Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The relationships we form in games are by their very nature kind of mercenary. You make friends in EVE Online not because you know your bosom buddy is waiting for you, but because flying in 0.0 is pretty dangerous on your own. So most of your friends in a game start off based on you deriving some benefit, and with a few exceptions that's where they remain. The problem comes when that benefit is outweighed by something else. That's when guilds of friends have nasty splits over what seem like minor matters, because someone crossed a line and no amount of in-game support is worth the drama.

Sometimes it's all game-related, and other times outside drama shoves its way into the game. Either way, it's something bad enough that you're often cutting off a significant advantage -- sometimes even a whole guild and the concurrent access to the endgame -- for purely personal reasons. Those of us who have done so, though, rarely look back with regret. What about you? When has a relationship in a game passed the point where the benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks? Or have you only ever been on the flipside of the equation?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondsconflictfriendshipsguildsopinionorganizationsrelationshipssocialsocial-dynamicstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The rewards of faction loyalty in Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/the-rewards-of-faction-loyalty-in-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/the-rewards-of-faction-loyalty-in-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/the-rewards-of-faction-loyalty-in-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The latest Earthrise Question of the Week is all about quests in the upcoming post-apocalyptic MMO. "Central to the PvE experience, quests in Earthrise are designed to help introduce the players to the tense cultural and political scene that shapes the two conflicting factions fighting for control over the island of Enterra," explains Moll, the game's Community Manager.

There are faction-specific quests unique to either Continoma or Noir, but Earthrise's game mechanics will let players defect to a rival faction to experience another walk of life on Enterra island. Switching allegiances will not be a trivial matter, however, and the consequences a player assumes for doing so will limit how often most characters defect.

Continue reading The rewards of faction loyalty in Earthrise

MassivelyThe rewards of faction loyalty in Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managercontinomaearthriseenterraenterra-islandfactionsgame-mechanicsmastheadmasthead-studiosmollnew-titlesnoirorganizationspost-apocalypticpveqotwquestssci-fiTue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neutrality and criminality in the dystopian setting of Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/neutrality-and-criminality-in-the-dystopian-setting-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/neutrality-and-criminality-in-the-dystopian-setting-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/neutrality-and-criminality-in-the-dystopian-setting-of-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The developers at Masthead Studios dropped some info about their post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise today, explaining how they've designed the game to allow freedom of choice. In true sandbox style, players will not be forced to choose between the main factions of Continoma or Noir and can, in fact, remain neutral. Earthrise Community Manager Moll writes in the latest Question of the Week, "Aside from Continoma and Noir as major Factions, there are 10 smaller political groups (called Organizations), and 4 of them will be Neutral and will provide neutral players with quests that allow them to build their Reputation and unlock rewards that cater to their political standings."

Cloning, which may prove to be one of the most vital services players will require, will be independent of faction standings, Moll explains. On that topic of cloning, Earthrise fans have also wondered how criminals can gain access to the same advanced infrastructure used by the more legitimate factions. Or, for that matter, how do criminals gain access to the various resources and markets used by non-criminal players?

Continue reading Neutrality and criminality in the dystopian setting of Earthrise

MassivelyNeutrality and criminality in the dystopian setting of Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For a game that's still in closed beta, the team at Masthead Studios has been communicating with Earthrise fans quite regularly about the upcoming post-apocalyptic MMO. Their "Question of the Week" forum always dishes out new info about Earthrise. This week is no different and the devs explain how PvE gameplay can give Earthrise players a competitive edge in PvP.

Players will be able to progress through storyline quest chains, alternately focusing on combat, crafting, and exploration. Although Earthrise will have a player-driven economy, Masthead Studios writes, "At its foundation, however, it is dependent on the constant supply of resources that are directly connected to PvE gameplay. Many of the missions will be built around the constant competition around resources."

Continue reading Earthrise PvE gameplay to give competitive edge in PvP

MassivelyEarthrise PvE gameplay to give competitive edge in PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitiondesignsearthriseeconomyfaction-gearfactionsgearmasthead-studiosmissionsorganizationspost-apocalypticpvepvpqotwquestion-of-the-weekquestsreputationresource-controlresourcessci-fiTue, 07 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An early look at the lore of Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/an-early-look-at-the-lore-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/an-early-look-at-the-lore-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/an-early-look-at-the-lore-of-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


More information about the lore of Earthrise has surfaced, giving readers a preview of the post-apocalyptic MMO's setting of Enterra. Although still in a pre-beta stage of development at Masthead Studios, some details were already known about the organizations in Earthrise. The newest information comes from IGN's RPG Vault, which has released their first of three installments on the lore of Earthrise.

The IGN pieces will focus on Continoma, the corporate entity that governs the lives of Enterra's citizens. "Continoma: The Beginning" looks at how the Continoma Project developed into humanity's only viable chance for survival, via genetic rebirth which followed the cataclysmic Third World War. If you're a fan of the lore in your MMOs and sci-fi is your thing, check out the full story over at RPG Vault.

MassivelyAn early look at the lore of Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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