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[Interview confirms World of Darkness dev team, predicts DUST 514 sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
When CCP Games laid off 20% of its worldwide staff back in October of last year, the World of Darkness dev team bore the brunt of the cuts while DUST 514 continued on course for its launch later this year. In an interview over at TenTonHammer today, CCP's new Chief Marketing Officer, David Reid, joined CEO Hilmar Petursson to discuss the development of both games. Hilmar reveals that a team of 60 developers are currently working on WoD, and that DUST 514 will be playable at this year's EVE Online fanfest event in March.

Despite acknowledging that the entire PlayStation Network comprises a total of 60 million users, Reid asserts that DUST will bring "tens of millions of people that play shooters on PSN into the New Eden universe," going on to make the bold statement that "EVE could be the biggest game in the world at the end of 2012" as a result. Reid also claims that "EVE Online is the only game in the West that has shown consecutive growth year after year," a statement that's sure to upset RuneScape developer Jagex and others. The statement also comes with a slightly bitter note as this year EVE may have lost its record of continual subscription growth during the summer drama.

MassivelyInterview confirms World of Darkness dev team, predicts DUST 514 sales originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescmoconsoledavid-reiddustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playgothichilmar-peturssonhorrorinterviewjagexjagex-games-studiomillionsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3PlayStation-Networkps3psnrsrunescapesalessandboxsci-fishootersupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - planetary concept art
DUST 514 is somewhat revolutionary in that it's attempting to tie together two separate games (on two separate platforms) that take place in the same fictional universe. CCP is also innovating on the backend according to a new article at Develop.

The upcoming EVE Online MMOFPS tie-in will establish universal PlayStation Network microtransaction rules according to CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson. Petursson told Develop that the ongoing CCP/Sony negotiations will ultimately result in the establishment of price tiers for virtual items as well as the revenue split between Sony and third-party devs.

CCP is also exploring retail options for DUST 514, despite early reports that the title would only be available as a digital download. Finally, Petursson tells Develop that the PlayStation Vita version of DUST will "give people access to more asynchronous parts of the game." While he doesn't commit one way or the other, it's possible that the portable version of the game will connect to both the PlayStation 3 and PC versions via EVE's universal ISK currency.

MassivelySony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopccpccp-gamesdustdust-514dust-514-retaileveeve-onlinef2pfpsfree-to-playhilmar-peturssonitem-storemicrotransactionsmmo-shootermmofpsmobilenew-edenplaystation-3playstation-networkplaystation-vitaps3retailsandboxsci-fishootersonyvirtual-item-policyvitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anonymous not targeting Sony customers in OpSony]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/anonymous-not-targeting-sony-customers-in-opsony/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/anonymous-not-targeting-sony-customers-in-opsony/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/anonymous-not-targeting-sony-customers-in-opsony/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PlayStation Network logo
Internet superhero/supervillain organization Anonymous is at it again, and this time it's leading the charge against internet censorship act SOPA. At the moment, Sony stands in favor of SOPA, and Anonymous does not plan on letting that fly. Considering the fact that this is the group responsible for bringing down PSN last year, many gamers have raised concerns over what Anonymous' latest plan could mean for them.

Normal gamers can breathe easily, though, as Anonymous seems to have deemed PSN untouchable. The group also mentioned that it would not be releasing the private information of Sony customers, but some Sony employee information -- including names, addresses, credit card numbers, etc. -- has already been posted online. So there's that, we guess. We're glad that someone is standing up to SOPA, but this could get ugly very quickly. What do you think of Anonymous' OpSony?

MassivelyAnonymous not targeting Sony customers in OpSony originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonanonymousanti-sopacultureindustryplaystation-networkpoliticspsnsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsopastop-online-piracy-actMon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diablo III
As 2012 rolls in, many gamers are rejoicing that they might make it to a year that Diablo III actually releases. Blizzard's action-RPG will certainly be a hit on the PC, although console fans may have more hope today that Diablo III could reach the shores of their platform.

According to a job posting on Gamasutra, Blizzard is hiring a "Senior Software Engineer Console Network" to work on the Diablo team. It's a full-time position that will be in charge of designing and working on network systems for a console title. One of the requirements for the job is that the person have worked on a major Xbox 360 or PS3 title and have a good amount of experience with PSN and Xbox Live.

While this is not the first indication that Blizzard is working on a console version of Diablo III, it certainly lends credence to the notion that the company is actively working on it. The studio previously said that the title "is probably coming to consoles."

MassivelyBlizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsole-mmodiablodiablo-3diablo-iiigamasutraplaystation-networkpsnsenior-software-engineer-console-networkxboxxbox-360xbox-liveThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamersOptOut header text - opting out of class actions
If you're like most of us, you don't read the giant wall o' legalese that serves as a speed bump on the way to your favorite virtual world. A group of Redditors has, though, and has set up a new website designed to assist gamers in opting out of the clause that prevents participation in potential class action lawsuits leveled against gaming service providers.

Apparently opting out requires that a physical letter be mailed to the gaming company in question, and GamersOptOut.com purports to do the tedious work for you (either for free or for a voluntary donation). The catch is that you'll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and game account name.

The website's creators page lists the online handles (as well as Xbox Live, PSN, and Twitter identities) of those responsible, but given the anonymous nature of the site and the privacy concerns raised by providing your personal info, we suggest you proceed with caution. Currently the website features an opt-out form for Sony's PlayStation network and Electronic Arts' new Origin digital delivery service.

MassivelyNew website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousclass-actionclass-action-lawsuiteaelectronic-artseulagame-industrygamers-opt-outgamersoptoutlawsuitlegalmmo-industryopt-outplaystation-networkpsnshadysonyTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony loses $3.2B, spends $170M in response to hacker attacks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/sony-loses-3-2b-spends-170m-in-response-to-hacker-attacks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/sony-loses-3-2b-spends-170m-in-response-to-hacker-attacks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/sony-loses-3-2b-spends-170m-in-response-to-hacker-attacks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sony's bad year is getting a smidge worse. The company, which had previously predicted a healthy profit for the past fiscal year, is now expecting a loss of $3.2 billion for the period of April 2010 through March 2011.

The reverse in fortunes is mostly due to writing off a $4.4 billion tax credit, although the company has been struggling with both the recent earthquake and hacker attack that disrupted operations of both its physical operations and online services. Sony CFO Masaru Kato doesn't beat around the bush: "In the first quarter, we saw quite a major impact on our manufacturing activities."

Sony also has spent over $170 million in response to the hacking intrusion last month. These funds went to rebuilding the network, providing identity protection coverage, investigating the attacks, free game time, and customer support.

This is the second straight year that Sony has operated at a loss, although last year's $439 million wasn't nearly as severe as this promises to be.

MassivelySony loses $3.2B, spends $170M in response to hacker attacks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthquakefiscal-yearhackershackinghacking-attackshacking-intrusionidentity-protectionlossMasaru-Katonet-lossnet-profitPlayStation-Networkprofitsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttax-credittsunamiMon, 23 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Talking Sony and identity protection with LifeLock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/talking-sony-and-identity-protection-with-lifelock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/talking-sony-and-identity-protection-with-lifelock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/talking-sony-and-identity-protection-with-lifelock/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As Sony continues to struggle to restore service to both the PlayStation Network and Sony Online Entertainment's MMOs following a hacking intrusion that resulted in millions of customer identities being compromised, players are understandably concerned about how secure their information is with similar companies.

Even though Sony promised to provide a year's worth of identity theft protection for affected customers, part of the responsibility for safeguarding against such theft lies with us. As such, we spoke with Mike Prusinski, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for LifeLock, an identity theft protection service. We asked him about what we should be doing to protect our identities online -- and what Sony could have done better in the first place.

Massively: What are the most common ways that people have their identities stolen?

Mike Prusinski: Though there are no statistics that point to one way over another, consumers get their personal information lost through stolen laptops, hackers, stolen mail, trash, skimming devices, scams (email, phone calls and personal visits), peer-to-peer networks and public websites.

Continue reading Talking Sony and identity protection with LifeLock

MassivelyTalking Sony and identity protection with LifeLock originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-card-frauddata-breachEpilisonfacebookfeaturedhackhackedhackershackingidentity-theftinterviewlifelockMike-Prusinskimyspacepasswordpasswordsplaystation-networksoesonysony-online-entertainmentState-of-Texas-Comptroller-Officestolen-accountsTue, 10 May 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony aiming for May 31st PSN service restoration [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/sony-aiming-for-may-31st-psn-service-restoration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/sony-aiming-for-may-31st-psn-service-restoration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/sony-aiming-for-may-31st-psn-service-restoration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Sony's network security woes continued over the weekend, and the light at the end of the tunnel still seems like a distant pin prick for the embattled gaming giant and its displaced customers. Bloomberg reports that Sony spokesman Shigenori Yoshida indicated the company plans to restart Playstation Network services by May 31st, which would bring the total downtime to a whopping 41 days.

Nick Caplin, head of communications for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, posted an update to the European PlayStation blog hinting at the reasons for a longer delay. "We expected to have the services online within a week. We were unaware of the extent of the attack on Sony Online Entertainment servers, and we are taking this opportunity to conduct further testing of the incredibly complex system," he wrote.

While the PS3 versions of both Free Realms and DC Universe Online fall under the PSN umbrella, no word has been forthcoming as to a restart date for the rest of SOE's MMO stable, which includes the PC versions of the aforementioned titles as well as EverQuest and EverQuest II.

[Update: CNET is reporting that Sony is considering a reward for information leading to the capture of the hackers. Meanwhile, Sony is apparently contesting reports about the May 31st date, suggesting no such hard deadline for PSN resumption exists.]

MassivelySony aiming for May 31st PSN service restoration [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuodowntimeeqeq2everquesteverquest-2everquest-iifree-realmsmmo-industrynick-caplinplaystation-networkpsnpsn-hacksecuritysecurity-breachshigenori-yoshidasoesonysony-attackSony-Computer-Entertainment-Europesony-corpsony-hackSony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 09 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers say Anonymous was responsible for Sony attack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/hackers-say-anonymous-was-responsible-for-sony-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/hackers-say-anonymous-was-responsible-for-sony-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/hackers-say-anonymous-was-responsible-for-sony-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sony and its customers may be having identity theft problems, but the hacker collective known as Anonymous is having something of an identity crisis. Despite the group's public disavowal of the attacks that brought down the PlayStation Network (and that later caused SOE to suspend its MMORPG services), one Anonymous member recently told the Financial Times that the infamous group was indeed behind the attacks.

"If you say you are Anonymous, and do something as Anonymous, then Anonymous did it. Just because the rest of Anonymous might not agree with it doesn't mean Anonymous didn't do it," the unnamed hacker said.

Anonymous had previously distanced itself from the Sony fiasco in a press release circulated earlier this week. A second Anonymous member added that "it's Anon's work. But you can't blame the whole collective for what one or two guys do."

MassivelyHackers say Anonymous was responsible for Sony attack originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackhacker-collectivehackingidiotsmmo-industryplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-network-hackspsnsoesonysony-hackFri, 06 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Expert says Sony knew of PSN security weakness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/expert-says-sony-knew-of-psn-security-weakness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/expert-says-sony-knew-of-psn-security-weakness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/expert-says-sony-knew-of-psn-security-weakness/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The PlayStation Network outage plot thickens. In today's hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Sony executive vice president Kaz Hirai refused to testify. One who did testify, however, was US Public Policy Council of the Association for Computing Machinery head Gene Spafford, and did he ever have some words for Sony.

During his testimony, Spafford claimed that Sony was well aware of the security holes in the PlayStation Network, asserting that PSN was using old software that was "unpatched and had no firewall installed." He also noted that these security issues were brought to the table in a Sony-moderated forum, but no action was taken as a result.

If these claims are true, Sony is in for an even bigger world of hurt, and this situation could escalate into something not even a complimentary Batman mask can rectify.

In related news, TG Daily reports that New York's Attorney General has subpoenaed Sony over the data breach and what "representations" were made to its customers in regard to the security of their information.

MassivelyExpert says Sony knew of PSN security weakness originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hirainetwork-outageoutageplaystationplaystation-3playstation-networkps3psnpsn-breachpsn-outagesoesonysony-breachsony-online-entertainmentThu, 05 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online players getting a new mask as a consolation prize]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-getting-a-new-mask-as-a-consolation-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-getting-a-new-mask-as-a-consolation-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-getting-a-new-mask-as-a-consolation-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It hasn't been an easy ride for Sony Online Entertainment customers this week, as it looks like the PSN hack has affected them as well. The company is already working on a plan to make up the outage to players, especially the DC Universe Online customers who have been doubly hit. And as we all know, the road to mending fences starts with a nice hat, which has just recently been revealed on the former game's Facebook page.

According to the official statement, all DC Universe Online players impacted by the outage will receive a free month of game time plus one day per day that the service was unavailable. Players will also be receiving a new Batman-inspired mask as shown above. Precise details will be made available to players in the coming days as network service begins restoration, and while the hat won't cure all woes, it will at least help ease the sting.

MassivelyDC Universe Online players getting a new mask as a consolation prize originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuomake-good-plannetwork-outageoutageplaystation-networkpsnpsn-breachpsn-hacksoesoe-hacksony-breachsony-hacksony-online-entertainmentwelcome-backWed, 04 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A second breach of Sony's internet security? [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/a-second-breach-of-sonys-internet-security/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/a-second-breach-of-sonys-internet-security/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/a-second-breach-of-sonys-internet-security/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We have all heard that Sony's PlayStation Network was compromised nearly two weeks ago. The online services for the PlayStation 3 have yet to recover or come back online since the incident. This morning, Sony's PR director Patrick Seybold claimed that there was no truth to the rumor that credit card information was stolen by hackers. However, SOE cautioned gamers to be vigilant nonetheless.

It has now come to light via Nikkei.com that there was a reported second security infraction in Sony's gaming network. Nikkei claims that nearly 12,700 credit card numbers were stolen from Sony Online Entertainment this past Sunday in a second attack. As we reported this morning, all SOE sites have been brought offline because of "an issue that warrants enough concern for [SOE] to take the service down effective immediately," according the the site.

Michele Sturdivant, a spokeswoman for Sony, countered this allegation in The Wall Street Journal. "We temporarily took down SOE's services as part of our continued investigation into the external intrusion that occurred in April," Sturdivant affirmed. "This is not a second attack."

[Update: SOE has posted a security update to The Station.com. "We are today advising you that the personal information you provided us in connection with your SOE account may have been stolen in a cyber-attack. Stolen information includes, to the extent you provided it to us, the following: name, address (city, state, zip, country), email address, gender, birthdate, phone number, login name and hashed password." The notice further suggests that "information from an outdated database from 2007 containing approximately 12,700 non-US customer credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates (but not credit card security codes) and about 10,700 direct debit records listing bank account numbers of certain customers in Germany, Austria, Netherlands and Spain may have also been obtained" but that the "main credit card database" was not compromised in the attack. It appears this is part of the larger PSN attacks and not a separate security breach.]

MassivelyA second breach of Sony's internet security? [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 May 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-cardhackersMichele-Sturdivantpatrick-seyboldPlayStation-NetworksecuritySOESonySony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 02 May 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony executive to address media regarding PlayStation Network debacle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/sony-executive-to-address-media-regarding-playstation-network-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/sony-executive-to-address-media-regarding-playstation-network-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/sony-executive-to-address-media-regarding-playstation-network-de/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're curious what Sony higher-ups have to say about the recent PlayStation Network security debacle, you'll want to check out Kazuo Hirai's remarks to the media at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in Tokyo (1:00 a.m. EDT). Hirai, Sony Corp's executive deputy president, is expected to field questions from journalists as well as use his considerable PR skills to put a positive spin on the situation and its aftermath.

Much is at stake for the global entertainment giant, including possible legal actions resulting from the compromise of 77 million user accounts (and the company's delayed response and acknowledgment of the problem well after the fact). It's a big moment for Hirai as well; the executive is considered the front-runner in the race to supplant current Sony president Howard Stringer -- who has "been vague about his plans from the next financial year that starts in April 2012" according to Reuters.

MassivelySony executive to address media regarding PlayStation Network debacle originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data-breachhoward-stringerkazuo-hiraimmo-industryplaystationplaystation-networkpress-releasepsnsecuritysecurity-breachsonysony-corpspinuser-accounts-compromisedSat, 30 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network credit card info appears to be safe: 'No unauthorized activity relating to Sony']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/playstation-network-credit-card-info-appears-to-be-safe-no-una/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/playstation-network-credit-card-info-appears-to-be-safe-no-una/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/playstation-network-credit-card-info-appears-to-be-safe-no-una/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like the beleaguered Sony finally caught a break. The company, which has struggled for over a week following a hacker attack that stole massive amounts of player information, says that it looks as though user credit card information remains secure and encrypted. It turns out that Sony had encrypted some personal info but not all of it.

Gamespot also reports that several financial companies, including MasterCard, WellsFargo and American Express, have witnessed "no unauthorized activity relating to Sony."

Sony's Patrick Seybold passed along the positive news: "The entire credit card table was encrypted and we have no evidence that credit card data was taken. The personal data table, which is a separate data set, was not encrypted, but was, of course, behind a very sophisticated security system that was breached in a malicious attack."

Sony's PlayStation Network is still offline while it's rebuilt with a higher level of security. The company saw its shares drop 4.5% today on the Tokyo exchange to $27.71.

MassivelyPlayStation Network credit card info appears to be safe: 'No unauthorized activity relating to Sony' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-expressars-technicacredit-cardcredit-card-infogamespothackhackedhackerhacker-attackhackersidentity-theftmastercardPatrick-Seyboldplaystation-networksoesonysony-online-entertainmentwellsfargoThu, 28 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you trust MMO companies after the Sony debacle?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-trust-mmo-companies-after-the-sony-debac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-trust-mmo-companies-after-the-sony-debac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-trust-mmo-companies-after-the-sony-debac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's hard to believe that it's been over a week after a major intrusion into the PlayStation network, and Sony is still trying to put the pieces back together. Many customers were dismayed to hear that their private information was compromised by the attack.

Free Realms and DC Universe Online players are among those who have to feel shaken up at the revelation that Sony wasn't the impregnable fortress they perhaps hoped. It's unsettling to realize just how much personal info you hand over to these companies -- your name, address, birthday, credit card information, passwords -- when that info could be grabbed by hackers.

In light of the Sony debacle, do you still trust MMO companies with this information, or has it made you think twice about the corporations to which you're handing the keys to your life?

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: Do you trust MMO companies after the Sony debacle? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofree-realmshackhackedhackersidentity-theftplaystationplaystation-networksoesonySony-Online-Entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindThu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE working on a "make good plan" for its customers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the wake of the uproar following Sony's announcement regarding customer data theft, the company has continued working to repair the damage and communicate with its customers.

The latest information includes an FAQ on the incident as well as another announcement from Linda "Brasse" Carlson:
We apologize for any inconvenience players may have experienced as a result of the recent service interruption. As a global leader in online gaming, SOE is committed to delivering stable and entertaining games for players of all ages.

To thank players for their patience, we will be hosting special events this weekend across our game portfolio, including a Double Station Cash day on Saturday, April 30th. We are also working on a "make good" plan for players of the PS3 versions of DC Universe Online and Free Realms. Details will be available soon on the individual game websites and forums.
In addition to the general FAQ and announcement, senior director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold updated the Playstation blog to clarify the reasons behind the delay in communicating information on this incident to customers. Keep an eye on Massively for more details on the make good plan as they become available.

MassivelySOE working on a "make good plan" for its customers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuofree-realmslinda-carlsonpatrick-seyboldplaystation-networkplaystation-network-outageplaystation-network-shutdownps3psnsoesonySony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network data thefts confirmed [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/playstation-network-data-thefts-confirmed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/playstation-network-data-thefts-confirmed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/playstation-network-data-thefts-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As we reported over the weekend, Sony has acknowledged an external intrusion into its network, one that caused the company to shut down operations of its website and other online services including the PlayStation Network. The PSN issues affected Sony Online Entertainment MMOs such as Free Realms and DC Universe Online. Although the network shutdown was inconvenient, there appeared to be no actual threat to the players themselves. However, that may have changed.

Senior Communications Director Patrick Seybold posted an advisory on the PlayStation blog earlier today. He assures customers that everything should be fully operational again by the end of the week. However, in light of possible leaked personal information, Seybold issued this warning in an email message to registered account holders:
For your security, we encourage you to be especially aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information. Sony will not contact you in any way, including by email, asking for your credit card number, social security number or other personally identifiable information. If you are asked for this information, you can be confident Sony is not the entity asking. When the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services are fully restored, we strongly recommend that you log on and change your password. Additionally, if you use your PlayStation Network or Qriocity user name or password for other unrelated services or accounts, we strongly recommend that you change them, as well.
For all the details, we encourage you to check out the full blog post on the PlayStation site, and then keep honed in on Massively as more information comes to light.

[Thanks, Lizzy, for the tip.]

[Update: SOE has emphasized that the company believes no personal information for players of its non-PSN PC Station MMOs was compromised.]

MassivelyPlayStation Network data thefts confirmed [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineDCUOfree-realmshacksleaksPatrick-SeyboldPlayStation-NetworksonySony-Online-Entertainmentsony-playstationTue, 26 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take aim at big prizes in MAG tournament]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-aim-at-big-prizes-in-mag-tournament/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-aim-at-big-prizes-in-mag-tournament/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-aim-at-big-prizes-in-mag-tournament/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Amidst all the debate about whether or not MAG qualifies as an MMO, not to mention the recent Playstation Network brouhaha, it might be easy to lose sight of the actual game underneath everything. And it'd be a shame if you did, because you'd be missing out on a tournament centering around MAG run by Major League Gaming's Gamebattles site. The prizes? Straight-up cash money. Well, straight-up Sony Style gift cards and Playstation Home items, which is just about as good. (Although you can't rifle through a $1500 gift card like a pack of twenties.)

Here are the details: the tournament will have three phases, with each lasting one full month. Each phase is a contest to earn the highest score in a different area -- MAG XP for March, headshots for April, and total kills for May. There will be leaderboards available on the site, as well, to help track how well you're doing compared to all the entrants. If you think you've got what it takes to make the top of the charts, head on over and take a look at the official entry rules. And no matter what, it couldn't hurt to give it a shot.

MassivelyTake aim at big prizes in MAG tournament originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitioncontestgamebattlesgift-cardsheadshotskillsmagmajor-league-gamingmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3playstation-homeplaystation-networkps3sony-stylezipperzipper-interactiveWed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you use PlayStation Home?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-playstation-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Now here's an odd question that could only be thought up at 8 in the morning. If you own a PS3, are you an avid user of PlayStation Home, or do you avoid the console's virtual world like the plague?

We ask because the world seems to present two very different versions of itself. On one hand, some of the mini-games are kinda interesting, the virtual environment does take full advantage of the PS3's graphical capabilities, and the virtual spaces for the different PS3 games are kinda cool.

However, on the flip side, you get to deal with the worst of the PlayStation Network community while you can't completely remove them from your screen. If you make a female avatar, get ready to get swamped by every guy in a 30 virtual mile radius no matter how you're dressed.

So tell us why or why not you use Home, and don't be afraid to give us all of the gritty details. Go readers, go!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you use PlayStation Home? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-discussiongamer-discussionhomeopinionplaystation-homeplaystation-networkplaystation3ps3psnsonythe-daily-grindvirtual-worldFri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you want more console MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-more-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-more-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-more-console-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMOs are primarly a PC business. They started here, and they're certainly dominating the PC gaming industry, one hard drive at a time. But why must we limit the MMO to simply the PC machine? What about the untouched masses of the console market? Why must we keep our games to ourselves when we should share freely with the others?

Ok, ok, controller vs. keyboard issues aside, what do all of you think about console MMOs? We already have Final Fantasy XI and Phantasy Star Universe on the Xbox 360 and PS2. We also have The Agency eventually making a debut on the PS3 and the rumored Age of Conan release on the Xbox 360, but 4 MMO games is nowhere near the many many games we have on our PCs.

Do you want to log into Xbox Live or PlayStation Network and boot up your favorite MMO? Would you rather sit on your couch and raid instead of your computer chair? Can cats and dogs live together in harmony? Readers, we need your opinions!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you want more console MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-gamingconsole-mmoffxifinal-fantasy-xipc-gamingphantasy-star-universeplaystation-networkpsnpsusquare-enixthe-daily-grindxblxbox-livexbox360Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DC Universe Online Creative Director Chris Cao told MTV's Multiplayer blog that SOE hopes to support cross-platform play between PlayStation 3 and PC DCUO players, but isn't ready to commit to it just yet.

Cao said that cross-platform play is still high on the priority list, but no definite promise has been made because delivering game updates to PS3 users is a very different process than delivering them to PC users. SOE is still trying to figure out how to do simultaneous updates on both platforms.

We've heard about this problem before, of course. Funcom is facing something similar as it works to port Age of Conan to the Xbox 360. SOE is in a good position to deal with it though, since it is actually a part of the company that's responsible for the PlayStation Network authentication process. "I think if anybody is going to do it and make it simultaneously seamless for people it's going to be us," said Cao. "It's just that we haven't done it yet, so we don't like to promise what we haven't delivered yet."

MassivelyPatches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caoconsoleconsolescross-platformdc-universe-onlinedcudcuointerviewmtv-multiplayerpatchespcplaystation-3playstation-networkpsnsoethe-agencyupdatesTue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 gets some MMO lovin' in Japan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/ps3-gets-some-mmo-lovin-in-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/ps3-gets-some-mmo-lovin-in-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/ps3-gets-some-mmo-lovin-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's a thread over at NeoGaf reporting that Japanese game publisher Koei, which is famous for its Dynasty Warriors beat-em-up/battlefield-strategy hybrid games, might be developing an MMO. The company's Tokyo Game Show page was briefly updated with an entry for an MMO title for both PC and PS3. When the mistake was caught the entry was immediately taken down. Fans of Dynasty Warriors and Romance of the Three Kingdoms are very excited. Everyone else can probably move on, because Koei has done pretty little that wasn't at least mostly the same concept as one of those.

Also, our friends at PS3 Fanboy have celebrated the launch of the free-to-play Asian PS3 MMO Angel Love Online (a veritable cute fest, that one) by writing up a guide to getting the game running for non-Japanese users. Angel Love is currently available only through the Japanese PlayStation Network store, but that sort of thing has never stopped anyone smart and resourceful, has it? If you succeed, you'll get to play it entirely in Japanese! Oh, yay! It looks very Secret of Mana-esque.

Due to the language barrier, most Western PS3 owners will probably want to wait for The Agency, Free Realms, and DC Universe Online, but if you can't wait, here you go. And remember, if seeing Japanese culture Lost in Translation is what you want, there's always TV. In Japan. Read on below the cut for a look at Angel Love Online.

Continue reading PS3 gets some MMO lovin' in Japan

MassivelyPS3 gets some MMO lovin' in Japan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angel-love-onlineasiadc-universe-onlinedynasty-warriorsfree-realmsguidejapankoeilost-in-translationplaystation-3playstation-networkps3ps3-fanboyromance-of-the-three-kingdomssoesonythe-agencytv-in-japanThu, 25 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are consoles the future?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/the-daily-grind-are-consoles-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/the-daily-grind-are-consoles-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/the-daily-grind-are-consoles-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO genre was born and raised in the PC culture. The reasons are obvious, of course -- personal computers have been connected to networks for a long time, the keyboard was more effective for communication before the advent of Voice-over-IP. That said, a lot has been done to make platforms like the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 more attractive for MMO developers and players.

Funcom plans to release Age of Conan for the 360. DC Universe Online, The Agency, and Free Realms will all be available on the PS3. In fact, noted MMO developer SOE was not long ago moved into what is basically Sony's PlayStation division with the explicit intent to focus on console MMOs. Blizzard has hired workers with console experience to work on its unannounced "Next-Gen MMO." Clearly, this generation is going to greatly expand on the pioneering efforts of past console MMOs like Final Fantasy XI. Surely if the genre doesn't explode on today's consoles it will in the next batch, right?

Are you looking forward to leaving behind the mouse and keyboard so you can lounge on the sofa with a wireless controller, or are you concerned that too much will be lost in translation? Maybe you think that attempts like The Agency will fail, and the bubble will burst before anyone even really notices it. There are a lot of problems, such as the expense and hassle of the process of authenticating patches in a tightly-controlled service like Xbox Live. Are problems like that deal breakers?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are consoles the future? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360age-of-conanconsolesdc-universe-onlinediscussionfree-realmsopinionplaystation-3playstation-networkps3psntdgthe-agencythe-daily-grindxbox-360xbox-liveThu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft licenses texture software used in Xbox Live Arcade games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ncsoft-licenses-texture-software-used-in-xbox-live-arcade-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ncsoft-licenses-texture-software-used-in-xbox-live-arcade-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ncsoft-licenses-texture-software-used-in-xbox-live-arcade-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Allegorithmic, the creator of a procedural texture production tool called ProFX, announced that NCsoft has licensed its product. ProFX produces highly compressed textures that are "tiny, typically a few kilobytes" in size. Those textures are expanded and generated on the fly from that data by the system's processor as needed. That means file sizes are very small, but visual quality is maintained. The tech is therefore popular with companies developing games for the Xbox Live Arcade, the Xbox 360's digital download marketplace for bite-sized, casual gaming experiences.

NCsoft plans to use the technology in the future development of MMOs for PCs and the PlayStation 3 console. That choice might imply a comparatively small scope for those projects. ProFX is perfectly suited for games downloadable through the PlayStation Network store (Sony's answer to the Xbox Live Arcade), so this is another clue that NCsoft's PS3 games might be PSN releases instead of AAA Blu-ray titles.

It's by no means definitive though; NCsoft might have just been looking for a way to bring down patch sizes. So move along now!

MassivelyNCsoft licenses texture software used in Xbox Live Arcade games originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allegorithmicdevelopmentenginelicensencsoftplaystation-3playstation-networkprofxps3psnspeculationtechnologyxbox-liveTue, 24 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: PS3 has "massive advantage over PC" for MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/smedley-ps3-has-massive-advantage-over-pc-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/smedley-ps3-has-massive-advantage-over-pc-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/smedley-ps3-has-massive-advantage-over-pc-for-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GameDaily landed an interview with SOE president John Smedley in the wake of the recent corporate shuffle that moved SOE into the PlayStation family.

Smedley said a lot more this time than he did when he spoke with WarCry last week. He commented on the departure of Sony Pictures head honcho Yair Landau, saying that it's only a coincidence that the SOE move happened at the same time. He also suggested that the move is a bit like "coming home," since EverQuest was originally developed under SCEA's banner.

Most interestingly, though, he said that while SOE is committed to multi-platform releases (read: PC and PS3), he believes the PS3 has a "massive advantage" over the PC for developers and publishers of MMOs. This is because because the system is "a stable platform where every customer has an online box ... and we don't have to worry about graphics cards or anything like that." That this is an advantage is true; that's why a lot of the recent growth in the industry is in web-based games that will run on any hardware (like Sherwood). But it'll be interesting to see how The Agency and the DC Comics MMO do on the PS3.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

MassivelySmedley: PS3 has "massive advantage over PC" for MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-onlinefree-realmsjohn-smedleyplaystationplaystation-3playstation-networkps3psnscesceisoethe-agencyyair-landauThu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Beware the MMO mutants]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-digital-continuum-beware-the-mmo-mutants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-digital-continuum-beware-the-mmo-mutants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/the-digital-continuum-beware-the-mmo-mutants/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I had such high hopes for Auto Assault, but unfortunately a lot went wrong with that game. The general concept remains a fun idea and definitely has lots of legs for further attempts at the genre -- just not on PCs. I've talked about the why the current style of MMOs don't work well on consoles, but that doesn't mean a newer type of mutated MMO wouldn't work.

The recent rumors about a Call of Duty 4 or Grand Theft Auto (re: APB?) MMO are just the kind of mutation I'm talking about. I say mutation, because I don't see these as the next step in massively games -- we're still going to have our WoWs, AoCs and WARs coming out in the foreseeable future. However a new breed all to itself is a definite possibility in the next year or so. This concept -- which has been brewing in the back of my mind for a while -- has only been encouraged by the recent SOE and SCEI shuffle.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Beware the MMO mutants

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Beware the MMO mutants originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultfeaturedncsoftplaystation-3playstation-networksceisoesony-computer-entertainment-incsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencytwisted-metalSat, 15 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE moved under SCEI to strengthen PlayStation 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-moved-under-scei-to-strengthen-playstation-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-moved-under-scei-to-strengthen-playstation-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-moved-under-scei-to-strengthen-playstation-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment (the group behind EverQuest, Star Wars Galaxies, and other landmark MMO titles, for the types of readers who need answers to questions like "Vhat eez zees ... 'video game' theeng?") is relocating within the Sony empire. Starting April 1, SOE will operate under the Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. banner.

That means that SOE prez John Smedley will be reporting directly to Kazuo Hirai, who is President and CEO of SCEI, and one of the masterminds behind the success of the PlayStation brand. According to the press release, they're making this move so that Sony can use the talent and resources at SOE to push its online gaming agenda on the PlayStation 3 console. Currently, SOE reports to Sony Pictures Digital.

SOE has already been working on PS3 projects for a while now, including the spy-themed shooter MMO The Agency, and Free Realms, a family-friendly, microtransaction-fueled endeavor. Even though the press release didn't come with new game announcements, it's big news. There's been a lot of debate about whether the XBox 360 or the PS3 is the best online gaming platform, but this new structure could give Sony a new edge.

MassivelySOE moved under SCEI to strengthen PlayStation 3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcorporatefree-realmsjohn-smedleykazuo-hiraiplaystationplaystation-3playstation-networkpsnsoesoeisonysony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-incsony-online-entertainmentsp3structurethe-agencyThu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST