-open world to explore and make a place in. Anything we're forgetting about the intended feeling of Earthrise? Well, we're sure it'll come to us eventually. In the meantime, Masthead Studios has released a brand-new cinematic trailer for the game, showing off the elements that players can expect from the sandbox game slated for release on February 4th.

Putting the viewer right in the heat of events, the trailer follows a young man with a high-powered shotgun speeding across a wasteland with a keen eye toward his destination. The trailer is only a couple minutes long, but it nicely captures the feel of a sandbox game, even with only a few lines of dialogue and the barest exploration of the game's backstory. If Earthrise can deliver the feel it advertises in the trailer just past the break, there are going to be a lot of happy sandbox players next month.

Continue reading Earthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer

MassivelyEarthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematiccinematic-trailerearthrisemastheadmasthead-studiosopen-pvppreviewpvpsandboxsandbox-gamesandbox-mmotrailervideoThu, 20 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape receives 1.2 million votes in referendum to restore the Wilderness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/runescape-receives-1-2-million-votes-in-referendum-to-restore-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/runescape-receives-1-2-million-votes-in-referendum-to-restore-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/runescape-receives-1-2-million-votes-in-referendum-to-restore-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There's an image in the heads of many players that developers hand down their plans for the game's direction from a metaphorical ivory tower. RuneScape players, however, got the opportunity to determine the future of the game via a vote -- one that's ended with approximately 1.2 million votes cast in total. Mark Gerhard, CEO of Jagex, stated: "It has been fantastic to watch the community mobilize in support of the update and we can now introduce these features certain in the knowledge that they are what our community wants."

The referendum, set to determine whether or not the game's former Wilderness and Free Trade implementation should be restored, has ended with an overwhelming majority of 91% in favor of the restoration. As a result of the vote's conclusion, the development team has begun work and plans to have the Wilderness restored on February 1st. The open PvP zone has been gone from the game for nearly four years now, but within only a few weeks it will be back for RuneScape players to enjoy -- albeit with a healthy dose of caution.

MassivelyRuneScape receives 1.2 million votes in referendum to restore the Wilderness originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdevelopment-directionhigh-stakes-pvpjagexmmo-industryopen-pvpplayer-choiceplayer-opinionplayer-voterestorationrestoring-featuresrunescapevotevotingwinner-take-allMon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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.

Last week, our own Jef Reahard mounted the Massively Soapbox with an article titled Sandboxes and the fear of FFA PvP. In it, he argued that open PvP was a natural and necessary part of any solid sandbox MMO. He also made waves by suggesting that FFA PvP is crucial to the roleplaying experience and that roleplayers should really face their "fears" and give it a try.

I'm a sandbox gamer and a PvPer at heart. I played the early years of Ultima Online and lived the adrenaline rush of full and brutal PvP and thievery. Dark Age of Camelot's RvR sucked up another year of my life. Star Wars Galaxies remains my sandbox of choice, and I've braved a World of Warcraft PvP server since launch. I know this territory very well. I'll knock it, because I have more than tried it -- in several tasty flavors.

And even though I'm an unabashed Jef-fangirl, I think there are a few debatable issues with his article. Hit the jump for some good old-fashioned counterpoints!

Continue reading The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchyBlizzardccpCCP-Gamesconsequencesdeath-mechanicea-mythiceveeve-onlinefeaturedffaffa-pvpgankergriefergriefersImmersionopen-pvpopen-world-pvpopinionpve-sandboxpvppvp-sandboxroleplayroleplayerRolePlayersRolePlayingRPSandboxsandbox-mmosandparksoapboxSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-soapboxThemeParktrammelUltima-OnlineUOWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive interview: Dawntide's Martin "Wiz" Anward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/massively-exclusive-interview-dawntides-martin-wiz-anward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/massively-exclusive-interview-dawntides-martin-wiz-anward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/massively-exclusive-interview-dawntides-martin-wiz-anward/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The hype-machine for Working as Intended's incoming MMO, Dawntide, resumed at the end of May with the announcement of the start of open beta. Dawntide promises to be a skill-based, open-PvP sandbox a la Shadowbane or Darkfall, with territory to claim, castles to build, sieges to undertake, and boats to navigate waterways usually neglected in other games. And though the game isn't quite finished structurally, we have to agree that what's done is beautiful, and what's planned is ambitious. Might this be the ultra-realistic, survival-of-the-fittest sandbox you're looking for?

We were fortunate to score an interview with Working as Intended's CEO, Martin Anward, who gave us an inside look at Dawntide's development and his team's plans for the future. Join us past the break as we ask him about boats, crafting, boats, death penalties, boats, ganking, boats, FOTM builds, boats, and boats!

Continue reading Massively exclusive interview: Dawntide's Martin "Wiz" Anward

MassivelyMassively exclusive interview: Dawntide's Martin "Wiz" Anward originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatcraftingdawntidedeathdiplomacyeconomyexclusiveinterviewlifetime-subscriptionmartin-anwardopen-betaopen-pvppvpsailingsandboxskill-basedwaiworking-as-intendedMon, 28 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall offers up community Q&A session]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/darkfall-offers-up-community-qanda-session/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/darkfall-offers-up-community-qanda-session/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/darkfall-offers-up-community-qanda-session/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Darkfall has pegged itself from the beginning as a niche title, focusing on a brand of open PvP that doesn't necessarily appeal to everyone. And it's certainly handled that title with aplomb, earning our staff pick for best PvP in a 2009 MMO. But one of the most important aspects of its existence as a niche game is a strong sense of community among the players, a goal that Aventurine has been meeting more than adequately. Tasos Flambouras, Claus Grovdal and Kjetil Helland recently took part in a question-and-answer session, with the results just posted for all of the game's players to see and enjoy.

Summarizing the breadth of the questions and details released is difficult at best. The game's third large content update, preliminarily named "Darkfall 2010," is discussed in depth, and it promises a variety of changes and improvements. Aside from graphical improvements such as DirectX 11 support, it promises to add a variety of new crafting items and an armor dye system. The developers are also keeping a close watch on PvP hotspots and balance, as well as promising to expand the game's specializations and diversify player skills. Read through the full Q&A for a great deal of information about what's promised and coming soon.

[ Thanks to Paragus for the tip! ]

MassivelyDarkfall offers up community Q&A session originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurineclaus-grovdaldarkfalldarkfall-2010darkfall-onlinedfdirectXdirectx11kjetil-hellandopen-pvppvpqaquestion-and-answerstaff-picktasos-flambourasFri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Masthead Studios CEO updates on Earthrise progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/masthead-studios-ceo-updates-on-earthrise-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/masthead-studios-ceo-updates-on-earthrise-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/masthead-studios-ceo-updates-on-earthrise-progress/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Earthrise fans will still have a bit of a wait ahead of them in terms of getting into open beta, but development and improvements are ongoing through the current closed beta. Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov was recently interviewed by MMORPG.com's Garrett Fuller, updating Earthrise fans on the game's current status and details of some of the game mechanics of skills and tactics. Noteworthy -- Atanasov discusses why Masthead Studios chose to develop a sandbox MMO and foster a player-driven setting, rather than a more typical game where players move quickly through the content and then wait for the next expansion to release.

"The sense of involvement and power to create and change can invigorate and keep players glued to the game for years to come," says Atanasov. On that topic of sandboxes, the interview also discusses how MMO titles like Ultima Online and EVE Online have been part of the inspiration for Earthrise.

Continue reading Masthead Studios CEO updates on Earthrise progress

MassivelyMasthead Studios CEO updates on Earthrise progress originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovclosed-betaearthrisegame-mechanicsguildsinterviewsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesopen-pvppost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fiMon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: LotRO's feature future, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/the-digital-continuum-lotros-feature-future-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/the-digital-continuum-lotros-feature-future-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/the-digital-continuum-lotros-feature-future-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: LotRO's feature future, part 2

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: LotRO's feature future, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionshelms-deeplord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playopen-pvpopinionpvmppvprohansiege-of-mirkwoodsomTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/29/gdc09-massively-previews-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The futuristic game Earthrise is one of the upcoming sci-fi massively multiplayer games that we can see on the horizon. It's the first MMO developed by Sofia-based Masthead Studios and features the post-apocalyptic setting of a world divided between utopian idealism and revolution. Massively had a chance to sit down with Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov at the Game Developers Conference 2009 where he gave us a walkthrough of Earthrise, shedding some light on what this new title may bring to the MMO world.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise

MassivelyGDC09: Massively previews Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbattle-ratingbulgariacontinomacraftingdesignearthriseenterrafeaturedfull-lootinggdcgdc-2009guildsjoystiqfeatureslootingloremanufacturingmassively-event-coveragemassively-interviewsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoiroffline-advancementopen-pvppost-apocalypticpreviewspvpsandboxsci-fiskillpointsskillssofiastancestancestacticsSun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/the-digital-continuum-is-free-for-all-pvp-really-for-nobody/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many MMOs with the "hardcore" PvP mentality are often argued as an experience that isn't for everyone -- something for a very set niche. Or in other words, these games aren't for people who prefer a little structure and intelligently crafted incentive to participate.

Don't get me wrong, I love me some crunchy PvP snacks. What I don't have any affection for is a system that promotes players being douchetards. Sure, we're going to get them regardless, but encouraging the behavior is just not smart at all and it makes for a terrible experience.

Here's the problem: If these PvP-centric games aren't for "carebears", then who are they for? Griefers? Well when you design a game that only they want to play, then yes.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody?

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Is free-for-all PvP really for nobody? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeve-onlinefeaturedfree-for-allgriefersgriefingjoystiqfeaturesopen-pvpopen-worldopinionpvpscott-jenningsthe-digital-continuumSat, 21 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Most of the video footage seen of DC Universe Online to date focuses on the setting's iconic heroes and the role a player can take in assisting them. While taking down the bad guys in a game is fun, sometimes it's good to be bad, as the newest gameplay footage we've seen of DCUO from New York Comic Con shows us.

We were pretty excited when we noticed this over at Limited Edition today and it's certainly worth a look if you're into the superhero games genre. The GameTrailers video is a walkthrough of an open PvP area, from the perspective of a psychotic clown with psi-blasts, blazing speed, and freakish strength. Need I say more? Check out the video embed below for a look at DC Universe Online's PvP mixed in with developer commentary on what you're seeing.

Continue reading DC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain

MassivelyDC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinegame-mechanicsgametrailersheroeslimited-editionnew-york-comic-connyccopen-pvppreviewspvpshuttlersoesony-online-entertainmentsuper-herovideovillainsTue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: December updates for WAR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/the-digital-continuum-december-updates-for-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/the-digital-continuum-december-updates-for-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/the-digital-continuum-december-updates-for-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Warhammer Online has its flaws that like to run up and slap you in the face from time to time -- it can put a damper on the fun. Lucky for us, one of the strengths found in Warhammer Online actually comes from its design team, Mythic Entertainment. These guys (and gals!) have been stringing together a daisy-chain of updates and just yesterday announced their first big content release only one month out of launch. The update seems all good, but I do have a couple of gripes.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: December updates for WAR

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: December updates for WAR originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-guardeaelectronic-artsfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesknight-of-the-blazing-sunmark-jacobsmythicmythic-entertainmentopen-pvprvrscenariostankingtanksthe-digital-continuumwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 18 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST