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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Betawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Citizen
This week, crowdfund legend Star Citizen laid out a testing timeline for the next two years; it plans to publish the "planetside/social" and FPS betas this spring, while alpha for the persistent universe portion of the game is expected before the end of 2015. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Read on for the full Betawatch list.

Continue reading Betawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-titansclosed-betacrowfalldas-talecho-of-soulgame-testingh1z1heroes-in-the-skyheroes-of-the-stormhotslaunchlauncheslife-is-feudalmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpathfinder-onlineraph-kosterroundupskyforgestar-citizenstashtestingFri, 23 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder details corpse looting and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GoblinWorks CEO Ryan Dancey has published a new blog post touching on today's Pathfinder early enrollment release.

Version two of the fantasy sandbox adds player husks, which is another way of saying lootable corpses. "The extent of your losses will be related to how quickly you are able to return to the site of your husk and if you are able to recover the inventory that remains on the husk before others are able to take all of its contents or its timer expires," Dancey writes.

There's a bit more to the update, but you'll need to click through to the GoblinWorks website to read it!

MassivelyPathfinder details corpse looting and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corpse-lootfantasyfull-loot-pvpgankboxgankinggoblinworkslootingpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 22 Jan 2015 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They're also renaming the internal test server to Wendy's Falafel & Cheese Party (All Night Every Night) but that has nothing to do with release. You probably don't want the story.
The early enrollment stage of Pathfinder Online has started, and that means it's time to start setting a regular update schedule. A new development blog establishes that the game is currently slated to put out a new major build every other week, with the acknowledgement that the first few weeks will be something less than reliable due to the growing pains of turning the servers on. Players can look forward to the War of Towers kicking off tomorrow, January 14th, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

A bunch of the game's moving pieces are being either reopened or renamed. The alpha accounts are being renamed platinum accounts, since the game is no longer in its alpha testing phase. The test server is coming back online as a way to double-check all of the new adjustments to the game before they go live. Worth noting is that account perks used on the test server will still count as consumed on the live server, meaning that an account entitlement you use on a test will be gone as surely if you used it in the core game. Check out the full update for more specifics and the mechanics of taking part in update testing.

MassivelyPathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbetasearly-testingfantasygame-mechanicsgoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktesttest-servertestingTue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Under construction: Who benefits from MMO early access?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/under-construction-who-benefits-from-early-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/under-construction-who-benefits-from-early-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/under-construction-who-benefits-from-early-access/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

under construction
On its Early Access page, Steam posts a manifesto of sorts praising this radical new type of development in which players get in on the alpha or pre-alpha stage, saying, "This is the way that games should be made."

Is it? I'm not so sure.

Early access -- and all of the other similar names for the same concept -- appears to be the latest trend that's sweeping not just MMOs but video games in general. Both Steam and crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter are largely responsible for promoting early access, and it has been a popular attraction for players who previously had to sit on their hands and wait for a game to get, y'know, finished. Now we can indulge instantly and run around the structure even as it's still under construction.

I was talking about early access with Bree on the podcast the other day, and both of us were expressing distaste and an increasing uneasiness with the early access trend. Popular as it may be, is it really the way that games should be made? Will it result in better titles in the end? And who is getting what, exactly, out of it? It's this last question I want to address today.

Continue reading Under construction: Who benefits from MMO early access?

MassivelyUnder construction: Who benefits from MMO early access? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetacrowdfundingearly-accessearly-enrollmenteditorialfeaturedgoblinworkskickstarterop-edopinionpathfinder-onlinerantrantssoapboxsteamsteam-early-accesstestingthe-soapboxunder-constructionvalveThu, 08 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
On yesterday's Massively Speaking podcast, Justin and I discussed Pathfinder Online's plans for granting its earliest and most loyal players what seems to be the ultimate character bonus: an experience edge over everyone else, forever. I'll let the Pathfinder Online dev post Hard is Fun! explain verbatim:
Our game uses a unique real-time based XP system. Characters gain XP through the passage of time, not through being logged in. So the characters that are created in the first month will be the characters with the most XP for all time. A special perk will be in effect that backdates XP to the start of Early Enrollment for the first month so no matter when you purchase an account, if you create a character in Month 1, you'll have that maximum XP.
Usually games with offline experience systems also have either a hard cap or a diminishing returns mechanic to avoid the core "sandbox problem" -- that those who get to the sandbox first perpetually have the most power because they claim all the best toys (and so on). But as written, the Pathfinder Online system seems to exacerbate rather than fix that problem by promising "pioneers" more power in the form of permanently more experience.

Suspecting there was more to the plan, we asked Goblinworks' Ryan Scott Dancey to explain just how it plans to balance its concessions to early backers with its presumed desire to attract newbie players in the more distant future. He's done so, in detail, for us today.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses

MassivelyPathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backerscrowdfundingearly-enrollmentexperiencefantasyfeaturedgoblinworksinterviewinterviewspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpryan-danceyryan-scott-danceysandboxsandparkWed, 07 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
Pathfinder Online's early enrollment period opened for backers this week. If you're not a backer and still want to play, you can pony up $100 to join; that includes three months of access. Goblinworks' Ryan Dancey dropped by the Massively comments to assure readers that "from this point forward there are no planned server resets." Unplanned rollbacks and resets are a possibility, but accumulated XP "will never be revoked."

What else is new in the world of MMO testing this week? Our complete Betawatch roundup lies ahead.

Continue reading Betawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad2460alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-titansclosed-betaclosers-onlinegame-testinggoblinworksgreenlightlandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineproject-gorgeonroundupryan-danceyryan-scott-danceyshroud-of-the-avatarsotasteamtestingtree-of-saviorFri, 02 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online opens up early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This will either work out all right or backfire spectacularly.
The hour has come at last! Yes, we said that yesterday, but this time we really mean it! Pathfinder Online has entered early enrollment as of today, allowing backers to jump in and play the game in its early state. There are even some new screenshots (exclusive to Massively!) to go along with this stage of the game's slow rollout; they're embedded in the gallery below.

A new blog entry has also been posted, stating the game's design philosophy once again and explaining how the earliest stage of deployment will work out. If you really want to get in but aren't already a backer from the game's second Kickstarter, access will set you back $100 with three months of included game time.

[Source: Goblinworks press release]

MassivelyPathfinder Online opens up early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabetascrowdfundingearly-enrollmentfantasygalleriesgallerygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tomorrow: Reality!
The hour has come at last! Almost. The hour of Pathfinder Online's early enrollment approaches swiftly with a scheduled start time of 1:00 p.m. EST on December 31st, assuming some horrible bug doesn't crop up between now and then. More posts will appear on the official site to detail how, exactly, one takes part in Early Enrollment if eligible; there will also be detailed information on how the game world moves and behaves so that no one is caught off-guard.

The last day of the alpha servers won't be quiet either; testers will be given access to developer powers, allowing them to make whatever ludicrously overpowered superheroes they want for fun. This starts today at 1:00 p.m. EST and runs until the servers go down for the last time before early enrollment. So have some fun today, and get ready to start in on the real thing tomorrow.

MassivelyEarly enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingalphasbetabeta-launchesbeta-testingbetasearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkTue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Say a little prayer for Mr. Fancy Pants - the whole world knows it's only clothes, and deep inside he's sad.
Alas, Transformers Universe, you were too beautiful for this world. Only you were not, in fact, too beautiful for anything; you were actually not beautiful enough to make it to launch. Yes, it happened a little while ago, but due to some holiday or another this has been a fairly slow week, and someone needs to shed a tear for the game. Or something like that.

What else was new in the world of MMO testing for the week? Jump on past the break for our full listing of games in testing!

Continue reading Betawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betagame-testinggloria-victislaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlinerealm-zeroroundupshroud-of-the-avatarstar-citizentestingFri, 26 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online ends its stress test and preps for early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a path! Do I win?
The bad news is that if you had hoped to do nothing but strain the Pathfinder Online servers over your holiday, you were denied that option. The good news is that the test ended because the servers passed the stress test with flying colors, and that means it's time for the development team to move on to the next phase of access. Yes, early enrollment is just around the corner.

Of course it hasn't kicked off just yet, as the developers behind the game are human beings who would like to actually spend some holiday time with their families. But it's coming soon. The change will mean that players who have alpha access via friends & family options or are normally slated to enter during open enrollment can no longer log in; so if you want to keep jumping into the game you may wish to upgrade your account. For those already happily waiting for early enrollment, nothing else remains to be done other than continuing to wait. Not much longer now.

MassivelyPathfinder Online ends its stress test and preps for early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-stress-testalphasbetabetasearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testtest-phasestestingFri, 26 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Betawatch - Lineage Eternal
Lineage Eternal wowed G-Star attendees with the news that it will beta in 2015 and hit its worldwide simultaneous launch in 2016. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertblessbless-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betadas-talelite-elite-dangerousg-starg-star-2014game-testinglaunchlauncheslineage-eternallost-arkmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpathfinder-onlineroundupshards-onlineshroud-of-the-avatarskysagasotastormthronetestingthe-crewtroveFri, 21 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online continues to delay early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

pathfinder
While Pathfinder Online groupies may get a little excited at the imminent release of a new patch, Goblinworks put it out there that the long-delayed early enrollment start is still on hold.

"This build does not meet our internal requirements for the early enrollment release candidate," the studio announced to players yesterday. Previously, Goblinworks said that the game must be able to support 2,000 simultaneous logins and 100 characters per hex before it would activate early enrollment.

However, the good news is that the game is getting better with the release of Alpha 12.1, which is now live. The patch contains balance fixes, better hairstyles, performance improvements, and the activation of the encumbrance system.

MassivelyPathfinder Online continues to delay early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-12.1alpha-testdelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspatchpatch-notespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnprelease-notessandboxsandparkupdateThu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: October 25 - 31, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/betawatch-october-25-31-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/betawatch-october-25-31-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/betawatch-october-25-31-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Elite
Elite: Dangerous' beta 3 went live this week with bug fixes and new features like player-driven interdiction, asteroid mining, and philanthropy missions. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? Read on for the complete Betawatch roundup.

Continue reading Betawatch: October 25 - 31, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: October 25 - 31, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblade-and-soulbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadraenoreliteelite-dangerousgame-testinggigantickickstarterlaunchlaunchesline-of-defensemassively-metamoonlight-blademoonlight-blade-onlineopen-betaotherlandpathfinder-onlineroundupshadow-realmstestingthe-crewtrovevaliance-onlinewarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 31 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online early enrollment will not be launching today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
Pathfinder Online's early enrollment launch for paying backers has already been delayed multiple times since its original goal of September 15th, and last night we learned that release has been put off yet again. Goblinworks' Ryan Dancey explained that the ongoing stress tests convinced the team that the server infrastructure needs bulking-up; consequently, the October 30th date -- today -- has been set aside. Dancey wrote,
We have set an internal objective of being able to handle 2,000 simultaneous connections, and 100 characters active in a single Hex as our minimum threshold for server performance. This reflects our expected peak concurrent activity for the first 10,000 players in game - roughly what we anticipate during the first 90 days of Early Enrollment activity. Currently the server does not reliably meet that benchmark.

With your help, we generated tremendously useful data via the stress test process and our performance team is confident that they can identify areas of the server system that can be rapidly improved to hit that benchmark. They are building and testing the necessary software and are making steady progress.

We want the first players in Pathfinder Online to have a high-quality experience and we are committed to delivering the game in a condition that meets that objective. Rather than commence Early Enrollment on the 30th we are going to enter a temporary "hold" state while we continue to optimize the server. When the team is confident that our benchmark for performance has been met, we will then exit the "hold", notify the community and begin a 48 hour countdown to Early Enrollment.
Dancey told players that Pathfinder's alpha test will continue, allowing devs to "roll out these polished feature iterations and to test server capacity improvements," and he thanked backers for their assistance and feedback.

MassivelyPathfinder Online early enrollment will not be launching today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetadev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testtestingThu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: October 18 - 24, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained - Betawatch
Camelot Unchained ran a pre-alpha test for backers this past weekend, allowing players to test out character creation and PvP. What else is new in the realm of MMO testing?
  • Justin test-drove Lord of the Ring's Online's in-testing Beorning race/class.
  • Trove has a fully open, no-wipe, everyone-welcome beta test running this weekend.
  • World of Warcraft previewed the creatures of Gorgrond, a zone in the upcoming Warlords of Draenor.
  • The Repopulation discussed its plans for healers and combat medics.
  • Shroud of the Avatar's Release 11 preps players for its Steam debut.
  • MJ pondered what "beta" means for Landmark and what backers' obligations to the game really are.
  • Life is Feudal sold 100,000 copies of its survival MMO in its first month on Steam early access.
  • EverQuest Next devs discussed playable Ogres and Dwarves.
  • Goblinworks defended the FFA PvP design of Pathfinder Online, currently in alpha.
Read on for our complete Betawatch roundup.

Continue reading Betawatch: October 18 - 24, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: October 18 - 24, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betaeverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslife-is-feudallord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineroundupshroud-of-the-avatarsotatestingthe-repopulationtrovewarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 24 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoblinWorks: Pathfinder's PvP 'provides meaningful context']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GoblinWorks' latest Pathfinder developer blog went live this week, and in it CEO Ryan Dancey previews alpha version 10.0 which "closes a number of critical game loops" by adding several features.

Testers will experience increased character power, increased crafting abilities, and a new company/settlement UI, to name just a few of the improvements. Dancey also says that Pathfinder's PvP will "provide meaningful context" while acknowledging that "many people have serious reservations about PvP."

Dancey says that the solution to the problem of bad PvP behavior and "no-fun experiences" is the context. "When people struggle over something meaningful they behave differently than when PvP is just [a] random fight." How exactly will Pathfinder provide this context? You'll have to read the dev blog to find out!

[Thanks Chrysillis!]

MassivelyGoblinWorks: Pathfinder's PvP 'provides meaningful context' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-alphapathfinder-onlinepathfinder-pvppvpryan-danceysandboxwar-of-towersSun, 19 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: October 11 - 17, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/betawatch-october-11-17-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/betawatch-october-11-17-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/betawatch-october-11-17-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Landmark
This week, Landmark introduced lava. Also new gear, appearance slots, a better UI, and a zillion other tweaks. But lava.

What else is new in the realm of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: October 11 - 17, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: October 11 - 17, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasazerabetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelotcamelot-unchainedchroniclechronicle-runescape-legendsclosed-betagame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslavalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromark-jacobsmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlinerounduprunescapeseldon-crisissevencoretestingFri, 17 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online begins alpha stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

pathfinder
Pathfinder Online has thrown open its doors to all of its supporters for an important alpha stress test as the game transitions into Alpha 9.1.

The Alpha 9.1 update is primarily focused on bug fixes but also includes "more fluid and lifelike" animations, a faster character selection process, the ability to tab-target enemy players, and a doubled drop rate for common refining recipes. The team has also removed energy resistance from heavy armor to make light armor more desirable in various situations.

This stress test is part of the build-up to the repeatedly delayed early enrollment launch, which is currently scheduled for October 30th.

MassivelyPathfinder Online begins alpha stress test originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-9.1alpha-stress-testbetaearly-enrollmentgoblinworkspatchpathfinderpathfinder-onlinestress-testupdateSun, 12 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: October 4 - 10, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/betawatch-october-4-10-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/betawatch-october-4-10-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/betawatch-october-4-10-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Crew
This week, The Crew's launch date was delayed until to December 2nd, ensuring a longer closed beta for the driving MMO. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Read on for our complete Betawatch roundup.

Continue reading Betawatch: October 4 - 10, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: October 4 - 10, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasasker-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblade-and-soulbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadas-talgame-testinglaunchlauncheslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-metanightmare-tideopen-betapathfinder-onlineriftrounduptestingthe-crewthe-repopulationFri, 10 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's latest alpha patch is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The mysterious roaming Stress Test, a beast no one can confirm seeing. There may be one hiding in this header.
After no small amount of hand-wringing, the latest alpha patch is live for Pathfinder Online, with the intent of eventually cracking open the servers for stress testing. It's a pretty important patch even without the aim of a stress test, though, as it expands the map size to its full early access scope and fixes a variety of issues with advancement and the game's overall systems. Even if you didn't get to play recently, the development is humming along.

Obviously those who didn't get to play also didn't get to experiment with the game's recent auction house functionality, which is explained in depth on the official site. Setting up an auction requires a starting price and a minimum price. Over the auction's duration, the price slowly decreases from the starting price down to the minimum; if no buyers are found at that discount rate, the auction ends unsuccessfully. Check out the full development blog for more details.

MassivelyPathfinder Online's latest alpha patch is live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingalphasauctionauction-houseauctionsbetabeta-testingbetasfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testMon, 06 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Trove
Trion Worlds ended Trove's alpha yesterday... and soft-launched its paid beta (complete with a brand-new class) in its place. Beta, mind you, will not be wiped again, but you've still got to pony up for a starter pack of one flavor or another to access it. What else is new in the land of MMO testing this week? Read on for the complete Betawatch roundup.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betaga2game-testingglobal-agenda-2launchlaunchesline-of-defenselodmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineroundupshroud-of-the-avatarsotastormthronetestingtrovetugFri, 26 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's early enrollment is delayed yet again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online has further delayed the start of its next testing phase, Goblinworks wrote on its blog yesterday in a post titled Early Enrollment Will Not Start This Week:
There are a lot of final pieces coming into place to turn Pathfinder Online into a Minimum Viable Product so all of our early adopters can play and have a great time. The Auction House didn't make it in for a build last week and that is a critical feature of our MVP. As always, Goblinworks is dedicated to making sure the players have a solid and fun game experience. As a result we are going to reschedule the start of Early Enrollment. The team is developing their roadmap and when we have a revised start date we will provide an updated blog to present that plan. We appreciate your continued patience.
Those of you playing along at home will recall that this is the third such delay. On September 3rd, early enrollment was shifted to September 22nd for bug fixing; a week later, it was set for September 25th to accommodate, Goblinworks said, its players' vocal "desire to have the whole early enrollment map ready for play on the first day of early enrollment." Early enrollment is the equivalent of paid early access for backers and incurs a subscription fee.

MassivelyPathfinder Online's early enrollment is delayed yet again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkWed, 24 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQ
This week, classic EverQuest began the beta test for Darkened Sea, its 21st expansion. You read that number correctly! What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The full Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchchaos-heroeschaos-heroes-onlineclosed-betaeleveneqeverquestgame-testingglitchlaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlinerounduptestingtugwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online gears up for a stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I feel like one of them should have a pitchfork to accentuate the dourness.
The early access period of Pathfinder Online has been delayed a little bit, but the game is still moving forward, and that means opening up for stress testing. On September 20th the game's current alpha client will be receiving an update for a variety of game mechanics; following that, the servers will open their doors on September 22nd for all players who have Open, Early, Explorer, or Alpha access. This means that more people than ever will be allowed to fire up the game and start playing.

Access will be provided on a rolling basis, chiefly to prevent a huge rush of people from all attempting to log into the game at the exact same moment. The goal, as with any stress test, is to ensure that the system can handle itself under severe loads. The official update offers more details on what's coming for the 22nd as well as mechanical changes players can look forward to when the test version goes live.

MassivelyPathfinder Online gears up for a stress test originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessalphabetabetasfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkserver-accessserver-stressstress-testFri, 19 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ArcheAge
We say farewell to ArcheAge this week as it emerges from open beta into its head start period. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup lies ahead.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblade-9brianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadestinyeliteelite-dangerouseverquestgame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslegend-of-the-condor-heroeslegend-of-the-condor-heroes-zerolodmassively-metaopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlinerounduptestingthe-repopulationtugvaliance-onlineFri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online further delays early enrollment to include more map]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder
When will Pathfinder Online's early enrollment period begin? The answer to that question continues to change as its studio makes last-minute adjustments. Originally it was supposed to be September 15th, which then was pushed to September 22nd for more work on alpha features, and it's now delayed until September 25th in order to give players a larger initial game world. Players who have early enrollment access will be able to access the wipeable alpha (if they don't have it already) starting on the 18th.

"Our community has been very vocal about their desire to have the whole early enrollment map ready for play on the first day of early enrollment, and we're making changes to our deployment plans to accommodate that desire," Goblinworks posted. The studio also said that it will be delaying the start of the War of Towers until October 16th and that the Mac client should be ready to go by the start of early enrollment.

In the meantime, the team is consolidating its alpha patches into a single large patch for tomorrow and then will be doing updates on Thursdays going forward.

MassivelyPathfinder Online further delays early enrollment to include more map originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testbetabeta-testdelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkslaunchlaunch-delaypatchpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 11 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

AA
ArcheAge's open beta, undaunted by what our community has dubbed e-hooligans and their DDoSing ways, officially began yesterday. The official launch is slated for September 16th. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcheagebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betae-hooliganse-thugseliteelite-dangerousgame-testinglaunchlauncheslego-minifigures-onlinemassively-metanightmare-tideopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlineriftroundupstar-citizentestingthe-repopulationtribal-wars-2trovewakfuFri, 05 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you pay a sub for an alpha?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-a-sub-for-an-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-a-sub-for-an-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-a-sub-for-an-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The MMO community is fast becoming inured to the idea that we're now expected to pay a lump sum for alpha and beta access rather than exchange our testing time for early access. But what about paying a subscription for that access?

Pathfinder Online is banking on it. At last weekend's PAX Prime, we learned that the Goblinworks dev team will be charging players $15 a month to play the alpha (they're calling it "early enrollment" to their "minimum viable product," but it amounts to what most of us would call an alpha). The upside is that character data won't be wiped, so that makes it more like a very incomplete soft launch, but it's still a novelty in the industry.

Would you pay a sub for an alpha?

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: Would you pay a sub for an alpha? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-subbrianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindgoblinworksopinionpahtfinderpathfinder-onlinesubsubscriptiontdgthe-daily-grindFri, 05 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online delays early enrollment to September 22nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On the plus side, that's still a day within spitting distance.
If you're looking forward to early enrollment in Pathfinder Online, you're going to have to wait a week longer; the early enrollment period is being nudged back a week to a September 22nd start date. Why the delay? In short, the last alpha test wound up missing some important features and made it very clear that the features that were implemented still needed some work. Fixes are being worked on, and a few quick solutions are suggested for players participating in the alpha process.

Some features are also having their release dates altered; companies, for example, are now due for implementation after early enrollment begins. Terrain features are also going to have a staggered rollout, with a third ready at the start of early enrollment and the remainder coming later. Take a look at the full update for more detailed explanation of what's coming and when for both testers and fans.

MassivelyPathfinder Online delays early enrollment to September 22nd originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessalphaalpha-testingalphasbetabetasearly-accessearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 04 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder online
Would you pay to get into an alpha test? Well, would you continue to pay a monthly subscription to keep on playing a title that's not yet launched? If you've answered "yes" to these questions plus the special one that I ask at the end of this article, then you're one of the folks that Pathfinder Online hopes to recruit for early enrollment come September 15th.

I sat down with Goblinworks CEO Ryan Dancey and Game Designer Stephen Chaney at PAX Prime yesterday to talk about this next big step for the game. Pathfinder Online is still far from feature complete, but the team considers it done enough that it can monetize the game in the form of a monthly sub. The 20,000 or so folks who will be admitted into early enrollment play (a number that includes the 7,000 Kickstarter backers) are expected to pay $15 a month as the team continues to develop the title. In exchange, characters and progress will not be wiped, and players will get to see the game take shape around them.

Goblinworks' philosophy is to have a robust game design first and then wrap the rest of the game around it afterward. Dancy said that the monetization is necessary to keep the lights on and the development rolling. The budget for a finished Pathfinder Online is $5 million (89% of which is salaries), but only $1.4 million has been raised so far.

Being only passingly familiar with Pathfinder Online, I asked why the MMO with its territory control seems so different from the small party, adventure-oriented tabletop game. The reason for this is that the pen-and-paper game doesn't completely translate to software boundaries, plus it draws from an adventure pack that Paizo tested a while back that went on to become one of its best-selling products. In both versions of Pathfinder, the long game is to rule the land and establish a legacy, not merely fill up a bag with XP and loot.

So is it worth it to you to pay a full subscription price for a half-finished game? That's up to you.

Continue reading PAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online

MassivelyPAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Aug 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Landmark
This week, SOE injected a limited version of combat into its really-truly-still-a-beta Landmark sandbox. Massively's MJ Guthrie streamed and wrote about her initial experiences with the system. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup awaits.

Continue reading Betawatch: August 23 - 29, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: August 23 - 29, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasanarchy-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betagame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineproject-gorgonroundupskyforgestar-conflictstrifetestingthe-crewFri, 29 Aug 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Pathfinder Online devblog emphasizes player-driven economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Although players in Pathfinder Online's Alpha 7 run will earn 5,000 XP per hour (in order to help them test more things), the latest devblog warns that things will get decidedly harder once gameplay starts after Early Enrollment. At that point players will face a "cold start," beginning the game with only simple peasant clothes, a club, and 1,000 XP to spend on initial feats. Everything else, from feats to gear to cash, will grow from that.

The devblog also details the player-driven economy; by design, nearly everything characters use will be player-crafted. Mobs will drop only starter equipment, coin, salvage, or -- the rarest and most valuable -- recipes. Players can only upgrade gear past the starter level through crafting, and gear can be crafted with certain key words that add bonuses when combined with specific slotted feats. For full details, and a look at what Pathfinder devs are doing at PAX Prime, check out the official site.

MassivelyLatest Pathfinder Online devblog emphasizes player-driven economy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crafted-gearcraftingdev-diarydevblogfantasygeargoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepax-prime-2014player-driven-economyplayer-economypnpsandboxsandparkThu, 28 Aug 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quests, Elves, and Dwarves coming soon to Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder online
Pathfinder Online's alpha is growing by leaps and bounds as evidenced by two upcoming builds that will take shape over the next few weeks. In them, the devs are adding in essential systems like questing along with new races.

With next week's alpha 7 build, questing and companies will be introduced into the game as will possible new terrain types. Then when alpha 8 comes along, the sandbox MMO will make the jump to its early enrollment servers. This update will also include Elves, Dwarves, a graphical upgrade, expendables, storage, auction houses, banks, and more terrain options.

Part of the purpose of these new builds is to conduct what the devs are calling a "cold start" to see how players advance when they begin with nothing but a club and the clothes on their back. "Everything your character possesses and every ability your character learns after that point will be totally dependent on how you choose to play the game," the devs posted.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyQuests, Elves, and Dwarves coming soon to Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-7alpha-8betacold-startdev-diarydwarfdwarvesearly-enrollmentelfelvesfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkSun, 24 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: How to spend $46,750 on MMO crowdfunding purchases]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/23/perfect-ten-how-to-spend-46-750-on-mmo-crowdfunding-purchases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/23/perfect-ten-how-to-spend-46-750-on-mmo-crowdfunding-purchases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/23/perfect-ten-how-to-spend-46-750-on-mmo-crowdfunding-purchases/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

sota
Do you ever look at your wallet and say, "Ugh, this thing is too full! It's causing a bruise on my tushie every time I sit, and no gas station ever has change for a thousand-dollar bill!" Are you tired of the endless cycle of purchasing luxury sedans to roll them off cliffs only to realize that the auto industry is making them faster than they can be destroyed?

We here at Massively feel your pain, and just as soon as I finished eating a breakfast of scrambled eggs made from endangered birds, I hopped off the company's gold yacht and got to work tracking down ways that you could relieve yourself of the burden of wealth.

So here is my plan, in 10 simple steps, for you to shed $46,750 of your bank account, all by blowing your enormous disposable income on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding options. No, please don't thank me by sending me a gigantic check. I would only shred it to use in my robo-hamster's cage.

Continue reading Perfect Ten: How to spend $46,750 on MMO crowdfunding purchases

MassivelyPerfect Ten: How to spend $46,750 on MMO crowdfunding purchases originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoblinWorks has posted some "major announcements" on its Pathfinder Online website. They include the start date for early enrollment (September 15th) as well as tweaks to early enrollment packages and a new Explorer Access package.

Gameplay-wise, the firm has unveiled premium cash shop items, which it says "are not going to be mechanically superior to player-character crafted items." Two of the items will regenerate power, though, so it's worth reading the full explanation if you're concerned about potential monetization intrusions in your fantasy sandbox.

Finally, GoblinWorks talks up Pathfinder's individual player structures, which are also available via the cash shop. Base camps serve as adventure-sustaining settlements when you're far from home, and they remain active for five days once deployed. Once they despawn, they're on a 15-day cooldown. They're priced at $50. Smallholdings are also available and feature "a substantial amount of local storage" for $200.

MassivelyPathfinder early access starts September 15, cash shop structures revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-accessearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksmonetizationp2wpathfinderpathfinder-cash-shoppathfinder-early-accesspathfinder-early-enrollmentpathfinder-onlinepathfinder-structurespay-to-winpnpsandboxsandbox-monetizationsandparkThu, 07 Aug 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: July 26 - August 1, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/betawatch-july-26-august-1-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/betawatch-july-26-august-1-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/betawatch-july-26-august-1-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Firefall
Both Firefall and Swordsman officially launched this week, ending their tenures on the Betawatch list and landing on hard drives everywhere. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup follows.

Continue reading Betawatch: July 26 - August 1, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: July 26 - August 1, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Aug 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcheagebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadestinyeliteelite-dangerousfirefallgame-testinglaunchlaunchesLEGO-Minifigures-Onlinemassively-metaoort-onlineopen-betapathfinder-onlineroundupswordsmantestingFri, 01 Aug 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Have you been eager to see what is happening behind the Pathfinder Online developmental curtain? Massively's MJ has sneaked in and will be poking around the alpha to see how things are coming along. Starting with character creation, she'll peek into as many corners as possible to show off this upcoming crowdfunded sandbox. Can she get to housing, crafting, adventuring, and exploring? Obviously because it is alpha, things won't be finished, but chances of experiencing everything in a short time is still pretty low! Join us live at 1:00 p.m. to let MJ know what aspects you want to see the most while she has the chance to show you.

Game: Pathfinder Online
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Saturday, July 26th, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphafantasyfirst-lookfirst-peekgoblinworkslivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvSat, 26 Jul 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: July 5 - 11, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/11/betawatch-july-5-11-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/11/betawatch-july-5-11-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/11/betawatch-july-5-11-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge
ArcheAge dazzled MMORPG players this week with the announcement that its closed beta will kick off on July 17th. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup for the week of July 5th to 11th is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: July 5 - 11, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: July 5 - 11, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcheagearchlord-2beasts-of-preybetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadestinygame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineroundupshadowboundshroud-of-the-avatarsotatestingthe-stomping-landswarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 11 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online releases new alpha client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

pathfinder
Pathfinder Online alpha testers have a shiny new client to test out, an upgrade that hopefully will distract them from the requisite XP and inventory wipe.

The new client includes better lighting, animation fixes, coin drops from mobs, additional utility feats, and a better distribution of resource nodes. NPCs have also been given a speed boost to cut down on the ease of kiting by players.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyPathfinder Online releases new alpha client originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetafantasygoblinworkspatch-notespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkSun, 06 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week in MMO crowdfunding news, Star Citizen made more money. At this point I should probably go ahead and add that as a permanent part of Make My MMO's opening paragraph. Elsewhere, Pathfinder Online formally flung open its doors and invited backers into its alpha. If you supported the fantasy sandbox on Kickstarter or purchased access through the GoblinWorks store, you should be getting an email invite.

Finally, indie outfit Nesoi Tech revealed Bone Gulch, which is some sort of online multiplayer Old West thing built with the Unity engine. Though its Kickstarter page labels it an MMO, I'm not sure how MMO it really is, but I'm desperate enough for a Red Dead Redemption-style persistent world to be cautiously optimistic.

As always, the rest of our crowdfunded MMO roundup is just past the break.

Continue reading Make My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014

MassivelyMake My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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