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[The Daily Grind: Are you a part of your game's community out of game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-part-of-your-games-community-out-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-part-of-your-games-community-out-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-part-of-your-games-community-out-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars
The foundation of an MMO is people playing together. While there are plenty of soloers -- and the smart developer will make content for them as much as for the group players -- there's a definite community inside of an MMO.

That community often continues after logout, though. Thanks to forums both official and not, social media groups, IRC chat, and even real-world meetups, players can continue the social interactions beyond guild or group chat. Of course, that's if they're comfortable with it. Players vary widely on this, so where do you stand? Do your in-game friendships extend beyond the walls of Azeroth, Telara, The Wasteland, or Tyria, or do you prefer that what happens in game stay in game?

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 part of your game's community out of game? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friendshipsfriendships-in-gameopinionopinionsrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindTue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever attended an in-game wedding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wedding
Last week Bree talked about in-game funerals, giving readers an opportunity to chat about those they'd attended. Several people mentioned in-game weddings, so in today's Daily Grind we're going to turn to that markedly more cheerful event.

It's not uncommon at all for people to meet that special someone in an MMO, so the concept of celebrating that relationship in the game where it started doesn't follow too far behind. Quite a few developers have acknowledged that by providing wedding attire and accessories for the happy couples, with some even going so far as to provide a wedding system with in-game perks for those who have tied the knot.

Whether it be a RP union between two characters or a ceremony for two players, have you attended an in-game wedding? Have you participated in one? Use that handy comment button below and tell us all about it!

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: Have you ever attended an in-game wedding? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesopinionrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindweddingweddingsTue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The couple that roleplays together rolestays together]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/storyboard-the-couple-that-roleplays-together-rolestays-togethe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/storyboard-the-couple-that-roleplays-together-rolestays-togethe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/storyboard-the-couple-that-roleplays-together-rolestays-togethe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've come a long long way together, through the hard times and the good. I want to celebrate you baby, I want to raid with you like I should.
When Ms. Lady first got into MMOs, she had a very firm opinion on roleplaying, filled with subtleties and coherent arguments. Her overall thesis was "roleplaying is dumb," backed up with further evidence such as "you're dumb for liking it" and "let's talk about something else." This lasted until she really tried it, at which point she changed her thesis to "roleplaying is awesome" and supported it with "I was dumb to say that" and "you'd better not put this in an article several years from now."

What I'm getting at is that we roleplay in-game together. Quite a lot, actually, to the point that a good number of my roleplaying anecdotes involve her in one capacity or another.

Roleplaying in a committed relationship poses its own unique set of issues, however, the sort that just don't happen when you are roleplaying with people who live at least in another house. So here are a few tips to ensure that while you and your significant other will probably still argue about pointless things, roleplaying will only be an infrequent guest star to the stupid argument party.

Continue reading Storyboard: The couple that roleplays together rolestays together

MassivelyStoryboard: The couple that roleplays together rolestays together originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefeaturedhumoropinionrelationshipsroleplayingrpstoryboardFri, 11 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: September 12-18, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Star Trek Online image
Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

This week our readers had some things to say about both sides of the gaming fence: the development side and the player side. Follow along after the jump to see what we talked about and contribute your own thoughts!

Continue reading Global Chat: September 12-18, 2011

MassivelyGlobal Chat: September 12-18, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commenterscommentscrypticcryptic-studiosglobal-chatopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpick-up-grouppugpwerelationshipsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestothe-guildSun, 18 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Till log do us part]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/wings-over-atreia-till-log-do-us-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/wings-over-atreia-till-log-do-us-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/wings-over-atreia-till-log-do-us-part/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
The sounds of the bluetail crestliches filled the air as the creamy white leaves drifted about on the breeze. Lifting his muscular arms encased in formal attire instead of the customary platemail, Pwnzoo stretched and rolled his shoulders, trying to relax as he waited, eyes avoiding the guests who arrayed themselves around him. Soon, he thought. My sweetheart will arrive soon and all will be well. He cracked his neck and took a deep breath.

Relationships. They are everywhere; heck, Aion even nods (and markets) to relationships by offering a wedding dress/tuxedo through the NCsoft Store. When something commands as much of your time and attention as playing your favorite MMO does, relationships of some type are bound to form. And some are even lucky enough to have their real-life partners play right alongside them; wife-aggro takes on a whole new meaning when she shanghais you for an Udas Temple run!

Whether they're in-game, a part of real life, or just an online fling love affair, relationships can and do have a profound affect on game play in Aion for everyone, not just those within said relationship. And while a Balaur's share of the effect is drama, that luckily is not the totality of it! Sometimes relationships create stability and camaraderie for groups and are beneficial to the community.

Lovers'-leap over the break for Wings Over Atreia's look at relationships and their effects in Atreia.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Till log do us part

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Till log do us part originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamecouples-counselingdaevas-of-our-livesdramafeaturedlegionlegion-dramanc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionrelationshipswife-aggroMon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you have departed friends from old games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-daily-grind-do-you-have-departed-friends-from-old-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-daily-grind-do-you-have-departed-friends-from-old-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-daily-grind-do-you-have-departed-friends-from-old-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Friends leave. It's a sad reality, but it's still a reality, and it's hard to maintain a friendship when your only real common interest is a game that you no longer play together. Even though your friend might have left City of Heroes or Warhammer Online behind many years ago, you still think about your friendship and wonder about what the other person is up to -- but you were friends in the game and not elsewhere. There's no way to know, and nothing that can be done beyond sighing wistfully at the in-game horizon and hoping that your old buddy is still having fun.

Play a game for long enough, and you'll no doubt find old friends that move on even while some stick around. So what friends do you remember from the games of yore that you no longer play alongside? Were they former real-life friends that gradually became game friends until you lost touch, or are they just people you met while playing EverQuest II? What sort of memories do you have about the departed, and have you ever managed to reconnect with an in-game friend you thought was gone for good?

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 have departed friends from old games? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absent-friendsculturefriendsin-game-friendshipin-game-relationshipnostalgiaold-friendsrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What do you think of MMO dating?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-mmo-dating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-mmo-dating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-mmo-dating/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we talk about MMO dating, we're not talking about the creepy guy in your guild who hits on all the female characters until you kick him out. No, we're talking about genuine dating, forming a relationship with someone and eventually asking the other person out on a date, possibly even in-game. Lucent Heart is unique in some ways because it offers a similar function baked in to the client, but nearly every longtime veteran has at least one story of the couple that met via the game and wound up in a happy relationship.

On the one hand, if the key to making a relationship work is a shared interest, dating someone you meet via an MMO certainly seems like a viable approach. On the other hand, virtual relationships face a unique level of challenge even without introducing the possibility of a long argument over who should have rolled need on that last piece of gear. So what do you think about the idea of MMO dating? Is it a good idea with some problems or something that sounds nice but just doesn't work right?

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 do you think of MMO dating? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedatinglucent-heartmmo-datingonline-datingopinionrelationshipsromancetdgthe-daily-grindSat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Divorce Online highlights cases caused by "gaming addiction"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/divorce-online-highlights-cases-caused-by-gaming-addiction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/divorce-online-highlights-cases-caused-by-gaming-addiction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/divorce-online-highlights-cases-caused-by-gaming-addiction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Divorce Online, a do-it-yourself website that facilitates the filing of separation proceedings sans lawyers, says that a significant percentage of its "unreasonable behavior" petitions stem from cases of gaming addiction.

The website highlights the fact that out of the 200 women who filed petitions between January and April of 2011, 15 percent featured complaints relating to spousal neglect in favor of titles like World of Warcraft and the Call of Duty series.

Despite the fact that gaming addiction is not currently considered an actual addiction by the medical community, Game Politics notes Divorce Online's use of author Ryan Van Cleave in its press release. "A lot of the problem spouses encounter with video game addiction is that the non-gamer doesn't appreciate that it's an addiction. This means it's not a choice to spend so much time in a virtual environment versus time with the spouse and family. It's a compulsion," he says.

MassivelyDivorce Online highlights cases caused by "gaming addiction" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionculturedivorcedivorce-onlinefamilygame-addictionmmo-industrynews-itemsrelationshipsryan-van-cleaveworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 31 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runes of Magic celebrates its second birthday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/runes-of-magic-celebrates-its-second-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/runes-of-magic-celebrates-its-second-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/runes-of-magic-celebrates-its-second-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Happy birthday, Runes of Magic! Two years have gone by, and you're growing up so fast. Anniversary celebrations are already underway in RoM. If your account has been lying dormant, you may want to wake it up, join the festivities, and get some free goodies while you're at it. For me, these two years flew by. It doesn't seem all that long ago that I wrote a look back at the first year of RoM.

In two years, RoM has seen three major updates, and a fourth is just around the corner. The first two chapters made it into the first year, and although Chapter 4 didn't quite make it into this article, chapter 3 brought a whopping amount of content and features.

If your extra ginger beer isn't cutting it anymore and you're feeling brave, move on up by grabbing a bottle of Blenhiem's old #5 and join me for a look back at the last year of RoM.

Continue reading Runes of Magic celebrates its second birthday

MassivelyRunes of Magic celebrates its second birthday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaychapter-3chapter-iiifeaturedfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefrogster-interctivehouseinstancesjeremy-strattonlost-pages-of-taboreamementomonster-cardsmonster-compendiumpet-systemrelationshipsromrunes-of-magicrunewaker-enterainmentrunewaker-entertainmentsecond-anniversarysecond-birthdaythe-elder-kingdomstwo-yearstwo-years-oldvivoxvivox-voice-chatFri, 18 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While the radiance mea culpa and radiance's subsequent removal from the game is the big Lord of the Rings Online news nugget of the month, it's worth noting that Turbine's version of Middle-earth will be rolling out some changes to legendary weapons as well.

In a new dev diary at the official LotRO website, Ken "Graalx2" Burd and Brian "Zombie Columbus" Aloiso spell out some of the upcoming tweaks. The good news is that the randomness associated with legendary items is soon to be a distant memory. In spite of the Pool A/Pool B legacies introduced with the Mirkwood expansion, players would still occasionally be stuck with item legacies that didn't fit with particular playstyles. New Legacy Replacement Scrolls will remedy this situation; they will be acquired through the deconstruction of an item with the desired legacy (or through the game's item shop).

The devs also have a bit of info to pass along regarding changes to the game's relic system. In a nutshell, the goal for relics was the same as the goal for legendary item tweaks: reduce the random element and give the player more control. To this end, the number of relic tiers has been reduced to six, as has the amount of time required to attain the top tier. Secondly, Turbine has added a new legendary item currency called shards, which serves to "bind various parts of the system together," according to Aloiso. It's a lot more complicated than that, of course, and you can read the lengthy details at the official LotRO website.

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-aloisodev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgraalx2ken-burdlegendary-item-currencylegendary-itemslegendary-weaponslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthrelationshipsremakes+and+sequelsshardstolkienturbineTurbine-Entertainmentzombie-columbusWed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is your relationship with MMOs like courting?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-relationship-with-mmos-like-courting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-relationship-with-mmos-like-courting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-relationship-with-mmos-like-courting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Or, to the angry-slash-rebellious, The Day of Insufferable Expectations Sponsored By Hallmark. Whether you're with a significant other or are secure in your singleness, we just want you to know today that Massively loves you very much. The chocolates and plush teddy bears are on the way, promise.

Speaking of love and dating, several people have made the observation over the years that players' relationships with MMOs are significantly different than players' relationships with other types of video games, almost as if these relationships mirrored romantic courting. There are periods of infatuation, lust over the hype, falling in love with the product, monogamy, secret affairs with other MMOs, moments with the game loses its luster, and the occasional break-up.

So is this you? Are your relationships with MMOs like courting? Today, take a step back and analyze just how you relate to these games -- maybe you're a "player," maybe a faithful lover, or maybe just plain disturbed by this analogy altogether. What do you think?

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: Is your relationship with MMOs like courting? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtinghallmarklovemmo-affairmonogamyopinionrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindvalentines-dayMon, 14 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: A sense of humor is your number one weapon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-soapbox-a-sense-of-humor-is-your-number-one-weapon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-soapbox-a-sense-of-humor-is-your-number-one-weapon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-soapbox-a-sense-of-humor-is-your-number-one-weapon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

It's one of my ongoing theories that MMOs severely tempt (if not outright encourage) us to engage in the less savory aspects of our character. I'm sometimes worried that these games do shape our personalities, at least while we're playing, to bring out the worst in us. I'm not talking about addiction or anything like that, but rather about things as simple as fostering greediness, selfishness, envy and bullying. From games that are supposed to be massively social, I often get the impression that the message they're preaching is to look out for yourself and get ahead of the (kill ten) rat race any way possible.

At least in my own game sessions, I've seen signs of this happening. I've kept silent when guildies ask for help, because I want to get this quest done for myself. I've fallen into the stressful grind of endgame gear to the point of becoming completely fixated on it to the exclusion of all else. Once or twice I've written an angry diatribe on forums, attempting to use the sheer weight of my words to club the opposition into submission. And, yes, I've lost my cool with party members whom I judged as not pulling their weight, and I've chewed them out.

It's usually at times like these when someone or something kicks in to remind me that I have gotten a little too serious and need to lighten up. It's not that MMOs are "just" games but that these are games, and as such, shouldn't we be having more fun and laughing more often than we do now? This is why, over the years, I've developed a personal philosophy of gaming that revolves around three simple concepts: if it's not fun, don't do it; help others when the opportunity arises; and always bring a sense of humor to the playing field. Today I'd like to explore that last one.

Continue reading The Soapbox: A sense of humor is your number one weapon

MassivelyThe Soapbox: A sense of humor is your number one weapon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedianscomedydonner-partyespnfunnygorilla-glueguildguildiesguildshumorlaughter-is-the-best-medicineraidsrelationshipsrole-playersroleplayersrprperssense-of-humorstand-up-comedysuperherothe-soapboxworld-of-warcraftTue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much of your social life comes from MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we may be the target of mockery or quizzical expressions for mentioning our online friends, relationships in MMOs are often a significant part of a gamer's social life. After all, gamers are places where we all share a common interest, can go on uncommon adventures, and have the potential to forge bonds that transcend the game itself.

So how much of your social life comes from MMOs? Do you have a great group of friends or a guild that's there to support you, laugh with you and have fun with you? Did you ever fall in love in an MMO and perhaps find your way to the altar together? Do you log in more to hang out and be goofy with your pals than to grind your way to the level cap? Are MMOs just a small fraction of your social scene or the majority of it?

For a bonus question and a cookie, does your MMO social life mirror your social life outside of the game or is it the polar opposite? Do you have a few friends in real life but a ton online, or are you the same party animal in game that you are out on the town?
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: How much of your social life comes from MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-is-for-cookieguildguildsonline-datingonline-friendsonline-relationshipsopinionrelationshipssocialsocializertdgthe-daily-grindMon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you gotten spouse aggro?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-daily-grind-have-you-gotten-spouse-aggro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-daily-grind-have-you-gotten-spouse-aggro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-daily-grind-have-you-gotten-spouse-aggro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The couple that plays together may very well stay together, but sometimes only half of the couple is interested in playing in the first place. There's nothing wrong with that, of course -- until the issues start up about how much time you spend on your favorite game. That's where the dreaded spouse aggro comes from, when the biggest threat you'll encounter in Guild Wars comes not from parties of healers and anti-caster NPCs, but from your significant other yanking the power cord mid-pull.

Sometimes the non-playing half of the couple has a legitimate point and you really are spending more time on the game than with your partner. Other times it's just a case of your partner not being interested and expecting you to give up the hobby obligingly. Have you ever gotten a bad case of spouse aggro? Was it from your spouse, or was it a girlfriend or boyfriend? Did you work matters out, or was that the signal for better or worse that it was time to move on?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you gotten spouse aggro? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggrodealing-with-playtimeguild-warsgwopinionplaytimerelationship-issuesrelationshipsspouse-aggrotdgthe-daily-grindyou-never-bring-me-flowers-any-moreFri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The relationships we form in games are by their very nature kind of mercenary. You make friends in EVE Online not because you know your bosom buddy is waiting for you, but because flying in 0.0 is pretty dangerous on your own. So most of your friends in a game start off based on you deriving some benefit, and with a few exceptions that's where they remain. The problem comes when that benefit is outweighed by something else. That's when guilds of friends have nasty splits over what seem like minor matters, because someone crossed a line and no amount of in-game support is worth the drama.

Sometimes it's all game-related, and other times outside drama shoves its way into the game. Either way, it's something bad enough that you're often cutting off a significant advantage -- sometimes even a whole guild and the concurrent access to the endgame -- for purely personal reasons. Those of us who have done so, though, rarely look back with regret. What about you? When has a relationship in a game passed the point where the benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks? Or have you only ever been on the flipside of the equation?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondsconflictfriendshipsguildsopinionorganizationsrelationshipssocialsocial-dynamicstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

I have a confession to make: I would not be married with two wonderful kids if it wasn't for the internet. Yes, I hold my head up high when people ask how my wife and I met, and I tell them... an online dating website. That sort of thing might have been odd and unusual ten years ago, but nowadays, forming great relationships through the internet is almost as common as in real life -- and just as meaningful.

So our question today is less about the gaming side of things and more about the social aspect: what's the best human relationship you've experienced that started in a MMO? Did you meet a significant other, a wife, a husband, a confidant, a best friend, a soulmate or a crony in game? Did a game help to rescue an estranged relationship and smooth over the cracks? Has your guild gotten so close that you meet regularly to help each other solve mommy issues?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>online-datingrelationshipssocialtdgthe-daily-grindthe-guildMon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your longest MMO relationship?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/the-daily-grind-whats-your-longest-mmo-relationship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/the-daily-grind-whats-your-longest-mmo-relationship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/the-daily-grind-whats-your-longest-mmo-relationship/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If online games like Team Fortress 2 are just flirtations, MMOs are full-on relationships. You might look with vague interest at EVE Online even as you briefly date Star Trek Online. Perhaps you broke up with Final Fantasy XI to get together with Aion. Or maybe you and EverQuest are celebrating another anniversary and wondering why people feel the need to overextend a relationship metaphor.

Joking aside, MMOs require a larger time investment than any single-player romp. While claims of playing since a game's beta are almost a self-parody, there's a lot to be said for dedication to a single game, and it breeds far more resources for a player to make use of. On the flip side, of course, you can only spend time in so many different worlds, and having a breadth of different experiences is more to the tastes of some players.

So what MMO have you been playing the longest? Is it a game where your subscription has never lapsed, or one you've frequently left and come back to? Are you happy to keep playing it, or is it that crazy one that you keep almost breaking up with but never quite go the distance?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your longest MMO relationship? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioneqeveeve-onlineeverquestexperienceffxifinal-fantasy-xiopinionplaytimerelationshipsstar-trek-onlinestotdgthe-daily-grindThu, 15 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinemarketrelationshipssocialsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingteamworkSun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Research into the social sciences suggests that people interact with each other in two separate modes. One mode is governed by primarily social influences and the other by basic market forces. Which one we choose in any given interaction has a profound impact on the way we interact with each other. Perhaps nowhere in the gaming world are these forces played out as strongly as in EVE Online, with its lack of economic regulation and tight-knit social structures. EVE players routinely form social relationships with other pilots, their corporation leaders and corpmates. On the flip-side, we interact with hundreds of players we don't know using more selfish market-driven rules as we trade, haggle over prices or even just buy something from the market. But how do these two types of player-to-player interaction coexist in the same universe and what problems can arise when they collide?

In this complex and in-depth article, I examine the relationships we form with other players, why they're important and what can happen when we inadvertently cross the line from an implied social contract to a market-based business one.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide

MassivelyEVE Evolved: When social and market values collide originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedmarketrelationshipssocialsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingteamworkSun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The distance of romance: Is online romance possible?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/the-distance-of-romance-is-online-romance-possible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/the-distance-of-romance-is-online-romance-possible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/the-distance-of-romance-is-online-romance-possible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Newsweek's story this week, about two Second Life users who met and fell in love without a nasty breakup, divorce, murder or any other sort of common human drama has sparked a lot of talk among users of virtual environments about love and romance over a distance.

Opinions are divided of course. Some feel that it's impossible to fall in love with someone who is out of range of a slap in the face, while others see it as completely natural. Are human relationships like electro-magnetism, where they cannot exist beyond a certain small physical radius?

Continue reading The distance of romance: Is online romance possible?

MassivelyThe distance of romance: Is online romance possible? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturenewsweekopinionrelationshipsromancesecond-lifevirtual-worldsThu, 16 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How can you tell your online friends that you've passed away?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/how-can-you-tell-your-online-friends-that-youve-passed-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/how-can-you-tell-your-online-friends-that-youve-passed-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/how-can-you-tell-your-online-friends-that-youve-passed-away/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gamers know that online friends are important. We spend untold hours raiding together, questing together, leveling together, and laughing together. Part of the reason we even play MMOs is because we want to play a game with thousands of other players and meet new people while we do something we all can enjoy together.

But what if the unthinkable should happen? What if you should die unexpectedly?

The Associated Press recently ran the story of Jerald Spangenberg, a man who passed away while playing World of Warcraft, and his daughter's quest to inform his guild of his passing. Unfortunately, she didn't have his password, leaving her to ask around on the forums to speak with members of his guild.

Methods are being set up to deal with this sort of thing -- including everything from websites sending out e-mails from beyond the grave to just giving a really trusted friend access to your e-mail account so he can tell your contacts that you've passed away. Whatever the method though, it seems like this problem will only be increasing as more people begin spending their time online and finding relationships where they never could before.

MassivelyHow can you tell your online friends that you've passed away? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentdeathdyingfriendsguildsjerald-spangenbergpost-deathrelationshipsworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 17 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Braid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/braid-creator-rips-on-wow-talks-artificial-rewards-and-social-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/braid-creator-rips-on-wow-talks-artificial-rewards-and-social-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/braid-creator-rips-on-wow-talks-artificial-rewards-and-social-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In an interview with Gamasutra, game designer Jon Blow (who created the critically acclaimed Xbox Live Arcade game Braid) had a few things to say about World of Warcraft. His criticisms could be just as easily leveled against any Diku-based, WoW-like MMO.

He began by saying that WoW employs "artificial rewards" as opposed to "natural rewards." In other words, players play WoW for achievements like leveling up that have little real meaning, and they'll sit through a lot of boredom to reach those goals. That's not an unfair analysis; leveling up is a very empty and artificial kind of catharsis. Perhaps the most controversial statements he made were related to the social aspect of the game.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

Continue reading Braid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming

MassivelyBraid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial-rewardsblizzardbraidcommunitydesigndesignergamasutrainteractioninterviewjon-blowmicrosoft-game-studiosnatural-rewardsnumber-nonerelationshipsrewardssocialworld-of-warcraftwowxbox-live-marketplaceSat, 13 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1UP's Scott Sharkey has written an article titled "Hook It to My Veins: Can Videogaming be an Addiction?" in which he provides anecdotal experiences with excessive gaming and conversations with two experts -- researcher/author Neils Clark and psychology lecturer Dr. Nadine Pelling. The conclusion is made pretty quickly: yes, video games can be an addiction. Big surprise there! But the details can be wishy-washy, it turns out.

Virtual worlds are the subject of in-depth analysis. Clark borrows from a theory by J.R.R. Tolkien by suggesting that gaming addiction is about a conflict between what ought to be a primary world, and a secondary fantasy world. Gamers with a problem have difficulty prioritizing, or even acknowledging that the gaming world is secondary. Immersion is an important part of enjoying a game, right? But if you're thinking about how you need to make sure the primary world gets its due attention, then you're not immersed anymore -- so begins the problem.

Continue reading Psychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships

MassivelyPsychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upaddictionfriendshipsimmersionnadine-pellingneils-clarkprimary-worldpsychologyrelationshipsresearchresearchersecondary-worldvirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftSun, 31 Aug 2008 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do guild relationships transfer between games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/the-daily-grind-do-guild-relationships-transfer-between-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/the-daily-grind-do-guild-relationships-transfer-between-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/the-daily-grind-do-guild-relationships-transfer-between-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


When you have the right group of people, everything is just easier. When your guild members communicate well with each other, and each person knows her role and responsibilities, there isn't anything you can't overcome. At least, in that particular game. But what happens when you try to transfer that guild to a different game?

Although many MMOs have similar classes and structures, it isn't always a one-to-one correlation. Your tank might suddenly find himself with a much more challenging job than in the previous game. Your healer could see a new class and decide he's done with his old job and wants to try something new. Maybe the functions of the group just don't work in the new game. When your guild wants to tackle the challenges of a new MMO, how do you go about settling in? If it isn't happening, how do you fix it?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do guild relationships transfer between games? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesguildshealeropinionrelationshipstanktdgthe-daily-grindSun, 15 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Broadcast student creates documentary on MMO player relationships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/broadcast-student-creates-documentary-on-mmo-player-relationship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/broadcast-student-creates-documentary-on-mmo-player-relationship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/broadcast-student-creates-documentary-on-mmo-player-relationship/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sure, we've got Second Skin coming up, but if you can't wait that long, here's a well-produced, nicely narrated audio documentary about the mechanisms of MMO relationships. It was created by a student from Central Michigan University's School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts named Nathan Bender.

For a change, this documentary focuses on Final Fantasy XI, rather than World of Warcraft. It provides a great deal of insight into how players interact with each other, and an insider's perspective on what it's like to enter a larger social world than previously experienced. Running under 30 minutes, it's well worth your time and may have you nodding in recognition.

[Thanks, Fusionx!]

MassivelyBroadcast student creates documentary on MMO player relationships originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week, Robin Torres contributes Gamer Interrupted, a column about balancing real life with MMOs.

Sharing your leisure time with a friend and/or loved one is a great way to strengthen your relationship. This is not a controversial statement. But if that leisure time includes video games, we are getting into much debated territory -- though things are improving. Newer studies are finding that social games do in fact make people more social, rather than the basement dwelling stereotypes that exist. In my opinion, MMOs are a great way to spend quality time together with friends, family and significant others -- particularly when some are in different physical locations.

Couples can have in-game dates where they spend only the money that they are already spending on their account fees and with the kids sleeping nearby. Separated friends can spend time together even if they are in different countries. And, in my favorite story (though I am biased), brothers who have never met can get to know each other though they are hundreds of miles apart.

Continue reading Gamer Interrupted: Duos are good for relationships

MassivelyGamer Interrupted: Duos are good for relationships originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azeroth-interruptedcohcoxduoduosfeaturedgamer-interruptedhgljoystiqfeaturesrelationshipsswgwowWed, 05 Dec 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to deal with a "WoW widow" (without going insane)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/how-to-deal-with-a-wow-widow-without-going-insane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/how-to-deal-with-a-wow-widow-without-going-insane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/how-to-deal-with-a-wow-widow-without-going-insane/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Angry Wife wielding Epic +10 Rolling Pin of Doom"Are you *still* playing that silly game of yours?"

"Why do you stay up all night playing on your computer?"

"You pay more attention to that game of yours than you do to me!"

Many of you have heard these words from your angry spouse or significant other. Many more of you have been unwise enough to try to defend yourself only to find yourself embroiled in a bitter, and sometimes relationship-ending, argument. Still more of you look over your shoulders at night fighting off feelings of guilt for sneaking into your computer room in order to get a few hours of your favorite game in. Such struggles might lead to resentment and may certainly put a strain on your relationships with the people who are most important to you.

I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that situations like this are most certainly your fault. The good news is that it isn't for the reason you think it is. There is no difference between the guy who schedules a raid on Tuesday night from 8:00 to midnight and the guy who has a weekly bowling night with his friends at the same time. There is no difference between the guy who plants himself on the couch to watch the big game and the guy who welds his butt to a computer chair for 5 hours on a Sunday afternoon. So why do we never hear the terms "Bowling League Widows" or "Sunday Football Widows" kicked around, but jokes about "WoW Widows" and "MMO Spouse Support Groups" abound?

Continue reading How to deal with a "WoW widow" (without going insane)

MassivelyHow to deal with a "WoW widow" (without going insane) originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionfeaturedhow-torelationshipswow-widowwow-widowsSat, 03 Nov 2007 18:36:00 EST