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[DC Universe Online producer's letter explores the future of PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dc-universe-online-producers-letter-explores-the-future-of-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dc-universe-online-producers-letter-explores-the-future-of-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dc-universe-online-producers-letter-explores-the-future-of-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BONK!
Another month is on its way out, and that means it's time for another DC Universe Online monthly producer's letter. This one is particularly special, though, because it's the first official producer's letter written by the game's new producer, Larry Liberty. Liberty takes a moment to introduce himself as a 16-year veteran of the industry who has worked on title such as Fallout: New Vegas, The Witcher, Neverwinter Nights 2, and Tony Hawk 4.

The remainder of the letter pertains almost entirely to PvP and some of the recent changes made to it. One of the major changes is that the studio has "basically reduced the ceiling on how much damage output a crit can deliver," claiming that the team wants "to reduce the importance of luck and the importance of a good virtual dice roll in combat, and increase the importance of skill." Liberty then goes on to explain the team's philosophy behind the changes, stating that "the overarching goal for [the studio's] PvP system changes is to emphasize intelligent tactics and skillful play over lucky die rolls and raw stats." The post is rounded out by a list of some of the PvP features that are planned for game updates 13 and 14, showing players what they can expect for the future of DCUO's PvP. For the full, tasty details, go check out the full post at the game's official site.

MassivelyDC Universe Online producer's letter explores the future of PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprilapril-producers-letterconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playlarry-libertyplayer-vs-playerplaystation-3playstation3producers-letterps3pvpsoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC
Dark Age of Camelot's Relic system is under the dev team's magnifying glass this month, and it looks as though dedicated RvRers are going to have to adjust to a few significant changes to how Relic raids work in the near future.

"We have learned over the years that being complex and being complicated are two very different things," Producer Stuart Zissu writes. "If players can't immediately grasp the situation and understand what is needed of them, then there is room for improvement."

In a new producer's letter, Zissu spells out the changes to the Relic system. Relics Temples and Mile Gates will be eliminated, and Relics themselves will be moved to the inner keeps. These new Relic Keeps will be granted additional guards the more keeps a realm holds in their home territory. However, the more relics a faction claims, the weaker the guards will be. Relic runs will be made more challenging, as the game will notify everyone in the region where the Relic holder is and faster avenues of transportation will be cut off.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdev-blogdev-diaryeaelectronic-artsfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyproducers-letterpvprelicrelic-keeprelic-keepsrelic-runsrelic-systemrvrStuart-ZissuTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest letter from Naoki Yoshida outlines the plans for Final Fantasy XIV's next patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/newest-letter-from-naoki-yoshida-outlines-the-plans-for-final-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/newest-letter-from-naoki-yoshida-outlines-the-plans-for-final-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/newest-letter-from-naoki-yoshida-outlines-the-plans-for-final-fa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ahead, like some vast, predatory... wait, that's a different franchise.
Patch 1.21 has just gone live, but many fans of Final Fantasy XIV are already looking ahead to patch 1.22. And it's understandable -- the game is kicking into the final stretch before the major relaunch, and that means new conflicts and new quests as the era draws to a close. Producer Naoki Yoshida recently released a new producer's letter detailing the list of features slated for inclusion with this next update, including the hamlet defense feature that was trimmed from patch 1.21.

This penultimate patch before version 2.0 will also see the conflict between Eorzea and the Empire escalate further, illustrated by the presence of a new Imperial stronghold for players to assault. There will be new Imperial weapons as a result, along with new quests and new Grand Company ranks. Currently slated for the end of April, this patch can be expected to deliver a number of improvements to the game, even if it may wind up being delayed a bit in the end.

MassivelyNewest letter from Naoki Yoshida outlines the plans for Final Fantasy XIV's next patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.21ffxiv-patch-1.22final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-updatesnaoki-yoshidanewspatchpatchesproducers-lettersquaresquare-enixupcoming-updatesupdatesMon, 26 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV pushes patch 1.21 back to March 9th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/final-fantasy-xiv-pushes-patch-1-21-back-to-march-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/final-fantasy-xiv-pushes-patch-1-21-back-to-march-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/final-fantasy-xiv-pushes-patch-1-21-back-to-march-9th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FFXIV
Patience, they say, is a virtue -- and no one is more patient than the Final Fantasy XIV community. This patience will be tested once more as the imminent 1.21 patch has been delayed until March 9th to accommodate further work and testing.

If someone is to blame, it's Producer Naoki Yoshida, who admits that "the sheer volume" of his suggestions prompted the delay. But it will be worth it, he promises.

In a new producer's letter, Yoshida hypes the patch and in particular its changes to magic casting. These changes will be "almost identical" to what the game will see when it hits 2.0. He's extremely excited to announce that adjustments to alchemy and culinary professions -- the medicines and food, specifically -- are almost complete. Finally, he reports that the team is deep into testing the two new instanced raids that are coming with the patch.

Yoshida also thanked the community for its feedback over the upcoming server merges.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV pushes patch 1.21 back to March 9th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.21alchemycraftingculinarydelayffxivffxiv-patch-1.21final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmagic-castingNaoki-Yoshidapatchpatch-1.21patch-delayproducers-letterraidraidsseserver-mergeserver-mergessquare-enixupdateThu, 01 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Anarchy Online looks to be in good hands, as Game Director Fia Tjernberg returns for her second comprehensive development update. The update, which discusses the projects that the team's been working on, covers the past month in detail while hinting at future goodies.

Tjernberg stresses that the entire team works just on Anarchy Online and nothing else and has put a wrap on the first video showing off the new graphics engine. According to her, Funcom's marketers got so excited after seeing it that the studio decided to flex some additional muscle to promote it in the near future. "The artists are more confident working with the settings and materials," she writes, "and they learned what they can do to really make a difference in quality."

Other areas that the letter covered include an AO-specific world-building tool that the team's constructed, work on the new beginner experience that will tie in with the upcoming engine, the re-evaluation of professions to emphasize roles, and the details behind the upcoming server transfers. All players will be moved onto a new server that will, according to her, "keep [Anarchy Online] running smoothly for another ten years."

Tjernberg also teases the next game update by saying that preliminary patch notes could arrive by the end of March.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoFia-Tjernbergfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-updatemontly-development-updatenew-graphics-enginepatchpatch-notesproducers-letterserver-mergeupdateWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII producer teases March update info, promises more communication]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/eqii-producer-teases-march-update-info-promises-more-communicat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/eqii-producer-teases-march-update-info-promises-more-communicat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/eqii-producer-teases-march-update-info-promises-more-communicat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest II
New EverQuest II Producer Holly Longdale has completed her maiden voyage around the good ship S.S. SOE, completing her first month of reviews and meetings as future plans are laid out. Now that she's gotten her feet wet, Longdale wrote a short letter to the community about the general activities and focus of the team.

The March update -- centered around the Velious storyline -- is coming along, and the team will be unloading tons of information in the near future. Longdale reports that it's not just new content that the EQII crew is concerned about, as bug fixing and refining features are a major priority for the team's engineers. Players irritated with the quest feather graphic issue will be happy to know that it's high up on the priority list.

Longdale also let players know that she's paying attention to "big hot-button issues" with the game and is trying her best not to overlook anything. She wraps up her post sharing the meaning behind her dev name, Windstalker, and promising that she'll be corresponding with the community frequently from here on out.

MassivelyEQII producer teases March update info, promises more communication originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugdev-diaryeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifixHolly-Longdalelettermarch-updateproducers-lettersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentveliousWindstalkerTue, 28 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online announces an impending Inferno]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/eve-online-announces-an-impending-inferno/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/eve-online-announces-an-impending-inferno/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/eve-online-announces-an-impending-inferno/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online
EVE Online Senior Producer Jonathan Lander says now that some of the nitty-gritty reorganization within CCP has been completed, the devs "are back in the serious business of making EVE better and better."

Citing several small releases over the next few months as proof, Lander lets loose with the announcement of the game's next big expansion: Inferno. Inferno will hit EVE "just before the summer" and will attempt to bring EVE's conflicts to a whole new level. Concord-sanctioned warfare and factional warfare will be getting tweaks as a result of this focus. More specific details about Inferno will be revealed at the EVE Fanfest in March.

And while he won't go into specifics (yet), Lander says that CCP will reveal "more concrete steps" of how both EVE Online and DUST 514 are connected in the next couple of months.

MassivelyEVE Online announces an impending Inferno originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdev-diarydust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-onlineeve-online-infernoexpansioninfernoJonathan-Landerpatchproducers-letterWed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot producer's letter looks toward the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- Dark Age of Camelot
Dark Age of Camelot's Valentine's Day event is still in full swing, but the devs over at Mythic Entertainment have plenty more in store for players. Stuart Zissu, DAoC's producer, stopped by the official site to give players a heads-up as to what they can expect in upcoming updates. For starters, the next phase of the ongoing live event will be coming sometime "in the next few months," and players are warned that the Pict encampments they've already encountered are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

On top of that, the devs will be adding a number of new titles throughout the year that center on the long-running title's 10th anniversary. Zissu adds that "there will also be new titles for the next phase of the live event" as well as a special trophy commemorating Dark Age of Camelot's 10 years of RvRvR action. For more information, including details on DAoC's first video contest, just click on through the link below and give the post a look.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot producer's letter looks toward the future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsletter-from-the-producerlive-eventlive-eventsmythicmythic-entertainmentproducers-letterrealm-vs-realmrvrrvrvrstuart-zissutitletitlestrophiestrophyWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR producer's letter talks bug fixing, patch schedules]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - Knight of the Blazing Sun
Hey kids, it's time for another Warhammer Online producer's letter (no, it's still not dead, doomsayers). The dev team is currently hard at work on the 1.4.5a patch, and in case you were wondering, that little "a" basically indicates additions to the previous 1.4.5 update. Said additions will take the form of "functionality, messaging, and tweaks to the fortresses and relics," all of which are still being discussed on the official WAR forums.

Next up is the 1.4.6 patch, and Mythic has switched gears to focus on bug fixing instead of the previously planned open RvR tweaks. There are also some additional items of interest on the horizon, including a new live event and some changes to crafting. Head to the WAR Herald to read up on all the details.

[Thanks to Benjamin for the tip!]

MassivelyWAR producer's letter talks bug fixing, patch schedules originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.5-patch1.4.6-patchbioware-mythicbug-fixingbugscraftingfantasylive-eventsmythicMythic-Entertainmentopen-rvrproducers-letterrvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
Aventurine continues its trek toward Darkfall's game revamp, aka Darkfall 2.0, and in a new producer letter, Tasos Flambouras drops a few interesting info nuggets to tide loyal players over until the job is done.

He states that the team is retuning each of the game's eight schools of magic so that each one feels more unique and focused. For example, air magic will be specialized to do more damage in close quarters against fewer targets, while fire magic will excel at long-distance AoE attacks.

The team also thinks it has figured out this pesky "death" problem by coming up with a more interesting limbo system. The way it works is that when players are taken down, they have a choice between either respawning back at a bind stone or waiting for a timer to count down to zero and initiate a respawn on the spot. If players opt to endure the limbo period, they can re-equip their characters from their bank boxes.

Aventurine continues to hire on new team members for the project, including a designer who will facilitate communication between devs and the community.

MassivelyDarkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebankbank-boxesdarkfalldarkfall-2.0death-penaltydeath-systemdev-diarylimbolimbo-systemmagicmagic-schoolsproducer-letterproducers-letterrespawnschools-of-magicTasos-FlambourasFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Just getting started': Scott Hartsman rallies the RIFT faithful for 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT
"What an amazing year it has been," begins Scott Hartsman in his one-year state of the game report for RIFT. Citing Trion Worlds' ability to "think about MMOs a little bit differently than everyone else," Hartsman recalls the mountain of accomplishments of the previous year, including the seven major content updates leading up to the recent Update 1.7 and the RIFT Lite service.

The best part? "We're just getting started," he exults.

Hartsman identifies the "key themes" of the team's 2012 focus, including playing with other people, improving the soul system, leaping forward in PvP, coming up with new ways to interact with the game world, and expanding RIFT's endgame. The interactions theme is intriguing, especially considering his phrasing: "When we say interact, we mean both interacting with the game in non-combat ways, and interacting from out of game entirely."

The letter dives into more specifics with each of these themes before culminating in a promise of even more surprises to come later this year.

Massively'Just getting started': Scott Hartsman rallies the RIFT faithful for 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7dev-diaryproducers-letterpvpriftrift-litescott-hartsmansoul-systemstate-of-the-gametriontrion-worldsupdate-1.7Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima producer's letter teases 2012 content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ultima-producers-letter-teases-2012-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ultima-producers-letter-teases-2012-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ultima-producers-letter-teases-2012-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ultima Online - Yep, still going...
Did you know that Ultima Online turns 15 this year? It surely does, and if you're not having a geriatric fit over that fact and wondering where the time has gone, well, get off our lawns.

In all seriousness, UO grand poobah Jeff Skalski has favored the masses with a producer's letter, and he drops several hints about what's to come for the 2012 version of Sosaria. Publish 74 is officially live, and the dev team is already hard at work on its followup, which Skalski says will address "a handful of long overdue bugs" as well as further the game's dynamic story arcs.

Skalski also tells us that the artwork for the enhanced client is still in the oven, and in fact the makeover has turned out to be "more challenging than planned." As a result, it's not quite ready for primetime, but rest assured that it is still a priority. As always, more info is available at the official UO website.

MassivelyUltima producer's letter teases 2012 content originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diariesdev-diarydynamic-contenteaelectronic-artsenhanced-clientepic-arcsfantasyjeff-skalskiproducers-letterpublish-74publish-75sandboxultimaultima-enhanced-clientultima-onlineuoTue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter talks patch 1.21 release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Of course, in real life, Yoshida is the one who can spit fire.
It's been a little quiet on the Final Fantasy XIV front since the new year, but the team behind the game has been hard at work preparing the launch of patch 1.21. And it's going to be quite a massive patch, as outlined in Naoki Yoshida's most recent producer's letter for the fans. Not only does it contain the addition of the long-awaited Job system, but it also includes UI improvements, housing, two new instanced raids, a food and medicine overhaul, and a variety of smaller changes.

While the team had originally aimed for a launch in the second week of February, Yoshida notes that the patch will likely be delayed two weeks due to the sheer amount of content going in. He also discusses what he calls temporary server merges prior to the launch of 2.0 in November; as he puts it, the main concern is allowing players, especially from European regions, to have an ample playerbase to adventure with. It's a bit of unpleasant news for Final Fantasy XIV players, but it's packed in amidst many things to look forward to.

MassivelyNewest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter talks patch 1.21 release originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coming-patchesdevelopmentffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.21final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnaoki-yoshidanewspatchesproducers-letterserver-mergesserverssquaresquare-enixupdatesMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan prepares to pillage 2012 with basketweaving]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Age of Conan
The Funcom team is happy with its bone-crunching achievements in Age of Conan last year, but it has moved on to bigger and better conquests. In a new development update, the devs outline their roadmap for 2012 -- and it might not be what you'd expect.

According to the update, the team felt torn between adding more content to the game and going back to rework and tweak systems that needed it: "Our problem there in 2011 was that with so much content to support, the majority of the systems time was consumed by the creation of everything that is needed for the content itself." As a result, the first half of 2012 looks to be light on the content side of things -- although with new tier-four raids, it won't be non-existent.

Instead, the team will be reworking the tradeskill system this summer to make it more involving and complex than the modern "point and click" setup. Other improvements on the way include enlarging bank space, a dual-specification system, class balancing, and single-server development.

Following these projects, the team will shift back into content-creation mode, starting with a new adventure pack for later this year.

MassivelyAge of Conan prepares to pillage 2012 with basketweaving originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012adventure-package-of-conanaoccraftingdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playfuncommonthly-development-updateproducers-letterraidraidstradeskilltradeskill-systemMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO producer's letter promises a ton of content in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - The Shire
Can you believe that Lord of the Rings Online is nearly five years old? We can't either, but it's true, and Turbine's Aaron "Rowan" Campbell says the best is yet to come in his latest producer letter.

The piece is pretty short, and much of it is devoted to recapping 2011. Campbell touches on the Rise of Isengard expansion and the Turbine Global Service initiative (which unified the North American and European LotRO communities under a single banner).

The most interesting portion of the blurb occurs toward the end, and it features quite a tasty tease for the future. "In 2012, you can expect more content than you've seen at any time since our launch in 2007. We'll be unveiling details with you after the New Year," he writes.

In other LotRO news, Turbine is offering the aforementioned Rise of Isengard content for a whopping 50% off. The catch? It's a one-day sale that starts (and ends) on December 26th, so get it while you can!

MassivelyLotRO producer's letter promises a ton of content in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthproducers-lettertolkienupdateMon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter looks back on 2011 and forward to 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-looks-back-on-2011-and-forwa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-looks-back-on-2011-and-forwa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-looks-back-on-2011-and-forwa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Final Fantasy XIV
In Final Fantasy XIV's latest producer's letter, producer Naoki Yoshida stopped by the forums to reflect a bit on 2011 and give fans a look at what's coming up in 2012. Yoshida notes that September 2011 marked the one-year anniversary of Final Fantasy XIV as well as the one-year anniversary of Yoshida's installation as producer and director of the title.

He goes on to state that "2012 will see [the game] making even larger strides and will prove to be an even bigger test for FFXIV." Next year's first new patch, 1.20b, is already in development, and Yoshida says the team is working diligently on 1.21 features such as the job system, job quests, and two new dungeons. As his final announcement, Yoshida reveals that QA testing for the battle system for the 2.0 client will begin shortly after the new year. For the full details, click on over to the full producer's letter on the FFXIV official forums.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV producer's letter looks back on 2011 and forward to 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.20b1.21dungeonsff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivjob-questsjob-systemletter-from-the-producernaoki-yoshidanew-dungeonsproducers-lettersquare-enixyoshidaWed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II holiday producer's letter focuses on dungeon finding and making]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- EverQuest II
Before all of Sony Online Entertainment's developers fly out to see family and spend the holidays away from EverQuest II, the team decided to give players one last Frostfell present. Today's producer's letter takes a look at a number of new features coming to Norrath.

The dungeon finder will see a couple of updates, such as the addition of contested dungeons to the dungeon finder and increased rewards for using the dungeon finder system. Dungeon-makers, meanwhile, will be granted a number of new treats. New effect objects will be available in the marketplace, and many items such as spawners, decorations, and maps will be purchasable with Station Cash as well as in-game currency. A number of general improvements have been made as well, including a revamped rating system for houses and dungeons and a couple of smaller tweaks. For the full details, click on over to the full letter below.

MassivelyEverQuest II holiday producer's letter focuses on dungeon finding and making originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderdungeon-makereq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playproducers-lettersoesony-online-entertainmentupdateupdatesTue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA producer's letter discusses new launcher, development progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
A new holiday edition producer's letter has been published on the official TERA site, and in it Chris Hager announces that he is currently using the studio's new launcher to log in to the game. Why is this such a big deal? Hager explains that it "represents a huge leap for us here at En Masse." He goes on to tell how, over the past year, the team has worked "directly and intimately with the Bluehole development team to... add features that appeal to western gamers."

But why is the new launcher so important? Because it's one of the features that the studio built from the ground up. Hager also notes that the game has been in alpha for "about 4 months" and that this week is the last week of alpha testing. He says the team is also looking forward to "the next step in TERA's journey toward launch next spring." Here's to hoping that next step is a beta test. For the full letter, just click on over to the official TERA site.

MassivelyTERA producer's letter discusses new launcher, development progress originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingblueholebluehole-studiochagerchris-hagerdevelopmenten-masseen-masse-entertainmentproducer-letterproducers-letterprogressterathe-exiled-realm-of-arboreaMon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final SWG producer's letter thanks community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies - YT2400 Blue Harvest over Mos Eisley
Community was one of many things that set Star Wars: Galaxies apart from your average MMO, and Sony Online Entertainment's Tony "Teesquared" Tyson took a moment to thank the game's faithful in what serves as the final producer's letter for the shuttered sandbox title.

Tyson touches on several highlights including housing, crafting, entertaining, and space-sim mechanics that were unique to SWG, and he ultimately concludes that the game "was, and will always be, a meaningful and memorable part of my life, an experience I'll treasure and share with anyone who wants to hear a good story."

SOE launched SWG on June 26, 2003 and powered down the servers one final time early this morning.

MassivelyFinal SWG producer's letter thanks community originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycraftinghousingproducers-lettersandboxsci-fishutdownsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentspacestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmoswgteesquaredtony-tysonFri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes producer letter details Freedom transition, Fall Player Summit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/city-of-heroes-producer-letter-details-freedom-transition-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/city-of-heroes-producer-letter-details-freedom-transition-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/city-of-heroes-producer-letter-details-freedom-transition-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Retro Sci-Fi costume set art
City of Heroes Freedom has been going strong for some time now, and Paragon Studios seems understandably pleased with the game's F2P transition. In the latest producer's letter on the official City of Heroes site, executive producer Brian Clayton states that "the Freedom initiative and Issue 21: Convergence have significantly increased our active player base and our revenues, and have invigorated our game with amazing new content including monthly Signature Stories, weekly items in the Paragon Market, Paragon Rewards, a kickin' Halloween event, and plenty more!"

Clayton also speaks about the Fall Player Summit the studio held on November 19th. During the gathering, the team took the time to listen to players about what they liked and disliked about Freedom so far. In addition, artist extraordinaire David Nakayama hosted a Create a Costume Set panel, in which he worked collaboratively with players to create the Retro Sci-Fi costume set, which will be introduced to the game sometime next year. For the full letter, just click on over to the City of Heroes official site.

MassivelyCity of Heroes producer letter details Freedom transition, Fall Player Summit originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdavid-nakayamaexecutive-producerf2pfree-to-playfreedomparagonparagon-studiosproducerproducers-letterFri, 02 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online producer's letter promises revitalization of classic content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/ultima-online-producers-letter-promises-revitalization-of-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/ultima-online-producers-letter-promises-revitalization-of-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/ultima-online-producers-letter-promises-revitalization-of-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bree's (old) house in Ultima Online :D
Did you wonder who was captaining Ultima Online since Calvin "Uriah" Crowner left his role as producer earlier this fall? Apparently, it's been none other than Jeff Skalski, who recently penned a producer's letter to introduce himself to the UO-faithful. In it, he explains that his goals for the grand-daddy of MMOs include heavily increasing the team's interaction with the community, implementing weekly Q&A sessions, squashing bugs, and "breathing life back into areas that have long been forgotten," i.e., revamping older content.

In fact, some of that older content -- Shame, one of the original and iconic anti-virtue dungeons in classic Britannia -- is due for its revamp sooner rather than later. Publish 73, now on the test server, retools Shame with a truly massive itemization overhaul and difficulty scaling as players descend the dungeon's depths.

MassivelyUltima Online producer's letter promises revitalization of classic content originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-virtue-dungeoncalvin-crownerclassic-mmodungeondungeonseaElectronic-Artsitemizationjeff-skalskioverhaulpatchproducers-letterpublish-73shameultimaultima-onlineuouriahMon, 07 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV bringing you another producer's letter all the way live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/final-fantasy-xiv-bringing-you-another-producers-letter-all-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/final-fantasy-xiv-bringing-you-another-producers-letter-all-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/final-fantasy-xiv-bringing-you-another-producers-letter-all-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not on the agenda: gunblades.
Between the release of patch 1.19 and the announcements regarding the game's future, Final Fantasy XIV has been drumming up quite a bit of excitement from its fans. And what better way to capitalize on that excitement than to have another installment of the producer's letter live for everyone to enjoy? On November 3rd, Naoki Yoshida will once again be taking to the broadcast waves to answer player questions about the most recent patch and future updates.

The official announcement notes that the particulars of the broadcast are not yet determined, but as with the previous live event, players can submit questions in advance or via Twitter on the day itself. While Yoshida will strive to answer as many questions as possible, there will be time constraints, and of course the audio will be in Japanese with a translation to come further down the road. Still, it's a chance to get more questions about the game answered by the man with the plan himself, and that's something many players will no doubt be excited by.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV bringing you another producer's letter all the way live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadcastffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.19final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlive-broadcastnaoki-yoshidaproducers-letterq-and-aquestions-and-answersreal-world-eventssquaresquare-enixTue, 25 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse releases October TERA producer's letter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/en-masse-releases-october-tera-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/en-masse-releases-october-tera-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/en-masse-releases-october-tera-producers-letter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA KICK!
It's been a while since we last heard from En Masse Entertainment, but the wait is now over. Chris Hager is back on the scene with the newest TERA producer's letter, and there are a few details that may make fans a bit more excited about the upcoming title.

The studio recently met with a few members of the Bluehole Studio overseas team. The result of this meeting? "A firm alpha/beta/launch schedule" for the upcoming action MMORPG. What is that schedule? Well, we don't know yet. Sorry! The next phase of alpha testing will be taking place soon, though it's important to note that the studio is selecting testers internally. With any luck, this means that beta is just on the horizon. Keep in touch for further updates, which Mr. Hager assures us are coming soon.

MassivelyEn Masse releases October TERA producer's letter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetablueholebluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentlaunchproducer-letterproducers-letterterathe-exiled-realm-of-arboreaMon, 10 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIV takes to YouTube Live for its one-year anniversary [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/ffxiv-takes-to-youtube-live-for-its-one-year-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/ffxiv-takes-to-youtube-live-for-its-one-year-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/ffxiv-takes-to-youtube-live-for-its-one-year-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FFXIV
Lights... camera... internet connection... aaand action!

To celebrate Final Fantasy XIV's first anniversary, Square-Enix's Naoki Yoshida will be taking the stage for a live edition of the Producer's Letter. This event will happen on October 4th at 8:00 p.m. a.m. EDT on YouTube Live. Yoshida will use the time to field player questions from around the world and will also talk about the future of the title as it heads into its second year of operation.

Final Fantasy XIV will celebrate its first anniversary on September 30th. For Massively's musings on where the game's been and where it's going, make sure to check out this past week's Mog Log for the full skinny!

MassivelyFFXIV takes to YouTube Live for its one-year anniversary [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycommunity-q-and-aff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfirst-anniversarymog-logNaoki-Yoshidaone-year-anniversaryproducers-letterq-and-asesquare-enixyoutube-liveWed, 28 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest producer's letter for Final Fantasy XIV talks patch release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/newest-producers-letter-for-final-fantasy-xiv-talks-patch-relea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/newest-producers-letter-for-final-fantasy-xiv-talks-patch-relea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/newest-producers-letter-for-final-fantasy-xiv-talks-patch-relea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What do you mean it's not symbolic?
Whether or not you've liked the direction Naoki Yoshida has chosen for Final Fantasy XIV, it's hard to fault him for communication. His letters to the community have become a regular event, and even in the briefest installment he finds the space to share some interesting developments. The newest letter, for instance, is definitely on the shorter side, but it also confirms a target date of September 30th for the launch of the game's next major patch.

Patch 1.19 is heavily anticipated by players, bringing with it chocobos, new content, and a variety of other systems. And not only is Yoshida planning to release the notes for said patch early, but the letter also hints at another major update -- the addition of another 100 item slots for characters and 50 more for each retainer, greatly expanding each individual's storage capacity. While the letter also notes that the patch may be delayed by a few days depending on the final round of testing, it should be enough for FFXIV players to see that the team is hard at work on the patch.

MassivelyNewest producer's letter for Final Fantasy XIV talks patch release originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.19final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnaoki-yoshidapatchpatchesproducers-lettersquaresquare-enixupcoming-patchesWed, 21 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online releases September State of the Game letter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/champions-online-releases-september-state-of-the-game-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/champions-online-releases-september-state-of-the-game-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/champions-online-releases-september-state-of-the-game-letter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online - Foxbat art
Champions Online is two years old this month (yep, really), and Cryptic executive producer Rob Overmeyer has taken to the intarwebs to pen a lengthy State of the Game manifesto. The first half of the piece is basically a recap of the game's last few months, and touches on everything from Aftershock to player hideouts.

The second portion of the letter focuses on upcoming content patches and also mentions the anniversary event (which is basically a social gathering featuring dev appearances). Upcoming content includes Comic Series 2: Whiteout, a new mini arc, and team missions called alerts that will scale to your level. Overmeyer has more to say, of course, and you can read all about it at the official Champions website.

MassivelyChampions Online releases September State of the Game letter originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertschampionschampions-onlineChampions-Online-Free-For-Allcomic-series-2-whiteoutcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-for-allfree-to-playgame-mechanicsperfect-world-entertainmentproducers-letterpwerob-overmeyerstate-of-the-gamesuperheroupdateswhiteoutFri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes pledges to pump out more frequent updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/city-of-heroes-pledges-to-pump-out-more-frequent-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/city-of-heroes-pledges-to-pump-out-more-frequent-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/city-of-heroes-pledges-to-pump-out-more-frequent-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

City of Heroes
As the Paragon Studios team puts a wrap on August, the latest City of Heroes producer's letter reiterates the studio's key philosophy: Content is king.

Along those lines, the letter discusses several exciting developments in store for the game's future, including the upcoming Haunted Mansion for the Halloween season, new Incarnate Trials, and more content for the Winter Event. The team is also focusing on delivering "more regular updates" than has been seen previously, so expect to see CoH upping the frequency of in-game goodies from here on out.

As part of the "content is king" philosophy, Paragon will be releasing a monthly Signature Story that will be free for VIP (subscribing) players. These will not only tell intriguing stories, but will reward superheroes with increased rewards. The team is also going to put new items into the in-game Paragon Market store on a weekly basis, including costume pieces and power sets.

City of Heroes is preparing to launch Freedom, its free-to-play version of the game, at an unspecified point in the future. Subscribers will be able to get a head start when Freedom arrives, and they will enjoy spending the 400 points that their VIP status entitles them to each month.

MassivelyCity of Heroes pledges to pump out more frequent updates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovf2pfree-to-playfreedomhalloweenhaunted-mansionin-game-storeincarnate-trialsparagonparagon-marketparagon-studiosproducers-lettersignature-storiessubscribersupdateupdatesvipThu, 01 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Not all who wander are lost]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-road-to-mordor-not-all-who-wander-are-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-road-to-mordor-not-all-who-wander-are-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-road-to-mordor-not-all-who-wander-are-lost/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Road to Mordor
These are exciting times for Lord of the Rings Online, for sure. The Fellowship -- and hundreds of thousands of groupies following in its wake -- has moved south, and we are growing ever closer to Mordor and Mt. Doom. In a month, Middle-earth will grow significantly with the addition of Rise of Isengard, and level-capped players will suddenly have a whole new buffet of content to devour.

It's also a good era for exposure for the game, as plenty of people will get to see the expansion at Gamescom and PAX, not to mention those already in the beta proper. While we haven't heard anything about the game's finances or player numbers lately, there's no reason to believe that it's not still going strong.

That said, I want to take a step back today, as I sometimes do, and look at the larger picture. How is LotRO positioned against the current competition and the heavy-hitters yet to come? What does Turbine need to be working on over the next year or two? Are we just wandering aimlessly, or is the path laid out for journey for a long time to come?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Not all who wander are lost

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Not all who wander are lost originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanall-who-wander-are-not-lostcharacter-developmentcontent-pathered-luinexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfuture-plansgamescomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2hobbithousinghousing-revampkate-paizmordornon-combat-petspaxpax-2011pax-primepax-prime-2011player-housingproducers-lettersophies-choicestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorterathe-hobbitthe-road-to-mordorthe-secret-worldtolkientreasure-hunttswturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-3vanity-petsFri, 19 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms producer letter talks new farming content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/free-realms-producer-letter-talks-new-farming-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/free-realms-producer-letter-talks-new-farming-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/free-realms-producer-letter-talks-new-farming-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Free Realms has a new producer, and Sony Online Entertainment's Harvey "Flametalon" Burgess recently dropped by the game's official website to pen a brief letter to fans. SOE has updated the game's farming system, and in addition to a new locale (Briarwood Farm), players will find new seeds to grow, a boom box "to make your plants dance," new farming items, and new quests and recipes specific to Briarwood.

Burgess also drops a hint about future Free Realms updates (including ranching), and promises a quick turnaround on June, July, and August membership packs.

The producer assignment marks Burgess' second go-round with Free Realms, as he also served as a designer on the title at an earlier point in his 10-year SOE career.

MassivelyFree Realms producer letter talks new farming content originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>briarwoodbriarwood-farmf2pfamilyfantasyfarmingflametalonfree-realmsfree-to-playharvey-burgesskidsproducerproducers-lettersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 26 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter addresses design philosophy and summer events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-addresses-design-phil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-addresses-design-phil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-addresses-design-phil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The US is currently experiencing a bit of a heatwave, the sort of thing that doesn't really call for any reminders about the time of year. Apparently Japan hasn't been exempt from the heat either, according to the most recent Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter from Naoki Yoshida. But that won't stop the game's staff from rolling out a new summer event celebrating the heat of summer, as well as promising to introduce a familiar enemy well-known for getting things a little bit hotter.

Most of this installment of the producer's letter is given over discussion about the design philosophy of the game, both for this week's patch 1.18 and moving forward. As Yoshida puts it, he wants to create the feeling for players that the game will be accessible on each individual's schedule, with accommodations for players who can only play for a little while each day as well as those with more time to enjoy the game. Take a look at the full post for a clear picture of how the philosophy applies to Final Fantasy XIV's combat, transport, and future content. There's also a new interview available from the Eorzeapedia team covering content in 1.19 and beyond.

MassivelyNewest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter addresses design philosophy and summer events originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventsnaoki-yoshidanewspatchesproducers-lettersquaresquare-enixupcoming-patchesWed, 20 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter covers balance changes, guildleves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/new-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-covers-balance-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/new-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-covers-balance-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/new-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-covers-balance-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Square Enix's Naoki Yoshida popped by the Final Fantasy XIV forums today to present the community with the latest Final Fantasy XIV Producer's Letter. The post deals with the game's upcoming patch 1.18 and the changes that it will bring.

In particular, the letter addresses upcoming balance reforms, which will see Final Fantasy XIV's "shift from being a grind-centric game to one that offers enjoyment for all playing styles and circumstances with its ever-expanding variety of content." Yoshida also discusses the changes coming to guildleves, noting that at the game's launch, "it was stated... that guildleves [would] form the heart of the game." That claim has now been retracted, as Yoshida notes that central content "isn't a static thing" and that it's "new content that we continually develop for our fans' enjoyment, with no one item indefinitely bathing in the spotlight." All-in-all, the letter seems promising for the ongoing adjustments to the game. For the full text, head on over to the Final Fantasy XIV forums.

MassivelyNew Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter covers balance changes, guildleves originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebalance-adjustmentsbalance-changesff-14ff-xivff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivguildleveguildlevesnaoki-yoshidaproducers-lettersquaresquare-enixMon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 goes anti-disco in the June producer's letter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/wizard101-goes-anti-disco-in-the-june-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/wizard101-goes-anti-disco-in-the-june-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/wizard101-goes-anti-disco-in-the-june-producers-letter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The community at Wizard101 is still riding high on the recent Wintertusk world expansion, and according to the June producer's letter, KingsIsle wants to keep the good times rolling.

Apart from relaying a few testimonials about the recent expansion, the producer's letter is all about the Benjam-- er, Crowns. Leah Ruben spotlights a couple of promotional sales from the company, including a Dragon's Hoard booster pack that has the potential to deliver rare goodies, and a GameStop card that unleashes a genie (among other things) in your Wizard101 world.

Ruben says that a recent graphical issue known as "discoing" on older machines is now fixed. "While sometimes it's fun to dance the disco with flashing colors and lights," she jokes, "it's a bit distracting when you're trying to adventure through the new worlds."

Finally, Ruben says that the UK version of the game has added a German language version for those who perfer to play in their native tongue. Assuming that you're German and not Swedish. Or Kenyan. Or... well, you get the point. You can read the full producer's letter over at Wizard101.

MassivelyWizard101 goes anti-disco in the June producer's letter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-packdiscodiscoingdragons-hoardgamestopgeniegermankenyankingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlanguageLeah-Rubenproducers-letterpromotionsswedishukunited-kingdomversionversionswintertuskwizard101Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DAoC rolling out new website, allowing server transfers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/daoc-rolling-out-new-website-allowing-server-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/daoc-rolling-out-new-website-allowing-server-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/daoc-rolling-out-new-website-allowing-server-transfers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As Dark Age of Camelot counts down to its 10th year anniversary in October, Stuart Zissu breaks out a few early presents by revealing four "big ticket items" in his latest producer's letter.

An upgraded new player experience is on its way for the game to help new and returning players get up to speed for epic RvR battles. Dubbed the "New User Journey," this extended tutorial will give pointers on everything from pets to crowd control.

The team's also hard at work on a new website for the game, which should be coming soon. Or "soon." The new website will operate in conjunction with the third big ticket item, which is a DAoC wiki. Zissu put out a call for players to help fill the wiki once it's up and running.

Finally, players on the Glamorgan cluster will be able to transfer to Ywain in the near future. You can read all of the nitty-gritty details of these items on the Camelot Herald.

MassivelyDAoC rolling out new website, allowing server transfers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10th-anniversaryanniversarydaocdaoc-wikidark-age-of-camelotGlamorganmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-user-experiencenew-user-journeyproducers-letterserver-transfersstuart-zissututorialwebsitewikiywainMon, 06 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest producer's letter for City of Heroes talks about updating old content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/newest-producers-letter-for-city-of-heroes-talks-about-updating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/newest-producers-letter-for-city-of-heroes-talks-about-updating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/newest-producers-letter-for-city-of-heroes-talks-about-updating/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pretty much every time the development team at Paragon Studios answers player questions, there's a question that comes up about updating older content in City of Heroes. And usually the answer is a pretty standard one, a promise that updates will be looked at but aren't on any sort of specific timetable. It's a bit generic as answers go -- but the newest producer's letter for the game goes into more detail about why content gets updated, why it doesn't necessarily get updated, and the fact that there will be updates to legacy content in the future.

The usual rationale for fewer updates is the amount of work involved in updating this content, but the letter explains in more detail that it's not enough for content just to be old. In order to be ripe for a reworking, the task force or zone has to be underutilized to begin with, which gives a good reason for development to try to revitalize the content. City of Heroes players will be happy to note that the letter also promises revamps coming to the early leveling areas in the near future -- while it doesn't specify the details, more information will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

MassivelyNewest producer's letter for City of Heroes talks about updating old content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdevelopmentncsoftparagonparagon-studiosproducerproducers-letterrevampsrevisionsupdatesWed, 01 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth state of the game talks combat tweaks, progress towns, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/fallen-earth-state-of-the-game-talks-combat-tweaks-progress-tow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/fallen-earth-state-of-the-game-talks-combat-tweaks-progress-tow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/fallen-earth-state-of-the-game-talks-combat-tweaks-progress-tow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's the beginning of another month in the wasteland, and that means that in addition to scavenging for scrap metal and dodging ginormous prairie chickens, denizens of Fallen Earth are heading to the game's official website to check out the latest state of the game address.

Much of producer Marie "Aro Sei" Croall's letter concerns progress towns, Alpha County, and combat tweaks. While we've previewed progress towns before, there is an interesting nugget in this month's letter that details a new form of related currency. Croall calls it "a PvE form of death toll" and explains that it is intended to reward players for capturing and building one of the three progress towns.

She also takes the time explain the changes to minimum skill levels, which is an important consideration when it comes to players spending their hard-earned stat points. Finally, there's a bit of discussion about post-Alpha County development plans including an objective system and potential world events. Check out all the details at the Fallen Earth website.

MassivelyFallen Earth state of the game talks combat tweaks, progress towns, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-countyaro-seifallen-earthgame-mechanicsicarusicarus-studiosmarie-croallminimum-skillsobjective-systempost-apocalypticproducers-letterprogress-townssci-fistat-pointsstate-of-the-gameworld-eventsMon, 02 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes producer's letter talks story and solo-friendliness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/city-of-heroes-producers-letter-talks-story-and-solo-friendline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/city-of-heroes-producers-letter-talks-story-and-solo-friendline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/city-of-heroes-producers-letter-talks-story-and-solo-friendline/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

City of Heroes is the latest MMORPG to feature story in its marketing materials, as producer Nate "Second Measure" Birkholz outlines a number of narrative-based initiatives in store for the seven-year old superhero title. "We view City of Heroes as a storytelling medium. We have a lot of long-term plans for the main story, and all of these plans are intended to provide a backdrop for the stories you tell with your characters every day," Birkholz explains.

He also spends a bit of time reflecting on the massive changes that CoX has experienced during its live cycle, noting that the game is much more casual-friendly than it once was. More changes are coming too, among them a new zone in Issue 21 and "alternative ways to experience the Incarnate System, especially options that are more accessible to solo players and small groups."

You can read the full text at the official CoX website.

MassivelyCity of Heroes producer's letter talks story and solo-friendliness originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscohcovcoxincarnateincarnate-systemissue-21nate-birkholzncsoftparagonparagon-studiosproducer-letterproducers-lettersecond-measuresolo-friendlystorysuperheroThu, 28 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online's state of the game letter talks crafting, Update 9]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-state-of-the-game-letter-talks-cra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-state-of-the-game-letter-talks-cra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-state-of-the-game-letter-talks-cra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's time for the April version of Dungeons and Dragons Online's State of the Game address, and striding toward the teleprompter is Turbine executive producer Fernando Paiz. First up is a shout out to the newly assimilated French and German DDO communities. Paiz also says that all DDO clients and servers will support multiple languages via a launcher toggle.

There's also some discussion about Update 9, in particular the "major balance pass" that all the game's spells have undergone. Epic content is getting some attention, as are DDO's animations. The new crafting system gets some virtual ink as well, and Paiz says that Turbine will be "incrementally releasing more crafting levels and recipes through Update 9 and Update 10" as well as soliciting feedback over time.

Finally, there's talk of challenge quests and how the new content will play out over the next few months. Overall, there's a lot going on, and you've got a fair bit of reading to do, so head to the official DDO website to get started.

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online's state of the game letter talks crafting, Update 9 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challenge-questscraftingddodev-diarydungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronf2pfantasyfernando-paizfree-to-playproducers-letterspellsstate-of-the-gamestormreachturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdate-9Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 releases producer's letter for April]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/wizard101-releases-producers-letter-for-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/wizard101-releases-producers-letter-for-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/wizard101-releases-producers-letter-for-april/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wizard101 is staying cool -- frosty, even. At the very least, the game's storyline is staying icy, as the game's next new area will be the region of Wintertusk. The newest producer's letter from Leah Ruben explains that Wintertusk will continue the story started in Grizzleheim, giving players a chance to venture farther into snowbound regions of the world against various tundra-themed enemies. But there are a lot of other changes coming along with the game's next update, offering players of all levels new content and additions.

Higher-level players will be able to enjoy the addition of high-level quest pets as well as a variety of additional spells and effects designed for the best of the best. Lower-level players will be heading back to Crab Alley to continue the mini-story associated with the Selena Gomez promotion a while back. There's also some new content slated to just be meant for those at the apex of power, as well as the opportunity for players to upgrade a given spell to help it match their newer abilities. In addition, the letter includes a continuation of last month's questions and answers for the producer. Wizard101 players can check out the full producer's letter for more information.

MassivelyWizard101 releases producer's letter for April originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentleah-rubennewspending-changespending-patchespending-updatesproducerproducers-letterupcoming-patchesupdatesw101wizard101Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EQII producer's letter outlines roadmap for 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/new-eqii-producers-letter-outlines-roadmap-for-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/new-eqii-producers-letter-outlines-roadmap-for-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/new-eqii-producers-letter-outlines-roadmap-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Recent layoffs at SOE may have caused a certain amount of trepidation in terms of future development on some of the company's most popular titles. Thankfully, the most recent Producer's Letter from Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson should put many EverQuest II players' minds at ease. He took some time to sit down and give us an outline of plans the EverQuest II developers have for 2011, indicating that things are very good for the game's future.

Those who purchased the most recent expansion, Destiny of Velious, will be glad to hear that en route is even more content that will further expand on the Age's End Prophecy storyline. That content will only be available to those who picked up the expansion, however, so if you've been thinking about getting it, now would be a good time. Next up, it appears that Freeport is going to be getting a pretty heavy makeover both in terms of layout and what it will offer to players -- along with becoming a single zone open to flying mounts! We don't want to spoil you for all the interesting information mentioned, so if you're curious, head over to the EverQuest II site and check out the newest Producer's Letter.

MassivelyNew EQII producer's letter outlines roadmap for 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dave-Georgesondestiny-of-veliousdoveq2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedproducers-lettersmokejumpersoesony-online-entertainmentWed, 06 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest gearing up for more content despite SOE layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/everquest-gearing-up-for-more-content-despite-soe-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/everquest-gearing-up-for-more-content-despite-soe-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/everquest-gearing-up-for-more-content-despite-soe-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In the wake of last week's layoffs, fans are no doubt wondering which of their favorite Sony Online Entertainment MMOs will be feeling a possible staffing pinch. The company's venerable EverQuest title is apparently safe -- and none the worse for wear -- according to a letter by producer Thom Terrazas that was posted last night on the game's official forums.

Not only will EQ business continue as usual, but the original incarnation of Norrath will be receiving even more content than it has in the past. "We're going to bring you high-level and enjoyable content throughout the year, even more than we have in past years," Terrazas explained, before mentioning the dev team's plans for more frequent seasonal events and the desire to "beef up the gameplay experience" during the spring and summer months.

MassivelyEverQuest gearing up for more content despite SOE layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contenteqeventseverquestfantasylayoffsnew-contentnorrathproducers-letterproducers-notesoesony-online-entertainmentthom-terrazasWed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST