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[Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future
I like making predictions. When it comes to Star Wars: The Old Republic, I've been spot on about several things, but I've missed the boat on some too. "Careful you must be when sensing the future, Anakin. The fear of loss is a path to the dark side," Yoda warned the young Jedi Knight in Revenge of the Sith. It's a good thing I don't have anything to lose by guessing what I think will happen in the future for this game.

In 2011, we saw TOR launch with astronomical numbers, and all you have to do is look at our front page to realize how much people have been talking about this game. Hopefully, the future of the game is just as bright. Thankfully, developers at BioWare have been very talkative about what's coming in the future.

Let's combine what players have said with the plans developers have spoken about to predict the future of the game. After the break, I'll mix the news with my Force powers to see in the the future... the future... the future... echo... echo...

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredaniel-ericksonEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedflashpointhuttballjames-ohlenLucasArtsopinionplanetplanetsPredictionspvpspeculationStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortorTue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Force reflection]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/hyperspace-beacon-force-reflection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/hyperspace-beacon-force-reflection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/hyperspace-beacon-force-reflection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Force reflection
"Always in motion is the future," Yoda reflected to Luke Skywalker in the greatest of all Star Wars movies, The Empire Strikes Back. Even for a Jedi master, the future is unpredictable and always fluid. Likewise, I made predictions about Star Wars: The Old Republic that were completely off base and some that were spot on. Of course, the ones I got wrong were part of the BioWare plot to subvert everything I do. That's right, I'm looking at you, Georg Zoeller.

This week, I'm going to borrow a phrase from the SWTOR-RP website: Force Reflection. Every weekday, these roleplayers pose a question about SWTOR, Star Wars, or some sort of roleplay trope to get you to think about how you play you character. However, I'm going to use the phrase to think back on the predictions I made in this column, specifically the first article of this year. Which ideas did I get correct? Which ideas did I get totally wrong? I can't be one hundred percent correct all the time. I have to leave room for some errors or else I'd lose my secret job as a psychic-hotline operator.

Jump past the break to judge for yourself.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Force reflection

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Force reflection originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecustomizable-shipsdelayEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedgeorg-zoellerHK-47james-ohlenlaunch-delayLucasArtsoperationsopinionplanetplanetsraidRevanshipsshutdownspeculationStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsunsettingSWTORthe-old-republicTORTue, 27 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Player-owned structures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
For much of EVE Online's life, warfare has revolved around player-owned structures of one sort or another. When conquerable stations were released at the end of 2003, they became flashpoints for PvP and goals for corporate territorial warfare. This continued even after the release of player-owned starbases in late 2004, as even the most territorial alliance didn't have the manpower to take down a well-defended large starbase. Industrialists held all the cards, and nullsec alliances made deals with them to open their moons for exploitation.

Eventually, player-built outposts arrived on the scene, and starbases were adopted to fill a military role in system defense. Whichever side in a fight could control the most starbases in a system would win the outpost, and fearsome dreadnoughts were introduced to make starbase sieges possible. Today, starbases take a back seat to wars over infrastructure hubs, territorial claim units and sovereignty blockade units. The war will eventually extend to planets, but until now planetary interaction has been an entirely industrial affair without the slightest hint of EVE's typical conflict. With the coming Crucible expansion, the starbase and customs office systems are due to be overhauled in a way that should lead to more conflict and lay the ground work for DUST 514.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the history of starbases, the impact of the coming starbase revamp, and the possibility of additional conflict brought in by the new customs offices.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Player-owned structures

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Player-owned structures originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesconflictcruciblecustomscustoms-officedustdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexodusexpansionfeaturedfleetfleet-warfarefleetsfuelnewsnormadicowning-a-planetpatchplanetplanetary-interactionplanetsplayer-developersplayer-developmentplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationpospos-fuelpvpred-moon-risingrmrstarbasestarbase-fueltaxterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareterritoryterritory-controlwormholeSun, 27 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE planetary interaction improvements deployed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/eve-planetary-interaction-improvements-deployed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/eve-planetary-interaction-improvements-deployed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/eve-planetary-interaction-improvements-deployed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When EVE Online's Tyrannis expansion was first released, developers promised that a team would be assigned to iterate on the core planetary interaction feature. Numerous user interface tweaks have been deployed since then in hotfixes, but the biggest gameplay improvements so far have just arrived with last week's final Incursion expansion deployment. Developers Kristinn Þór Sigurbergsson and Cat Pinson discussed the major updates in a series of video devblogs leading up to the expansion. In a new devblog, CCP Omen has provided a more detailed explanation of the improvements and how you can take advantage of them.

A welcome change for players is the ability to upgrade a control center without tearing down the entire industrial chain attached to it. The biggest changes are with the resource extraction process, which has received a complete overhaul. Individual extractors have been replaced with a central Extractor Control Unit, from which movable drill heads can be deployed. Resources also now deplete when they're mined, so you'll need to move your drill heads around periodically to keep the operation running smoothly. Head over to the official devblog for the full details.

MassivelyEVE planetary interaction improvements deployed originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-omeneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineincursionplanetplanetary-interactionplanetstyrannisSun, 30 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR planet Quesh: the anti-vacation spot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/swtor-planet-quesh-the-anti-vacation-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/swtor-planet-quesh-the-anti-vacation-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/swtor-planet-quesh-the-anti-vacation-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you are looking for long sandy beaches, bright blue skies, and warm fresh air, then Quesh is not your vacation spot. However, if you're into poisonous chemicals, heavy pollutants, and war-scarred landscapes, then I have the perfect place for you!

Today, Star Wars: The Old Republic introduced Quesh as the 17th planet players can visit in their exploration of the galaxy. This toxic treasure was first discovered in Hutt space during the Great War but was quickly abandoned because of the poisons discovered in the atmosphere. It was not until years later that a scientist reviewed the chemical analysis reports from the planet and discovered a key component for making adrenals. Shortly thereafter, the planet became the Republic's secret source of revenue. But like all secrets, it did not stay secret for long. Upon its discovery by the Empire, the Sith sent a full-scale attack force to steal the planet from the Republic.

The official SWTOR planetary page hints at possible PvP on the planet with these words: "Now, the Republic struggles to defend its investment from the Empire and their unhappy Hutt Cartel allies." As for the actual gameplay on the planet -- I guess we will have to wait and see. Check out the stunning concept art and screenshots below, then visit the official announcement for more information.

Gallery: SWTOR: Planet Quesh

MassivelySWTOR planet Quesh: the anti-vacation spot originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-ArtsgalleryHuttLucasArtsplanetplanetsPvPqueshscreenshotsStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorFri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Online Incursion video devblog roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/massivelys-eve-online-incursion-video-devblog-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/massivelys-eve-online-incursion-video-devblog-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/massivelys-eve-online-incursion-video-devblog-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Having progressed from being a small independent studio in Iceland to a successful multinational industry leader, EVE Online's developer CCP Games has always had a reputation for being very close to the game's playerbase. Back in July, this view was soured when information from devblogs and the June CSM summit seemed to suggest that EVE would receive no bug-fixes or iterations on old gameplay features for at least 18 months. Players were in an uproar, and a growing perception began to spread that CCP was selling current EVE players short in order to focus on Incarna.

In the past six months, things at CCP have take a complete 180-degree turn. Planetary Interaction has received the iteration players were promised, with gameplay tweaks and user interface fixes being deployed at a rapid pace. CCP also instituted team GridLock, whose purpose was to wage an all-out war on lag and fleet issues. In a refreshing and extremely welcome turn of affairs, CCP has been making a gargantuan effort lately to communicate with the players about upcoming changes and collect feedback. Though regular technical devblogs and pre-released test-server patches, players have been kept more informed than ever about what's going on behind the scenes at CCP HQ.

Most recently, a series of 18 developer videos was released leading up to the Incursion expansion's final release today. Topics covered include battle reports from the ongoing war on lag, information on server optimisations that have been made recently, updates to planetary interaction, and other interesting topics. Skip past the cut for a detailed roundup of all 18 videos, all hosted on CCP's official YouTube page.

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online Incursion video devblog roundup

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online Incursion video devblog roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaledev-diarydevblogeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfighter-bombersfleetfleetsincursionincursionslagmass-testingmothershipsneural-remappingplanetplanetary-interactionplanetssanshasanshas-nationserversupercarriersteam-gridlockthin-clientvideoTue, 18 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Always in motion is the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/hyperspace-beacon-always-in-motion-is-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/hyperspace-beacon-always-in-motion-is-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/hyperspace-beacon-always-in-motion-is-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Boot your navi-computer, angle your deflector shields, and prepare for the jump to lightspeed. This year will be the greatest year in the history of MMO gaming. I don't mean because Star Wars Galaxies is shutting down, because it's not, and that would be a sad year. I mean that the most anticipated game in the history of MMOs will be released this year. Star Wars: The Old Republic will make its way to our doors and our hearts this spring. (I cross my fingers, hoping for no delay, but I know it's probably inevitable.)

As the release nears, we will certainly see a plethora of updates and secret reveals. We had our share of SWTOR news last year, and as with every game, the hype-machine presses on with a fevered fervor towards its zenith. There is so much we know about this game already, yet at the same time, we know very little. We are really like a Miraluka on a Vong ship. (You get 500 fanboy points if you understand that reference.) We keep bumping into walls, but we don't really see the whole picture. Honestly, I question whether I want to know the whole picture before the game is released.

Let's tap into our Force foresight a bit today to see whether we can muster a few visions. Maybe we'll see a city in the clouds; maybe we'll see our friends being tortured. Maybe we'll find out we are really Revan! What will be revealed in 2011? Follow me after the break to find out!

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Always in motion is the future

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Always in motion is the future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareblaine-christinecustomizationEAElectronic-ArtsendgamefeaturedLucasArtsplanetplanetsPredictionsraidingRevanshipshipsspaceshipspaceshipsspeciesspeculationStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Ilum a crystal-clear win for the Sith]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/swtors-ilum-a-crystal-clear-win-for-the-sith/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/swtors-ilum-a-crystal-clear-win-for-the-sith/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/swtors-ilum-a-crystal-clear-win-for-the-sith/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While Hoth may take the spotlight whenever someone wants to interview a winter-bound planet in the Star Wars universe, the scrappy planet of Ilum is out to make a name for itself. Star Wars: The Old Republic's 16th announced planet is a remote ball of ice that just so happens to be a major source of lightsaber crystals. Ilum used to be owned by the Republic, but the Sith have since made great headway in conquering the planet and hogging all of those saber-licious crystals all to themselves. BioWare's also hinted at a mystery that goes well beyond a mere resource grab.

Although we hate to invoke Hoth in comparison, if you liked the Rebel's base in The Empire Strikes Back, then you're going to feel right at home in Ilum's ice-and-crystal outposts. You can read up on Ilum at TOR's Holonet, and watch the quick flyby video after the jump.

Continue reading SWTOR's Ilum a crystal-clear win for the Sith

MassivelySWTOR's Ilum a crystal-clear win for the Sith originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareholonethothilumlightsaber-crystalsplanetrepublicsithstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-empitorFri, 08 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Each of us has a different idea of the perfect game, whether it's an existing game with a few tweaks or something completely new. Game designers work tirelessly to make their own vision of the perfect game a reality, but there's no telling what players will think of a feature until it's finished. In the process of transforming a feature from a gleam in the game designer's eye to a finished product, something is unfortunately often lost in translation. Limitations in the technology being used or the manpower available can render the ideal implementation infeasible.

As players, we don't really see that full development process. That doesn't stop us from painting our perfect vision of an upcoming or potential feature and how awesome it could be. In the coming years, the EVE Online developers will be going through the process of making some of their most incredible visions a reality. Ideas like walking in stations and integrating the upcoming MMOFPS Dust 514 with EVE's planetary interaction feature will be put through a potentially brutal development process. We can only hope that as little as possible of those visions we've heard from EVE's developers gets lost in translation.

In this speculative opinion piece, I look at a few areas in which EVE is sure to be expanded in the coming years and discuss what I'd consider to be the ideal way they could be implemented or handled.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneoheoh-pokereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedincarnaiterationmini-gamesMinigamesopinionplanetplanetary-interactionpokersleepersovereigntyspreadsheets-in-spacestationstyranniswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E-ON Magazine issue 20 hits the shelves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/e-on-magazine-issue-20-hits-the-shelves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/e-on-magazine-issue-20-hits-the-shelves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/e-on-magazine-issue-20-hits-the-shelves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The magazine industry is a behemoth, catering to practically every hobby there is. No matter how obscure the hobby, you're sure to find a magazine on the shelf all about it. While there are plenty of magazines dedicated to gaming, only a few MMOs have their own dedicated magazines. Despite the rise in popularity of web-based publications, there's something special about having a physical magazine you can flip through. Since I am a massive nerdy fan of EVE Online, each issue of the quarterly E-ON magazine feels like a proper treat. The production values are very high, and it's pure EVE from cover to cover. The publishers even go so far as to include advertisements for EVE corporations and services rather than paid ads for other games or gaming services.

Issue 20 of the magazine was released last month, but the postal fairy decided I had been naughty and didn't deliver it until this week. I've spent the majority of today reading this magazine all about internet spaceships, and I've loved every nerdy moment of it. This quarter's issue has a strong focus on the impact of EVE's recent Tyrannis expansion and its planetary interaction feature. In addition to a guide on setting up planetary harvesting infrastructure, the magazine's editors ask whether Tyrannis was everything we hoped or a missed opportunity to breathe new life into the planets of New Eden. Other topics discussed in this issue include EVE's controversial Council of Stellar Management, the history of the alliance tournament, and a look at the new rebalanced supercarriers.

Skip past the cut for a breakdown of what you can expect in E-ON issue 20 and my impressions from reading it.

Continue reading E-ON Magazine issue 20 hits the shelves

MassivelyE-ON Magazine issue 20 hits the shelves originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What happens in Nar Shaddaa stays in Nar Shaddaa. How many unique locations can you fit in one one game? Well, according to the developers at BioWare, one more. Star Wars: The Old Republic is now up to 14 planets with the addition of this center for the criminal underworld: Nar Shaddaa. This city planet is the evil twin to Coruscant in that it is completely covered in city sprawl. Obi Wan called Mos Eisley a wretched hive of scum and villainy -- which is true -- but when compared to Nar Shaddaa, it is saintly.

Besides being the apex destitute, this is neutral ground for the current war; the Republic and Empire are equally hated. The only war that matters on Nar Shaddaa is the one between the two mob-like corporate giants. On this moon of Hutta, the Hutt Cartel finds its greatest -- and possibly its only -- rival in all the galaxy: the Exchange. Where will you fit in this futuristic turf war? Maybe your place is on the side that pays the most credits. But whichever side you choose, neither can be trusted, so trust only in yourself.

It's not just business as usual on Nar Shaddaa. When planning your Star Wars vacation, be sure to stop by the literal world of entertainment.

[Update: Follow the after the break to see a short video of the city-world]

Continue reading SWTOR's Sin City has been announced: Nar Shaddaa [updated]

MassivelySWTOR's Sin City has been announced: Nar Shaddaa [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecoruscantEAea-biowareElectronic-Artshutt-cartelhuttahuttsLucasArtsnar-shaddaaplanetplanetsStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-Exchangetorwhat-happens-in-nar-shaddaa-stays-in-nar-shaddaaFri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All EVE players to receive free Primae planetary industry ship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/all-eve-players-to-receive-free-primae-planetary-industry-ship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/all-eve-players-to-receive-free-primae-planetary-industry-ship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/all-eve-players-to-receive-free-primae-planetary-industry-ship/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Following the unscheduled extended downtime caused by the recent EVE Online server move, CCP Games has promised to reimburse players for the lost play time with a small pool of additional skill-points that they can distribute any way they like. CCP went on to hint that they'd been working on a different gift for all players, a cryptic remark that had players both excited and bewildered. In a new devblog, CCP Zinfandel outlined exactly what this gift will be and how players can claim it.

To be released on the 29th of June, the Primae joins the ranks of the Apotheosis and Zephyr as another one-time gift ship delivered to all EVE players. Supplied free of charge by NPC industrial corporation Outer Ring Excavations, the Primae is a ship designed to help in planetary industry. This lightweight hauler features a low signature radius and significant hit-point buffer, making it a more defensible ship with which to haul materials between planets. To ensure it doesn't displace its paper-thin industrial cousins in the general hauling scene, the majority of the ship's cargo space is reserved for planetary equipment and processed materials. Two special bays able to hold only those materials ensure that the ship remains a tool for the planetary industrialists among us. For more details on the Primae and how to claim it after June 29th, read the latest EVE devblog.

MassivelyAll EVE players to receive free Primae planetary industry ship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apotheosisccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zinfandeleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefreegifthaulerhaulingindustrialindustryplanetplanetary-interactionplanetsPrimaezephyrFri, 25 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: First impressions of planet industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/eve-evolved-first-impressions-of-planet-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/eve-evolved-first-impressions-of-planet-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/eve-evolved-first-impressions-of-planet-industry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As I sat down to write a guide to planetary interaction in EVE Online, I realised that I hadn't explored the system fully enough to come up with any definitively good deployment strategies. A few great guides to planet industry have been circulating since the expansion came out, but it will be some time before people really start to figure out the best ways to use EVE's newest feature. It's a complicated business and since a lot of the products made on planets are still currently available to buy from NPCs, the market potential hasn't yet been fully realised.

In this short opinion piece, I give my first impressions of planetary interaction and the Tyrannis expansion.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: First impressions of planet industry

MassivelyEVE Evolved: First impressions of planet industry originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When EVE Online's Tyrannis expansion went live last month, its main planetary interaction feature was initially disabled. The command centre structures required for planetary interaction weren't released as more time was needed for testing. This had the unfortunate side-effect of causing havoc with the starbase market. Until now, players were only able to scan planets for resources and train the required skills in preparation for the inevitable planetary gold rush. Today the markets in EVE were seeded with command centres, opening the flood gates on planetary exploitation.

To help you get to grips with planetary interaction, several helpful guides and instructional videos have already been made. EVE University have produced an impressive and thorough guide, along with a handy chart of what you can produce with each of the planet materials. Similarly, EVE player Korai Iarok has taken the initiative and produced a great flow-chart style PDF showing the manufacturing processes for each item. With these helpful guides and CCP's own video tutorial, even new players should have very little problem setting up their own planet-based industrial networks.

Skip past the cut to watch CCP's official planetary interaction video tutorial.

Continue reading EVE Online's planets are open for business

MassivelyEVE Online's planets are open for business originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineguideguidesindustryplanetplanetary-interactionplanetstyrannisvideoTue, 08 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tyrannis launch oversight destroys starbase market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/tyrannis-launch-oversight-destroys-starbase-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/tyrannis-launch-oversight-destroys-starbase-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/tyrannis-launch-oversight-destroys-starbase-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After what seemed to be a smooth launch, it soon became apparent that EVE Online's Tyrannis expansion had brought with it several broken features. While the planet-scanning interface works fine and looks fantastic, the deployment of command centres was pushed back until June 8th. The materials produced on planets could not possibly be made until June 8th but on May 26th, tier 4 products from planetary interaction began appearing on the market. It wasn't long before EVE players figured out that you could refine NPC-sold starbase structures into high-end planet products. Starbase structures are one of the many things that CCP is switching from being supplied at fixed prices by NPCs to being produced by players through planetary interaction. The NPC supply was meant to be removed on May 26th but as players were currently unable to produce the structures, that change was delayed until June 8th.

Continue reading Tyrannis launch oversight destroys starbase market

MassivelyTyrannis launch oversight destroys starbase market originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugccpccp-chronotisccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionExpansionsexploitlaunchplanetplanetary-interactionstarbasetyrannisMon, 31 May 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR players will trek across Hoth [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/swtor-players-will-trek-across-hoth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/swtor-players-will-trek-across-hoth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/swtor-players-will-trek-across-hoth/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This morning's breaking news of twitter feeds, email, blog posts included a story from videogamer.com about a hands-on preview of Star Wars: The Old Republic. (It's an informative article. A SWTOR fan should read it.) However, the items that drew attention away from the article were the unrelated images scattered throughout the post. After clicking about for a while it was determined they were not just any images, but rather paintings and screenshots of a yet-to-be-announced playable planet of Hoth. This was confirmed by Stephanie Bayer, a community manager for the game, via Twitter, "Have you checked out Videogamer.com today? No? Thar be #SWTOR exclusive stuff there! It's totally HOT(h)! "

Who would have guessed the planet named after the famous Jedi Master Lord Hoth will be explorable in SWTOR? For those who may have skipped the best Star Wars movie of all time, this is a frozen wasteland made famous at the beginning of the Empire Strikes Back. Although in the Old Republic time period there is not much interest in the planet. It is mostly the home of tauntauns, wampas, and the occasional crashed spaceship. Fringe members of both the Imperial and Republic factions will conduct their nefarious business on this frozen desert.

To read the whole article about Hoth or view the paintings and screenshots hop over to videogamer.com.

[Update: the official SWTOR site has updated their Holonet entry with Hoth -- check it out past the break!]

Continue reading SWTOR players will trek across Hoth [Updated]

MassivelySWTOR players will trek across Hoth [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementhothplanetstar-wars-the-old-republicstephanie-bayerswtorswtor-screenshotsvideogamer.comThu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 3: Fiction-writing contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-3-fiction-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-3-fiction-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-3-fiction-writing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Over the past two weeks we've been running some awesome weekly contests for readers to win EVE Online game time courtesy of CCP Games. In celebration of the upcoming launch of EVE's Tyrannis expansion, we gave away 10 PLEX in our planet screenshot contest two weeks ago. Last week, we ran a caption competition with a 15 PLEX prize total and received a flood of entries. So many in fact that we're still debating which captions should win a prize. The winners of that contest will be posted as an update to the second contest post within the next few days and the winners will all be notified via email.

This week marks the last week of our Tyrannis contest trilogy and to end on a high-note we're giving away a whopping 25 PLEX. Ten top prizes of two PLEX are available and a further five runner-up entrants will get one PLEX each. To enter, all you have to do is write a short piece of fiction based on the planets and moons of New Eden and submit it to the comments on this post. Entries are limited to 200 words or less as we're sure to get a huge number of entries and we want to give each one the full attention it deserves. Your entry can take the form of a short story, a poem or any other type of written fiction. Prizes will be awarded based on creativity, writing style and presentation. As with the previous two competitions, this contest is open to readers from any country.

UPDATE: Entry is now closed. We are now reading through the submissions and picking winners!
UPDATE 2: Winners have been selected! The list of winners has been added to the end of this post. Each winner will be contacted via email to arrange delivery of their prizes.

Skip past the cut for the contest rules and full submission guidelines.

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 3: Fiction-writing contest

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 3: Fiction-writing contest originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-tyranniseve-tyrannis-contestfeaturedfictiongiveawaysgraphicsloreplanetplexprizeprizesstorystorytellingtyranniswritingSat, 15 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 2: Caption competition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-2-caption-competi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-2-caption-competi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-2-caption-competi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week we launched the first of three awesome EVE Online contests in association with CCP Games. To celebrate the upcoming launch of EVE's Tyrannis expansion with its impressive planetary interaction feature, we asked players to submit their best screenshots featuring planets. We expected around 25 entries but with the contest being open to international readers, we received an absolute flood of responses. A total of 114 screenshots were sent in before the deadline last night and we began the difficult process of choosing our favourite shots.

Thanks to the generosity of the fellows at CCP, we were able to increase the number of winners from 5 to 10. Congratulations go to EVE players Agara Mnemion, Aurum Pax, Banana Ninja, driv4r, Garnoo, Ice Monster, Lamthara Lachesis, paritybit, SpiroTris and Vladmir Skef. Each of you will soon have a 30 day pilot's license delivered in-game by CCP. For those interested in seeing the winning screenshots, they're the first ten images in the colossal 114 entry gallery below.

Gallery: Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 1: The planets of EVE

Winner!Winner!Winner!Winner!Winner!

Skip past the cut for this week's second part of our amazing Tyrannis contest trilogy. Think up a funny caption for our screenshot and you could win two months of EVE game time!

UPDATE: Winners announced at the end of the post! All winners will be emailed to arrange delivery of their prizes.

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 2: Caption competition

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 2: Caption competition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captioncaption-competitioncaption-contestccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-tyranniseve-tyrannis-contestfeaturedgraphicsplanetplexprizeprizesscreenshottaglinetyrannisSat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 1: The planets of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-1-the-planets-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-1-the-planets-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/massivelys-eve-online-tyrannis-contest-part-1-the-planets-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The planets and moons of EVE Online received a major graphical overhaul in the Dominion expansion, with some impressive results. Those previously boring brown-gray blobs in space were transformed into lush paradise worlds, frozen wastelands, hellish volcanic planets and more. When the Tyrannis expansion launches on May 18th, EVE players will finally get to interact with the new and improved planets, exploiting them for their natural resources. With the launch of Tyrannis just around the corner, Massively have teamed up with CCP Games to bring you a series of three exciting contests. Each Saturday from now until May 15th, we'll be running a new competition where readers can win some in-game pilot's licenses. The licenses can be redeemed to add 30 days of game time to your EVE account or sold on the market for a quick 300 million ISK.

For details of how to enter the contest and full submission guidelines, read after the break.

UPDATE: Due to the popularity of this contest and CCP's generosity, we're expanding the prize total to ten pilot's licenses. Instead of five winners, we'll have ten!
UPDATE#2: Entry to the contest is now closed!

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 1: The planets of EVE

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online Tyrannis contest, part 1: The planets of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-tyranniseve-tyrannis-contestfeaturedgraphicsplanetplexprizeprizesscreenshotscreenshotstyrannisSat, 01 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For the last few weeks, EVE Online players have been getting excited about the up-coming Tyrannis expansion with its Planetary Interaction feature. We received our first taste of what Tyrannis will hold last month when the expansion was announced and since then we've speculated on how its planetary interaction feature might work. Although CCP haven't answered our interview questions on Tyrannis yet, we caught up with EVE Senior Producer Torfi Frans Olafsson at GDC 2010 to get the inside scoop. Torfi was keen to point out that a lot of what CCP are doing in Tyrannis is laying the foundation for future updates and expansions. He calls Tyrannis "a stepping stone toward something even bigger."

In addition to providing some inside info on the upcoming Tyrannis and Incarna expansions, Torfi revealed that there are more people working on EVE today than ever before. In contrast to MMOs that cut down their development team sizes once the game is out, CCP's ranks have been increasing at a huge rate in recent years. The ever-increasing revenue generated by EVE subscribers allows them to fund a large development team dedicated to making the game better for EVE players. "We've never had as many subscribers as we have today", says Torfi, "330,000 subscribers, like actual paying subscribers, not counting trials." It's thanks to all those subscribers that CCP are beginning to realise dreams they were never able to achieve when the game was less popular.

Skip past the cut to see what Torfi Frans Olafsson had to say about Tyrannis, Incarna and more.

Continue reading GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more

MassivelyGDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeveloperdeveloperseveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionExpansionsexplorationfeaturedgdc-2010incarnaindustrymanufacturingminingmmo-industrynew-edenplanetplanetssocialsocial-networksocial-networkingtorfi-frans-olafssontyranniswalking-in-stationswormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: What could planetary interaction be like?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/eve-evolved-what-could-planetary-interaction-be-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/eve-evolved-what-could-planetary-interaction-be-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/eve-evolved-what-could-planetary-interaction-be-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

On Friday, CCP released the first details of EVE Online's next expansion, Tyrannis. The expansion's main feature is a form of planetary exploration and control but details on what exactly that will entail have been limited. Like walking in stations, planetary interaction has always been a major missing component from EVE. It's been on the drawing board from day one but the technology and resources were never really there to do the feature justice. A prototype planetary flight system was even demonstrated at EVE Fanfest 2004 and while it impressed Fanfest attendees, the feature never materialised. The announcement that Tyrannis will include a form of planetary exploration has a lot of players excited but is their enthusiasm justified? The information we have so far on the expansion is limited to a single devblog, which provides only a general mission statement for the expansion.

In the absence of further information, I find myself wondering what the planetary interaction in Tyrannis might be like. In this speculative opinion piece, I look over the information we know for sure about Tyrannis and go on to speculate on what it might be like.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: What could planetary interaction be like?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: What could planetary interaction be like? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexplorationfeaturedopinionplanetplanetspvepvpspeculationtyrannisSun, 21 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mushrooms, planets and Klingons among newest STO screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/mushrooms-planets-and-klingons-among-newest-sto-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/mushrooms-planets-and-klingons-among-newest-sto-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/mushrooms-planets-and-klingons-among-newest-sto-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today brings three new screenshots from Cryptic's upcoming Star Trek Online. While these crazy space mushroom trees in the ground shot gave us overwhelming "heebie-jeebies" they're beginning to grow on us at a startling rate -- they're almost majestic. The same could be said for this familiar Klingon Empire starship, which appears to be a variant on the Bird of Prey. But don't quote us on that, as our Trek-fu will never be as strong as the fan collective's.

This new planet with ring shot is quite possibly the most impressive yet. If the game's visuals continue to increase at this rate until launch, we'll have a built-in incentive for exploration. And while we're certainly expecting some in-game rewards, the sheer beauty of that shot makes us wonder about black holes, quasars, red giants, nebulae and all sorts of wonderful celestial bodies.

Hey Cryptic, think you can get a naked singularity or two in the game? We'd be eternally awestruck if you could pull it off.

Gallery: Star Trek Online Gallery

MassivelyMushrooms, planets and Klingons among newest STO screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribird-of-preycrypticcryptic-studiosklingonmushroomsnaked-singularityplanetscreenshotssingularitystar-trekstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 08 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online contest awarding players for creative exploration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/star-trek-online-contest-awarding-players-for-creative-explorati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/star-trek-online-contest-awarding-players-for-creative-explorati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/star-trek-online-contest-awarding-players-for-creative-explorati/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Over at the Star Trek Online official website, Cryptic is running a very cool contest that asks its participants to write a short-form story concerning the planet you see just above. Participants have been given carte blanc concerning the way they want to approach their story, with the only hard rule being a 500 word limit. Feel like writing a first-person entry from a Captain's perspective of a scientific sensor sweep? Go for it! Maybe you want to describe what life is like for the inhabitants -- that's okay too.

The first-place winner of the contest is set to acquire guaranteed access to the closed beta, a special forum title and their entry featured on the official website. While two runner-ups will only receive the forum title, that's still a cool way for players to show their Star Trek fandom. We're looking forward to seeing the results of the contest, which is open for submissions until January 29th.

MassivelyStar Trek Online contest awarding players for creative exploration originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricontestcryptic-studiosplanetstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestowritingThu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Exploring New Eden]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/eve-evolved-exploring-new-eden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A common theme in popular MMOs today is the idea of exploration. For a surprisingly large number of players, their reason for playing an MMO is to experience new content and explore new lands. Each new MMO or expansion becomes a new country to explore with its own set of features and game mechanics. Limits such as levels, raid progression and quest chains are used to ensure we don't burn through all the game's content too quickly.

New Eden:
EVE Online is set in the expansive universe of New Eden. This nebular stellar nursery contains thousands of stars, of which approximately 5000 have been explored and added to the game's stargate network. Even though EVE doesn't have level limits, it does have a familiar approach to exploring content. Some content such as difficult complexes (space dungeons) will not be completable solo and other content like level 4 missions will be so difficult as to require large ships with a lot of skills behind them. The majority of the universe, however, is free to explore from day one and there's a lot to explore.

In this visual article, I explore some of the stunning content of EVE Online and take a brief look at what the future holds for explorers in New Eden.

Gallery: Exploring New Eden

The Blue PlanetAcceleration gateYan Jung ruinsAzure Canyon tourist resortThe Caldari titan

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Exploring New Eden originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeologyblood raiderBloodRaidercomplexdungeoneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedgallerygatecampjoystiqfeaturesluminairemissionnew edenNewEdenplanetrogue droneRogueDronescreenshotserpentisstargatetitanyan jungYanJungSun, 30 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST