Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When has a game worried you before it came out?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-worried-you-before-it-came-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-worried-you-before-it-came-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-worried-you-before-it-came-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Please be as good as I envision you being.
I make no bones about how much I love WildStar. At the same time, I recognize that my love is based entirely upon a few preview images and trailers. It's possible that when I finally get to play the game, I'll find it to be the worst thing I've ever experienced. Not likely, but possible.

This is not unusual. We all fall in love with games based on early previews without knowing just what we'll get. It's the risk inherent in watching previews about new titles and finding out bits and pieces until we can finally get our hands on betas -- the game might look great while playing badly. We can only hope that we wind up playing the game of our dreams rather than one of our nightmares.

But sometimes you start seeing previews months after the game was announced that make you wonder if the game you've been looking forward to is going to leave something to be desired. So have you ever been worried about whether or not you're cheering for a game's release that you might not wind up enjoying?

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: When has a game worried you before it came out? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apprehensionbetasculturedaily-grindnew-titlesopinionpre-launchpreviewstdgthe-daily-grindupcoming-launchesupcoming-titlesworryTue, 27 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 Command Center airs its last episode before launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/planetside-2-command-center-airs-its-last-episode-before-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/planetside-2-command-center-airs-its-last-episode-before-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/planetside-2-command-center-airs-its-last-episode-before-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Not pictured: bothering developers working late and trying to go home for the night.
Can you believe that PlanetSide 2 is launching next week? It seems like just yesterday it was only a beautiful idea in the minds of many fans. Games grow up so fast. But even with the impending November 20th launch, there are still a few days until the game goes live, and that's why Matt Higby and Tramell Isaac have returned to sit in front of the camera in the final pre-launch episode of the PlanetSide 2 Command Center.

The episode kicks off with an update on the pace of the beta, with Higby explaining how the data from the latest round of beta has been applied to map balance and mechanics as well as bug fixes. There's also a chat with several developers, a look at the music of the game, a recap of this year's SOE Live event, and of course a glance at fan mail and the best fan YouTube videos. Take a look at the full episode past the cut for all sorts of nuggets to chew on before the game's launch next week.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Continue reading PlanetSide 2 Command Center airs its last episode before launch

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 Command Center airs its last episode before launch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsofficial-videosplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-command-centerpre-launchps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttramell-isaacvideovideosWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 gears up for yet another stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/guild-wars-2-gears-up-for-yet-another-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/guild-wars-2-gears-up-for-yet-another-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/guild-wars-2-gears-up-for-yet-another-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
And you thought you weren't going to get to play Guild Wars 2 until this weekend!

ArenaNet has just announced one more round of stress testing prior to the prepurchase launch. On Tuesday, August 21st, from 3 p.m. EDT (noon PDT) to 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT), players who have prepurchased (not just preordered) the game will be able to log in and beat up on the Guild Wars 2 servers in the hopes of helping ANet make them nice and shiny for the real deal come Friday. You'll be able to access your existing beta characters, but the team reminds everyone that it is "actively working on the game during the event, so you might experience connectivity problems or discover features that are not working as designed."

While you wait for Tuesday, why not check out the official launch schedule, region clarifications, and gem store items revealed today?

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 gears up for yet another stress test originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-testbreakingfantasyguild-wars-2gw2launchncsoftpre-launchstress-testwhen-its-readyMon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 pops another stress test tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/guild-wars-2-pops-another-stress-test-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/guild-wars-2-pops-another-stress-test-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/guild-wars-2-pops-another-stress-test-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 pops another stress test tomorrow
The mini-stress tests keep on coming for Guild Wars 2 in its final pre-launch days, and ArenaNet has announced another such event taking place tomorrow afternoon. This new stress test will span just four hours, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT.

As with the previous quick stress test, ArenaNet makes no claims as to flawless performance: "We will be actively working on the game during the event, so you might experience connectivity problems or discover features that are not working as designed. Any issues you experience are a result of the rigorous conditions of the stress test, and are in no way representative of the state of the game at launch."

For those of you who have gotten attached to beta characters, the word is that they will not be wiped for this test.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 pops another stress test tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-stress-testbeta-testclosed-betafantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpre-launchstress-testWed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The discerning human likes putting another human on the front of his armor.
TERA's launch is just around the corner, and if you're not excited yet, En Masse Entertainment is going to throw as much new stuff at you as possible to get you psyched up. That starts with a developer journal by Senior Producer Brian Knox, who talks about the road to launch and the growth of the studio. As you'd expect of a producer bringing a game to market, he's quite excited to see what players will do with the game once it's live.

Not interested? Perhaps you'll be more interested to know that the studio has extended the inaugural subscription rate deal; have an active subscription to the game by May 31st and you'll wind up with long-term discounts on the subscription price. Or perhaps you'd rather kick back and watch the final installment of the race videos, this one highlighting the familiar human race. It's a variety of updates to keep your energy up for the launch next Tuesday, assuming it wasn't up already.

Continue reading TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address

MassivelyTERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylaunchlaunchespre-launchpreviewpricepricingraceracessubscriptionteratrailertrailersupcoming-launchvideovideosThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAKFU puts out a call for (paying) pioneers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wakfu-puts-out-a-call-for-paying-pioneers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wakfu-puts-out-a-call-for-paying-pioneers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wakfu-puts-out-a-call-for-paying-pioneers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WAKFU
With WAKFU's launch rapidly approaching later this month, the information is pouring forth fast and furious from this free-to-play title. One of the biggest questions that players have at this stage is just how a game is going to make its money, and in the case of WAKFU, Ankama is certainly hoping that the experience is fun enough to warrant a regular subscription.

If you're already on board with the WAKFU philosophy and wish to subscribe for a premium membership, then Ankama has a few great pre-launch offers for you. By signing up for three, six, or 12-month plans, you can net yourself plenty of in-game items as well as the esteemed title of "WAKFU Pioneer."

Ankama has also published a helpful chart illustrating the differences between the F2P and subscription plans -- such as whether or not you can become an eco-terrorist (we kid you not). Other differences include the ability to own a home vs. set up an in-game shop, how many professions you can master (six vs. 16), and whether or not you can run for office.

[Thanks to Derek for the tip!]

MassivelyWAKFU puts out a call for (paying) pioneers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamabonusbusiness-modeleco-terrorismeco-terroristsf2pf2p-matrixfree-to-playlaunchofficepioneerpoliticspre-launchpre-launch-offerpre-orderpre-order-bonuspre-order-plansubsubscriptionsubscription-bonussubscription-chartwakfuwakfu-pioneerFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stay on target: SWTOR's guilds begin to align with phase 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/stay-on-target-swtors-guilds-begin-to-align-with-phase-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/stay-on-target-swtors-guilds-begin-to-align-with-phase-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/stay-on-target-swtors-guilds-begin-to-align-with-phase-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
Star Wars: The Old Republic's release may feel like it's always going to be in a "galaxy far, far away," but at least BioWare is giving guilds something substantial to do in preparation for launch. Following up the first phase of guild formation, today the studio announced that guilds can now progress into the second phase: alignment.

During this phase, guild leaders can establish up to three guilds as their Allies or Adversaries (depending on the target guild's faction). Not only will this help to cement friendships and rivalries, but BioWare says that these connections "will have the highest chance of being placed in the game together, allowing these guilds to coexist on the same server." This won't happen if the guilds have chosen different server rulesets, however.

Another new feature that's come with this phase is the ability for leaders and officers to begin inviting people to the guild by email. The SWTOR website has a helpful FAQ for all three phases of guild preparations. The third phase, deployment, is scheduled to occur shortly before launch and will begin placing guilds on servers if these guilds have met certain criteria.

MassivelyStay on target: SWTOR's guilds begin to align with phase 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adversariesalignmentalliesbiowareea-biowarefaqguildguild-alignmentguildslaunchphase-2phase-2-alignmentpre-launchpre-releasereleaserulesetrulesetsserverserver-rulesetsserversstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorWed, 21 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Pre-launch pitfalls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/the-guild-counsel-pre-launch-pitfalls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/the-guild-counsel-pre-launch-pitfalls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/the-guild-counsel-pre-launch-pitfalls/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR Eternity Vault
There's nothing more enticing than that new car smell of a soon-to-be-released MMO. And it's no surprise that many players make the decision to either bring their guilds over or build a new one from the ground up. It's exciting, but forming a pre-launch guild comes with plenty of potential hazards, and all too often, those months before the game goes live are the best and happiest months of a guild's life.

In this week's Guild Counsel, let's look at some dos and don'ts when it comes to building a pre-launch guild... and hopefully keep the good times rolling long past launch day.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Pre-launch pitfalls

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Pre-launch pitfalls originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementGuild-Wars-2guildskaren-bryanpre-launchrecruitingstar-wars-the-old-republicteraThu, 01 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Antici...pation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/one-shots-antici-pation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/one-shots-antici-pation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/one-shots-antici-pation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the RIFT preorder head-start beginning this Thursday, some people opted to back off from the beta and instead let anticipation build. There again, we've also heard of some other people who are using their time to knock out work and chores early so they can enjoy a slacktastic weekend of guilt-free gaming! Today's gorgeous One Shots comes to us from our friendly neighborhood Mr. Angry, who has also opted to step back and wait for the pre-launch. He writes in: "Mr Angry here. I figured I'd send you a screenshot from RIFT Beta 7. I made a Cleric and am having so much fun with the soul system. It is liberating to not be confined to just one role. This was the last screenshot I took before I decided to log out prior to head start. I am looking forward to playing an Elf in release as well. Trion has done a great job realizing the world so beautifully and creating a new high-water mark for game performance, artistic design, and dynamism in what would otherwise be a fairly linear MMO! High hopes for RIFT!"

Would you like to share some images of your recent adventures? We're always on the hunt for more screenshots of the many different MMOs out there -- but we need your help. Email your screenshots in to us at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Antici...pation originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaheroes-of-telaramr-angryone-shotspre-launchriftrift-planes-of-telarascreenshotscreenshotstriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsMon, 21 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you think developers promise too much?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-developers-promise-too-much/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-developers-promise-too-much/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-developers-promise-too-much/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's like the circle of life. A developer with an upcoming game makes some comments about how the new game will be so much better than any contemporaries, usually specifically mentioning World of Warcraft. And it will be better because of new styles of quests that are better than what World of Warcraft does, or more character customization, or better story, or playable chupacabras. Then the game is finally released, and more often than not, while the new features are in there, the "revolutionary" aspects turn out to be lackluster at best and functionally identical to the old way of doing things at worst.

Certainly, no one realistically expects a developer to repeatedly state that the upcoming game is boring and not worth playing, but promises of killing the "kill ten rats" style of questing turn out to be rather ill-advised if you just wind up killing nine cats instead. Do you think that developers should have a bit more humility and moderation when talking about upcoming features? Or are you happy with more enthusiastic pre-release talk, even if the revolution may not happen quite on the advertised schedule?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you think developers promise too much? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>builduphypeleadupmarketingopinionpre-launchpre-launch-hypetdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-beta for Final Fantasy XIV and the coming launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/post-beta-for-final-fantasy-xiv-and-the-coming-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/post-beta-for-final-fantasy-xiv-and-the-coming-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/post-beta-for-final-fantasy-xiv-and-the-coming-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the hours slowly ticking by until the launch of Final Fantasy XIV, hopeful players will be happy to know that the Lodestone site for players is already open. (Technically, the servers even open this evening, but that doesn't give you the actual client to log in.) It's the time for reflection as well as preparation, and a recent translated interview from GAME Watch sheds some light on the overall process of testing as well as the vision of the game in the near future.

Among the several pieces of interesting information from the interview is the analogy used for guildleves, addressing the question of whether or not they're the main content of the game. Guildleves are compared to a staple food such as rice or bread -- useful and filling, but not the complete meal by itself. Other topics of discussion are regular quests, with the main story quests described as being only the tip of the iceberg. It sounds as if the amount of content available to players of Final Fantasy XIV will be greater than anyone would expect, so players should keep their eyes open to enjoy the post-beta environment.

MassivelyPost-beta for Final Fantasy XIV and the coming launch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-contentguildlevesinterviewslaunchlaunch-contentlodestonenew-siteopen-betaopinionplayer-sitepost-betapre-launchsquaresquare-enixtranslationTue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square-Enix outlines pre-launch steps for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/square-enix-outlines-pre-launch-steps-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/square-enix-outlines-pre-launch-steps-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/square-enix-outlines-pre-launch-steps-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The beta test for Final Fantasy XIV has come to a conclusion as of Sunday, leaving fans of the game with two days to fill until the collector's edition goes live. Fortunately, Square-Enix has filled that gap by giving players plenty of homework before the launch. Well, not precisely, but there are preparations to be made before the game goes live, as outlined in an official dispatch from the company.

Those planning on picking the game up on Wednesday are advised to create their Square-Enix Account prior to the service launch, as well as taking care of linking any Final Fantasy XI accounts and registering for bonuses. Beta testers are also advised to remove the beta client from their computer prior to installation, and check the official player site for any further updates. The player site is currently only accessible to participants in the beta test, but will be unlocked in full on Tuesday for all Final Fantasy XIV players to get ready for launch.

MassivelySquare-Enix outlines pre-launch steps for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-conclusionend-of-betaffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlaunch-preparationsplayer-sitepre-launchsquaresquare-enixMon, 20 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda early start and preorder bonuses detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

You've gotten all the news and updates, and you've even gotten a handy guide to conquest mode for Global Agenda. If you're ever going to be ready for Hi-Rez Studio's high-action game, it's now. So it's no coincidence that we've gotten news on the game's pre-purchase options, as well as the early start details for all players and the chance to reserve your character name prior to the February 1st launch date. After all, if you've gotten the game via Steam, don't you want to just download and start playing right away? That little grayed-out name is mocking you.

The latest newsletter details the early start, which will allow players to reach Level 10, reserve their character name, and unlock special pre-order items. It's also the only chance that pre-order players will have to claim their No Elves Flair and Commonwealth Helmet. Luckily, it's easy to hop in between January 28th and January 31st, and take a little time to start playing the game and forming Agencies. Beta players will also get the option to keep their character name during the transition to Live, although not their levels or data. Good news all around for Global Agenda fans.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda early start and preorder bonuses detailed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconquestearly-start-programglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rezhi-rez-studioslaunchlaunchesno-elvespre-launchpre-purchaseFri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's pre-launch interview with Alganon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/massivelys-pre-launch-interview-with-alganon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/massivelys-pre-launch-interview-with-alganon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/massivelys-pre-launch-interview-with-alganon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

After a newly-announced launch delay, we now have just under a month before Quest Online's Alganon releases to the public. Now in its beta stage, Alganon has enjoyed mixed reviews since the NDA was lifted two weeks ago. We thought we'd take this opportunity to ask some of the questions floating around about this new fantasy MMO, and how it sets itself apart from existing fantasy MMOs.

Quest Online's president and co-founder, David Allen, was kind enough to answer our questions, which include everything from those of PvP content to his thoughts on being compared to World of Warcraft. Keep reading below for the complete interview.

Gallery: Alganon

Circle of Ouroban Near BeachDay at the BeachTalrok in ThoughtHales Pines at Midday

Continue reading Massively's pre-launch interview with Alganon

MassivelyMassively's pre-launch interview with Alganon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganondavid-allenfeaturedinterviewpre-launchquest-onlineworld-of-warcraftMon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Paying to play... in beta?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-daily-grind-paying-to-play-in-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-daily-grind-paying-to-play-in-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-daily-grind-paying-to-play-in-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While Richard Garriott only recently figured out that open betas were more for marketing, and less for testing, it is a strategy that's been in use for some time. The Matrix Online was also one of the titles that did the "put $5 down for a pre-order and get a beta key" deal -- and while theirs felt more "finished" from a bug standpoint -- it came back to haunt them as well. Several people we know won't even try it again due to that experience, even with large changes to the game including a complete overhaul of the combat system. More recently, the folks at Flying Lab finished their beta and then entered a "pre-launch" phase (wisely avoiding calling it "beta" at all) and allowing people to level to 20 before today's launch of Pirates of the Burning Sea. (We can't speak for you, but several of us have had a blast in the pre-order.) So this morning we ask you -- have you ever "paid to play" in a MMO beta by going the pre-order to get in route? What was your experience like? Do you think that the idea of paying even a nominal fee to get into a beta makes you evaluate a game more harshly? Are you also unlikely to give a game a chance later after a bad beta experience? For that matter have you ever bailed on a game pre-reservation after a bad beta?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Paying to play... in beta? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingmarketingopen-betapirates-of-the-burning-seapre-launchtdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTue, 22 Jan 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab banning for RMT already]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/flying-lab-banning-for-rmt-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/flying-lab-banning-for-rmt-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/flying-lab-banning-for-rmt-already/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an almost "news of the weird" situation, word came out yesterday evening that the fine folks at Flying Lab are already seeing grey-market gold selling in their still-in-pre-launch game Pirates of the Burning Sea. While any MMO veteran knows just how pervasive gold selling is in any game, this is perhaps the first time we've heard of them opening up shop quite so openly before a game is even officially launched.

As Aether states, "we will [be] following up with the appropriate disciplinary actions, which could include confiscation of the resources in question, and ultimately banning accounts that sell or buy these illicit resources." We certainly wish Flying Lab the absolute best of luck with stamping it out -- and hopefully keeping chat channels clear of the spam that seems to be everywhere these days. But you have to admit, the fact that the gold-selling companies are getting this brazen before official launch isn't exactly a good sign.

MassivelyFlying Lab banning for RMT already originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-terminationsbanningbansflying-labgold-sellerpirates-of-the-burning-seapotbspre-launchrmtSun, 20 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arr! Here be yer pre-order bonus item's stats]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/arr-here-be-yer-pre-order-bonus-items-stats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/arr-here-be-yer-pre-order-bonus-items-stats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/arr-here-be-yer-pre-order-bonus-items-stats/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Flying Lab Software's Aether has taken a moment to pull himself away from all the pre-launch craziness surrounding any MMO only a couple weeks away from retail. Why, you ask? To give us some information on pre-order bonuses, I say! All silliness aside, these items are pretty hot.

What you'll be getting for pre-ordering is three swords -- one for each style of combat -- that all share the same stats. The Musketeer's Matching Blades (Florentine style), Old World Cutlass (Dirty Fighting style) and Swedish Rapier (Fencing style) are all level 1 swords that are equivalent to the power of a level 20 weapon. We're pretty sure that we haven't heard of a pre-order item this powerful in quite some time, if ever. Pirates of the Burning Sea is set to launch on January 22nd, so if you want this pre-order bonus it may be a good idea to do it now rather than later.

MassivelyArr! Here be yer pre-order bonus item's stats originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>equipmentflying-labhistoricalitemspirates-of-the-burning-seapre-launchpre-orderpre-order-bonussoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 05 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST