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[Champions Online: Did you enjoy Attack of the Misfit Toys?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/champions-online-did-you-enjoy-attack-of-the-misfit-toys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/champions-online-did-you-enjoy-attack-of-the-misfit-toys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/champions-online-did-you-enjoy-attack-of-the-misfit-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For the holidays, Champions Online presented their fans with an especially nice surprise: a gigantic, slavering teddy bear bent on the destruction of...well, everything. So how did you like it?

Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz is the lead designer for Champions Online who created a forum thread today for fans to give feedback on their first ever winter event. The thread asks for your top three likes, your top three dislikes, and what you would like to see in future holiday events. Players have been giving feedback here and there up until now, but the thread will serve as a central place for the CO design team to hear how the player base feels. They'll take the answers into account as a guide to creating future events, so if there are some things that really stood out to you during the winter event -- either good or bad -- this is the time and place to be heard by the developers. The thread can be found at the official forums, so head over and give your take on the event.

MassivelyChampions Online: Did you enjoy Attack of the Misfit Toys? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attack-of-the-misfit-toyschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfeedbackrandy-mosiondzwinter-eventTue, 05 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Champions power framework is... light?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/next-champions-power-framework-is-light/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/next-champions-power-framework-is-light/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/next-champions-power-framework-is-light/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just the other evening, Champions Online's lead designer Randy Mosiondz teased followers on Twitter with an image of one of the powers from an upcoming new power framework -- or power set if you like. According to Randy, light isn't too far off from the right guess, but we're guessing there's more to it than that. Another cool thing we've learned from Mr. Mosiondz's Twitter account is that an October event of some variety will be occurring as well.

So that means about two months after launching Champions Online, Cryptic is planning to provide players with at least one additional new set of powers plus some kind of event, although we don't know the details on it for the moment. Sounds like the party train is leaving earlier than most may have thought, which is only a good thing.

We should know more sometime very soon (as in later today, most likely) so keep your eyes peeled!

MassivelyNext Champions power framework is... light? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlinecrypticframeworkrandy-mosiondztwitterFri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online dev chat answers questions from the fans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/champions-online-dev-chat-answers-questions-from-the-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/champions-online-dev-chat-answers-questions-from-the-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/champions-online-dev-chat-answers-questions-from-the-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The superhero MMO Champions Online is slated for a launch very soon, right around the corner in September. Cryptic Studios has continued to hold dev chats leading up to the game's release, which can be a good source of info about Champions Online, particularly if you haven't had a chance to check out the game's beta tests. The latest dev chat let the Champions fan base pose questions to the developers, including Lead Designer Randy Mosiondz and Reward Systems Designer Cormac Russell, among other devs working on the game.

The dev chat addressed a range of questions and concerns, such as what Champions Online will bring to MMORPGs and the superhero game genre that we don't already have. The title's creators also explained the extent of Champions Online's crafting system, including how players will be able to craft Techniques, essentially items that impart abilities. There's also plenty more about unlockable costumes and how the game is designed to prevent players from creating (overly) godlike custom Power Frameworks. You can check out what the Cryptic devs have to say about Champions Online over on the game's official forums.

MassivelyChampions Online dev chat answers questions from the fans originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecormac-russellcostumescraftingcryptic-studioscustomizationdev-chatgame-mechanicslead-designernew-titlespower-frameworksrandy-mosiondzreward-systems-designersuper-herosuperherotechniquesSun, 02 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online dev diary by comic book writer John Layman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/champions-online-dev-diary-by-comic-book-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/champions-online-dev-diary-by-comic-book-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/champions-online-dev-diary-by-comic-book-writer-john-layman/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The next major superhero MMO to be released will be Champions Online, based off of the pen-and-paper RPG system and in development at Cryptic Studios, slated to be released in mid-July 2009. To add even more superhero cred to the game, Cryptic has hired writers well-versed in the comics industry like John Layman, of both Marvel and Wildstorm fame.

IGN is hosting a Champions Online developer diary written by Layman that focuses on his work at Cryptic Studios. Layman introduces what he does,"I'm the writer-guy for Champions Online, a comic book writer imported specifically to write a comic book themed game. And, just like writing comics, coming up with the right words, concepts, and plots is the very first part of a very long chain of work." He writes about the process of hashing out the best ideas with other Cryptic notables like Jack Emmert, Randy Mosiondz, and Brian Gilmore, and then working to tailor those concepts to 'comic book-ese' that works for Champions Online.

Continue reading Champions Online dev diary by comic book writer John Layman

MassivelyChampions Online dev diary by comic book writer John Layman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-gilmorechampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdev-diarydeveloper-diaryignjack-emmertjohn-laymanmarvelnew-titlesrandy-mosiondzstar-trek-onlinesuper-herosuperherowildstormwriterwritingFri, 01 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz, lead designer on roleplay and gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-lead-designer-on-rol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-lead-designer-on-rol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-lead-designer-on-rol/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's been on a short hiatus, but Massively's official bi-weekly Champions Online DevBlog has returned with a column from lead designer Randy Mosiondz concerning the balance between roleplay and gameplay. If you happened to have missed the previous entries, simply follow our Champions Developer posts and easy access to even more thoughts and commentary from the likes of Randy Mosiondz, Bill Roper and Jack Emmert.

Continue reading Official Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz, lead designer on roleplay and gameplay

MassivelyOfficial Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz, lead designer on roleplay and gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribill-roperccpchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdev-blogdeveloper-blogeve-onlinefablefable-2falloutfallout-3featuredguitar-herojack-emmertmaster-chiefrandy-mosiondzWed, 08 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online dev Randy Mosiondz on storytelling and gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/champions-online-dev-randy-mosiondz-on-storytelling-and-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Writing for Examiner.com, Daniel Nations recently interviewed Champions Online lead designer Randy Mosiondz about the balancing act between providing guided gameplay and exploration. The interview also touches upon Champions Online's gameplay across different environments. Namely, Mosiondz explains a bit about the challenges that players will face in the underwater area of Lemuria with its full 3-D movement capabilities, and how some player powers will be modified for use underwater.

Also a nice touch is that the discussion heads into his roots as a writer for pen and paper games. Mosiondz explains the differences in storytelling between pen and paper games and MMOs, and why it can be tricky to bring a story with lasting consequences to a massively multiplayer online game. Check out the Champions Online developer interview over at Examiner for more about what the Cryptic Studios super-hero title will offer.

MassivelyChampions Online dev Randy Mosiondz on storytelling and gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdaniel-nationsenvironmentenvironmentsexaminerexplorationgame-mechanicsguided-gameplayinterviewslemuriapen-and-paperrandy-mosiondzstorytellingsuper-herosuper-heroessuperheroesunderseaunderwaterwritingFri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz on laying a foundation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-on-laying-a-foundatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-on-laying-a-foundatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/official-champions-devblog-randy-mosiondz-on-laying-a-foundatio/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hello and welcome to the third issue of the Massively.com hosted official Champions Online developer blog! If you happened to miss the last one featuring Bill Roper on storytelling, you can find it right here. Remember, we should be seeing a developer post about twice a month between now and launch day. So if you're interested in following developer insights directly from their own fingertips make sure to follow our very own Champions Developer blogger, who will be doing the honors of posting your bi-weekly dose of DevBlog goodness.

Continue reading Official Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz on laying a foundation

MassivelyOfficial Champions DevBlog: Randy Mosiondz on laying a foundation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribill-roperchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdev-blogdeveloper-blogfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesrandy-mosiondzWed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Champions Online's lead designer, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Continue reading Massively interviews Champions Online's lead designer, part 2

MassivelyMassively interviews Champions Online's lead designer, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariaudiochampionschampions-onlinecryptic-studiosice-slidemissionspvepvprandy-mosiondztravel-powersvoiceTue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Champions Online's lead designer Randy Mosiondz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-randy-mosi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-randy-mosi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-lead-designer-randy-mosi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Massively recently had the chance to speak with Champions Online's intrepid lead designer, Randy Mosiondz. Topics included are the game's unique brand of action-combat (and how it differs from other games), a substantial achievement system, new mission structure and even what new and exciting travel powers would be featured come launch time.

We hope you enjoy the interview, and be sure to watch Massively for even more great Champions Online information in the near future!

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

Continue reading Massively interviews Champions Online's lead designer Randy Mosiondz

MassivelyMassively interviews Champions Online's lead designer Randy Mosiondz originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionatarichampionschampions-onlinecombatcryptic-studiosfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesrandy-mosiondzsystem-requirementsTue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a video tour of Cryptic Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/take-a-video-tour-of-cryptic-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/take-a-video-tour-of-cryptic-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/take-a-video-tour-of-cryptic-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In what is said to be only the first installment of a new video-podcast series, Cryptic Studios have invited all of us to peak over their shoulders and see some of the members of their team at work. The video, titled "Day as a Dev", introduces us to the Production Team. Chief Creative Officer Jack Emmert recaps the three titles that the studio is working on: Champions Online, Star Trek Online, and one unannounced super-secret game. Most of the developers we meet in the video are part of the large Champions team, but all three games are represented.

It's always nice to get this sort of behind-the-scenes look at the development process for an anticipated game, and to see how the different aspects come together to make up the whole picture. We also get to see how Bill Roper is doing in his new role at Cryptic as Design Director for Champions Online. However, we're going to have to award the "best quote" to Randy Mosiondz: "It's a challenging job, but at the end of the day, I make video games, and what's more, a super-hero video game, so there's nothing wrong with that."

MassivelyTake a video tour of Cryptic Studios originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperchampions-onlinechief-creative-officercocrypticcryptic-studiosday-as-a-devdesign-directorjack-emmertrandy-mosiondzstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 24 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Customization and community power in latest Ask Cryptic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/customization-and-community-power-in-latest-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/customization-and-community-power-in-latest-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/customization-and-community-power-in-latest-ask-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Character customization seems to be the big focus in the newest Ask Cryptic for Champions Online. Questions about multi-limbed heroes (not at launch) and different stances to give your character (big yes!) receive the more strikingly straight-forward answers. It wouldn't be a big leap of logic to imagine that four-armed characters will eventually be possible, with the revealing of Grond (pictured above) last Halloween. We also learn that Cryptic is planning for plenty of wings and tails from the get-go, which should please a lot of players.

However, the most interesting question asks Cryptic whether or not any of these community questions have actually changed their minds concerning design decisions. The response is fairly frank, with lead designer Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz saying that fan response has definitely shifted the way that the team was implementing certain things. He goes on to point out that there haven't been any complete re-designs of systems, though. It's not surprising that Cryptic's listening to their community, as they've always been a rather smart developer in that way.

MassivelyCustomization and community power in latest Ask Cryptic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkayneask-crypticchampionschampions-onlinecustomizationgrondhalloween2008limbsrandy-mosiondztailswingsTue, 25 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First hints emerge concerning Champions Online's Omega System]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/first-hints-emerge-concerning-champions-onlines-omega-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/first-hints-emerge-concerning-champions-onlines-omega-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/first-hints-emerge-concerning-champions-onlines-omega-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In a recent interview with Ten Ton Hammer, Champions Online's lead designer Randy Mosiondz divulged some of the first specs of information about the game's previously mentioned Omega System. Apparently the end-game system is being designed with the goal of offering content for solo, small groups and large groups alike. According to Mosiondz one of the ultimate goals for players participating in end-game will be to become an "Omega", which are some of the most powerful super-powered beings within the game's universe. Do we get a silver surf board too, or how about a gold one?

It all sounds pretty exciting, if a little bit vague. We can't wait to hear some more news about the system as time marches onwards. Springs isn't getting any further away so we suppose it won't kill us to be patient. Well, it could.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyFirst hints emerge concerning Champions Online's Omega System originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gameschampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studioshero-gamesrandy-mosiondzten-ton-hammerSat, 27 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rethinking archetypes in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rethinking-archetypes-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rethinking-archetypes-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rethinking-archetypes-in-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When it comes to the subject of game design evolution the lead designer for Champions Online Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz has some very interesting things to say. He recently posted his thoughts in the newest developer blog over on the Champions Online official website and the results are quite compelling. His write-up starts out as a general discussion on the topic of initial game design and how -- even why -- it always progresses into something different along the march to completion. After a bit of pontificating on that subject, Arkane moves onto how this all ties into Champions Online, which in turn dovetails into the subject of archetypes in Cryptic's game.

It all ends up with the revelation that archetypes in Champions Online won't be playing the role they were originally intended for. The reason for the somewhat rug-tugging change comes from the community reaction to how archetypes were originally planned to function. A good developer always communicates with their players, so this is nothing new to Cryptic Studios.

Continue reading Rethinking archetypes in Champions Online

MassivelyRethinking archetypes in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypesarkanechampionschampions-onlinecommunitycrypticcryptic-studioslead-designerrandy-mosiondzSat, 24 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic has something to ask you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/cryptic-has-something-to-ask-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/cryptic-has-something-to-ask-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/cryptic-has-something-to-ask-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You probably already know that Cryptic Studios plans on coming to Gencon Indy and PAX this year. What you may not know is that Cryptic would like you all to tell them what you want to see. What team members do you want to meet? What panels do you want them to attend and discuss? All of your questions can be asked in the discussion thread.

Our personal suggestion is definitely related to PAX, where we'd love to see Jack Emmert, Randy Mosiondz and John Layman. Last year at PAX there was a very interesting "Future of MMOs" panel that we would love to see get some Cryptic input. Although truthfully we just want to find a bunch of you guys and chat about all things superheroes, MMOs and pen and paper RPGs. Oh and of course if we could get some crazy demoing of Champions Online, that'd be super awesome too. It's probably asking a bit too much, but it's nice to dream isn't it?

MassivelyCryptic has something to ask you originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfuture-of-mmosgencon-indyjack-emmertjohn-laymanpaxpen-and-paperpenny-arcade-exporandy-mosiondzsuperheroesTue, 06 May 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the lead designer for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/meet-the-lead-designer-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/meet-the-lead-designer-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/meet-the-lead-designer-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first of many Q&A sessions with team members from Cryptic's upcoming superhero MMO Champions Online has gone up. The first subject to field questions happens to be lead designer Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz, who seems like a pretty nice guy from up north.

As far as new information goes, the article doesn't really reveal anything that we didn't already know. However, it does give us a very good look at the man in charge, which is arguably new information unto itself.

Most people have been assuming that former City of Heroes lead designed Jack Emmert would be taking the helm on Champions Online -- which wouldn't have been a problem since it seems like he's learned a lot since his first massively game. Our guess is that Jack is busy with more than just CO, since we know Cryptic definitely has some other interesting projects behind their veil of secrecy.

MassivelyMeet the lead designer for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkaynechampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticjack-emmertlead-designerncsoftrandy-mosiondzThu, 28 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST