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[Derek Smart's Line of Defense shows off battle environments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/derek-smarts-line-of-defense-shows-off-battle-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/derek-smarts-line-of-defense-shows-off-battle-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/derek-smarts-line-of-defense-shows-off-battle-environments/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Line of Defense
Last year we got our first look at Line of Defense, a new MMOFPS from Derek Smart and his team at 3000AD. The title is looking good so far and the devs are certainly eager to show off their progress. As such, 3000AD delivered five brand-new screenshots showcasing the environments and outfits that players will experience, including desert and snowy terrains.

Line of Defense takes place in the same game universe as Smart's Battlecruiser 3000AD series, and promises to deliver "open-world FPS mayhem" from the depths of the ocean to the heights of space and everything in-between. You can check out the new screenies in the gallery below, and make sure to catch up on our Derek Smart interview about Line of Defense if you haven't already!

[Source: Evolve PR press release]

Gallery: Line of Defense screens

MassivelyDerek Smart's Line of Defense shows off battle environments originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3000adbattlecruiser-3000adderek-smartevolve-prf2pfpsfree-to-playgalleryline-of-defensemmofpspicturesprpr-firmpublic-relationsscreenshotsTue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse 'communicating directly with retailers' over TERA pre-order blunders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/en-masse-communicating-directly-with-retailers-over-tera-pre-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/en-masse-communicating-directly-with-retailers-over-tera-pre-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/en-masse-communicating-directly-with-retailers-over-tera-pre-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TERA - Collector's Edition retail package
Those of you who've been waiting to pull the trigger on a TERA pre-order because of the uncertainty over retail collector's edition versions of the game will have to wait a little longer. En Masse Entertainment's Evan "Scapes" Berman posted an official statement on the TERA website a short time ago that basically says the company is aware of the problem but has no time-table for fixing it.

In a nutshell, the En Masse website has been advertising physical collector's edition packages for the better part of a week, but when gamers go to the various retail partner websites listed on the page, the CEs are nowhere to be found. Some TERA fans are a bit anxious because pre-ordering guarantees a slot in the fast-approaching closed beta period, and the only alternative thus far is to buy a digital version of the game directly from En Masse.

MassivelyEn Masse 'communicating directly with retailers' over TERA pre-order blunders originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentevan-bermanfantasyprpre-orderingpre-ordersscapessnafuteratera-collectors-editiontera-retail-collectors-editionMon, 06 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-soapbox-the-absurdity-of-the-nda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Admiral Ackbar
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

So Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA dropped. Now the entire world (officially) knows the skinny on BioWare's new themepark, and I'm hard-pressed to think of a more anti-climactic NDA death. Even if you weren't following the game over the past few months, you knew exactly what to expect -- provided you weren't a Star Wars or a BioWare virgin.

This complete lack of surprise is one reason why the whole MMORPG NDA thing is a joke, and TOR is just the latest in a long series of punchlines.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absurdityabsurdity-of-the-ndabambig-ass-monsterbig-ass-monstersbiowarebioware-ndaea-biowareen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfeaturedgame-journalismhypemarketingmmo-absurditymmo-industrymmo-ndammo-shootermmofpsndandas-are-stupidnon-disclosure-agreementopinionplanetside-2planetside2prpublic-relationssci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorterathe-absurdity-of-the-ndathe-soapboxthemeparktortor-ndaTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion hires executives for overseas operations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/trion-hires-executives-for-overseas-operations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/trion-hires-executives-for-overseas-operations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/trion-hires-executives-for-overseas-operations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Trion logo
Many RIFT and Trion-related comment threads (likely to include this one) are filled with speculation about how the company will fail if it doesn't take its fantasy MMORPG down the free-to-play path trod by many of its competitors.

Meanwhile, the company keeps expanding, with the latest batch of good news centering on new hirings for Trion's overseas operations. According to Gamasutra, the firm recently signed Johnathan Goddard as its new head of European PR. Also joining the team is Jeff Pabst as the new European commerce director. Rounding out the trio is new End of Nations brand director Simon Bull.

The company recently announced that it had raised a truckload of venture capital and that it may file for an IPO.

MassivelyTrion hires executives for overseas operations originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bull-is-the-best-pr-name-everbusiness-modelsfantasyhiringjeff-pabstjonathan-goddardmarketingmmo-industryprriftsimon-bulltriontrion-worldtrion-worldsMon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Piranha: MechWarrior's F2P model not pay-to-win]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/piranha-mechwarriors-f2p-model-not-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/piranha-mechwarriors-f2p-model-not-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/piranha-mechwarriors-f2p-model-not-pay-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online - some giant robot thing shooting someone
Concerned about the free-to-play nature of the newly announced MechWarrior Online title? You shouldn't be, according to the latest Piranha Games dev blog. The big wall o' text comes courtesy of one Bryan Ekman, who says that the new battle mech game will definitely not be pay-to-win.

"One of our core pillars is role warfare and [it] is designed to, well -- level the playing field -- another concept from our original design. We're doing away with the arms race and making battle mechs of all shapes and sizes have a purpose and role on the battlefield," Ekman says.

Why should players spend any money, then? That's not as clear, though the blog does touch on the usual F2P bullet points of convenience and acquisition speed. Get out your PR decoder rings and head to the official MechWarrior Online website for more info.

[Update: A second blog post outlines the team's reveal plans in the coming weeks. Thanks to nimzy for the tip!]

MassivelyPiranha: MechWarrior's F2P model not pay-to-win originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-mechsbryan-ekmandev-blogdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playmarketing-speakmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinepiranha-gamesprpr-speaksci-fiMon, 07 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[KingsIsle teasing new Wizard101 content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/kingsisle-teasing-new-wizard101-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/kingsisle-teasing-new-wizard101-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/kingsisle-teasing-new-wizard101-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Our friends at KingsIsle Entertainment have tipped us off to an exciting bit of news regarding Wizard101. Unfortunately we don't know quite what that news is just yet. Why the posting then? Well, that's where you lot come in.

Take a look at the image above and put on your thinking caps. KingsIsle let slip the fact that this picture is the first in a series of three to be released over the next week or so, and there's some sort of message hidden in each image. As we understand it, all three will be needed to decipher the full message, which ultimately has something to do with some "mysterious upcoming new content."

[Source: KingsIsle press release]

MassivelyKingsIsle teasing new Wizard101 content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkidskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentprpress-releasepromotionswizard-101wizard101Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases second PlanetSide 2 short story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Vanu concept art
Sony Online Entertainment is kicking the publicity machine for PlanetSide 2 into high gear lately. The only problem is that all the PR has nothing to do with the actual game.

Yes, shooters can have lore (Global Agenda has quite an extensive backstory, for example), and SOE seems determined to keep its Forgelight-powered MMOFPS in the news without revealing much more about the mechanics. The latest salvo comes courtesy of celebrated comic scribe Marv Wolfman, who is busily creating PlanetSide 2's factional history via a series of short story vignettes. Today's reveal, the second in a series, centers on characters from the Vanu Sovereignty, some of whom buy into the faction's zealotry. "Today we have declared our Sovereignty, a Vanu Sovereignty. Only one force can live on Auraxis, and it must be us," one of them declares.

You can read the full text at the official PlanetSide 2 website, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Wolfman interview from earlier this week.

MassivelySOE releases second PlanetSide 2 short story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryloremarv-wolfmanmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2prpublic-relationssandy-jonessci-fiscifishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvanuvanu-sovereigntyyay-more-loreFri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Last week the devs at Icarus Studios dropped the first hints of their collaboration with noted free-to-play developer GamersFirst. Despite a lot of speculation and anticipation (fueled in part by the fact that the Fallen Earth website went offline for a few hours for updates), no free-to-play announcement was forthcoming.

Yesterday at the annual E3 convention in Los Angeles, our own Rubi Bayer managed to corner GamersFirst's Darek Connole to ask him what the heck is going on in terms of wasteland business models and future development considerations.

Is Fallen Earth's cash shop expanding? Is the game going free-to-play? GamersFirst remains coy on both subjects, but you can check out the full interview after the cut for more details.

Continue reading E3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P

MassivelyE3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdarek-connolee3e3-2011f2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playgamersfirsticarusicarus-studiosinterviewinterviewsmarketingmicrotransactionsprpreviewssci-fiwastelandThu, 09 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC assembles experts to comment on Sony crisis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fact that it's been one of the worst couple of weeks for Sony -- and its customers -- cannot be disputed. However, the future of this crisis, which started a couple of weeks ago when Sony's network was hacked and user information was stolen, is anybody's guess. As such, BBC News assembled a panel of four industry experts to comment on the situation and speculate where Sony might go from here.

Richard Merrin, a PR director, said that Sony demonstrated both the worst and best ways to respond to a crisis: "In the first instance, Sony waited ten days before telling users what was happening, which is a classic error in terms of communications. It knocked consumer [confidence] and damaged Sony's reputation. But with the second incident, it has acted extremely quickly and seems to be following the four golden rules in crisis PR -- to be open, honest, transparent and fast."

"In terms of PR, I think Sony can turn it around," said ComputerandVideoGames.com's Tim Ingham. "Consumers are often quickly outraged by this sort of wobble from a global corporation -- but we tend to have short memories if we're not personally damaged by a given incident."

The security expert, Sophos' Graham Cluley, said this doesn't change how users should protect themselves: "People need to be more careful with their passwords and make sure that they have different passwords for different online accounts."

You can read the rest of the comments at BBC News.

MassivelyBBC assembles experts to comment on Sony crisis originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-newscomputerandvideogames.comcrisisexpertsGraham-Cluleypanelprpr-crisispublic-relationsRichard-Merrinsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsophosTim-InghamTue, 03 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel MMO announcing its writer this Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/marvel-mmo-announcing-its-writer-this-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/marvel-mmo-announcing-its-writer-this-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/marvel-mmo-announcing-its-writer-this-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wakey wakey, Marvel MMO fans: Your favorite company has a big announcement lined up for later this week. It's so big, apparently, that today the legendary comic book publisher released an announcement about its upcoming announcement.

On Thursday, April 28th, Marvel will be unveiling... drumroll please... the writer of its upcoming comic book-flavored MMORPG. Who could it possibly be? Is Marvel going to talk about the actual game at some point? Inquiring minds want to know the answers to these and other burning questions, and a blurb on the company's website promises some dialogue after the big info drop. "We'll be taking your questions via Twitter, Facebook and the liveblog below once the action has begun," says the site. There's also a brief preview video featuring Marvel.com's editorial director, which will be replaced by a live video stream of Thursday's event.

Check in with Massively later this week as our own Bree Royce reports from the Marvel shindig in San Francisco.

MassivelyMarvel MMO announcing its writer this Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementscomic-book-mmohypemarvelmarvel-mmommo-industryprpress-releasesreal-world-eventssuperheroesMon, 25 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: If you could ask a dev any question and get a straight answer, what would it be?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-ask-a-dev-any-question-and-get-a-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-ask-a-dev-any-question-and-get-a-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-ask-a-dev-any-question-and-get-a-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today, let's pretend like marketing, public relations, and corporate secrecy don't exist, shall we? And while we're dreaming up crazy scenarios, let's imagine that you got to sit down with an MMO developer of your choice and ask him or her one direct question. The catch? That dev would have to give you a direct, straight answer without any hedging, PR-speak, or "no comments."

What would that question be and to whom would you address it?

Would you want to know the top secret release date for The Old Republic or Guild Wars 2? Would you uncover the very real truth behind shady scandals of the past? Would you want to know what the devs say about players amongst each other? Or would you want to know their favorite pies?

Today you get one question. Today is your... destiny!

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: If you could ask a dev any question and get a straight answer, what would it be? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devdeveloperguild-wars-2gw2marketingopinionprpr-speakpublic-relationsq-and-aquestionquestion-and-answerrelease-datestar-wars-the-old-republicswtortdgthe-daily-grindthe-old-republicMon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA interview attempts to decipher "westernization"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/tera-interview-attempts-to-decipher-westernization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/tera-interview-attempts-to-decipher-westernization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/tera-interview-attempts-to-decipher-westernization/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Uh oh, it's time for the W-word again. Last week's entry in the TERA Race and Class series purported to explain En Masse Entertainment's definition of westernization. The vaguely worded nature of the press release raised more questions than answers, though, and the folks over at ZAM recently caught up with En Masse producer Brian Knox in an attempt to put some meat on the westernization bones. Knox's insights steered clear of specifics, instead focusing on a general definition as En Masse sees it.

"Westernization refers to our process of adapting a game to fit the Western market. In some cases, text localization and new marketing assets are all that are needed. Other times, specific game mechanics and features require tweaking for the market," he says.

So what exactly does that mean for TERA? It's anyone's guess at this point, and it could be as simple as text translations or as complex as class differences or a softened XP grind. We'll keep our eyes peeled for more details.

MassivelyTERA interview attempts to decipher "westernization" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoBlueHolebluehole-studiobrian-knoxen-masseen-masse-entertainmentevasivefantasykorean-mmoprteratera-onlinethe-w-wordtranslationw-wordwesternizationFri, 28 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogster responds to TERA fan backlash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/frogster-responds-to-tera-fan-backlash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/frogster-responds-to-tera-fan-backlash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/frogster-responds-to-tera-fan-backlash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The recent announcement by Bluehole Studios and Frogster Online Gaming that the latter had secured the European publishing rights to TERA brought about something akin to an outcry from portions of the forthcoming fantasy MMORPG's community. While it wasn't quite millions of voices crying out in terror (and then being suddenly silenced), there were a few indignant threads on the various TERA fan sites. Why the brouhaha?

Apparently some fans have experienced everything from perceived shoddy customer service, to forum "censorship," to the wanton slaughter of helpless kittens in previous Frogster-published titles (the largest of which is free-to-play behemoth Runes of Magic). Frogster director of product management Daniel Ulrich has since extended an olive branch in the form of a post on the official TERA forums, laying out the first of what will be several rounds of Q&A posts over the next few days.

Check out the thread for some answers to your burning TERA questions, including free-to-play vs. pay-to-play, support team specifics, and server hardware.

MassivelyFrogster responds to TERA fan backlash originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluehole-studiodaniel-ulrichen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfansfrogsterfrogster-interactiveprpublishersteratera-onlineTue, 20 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon founder David Allen strikes back]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/alganon-founder-david-allen-strikes-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/alganon-founder-david-allen-strikes-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/alganon-founder-david-allen-strikes-back/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Derek Smart is famous for having the subtlety of an Imperial Walker, so it's only fair that we give the target of one of his laser-focused rants the chance to respond. In a press release over at PRWeb.com, Quest Online founder David Allen addresses his role in the development of the troubled MMORPG known as Alganon, as well as the fallout from the hiring of Smart and the events that led to Allen's departure.

"Mr. Smart began a smear campaign attacking my credibility, first privately among the investors, and then publicly. As many have read on various internet websites, Mr. Smart has made disparaging remarks concerning my professional work and comments that could lead others to question my loyalty, honesty, and ability to successfully create, build, run, and manage a multi-million dollar MMOG development company; something I have been doing successfully for over four years," Allen wrote.

He goes on to state that he has filed a civil suit against Smart, and paints a bright picture regarding the future of Alganon. "I am confident that during the process of resolving this conflict, the truth will prevail and the factual account of the activities associated with the development of Alganon will become known," Allen said.

MassivelyAlganon founder David Allen strikes back originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonDavid-Allenderek-smartprpr-statementquest-onlinerebuttalFri, 09 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The great divide between EVE's players and developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/the-great-divide-between-eves-players-and-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/the-great-divide-between-eves-players-and-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/the-great-divide-between-eves-players-and-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Once upon a time, there was a game about internet spaceships set in a vast galaxy, just waiting to be explored and conquered. It wasn't a huge game in terms of subscribers, in fact it was quite niche, but its small following was devoted. The size of the community allowed the developers to really interact with them and refine the game. The devs were approachable, open, and direct. In many respects, the players and developers were friends. All seemed well in the internet spaceships game, until the player base's numbers grew, and so did the collective din of their voices. The developers soon found they had to be careful about what they said to the players, in case they'd be accused of going back on their word somewhere down the line. At the same time, the game company grew to handle all of these new faces. As with most internet communities, the ever-growing numbers of players became more and more hostile, and the developers grew more and more silent...

Then, a developer -- let's call him "t20" -- used his knowledge of the game to cheat a little. Some players received an unfair advantage over others because of this lapse of judgment, and it was revealed publicly. The players became enraged. The developers were embarrassed and apologetic. Many players left the game, or at least loudly professed that they would. Many perceived that the developers, seen as a whole, were untrustworthy. Given how bad this situation was, and seeing no real way to change these perceptions, the game's creators had to accept that this was how things were. The people who built up the game from nothing saw little recourse but to withdraw even further from the very community which was so vital to their success. Does our story end there?

Continue reading The great divide between EVE's players and developers

MassivelyThe great divide between EVE's players and developers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescheatcheatingcommunitycouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdevdevelopersdevselectionseveeve-onlineforumsprpublic-relationst20trustwarp-drive-activewinterblinkMon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: BioWare says there is no KOTOR MMO (wink)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We just saw BioWare show off their new Dragon Age: Origins here at E3, and while that singleplayer game looks great (imagine a Mass Effect game set in the world of Baldur's Gate), we did spring the requisite massively multiplayer question on them for you. At the very end of the Q&A session with developer Dan Tudge after the demo, the PR rep told us there was just "time for one more question," and we threw it out there: "So, how's the Knights of the Old Republic MMO coming?"

There was silence in the room for a moment. Tudge quietly said, "I... have no idea what you're talking about," and then everyone laughed as the PR rep nervously said, "Good answer." Tudge added, "You're asking me that in front of my boss?" And so we revised the question: Dragon Age has a very MMO-style design -- there's a minimap in the upper right, party portraits in the upper left, and a bar with icons for skills across the bottom. Does BioWare really want to make an MMO? "The interface looked like Baldur's Gate to me," said Tudge cooly. "The real question is, how much of the MMOs did Baldur's Gate influence?"

Touché. But we left the press conference with a smile, a special secret that we'll share with you now. As much as Tudge was thrown off by the question, as much as the PR flack was aghast that we asked it, we did leave with this satisfactory piece of information: they didn't, in point of fact, deny.
Did you enjoy this? Check out all of our E3 coverage as the week rolls forward!

MassivelyE308: BioWare says there is no KOTOR MMO (wink) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebiowarebreakingdragon-agedragon-age-originse3e3-08e3-2008e308featuredjoystiqfeaturesknights-of-the-old-republicKOTORkotor-mmokotorommoprswtorWed, 16 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST