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[Fallen Earth team dwindles further, but the game still lives]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fallen-earth-team-dwindles-further-but-game-still-alive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fallen-earth-team-dwindles-further-but-game-still-alive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fallen-earth-team-dwindles-further-but-game-still-alive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fallen Earth chopper
Earlier tonight we got word of a rumor regarding Fallen Earth's development team dwindling down to three remaining content designers: a scripter, an artist and a game designer. Concerned over what has turned out to be a horrible week of layoffs, we shot an email to GamersFirst, which quickly responded:
"We had a large contractor crew on FE and we are focusing on creating our own employee pool to manage the game. We did decide to not renew some of our contractors. As you probably know that we are going to focus on our own home grown IPs like APB Reloaded, Fallen Earth, Hailan Rising and Taikodom. We have already stopped servicing Knight Online and we will be stopping service of War Rock from June 1. As a result we will using our own pool of experienced staff to manage the complete operations of Fallen Earth. Key game design folks like Marie still continue to be at the helm in North Carolina. Fallen Earth has also been licensed in South America and we will close to licensing it in Russia, Turkey and Asia. We are absolutely committed to making it grow across the globe."
While it appears that the game itself is not in trouble, we'll be sure to keep our eye on the situation for further developments.

MassivelyFallen Earth team dwindles further, but the game still lives originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstlayoffspost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiwastelandsTue, 22 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Lone wolf]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One Shots
Long-time Massively follower but first-time One Shots contributor Ilix sent along today's highlighted screenshot of Fallen Earth, which we think is quite timely, given the PvP revamp soon headed to everyone's favorite post-apocalyptic sandbox. He writes in,
Fallen Earth is my top hard-RP MMO. Ilix, after three decades of isolation, attempted to fit in with a player-run town. But he was too rough-edged, too guarded, and still isolated in his mind, and he could not find joy among others. After several days trying to force himself back into what remains of humanity in the blasted terrain of the apocalypse, he admitted to himself that he could never return because he was too quick to anger, and he wandered off back into the desert. Irradiated scorpions haunt the land he wandered into, so he finds rest on the blade of a ruined helicopter's rotor, just out of reach of stingers. This shot defines the dual beauty and harshness of the life he resigns himself to.
Ilix's gorgeous sunset is tucked behind the break along with two other One Shots shots!

Continue reading One Shots: Lone wolf

MassivelyOne Shots: Lone wolf originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotscash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiien-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfallen-earthfantasyfefree-to-playg1galleriesgallerygamersfirstgothic-fantasymultiplayerone-shotsonline-multiplayerpics-or-it-didnt-happenpost-apocpost-apocalypticreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsroguelikerpgsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsterauser-submissionswastelandsSun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week of livestreaming! We've got quite the variety and tons of hours of video to watch. What's that? You had to work and missed half of the cool streams we showed? Don't worry! I gather all of the best streams from the week's collection and list them for you right here. Still, you need to bookmark our livestream page so you can see which videos are going to be shown during the week, but if you miss any, you can check out the recap here. That's why we do it.

This week we had a lot to offer. First we had good old Mike jumping into EVE Online for some space action, then into TERA for some scantily clad combat! He then explores some of the great browser-based game Drakensang Online. MJ brought a ton of goodies to the streaming table, goodies like a run-through in EverQuest II, some base-jumping in City of Heroes, a bit of hardcore survival in Xsyon, and a flight around the beautiful lands of Aion. I rounded out the end by streaming some BatMUD, a cool MUD that has been around since many of you have been in diapers!

Click past the cut and grab some popcorn. Keep the butter light but add some salt. Thanks.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of May 12th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionBatMUDBigpointblueholebluehole-studiosbrowser-basedccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdrakensangdrakensang-onlineen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iiEQ2eqiieveeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedominternet-spaceshipslivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmudmv-tvmvtvnc-softncsoftnotoriousnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-studiospost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpround-uproundupsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiSOEsonySony-Online-Entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsuperherosuperheroesteratruly-freetwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosxsyonSun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth
Two of the biggest cornerstones of Fallen Earth have always been crafting and PvP, and its these cornerstones that GamersFirst is enriching come patch 2.4. The patch, called Global Territory Control, is taking these elements and firing them up in ways that any PvPer or crafter should find exciting.

We hopped on the phone with Associate Producer Asa Reed, Director of Operations Joe Willmon, and Senior Game Designer Marie Croall to talk about why 2.4 will be the patch that will change the wasteland forever -- and why you should anticipate it, whether you're a crafter or a player-killer.

Gallery: Fallen Earth Black Box Gear

Continue reading Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP

MassivelyExclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4asa-reedcraftingf2pfaction-controlfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlharvesterharvestersharvestinginterviewinterviewsJoe-Willmonkeepkeepsmarie-croallpatch-2.4post-apocpost-apocalypticpreviewpvpresourcessandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spend a day as a Fallen Earth Premium Member on us!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Pitchblende
Fallen Earth is a post-apocalyptic MMO that always seems to be on that short list of games that everyone means to try out one day. And when people try it, positive praise usually follows.

To help celebrate the upcoming 2.4 patch, we're giving you a chance to play the game as a top-tier premium member for one day, complete with massive XP, crafting, and PvP currency buffs, the Commander's Aura stackable buff that allows you to spread the benefits among your party members, a 20% marketplace discount, and more. In addition, we're giving you the Light Slugthrower, an advanced version of the starter rifle, which features higher damage output than its little brother.

There's no giveaway page and no key codes on this one; if you want to grab this nifty one-day package for yourself, simply enter the promo code "MASSIVEEARTH" either in-game or by clicking the Redeem Code button on the Fallen Earth website. To access the Marketplace in-game, click on the "$" button on the bottom of your minimap. The code expires on June 1st.

Have fun!

MassivelySpend a day as a Fallen Earth Premium Member on us! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestsf2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstgiveawaygiveawayspatch-2.4post-apocpost-apocalypticpromo-codesandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth 2.4 patch to feature territory control, automated harvesting, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Park City
GamersFirst has formally announced its next update for Fallen Earth. The Global Territory Control patch, or 2.4 if you're counting at home, will bring quite a bit of new functionality to denizens of the game's Grand Canyon wasteland.

As you might expect given the update name, territory control plays a big role. The devs are adding new outposts and settlements throughout the game world that can be conquered by each of Fallen Earth's six player factions. Capturing a settlement grants sole property rights to the controlling faction, which in turn provides valuable mineral extraction capabilities.

The 2.4 patch also features a new 50-plus PvP zone called the The Foothills, new player-crafted prospecting and harvesting technology, and various quality of life tweaks like bulk purchasing, merchant buyback, and faster mounting. Check in with Massively later this week for more exclusive info on the new patch as well as an interview with the devs.

[Source: GamersFirst press release]

MassivelyFallen Earth 2.4 patch to feature territory control, automated harvesting, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfallen-earth-2.4fallen-earth-gtcfallen-earth-harvestingfallen-earth-prospectingfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlpatchespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fithe-foothillswastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - Totem decay
Notorious Games is working overtime to highlight all of the changes it's made to its Xsyon sandbox. The company ran a 10-day welcome back promotion late last month, and it's doing so again starting this Friday. Previous subscribers will receive a free 10-day pass, while current players will get two additional weeks of game time on the house.

The dates for the 10-day passes vary, according to Notorious' latest press release. If you're a previous subscriber, check your email over the next few days to see where your game time falls within the larger five-week promotional window.

Also noteworthy for dedicated Xsyon players is the fact that the game's totem system will enter something called a decay phase once these trial periods are over. Totems represent land claimed by a particular guild, and those without any actively subscribed players will become abandoned in short order. Abandoned totems will then decay and free up the land for other players, while also leaving any buildings, resources, and containers free for the taking.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasynotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitotem-decayxsyonxsyon-totem-decayTue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth trimming up the game experience for new players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Bit of a fixer-upper.
Fallen Earth isn't a cumbersome game, but it can be hard to approach at first. The game has a lot of complicated systems playing off one another, and as a result, trying to jump in can leave a new player confused about what to do next. Luckily, the development team is well aware of the problem, and a recent development blog outlines the steps being taken in the next patch to help streamline and improve the experience for new players.

The change that will have the biggest impact on everyone in the game will be the consolidation of several gear slots, meaning that players will no longer have to scrounge for corresponding pieces when starting out. The addition of sector chat and a beacon leading toward the nearest garage will help players find others and receive aid as needed. And the team is looking ahead to future improvements as well, all in the hopes that your first moments in Fallen Earth are fun enough to convince you to stay.

MassivelyFallen Earth trimming up the game experience for new players originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstnew-playersplayer-aidplayer-assistanceplayer-experiencepost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's May State of the Game letter showcases new Foothills PvP zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Fallen Earth
Roamers of Fallen Earth's post-apocalyptic Grand Canyon province have long been awaiting the final release of the game's Global Territory Control update. Thankfully, the wait is almost over. But meanwhile, today's GamersFirst dev blog post aims to shed some light on some of the latest additions to the system.

The spotlight of the post is set on the new PvP conflict area known as The Foothills. The zone is an abandoned settlement situated between Los Alamos and Citadel that "never quite made it." As a result, the various factions of Fallen Earth have taken to fighting for control of the area in order to further solidify their foothold in the region. The Global Territory Control patch is set to go live next Wednesday, so keep an eye on the official dev blog for more details as the update gets closer to launch.

MassivelyFallen Earth's May State of the Game letter showcases new Foothills PvP zone originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlgtcpatchpatchesplayer-vs-playerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fithe-foothillsupdateupdateswastelandsTue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Panzer Pets image
If you've been desperately hoping for a Pokémon MMO all these years but have been disappointed by Nintendo's unwillingness to release one or let anyone else develop one, you might be interested in upcoming MMO Panzer Pets. Panzer Pets is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which robots have taken over, but robot builders have found a way to build their own pets to fight back. In Panzer Pets, rather than capture creatures, you'll hunt for robot parts and design your own customisable 3-D pet robots.

The game focuses on the exploration opportunities that a post-apocalyptic setting delivers, with a world filled with randomly generated zones, dungeons and towns to explore, and robot parts to collect. Players will be able to trade parts with each other, challenge other players to battles, form guilds, and embark on quests together. As it uses the Unity 3-D engine, the game will be released on iOS, Android, and both PC and Mac web browsers.

New studio Gamundo has been working on Panzer Pets for free so far but now needs support to work on the game full-time and complete it. If you're interested in exploring a post-apocalyptic world with a customised pet robot in tow, you can help Gamundo finish the game by pledging money to its Kickstarter campaign, which launched last night. The estimated date for completion of the game is October 2012, and the team needs to raise $85,000 to make it that far without giving a publisher or investor a controlling interest in the game.

MassivelyDesign your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customisationexplorationexploregamundokickstarterpanzerpanzer-petspetpet-robotspetspost-apocalypticprocedurally-generatedrobotrobotsSun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Xsyon - player-made cart
What's new in the world of Xsyon? Quite a lot, according to Notorious Games' latest patch notes. The new update has overhauled many of the sandbox survival MMO's systems, including extensive skill tweaks, increased stat gains based on actions, and stat readjustment functionality.

Players may also create quests for one another. Doing so rewards both the quester and the creator with XP upon successful quest completion. Overall experience gain has been adjusted to reward players per action and via quests, which should lead to a marked reduction in the grinding necessary to gain skills.

These are just a few of the improvements, too. Have a look at the patch notes for the full list.

MassivelyLatest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasynotoriousnotorious-gamesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-questsplayer-questspost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiuser-generated-contentxsyonxsyon-patchxsyon-skillsThu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Grimlands - landscape shot
What's better than a post-apocalyptic online shooter? How about a post-apocalyptic online shooter that you don't have to pay for? Free-to-play publisher gamigo is hoping you'll feel that way about Grimlands, which heads to closed beta this week to focus test "technical details such as server stability, optimization of the network code, and new features."

The game's first beta build boasts a dozen new dungeons, dynamic weather effects, and vehicles that consume gasoline and feature both weapon and armor mounting capabilities. Oh yeah, there's crafting, too, and a player-run economy that includes weaponsmith, armorer, and engineer professions as well as various specializations. Sound interesting? If so, you can register for beta at the official site.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyGrimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsgrimlands-betagrimlands-closed-betammo-shooterpost-apocalypticpost-apocalyptic-shootershootertradeskillswasteland-shooterThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Xsyon
Did you play the sandbox title Xsyon in the past year but you've let your subscription slip? Notorious Games wants your patronage back, and it's willing to meet you halfway with 10 days of free game time to check out all of the new additions and developments in the game.

Any former subscriber to Xsyon will receive a 10-day pass to the game sometime after May 18th. This time will be used over the course of five weeks. Eligible players will be notified by email when their 10-day slot is scheduled.

Xsyon recently celebrated its first anniversary and since launch has seen explosive growth of both player-created structures and the wildlife population. Other improvements that Notorious Games is proud of include a better crafting system, an overhauled UI, and tweaked visuals.

MassivelyXsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryfantasyfree-game-timenotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpromotionpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiwelcome-backwelcome-back-promotionxsyonTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth dev blog details Haven revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - new Haven Lightbearer building
It's been a month or so since we've heard from the folks working on Fallen Earth. Today, that news drought ends courtesy of a dev blog by one Ninjanomics.

The update is all about the changes in store for the town of Haven. Given the fact that the town is one of the more prominent features of the Northfields area, and given that it "had a confusing layout, was cruelly prohibitive to framerate, and didn't well reflect the serenity of the Lightbearers as a faction," the devs thought it was time for an extreme makeover.

Ninjanomics (also known as GamersFirst's art ninja) walks us through the rebuild process and details both the stylistic and the layout changes to the town. The original design had "no logical flow to speak of," which led G1 artists to divide Haven into two sections: the town proper and a grove area. As a result, the new Haven experience is markedly smoother for weary wasteland wanderers and fans of Fallen Earth's free-to-play sandpark ambiance.

MassivelyFallen Earth dev blog details Haven revamp originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryf2pfallen-earthfallen-earth-dev-blogfallen-earth-havenfallen-earth-haven-revampfefree-to-playg1gamersfirsthavenhaven-revampninjanomicspost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiwastelandsFri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon screenshot
One year and counting. Crack open the waterskin and raise a toast to Xsyon: Today the post-apocalyptic sandbox by Notorious Games celebrates its first full year of launch. Well, the first year of the official launch of Prelude, a limited first release of the virtual world. Come to think of it, even that date seems a bit nebulous as the pre-order players in the first phase of Year Zero (basically beta) actually had their most significant change on March 11th, 2011 when the second phase launched and totems were introduced.

Semantics aside, Xsyon has come a long way from that official first day. Unlike many games where gameplay is neatly laid out, this indie title gives players only the canvas and a few tools before setting them loose to fashion their world. As the year continued, additional tools were provided and the world became more vibrant and dynamic. Initially barren without any critters (other than your surviving neighbors) to hunt, the world is now populated with large creatures that roam the land, threatening the lives of travelers and hunters alike. Even the lay of the land itself is different as players manipulate and alter the terrain, build settlements, and plant trees. Communities are forming; groups are supporting and even entertaining each other. Civilization is slowly rebuilding.

And that's only the beginning.

Continue reading Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

MassivelyXsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybuildingcraftingdynamic-AIfeaturedharvestingmutantsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprebuildingrebuilding-civilizationsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiterraformingxsyonThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's March state of the game gets territorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Fallen Earth
Another month is upon us, and Fallen Earth is bringing some changes to its Global Territory Control system. While players wait with bated breath for the new features to hit the PTS at the end of the month, GamersFirst has put out a new blog post outlining what players can expect from the next round of updates. We've covered the basics of Global Territory Control previously, so if you want to get up to speed, go on and have a read. Don't worry; we'll wait.

Caught up? Good. So what's new this month? The buffs granted by controlling territories have been changed. Now, each town and keep is worth a given number of points. The faction that has the most points will receive a buff that "improves crafting and harvesting speed as well as Random AP, Death Toll, Faction, and Experience gains." Meanwhile, the faction system is getting a revamp that "will see the elimination of shoulder factions." Completing tasks for your faction of choice "will only affect the specific faction you completed it for and its opposite on the faction wheel." This really only scratches the surface of the myriad changes coming to Fallen Earth, so to get the full details just head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyFallen Earth's March state of the game gets territorial originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfactionfactionsfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlgtcmarch-state-of-the-gameplayer-vs-playerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fistate-of-the-gameterritory-controlwastelandsFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Game publishers (and a few game news sites) have a funny habit of applying the term MMO to anything and everything under the sun. We've been keeping an eye on Grimlands for a while now, and while we're still not sure whether it's an MMO, it basically had us at post-apocalyptic.

Free-to-play publisher gamigo says its upcoming wasteland shooter comes complete with "a comprehensive crafting system, guild towns, vehicles, and PvP content." Regardless of whether it is or isn't a full-fledged MMO in every sense, it looks like a good time, particularly in light of the new trailer that shows off a bit of ambiance and a bit of gameplay footage.

Grimlands is a third-person shooter being developed by Drago Entertainment, and you can watch the full clip after the cut.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter

MassivelyLay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragodrago-entertainmentf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsmmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishootersurvivalthird-person-shootertrailervideowastelandTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What MMO do you regret leaving?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-do-you-regret-leaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-do-you-regret-leaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-do-you-regret-leaving/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - mutt following a chopper
I've played more MMOs than I can remember over the years, and nearly all of them have failed to capture my long-term interest. Most of the games in my also-ran box got a first look because of some quirky feature. Most of them didn't get a second look because -- aside from said feature -- they sucked.

Every once in a while I'll regret leaving an MMO, though, and none moreso than Fallen Earth. Though I played extensively at launch and for a month or so after, I inexplicably forsook the wastelands for the world of Atreia. Upon returning to the game a few weeks ago and reconnecting with some old friends, I had to stop and take a moment to wonder what the heck I was thinking back in 2009. What about you, Massively crew? Have you had any similar head-scratching moments after rediscovering a previous title, and do you regret leaving it?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What MMO do you regret leaving? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindf2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playgame-discussiongamer-discussionmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionpost-apocalypticregretsci-fitdgthe-daily-grindwastelandFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise shutting down today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/earthrise-shutting-down-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/earthrise-shutting-down-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/earthrise-shutting-down-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bye bye Earthrise
Bulgarian developer Masthead Studios has announced that it's shutting down the servers for its post-apocalyptic sandbox MMO, Earthrise. Said Atanas Atanasov, Director of Masthead Studios:
"One year after the launch of the game, we have decided to stop the Earthrise servers. Earthrise was released too early and did not meet the expectations of its fans. We did our best to revive the game in 2011, but the time was not enough to keep up with the user requirements. There is a huge interest in high quality open world sandbox MMORPGs, unfortunately the big publishers do not show any interest in the genre. It is unfortunate that low budget companies like ours are trying to bring innovativeness in the already saturated MMO market. I hope that one day an independent studio will be able to release the long anticipated open world sandbox MMO, which everyone is talking about, but no one is making. We tried, but did not succeed. We would like to apologize to those who were disappointed from Earthrise and to thank everyone who supported us during the years."
The studio does mention that the planned free-to-play version for this year may still launch if any investor interest is shown, but there has been no word on this yet.

[Source: Masthead Studios press release]

MassivelyEarthrise shutting down today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atanas-Atanasovbreakingnewsbye-byeclosingclosureearthrisemastehead-studiospost-apocalypticsandboxserver-closesunsetThu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon hosting month-long architecture contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - This took insane amounts of time.
If you're a member of a tribe in Xsyon, you might want to check out Notorious Games' latest architecture contest. The event runs from February 1st to March 1st, and it's open to both small tribes (between one and five members) and larger groups (six or more members).

Since it's an architecture contest, you'll obviously need to construct (or re-construct) your tribe settlement. Notorious will be judging your creations for originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification.

The dev team is remaining coy when it comes to contest incentives, but the latest Xsyon press release does say that "there will be a large prize for the winning tribe in each group."

MassivelyXsyon hosting month-long architecture contest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecture-contestcontestfantasyin-game-eventnotorious-gamesplayer-citiesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpost-apocalypticsandboxtribe-citiesuser-generated-contentxsyonMon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Online footage sighted in the wild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-online-footage-sighted-in-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-online-footage-sighted-in-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-online-footage-sighted-in-the-wild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl key art
Fans of GSC Gameworld's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series got a tad bit excited this morning as new gameplay footage from the IP surfaced on YouTube. As it turns out, the video is from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Online (yes, really), which is an MMO being developed by CyberTime Systems using its proprietary BigWorld game engine.

Apparently the title has been in the works for a while, and an ongoing open beta phase is currently available in Russia. VG24/7 reports that there is a multi-language pack in the works, but until it's ready you'll need to bone up on your language skills if you want to participate.

For the uninitiated, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a series of post-apocalyptic single-player titles that mix first-person shooter action with sandbox RPG elements. Head past the break to check out the gameplay footage.

Continue reading S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Online footage sighted in the wild

MassivelyS.T.A.L.K.E.R. Online footage sighted in the wild originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabigworld-enginecybertimecybertime-systemsfpsgameplay-footagein-soviet-russiammo-shootermmofpspost-apocalypticrussian-betasandboxsci-fishooterstalkerstalker-onlinestalker-online-betavideowoooWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big faction changes coming to Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/big-faction-changes-coming-to-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Odenville at dusk
Big changes are coming to Fallen Earth's faction system, and the latest GamersFirst dev diary has the details. Lead designer Marie "Aro Sei" Croall says that the devs "want to make sure it is clear to all players who they are fighting for and who they are against."

The current faction dynamics can be confusing, she explains, and GamersFirst feels that Fallen Earth's learning curve can be smoothed out "without dumbing it down." To do so, shoulder factions are being removed, and wastelanders will need to pick a faction and remain loyal to it in order to earn points. Missions may be accepted from three factions, but only the primary faction will determine PvP objectives, missions, and faction channels.

Finally, the devs are removing factional friendly fire except in cases of clan wars, bloodsports, or dueling gameplay. Croall says this is intended to curb same-faction griefing, and ultimately contribute to "a less jarring PvP experience in Fallen Earth."

MassivelyBig faction changes coming to Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aro-seidev-blogdev-diaryf2pfactionfaction-changesfactionsfallen-earthfree-to-playfriendly-firegamers-firstgamersfirstgriefingmarie-croallpost-apocalypticsandboxsandparksci-fiwastelandSat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: A second look at Fallen Earth's free model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/free-for-all-a-second-look-at-fallen-earths-free-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/free-for-all-a-second-look-at-fallen-earths-free-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/free-for-all-a-second-look-at-fallen-earths-free-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth screenshot
I used to be head-over-heels in love with Fallen Earth. I was on an immersion kick and had even designed a set of rules that dictated how my character would "live" in the world. Fallen Earth provided me with a lot of great tools to become immersed, and it was the type of game that really stuck out from the pack. Of course, it also sported uglier character models than Lord of the Rings Online and was more brown than a bakery at the earlier levels, but it was neat.

I gave up on the title after a while and became too busy with other games to return. Then, the free-to-play version of the title came out. I still ignored it because of scheduling, but recently I have been returning to it. I am finding a lot of bugs and an overall lack of polish that I had forgotten about, but it's still a really cool game.

So how does the free version stack up to the subscription model? How free is it? Let's take a look.

Continue reading Free for All: A second look at Fallen Earth's free model

MassivelyFree for All: A second look at Fallen Earth's free model originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopddodungeon-and-dragonseq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfallen-earthfefeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpg1gamersfirstlord-of-the-rings-onlineMicrotransactionspost-apocalypticsandboxwizard101Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's 2.3 patch live today, new world bosses incoming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/fallen-earths-2-3-patch-live-today-new-world-bosses-incoming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/fallen-earths-2-3-patch-live-today-new-world-bosses-incoming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/fallen-earths-2-3-patch-live-today-new-world-bosses-incoming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - wasteland sunrise
If you're looking to play a little Fallen Earth this morning, you may have to wait a couple of hours. That's the bad news. The good news is that the servers were scheduled to come down at 11:00 a.m. EST so that GamersFirst can roll out the 2.3 patch.

The latest update for the post-apocalyptic sandpark MMO features new PvE content for levels 30 through 35, rare and prized treasure boxes, and several world-boss events. There are also a number of bug fixes, mission tweaks, and art updates. The full patch notes are viewable at the official Fallen Earth website.

MassivelyFallen Earth's 2.3 patch live today, new world bosses incoming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3-patchf2pfallen-earthfree-to-playgamers-firstgamersfirstpatchespost-apocalypticsandboxsandparkupdatesworld-bossWed, 18 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - player town
Xsyon's PR machine is shifting into high gear of late, and the post-apocalyptic sandbox title from Notorious Games has released another batch of screenshots. This isn't your typical 10-screenshot blast, either, but rather an entirely new gallery section on the official website devoted exclusively to user creations.

Notorious is intent on showing off what it calls player architecture, as Xsyon is one of the few games on the current MMO market that actually allows for unique creations in terms of buildings, structures, and even town layouts. You can see a few of the choice shots in our Xsyon gallery below, but you'll need to head to the game's official website to see them all.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Gallery: Xsyon

MassivelyXsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingfantasygallerynon-combat-gameplaynotorious-gamesplayer-architectureplayer-citiesplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingpost-apocalypticsandboxscreenshotscreenshotssurvivaltradeskillsxsyonTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda and Interplay may be close to settling Fallout dispute]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Brotherhood of Steel dude
Is the long-running war of words between Bethesda and Interplay nearing its end? The two firms have been engaged in a legal tug-of-war over the Fallout IP (and its potential entry into the MMO space via Fallout Online) for several years now, but a new blurb on GamePolitics suggests that there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.

GamePolitics cites a Fallout wiki entry and the leak of a partial court transcript from earlier this month that says "both sides have previously agreed to drop this from the case (Bethesda raised it, and Interplay agreed). The case now just concerns future Fallout games."

The website points to another source that claims that Bethesda is attempting to seal parts of the case (which is often a harbinger for an out-of-court settlement).

MassivelyBethesda and Interplay may be close to settling Fallout dispute originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksfalloutfallout-ipfallout-onlineinterplaylegalmmo-industrypost-apocalypticsci-fiFri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon tweaks combat, releases new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/xsyon-tweaks-combat-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/xsyon-tweaks-combat-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/xsyon-tweaks-combat-releases-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - that's a lot of logs
It's been quite a while since we checked in with Xsyon, and it's been nearly nine whole months since the game officially launched with its Prelude limited release event.

In that time, Notorious Games has been hard at work, and the company has just published a partial listing of all the improvements made to the post-apocalyptic sandbox (as well as a few new screenshots). Tweaks include new twitch-based combat, an enhanced creature system, an expanded construction system that allows for buildings and towns, and various UI improvements.

Xyson: Prelude is now available for a $39.99 client fee (which includes one month of free game time) and a $14.99 monthly sub. Have a look at some of the player-created content in our gallery below.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Gallery: Xsyon

MassivelyXsyon tweaks combat, releases new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygallerynotorious-gamesplayer-contentplayer-created-contentplayer-generated-contentpost-apocalypticsandboxscreenshotsvirtual-worldxsyonThu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-firing-line-aiming-to-misbehave/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - various shooter characters
Hello folks, and welcome to my Christmas list (well, the Massively portion of it, at any rate). For this week's edition of The Firing Line, I decided to take a look at a few of the more obscure titles coming down the development pike.

Now, when I say obscure, I don't necessarily mean shoe-string budget indie productions. The games I've got for you after the cut feature a cross-section of both big IPs and big-name development studios, but for whatever reason, they're still a bit under the radar when compared to the likes of PlanetSide 2, DUST 514, and Firefall. Turn the page to read about four online shooters you should be excited about. There might even be some video involved if you play your cards right.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Aiming to misbehave originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdefiancedefiance-mmof2pfeaturedfiring-linefree-to-playgamigoghost-reconghost-recon-onlinegotham-city-impostorsgrimlandsmmo-shootermonolithonline-shooteropinionpost-apocalypticpreviewssci-fishootersuperherosyfythe-firing-linetriontrion-worldsubisoftFri, 16 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's 2.27 patch introduces factional warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - New Embry building
GamersFirst has patched its post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG Fallen Earth to version 2.27. There a slew of additions and tweaks, but the biggest is undoubtedly the addition of new faction territory control mechanics. According to the patch notes, alliances are for losers, as Fallen Earth's version of factional warfare is a no-holds barred six-way showdown.

The factional control area is north of Blaine, and it consists of 13 flag-control points. Seven of these points feature keeps that players may capture and maintain, as well as partake of various perks contained within (like the new Death Toll gear). That's not all, but you'll need to head to the official Fallen Earth website to learn more.

MassivelyFallen Earth's 2.27 patch introduces factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.27-patchcontrol-pointsdeath-toll-gearfactional-gearfactional-warfarefallen-earthgamersfirstkeepspatch-notespost-apocalypticsci-fiTue, 13 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What game do you wish you had time for?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-daily-grind-what-game-do-you-wish-you-had-time-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-daily-grind-what-game-do-you-wish-you-had-time-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-daily-grind-what-game-do-you-wish-you-had-time-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - dude looking at zombies
There's no shortage of MMOs, and whether your tastes include big budget titles like The Secret World or EverQuest II or small-scale niche products like Glitch or Darkfall, these are the salad days in terms of choice.

While you probably won't find many folks complaining about the genre explosion we've witnessed over the past few years, it is becoming harder to see it all, even though the free-to-play movement has removed many of the financial obstacles inherent in the game-hopping lifestyle. There's always one game (or two, or seven) that you never seem to have time for, despite the fact that it looks really cool and dammit you're going to make time for that starting... sometime.

For me, that game is Fallen Earth, and I'm bummed out by the fact that I'm still saying that two years after its launch. What about you, Massively folk? Is there a game (or games) that you keep meaning to play?

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: What game do you wish you had time for? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfeaturedgame-discussiongamer-discussiongamers-firstgamersfirsticarusicarus-studiosmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionpost-apocalypticsci-fitdgthe-daily-grindThu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-apocalyptic car combat MMO developer interviewed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/post-apocalyptic-car-combat-mmo-developer-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/post-apocalyptic-car-combat-mmo-developer-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/post-apocalyptic-car-combat-mmo-developer-interviewed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Darkwind: War on Wheels - cars blowing up real good
One-man dev teams aren't exactly unheard of thanks to Eskil Steenburg's Love MMO. One-man dev teams working on post-apocalyptic turn-based driving MMOs are pretty unique, though, and Sam Redfern has that particular market cornered.

Redfern is the brains (and everything else) behind Darkwind: War on Wheels, a free-to-play title based on the Torque engine that also mixes in a web interface for its social and economic gameplay. Rock, Paper, Shotgun recently caught up with Redfern and managed to ask a few burning questions.

Among the interesting tidbits is the fact that Darkwind has been in the works since 2005 and that the title currently boasts 220 subscribers. Redfern says most of these are heavily invested in the world. "It's not my game, it's the whole community's game. I think that's the reason a lot of them like it; if they want to, there's a good chance of influencing it. There's various ways they can add content," he explains.

MassivelyPost-apocalyptic car combat MMO developer interviewed originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdarkwinddarkwind-war-on-wheelsindieinterviewinterviewsplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpost-apocalypticsam-redfernsandboxsci-fiwar-on-wheelsSun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-apocalyptic L.A.W takes us from sketches to art to screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LAW
Good-looking graphics don't just magically appear overnight in MMOs, delivered by the FedEx equivalent of the leprechaun community. The look and design of a game is a lengthy process full of revisions, abandoned doodles, and brainstorming -- something we end-users tend not to appreciate.

Consider today your education, then, as the team behind the post-apocalyptic L.A.W -- Living After War released a whole crate of images with the intent of showing us how the iterative process works. In the gallery below you can check out different versions of the same buildings, vehicles, and mobs at various stages of their making. From sketches to concept art to in-game models, these screens are a great crash course in understanding how involved the development team has to get to make these games a reality.

Gallery: L.A.W -- Living After War


[Source: ProSiebenSat.1 press release]

MassivelyPost-apocalyptic L.A.W takes us from sketches to art to screen originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartistartistsconcept-artfedexgalleryin-game-modelin-game-modelsl.a.wl.a.w-living-after-warleprechaunliving-after-warpost-apocalypticprosiebensat.1-digitalscifiscreenshotssketchsketchesFri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GamersFirst lays off 32 staffers, CFO [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/rumor-gamersfirst-lays-off-32-staffers-cfo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/rumor-gamersfirst-lays-off-32-staffers-cfo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/rumor-gamersfirst-lays-off-32-staffers-cfo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

GamersFirst logo
If the rumors are true, today has not been the best of days for MMO industry staffers. Hot on the heels of our NCsoft layoff story comes distressing news for fans of GamersFirst, as we've just received an anonymous tip concerning the apparent dismissal of 32 people from the firm's west coast office.

According to our tipster, "Most of the APB team was let go. A lot of the support staff was let go. The development team was not, to my knowledge, so the game is still being developed in Scotland." We've also been told that GamersFirst's CFO was let go.

We've reached out to G1 for clarification on this story, and as of press time there is no official word on the staffing decisions or how the shake-up will affect Fallen Earth and the rest of the company's free-to-play lineup.

[Updated: Reader alacritythief let us know that GamersFirst's Revoemnag and TechMech have responded to the layoffs in regard to APB's future. Their comments are just behind the break.]

Continue reading Rumor: GamersFirst lays off 32 staffers, CFO [Updated]

MassivelyRumor: GamersFirst lays off 32 staffers, CFO [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingf2pfallen-earthfantasyfree-to-playg1gamers-firstgamersfirstlayoffsmmo-industrypost-apocalypticrestructuringrumorrumorssci-fiThu, 27 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Diablo III dev decribes his work on post-apoc L.A.W - Living After War]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/former-diablo-iii-dev-decribes-his-work-on-post-apoc-l-a-w-liv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/former-diablo-iii-dev-decribes-his-work-on-post-apoc-l-a-w-liv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/former-diablo-iii-dev-decribes-his-work-on-post-apoc-l-a-w-liv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bang bang - L.A.W
Since we first heard about the post-apocalyptic MMO L.A.W - Living After War (OMG the lack of a period after the W drives me insane), the Massively team has been excited about seeing what this new title can bring to the table. Post-apoc MMOs are nothing new, but this one offers real-time strategy PvP gameplay and only three highly customizable classes, all wrapped in a free-to-play business model.

In a recent interview with ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, Lee Jang Wook, founder and CEO of development studio Nitrozen, discusses the game in more detail, including an array of fan-submitted questions. Wook, who once worked as the lead concept artist on Diablo III, also discusses the relationship with alaplaya, who have already made a name for themselves in the MMO space.

L.A.W aims to release in the first quarter of 2012, and you can check out more information on the game through the link below.

[Via alaplaya press release -- sorry, we weren't given a direct link to the interview itself]

MassivelyFormer Diablo III dev decribes his work on post-apoc L.A.W - Living After War originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayainterviewl-a-wlee-jang-wookliving-after-warMMORTSnitrozenpost-apocalypticProSiebenSat-1-Digitalsci-fiThu, 13 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's spiked chopper debuts in new trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/fallen-earths-spiked-chopper-debuts-in-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/fallen-earths-spiked-chopper-debuts-in-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/fallen-earths-spiked-chopper-debuts-in-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - spiked chopper
Why did the Fallen Earth chicken cross the road? To get a closer look at the game's new choppers of course. When we say choppers, we mean badass bikes and not helicopters (although that would be cool too -- chop chop GamersFirst).

Anyway, as we reported earlier this week, Wednesday marks the final day to subscribe to Fallen Earth prior to its free-to-play/hybrid makeover, and the faithful will receive a new spiked chopper mount for their trouble. You can take a good long look at the bike -- as well as plenty of post-apocalyptic wasteland visuals and the aforementioned chicken -- in the latest game trailer after the cut.

Continue reading Fallen Earth's spiked chopper debuts in new trailer

MassivelyFallen Earth's spiked chopper debuts in new trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelschickenchopperf2pfallen-earthfree-to-playg1gamers-firstgamersfirstpost-apocalypticprairie-chickenspiked-choppertastes-like-chickentrailervideowastelandTue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The fansite managers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-fansite-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-fansite-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-fansite-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Asheron's Call - The Game Archaeologist
Back when I covered Asheron's Call for The Game Archaeologist, I got an impassioned email from a former fansite operator who made me promise that I'd drop her a line when the time came to talk about Asheron's Call 2, as she was not only a huge fan of the title but still in contact with many former players who carry a torch for Turbine's long-departed MMO. One thing led to another, and I ended up talking to both her and a fellow AC2 fansite manager about the ups and downs of covering the second coming of Dereth...

The Game Archaeologist: Please introduce yourself, your current job position, and how you got involved with Asheron's Call 2 back in the day?

Kiersten Samwell: I'm Kiersten Samwell, Community Relations and Social Media Manager for KingsIsle Entertainment, the creator of Wizard101. I used to be the Site Manager for Warcry's Crossroads of Dereth/Asheron's Call site as Ellen Ripley, so it was natural to work with the site manager of their Asheron's Call 2 fansite as well. His name is Roberto, and he was just an incredible site manager. Of course, being an avid AC1 player, I enjoyed AC2 for both its similarities to and its differences from AC1.

Robert Hackett: Hi, I'm Robert Hackett, the Managing MMO Editor of GamersInfo.net. I actually got invited to one of the betas along with a friend of mine. The lag was so bad (the day I logged in may have been a stress test; I can't remember) that I told my friend that there was no way my rig could handle that. Fast forward to the month after release and Ophelea from the old AC Crossroads site begged me to come over to AC2 and be an editor for the database she was trying to build. Logged in and the game was a million percent better. I stayed to work on the database and eventually fell in love with it beyond "work!"

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The fansite managers

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The fansite managers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac-crossroadsac2ac2-warcryasherons-callasherons-call-2atmosphereAubereancraftingddodeja-vuderethdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEllen-Ripleyfallen-kingsfeaturedgamersinfo.netinterviewKiersten-Samwellkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlegacylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromicrosoftOpheleapost-apocalypticRobert-Hackettsequelsequelsshutdownstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-game-archeologistturbineturbine-entertainmentwarcrywizard101world-of-warcraftwowTue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage against the extreme: Introducing L.A.W -- Living After War]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/rage-against-the-extreme-introducing-l-a-w-living-after-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/rage-against-the-extreme-introducing-l-a-w-living-after-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/rage-against-the-extreme-introducing-l-a-w-living-after-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

L.A.W
Are you brave? A little nuts? A mutated cat-like thing with a giant sword and a healthy resistance to radiation? Then you, like most Massively readers, are set for the apocalypse and prime for the latest post-nuclear MMO, L.A.W -- Living After War.

Set a couple hundred years in the future, the title sees self-imposed exiled survivors of a nuclear holocaust return to Earth to start civilization and Walmart all over again. But it turns out Earth isn't empty, and the abominations unto nature itself aren't willing to give up their turf without a fight. It... plays better if you imagine thrash metal music in the background.

L.A.W's two factions boasts three classes apiece, and we're intrigued at the mention of a transformation ability that can turn us into "mighty creatures." Players will punctuate these PvP struggles with -- of course -- stock market trading and crafting.

Get a feel for L.A.W with our first look screenshots below and a trailer after the jump. On board? Then head on over to the site and sign up for the closed beta!

Gallery: L.A.W -- Living After War

Continue reading Rage against the extreme: Introducing L.A.W -- Living After War

MassivelyRage against the extreme: Introducing L.A.W -- Living After War originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayaapocalypseextremegalleryhardcorehardcore-to-the-extremel.a.wlawliving-after-warmmofpspost-apocalypticpost-nuclearscreenshotsstock-market-tradingtrailervideowalmartWed, 05 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda fails to block Fallout MMO progress, again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallout Online - wallpaper
The latest development in the ongoing lover's quarrel for control of the Fallout MMO seems to be something of a body blow for Bethesda. The famed Elder Scrolls and Fallout 3 RPG maker was smacked down in a U.S. District Court this week as a judge ruled that the company "unreasonably delayed in seeking relief, and that the emergency that allegedly justifies a TRO is self-created."

TRO stands for temporary restraining order, and Bethesda was seeking such against Interplay and Masthead Studios, which are developing the long-awaited Fallout MMORPG. This isn't the first time that Bethesda has turned to the legal system as a way of preserving its Fallout brand. It's also not the first time the company has been denied, as a 2009 ruling allowed Interplay to continue working on the massively multiplayer version of Fallout despite Bethesda's objections.

MassivelyBethesda fails to block Fallout MMO progress, again originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-mmointerplaylegallegalesemastheadmasthead-studiosmmo-industrypost-apocalypticsci-fitemporary-restraining-orderFri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth dev diary talks economic changes, world events, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/fallen-earth-dev-diary-talks-economic-changes-world-events-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/fallen-earth-dev-diary-talks-economic-changes-world-events-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/fallen-earth-dev-diary-talks-economic-changes-world-events-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - cooking
Earlier today we told you about the Fallen Earth devs answering a few of your free-to-play questions. Now it's time to dive a bit further down the rabbit hole courtesy of this month's state of the game update.

Producer Marie Croall checks in with us to talk about the game's two-year anniversary celebration, which includes "PvP, PvE, and RP components." She also says that the event will be run at EU- and US-friendly times (though said times aren't specified as of yet).

In terms of game updates, the major portion of the September recap concerns the ongoing economic changes. Inconsistencies dealing with recipe and component rarity have been dealt with, and the dev team has "redone the placement of most of the nodes in the game" to make the rarer nodes more of an incentive to enter PvP-enabled areas. Finally, Croall says that the release of the new world event system has been bumped back to coincide with the free-to-play conversion on October 12th. Grab your favorite wasteland beverage and read all the details at the official Fallen Earth dev blog.

MassivelyFallen Earth dev diary talks economic changes, world events, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdev-blogdev-diaryeconomic-changeseconomic-tweakseconomyfallen-earthgamersfirsticarusicarus-studiosmarie-croallpatchespost-apocalypticrare-recipesrarityrecipessci-fiState-of-the-gameupdatewastelandworld-event-systemworld-eventsTue, 20 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs learns the psychology of the apocalypse at Burning Man]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/undead-labs-learns-the-psychology-of-the-apocalypse-at-burning-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/undead-labs-learns-the-psychology-of-the-apocalypse-at-burning-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/undead-labs-learns-the-psychology-of-the-apocalypse-at-burning-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Burning Man horse art
In a recent dev diary, Undead Labs' Gronk gives us a first-hand perspective on a trip he made to the Nevada desert for Burning Man. Why is a vacation travel log news for MMO fans? Well, mostly because the experience was written up with post-apocalyptic survival in mind -- a topic that Undead Labs will be tackling in its upcoming zombie MMO.

"At Burning Man, real-world currency is largely useless... much like it would be after a societal collapse," Gronk writes. "Would you want to trade the food you need to survive for some green paper? I sure wouldn't."

Reading a personal experience like this leads us to believe that the Undead Labs zombie MMO will have a heart -- a rotting, putrid, maggot-infested heart -- but still, a heart.

[Photo Credit: Wacky Archives]

MassivelyUndead Labs learns the psychology of the apocalypse at Burning Man originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermathburning-mangronkpost-apocalypticsurveyundead-labszombiezombiesMon, 12 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST