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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: End of an EON]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/eve-evolved-end-of-an-eon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/eve-evolved-end-of-an-eon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/eve-evolved-end-of-an-eon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This week we heard the disappointing news that EON, the official print magazine for MMO EVE Online, has officially closed down. The quarterly magazine first launched back in 2005 and may have been the first official magazine dedicated to a single MMO. The first edition was packed full of current news, sneak peeks, coverage on major events, fan-written fiction, features, and guides. The experimental magazine was produced by MMM Publishing under official license from CCP Games and proved to be a big hit, going on to publish 30 editions over the next seven and a half years.

Though EON has had a much longer run than most official MMO print magazines (the World of Warcraft magazine lasted all of five issues), it's still disappointing to see it go. The closure has a special significance for me because it was at EON that I and many other players started out as writers and editors. It's thanks to the work of the mag's editor Richie "Zapatero" Shoemaker that I went on to get this job at Massively, where I've written the weekly EVE Evolved column for almost five years now. EON Magazine was a real gem that will be sorely missed by dedicated fans, but the biggest shame is that those who might support the mag didn't know it was having financial difficulties until it was too late.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at what made EON great, ask why it failed, and interview editor Richie Shoemaker on his thoughts behind the closure.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: End of an EON

MassivelyEVE Evolved: End of an EON originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamese-oneoneveeve-evolvedeve-mapseve-onlineexclusiveexclusive-interviewfantasyfeaturedGAME-Magazineinterviewinterviewsmagazineplexprint-mediarichierichie-shoemakersandboxsci-fiworld-of-warcraftwritingzapateroSun, 17 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Several years ago, the subscription model was king and the mere mention of an MMO selling in-game items for cash was almost enough to cause a virtual riot. RMT was the devil, and players who bought swords or spaceships for cash deserved nothing short of a permanent ban. The past decade of development has changed the MMO landscape and brought in a new generation of gamers with different attitudes. Today's players have grown up with and embraced ideas like the free-to-play business model, microtransaction shops, and perhaps even the idea of buying in-game advantages for cash.

In his latest Free for All column, Massively's Beau Hindman tackled the controversial issue of MMOs selling power for real cash, and his points about EVE Online sparked some pretty interesting discussion in the comments. The crux of the argument was that an EVE player can currently take out his wallet and buy his way into a bigger ship or even pick up a pre-trained veteran character. That's certainly true, but is that the same as buying an unfair advantage and does it necessarily make EVE pay-to-win?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why players find PLEX so much more palatable than direct item sales and ask whether the system fits the definition of pay-to-win.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgrindgrindingguild-wars-2gw2iskMicrotransactionsncsoftopinionpay-to-winplexrmtsandboxsci-fivelvet-ropeSun, 10 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest answers questions about the addition of Krono]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/everquest-answers-questions-about-the-addition-of-krono/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/everquest-answers-questions-about-the-addition-of-krono/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/everquest-answers-questions-about-the-addition-of-krono/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Trigger warning.
If you play EverQuest but not the sequel, EverQuest II feels like the younger sibling that gets everything it wants. A new graphical engine, more expansions, more developer time, it's not fair. And then the game gets the option for players to buy game time and sell it for real currency in the game, which is just so unfair. But if you buy into this hypothetical pseudo-sibling rivalry, good news -- the Krono option is coming to classic EverQuest in the near future.

An official FAQ has been posted explaining how Krono works and how players can use them to purchase time with in-game money or vice versa. The FAQ also clarifies that purchased Krono works in both EverQuest II and the original EverQuest so long as you purchase one directly; if you trade it to another player it's tied to the game where you made the trade. Take a look at the full FAQ and start enjoying the freedom to pay with your game subscription through in-game farming.

MassivelyEverQuest answers questions about the addition of Krono originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfaqfree-to-playfrequently-asked-questionskronomicrotransactionsplexsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionsubscription-timeThu, 10 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: An appraisal of EQII's Krono]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-tattered-notebook-an-appraisal-of-eqiis-krono/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-tattered-notebook-an-appraisal-of-eqiis-krono/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-tattered-notebook-an-appraisal-of-eqiis-krono/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Tattered Notebook An appraisal of Krono
The dust has barely settled from our yearly foray to Bally's, and already we're seeing some of the exciting news from SOE Live become a reality. Just a few days ago, we saw the arrival of Krono to EverQuest II, and out of all the news about EQII, it has the potential to be the biggest game changer of all. Basically, Norrath now has its own version of EVE Online's PLEX.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll take a look at exactly how Krono works, but we'll also examine how this could lead to even bigger changes in EverQuest II.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: An appraisal of EQII's Krono

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: An appraisal of EQII's Krono originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieqII-economyeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkronoopinionplexsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 03 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II adds Krono tokens to store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/everquest-ii-adds-krono-tokens-to-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/everquest-ii-adds-krono-tokens-to-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/everquest-ii-adds-krono-tokens-to-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The problem is that if you buy a lot of time, it takes a while before you get it.
Do you have time for EverQuest II? Because it has time for you. Specifically, it has time it will sell to you. The newest addition to the game's marketplace, Krono, is all about getting just a little more time. For slightly more than the price of a month's subscription to the game, you can get an item that's redeemable for a month's subscription. Which doesn't sound all that wonderful until you realize that it takes the form of an in-game item that can be traded or sold.

Yes, it's taking a page from EVE Online and TERA, allowing players to purchase a month of subscription status to trade to others as desired. The rollout to EverQuest II is part of a trial, and if successful Sony Online Entertainment plans to expand Krono functionality to other games. So if you've got plenty of real-world money and want a chance to trade someone time, you might want to jump in and grab hold of the newest addition to the game.

MassivelyEverQuest II adds Krono tokens to store originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-timemicrotransactionsplexpromotionredeemable-game-timesoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 31 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online $6,000 ship kill may be a hoax]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online player "stewie Zanjoahir" made history yesterday when he reportedly lost a tiny ship with cargo worth over $6,000 US. Now it appears that the value of the kill may not have been accurate or that the kill could even be a hoax. Evidence that the kill may not be authentic surfaced last night as players found that three Hulk blueprints listed on the kill were marked as originals. That would make them priceless items that change hands for over 500 billion ISK each, which would raise the kill's value to a ludicrous 1.71 trillion ISK ($51,685 US).

It's believed that many of the original blueprints in the kill were actually cheaper blueprint copies. One possible explanation for the aberration is that there was an error in the EVE API that supplied the original kill data to third-party killboard websites. It's also possible that the kill was marked as API Verified without actually being checked, in which case the kill may have never even happened. An alternative version of the kill valued at only 34 billion ISK ($1,024 US) has also surfaced, but this was manually uploaded and so isn't verified at all.

CCP Games posted the kill on its Facebook page and Twitter feed, but didn't officially confirm the kill or its value. We reached CCP for comment, but privacy concerns prevented the company from confirming or denying the kill's authenticity. If this monumental kill turns out to be an error or a hoax, the next-highest value confirmed EVE kill would be Bjoern's Avatar class titan destroyed in March 2011. The titan was kitted out with expensive officer modules and came to a total value of over 128 billion ISK. As the price of PLEX was much lower in 2011, this would have bought 355 PLEX worth a total of $6,212.50 US.

MassivelyEVE Online $6,000 ship kill may be a hoax originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60006000-dollarsatronbillionbillionsblueprintblueprint-copiesblueprint-originalsBluePrintsbposbreakingccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefakefrigatehoaxhulkkillnewsnullsecPLEXpvpsandboxscamsci-fisolar-citizensstewie-Zanjoahirthousandthousand-dollarstiny-shipTue, 23 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE devs struggle with factional warfare stagnation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-devs-struggle-with-factional-warfare-stagnation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-devs-struggle-with-factional-warfare-stagnation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-devs-struggle-with-factional-warfare-stagnation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE devs struggle to combat stagnation and inflation
CCP Games isn't completely happy with the results brought on by EVE Online's most recent expansion, Inferno. In a frank dev blog, CCP Fozzie admits that its factional warfare system has fizzled in places and caused inflation in the market. So the team is preparing a new patch for tomorrow to combat these undesirable elements.

"These are the problems that our retribution changes were designed to alleviate, but players have been telling us that the situation is degrading faster than we had expected," Fozzie writes. "Faced with the dual problems of factional warfare stagnation and PLEX inflation, we saw an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone."

Inferno 1.3.2 will make significant changes to loyalty point acquisition and expenditure rates. The team's also patching in a fix to combat AFK plexing while continuing to work on improved NPCs for the factional warfare system for the future.

MassivelyEVE devs struggle with factional warfare stagnation originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.3.2ccpccp-fozzieccp-gamesdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineinfernoinferno-1.3.2inflationinternet-spaceshipspatch-1.3.2plexplex-inflationsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinestagnationupdateupdate-1.3.2Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player loses tiny ship worth over $6,000 [UPDATED]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online is well known for its sandbox gameplay and ruthless citizens, with monumental kills and record-breaking scams popping up year after year. In 2010, one player lost over $1,000 US worth of 30-day game time codes (PLEX) when he transported them in the cargo hold of a tiny, fragile frigate. Thinking his ship too fast to be caught, that player lost his entire alliance's budget in a single mishap.

That record was thoroughly eradicated today by player "stewie Zanjoahir," who reportedly lost over 213,000,000,000 ISK when he tried to transport a huge cache of valuable blueprints through nullsec in a tiny, unfitted frigate. That much ISK could currently buy around 367 30-day game time codes (PLEX) at around 580 million ISK each, for a combined total of over 30 years of game time. To put that into perspective, 367 PLEX bought with real cash would cost about $6,422.50 US.

Some players doubt the authenticity of the kill report, but the killboard it was posted on claims to have verified it with EVE's automated API service, and CCP Games itself posted about the kill on Facebook. Kills of this scale may have happened before, but it was previously impossible to tell whether a destroyed blueprint was a cheap copy or an expensive original. The value of this kill may even be higher than the reported figure, as several of the blueprint copies that weren't counted are actually worth billions of ISK. Today's kill may be the largest confirmed kill of any ship in EVE's history and could even be the most expensive character death in any MMO to date.

[UPDATE: Evidence has emerged that the kill might not be authentic. EVE-Kill has since updated its report with a revised value of 5.3 billion ISK]

MassivelyEVE Online player loses tiny ship worth over $6,000 [UPDATED] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60006000-dollarsatronbillionbillionsblueprintBluePrintsbposbreakingccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefrigatekillnullsecPLEXpvpsandboxsci-fisolar-citizensstewie-Zanjoahirthousandthousand-dollarstiny-shipMon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Four ways Guild Wars 2 is like EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/eve-evolved-four-ways-guild-wars-2-is-like-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/eve-evolved-four-ways-guild-wars-2-is-like-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/eve-evolved-four-ways-guild-wars-2-is-like-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
With its single-shard server structure and sandbox ruleset, EVE Online seems to have little in common with a sharded fantasy themepark like Guild Wars 2. But dig a little deeper past GW2's fluffy exterior and you'll find it shares some core game mechanics and ideas with the world's biggest PvP sandbox. GW2's Trading Post bears a striking resemblance to EVE's Jita 4-4 market, and many of the same market tricks that work in New Eden have proven just as effective in the land of Tyria.

EVE's PLEX system lets people buy game time for in-game ISK and undercuts illicit RMT by giving players a legitimate way to buy ISK, a system that's very closely mirrored in GW2's gem trade. GW2's Karma system resembles a heavily restricted version of EVE's loyalty point mechanic, and PvP in both games may be more similar than it appears. The same strategies that work for faction warfare fleets in the depths of space are currently helping guilds win World vs. World vs. World PvP.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at four Guild Wars 2 game mechanics that are similar to those in EVE Online and how lessons from EVE can be applied to GW2.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Four ways Guild Wars 2 is like EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Four ways Guild Wars 2 is like EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexploitfaction-warfarefantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgemgem-tradegemsguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2jitakarmaloyalty-pointslpmissionmission-runningmissionsncsoftplexpvepvpsalvagingsandboxsci-fitrade-hubtradingtrading-postworld-vs-world-vs-worldwvwvwSun, 16 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Making your first billion ISK]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/eve-evolved-making-your-first-billion-isk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/eve-evolved-making-your-first-billion-isk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/eve-evolved-making-your-first-billion-isk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
A lot of the people I introduce to EVE Online ask about the possibility of playing for free by buying game time codes with in-game ISK. It's a legitimate way to turn EVE into a free-to-play game, but the rising price tag of a 30-day PLEX can make it seem as if only veteran players can afford to do it. New players typically scrape together just a few million ISK by the end of their free trial periods, making the 500 million per month required to pay via PLEX seem like a tall order.

With the right guidance, a new player can actually pull in over a billion ISK in his first month or two of play and quickly become able to afford a PLEX each month. Farming missions requires a bit of time investment but can pull in 20-30 million ISK per hour once you're set up, and exploration and salvaging can lead to some unexpected big hauls. There are also plenty of newbie-friendly corps that run group activities, and those who aren't interested in grinding to their first billion ISK might try their hands at trading or turn to a life of crime. It's all possible in the sandbox.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I give some practical tips on making your first billion ISK, from scraping together the seed capital to buy your first big ship to reliable farming methods and some more underhanded methods.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Making your first billion ISK

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Making your first billion ISK originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-day-game-cardccpccp-gamescorpcorporationscorpseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfreefree-to-playfrigatefrigatesgame-time-cardguideincarnaiskmissionmission-runningmissionsplexsalvagesalvagingsandboxscamscammingscamssci-fitheftthiefSun, 26 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA rolls out the Chronoscroll system and an upcoming event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tera-rolls-out-the-chronoscoll-system-and-an-upcoming-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tera-rolls-out-the-chronoscoll-system-and-an-upcoming-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tera-rolls-out-the-chronoscoll-system-and-an-upcoming-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So now you need time to grind gold to get more playtime to grind more gold to get more playtime. It's like a job.
Maybe you're a poor college student with plenty of time to play TERA but not a lot of cash to spend out of the game. Or maybe you're a man of means with plenty of cash to spend but little time to farm gold. Whichever category is closer to you, you'll find something to like in TERA's new Chronoscrolls system, which allows players to buy scrolls of subscription time and trade them for in-game gold.

The system works fairly transparently: Chronoscrolls can be purchased for real-world cash and then placed on the auction block, and a scroll thus purchased can be redeemed for extra subscription time. That means that players with piles of in-game gold can get plenty of free time to play the game. And if you're wondering why you'd like to spend that money, there is an event taking place starting on Friday, June 29th, in which players will hunt down reptilian egg thieves for special rewards. So you've got some motivation.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tips!]

MassivelyTERA rolls out the Chronoscroll system and an upcoming event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschronoscrollchronoscrollscommunity-eventscurrencyen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteventsfantasyin-game-eventsmicrotransactionsplexrmtteraWed, 27 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
At E3 this year, EVE Online developer CCP Games said it wants the game to still be running decades from now, continuing its usual trend of steady growth. EVE has barely grown in subscriptions over the past year, and average concurrent logins have flatlined since 2010, but the Crucible and Inferno expansions helped start turning things around. Developers hope to get growth back on track and attract new people to the world of New Eden, but I have to wonder whether they're selling EVE to new people in the right way.

EVE has always spread through word of mouth, with people being brought in by friends or starting fresh after hearing an epic story of in-game events or seeing an awesome video. More recently, existing online communities have been drawn to set up shop in the game and bring hundreds or thousands of members with them. People brought in by friends and people who join organisations in-game are more likely to stay in the game long-term, and it's this angle that I think CCP really needs to push. With its single-shard universe, awesome community, and massive scale PvP, EVE has some pretty huge selling points that no other MMO can match.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at a few of EVE's biggest selling points and how CCP could use them to attract new players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points

MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescorporationscorpscrucibleculturedominionendgameeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfleet-battlesfleet-commandfleet-warfarefreefree-to-playgoalsinfernomarketingplexpvpsandboxsci-fiselling-pointsterritorial-controlterritorial-warfaretrailertrailerstyrannisvideovideoswarwarfarewarsworld-recordSun, 10 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP contemplates selling more EVE Online physical merchandise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/ccp-contemplates-selling-more-eve-online-physical-merchandise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/ccp-contemplates-selling-more-eve-online-physical-merchandise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/ccp-contemplates-selling-more-eve-online-physical-merchandise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online
Fresh off a successful attempt to sell graphics cards for virtual currency, CCP Games is mulling over additional in-game sales options in EVE Online for real-life merchandise. Senior Producer Jon Lander said that this will be the beginning of a trend: "It was an interesting experiment and one we're going to follow up."

The studio recently made 100 Nvidia graphics cards available to players in the game for 20 Plex apiece and sold out of them in two minutes. In addition to items like graphics cards, CCP is looking into ways to create and sell EVE Online merchandise.

"We need to just look at what the right opportunities are now," Lander said. "We've got lots of people beavering away trying to work out what the right thing to do is."

Due to players' ability to buy and sell Plex for other in-game goods, Lander reports that 25% of EVE Online players are able to enjoy the game for free.

MassivelyCCP contemplates selling more EVE Online physical merchandise originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinegraphics-cardsin-game-salesinternet-spaceshipsjon-landerjonathan-landermerchandisenvidianvidia-graphics-cardsplexsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineTue, 29 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
On April 27th, 2008, I joined the Massively crew and published the first edition of a new weekly column dedicated to the world of EVE Online. It's hard to believe that the EVE Evolved column is now four years old, spanning nine major expansions and predating CCP Games' transformation into an industry giant with three games in development. Since the column's first crude scribbling about shuttles, I've written over 200 in-depth articles, guides, stories, and opinion pieces. With its free expansions and iterative updates, EVE is a rapidly changing game that provides a constant supply of things to write about.

To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the column, I'm giving away two 30-day Pilot's License EXtensions to two lucky readers. To enter the competition, leave a comment stating which EVE Evolved article from this year is your favourite, and why it's your favorite, and what topic you'd like to see covered in the coming year. You will need an active EVE account to claim the prize, so be sure to include a character name with your comment if you want to be able to win a prize. If you're not comfortable with giving out your character name, use an alternate character or sign up a new trial account. The winners' names will be revealed in next week's column.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at some of the highlights from the column's fourth year.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryapocryphaccpccp-gamescolumnconsolecontestcrucibledustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfour-yearfour-year-anniversaryfour-yearsfpsincarnainfernommofpsnyphurplaystationplaystation-3plexps3sandboxsci-fishooterSun, 29 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online offers video cards for PLEX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/eve-online-offers-video-cards-for-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/eve-online-offers-video-cards-for-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/eve-online-offers-video-cards-for-plex/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- EVE Online
Are you in the market for a video card? Are you an internet spaceship pilot? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then boy are you ever in luck. As you may have already heard at Fanfest 2012, CCP and NVIDIA have teamed up to bring EVE Online players a new initiative that will allow them to trade in their PLEX for new video cards.

That's right, players will be able exchange 20 PLEX for a shiny new GeForce GTX 560 video card, courtesy of NVIDIA. The supplies are limited to 100 video cards for now, and players are limited to a single video card purchase per account. The folks at CCP note that the reason for the limited quantities is because they are "proceeding carefully... to enable [the studio] to evaluate any impacts of this unique and innovative offer on the EVE economy, and understand any challenges arising from this form of exchange of game world currency for real world goods." So get to it, space cowboys, and earn yourself a new shiny.

MassivelyEVE Online offers video cards for PLEX originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinegeforceinternet-spaceshipsnvidiaplexsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinevideo-cardvideo-cardsWed, 11 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
In last week's EVE Evolved opinion piece, I tackled the question of whether it would be possible to make EVE Online free-to-play and then devised a viable hybrid freemium business model based on other apparently successful free-to-play conversions. While this was largely a thought experiment exploring the viability of a conversion, the fact that other subscription games have made the change recently makes it more than just theoretical. The possibility that executives at CCP Games have investigated the same options makes this debate an important one to hash out in a public forum.

We've established that a free-to-play EVE could potentially be viable, but this week I'd like to take the debate one step further and ask whether EVE is actually doing the right thing with its current subscription model. Subscriptions may no longer appear to be the dominant business model in the MMO landscape, but they have some major advantages that are rapidly becoming apparent as more and more games drop their monthly fees. The sale of cosmetic enhancements will only net so much money, and if a game expands into selling convenience items that circumvent grind, there's a strong financial incentive to develop grindy gameplay and then sell shortcuts. This produces a conflict of interest between developing fun games and making money that isn't present with the subscription model.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the benefits of the subscription model, the unique position CCP is in with its PLEX system, and the hidden dangers of convenience-based microtransactions.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdebateeqeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-conversiongame-designincarnammo-industryopinionplexsandboxsci-fisubsubscriptionSun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQII gold
There's a dirty little secret going on in EverQuest II, and every now and then it bubbles up to the surface in forum complaints from players. With the arrival of Station Cash, the Marketplace, and Legends of Norrath cards, players have worked out a way to buy in-game coin with real money, without fear of getting banned. And with the transition to free-to-play, it seems like that practice has grown even more.

The problem is that there are several things that factor into the plat-for-cash scenario, so it's impossible to find a quick fix. Are we at a point that SOE should just put plat on the marketplace and be done with it? Let's look at a few reasons for and against it.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanopinionplat-for-cashplexrmtselling-loot-rightssoesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashtattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: EVE isn't the only game with PLEX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/eve-evolved-eve-isnt-the-only-game-with-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/eve-evolved-eve-isnt-the-only-game-with-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/eve-evolved-eve-isnt-the-only-game-with-plex/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
The past several years have seen a complete revolution in the online gaming market, and with it the MMO industry as we know it. An industry once dominated by monthly subscriptions is now rapidly giving way to games with free-to-play, freemium and hybrid payment models. EVE Online developer CCP Games has repeatedly expressed concern that EVE could go the way of the dinosaurs if it doesn't adapt its business model to this new market. While I'm forced to agree with the general sentiment behind that statement, I don't think the developers at CCP recognise just how far ahead of the curve they've been with their own business model since the introduction of the 30-day Pilot's License EXtension (PLEX).

PLEX essentially allow players to pay for an EVE subscription with in-game ISK, and it provides a legitimate way for players to buy ISK in a way that doesn't harm the in-game economy. It's a clever system that undercuts illicit RMT business, generates additional revenue for the company, and has even been used for charity drives, but EVE isn't the only game to use the system. The success of PLEX in EVE has spurred several other MMOs to follow suit over the years, both in the subscription-based and free-to-play arenas. Runes of Magic, TERA, Star Trek Online and even World of Warcraft have borrowed a page from CCP's book in one way or another, and it's paying off for them big time.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I put the PLEX system under the microscope to find out exactly what makes it tick, and I look at other MMOs implementing similar systems.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE isn't the only game with PLEX

MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE isn't the only game with PLEX originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbusiness-modelsccpccp-eveccp-gamescrypticcryptic-studiosdiamondsdilithiumeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumgoldguardian-cubiskplexrunes-of-magicstar-trek-onlinesubscriptionWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 16 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online dev blog clarifies free-to-play currency trades]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-trek-online-dev-blog-clarifies-free-to-play-currency-trades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-trek-online-dev-blog-clarifies-free-to-play-currency-trades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-trek-online-dev-blog-clarifies-free-to-play-currency-trades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online title image
Ever since Cryptic announced that Star Trek Online is going free to play, developers have published regular "Path to F2P" dev blogs discussing upcoming changes designed to restructure the game for its new payment scheme. In the latest dev blog in the series, STO Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo looks at the in-game economy and how going free-to-play will affect the various currencies in use.

Energy credits will be used for practically everything encountered in normal gameplay, functioning like gold in most fantasy MMOs. Players can expect to use energy credits every time they play, and receive them as rewards. Dilithium will be used by hardcore players to get high-end gear, but the average casual player will never need it in significant quantities. Cryptic points will be reserved for cash shop items like new ships, but Cryptic aims to let players trade their cryptic points to other players for dilithium.

When the system goes live, players will be able to grind for dilithium in order to buy cash shop items without paying cash. At the same time, hardcore players will be able to short-cut the dilithium grind and quickly obtain high-end equipment with an injection of cryptic points. This system mirrors the diamond trade in Runes of Magic and the PLEX trade in EVE Online, both systems that have proven highly effective at allowing cash-rich players to shortcut grind and letting time-rich players play their way to everything the game has to offer.

MassivelyStar Trek Online dev blog clarifies free-to-play currency trades originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-pointscryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioscurrencydiamondsdilithiumenergy-credit-systemenergy-creditsf2pfree-to-playnewsplexst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostotrek-onlineFri, 14 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2011: CCP on virtual goods in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/gdc-austin-2011-ccp-on-virtual-goods-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/gdc-austin-2011-ccp-on-virtual-goods-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/gdc-austin-2011-ccp-on-virtual-goods-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online
Remember Monoclegate? CCP sure does, and at GDC this week, the company reflected on some lessons learned from its introduction of virtual goods to EVE Online. Associate Producer Ben Cockerill from CCP games offered a candid look at what the team learned through both player response and market data. While the initial launch of virtual goods in Incarna sparked a fierce objection on the forums and even in-game protests and riots, things have settled down quite a bit, and CCP seems confident that it is headed in the right direction now.

Read on for a look at why virtual goods were introduced into EVE Online and what the team has learned so far.

Continue reading GDC Online 2011: CCP on virtual goods in EVE Online

MassivelyGDC Online 2011: CCP on virtual goods in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurumben-cockerillcash-shopCCPccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-onlinefeaturedgdcgdc-2011gdc-onlineGDC-Online-2011incarnaiskkaren-bryanmonoclemonoclegatepanelplexrmtvirtual-goodsTue, 11 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP offering first ever bulk PLEX discount for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/ccp-offering-first-ever-bulk-plex-discount-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/ccp-offering-first-ever-bulk-plex-discount-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/ccp-offering-first-ever-bulk-plex-discount-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - PLEX
If you've been searching for a way to spend more money on EVE Online, CCP has just announced a bulk discount on its PLEX currency. What is PLEX, I hear a few of you asking? It's shorthand for Pilot License Extension, and it takes the form of an in-game item that provides one month of game access. The kicker is that it may be legally bought, sold, or traded for other in-game items (or cold, hard cash). The system was originally put in place to combat third-party ISK trading, but many long-time EVE players have amassed enough wealth to enable them to buy PLEX and avoid paying the regular monthly subscription fee.

For a limited time (through September 16th, to be exact), CCP is offering 13 PLEX for $199.99, and the one-line press blurb on the official EVE website encourages you to "play the market, pad your wallet, and build your empire."

MassivelyCCP offering first ever bulk PLEX discount for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-currencyccpccp-gamesdiscounteveeve-onlinelegalized-rmtnew-edenplexpress-releasepromotionrmtsandboxsci-fiFri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA implementing chronoscrolls to combat gold farming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/tera-implementing-chronoscrolls-to-combat-gold-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/tera-implementing-chronoscrolls-to-combat-gold-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/tera-implementing-chronoscrolls-to-combat-gold-farming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - boss fight
TERA isn't releasing in North America for several months yet, but the folks at En Masse are already taking steps to curb the inevitable tide of gold farmers sure to be washing up on Arborea's beaches in 2012.

A new dev blog released over the weekend outlines the introduction of chronoscrolls, and those of you who are familiar with EVE Online's PLEX system will probably see several parallels between the two mechanics. "If you've never purchased gold, and you're wondering why this new chronoscrolls system is a good addition to the game, consider this: Whether chronoscrolls exist or not, other players are buying gold from real-money traders. By creating the opportunity for players who already buy gold to purchase it legitimately, we help eliminate the incentive for real-money traders to target TERA," says producer Patrick Wyatt.

MassivelyTERA implementing chronoscrolls to combat gold farming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreachronoscrollsdev-blogdev-diaryeconomyen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteveeve-onlinefantasygold-farmersgold-farmingpatrick-wyattplay-for-freeplexreal-money-tradingrmtteratera-onlineMon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Comparing EVE's PLEX and PvP to RoM's]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/lost-pages-of-taborea-comparing-eves-plex-and-pvp-to-roms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/lost-pages-of-taborea-comparing-eves-plex-and-pvp-to-roms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/lost-pages-of-taborea-comparing-eves-plex-and-pvp-to-roms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I was prepping for a Guild Wars 2 comparison with Runes of Magic, but in light of the current buzz in the air, I'm moving my EVE Online comparison up.

A couple of interesting blocks fell into place this week that fit well with a look at how EVE and RoM allow money to circulate through the economies, and how PvP works in conjunction with it. While there's no contest as to which MMO has the more robust economy, there are still similarities that fit the pay-to-progress comment Mr. Simon Ludgate made in a recent Gamasutra article.

Swarming around the above topics is the question of how much it costs to stay competitive in RoM, which I've also been working on. What does Gamasutra's article have to do with RoM, how much does it cost to be competitive and how are economies similar in these two MMOs? You can also read my memorandum to all EVE PvPers. Set your jump-point past the break to see.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Comparing EVE's PLEX and PvP to RoM's

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Comparing EVE's PLEX and PvP to RoM's originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopcomparisondiamondseconomieseconomyeveeve-onlinefrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegame-economiesjeremy-strattonlost-pages-of-taboreapay-to-playpay-to-progresspay-to-winplayer-vs-playerplexpvpromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/eve-evolved-the-evolution-of-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Two weeks ago, the escalating drama in EVE Online saw me drained of my normal enthusiasm as I contemplated the very real possibility that my time in the game I love was coming to an end. While the forums were filled with the most vocal and angry players, discussions with veteran players featured mainly disappointment and a distinct sadness. For those few days spent in limbo waiting for the results of the emergency CSM meeting, I and many of my in-game friends remained a hair's breadth from giving up on EVE entirely.

It was a delicate situation based more on perception and poor communication than intent or fact, and I think CCP pulled things back well with formal statements from both itself and the CSM in addition to an in-depth follow-up press conference. One of the big points to come out of the press conference was that while CCP and the CSM are both confident that none of the future microtransaction plans are game-breaking, the company did not restrict itself to vanity goods such as Incarna clothing.

While the CSM was convinced that CCP planned only to produce pure vanity goods, CCP Zulu was careful not to rule out gameplay-affecting microtransactions altogether. Both CCP and the CSM also talked about "game-breaking" sales rather than using a clearer term like "gameplay-affecting" or "non-vanity." It's reasonable then to assume that in the future we might eventually get non-vanity goods that do interact with gameplay but aren't game-breaking in terms of balance, mechanics or interaction with the in-game economy.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I show exactly why options like selling ships would be game-breaking and then let my imagination run wild as I speculate on possible non-vanity microtransactions for the far future that shouldn't disrupt gameplay.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The evolution of microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness-modelscash-shopccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zuluclothingconvenienceeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-is-here-to-staygrindincarnainterbusloyalty-pointslpMicrotransactionsmissionmission-runningmmo-industryneural-remappingnexnoble-exchangeplexrunes-of-magicshortcutSun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Controversy brewing over EVE Online microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/controversy-brewing-over-eve-online-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/controversy-brewing-over-eve-online-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/controversy-brewing-over-eve-online-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When we first heard that EVE Online was planning to add microtransaction options, players were most concerned with the effect of microtransaction items on gameplay. CCP was quick to reassure players that microtransactions would focus on vanity items for Incarna and no gameplay-affecting items would be released. Fast-forward to today, when the first phase of Incarna finally went live along with the new Noble Exchange cash shop. As promised, the store contained only vanity items for Incarna, starting with a series of alternative clothing options.

The one thing we didn't really think of while we worried about microtransactions affecting EVE's gameplay was price. The current prices on items in the Noble Exchange are far above typical microtransaction charges and an order of magnitude higher than expected. Items in the Noble Exchange are bought with a new currency called Aurum, 3500 of which can be created from one 30-day pilot's license (PLEX). With the price of PLEX set at around $19.95 US, players can expect to pay over $20 for a skirt, $25 for a blouse, and more than a whopping $68 for the much-desired ocular implant monocle.

In a bizarre twist, many of the clothing options for sale at the Noble Exchange actually cost more than real clothes of the same type. As PLEX can be bought from other players for ISK, however, most players will not be spending their own cash on these items. PLEX prices have already spiked to over 400 million each, putting the price of the monocle at over 1.3 billion ISK. CCP could not provide any more information on the issue, but we expect an issue this hot will prompt an announcement.

MassivelyControversy brewing over EVE Online microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurumccpccp-eveccp-gamesclothingcontroversyeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineincarnaiskmacrotransactionsmicrotransactionsmonoclenoble-exchangeplexshirtskirtTue, 21 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP bringing vanity item store, new currency to EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/ccp-bringing-vanity-item-store-new-currency-to-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/ccp-bringing-vanity-item-store-new-currency-to-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/ccp-bringing-vanity-item-store-new-currency-to-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've ever dreamed of a stripper pole for your captain's quarters or a monocle for your captain, CCP's latest dev blog aims to make your wildest wishes come true. And no, we're not kidding. CCP Zulu breaks the news about the forthcoming EVE Online vanity item store, which will sell a wide variety of incidentals ranging from clothing to accessories to custom ship paint jobs.

Of particular interest is the creation of a new EVE currency, Aurum, which Zulu says is acquired when you break up PLEX. "Each PLEX gives you a bunch of Aurum that you can spend in the virtual goods store. If you don't want to spend Aurum on these vanity items, you can always wait for someone else to do so and then buy it off them for ISK. [...] Items bought in the virtual goods store will be transferable between characters, just like PLEX is today," he explains.

Zulu also points out that the item shop is for vanity gear only, and you'll want to head to the official EVE Online website for all the details.

MassivelyCCP bringing vanity item store, new currency to EVE originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurumcash-shopccpccp-gamesccp-zulueveeve-onlinenew-currencynew-edenplexsandboxsci-fivanity-itemsFri, 27 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP converting EVE PLEX to currency for storm relief]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

CCP has a long history of lending a helping hand during times of crisis. Whether it's the Haiti earthquake, the Japan tsunami, flooding in Pakistan, or most recently, the severe storms in the southeastern United States, the developer of EVE Online and World of Darkness is usually at the forefront of gamemaker disaster relief efforts.

Today, CCP Fallout outlines the latest such drive on the EVE Insider dev blog. Plex for Good: Storm Relief is designed to provide aid to those devastated by the tornados that ripped through portions of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee last week. The drive starts today and runs through May 16th, and each player-made PLEX donation "will be converted into cash currency and donated to the Red Cross." Players should contract their PLEX to the "CCP PLEX for Good" character, and because it's EVE, the dev blog mentions that any scams relating to the relief effort will be met with swift and harsh punishments.

Head to official EVE website to learn more.

MassivelyCCP converting EVE PLEX to currency for storm relief originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-falloutccp-gamescharitydonationseveeve-onlinemmo-industryplexplex-for-goodred-crosssci-fistorm-relieftornado-reliefTue, 03 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online players raise over $44,000 for Japan relief fund]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-online-players-raise-over-44-000-for-japan-relief-fund/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-online-players-raise-over-44-000-for-japan-relief-fund/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-online-players-raise-over-44-000-for-japan-relief-fund/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Never let it be said that gamers don't have big hearts. When Japan was hit by an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami, people around the world stepped up to donate to disaster relief programs. Several MMO developers have made substantial donations using profits from their games. NCSoft made a huge donation of 500 million yen (6.3 million USD), and Sony Online Entertainment donated 300 million yen (3.6 million U.S. dollars). SOE, gPotato, Perfect World Entertainment and Hi-Rez studios have all been running schemes to help players donate, ranging from special once-only microtransaction items to just donating a percentage of all cash shop proceeds to charity.

EVE Online's developer CCP Games has encouraged donations through their unique PLEX system. Players who couldn't afford to donate cash were encouraged to buy PLEX in-game using ISK and donate them to the relief fund. CCP would then scrap the PLEX items and donate their full purchase value to charity. The scheme has been very successful at raising money in previous disasters, raising over 40,000 USD for the Haitian earthquake fund and roughly a further 20,000 USD for the flooding in Pakistan.

In a new devblog, CCP Fallout has released the final results of EVE's charity drive. A total of 2549 PLEX, each worth 17.5 USD, was donated to the scheme by players. CCP will be donating the full value of 44,607.50 USD to the Red Cross in the name the EVE Online community, and will be paying for all of the tax and management costs themselves. EVE players have now donated a total of 108,000 USD through the PLEX for Good scheme. Head over to the devblog for the details of the charity drive and some interesting information on three players who helped make it a success.

MassivelyEVE Online players raise over $44,000 for Japan relief fund originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidccpccp-eveccp-gamesdonatedonationearthquakeeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegame-time-cardgame-time-codegtciskjapanplexreliefrelief-effortstsunamiSun, 03 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Donate EVE ISK to help disaster relief efforts in Japan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/donate-eve-isk-to-help-disaster-relief-efforts-in-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/donate-eve-isk-to-help-disaster-relief-efforts-in-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/donate-eve-isk-to-help-disaster-relief-efforts-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When it comes to collecting aid for disaster relief, EVE Online developer CCP Games has a unique way of helping players donate. While many MMOs ask for donations or release limited-edition cash shop items, CCP has managed to devise a way for players to donate in-game currency to help people in the real world. During the relief effort for last year's earthquake in Haiti, CCP began accepting donations of 30-day Pilot's License EXtensions (PLEX) for their full monetary value in game time. With the recent devestation in Japan, CCP has once again asked for the EVE community's help to raise money for relief aid.

Each PLEX bought on the in-game market and donated to charity represents 30 days of game time that someone in the world originally paid for with cash but that won't be redeemed into game time. Because of this, CCP can donate the full cash value of that game time to a registered relief charity without taking a big loss. CCP absorbs all management and tax fees to ensure that 100% of the donated game time's value is passed on to registered charities (in this case, the Red Cross).

To donate to the relief effort in Japan, EVE players are encouraged to buy PLEX on the open market and contract them to the character "CCP PLEX For Good" before March 31st. As usual, EVE Online's normally permissive rules on scamming have been suspended in relation to the charity drive. Anyone attempting to scam players out of ISK or PLEX using this charity drive will be dealt with harshly. With notable rich players and corporations able to potentially donate thousands of dollars' worth of PLEX, this charity drive is sure to raise a substantial amount of money for disaster-stricken Japan.

MassivelyDonate EVE ISK to help disaster relief efforts in Japan originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidccpccp-eveccp-gamesdonatedonationearthquakeeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegame-time-cardgame-time-codegtciskjapanplexreliefrelief-effortstsunamiMon, 14 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE introduces "Hours for PLEX" reactivation scheme]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/eve-introduces-hours-for-plex-reactivation-scheme/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/eve-introduces-hours-for-plex-reactivation-scheme/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/eve-introduces-hours-for-plex-reactivation-scheme/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In today's subscription MMO market, EVE Online is in the unique position of allowing players to pay for their game time with in-game currency. To help cash-poor players afford a subscription and to aid in CCP's ongoing war against RMT, the company introduced the 30 day Pilot's License EXtension (PLEX).

Cash-rich players who want a little extra in-game ISK would ordinarily be tempted to buy from illicit sources that rely on destructive botting and hacking practices to obtain their currency. Instead of putting themselves at risk of being keylogged, banned or just outright ripped off, players can buy 60-day game time codes and convert each of them into two in-game pilot's licenses to sell on the in-game market. ISK-rich players can then buy those licenses from the in-game market and activate them to add 30 days of game time to their accounts. If an account is expired but has the funds to buy a PLEX, players can even ask for a temporary reactivation so that they can buy one and apply it to the account.

Until now, reactivations have had to be processed manually, with players filing an in-game petition through the EVE website. In a devblog yesterday, GM Grimmi of CCP announced that a new automated reactivation scheme will give players access to the game for four hours to purchase PLEX and apply them to their accounts. In addition to reducing GM workload, this scheme will allow people who have previously quit the game to temporarily reactivate their accounts and attempt to pull together enough ISK for 30 days of essentially free game time. The service has been temporarily taken offline to resolve a conflict with the current CSM voting procedure, but once it's back online it will be accessible through the account management page on the EVE website.

MassivelyEVE introduces "Hours for PLEX" reactivation scheme originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-reactivationccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegame-time-cardgame-time-codegtcpilot-license-extensionplexrmtFri, 11 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An inside look at EVE Online's CSM: From June to December]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-onlines-csm-from-june-to-december/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-onlines-csm-from-june-to-december/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-onlines-csm-from-june-to-december/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Keith Neilson is a Massively guest-writer who's here to recount his experiences at the recent Council of Stellar Management summit in Reykjavik. He writes regularly about EVE Online and has been playing the game since early 2004.

It is undeniable that EVE Online is unique among MMORPGs in many ways. One of these is its Council of Stellar Management, an elected committee of nine players who play an active role in the development of the game, bringing player concerns and proposals for the future direction of the game directly to CCP at biannual summits in Iceland. Until this year, the perception of the CSM among players was that the Council is a marketing tool that does not fulfill its stated role of representing the playerbase. But in June, all of that changed.

This term of the CSM brought in some major changes to the way the Council is organised, specifically with the removal of term limits (previously delegates could only serve two terms on the CSM) and the extension of terms from six months to a year. In addition to this, the CSM has been given "stakeholder" status within CCP. This means that the Council members have an equal say in the planning of future development along with the internal teams at CCP. This has allowed the fifth CSM to have a significant influence on the future development of EVE.

Continue reading An inside look at EVE Online's CSM: From June to December

MassivelyAn inside look at EVE Online's CSM: From June to December originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescommunicationcouncil-of-stellar-managementCSMdeliverdierdra-vaaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexcellencefeaturedIcelandlagplexreykjaviksummitteam-gridlockTorfi-frans-olafssonWed, 12 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The RMT problem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/eve-evolved-the-rmt-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/eve-evolved-the-rmt-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/eve-evolved-the-rmt-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Of all the problems that plague MMOs, RMT (real money trading) is perhaps the most disruptive to normal gameplay. By design, almost every MMO has some form of tradable currency that can be collected through normal gameplay. The time it takes to collect that currency has an inherent value, which varies from player to player as not every player values his free time at the same level. It's inevitable that cash-rich players who value their time highly will often want to shortcut normal gameplay by buying the currency directly for cash.

The negative impact of RMT and its associated problems is felt in every popular MMO, and EVE Online is no exception. The direct balance issues inherent in allowing players to buy ISK with cash are just the tip of a very unpleasant iceberg. Players who buy ISK from shady websites and services are the reason that the rest of us have to put up with spam-bots in popular chat channels, rampant account hacking, and macros taking up a disproportionately large cut of EVE's in-game resources and server load.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look into the problems caused by RMT, why macro-farming operations have become so wide-spread, and what CCP has done to combat this growing problem.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The RMT problem

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The RMT problem originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefarmingfeaturedhackHackedhacked-accounthackingiskmacromacrosplexreal-money-tradingrmtspamspammerssweatshopsweatshopsSun, 19 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: An Appeal for PLEX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-tattered-notebook-an-appeal-for-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-tattered-notebook-an-appeal-for-plex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-tattered-notebook-an-appeal-for-plex/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum. There I was, sporting my Santa Glugg hat and all set to merrily report on all the Frostfell news, when the following two questions were posted on the official EverQuest II forums: Am I going to get banned for trading platinum in exchange for Station Cash items, and can we get platinum on the marketplace?

Surprisingly, Senior Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson replied to both. Read on to see what he said and why I think it's time for EverQuest II to follow EVE Online's lead and add purchasable, tradable game time or PLEX.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: An Appeal for PLEX

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: An Appeal for PLEX originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeq-2eq-iiEQ2EQIIeveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedLegends-of-NorrathlonplexrmtSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstation-cashMon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online microtransactions won't impact gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/eve-online-microtransactions-wont-impact-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/eve-online-microtransactions-wont-impact-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/eve-online-microtransactions-wont-impact-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some time ago, CCP Games announced its intention to add microtransactions options to its popular subscription MMO EVE Online. In an interview with EuroGamer, the game's Creative Director Torfi Frans Olafsson said that the industry has been moving toward additional microtransactions for the past few years, adding that CCP would "evolve just like everyone else" and would "certainly not become a dinosaur." The first and most controversial of those options to be announced was a paid neural remap. Neural remaps allow players to re-distribute their attributes so they can learn a particular set of skills faster. New players currently get several free remaps, and all players can do one remap per year for free. The plan was to allow players to buy a remap with PLEX, 30-day game time codes that can be bought and sold on the in-game market.

It wasn't long until a fierce debate erupted. Players began complaining that neural remaps allowed players with more money to train skills at an accelerated rate by letting them switch between the optimum attributes for different skill types as often as they wanted. Further questions were raised on the future of microtransactions in EVE -- how long would it be, players thought, until skill points and in-game benefits start hitting the table and causing an upset? In a new devblog, CCP has allayed all of those fears. The previously announced PLEX for neural remap scheme has been scrapped, and the company has announced a clear vision for its microtransaction strategy. Much to the relief of players, CCP will not be offering anything that alters the rate of skill gain over time or any items that have a gameplay impact. Potential releases include Incarna clothing and furniture and the ability to apply a logo to your ships, both options which are sure to be popular if they materialise.

MassivelyEVE Online microtransactions won't impact gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineincarnamicrotransactionspilot-license-extensionplexTue, 23 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Having a fire sale]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/eve-evolved-having-a-fire-sale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/eve-evolved-having-a-fire-sale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/eve-evolved-having-a-fire-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of those strange rituals all EVE Online players go through at one time or another is the fire sale. Over the course of normal play, we buy, loot or otherwise acquire assets all over New Eden. After a time, our asset windows become a mess of long lost items and treasures hidden away in the cargoholds of ships we forgot we had. We all eventually reach breaking point and need to sell off our distributed stockpiles of odds and ends.

Maybe it will happen when you run out of ships to PvP in, or perhaps when your subscription is about to lapse and you need to buy a 30-day PLEX. With the recent five-day reactivation offer on many expired accounts, I imagine a lot of EVE players are currently scrambling through their assets in an attempt to raise enough ISK for a PLEX. Whatever the reason behind it, that dreaded day when you need to have a fire sale on your assets will inevitably arrive. A monumental logistical task now lies ahead of you, but it doesn't have to be the headache you'd expect it to be. Having been through countless cycles of accumulating bits and bobs and then selling them to buy PLEX, I've picked up a few tips to make the process as painless as possible.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the tools and strategies you can employ to squeeze every last drop of ISK from your misplaced treasure troves, and how to complete the task with a minimum of effort.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Having a fire sale

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Having a fire sale originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's often said that EVE Online is a game that revolves around PvP. Even people who engage only in PvE aren't safe from the wrathful influence of other pilots. Players are almost forced to compete with each other in a ruthless open sandbox where all the rules are thrown out the window. Even in the relative safety of high-security space, the threat of harm isn't completely removed. Scams, spies, corporate infiltrations and suicide attacks are a common occurrence in New Eden, forcing players to stay aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment. This week, a player by the name of Solarius became the unfortunate target of EVE's more ruthless player element. Solarius, CEO of Quantanamo Corporation, was running missions in high-security space in his Paladin when players destroyed his ship in a coordinated suicide attack.

What makes this particular suicide attack special is the sheer magnitude of the loss. Solarius had fit the ship with an impressive array of rare and expensive officer modules, putting the total value of his ship at over 30 billion ISK. Since a destroyed ship drops around half of its modules as loot, flying a ship with such an expensive setup is almost guaranteed to draw some unwanted attention. Pilots from the corporations Honorless Internet Jerks, Ex Obscuritas, Suddenly Ninjas, Alarm Clock Corp and Defner.org jointly participated in the attack and split the proceeds from the loot. To put the magnitude of this kill into perspective, 30 billion ISK could currently buy over 80 PLEX, which is around seven years of game time. To buy the same number of PLEX with cash would cost over $1200 U.S., making this a costly warning to all EVE players that you're never completely safe in New Eden.

MassivelyQuestionable EVE attack deals 30 billion ISK in damage originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegankiskplexpvpsolariussuicide-ganksuicide-squadSun, 10 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: EVE players debate microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/eve-evolved-eve-players-debate-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/eve-evolved-eve-players-debate-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/eve-evolved-eve-players-debate-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Sometimes it seems as though the entire MMO industry is moving toward microtransaction-based pricing schemes. With the success of free-to-play titles like Runes of Magic and Free Realms, it's clear that microtransactions are becoming a popular alternative to the standard subscription model. Famously, Dungeons and Dragons Online also proved that a hybrid model with both subscription and microtransaction options could be a great success. Even World of Warcraft has hopped on the microtransaction bandwagon with its infamous sparkle pony and cosmetic pets.

With the industry moving firmly in one direction, questions have been raised over whether EVE Online will ever implement any kind of microtransactions. Believe it or not, the first steps toward doing just that have already been taken. It was discovered some time ago that the Incursion expansion this winter would give players the ability to buy extra neural remaps with PLEX. Neural remapping allows players to re-assign a character's attributes using a points-based system. As attributes are only used to determine the speed with which skills train, remaps allow players to max out the stats required to train a particular branch of skills.

In this opinion piece, I look at the microtransaction debate currently raging in the EVE community and weigh in with my opinions on this controversial issue.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE players debate microtransactions

MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE players debate microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdebateeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedforumincarnaincursionmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsneural-remappingopinionpilot-license-extensionplexrmtSun, 10 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE player destroys over $1000 worth of game time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-player-destroys-over-1000-worth-of-game-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-player-destroys-over-1000-worth-of-game-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-player-destroys-over-1000-worth-of-game-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Like many MMOs, EVE Online has a problem with players buying ISK from shady websites to short-cut the ISK-making process. On the other end of the spectrum, many players are great at making ISK but unable to afford the monthly subscription. To kill two birds with one stone, CCP created PLEX. Sixty-day game time codes purchased for cash can be converted into two 30-day Pilots License Extensions, which become items in the game. The PLEX can then be traded to other EVE players for ISK, creating a legitimate way to buy ISK without fear of being hit by the ban-hammer. Players with some ISK to spare can buy PLEX from the market and redeem them for game time, essentially playing for free. It's an innovative system, and until recently it was a completely safe market to deal in.

Continue reading EVE player destroys over $1000 worth of game time

MassivelyEVE player destroys over $1000 worth of game time originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billionbreakingccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegankiskpilot-license-extensionplexpvpSun, 08 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes to EVE Online's PLEX make it possible to loot game time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/changes-to-eve-onlines-plex-make-it-possible-to-loot-game-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/changes-to-eve-onlines-plex-make-it-possible-to-loot-game-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/changes-to-eve-onlines-plex-make-it-possible-to-loot-game-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to fighting the gold-sellers, Icelandic game developer CCP Games took an innovative approach to the problem. Players of EVE Online can buy game time with cash and then trade it with other players as in-game "Pilots License EXtensions" (PLEX). This lets people with cash to spare effectively purchase ISK from other players, while those with plenty of in-game ISK can effectively play for free. With a legitimate method for buying ISK, players needn't face the inevitable threat of bans and key-loggers from nefarious sources. Fearing that the market for PLEX might not take off if they were at risk of being lost during transport. To combat this issue, CCP made it impossible to move them from the station they were redeemed at.

In a new devblog, CCP Zulu explains plans to remove all the transport restrictions on PLEX. In addition to being able to undock with a PLEX in your cargo hold, you'll also be able to place them into courier contracts. When these changes come into effect, you might see someone hauling game time from station to station. If you plan to move any PLEX around, be extremely wary of suicide attacks. EVE's darker social element routinely scans passers-by in high-security space, looking for juicy targets to gank. The possibility of finding game time amongst the loot may send them into overdrive. The changes are due to come into effect on Tuesday the 13th of July.

MassivelyChanges to EVE Online's PLEX make it possible to loot game time originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zulueveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegame-timegame-time-cardgankpiracypirateplexpvprmtsuicidesuicide-gankSun, 11 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win EVE game time with the Planet Risk podcast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/win-eve-game-time-with-the-planet-risk-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/win-eve-game-time-with-the-planet-risk-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/win-eve-game-time-with-the-planet-risk-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As EVE Online's Tyrannis expansion draws closer, CCP has been avidly supporting community competitions surrounding its launch. In addition to our own three massive contests centred on planetary interaction with a huge prize total of 50 PLEX, there have been numerous smaller contests on other popular websites and community blogs. Unfortunately, while any EVE player is sure to get excited over the chance to win some free game time, not everyone's contests have been successful.

The Planet Risk show, one of EVE's popular podcasts, launched a contest where listeners were encouraged to record themselves mimicking the show's presenters. Despite thousands of hits to the contest page and vocal support in the community, bizarrely not a single entry was received. In response, the show's presenters have extended the contest until the end of the month and relaunched it with more accessible entry requirements. Players can now enter either by writing something about planetary interaction or recording themselves talking about it. Pop over to the Planet Risk contest page for details on how to enter the contest.

MassivelyWin EVE game time with the Planet Risk podcast originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineplanet-riskplexpodcastMon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 EST