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: Do you bring MMOs into real life?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-bring-mmos-into-real-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-bring-mmos-into-real-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-bring-mmos-into-real-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind Do you bring MMOs into real life
One of the aspects that I like about MMOs is the sense of accomplishment when it comes to achieving specific goals. Maybe they're my goals or maybe they're goals set by the game, but checking things off a list and knowing that I've made progress is satisfying. That's why I often look at real world chores like an MMO quest log these days, filling my to do list up before knocking them out. I'm only slightly disappointed when victory music doesn't play when I turn in a quest to my wife.

Mental note: Must buy wife a kazoo.

Anyway, do you ever experience moments where your passion for MMOs bleed over into your real life? Do you grind reputation with your boss at work? Have you found yourself opening up a fridge and wondering what kind of epic consumables are inside? Did you strip to your skivvies and dance on top of your mailbox until the neighbors complained? Is all of this a cry for help?

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 bring MMOs into real life? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindgamificationkazooopinionquestquest-logquestsreal-lifereal-worldtdgthe-daily-grindSun, 21 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you still love the traditional questing model?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-love-the-traditional-questing-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-love-the-traditional-questing-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-love-the-traditional-questing-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind Do you still love the traditional questing model
Lately I've been enjoying somewhat of a gaming renaissance in Lord of the Rings Online. I've been gaming in both high- and low-level areas, chewing through quest lines, and actually reading all of the story text. It struck me that in this day and age when MMOs are attempting to bring storytelling and questing to new levels, there's still something attractive and addicting about "old-fashioned" questing models.

Perhaps it's the straight-forward presentation, the promise of "do this and get rewarded." Maybe it's still satisfying to vacuum up eight quests at once and check them off, one by one. And I think that great tales can still be told through such models.

But enough about what I think -- what's your opinion? Do you still (or ever) love the traditional questing model?

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 still love the traditional questing model? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionquestquestingqueststdgthe-daily-grindtraditional-questing-modeltraditional-queststurbineturbine-entertainmentSun, 17 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What quest has frustrated you more than any other?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-daily-grind-what-quest-has-frustrated-you-more-than-any-oth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-daily-grind-what-quest-has-frustrated-you-more-than-any-oth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-daily-grind-what-quest-has-frustrated-you-more-than-any-oth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a console game, this is usually about the point when I start flinging controllers.
I have a relatively acrimonious relationship with most of The Secret World's investigation missions for reasons too ornate to detail here. Hell and Bach, however, deserves special mention. It's not that it's one of the game's worse examples, but that the actual mechanics behind clearing the mission are very finnicky. You have to click a series of symbols in just the right way to spell out a phrase, but the symbols are close together, it's easy to miss a click, and to top it off it won't work if you have the reference guide open as you do so.

For all-time frustration, that mission ramped up pretty highly, although I enjoyed it once I cleared it. But it's not about what frustrates me, it's about what frustrates you. So what quest has frustrated you more than any other? Was it unclear in its objectives, or were its clearly stated objectives just dizzyingly hard to actually accomplish? Or was it something even more mundane, like a Final Fantasy XI quest that irritated you because you could never find the other people to do it with?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What quest has frustrated you more than any other? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoyanceannoying-questsawkwardnessbugsdaily-grinddifficultyfrustrationglitchesmissionsopinionquestqueststdgthat-one-questthe-daily-grindTue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the most insulting quest you've ever done?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-insulting-quest-youve-ever-don/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-insulting-quest-youve-ever-don/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-insulting-quest-youve-ever-don/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind What's the most insulting quest you've ever done
The other night, a friend of mine took to Twitter to express her displeasure over an EverQuest II mission. "I have to do something called Jenni's Stained Pants," she said, nonplussed. "This may be the most insulting quest I've ever done."

While the actual mission turned out to be more benign than she'd anticipated from the title, I could relate. There have been so many quests in MMOs that aren't just beneath my stature but outright mocking my status as a hero. How many times have we had to pick up poo on the whims of a developer? Or pluck flowers for Elves? Or run extremely pointless errands because an NPC has a deadly case of fat butt and doesn't want to stop watching Honey Boo Boo?

So let it out today: What's the most insulting quest you've ever done? Vent! Lance that wound! Rebuff those devs who think it's OK to make a monkey out of you!

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's the most insulting quest you've ever done? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playhere-comes-honey-boo-boohoney-boo-booinsulting-questsjennis-stained-pantsopinionpoopoopquestquestssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstupid-queststdgthe-daily-grindSun, 27 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT expands beta in second weekend event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/rift-expands-beta-in-second-weekend-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/rift-expands-beta-in-second-weekend-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/rift-expands-beta-in-second-weekend-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT expands beta in second weekend event
The beta for RIFT: Storm Legion continues to grow as it heads into its second beta weekend event. The new beta event starts on Friday the 19th at 1:00 p.m. EDT and includes the zones of City Core, Eastern Holdings, and Seratos. Beta participants will also be able to get their hands on two of the expansion's new features: Dimensions and Hunt Rifts.

You can guarantee a spot in the beta by pre-ordering. Better do it fast if you have a hankering because the second beta weekend will come to an end on October 24th at 11:00 a.m., at which point the countdown clock will commence for the third event.

In the meantime, RIFTers are invited to check out the evolution of the game's questing system through a Hungry Man-sized livestream after the jump!

Continue reading RIFT expands beta in second weekend event

MassivelyRIFT expands beta in second weekend event originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-eventbeta-weekendconquestexpansionfantasylivestreampvpquestquestingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsvideoMon, 15 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: RuneScape is a proper MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/the-soapbox-runescape-is-a-proper-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/the-soapbox-runescape-is-a-proper-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/the-soapbox-runescape-is-a-proper-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Soapbox title image
Most of us will remember RuneScape from its first incarnation: a tiny and blocky world with simplistic gameplay, no sound, and only a handful of quests. The product of two brothers operating out of their parents' house in Nottingham, the original version launched in 2001 and slowly carved out its niche as a game for kids that could be played in a web-browser. RuneScape has a special significance for me as the first MMO I ever played, and it's responsible for starting my life-long love affair with online gaming. A whole generation of gamers grew up with that primitive, blocky world and eventually left for more polished games. But RuneScape has grown up too -- and boy did it have a growth spurt!

Today's RuneScape bears little resemblance to the classic version many of us played as kids. The graphics are now considerably better, the world map is about five times the size, and it has features most people dream of getting in their favourite MMOs. RuneScape now has player housing, guild halls on huge floating islands, a full player-designed battleground system, procedurally generated dungeons, regular content updates, and 186 quests packed full of British humour. People sometimes say that RuneScape isn't a proper MMO like World of Warcraft, but I'd argue that it's actually more worthy of its "massively multiplayer" title than most of the MMOs released in the past decade.

In this editorial, I look at just how far RuneScape has come and argue that RuneScape may be more worthy of being called a proper MMO than some triple-A releases.

Continue reading The Soapbox: RuneScape is a proper MMO

MassivelyThe Soapbox: RuneScape is a proper MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockybrowserbrowser-basedcastle-in-the-skyclanclan-citadelsclansclassic-mmodungeoneeringdungeons-of-daemonheimf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studioopinionquestquestingquestsrantrantsrsrscrunescaperunescape-classicsoapboxten-yearsthe-soapboxwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 09 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are dynamic events another MMO fad?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-daily-grind-are-dynamic-events-another-mmo-fad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Are dynamic events another MMO fad?
Move over, MMO story: dynamic events are this season's buzz word. Popularized by earlier MMOs like Warhammer Online and RIFT, dynamic events have become such an integral part of modern MMO design that brand-new Guild Wars 2 employs them as its central content conceit. Skip dynamic events in GW2 and you're going to have a rough time leveling (or surviving the ridicule of the commentariat, who consider dynamic events to be far superior to mundane, quest-like renown hearts). Even MMOFPS titles like Firefall are adopting the mechanic for their PvE fans.

But is this actually the type of content we want to see from our MMOs, whatever their flavor? Never mind whether they're actually dynamic -- do you actually think they make for fun, desirable content? Or are we just so sick of themepark-style questing and leveling that we're willing to accept anything in its stead, even if that "anything" might be a fad akin to MMO story?

What do you think -- are dynamic events all that and a bag of chips?

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: Are dynamic events another MMO fad? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grinddynamicdynamic-contentdynamic-eventdynamic-eventsfadfirefallGuild-Wars-2gw2levellevelingmmo-storyopinionorange-eventsquestquestingriftstorytdgthe-daily-grindWarhammer-OnlineFri, 05 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-new-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-new-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-new-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
If you've ever tried EVE Online and couldn't make it through the cumbersome tutorial, you might want to revisit it. The new player experience received a huge update with the recent Inferno 1.2 patch, which visually updated the starter tutorial and revamped the rookie ships and free frigates players are given. The new tutorial is fully up to date, even introducing recent gameplay updates like the "loot all" button on cargo containers and the new interface for accessing agent missions while in space. A lot of effort has been put into the updated tutorial, but has it really made a difference? This week I gave it a try to find out.

Last night at around 6 p.m. EVE time (GMT), there were over 38,000 players online, and only 1,200 were marked as trial accounts. I logged in to find 2,800 players in Rookie Help, a mandatory help channel exclusively for characters under 30 days old. That means just over 7% of characters logged in at the time were either rookies or veterans starting new alternate characters. With only 1,200 of those characters being on trial accounts, a healthy number of the remaining 1,600 must have been recent signups on fully subscribed accounts. Even the most cynical player has to admit that these are encouraging numbers of new players.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I give the new EVE tutorial a spin to find out whether now is a good time for new players to sign up.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial

MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>career-agentsccpccp-gameseveeve-career-agentseve-evolvedeve-onlineeve-tutorialfeaturedfree-trialfrigatefrigatesincarnainfernno-1.2infernokajattamissionnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersquestsandboxsci-fitooltipstrialtutorialSun, 19 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The horse-whisperer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-road-to-mordor-the-horse-whisperer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-road-to-mordor-the-horse-whisperer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-road-to-mordor-the-horse-whisperer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Road to Mordor The horsewhisperer
A ragged messenger galloped up to me while I stood hip-deep in the dead, Uruk-hai blood dripping down my greatsword. "For you, ma'am," he said, saluting and riding away.

I unrolled the scroll and quickly scanned its contents. The world around me grew very still for a moment and then resumed its course in the next heartbeat. I sucked my teeth and read it completely, looking for nuance and meaning between each word in the missive. Finally, I tucked it away and whistled for my steed.

"Sorry, Pippin, Merry," I apologized. The Hobbits looked up at me with frantic, bulging eyes, their hands and mouths still bound by their now-deceased captors. "I know your quest is important, but this takes precedence. Fare thee well."

With that I kicked my mount's side and began the thousand-mile trek back to my roots. Back to Combe. Back to a little stable where a lost horsie needed my help.

Oh, yeah. I'm a hero, all right.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The horse-whisperer

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The horse-whisperer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Semantic shift is a phrase I've recently acquired for whenever I want to sound insufferable at parties. It refers to the phenomenon of a word's usage changing over time, sometimes to the point that it's completely the opposite of whatever it originally meant.

I believe that the word "quest" has undergone a semantic shift in the MMO community (and video games at large). What once had roots in the long, difficult journeys that take place in life and fiction has quickly become reduced to a trivial task of gathering, killing, or clicking in-game. The sheer volume of such quests and that meaninglessness of their charges has reduced the word to bargain basement kitsch. If we're supposed to be heroes, why then are so many of the quests we're given are no more exciting than going to the grocery store?

"Quest" as a word has lost much respect in the community, almost completing its semantic shift such that it's almost pejorative. Yet there is a movement right now to reclaim the word and restore it to its proper meaning, and it's happening right in front of our eyes.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The quest to save quests

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The quest to save quests originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Missing Ink screenshot
If there's one phrase that gets me excited for a new MMO, it's "cross-platform." I know that's not very slick-sounding, but when I hear those words, I envision playing the same game across multiple devices. I can sit at my PC, move over to my bar, take a seat on my patio, sit down in the bath (with the tablet carefully held over the side) and finish off a dungeon while I'm lying in bed.

The Missing Ink is not only attempting to be a unique title by offering the type of access that we normally see only from Spacetime Studios or HTML5 browser MMOs but presenting a very unique-looking game, one of paper cutout figures and Burton-esque curly trees dotting a wavy landscape. There's also a building mode promised, although I haven't experienced it yet. But will this multi-platform approach work? Well, I took a look at the alpha and have enjoyed what I've seen so far, but I must warn you: This is not a review. It's hardly even a preview. It's just a peek into a strange, new game. The following opinions and gameplay bits are subject to massive, sweeping changes.

Continue reading MMObility: Stomping around the world of The Missing Ink

MassivelyMMObility: Stomping around the world of The Missing Ink originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved title image
EVE Online has always had a reputation as a hardcore sandbox MMO, a game in which the players build the world as they see fit. While developers build the core gameplay systems, it's what players do with that gameplay that makes EVE special. It's the political hijinks of nullsec alliances, the massive heists, and the stories of people forging their own directions that drive people to play EVE. I've often said that EVE is less a game and more a story about what players do when left alone with each other. It's a story of conflict driven by simply having so many players in one universe with limited resources.

Not everyone likes that sandbox angle or plays an MMO primarily for the social interaction; some like to be presented with a fully crafted story that they can play through or be a part of. Most themepark MMOs cater exclusively to this type of player, with stories told in quests that send him across the landscape. In the summer of 2005, EVE Online almost started to cater to that type of player with its COSMOS constellations, areas filled with once-only missions and valuable rare items. The constellations were later practically abandoned to work on other new features, but I think they should make a return -- they could revolutionise EVE Online for themepark fans.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the ancient COSMOS constellations and consider how they could be brought back to breathe new life into every area of EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Themepark quests in EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Themepark quests in EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind Are you a fan of repeatable quests
I recently returned to Age of Conan, and I've been doing a lot of factional quests for tokens and gold in the game's Khitai expansion regions. Many of these quests are repeatable, meaning that once you've completed them and a cooldown timer has expired (usually 12 hours to a full day), you can do them again.

This is great if I'm in the mood to grind, but it's also hard on my OCD that compels me to "finish" a questing zone before moving on to the next one. Repeatables are also a slick way for developers to artificially extend the shelf life of a particular zone without adding any new content.

What say you, Massively readers. Are you a fan of repeatable quests? Why or why not?

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: Are you a fan of repeatable quests? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindgrindgrindingopinionquestquestingquestsrepeatable-questsrepeatablestdgthe-daily-grindTue, 12 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Escort vs. limited drop quests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/leaderboard-escort-vs-limited-drop-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/leaderboard-escort-vs-limited-drop-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/leaderboard-escort-vs-limited-drop-quests/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard Escort vs limited drop quests
We love complaining about quests in MMOs almost as much as we love doing them. Maybe you wear hipster glasses and say bold statements like, "I hated quests while they were still the cool, new thing," but it doesn't make you special and nobody likes your glasses. Sorry. It's Blunt Truth Day here in the Massively offices.

If there are two types of quests that seem to drive everyone bananas, however, they would have to be escort quests and limited drop quests. Escort quests in any video game, not merely MMOs, are aggravating because they take some of the control out of the hands of the player and force them to babysit an often slow-moving, death-seeking sack of idiocy.

Limited drop quests can be just as frustrating, because it's here that you know the game is just screwing with you. "Go get six werewolf eyeballs," the quest-giver says, "But, for no good reason other than to suck up your time, not every werewolf will drop an eyeball. Lots of blind werewolves in these here parts, you see."

Today you're voting on the quest type that's the most frustrating: escort or limited drops. Which causes you to rip out your hair? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Escort vs. limited drop quests

MassivelyLeaderboard: Escort vs. limited drop quests originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalescortescort-questsleaderboardlimited-droplimited-drop-questslimited-dropsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsquestquestsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 11 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Is LotRO's questing system over the hill?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-road-to-mordor-is-lotros-questing-system-over-the-hill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-road-to-mordor-is-lotros-questing-system-over-the-hill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-road-to-mordor-is-lotros-questing-system-over-the-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
There's a good chance you're not reading this column right now but instead are fully immersed in the weekend beta for Guild Wars 2: Guild Harder. That's OK. I won't hold it against you -- I may even be playing it as well. Oh, those ArenaNet folks. They make such lofty promises, don't they? They're going to rewrite MMOs as we know them and show us once and for all that we've been playing with Tinker Toys when we could have fully functional jetpacks and whatnot.

I don't harbor any ill will against Guild Wars 2; in fact, I'm quite looking forward to it. But as everyone's focused on the game's excising of traditional questing as popularized by World of Warcraft, I thought it would be worth examining just how dated Lord of the Rings Online's questing system has become, if at all.

In an era of dynamic events, public quests, full voice-over, and other techniques designed to get us away from the text box questing model, will LotRO hold its ground against these fads or is it truly becoming a relic of the past? Let's dig in!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Is LotRO's questing system over the hill?

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Is LotRO's questing system over the hill? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmenteaelectronic-artsepic-questsepic-storyepic-storylinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguild-wars-2gw2jrr-tolkienlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionquestquestingquesting-systemriders-of-rohanriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararoad-to-mordorsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-road-to-mordortolkientortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 28 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online to add new features, anniversary gifts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/allods-online-to-add-questing-features-new-skirmish-and-raid-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/allods-online-to-add-questing-features-new-skirmish-and-raid-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/allods-online-to-add-questing-features-new-skirmish-and-raid-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Allods Online
Allods Online is barreling down the road toward Patch 3.0.0.02 (the extra decimals denote quality!), with an array of fine features to anticipate. Chief among those is an overall improved questing experience. The patch will give players additional ways to track and find quests, not to mention a new "auto-move" feature that will whisk you away to your desired destination.

Next on the patch's agenda is the game's second PvP skirmish map: Deserted Farm. Deserted Farm will be a 6v6 skirmish where players will struggle to control a central flag. The twist to the map is that a pair of cannon can focus-fire onto this location, so obtaining one or both of these is mandatory for success.

Finally, 3.0.0.02 (the extra decimals are a secret code that tells you gPotato loves you) will add a new raid boss to the Kingdom of Elements. His name is Gen'ul, Lord of the Volcano, and he'll be very pleased to meet and then wipe the floor with you. Multiple raids can attempt to down him at the same time and then squabble over the huge treasure chest that he drops.

The Allods site has also been updated with details on the anniversary celebration and gifts.

MassivelyAllods Online to add new features, anniversary gifts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6v6allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netGenulgpotatopatchPatch-3.0.0.02patch-previewpvpquestquestingquestsraid-bossskirmishFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Alganon
Citing "unforseen circumstances," the team at QOL has announced that Alganon's Rise of the Ourobani expansion will be delayed until the fourth quarter of this year. "After evaluation of the project, it was decided that more time was needed in order to do some critical bug fixes as well as to spend more time on certain areas and features of the expansion in order to do the best work possible," the devs wrote in the April newsletter.

Rise of the Ourobani will feature the playable titular race, a brand-new continent to explore, a Warden combat companion, PvP, and flying mounts. To soften the blow of the expansion's delay, QOL has released several sneak peek pictures and videos.

Even though the expansion is a ways away, players have a reason to log in now, as Alganon is preparing a double-XP weekend from April 20 through the 23rd.

You can watch Rise of the Ourobani flying mounts in action after the break.

Continue reading Alganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend

MassivelyAlganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonclasscontinentdelaydouble-xpdouble-xp-weekendf2pfantasyflying-mountflying-mountsfree-to-playourobaniqolquestquest-onlineracerise-of-the-ourobanitrailervideowardenTue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar Wednesday examines redundancies in quest text]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/wildstar-wednesday-examines-redundancies-in-quest-text/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/wildstar-wednesday-examines-redundancies-in-quest-text/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/wildstar-wednesday-examines-redundancies-in-quest-text/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I've been in a firefight before... well, in a fire. Actually, I got fired.
Can you really produce a meaningful set of quests while keeping each snippet of text down to 140 characters? The team developing WildStar certainly thinks so. In a previous installment of the regular WildStar Wednesday feature, fans were introduced to the concept, but this week's developer diary is all about explaining how you keep all of the flavor of a quest while trimming it down to the bare minimum necessary. It's not about stripping out flavor -- it's about exactly the opposite.

Senior narrative designer Cory Herndon explains by example that a lot of quest text winds up repeating unnecessary facts or stating something that should be immediately clear. Herndon starts with a longer example of quest text and steadily pares it down to the most important bits of information, keeping all of the flavor while posting each bit of communication in quick and comprehensible bursts. Combined with the discussion of adding further bits of quest dialogue after important objectives are completed, the diary shows just how you can get a lot of flavor into the quests without quite as many fancy words.

MassivelyWildStar Wednesday examines redundancies in quest text originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdeveloper-diaryncsoftpresentationpreviewsquestquest-textquestsstorytwitterwildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsWed, 29 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Derek Smart on Line of Defense]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-firing-line-derek-smart-on-line-of-defense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-firing-line-derek-smart-on-line-of-defense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/the-firing-line-derek-smart-on-line-of-defense/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to a special interview edition of The Firing Line, folks. True MMOFPS titles are few and far between these days, though 2012 is shaping up to be a banner year for the genre thanks to games like PlanetSide 2, DUST 514, and possibly even Firefall. There's another massive FPS on its way, too, and even though it hasn't had quite as much press coverage as the aforementioned titles, 3000AD's Line of Defense project is worth a look.

Join me after the break for a conversation with lead designer Derek Smart as he talks about what makes the game massive as well as what sets it apart from its competitors.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Derek Smart on Line of Defense

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Derek Smart on Line of Defense originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3000-ad3000adalganoncertificatesderek-smartderek-smart-interviewexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgame-designgame-mechanisinterviewline-of-defensemassively-exclusivemmo-shootermmofpspvpquestquest-onlineshooterthe-firing-linethe-firing-line-interviewsFri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not pictured: Corlede being tied up by Zorai cavalry and insisting that they call her Dances with Bodoc.
Questing is an essential part of MMOs. You can say that players should be the ones crafting stories in games, not the developers, but quests provide you with structure and guidance. Even if you can create all sorts of stories on your own, it helps to know what the world is supposed to be like and how to set your own objectives. Not to mention the fact that having some sort of pointer is massively useful when you start playing.

So it makes sense to take a good look at the questing in Ryzom, even though the game definitely veers toward the "sandbox" side of the fence. Plus, questing won the poll last week, so even if I thought quests were categorical garbage, that would still be my destination. I can't run you through all of the quests that I've done in the game, but one in particular lent itself to a narrative, albeit in a somewhat disjointed form.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Quest rhythm originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anecdoteschoose-my-adventurecmacolumndesignfeaturedhands-onhumoropinionpollpollsquestquestingquestsreaders-choiceryzomvotevotingwinch-gate-propertyWed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does quest reward realism matter?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-daily-grind-does-quest-reward-realism-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-daily-grind-does-quest-reward-realism-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-daily-grind-does-quest-reward-realism-matter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LotRO screenshot
While playing Star Wars: The Old Republic this week, my quest partner and I ran into something odd: A group of anti-Jedi Twi'lek pilgrims handed over an elite Jedi robe to his Consular. What were these pilgrims doing with expensive gear from their enemies, and if the quest-givers had looted the garb from Jedi corpses, why would they consider such wearables worthy gifts for us? In a game as story-driven as SWTOR, you'd think the quest rewards would match the lore, right?

Of course, BioWare's new epic isn't alone in these weird quirks. Think about how many fantasy games have monsters that drop abnormal numbers of body parts, or worse, money, when you know that ghost couldn't carry a sack of gold and you're pretty darn sure that bat had two eyes, not just one. But does it bother you? Are your immersions disrupted by such inanities, or do you chalk them up to game mechanics and go about your MMO business, happily accepting illogical quest rewards and looting ridiculous items (like furniture!) from any old white-con mob that wanders into your crosshairs?

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: Does quest reward realism matter? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgimmersionimmersionslootlootingloreopinionquestquest-rewardquest-rewardsquestingquestsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtortdgthe-daily-grindSat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you favor random quests?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-favor-random-quests/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies
One of Star Wars Galaxies' content quirks, borrowed heavily from Anarchy Online, is the random quest. If you tire of themepark questlines, you can trek over to a mission terminal and ask it to generate a random kill-10-rats quest for you. In SWG's prime, these quests were terribly annoying; no one really wants to spend all of his time leveling up by taking missions to destroy a gubbur lair over and over and over. Thank goodness for this new era of individual, scripted quests brought on by World of Warcraft, right?

Well, not necessarily. More than once, I (and some our our forum-goers) have been irked at hand-written quests in WoW-esque games. They're usually trite and transparent, and the quest-givers rarely have good reason to entrust me with their tasks. We're still getting kill-10-rats quests -- we just have to click through a bunch of lame dialogue first.

What do you think? Do you prefer pre-scripted, one-off, linear quests, or do you long for the simplicity and honesty of random quest generation?

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 favor random quests? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineaobrianna-royce-tdgkill-ten-ratsmissionmission-terminalopinionquestquestsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Anatomy of a failed quest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-anatomy-of-a-failed-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-anatomy-of-a-failed-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-anatomy-of-a-failed-quest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Road to Mordor
After last week's column on the 10 most memorable quests in Lord of the Rings Online, I had a couple of people ask for the polar opposite: the 10 worst quests. While I know that there are many -- stupid Sara Oakheart escort! -- they don't stick in my mind the way the best ones do. However, I think it's worthwhile to examine one such quest to see how game design can fail the player in small but meaningful ways.

The quest in question? Rise of Isengard's Taking a Stand, which, coincidentally, was the only quest I've done this past week, and not because I was super-busy but because every time I'd log in I'd hit my head against it, try it a half-dozen times, and then give up out of frustration. Rinse and repeat. Since it was part of a chain and I am trying to do all the quests in RoI, skipping it wasn't a possibility. It had to be done, and it stood between me and the remainder of the content like a bully that's four times my size and has no compunction against shoving me to the ground.

So what was it about Taking a Stand that failed me so badly? And what could Turbine learn from this quest for future reference? Hit the jump as I break it down, piece by stupid piece.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Anatomy of a failed quest

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Anatomy of a failed quest originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dunlandfailfailed-questfailurefeaturedgap-of-rohankobayashi-marulmlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterloremasterlotroquestquestsrise-of-isengardtaking-a-standturbineTurbine-EntertainmentSat, 12 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The 10 most memorable quests in LotRO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/the-road-to-mordor-the-10-most-memorable-quests-in-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/the-road-to-mordor-the-10-most-memorable-quests-in-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/the-road-to-mordor-the-10-most-memorable-quests-in-lotro/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
I honestly have no idea how many quests we're up to in Lord of the Rings Online at this point. Thousands, for sure. And as with many other facets in life, 90% of these quests are fated to be unmemorable tasks that blur together with all the rest. However, I've always felt that LotRO has a decently high cool quest-to-forgettable chore ratio, at least compared to other MMOs.

What makes a memorable quest? Here's my litmus test: When I sat down first thing in the morning, all bleary-eyed, to write this article, these quests bubbled up to the forefront of my mind. They've "stuck," for lack of a more precise term, in my head. They've made an impression, and because of that I feel they're among the cream of the crop in LotRO's repertoire.

For today's Road to Mordor, I'm going to simply list the first 10 most memorable quests that came to me. I actually was going to just do six, but couldn't stop myself there; I could barely halt at 10, if that gives you an indication. These might not be your most favorite quests or even the best in the game, but they've been the ones that have stuck with me through thick and thin.'

Warning: Past this point thar be spoilers! Beware!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The 10 most memorable quests in LotRO

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The 10 most memorable quests in LotRO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ale-associationepic-storylinefeaturedfrodofrostblufffrostbluff-theatregollumhauntinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriaquestquestsrise-of-isengardstoriestookturbinevolume-2volume-iiwatcherwatcher-in-the-waterSat, 05 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: The no-quest challenge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-no-quest-challenge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-no-quest-challenge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-no-quest-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

OK, I know you all probably want to talk about the news that addons are coming to RIFT, but the truth is that it's not that big of an issue for me. My feelings on addons are that I'm for them if they enhance the game and encourage player creativity, but I'm against them if they reduce players to mere statistics in the eyes of others (GearScore) or are absolutely necessary to tackle the game's content.

So if you feel passionate about this topic, I give you leave to vent more about it in the comments below, but as for me and mine, we're going to look at quests today. More specifically, not doing them.

Now, I generally like quests. They give me a feeling of accomplishment (as I am fond of checking off items from my to-do lists in real life), the stories are occasionally interesting, and they give nice boosts to leveling. But I've come to realize something interesting about RIFT that might run under the radar of most: Quests are superfluous to the game. Well, at the very least, they're optional and not the mandatory tasks that most modern MMOs make them out to be.

So I had a thought. What about playing RIFT without questing at all -- taking on a "no-quest challenge" of sorts? Is it not only possible but fun too? Hit the jump and we'll examine this from all the angles.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: The no-quest challenge

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: The no-quest challenge originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeonsenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedfedexinstancesinvasionskill-ten-ratslfglfg-toolno-quest-challengeplanar-essencesplanaritepvpquestquestingquestsriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsrulesettriontrion-worldswarfrontwarfrontsworld-eventsworld-of-warcraftwowzone-wide-eventsWed, 08 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape: Sixth anniversary retrospective]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/runescape-anniversary-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/runescape-anniversary-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/runescape-anniversary-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it first launched back in 2001, RuneScape was a primitive beast. Its blocky three-dimensional world was littered with hand-drawn two-dimensional sprites, and most of its sound effects could have been created by whacking random objects with a hammer. Only a handful of quests and skills existed, and there wasn't much land to explore. After over a decade of development, the RuneScape we have today bears little semblance to its primitive ancestor. The map is an order of magnitude larger, the list of quests has grown immensely, and there are countless things to do in the world.

With several million actively playing free accounts and over a million paid subscribers, RuneScape has risen from its humble beginnings to be one of the world's most popular free-to-play MMOs. It's been a long road, with a few important milestones along the way. Today marks the sixth anniversary of the date that the RuneScape 2 beta was officially completed and the game's first major overhaul was launched live to players. Anyone who played back then will remember the beta fondly as the rebirth of a game they loved. Since then, regular game updates have added a huge amount of depth and content every year.

In this retrospective article, I look back at RuneScape's past to see how it got to where it is today and what's new to the game over this past year.

Continue reading RuneScape: Sixth anniversary retrospective

MassivelyRuneScape: Sixth anniversary retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaybrowserDaemonheimdungeoneeringelemental-workshopfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfree-tradegraphicsHatihati-wolfiterationjagexjavammo-industrypvpquestquestsrmtrunescaperunescape-classicsixth-anniversarytradewildernessTue, 29 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Solving the mystery of Kael Drakkel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/the-tattered-notebook-solving-the-mystery-of-kael-drakkel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/the-tattered-notebook-solving-the-mystery-of-kael-drakkel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/the-tattered-notebook-solving-the-mystery-of-kael-drakkel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In last week's Tattered Notebook, I mentioned a mysterious quest given to me by a server Guide named Kaaell. It involved locating several spots in Kael Drakkel, which would be no easy task given the difficulty of the zone. As Kaaell himself put it, this was a challenge for only the bravest players of the highest adventure level. Kael Drakkel is the newest contested dungeon from Destiny of Velious, and it's the most difficult group content available. Fortunately for the guild, we happened to catch him offering the quest again, and we all set off together to explore the zone and figure out what the quest would award us.

Did we solve the quest and discover the reward? Read on to find out!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Solving the mystery of Kael Drakkel

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Solving the mystery of Kael Drakkel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlegroundsdentmenndestiny-of-veliousdominus-gandrrigdoveqEQ2eqiieverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgnomish-air-racesguide-questkael-drakkelkael-or-be-kaeledquestquestssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttattered-notebookMon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon patches Phase III PvP update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/alganon-patches-phase-iii-pvp-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/alganon-patches-phase-iii-pvp-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/alganon-patches-phase-iii-pvp-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Destruction, terror, and mayhem came to Alganon this past November with the arrival of the game's first PvP patch. This week, the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG is tweaking the functionality with Phase III of its planned PvP rollout which includes a couple of noteworthy additions.

First up is the new tower mechanic. In a nutshell, the towers are PvP-enabled zones that automatically flag players for conflict five seconds after they've entered. Temporary promotions will be in effect for characters from levels 10 to 49, and statistics and action levels will be raised to level 50 for the duration of a player's time in the tower zone. The towers can also be captured, which brings bonuses to every member of your faction in the zone. The Quest devs have also added local and world defense chat channels to facilitate battlefield communication.

Finally, the new patch has also increased the renown level cap to 10 and there is new PvP gear for sale at various capital city quartermaster NPCs. Read all the details on Alganon's 2.5.2 patch at the official website.

MassivelyAlganon patches Phase III PvP update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5.2-patchalganoncapturef2pfree-to-playpatchpvppvp-gearpvp-zonesqolquestquest-onlinerenownrenown-caprenown-cap-increasetowersWed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The fall of the ivory tower]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/22/the-mog-log-the-fall-of-the-ivory-tower/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/22/the-mog-log-the-fall-of-the-ivory-tower/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/22/the-mog-log-the-fall-of-the-ivory-tower/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

No, I'm not talking about Delkfutt's Tower. That's cermet, not ivory, and by all indication it's still standing just fine. No, I'm looking at the ivory tower that any Final Fantasy XI fan is familiar with, that high and imposing structure from whence developers hand down their proclamations, nevermind whether said proclamations have any relation to things people would actually want.

Considering that Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV have both been seeing a lot of new and open communication from the development team, it's safe to say that those days are over. Whether or not you like the content of the updates is... actually pertinent, now. The developers seem to be listening to us in a way that we're just not accustomed to. I mean, seriously, show of hands, who expected the removal of Fields of Valor cooldowns?

It's a big change. And it makes me hopeful about both games, because in light of the leadership shakeups, it looks as if the new development direction is something I can really get behind. I might have a few reservations here and there, but last week's news leaves me excited.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The fall of the ivory tower

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The fall of the ivory tower originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chains-of-promathiacompanycompany-systemdeveloper-attitudedevelopmentfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfields-of-valorfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfuture-developmenthiromichi-tanakanaoki-yoshidaopinionquestquest-contentquestssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 22 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The Professor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This past week on January 3rd, J.R.R. Tolkien celebrated his 118th birthday -- or rather, we celebrated it for him. Tolkien was born in South Africa in 1892 and lived a rich and full life, from fighting in the first World War to working on the Oxford English Dictionary to taking a position at several universities that would earn him the nickname "The Professor."

He is, of course, most well-remembered for his seminal works of fantasy -- The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion -- although his writings didn't end there. Due to Tolkien's love of nature, linguistics, and mythology, his creations were born out of comprehensive backgrounds and rich histories, which he seemed to love making up just as much as the stories themselves.

For years now, Tolkien fans around the world have remembered his birthday by raising a glass on his birthday and giving a simple toast, "The Professor," at 9:00 p.m. wherever they lived. Likewise, in Lord of the Rings Online, many players gathered at their tavern of choice to do the same.

Today I thought I'd remember the Professor in a slightly different way by exploring the quest chain "Missing the Meeting." While it's not completely overt if you happened to come across it, "Missing the Meeting" is a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien and his life, and it's worth going through at least once if you want to pay homage and get a nifty token by which to remember him.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Professor

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Professor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bird-and-baby-innbirthdaybrandywinebullroarers-swardcarlo-williamscharles-williamschronicles-of-narniacs-lewiseagle-and-child-pubelfevendimfeaturedfrostbluff-theatrehomagehugo-dysoninklingsjack-lewisdownjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelost-doglost-leaflotrolotro-wikimiddle-earthmissing-the-meetingnarnianpcowen-barfieldowen-farfieldoxford-english-dictionarypipepostal-servicequestronald-dwaleroverandomsouth-africathe-hobbitthe-inklingsthe-professorthe-silmarilliontoasttolkientolkiennaturbineuniversity-of-oxfordworld-war-iyule-festivalFri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: The R-Team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-the-r-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-the-r-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-the-r-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Game Archaeologist is a lazy adventurer-slash-professor who dons his trademark cap for a weekly expedition through some of the most famous MMOs of the past few decades. Each month he chooses a different title to examine its highlights, talk with its developers, and invite its fans to share their experiences.

They come from all over the world just for one shot to be the elite of the elite. After a rigorous selection process, the survivors undergo months of hardcore training. Fingers aching from the strain and eyes itchy with sleep deprivation, these ripped warriors emerge to battle evil wherever it rears its ugly head. Budapest, probably. Or Easter Island. They loot with wild abandon, they craft with purpose, and they aren't afraid to jam on the caps lock button to make their voices heard.

So if you need their help -- and if you can afford them -- maybe you can hire the R-Team.

As we continue our month-long RuneScape safari, it's high past time that we hear from the R-Team members themselves. Four past and present RuneScape players graciously laid out the case as to why this MMO rocks socks off. To make a good thing even better, Jagex sent in five new screenshots for your enjoyment.

So what are you waiting for? Hit that jump like you mean it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: The R-Team

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: The R-Team originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budapesteaster-islandfeaturedgoldhackingi-love-it-when-an-article-comes-togetherjagexkill-ten-ratskill-xlibrarymoneymoney-makingpkpkingplayer-killerplayer-killingpvpquestquestingquestsr-teamrunescapethe-game-archaeologistthe-r-teamworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: Words with Paul Gower]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-words-with-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-words-with-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-forbidden-runescape-words-with-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist is a lazy adventurer-slash-professor who dons his trademark cap for a weekly expedition through some of the most famous MMOs of the past few decades. Each month he chooses a different title to examine its highlights, talk with its developers, and invite its fans to share their experiences.

Some of you may be old enough to remember comedian Rodney Dangerfield's classic line, "I don't get no respect!" Double negatives aside, Dangerfield's catchphrase resonated with many people -- perhaps even the team behind RuneScape. Despite being one of the most popular MMOs in the world, it's battled a perception of being "that" MMO that's not quite a full-fledged member of the Big Boy's Club. Lord knows that browser-based titles have struggled against such negativity ever since their inception, and RuneScape is no different.

But as I stated last week, perhaps it's high time we get over our exclusion of RuneScape from the discussion whenever MMOs are brought up and start giving the game its due. My inbox's spent a busy week receiving all manner of testimonies about RuneScape, and I saw a common theme of fondness for what was many players' first MMO. Next week I'll let these testimonies out of Pandora's Box (if you haven't already, send me your own RuneScape story via email!), but today I've invited Paul Gower, one of RuneScape's founders, to share his perspective on making and running a gaming phenomenon.

Hit the jump to level up!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: Words with Paul Gower

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Forbidden RuneScape: Words with Paul Gower originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-bowerbrowser-basedbusiness-modeldeviousmudf2pfeaturedfree-to-playi-dont-get-no-respectinterviewjagexmudpandoras-boxpaul-bowerquestquestingrodney-dangerfieldrunescaperunescape-2runescape-classicthe-game-archaeologistTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Destination guide -- Taloc's Hollow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/wings-over-atreia-destination-guide-talocs-hollow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/wings-over-atreia-destination-guide-talocs-hollow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/wings-over-atreia-destination-guide-talocs-hollow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are you weary of group dynamic bickering, spittle-laced rants, or plowing through repeatable quests until your head is spinning and your hands have a death-grip on your weapon? Are the crowds around Atreia just getting to you? Why not spend some quality time alone... when you needn't answer to anyone else? That's right folks! Leave your friends, your legion-mates, and all reminders of real life behind and come visit beautiful Taloc's Hollow!

Thinking of just kicking your heels up in Pandaemonium or Sanctum? Lounging around in an inner tube on dry land hardly a getaway makes, so hurry on down to the lush lands of Taloc's Forest (Inggison) or Krug Basin (Gelkmoros) for a little R&R -- rewards and, well, rewards. What does Taloc's have to offer? For the discerning level 51-55 adventurer, Taloc's offers the unique opportunity to gather treasure and soak up experience, all without having to share any of it with your compatriots. Need a random five-minute break to grab that leftover pizza? No problem! Find an awesome piece of fabled jewelry? Nope, you don't have to roll -- it's all yours.

Choose Taloc's Hollow as your next Aion destination spot today! Ready for adventure? Cruise on past the cut for a guided tour, along with some helpful hints, special tips, and time-saving deals for your trip.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Destination guide -- Taloc's Hollow

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Destination guide -- Taloc's Hollow originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamefeaturedguideinstanceinstanceslootnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpvequestQuestsrepeatable-contentRepeatable-Questrepeatable-questssolosolo-instancestaloctalocs-hollowWings-Over-AtreiaXPMon, 08 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Who is the happiest to be done with it all? If not me (I will certainly defer to those who endured 10+ attempts at the hot heart of magic craft), then I surely rank right up near the top! Yes folks, there is a Santa Cl... I mean an end to the Miragent/Fenris questline in Aion, and I have found it. To those naysayers, those unbelievers who think otherwise, I say I am living proof that Mira does not stand for mirage!

I admit, I am indeed grateful to be looking back on the experience, instead of ahead to it. Between the grinding, the spawn camping, and the curse of the RNG, to say that the journey to obtain Miragent or Fenris armor is a rough road is putting it mildly. I spent a fair share of time just being grateful the questline doesn't include belts and hats; I think there would be a mass exodus if NCsoft introduced Miragent/Fenris jewelry.

Although each leg of this race has had rough patches, I still believe it has been worth it. Make a final dash past the cut to experience the end of an era: the completion of the quest for Miragent armor.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall...

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall... originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamearmorarmor-setsassault-on-balaureaatreiacoin-questCoinsfeaturedfenrisgrindgrindingmiragentnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionquestquestingQueststheobomosweaponsWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: If you designed a quest, what would it be like?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-daily-grind-if-you-designed-a-quest-what-would-it-be-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-daily-grind-if-you-designed-a-quest-what-would-it-be-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-daily-grind-if-you-designed-a-quest-what-would-it-be-like/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every once in a while, I like to turn the tables on the longstanding love/hate relationship players have with devs -- you know, "We totally love and appreciate you until you screw up, and then we'll eat your bones for dinner!" That sort of thing. From the outside looking in, it's often easy (and quite tempting) to play armchair-developer, to tell the world on forums and blogs just how it would be done if someone had the superior wisdom to put you in charge.

You know what? I believe in you. And I'm not even being sarcastic here -- I truly believe that there's a huge well of boundless creativity amongst gamers that's itching to come out (I mean, heck, look at what everyone's doing with the tools that Minecraft gives you). Not to mention that most devs and CMs are gamers first and foremost themselves.

So today I'm using the powers vested in me by the state of Massively to empower you to create one quest. If you could create an immersive, interesting, interactive, memorable quest for your MMO of choice, what would it be like? How would you make it stand out from all of the others?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of our 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 The Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: If you designed a quest, what would it be like? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-developerdevelopersdevsmassively-marriageminecraftopinionquestquestgiverQuestGiversqueststdgthe-daily-grindFri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQ2 Storyteller system detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/eq2-storyteller-system-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/eq2-storyteller-system-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/eq2-storyteller-system-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment has revealed another feature of their Halas Reborn content update for EverQuest II. Coming later this month, the patch will include a new mechanic called the Storyteller system. The unfortunately named system is not a robust set of roleplay tools like the one in Star Wars Galaxies, but rather a modification to the game's existing quest journal.

The system adds a tab to the quest journal user interface that consolidates the story of each major quest. Additionally, the Storylines tab will chronicle your position in EverQuest II's lengthy quest chains, provide clues to completion, and add a bit of narrative flavor to the long-running fantasy MMORPG.

The Storyteller system is a work in progress, as SOE will not have all of the game's quest loaded into the system when the patch launches. "What you see when Halas Reborn reaches the live servers will only be a starting point, and other quests will be connected and looped as we progress the feature. If you don't see your favorite quest right now, don't worry! It will be there soon," says the official press release.

Check out the release and the associated discussion thread on the official boards for more information.

MassivelyEQ2 Storyteller system detailed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>everquest-2everquest-iihalas-rebornpatchespvequestquest-journalsoesony-online-entertainmentstorytellerstoryteller-systemuser-interfaceSat, 15 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II unveils a new puzzle upon Norrath, and we've got some pieces of it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/everquest-ii-unveils-a-new-puzzle-upon-norrath-and-weve-got-so/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/everquest-ii-unveils-a-new-puzzle-upon-norrath-and-weve-got-so/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/everquest-ii-unveils-a-new-puzzle-upon-norrath-and-weve-got-so/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Once again, we've gotten another package from that strange community Dark Elf, Kiara. This time, however, instead of sending us a set of tablets, we've gotten sheets of paper containing some foreign language!

We're told that once the language is successfully deciphered, it should provide clues to a brand new questing opportunity to those who play EverQuest II. If you've been itching for more information on Sentinel's Fate, then look no further than these various scripts to provide you with information -- if you can crack them.

We've placed our four sections of writing in the article after the break, so be sure to click on the continue reading button to get a glimpse of the stuff you'll need to understand. We hear you'll need a big forehead to beat this one. *wink wink*


Continue reading EverQuest II unveils a new puzzle upon Norrath, and we've got some pieces of it

MassivelyEverQuest II unveils a new puzzle upon Norrath, and we've got some pieces of it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesteq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedkiarapuzzlequestsentinels-fatesoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disguising the grind, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind-part-2/#commentsContinue reading Disguising the grind, part 2

MassivelyDisguising the grind, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersdevelopmentdisguisingeventseverquest-2game-mechanicsgameplaygoalsgrindgrindingkill-ten-ratslazymechanicsopinionpredictablequestquestsrepetitivetriggerworld-of-warcraftxpMon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disguising the grind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/disguising-the-grind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Believe it or not, grind is an essential part of an MMO and we might be pretty lost without it. Repetitive content is the cornerstone of the MMO genre but it's not all just smacking monsters over the head for hours on end or completing yet another "kill ten rats" quest. The repetitive elements in an MMO give us predictable gameplay in a form we can digest. We don't feel lost when we pick up a quest because it uses similar mechanics to previous quests we've done. From a development standpoint, the amount of time it takes to create new and unique gameplay for an MMO is quite large and it's just not feasible to churn out unique gameplay with every new piece of content. Instead, developers are forced to re-use the same gameplay mechanics over and over again. So if we genuinely appreciate predictable, repetitive gameplay and it's not feasible to do otherwise, why are we always so up-in-arms about the evils of grinding?

In this probative opinion piece, I look at why we need repetitive gameplay in MMOs and the various ways developers disguise grind to keep the game entertaining.
Update: Link to page 2 fixed. Thanks Brian!

Continue reading Disguising the grind

MassivelyDisguising the grind originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersdevelopmentdisguisingeventseverquest-2game-mechanicsgameplaygoalsgrindgrindingkill-ten-ratslazymechanicsopinionpredictablequestquestsrepetitivetriggerworld-of-warcraftxpMon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starting out in Vana'diel: Time to pick up that second job you always wanted]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/starting-out-in-vanadiel-time-to-pick-up-that-second-job-you-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/starting-out-in-vanadiel-time-to-pick-up-that-second-job-you-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/starting-out-in-vanadiel-time-to-pick-up-that-second-job-you-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Hello again adventurers! Ready to go on another tour of Vana'diel? So, ok, you're in Valkurm Dunes. You're enjoying the luxurious beaches, the warm weather, the beautiful sandstorms, the nasty crabs that use defense buffs, and fish that fly in the air and attempt to impale you. It's all par for the course down here at Valkurm.

Yet, I know what you're saying to yourself. You're saying, "Well Brennan, when are you going to tell me how to get that sub-job, so I don't look stupid around the other players?" Perhaps you're not putting it so nicely in your head, but you get the drift.

For those of you who have thought that, then you'll be pleased to know that today's topic is getting your sub-job. Sure, the quest is pretty straightforward, but I have a couple of tips that may help you get through it that much faster. This way, when you get to level 18, you'll have a second job next to your name before your house moogle can say "Kupo~!"

Continue reading Starting out in Vana'diel: Time to pick up that second job you always wanted

MassivelyStarting out in Vana'diel: Time to pick up that second job you always wanted originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>damselfliesffxifinal-fantasy-xighoulsgroupingkonschtat-highlandslevel-18questsnippersstarting-out-in-vanadielsub-jobvalkurm-dunesFri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST