Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint teams with Playboy for Poisonville]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/bigpoint-teams-with-playboy-for-poisonville/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/bigpoint-teams-with-playboy-for-poisonville/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/bigpoint-teams-with-playboy-for-poisonville/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Playboy has teamed up with MMO developer Bigpoint, and plans to enter the MMO industry before the end of 2010.

The first title from this partnership will be Poisonville, a 3-D, browser-based title full of hardened criminals, fast cars, and beautiful women. It's not an unfamiliar title to MMO fans -- Bigpoint had plenty of information to offer on this game back in March at GDC.

Bigpoint's founder and CEO Heiko Hubertz is optimistic about the partnership: "Launching this new game through Playboy.com will allow us to directly tap into our ideal gaming audience - avid, online men between the ages of 18-35. We look forward to engaging gamers in new and exciting ways through Playboy's network of high-traffic websites."

While the title doesn't have a firm launch date yet, a new trailer is up and running, so follow along after the jump for a look at Poisonville.

Continue reading Bigpoint teams with Playboy for Poisonville

MassivelyBigpoint teams with Playboy for Poisonville originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbrowser-basedf2pfree-to-playftpplayboypoisonvillepoisonville-trailerThu, 26 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jolt Online Gaming announce Playboy MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/jolt-online-gaming-announce-playboy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/jolt-online-gaming-announce-playboy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/jolt-online-gaming-announce-playboy-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Yes, you read that right. Jolt Online, who are probably better known for Legends of Zork and Utopia Kingdoms, have announced they're partnering up with Playboy to produce a 'massively casual online game set in the world of Playboy' called Playboy Manager.

While we're sure scantily-clad ladies in see-through underwear is the name of the day, Virtual World News is reporting that the game will see the player in the shoes of a Playboy manager who has to look after hordes of (probably scantily-clad) models and also include content from various Playboy brands and the trading card game. Until then you can visit the official site or follow Playboy Manager on Twitter.

MassivelyJolt Online Gaming announce Playboy MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jolt-onlineplayboyplayboy-managervirtual-world-newsFri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Witness Richard Garriott launch into space on October 12]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/witness-richard-garriott-launch-into-space-on-october-12/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


One of the MMO industry's most recognized names, Richard Garriott, is about to become the world's sixth private citizen to participate in a space mission aboard the International Space Station. The trip into space comes at no small cost through Space Adventures, and the whole experience of gearing up for the trip is documented on Garriott's dedicated site. The MMO tie-in is that Garriott's space walk is part of "Operation Immortality" which we've touched upon in the past here at Massively.

Garriott fans can watch him launch into space via streaming video at NASA TV, NASA Select TV (Australia), or the NASA TV Public Channel. Haters can do the same thing, just describing it as "seeing him strapped to a rocket and shot into space." It's all about perspective. Regardless of whether you think Operation Immortality and the trip to the International Space Station is interesting or not, it's a first in the industry. If you're in the Austin area, there will be a space watch party at Opal Divine's Penn Field restaurant, with live music and pre-launch activities.The launch is scheduled for October 12, at 1 pm Kazakhstan time. Since we suspect most of our readers don't reside in Kazakhstan, that's Sunday at 2 am Central, 3 am Eastern, and midnight Pacific. Best of luck with the flight, Richard.

MassivelyWitness Richard Garriott launch into space on October 12 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kazakhstannasancsoftoperation-immortalityplayboyrgtrrichard-garriottspacespace-adventuresspace-missiontabula-rasaultima-onlineFri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Playboy model to join TR's Operation Immortality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/playboy-model-to-join-trs-operation-immortality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/playboy-model-to-join-trs-operation-immortality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/playboy-model-to-join-trs-operation-immortality/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The list of celebrities donating their digitized DNA for Tabula Rasa's Operation Immortality is becoming a bit staggering, but this latest one should help perk your interest. Jo Garcia, Playboy Magazine's Cyber Girl of the Year for 2008 will be the latest to store her digitized DNA on the International Space Station along with others like Stephen Hawking, Stephen Colbert, Tim Draper and more.

Although the title of Cyber Girl of the Year has nothing to do with gaming, Garcia considers herself an avid gamer. "People don't understand that that the whole gaming world is not just for geeks, and assume that every person who plays video games is a geek that wears glasses," Garcia said in a recent interview with Kotaku. "It's a misnomer that needs to be put to rest."

MassivelyPlayboy model to join TR's Operation Immortality originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destination-gamesdnainternational-space-stationjo-garciamodelnc-westncsoftoperation-immortalityplayboyrichard-garriotttabula-rasatrMon, 29 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life marketing: still strong]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/second-life-marketing-still-strong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/second-life-marketing-still-strong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/second-life-marketing-still-strong/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Two years ago, BusinessWeek did a cover story on Second Life and sparked an explosion of interest in marketing in virtual worlds. Many of the early efforts to market in Second Life were little more than unimaginative billboards copying real-world advertising. Despite downbeat reports, more than a dozen advertising agencies are actively developing advertising campaigns within Second Life.

BusinessWeek looks back on how successful ad agencies have used the particular strengths of the virtual world to get their messages across. Second Life users are intensely devoted to their world. Advertisers who identify the various sub-communities and narrow their focus can put the power of a dedicated fan community to work for them. Secondly, using online space to mimic real world advertising, such as putting goods in a virtual shopping mall, actively rejects the very things that make advertising in virtual worlds so effective. Lastly, use the brands the virtual worlds brings to the table, such as Playboy encouraging third-party brands to sell virtual versions of their goods on their Playboy Island.

Publishing your brochure unchanged in a virtual world won't entice anyone. Put your products on display in a creative, interactive way, let your customers enjoy virtual versions of your products, and know your community, and your virtual world money will be well-spent.

[Via Virtual Worlds News]

MassivelySecond Life marketing: still strong originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsbusinessweekplayboysecond-lifeslvirtual-worldsSun, 25 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Playboy hints at creating their own virtual world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/playboy-hints-at-creating-their-own-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/playboy-hints-at-creating-their-own-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/playboy-hints-at-creating-their-own-virtual-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sex sells, as they say. For this reason, it makes perfect sense for Playboy to create their own branded virtual world. They already lay claim to one of the most popular company-sponsored islands in Second Life, so why not branch off and create their own virtual world?

Playboy chairperson and CEO Christie Hefner recently discussed the company's plans for the future, indicating the possibility of their own virtual world. We think this is an inevitable step in the direction of social networking and virtual worlds in which many major companies are recently realizing the possibilities. This, of course begs the question: do we really need separate virtual worlds for each major company, or is a one-stop-shop a more viable alternative? With the advent of MetaPlace approaching, and the wild success of Second Life, it will be interesting to gauge the market trends in regards to businesses populating established virtual worlds, or creating their own.

MassivelyPlayboy hints at creating their own virtual world originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hefnermetaplaceplayboysecond-lifesexvirtual-worldsSat, 10 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Real Biz in SL interviews Playboy island owner]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/cinemassively-real-biz-in-sl-interviews-playboy-island-owner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/cinemassively-real-biz-in-sl-interviews-playboy-island-owner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/cinemassively-real-biz-in-sl-interviews-playboy-island-owner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In February, the Second Life Cable Network announced a new series, Real Biz in SL. This half-interview, half-tour show centers around Cybergrrl Oh. Each week, she interviews a new guest that has a real business in Second Life and then tours their location.

Last week, Cybergrrl asked Marc Girolimetti, of Green Grotto Studios, five questions relating to his work with Playboy. As one of the more popular real life islands, they've seen a decent amount of success. They may even bring the magazine, which is most certainly not link-safe, to SL!

We're definitely going to keep an eye on this series. It's smart, funny, and informative!

MassivelyCinemassively: Real Biz in SL interviews Playboy island owner originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cybergrrl-ohgreen-grotto-studioslinden-labMarc-Girolimettiplayboyreal-biz-in-slsecond-lifeslslcnslcn-tvThu, 20 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The making of an AoC pinup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-making-of-an-aoc-pinup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-making-of-an-aoc-pinup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-making-of-an-aoc-pinup/#commentsFiled under: ,

Any gamer of discerning tastes will know that the December 2007 issue of Playboy magazine will feature video game heroines shucking their skivvies, and that includes the deadly Keaira, close ally to King Conan. This week's Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures Friday update talks all about creating a compelling character. Finally I get to learn why there's a girl on the cover of a game about Conan. First and foremost, Keaira is beautiful, and so the initial concepts of the character design are built on that premise. She went through many iterations until she finally became the lady you see before you. Click on through and read about all the work that went into the character that has become the face of AoC.

MassivelyThe making of an AoC pinup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-ConanAoCFuncomKeairamodelsPlayboyFri, 09 Nov 2007 22:45:00 EST