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[Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
With five weeks left until Diablo III launches, Blizzard started its pre-launch marketing campaign this week with a new series exploring each of the five classes. This week kicks off with a preview of the Demon Hunter. Meanwhile, Torchlight II revealed details of a new charge bar mechanic designed to keep a rapid pace of action, and dungeon crawler Path of Exile started gearing up for release with some tempting pre-order packages.

Penny Arcade made a guest appearance in League of Legends this week with a special comic introducing upcoming champion Varus. Riot also revealed the next champion due for release, armoured spectral warrior Hecarim. Rise of Immortals got the Penny Arcade treatment this week too when joke character Karapyss the Crabomancer was actually released. Bloodline Champions launched an Easter egg painting contest this week and asked players whether grades should be reset for the current competitive season.

Blacklight: Retribution officially launched this week and celebrated with the release of its first new gun, the heavy assault rifle. Finally, Wrath of heroes released its first hero spotlight video this week, introducing hybrid damage-dealer Nethys.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter

MassivelyNot So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattlenetbiowareblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championschampionchampionscomiccompetitive-gamingcrabomancercrabomancyd3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportseaeasterelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheavy-assault-riflehecarimkarapysskarapyss-the-crabomancerleague-of-legendslolMicrotransactionsmmofpsmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnethysnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepenny-arcadeperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamesstunlockstunlock-studiosvanusvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroeswrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: April fool's edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's that time of year again when we all forget to check our calendars and get suckered into believing outrageous April Fool's gags. This week's Not So Massively is a blend of yesterday's joke posts and the week's real news from games that aren't quite MMOs. League of Legends announced a joke 3-D mode, released the winners of the I Heart LoL contest, and delved into the game's North American playerbase as part of the ongoing world tour. Dota 2 added classic hero Lone Druid this week, and Firefall revealed its plans to scale up the beta soon.

Heroes of Newerth launched a new art contest and released its new mobile ganker Blitz, while Bloodline Champions laid on the April Fool's mischief with its Catch the Ranid game mode announcement and plans for a tournament with cheeseburgers for prizes. Rise of Immortals joined in the festivities with the announcement of its new immortal Karapyss the Crabomancer.

Blacklight: Retribution explained its datanode system and released a new troll face taunt, and Diablo III teased players with its joke Zergotchi authenticator. Diablo fansite Diablofans revealed changes to the upcoming game's Inferno mode and wrote a great April Fool's joke about releasing on the Wii. Path of Exile took a step closer to launch with a public stress test this weekend, and Torchlight II revealed the game's pets and announced that the latest build of the game will be playable at PAX East.

Continue reading Not So Massively: April fool's edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: April fool's edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgapril-foolsapril-fools-2012battlenetblacklightblacklight-retributionBlitzblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscatch-the-ranidcompetitive-gamingcrabomancercrabomancyd3datanodesdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroheroes-of-newerthhoninfernoinferno-modekarapyssleague-of-legendslollone-druidmmofpsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepenny-arcadeperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvppwered-5-studiosriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesstunlockstunlock-studiosvideozergotchizombie-studiosMon, 02 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever been a part of a regular group?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-a-part-of-a-regular-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-a-part-of-a-regular-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-a-part-of-a-regular-group/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind
This week I'm trying an experiment: My friend and I are attempting to pull together a (semi-)regular adventuring group for Dungeons and Dragons Online. It's an iffy proposition, as I've been part of a couple of other regular groups before and they've never lasted long (I blame my loud, abusive rants over Vent). But the idea is infectious, and I'm not giving up on trying them out.

Regular groups -- if you can pull them off and stick with them -- can offer a singular experience in which friends bond over a continuous shared journey, one in which they become a fully functional team from the onset. Plus, being part of one means that no content is too big or too small, and one never need worry about having to troll the LFG channel or dungeon finders for strangers.

So I'm curious: How many of you have been a part of a regular MMO group? How do you make it work, and what did you take away from it?

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: Have you ever been a part of a regular group? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuring-groupddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinefeaturedgroupgroupingopinionpenny-arcaderegular-grouptdgthe-daily-grindWed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-long-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-long-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-long-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
In coming up with a follow-up list to my previous Upcoming MMO Contenders list, I found myself almost paralyzed by more choices than I could shake a wireless mouse at. Pointing at the sure bets is one thing, but narrowing down a field of dozens and dozens of interesting -- yet more far-flung -- prospects is far more difficult. It's one thing to have a good idea; it's another to say whether or not this game will actually make it to launch, and if it does, that it'll pull the idea off well.

That said, I've lost some hair and two pounds sweating out this list, and I feel sleeker for it. Today's Perfect Ten is all about the long-shots, the titles that may not have the huge budget, big name studios, or anything solid to show for it, but could still become contenders in their own right if everything is played just right.

Deep breath -- let's give it a go!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbethesdaBethesda-Softworksccpccp-gamesclass3class4crypticcryptic-studiosd-n-dddodefiancednddominusdungeons-and-dragonseve-onlinefallout-onlinefeaturedgoblinworksguild-warsinterplayjeff-strainmechwarrior-onlineneverwinterotherlandpathfinder-onlinepenny-arcadepermadeathprimeprime-battle-for-dominusriftsyfytad-williamstransformers-universetrion-worldsundead-labswizardrywizardry-onlineworld-of-darknessThu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall adds pets for you to cuddle... and kill]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/firefall-adds-pets-for-you-to-cuddle-and-kill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/firefall-adds-pets-for-you-to-cuddle-and-kill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/firefall-adds-pets-for-you-to-cuddle-and-kill/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Firefall
Just in case you thought Firefall was going to be nothing but guns, ammo, and models toting guns and ammo, Red 5 wants us to know that there's a softer side to the game for those who love fluff. Talking with Shacknews, Mark Kern revealed that the shooter MMO will include a pet system for grizzled combat veterans who can't bear to leave the base without the security of Rygel and Princess Pebbles.

Of course, this being a red-blooded shooter, Firefall's pet system can't stop with extended grooming and cuddles. "We had had to do little things to actually make it interesting," Kern explained. "Not only can you get a pet, but we're thinking that there's actually an item you can buy in the store to load your gun with special ammunition so you actually shoot the other guy's pet."

Red 5 will be hosting an upcoming promotion starting on Wednesday called Crystite Challenge that will give fans a chance to get into the beta and unlock a Penny Arcade "The Merch" pet.

"The Merch is awesome because he's all about merchandising and he fits with our item-based theme," Kern said. Firefall is currently in beta and gearing up for a December launch. Curious onlookers would do well to check out Massively's hands-on impressions of the title from PAX.

MassivelyFirefall adds pets for you to cuddle... and kill originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaCrystite-Challengedie-pet-dief2pfirefallfree-to-playin-game-eventmark-kernmmo-shootermmofpspaxpax-prime-2011penny-arcadepetpet-systempetsprincess-pebblesred-5red-5-studiosryan seacrestrygelshacknewsshooterthe-merchvanity-petsMon, 19 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike 'Gabe' Krahulik speaks his mind about SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/mike-gabe-krahulik-speaks-his-mind-about-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/mike-gabe-krahulik-speaks-his-mind-about-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/mike-gabe-krahulik-speaks-his-mind-about-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sometimes being a celebrity in the gaming world has its perks. Take Mike Krahulik from Penny Arcade, for example. People instantly recognize him, they want his opinion on everything, and he can get in on any beta he wants. All right, that last bit was a stretch, but he did get into game testing for Star Wars: The Old Republic. And after much begging, the marketing team at BioWare gave "Gabe" the chance to publicly sound off about TOR. Guess what? He loved it.

Based on a statement he made in the Penny Arcade blog, Krahulik believes that this Star Wars MMO lives up to its expectations, unlike another Star Wars MMO from the past. Specifically, he compares questing in The Old Republic to questing in other MMOs: "Turning the quests into an interactive experience makes me care a lot more about them. A quest is still a chance to get XP, money and loot but it's also an opportunity to advance your character towards the dark or light side based on your decisions. In most MMO's taking quests is what you do so that you can go play. In SW:TOR, taking quests is playing."

To catch his full 1200-word write-up on The Old Republic, jump over to the Penny Arcade blog. Find out whether he feels the game is "Star Wars-y" enough and what he thinks of his "shimmering blue glory."

MassivelyMike 'Gabe' Krahulik speaks his mind about SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-ArtsgabeimpressionsLucasArtsmike-gabe-krahulikmike-krahulikpenny-arcadeStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorThu, 23 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play breaks annual record with over $2 million raised]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-breaks-annual-record-with-over-2-million-raised/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-breaks-annual-record-with-over-2-million-raised/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-breaks-annual-record-with-over-2-million-raised/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Child's Play has become the ubiquitous ur-charity for the gaming community. Founded by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade fame, it's grown into a multinational event for gamers the world over to help out needy children. It's also made a tradition out of breaking records for overall donations every year, and this year is no exception, with the total amount raised coming out to over $2 million for the year and nearly $9 million over its lifetime.

The record-breaking effort has always been helped by enterprising fundraisers from the community, and the MMO community is no exception; notable fundraising efforts this year include the Lord of the Rings Online-inspired fundraiser from A Casual Stroll to Mordor and Sony Online Entertainment's donations for the purchase of in-game pets, together with other non-MMO events such as the infamous Desert Bus for Hope marathon and the Humble Indie Bundle. The entire gaming community, online or off, can take pride in another record-breaking year for Child's Play.

MassivelyChild's Play breaks annual record with over $2 million raised originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acts-of-kindnesscharitychilds-playchilds-play-charitycommunitydesert-busfundraisinggaming-communityhuman-decencyhumble-indie-bundlemmo-communitypenny-arcadesoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 03 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE and players pitch in to support Child's Play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/soe-and-players-pitch-in-to-support-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/soe-and-players-pitch-in-to-support-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/soe-and-players-pitch-in-to-support-childs-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It is better to give than receive, as it's been said, unless you're giving yourself a present that prompts a major corporation to give to a charity in turn. Then everyone wins!

OK, that may sound a bit convoluted, but SOE is actually making it really easy for players to help out with a great charity this holiday season. The studio is supporting Child's Play, a charity started up by the Penny Arcade folks to supply hospitals with video games and toys for kids. SOE has pledged to donate $10 for every purchase of one of four in-game items. These items include a P3-NUT droid pet in Clone Wars Adventures, a penguin pet in Free Realms, an EverQuest II Cloak of Falling Snow, and a neat EverQuest ornamentation that turns any weapon into a cardboard tube (visually, not statistically).

This charity drive will go through the end of the month (December 31st), and SOE will honor up to $50,000 of donations based on player purchases. You can read more about this promotion over at EverQuest II, or head over to Child's Play to see what this charity is about.

MassivelySOE and players pitch in to support Child's Play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playClone-Wars-AdventurescwaeqEQ2EQIIeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifree-realmspenny-arcadepromotionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresswaTue, 21 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Helpful hobbits see fundraising as Child's Play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hobbits -- is there anything they can't do? First they're taking the One Ring into the heart of Mordor to save Middle-earth from Sauron's grip, and now they're out on another journey, this time to bring relief to hospitalized children in our world.

You may be quite familiar with Child's Play, a charity started by Penny Arcade's creators and designed to raise money to buy video games and systems for children's hospitals. This year, MMO gamers are getting in on the action, as A Casual Stroll to Mordor, a LotRO blog and podcast, is attempting to raise $5,000 for Child's Play by presenting the fundraising as steps along Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin's famous journey from the Shire to Rivendell.

Dubbing it "The Fellowship Walk," each milestone toward the $5,000 goal is represented by a different stage of the Fellowship's journey on their site. The Lonely Mountain Band, The Guild and other individuals are donating special items to be given away over the next month in an effort to attract more donors. Merric, one of the founders of the blog, found himself hospitalized as a child, and found out first-hand how helpful video games are in distracting kids from the pain.

You can learn more about their effort -- and perhaps chip in a few bucks yourself -- by heading over to A Casual Stroll to Mordor! Oh, and happy birthday to Frodo and Bilbo!

MassivelyHelpful hobbits see fundraising as Child's Play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorcharitychilds-playfundraiserlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromerricmordorpenny-arcadesauronthe-fellowship-walkthe-guildthe-lonely-mountain-bandturbineWed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Sims Online was one of the odder entrants into the MMO genre this past decade, an online iteration of an immensely popular game franchise that promised deeper social interaction. With EA at its back and the Will Wright name affixed to the front, TSO (not to be confused with Cryptic's STO) had a solid shot at cracking the big time.

It did not. It went over as well as a fish flopping out of water to make a go for it on dry land, eventually realizing that it was both going nowhere and dying slowly. The end result? It stunk.

And yet it was an interesting failed experiment in MMO gaming, especially considering that the concept wasn't as off-base as we once thought. With social "dress up" games booming -- Second Life, Habbo Hotel, Club Penguin, Hello Kitty Online, even elements of LEGO Universe -- The Sims Online could be seen as a prophet of the future, mistreated in its own time. Return with us to the days of pixelated 2-D isometric glory, as the Game Archaeologist interprets the Simlish of ancient tomes for your benefit.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-penguineaea-landelectronic-artseverquestfeaturedhabbo-hotelhello-kitty-onlinelego-universemeat-marketpenny-arcadered-light-districtsecond-lifesimlishsimlish-is-just-nonstop-swearingsimsstar-trek-onlinestothe-game-archaeologistthe-simsthe-sims-onlinetsoTue, 06 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX East?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 marks the first year that the Penny Arcade Expo -- PAX -- has traveled to the far east (read: Boston) to hold their gamer-friendly, geektastic convention. As you might expect, an elite squad of specially-trained Massively reporters will be on hand to extract as much crucial information as we can -- as much as possible under the limits of the Geneva Convention, of course.

But before you hear our first reports from the scene of this exciting convention, we want to know: what are you most excited about seeing or hearing from PAX East? Is it the keynote speech by Star Trek: The Next Generation's Wil Wheaton? The hardcore, nailbiting Omegathon? Or perhaps -- just perhaps -- breaking news and revelations about some of your favorite MMORPGs from developers like Turbine, NCSoft, 38 Studios, EA and others? Take a gander through the official schedule and tell us what's got your attention!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX East? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioseageneva-conventionncsoftomegathonpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcadeturbinewil-wheatonFri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's interview with Linden Lab's Catherine Smith, in Amsterdam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-s-interview-with-linden-lab-s-catherine-smith-in-amst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-s-interview-with-linden-lab-s-catherine-smith-in-amst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-s-interview-with-linden-lab-s-catherine-smith-in-amst/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You might recall that, back in September, Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon and the Lab's director of Marketing and Communications Catherine Smith took a trip to Amsterdam, where it was revealed that they were seeking space for a new marketing headquarters for Linden Lab.

Well, the new office isn't open yet - that's coming in January - but Ms Smith has already relocated to Amsterdam, which actually made her a bit easier to catch up with for a talk about the new digs and new initiatives.

Continue reading Massively's interview with Linden Lab's Catherine Smith, in Amsterdam

MassivelyMassively's interview with Linden Lab's Catherine Smith, in Amsterdam originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affiliate-marketingamsterdamcatherine-lindencatherine-smithedelman-preuropefeaturedinterviewsjobsjordaankatrin-lindenlinden-labm-lindenmark-kingdonmmo-industrymoooipenny-arcadesecond-lifevirtual-worldsyoutubeSun, 03 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 art book to not be included in the collector's edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/guild-wars-2-art-book-to-not-be-included-in-the-collectors-edit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/guild-wars-2-art-book-to-not-be-included-in-the-collectors-edit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/guild-wars-2-art-book-to-not-be-included-in-the-collectors-edit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If you've been keeping your eye on that very gorgeous artbook that's currently residing in the Guild Wars 2 store/Penny Arcade store but have been holding off on your purchase, you might want to reconsider. ArenaNet has recently confirmed, via Twitter, that the art book in the Penny Arcade store will not be coming with the Guild Wars 2 collector's edition box.

So if you were really looking forward to this artbook, looks like you're going to have to put down the 30 dollars and pick it up separately. On the bright side, it's a hardbound 128 page book of what looks to be some really beautiful art.

As to what will be included in the collector's edition, well, your guess is as good as ours right now. ArenaNet is being tight lipped on those features, and it looks like we're just going to have to wait.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 art book to not be included in the collector's edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetartartbookcollectors-editionguild-warsguild-wars-2gw2penny-arcadepenny-arcade-storetwitterThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Coruscant artwork and PAX video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/swtors-coruscant-artwork-and-pax-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/swtors-coruscant-artwork-and-pax-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/swtors-coruscant-artwork-and-pax-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


So maybe you missed out on seeing the glorious video reveal of Coruscant at PAX this year. No worries, because BioWare's been kind enough to release a high quality copy of the video into the wilds of the internet. We've posted it after the break in case you'd like to simple jump right into it.

There's more news beyond the video being available on the game's official website, though, such as a bevy of very cool concept art that should entice any Star Wars: The Old Republic fan for several minutes bare minimum -- some of us may spend longer amounts of time staring.

None of this is a big reveal, but that's perfectly understandable given the team's presence at PAX last weekend. So what about next weekend? Well, next weekend they'd better deliver or else we'll have to uh- well we'll just be sad if they don't, but it'll be a really vicious sadness that sends chills down spines!

Continue reading SWTOR's Coruscant artwork and PAX video

MassivelySWTOR's Coruscant artwork and PAX video originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecoruscanteaelectronic-artslucasartspaxpax-2009penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expostar-warsswtortorvideoSun, 13 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade comments on Old Republic footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-comments-on-old-republic-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-comments-on-old-republic-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-comments-on-old-republic-footage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Old Republic's latest video footage had some people drooling over the release of the highly anticipated BioWare title, but others, like Tycho from Penny Arcade, weren't too impressed during the latest trailer.

Tycho's comments, while negative, can ring truthful to those who have been following SWTOR since the great announcement back in October. It seems that we keep hearing about this great "story pillar" of the game and how most MMOs don't contain an intense storyline, but veterans of Asheron's Call's monthly updates or Wrath of the Lich King's new emphasis on story will certainly recall that some games have already put story in as their main pillar.

Of course, Tycho also brings up the fact that it's odd for someone with an infinitely sharp laser beam sword to slash at the same monster multiple times, but we think you get the idea. Check out all of Tycho's comments in his Penny Arcade blog post and make your own decisions on what you think of the first gameplay footage.

MassivelyPenny Arcade comments on Old Republic footage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarelightsaberlucasartspapenny-arcadestar-warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortychoThu, 18 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This year's Child's Play charity event kicks off]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/this-years-childs-play-charity-event-kicks-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/this-years-childs-play-charity-event-kicks-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/this-years-childs-play-charity-event-kicks-off/#commentsFiled under:


The annual games-based charity Child's Play has kicked off for the 2008 holiday season. Run annually by the gents at Penny Arcade, it's a fantastic organization that hooks children's hospitals up with gamers looking to spread some holiday cheer. This year the charity is supporting dozens of hospitals across the US, and several in Canada, with Amazon.com wishlists. Pick out your favorite games (well, favorite non-MMO games), and you can make sure that kids forced to deal with serious health problems over the holidays have something to help them through the hard times. Via pure financial donations you can even help kids in Egypt, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.

Every year this charity helps hundreds of kids deal with illness via the same hobby that helps us get through difficult times: gaming. In the official post noting the charity's kickoff Gabe admits that they're expecting fewer donations because of the financial problems the country is currently experiencing. If you can't give as much as you did last year, or you can't give this year, it's all good. If you can spare a little money to make a donation, though, Child's Play is an organization that's proven itself worthy of your time.

MassivelyThis year's Child's Play charity event kicks off originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcharitychilds-playpenny-arcadeMon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX08: Cryptic's Champions book treasure trove]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/seen-pax08-cryptics-champions-book-treasure-trove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/seen-pax08-cryptics-champions-book-treasure-trove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/seen-pax08-cryptics-champions-book-treasure-trove/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While Champions Online was being shown at PAX08, we discovered something on the other side of the booth. It was a treasure trove of the tabletop books that the game is based on. When we say treasure trove, we really mean it, too. The amount and variety of books being sold was no less than astounding. Plus, the president of Hero Games was there to answer any questions or concerns regarding the books. We even got some tips on which of the books to start with for anyone interested in the game because of Champions Online. Also, we found out which book contains all your required Foxbat information, so that we can continue to worship him as one of the greatest villains of all time.

Gallery: PAX 2008 General Gallery

MassivelySeen@PAX08: Cryptic's Champions book treasure trove originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiospax-2008penny-arcadeMon, 01 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: Talking with Champions Online's content lead, Zeke Sparkes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-talking-with-champions-onlines-content-lead-zeke-sparke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-talking-with-champions-onlines-content-lead-zeke-sparke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-talking-with-champions-onlines-content-lead-zeke-sparke/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


After speaking with John Layman at PAX08, our second Champions Online interview was with content lead Zeke Sparkes. We talked sound effects, travel powers, character creation, controls and zone creation among other things. In fact, we actually got a short period of hands-on time with the game prior to the interview.

So far, Champions Online had only been playable with the Xbox 360 controller, but we were able to finally try the keyboard and mouse controls at PAX. Instead of hitting a face button on the Xbox controller to do your basic attack, you tap an assigned number-key on your keyboard. As you do this, you build up energy and can move through the rest of the powers, which for us were set to the rest of the numbered keys. Overall, the keyboard and mouse controls feel tight and responsive for a game scheduled to launch in Spring of 2009.

Continue reading PAX08: Talking with Champions Online's content lead, Zeke Sparkes

MassivelyPAX08: Talking with Champions Online's content lead, Zeke Sparkes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcrypticcryptic-onlinefeaturedjack-emmertjohn-laymanjoystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008pax08pcpenny-arcadesound-effectstravel-powersxbox-360zeke-sparkeszonesMon, 01 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces player gathering at PAX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/turbine-announces-player-gathering-at-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/turbine-announces-player-gathering-at-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/turbine-announces-player-gathering-at-pax/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now that the Penny Arcade Expo is right around the corner, we're hearing more and more about these after parties held by game developers. First there was the news of ArenaNet's party at Gameworks Seattle, right across the street from the Washington Convention Center, and now we get news of Turbine holding a party at the same location, the night before.

The Turbine party will be from 7pm - 9pm local time on Friday, August 29th, 2008. Those in attendance will include Asheron's Call Producer Crowley, LotRO Executive Producer Nigellian, LotRO: Mines of Moria Producer Eldrad, the enigmatic Marketroid, Community Team members Patience and Frelorn, and more!

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Gallery

MassivelyTurbine announces player gathering at PAX originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after-partyasherons-callgameworkslotromines-of-moriapaxpax-2008penny-arcadepenny-arcade-exposeattleturbineFri, 08 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Champions Online community manager]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/meet-the-champions-online-community-manager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/meet-the-champions-online-community-manager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/meet-the-champions-online-community-manager/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've got a few minutes to spare, we recommend taking a look at the Champions Online official website. They just posted up their newest Meet the Team article all about their online community relations manager Victor Wachter. This is the guy to find to if you're going to PAX next month, as he'll be there with a playable build of Champions Online and answers to your questions. Well, as many answers has he can reasonably give without punting you down the exhibition hall.

Strangely enough, if you want to get on Victor's good side you could probably bring Japanese pop-music paraphernalia and lots of Diet Pepsi. We know that we'll be doing just that, because a person can never have enough community manager friends. They have access to those mythical, magical beta keys that everyone wants sooner or later.

MassivelyMeet the Champions Online community manager originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachampionschampions-onlinecommunity-managercrypticcryptic-studiosmeet-the-teampaxpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-expovictor-wachterSat, 26 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic's Paul Barnett and Jeff Hickman coming to PAX08]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/mythics-paul-barnett-and-jeff-hickman-coming-to-pax08/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/mythics-paul-barnett-and-jeff-hickman-coming-to-pax08/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/mythics-paul-barnett-and-jeff-hickman-coming-to-pax08/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you happen to find yourself up in Seattle Washington on August 29th-31st, then you may want to check out the Penny Arcade Expo. Chances are that if you do, you'll be able to find both Paul Barnett and Jeff Hickman roaming around the convention halls yammering on about waaagh! and other juicy bits of information. Warhammer Online has always had a good booth presence at PAX but now we'll all get to experience the one-two punch of a Hickman-Barnett combo. If you ask us, that alone is worth the price of admission for any nearby WAR fan. Did we mention juicy info bits?

With this news, Penny Arcade Expo 2008 is shaping up to be a real treat for anyone interested in MMOs. Mythic Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Blizzard, Cryptic Studios, Flying Lab Software and CCP are all going to be there with games and/or content to show off to attendees. So don't miss it if you can go!

MassivelyMythic's Paul Barnett and Jeff Hickman coming to PAX08 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccpcryptic-studioselectronic-artsflying-lab-softwarejeff-hickmanmythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettpaxpax-2008pax08penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expowarwarhammer-onlineTue, 22 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft's upcoming summer tour around the Globe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/ncsoft-s-upcoming-summer-tour-around-the-globe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/ncsoft-s-upcoming-summer-tour-around-the-globe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/ncsoft-s-upcoming-summer-tour-around-the-globe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


NCsoft is taking a whirlwind summer tour across the Globe. First stop is in San Diego, California at Comic-Con where games, geeks, and comics will collide on July 23-27. The NCsoft booth (#5920) will feature game stations set up for attendees to play CoX, Exteel, Tabula Rasa and other NCsoft games. Also City of Heroes fanzine artist, Dave Hamann will be present to draw character sketches.

In Europe, during July 29-31 Aion: Tower of Eternity will be playable to western journalists. This will be the first time in a year since the last firsthand look took place. NCsoft Europe is hosting the event at their Brighton England, locale and this is a select press event. However, one of the biggest gaming events is taking place August 20-24 in Leipzig, Germany. NCsoft is headed there and will be present at the Leipzig Games Convention in a big way. Attendants there will find a special surprise in Hall 3 Booth B20, Aion will be setup on several demo kiosks for the public to play, the first time outside South Korea.

Continue reading NCsoft's upcoming summer tour around the Globe

MassivelyNCsoft's upcoming summer tour around the Globe originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionarenanetcity-of-heroescomic-concoxdan-hamanndungeon-runnersexteelguild-warsleipzig games conven...leipzig-germanyLeipzigGamesConven...ncsoftncsoft-europepaxpax-2008penny-arcadeseattletabula-rasaSun, 13 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic Watch: Penny Arcade bets on Ponystars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bets-on-ponystars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bets-on-ponystars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bets-on-ponystars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Those impish ne'er-do-wells at Penny Arcade have taken the reins and presented a comic replete with our two favorite topics: human-created abominations of nature, and Ponystars. Our admiration for the latter is obvious, but it could only take the talents of Messrs Brahe and Gabriel to perfectly evoke our passion for the former.

Will this comic make you more likely to want to try the game? Although many initially express distaste for the genre, if not outright indignance at the mere mention of its pastorally quasi-equestrian delights, once presented with the possibility of assembling a hideous hooved horror, we've seen many a neigh-sayer quickly bray out a mea culpa and get straight to their dark work.

(Note: this is a work of parody; no actual pixelated ponies were harmed in the making of the comic. NSFW language follows.)

MassivelyComic Watch: Penny Arcade bets on Ponystars originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomic-watchequestrianhorrorhumornsfwpenny-arcadeponiesponystarsWed, 28 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: Don't be ashamed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/behind-the-curtain-dont-be-ashamed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/behind-the-curtain-dont-be-ashamed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/behind-the-curtain-dont-be-ashamed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's okay, you're with friends nowPicture the scene - you're at a family gathering, or maybe you're meeting your significant other's friends and family for the first time, and the conversation turns interrogative. Questions are asked about your hobbies; what you do to relax and how you spend your spare time.

What do you do? When put on the spot like that, it's natural for gamers to feel trapped, to feel like admitting to playing MMOs would be tantamount to admitting to a rather kinky fetish or confessing that you've got a rather embarrassing disease - it might not be catching, but there's a chance that you'll get some funny looks, and you may just lose some credibility points.

What about job interviews and applications? These invariably have a point where questions are asked about you hobbies and leisure time. While there are good arguments that putting down strong examples of guild leadership might work in your favour - owning up to the fact that you play an MMO upwards of 15 hours a week might not be the smartest thing career-wise.

Don't get me wrong - I am proud and happy to be a geek and a gamer, and I've never wanted to be anything else; the wall above my desk sports a rare Akira poster I picked up on holiday France a while back; I own the complete boxed set of the original Transformers series; and much of my wardrobe consists of t-shirts from ThinkGeek and the Penny Arcade store. People ask me what I do in my spare time, and I look them straight in the eye and tell them that I'm a gamer, and while I'm not ashamed of it, I can't help but wince a little when I see most people's reaction to it.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: Don't be ashamed

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: Don't be ashamed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtainembarrassmentfeaturedjack-thompsonkeith-vazleland-yeemanifestopenny-arcadepoliticsraph-kostershamethinkgeekThu, 22 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic Studios coming to PAX and GenCon Indy this August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/cryptic-studios-coming-to-pax-and-gencon-indy-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/cryptic-studios-coming-to-pax-and-gencon-indy-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/cryptic-studios-coming-to-pax-and-gencon-indy-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's no lie, Cryptic will be at GenCon Indy from August 14th through the 17th and then not more than a couple weeks later, they'll be at the Penny Arcade Expo from August 29th until the 31st. A more important piece of news is that they plan on bringing all sorts of prizes, demos and games along with them. Sounds like we'll get a chance to score a ton of Cryptic-related real-world loot.

Don't worry if these events aren't ones you attend, as Cryptic is quick to point out that they will be announcing other appearances.

Continue reading Cryptic Studios coming to PAX and GenCon Indy this August

MassivelyCryptic Studios coming to PAX and GenCon Indy this August originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosgencongencon-indypaxpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-expoThu, 24 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade's WoW CCG contest ends, hilariously]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/penny-arcades-wow-ccg-contest-ends-hilariously/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/penny-arcades-wow-ccg-contest-ends-hilariously/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/penny-arcades-wow-ccg-contest-ends-hilariously/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Early this month we discussed a contest, announced by the creators of Penny Arcade and aimed squarely at the hearts of card-and-mmo-players everywhere. It seemed so simple: craft a ten-word story about World of Warcraft and win yourself a huge pile of trading card game loot. The devil is, as is so often the case, in the details. With many hundreds of entrants the competition was quite fierce, and today's unveiling of the top five entries proves out just how fierce.

Like you, a lot of bloggers from the site submitted stories, but we know when we're beaten. How can you top "Overlord Saurfang is only afraid of one thing... Mrs. Saurfang?" Or "Naked they run, level 1 banks: Clark Kents of Azeroth?" I espcially like winner #3's tale: "The gunshot echoed like a ghost with nobody to haunt." Many of the honorable mentions are great too, like "'Small trogg problem in Orgrimmar's basement.' What an understatement, Thrall", or "Tipping his sombrero in salute, he dismounted his mechanical chicken."

We're curious, though: did you enter? If you'd be willing, why don't you share your submission(s) with us in the comments? This blogger volunteers to go first: "The murlocs, their scales glinting, advanced with hungry mouths wide."

MassivelyPenny Arcade's WoW CCG contest ends, hilariously originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccggabepenny-arcadetcgtychoupper-deckweb-comicwebcomicworld-of-warcraftwowwow-ccgFri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade WoW CCG contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/penny-arcade-wow-ccg-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/penny-arcade-wow-ccg-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/penny-arcade-wow-ccg-contest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Penny Arcade guys do a lot of amazing stuff beyond their incredibly popular three-days-a-week webcomic. The one thing they haven't done -- at least in recent memory -- is a contest that anyone can enter to win a mountain of super cool swag, at least until today. This particular contest consists of three huge mountains of World of Warcraft CCG swag, each of which contains the rare X-51 Nether-Rocket card that also happens to be redeemable in-game for a sweet rocket mount that your WoW character can scoot around on. We're pretty sure that thousands of WoW players are going to be entering this contest solely for said rocket card.

The actual contest itself is most awesome, asking participants only to supply Gabe and Tycho with a ten word story. We've been having fun at Massively by simply coming up with ten word stories for the hell of it -- although we're beginning to think it might be a good idea to enter some of these things. If you'd like to do that same, simply email Gabe with the subject line of "Ten Words" and as many quality ten word stories as you can come up with.

MassivelyPenny Arcade WoW CCG contest originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccggabepenny-arcadetychoweb-comicwebcomicworld-of-warcarftwowwow-ccgx-51-nether-rocketFri, 04 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs tanks forum trolls for WAR team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/mark-jacobs-tanks-forum-trolls-for-war-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/mark-jacobs-tanks-forum-trolls-for-war-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/mark-jacobs-tanks-forum-trolls-for-war-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Those of you who have followed our WAR coverage for any significant period of time might wonder why we always seem to have something to say about Mythic maven and designer Mark Jacobs. Truthfully, much of it has to do with the fact that, with the possible exception of Paul Barnett, Jacobs is the most visible person currently working on the project. Warhammer Alliance's dev post tracker might as well be Jacobs' personal version of Twitter, he's always in there amongst the fans, posting about something. The other reason we fancy Jacobs is that he's just a stand-up guy.

Case in point: the WAR fan community has been doing some serious grumbling ever since it was announced that the game's release was being pushed back to the Fall. When that grumbling started to turn nasty, and some posters turned their disgust towards the developers themselves, Mark threw down the gauntlet, and called out the trolls as both misguided and misinformed. It was touching the way he puts himself out there for the sake of his team; it's not something you're liable to see suits at a lot of other companies do for their employees. So kudos to you, Mark Jacobs, for taking the troll aggro and shield slamming them back into their place.

MassivelyMark Jacobs tanks forum trolls for WAR team originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mythicforum-trollsforumsjohn-gabriel's-greater-internet-dickwad-theorymark-jacobsmythicpenny-arcadeWARwarhammer-alliancewarhammer-onlineMon, 31 Mar 2008 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Kate Paiz of Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massively-interviews-kate-paiz-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massively-interviews-kate-paiz-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massively-interviews-kate-paiz-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Dungeons and Dragons Online continues to plough on as a successful (to its players, at least) little MMO based on the official, original pen-and-paper board game. Just off the release of Module 6 and the recent second anniversary of the game, Massively got to interview their senior producer Kate Paiz. She talked to us about the upcoming Module 7 (including a little tip that lower level players will enjoy), the main goals of her dev team as Wizards of the Coast heads toward the release of the pen-and-paper game's fourth edition, and, oh yeah, that Penny Arcade comic that Ms. Paiz featured prominently in.

The interview starts right after the break, so grab your masterwork Vorpal blade, your +4 Shield of Blocking, and wade on in by clicking below.

Continue reading Massively interviews Kate Paiz of Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyMassively interviews Kate Paiz of Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-module-6ddo-module-7ddo-module-8ddo-second-anniversarydungeons-and-dragons-onlinefeaturedinterviewinvasionjoystiqfeatureskate-paizmarketplace-tentmassivelymodule-6module-7penny-arcadeshavarathworld-eventsMon, 31 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic Watch: Penny Arcade bricks up LEGO Universe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bricks-up-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bricks-up-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/comic-watch-penny-arcade-bricks-up-lego-universe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Oh, Penny Arcade, is there nothing you can't do? The fancy lads have taken on the news of in-process MMO LEGO Universe and applied conventional wisdom to the announcement. To wit: what if LU played like any other combat-oriented MMO?

What strikes me most about this strip is the attention to detail -- all the typeface work, the player avatars, the account holder names -- this is why they consistently rise to the top of most people's 'best comic' list. Enjoy!

MassivelyComic Watch: Penny Arcade bricks up LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-watchcomicslego-universepenny-arcadewebcomicsTue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are MMOs killing the single-player game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/are-mmos-killing-the-single-player-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/are-mmos-killing-the-single-player-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/are-mmos-killing-the-single-player-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Listening to the Penny Arcade podcast, Downloadable Content, as I am wont to do when playing something, the topic of discussion turned to how World of Warcraft has ruined Mike for playing single-player-only games because no matter what treasure is received, or secret unlocked, it's an offering on display only for himself; it cannot be shared, and therefore lacks the proper cachet. At least, that was my understanding; I may be mistaken. Check it out yourself.

Regardless, the concept is sound. The rarity of your epic loot is rendered almost meaningless in a single-player venue. And perhaps the heady thrill of true PvP combat makes solo play less appealing. Being a Soloist myself, this is not too much of an issue to me, but what do you all think? Do single-player games have to work harder, innovate more, to deserve your dollar? Is the future of gaming, as Raph Koster seems to think, MMOs?

MassivelyAre MMOs killing the single-player game? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadable-contentmike-krahulikpenny-arcaderaph-kosterraritysingle-playersolitairesoloistworld-of-warcraftTue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is in-game music necessary?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-daily-grind-is-in-game-music-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-daily-grind-is-in-game-music-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-daily-grind-is-in-game-music-necessary/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I hate to say this, and I sincerely hope that any sound engineers who might be reading this will forgive me, but when I get into a new game, the first thing I do is turn off the background music. This is not to say I don't think the music is good; in fact, many times it's great. I bought the Warcraft III soundtrack, f'r cryin' out loud. But when I drop in-world, ready to kick some ass and take some names with at least one apostrophe in them, I'd rather just immerse myself fully, and that means only hearing the environmental and ambient soundtrack.

Or I'll listen to my own music, preferring the juxtaposition of modern instrumentation with medieval visuals. Or I'll even just listen to the Penny Arcade podcast, if I get lonely for the sound of human dialogue. Am I alone in this? Am I missing out on a wonderful experience by omitting a piece of the whole that was engineered to enhance the gameplay experience? How do you feel about background music?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is in-game music necessary? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>background-musicopinionpenny-arcadesoundtrackthe-daily-grindwarcraft-3Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metaplace live developer chat today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/metaplace-live-developer-chat-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/metaplace-live-developer-chat-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/metaplace-live-developer-chat-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Raph Koster -- known for being the lead designer on Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies -- and his development studio Areae are the masterminds behind a little piece of software you may or may not know as Metaplace. Some also know Raph as that guy who did the MMO thing on Penny Arcade a while back.

Today at 5pm PST, a live developer Q&A is scheduled over at the Metaplace site. We're not entirely sure what to expect from it considering that Areae has said it won't be taking place in IRC, but you can be certain that we're going to be there to report on it for anyone interested.

Metaplace is planned to be a platform which will allow users to create their own online space -- be it a massively chat room or a 32-person puzzle game server -- and then connect all of these games together like the internet. The software itself is not locked to any one platform and is planned to be accessible by anything with an internet connection. The whole idea is to let users create the kind of game they want, in the kind of way they want and in the easiest possible way.

Join us after the jump for coverage of the whole event, live blog style!

Continue reading Metaplace live developer chat today

MassivelyMetaplace live developer chat today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areaedeveloper-chatfeaturedmetaplacepenny-arcaderaph-kosterstar-wars-galaxiesultima-onlineThu, 31 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade digs on DDO, encapsulates modern MMO industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/penny-arcade-digs-on-ddo-encapsulates-modern-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/penny-arcade-digs-on-ddo-encapsulates-modern-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/penny-arcade-digs-on-ddo-encapsulates-modern-mmo-industry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Monday's comic strip and commentary over at the popular Penny Arcade comic site was all about Massively Multiplayer games and the genre in general. They specifically called out Dungeons and Dragons Online for being kind of terrible at launch. A year after Burning Crusade's explosively successful launch, non-players must see DDO's tiny subscriber base as comparatively irrelevant. In analyzing the preview video for the game's sixth module, Tycho describes the views of a jade visage leading to a below-ground adventuring scenario:"Your dungeon entrance says something about you as a subterranean civilization, and this one said that I could avoid it altogether, and not miss much."

The problem, as he goes on, is that it doesn't actually matter how good DDO is. With World of Warcraft now having several years of game updates, a highly successful expansion, and (oh yeah) ten MILLION players, any game that will draw away a significant number of players from Blizzard will have to be substantially better than WoW.

The thought occurred to me that even then there's a danger if the game's improvements are simply subtle tweaks on the industry standard. If 'feature X' is the big draw for a game, there's absolutely no reason Blizzard couldn't work all or part of X into their game. Then you get "feature X, plus ten million players!" Warhammer Online's RvR-centered gameplay and Age of Conan's unique combat mark them as real competitors ... but will they be good enough?

That, as we've talked about again and again, is the real crux of WoW's success: it has reached critical mass. As Mr. Brahe concludes, "They have set up a system that allows me to rent my friends on a monthly basis." It's hard to argue with the convenience of pre-packaged acquaintances.

MassivelyPenny Arcade digs on DDO, encapsulates modern MMO industry originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinefunnyindustrypenny-arcadeturbineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 29 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anti-ding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/the-anti-ding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/the-anti-ding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/the-anti-ding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I've written before about how easy it is to become addicted to that leveling-up ding, and suggested that it's the main reason we play MMOs. But the Penny Arcade guys wrote on Monday about two types of gamers -- those who play to beat the challenges, and those who play to see new content. Both of these are sort of against the ding mindset, with its reward of repetition. I've realized that I'm a new content sort of person, myself. That's probably why I get bored around mid-level so easily; the tasks are longer, and usually more arbitrary in nature. Instead of killing 10 mugwumps, I get to kill 50 -- meh.

So what's your reason for playing? Is it reducible to any of these reasons? What's your anti-ding?

MassivelyThe Anti-ding originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dingmassivelypenny-arcadeWed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars merch now at Penny Arcade store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/guild-wars-merch-now-at-penny-arcade-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/guild-wars-merch-now-at-penny-arcade-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/guild-wars-merch-now-at-penny-arcade-store/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do you like Guild Wars? Do you like merchandise? What would say if I told you could combine these two loves into one unique shopping experience? We're not really sure to what we can attribute this piece of news, but the word has gone out on the wire, and apparently there is now a selection of Guild Wars merchandise available at the Penny Arcade store. The selection is fairly limited, mind you, restricted to a handful of t-shirts and limited edition 13"x19" prints, but it's probably safe to say that they'll be expanding the line of merch they have available. That is, if they like money anyway.

The real question this raises is whether this is a sign that things are a-changing over at the Penny Arcade store. After hiring people to make "real" business decisions for them a couple years ago, the PA duo have branched out from being merely a web comic monolith and have spread out to take the reins of the biggest gaming trade show since the E3 of yore and have grown the biggest gamer-based charity on the planet from the ground floor. Is the next step making their online store the one stop shop for MMO (or games in general) merch? Time (and maybe today's news post) will tell.

MassivelyGuild Wars merch now at Penny Arcade store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guild-warsmerchmerchandisepenny-arcadepenny-arcade-storeFri, 16 Nov 2007 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster's Penny Arcade Construction MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/raph-kosters-penny-arcade-construction-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/raph-kosters-penny-arcade-construction-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/raph-kosters-penny-arcade-construction-mmo/#commentsFiled under:

I'm tempted to append "Electric Boogaloo" to the end of that title. Regardless, Wednesday's Penny Arcade featured a guest post by Raph Koster, wherein he talks about a challenge that Tycho set up for him to solve: Create a construction-based MMO.

So, Raph gets to it, and damned if it doesn't sound intriguing and layered! It's a massive doc, at least relatively massive, considering Tycho originally asked for a mere 500 words from Raph. I won't rehash the details here; suffice to say this ties into Raph's recent announcement of his Metaplace project, in which Joe Average can create the virtual space of his dreams. For those of you a-hankerin' to exercise your creativity, Raph has the design doc for you!

MassivelyRaph Koster's Penny Arcade Construction MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>constructionelectric-boogaloomassivelymetaplacepenny-arcaderaph-kostersecond-lifetychoThu, 11 Oct 2007 15:44:00 EST