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: Are petitions to resurrect MMOs a waste of time?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-petitions-to-resurrect-mmos-a-waste-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-petitions-to-resurrect-mmos-a-waste-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-petitions-to-resurrect-mmos-a-waste-of-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Tabula Rasa
We've received several tips over the last few weeks about a petition players are circulating in the hopes of resurrecting NCsoft's ill-fated MMO shooter Tabula Rasa. Even Richard Garriott himself tweeted about the campaign. But inside the Massively virtual offices, most of us just shrugged sadly. We've seen how these petitions go. Every once in a while, a sunsetted game returns from the dead, but MMO players are awash in petitions for games that never came back. Just ask the 21,845 gamers who signed the Save City of Heroes petition last autumn.

So what do you think -- are petitions to resurrect or save MMOs a waste of time? Or do you sign them anyway, just in case there's a tiny chance they might work?

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 petitions to resurrect MMOs a waste of time? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-call-2brianna-royce-tdgcity-of-heroesdaily-grindopinionpetitionpetitionsrichard-garriottsunsetsunsetstabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindFri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar introduces layaway program for backers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/shroud-of-the-avatar-introduces-layaway-program-for-backers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/shroud-of-the-avatar-introduces-layaway-program-for-backers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/shroud-of-the-avatar-introduces-layaway-program-for-backers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar
Portalarium's Kickstarter campaign for Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues cruised past its initial funding goal of one million dollars, landing at $1,919,275 by the time the clock ran out. Though the Kickstarter drive has ended, the company is still taking pledges for the project through the official SotA website. In fact, SotA offers a whopping 22 different pledge tiers ranging from $10 to $11,000.

If you don't have $11,000 in your pocket but would still like to pledge as much, Portalarium has announced a layaway program that will help backers contribute larger amounts of money by breaking the payments up into smaller chunks. The layaway plan, which should go live this month, establishes monthly payments for big pledges -- and assigns a monthly finance fee.

The company is promising another update this month with more details on the plan, which was designed in part due to backer requests. The layaway plan will be available to both new backers and those looking to upgrade their pledge tier.

[Thanks to FlyinBuddha for the tip!]

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar introduces layaway program for backers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcrowdfundingfantasykickstarterlayawaylord-britishrichard-garriottshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAWed, 05 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which devs would you like to see in the MMO space?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-daily-grind-which-devs-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-mmo-spa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-daily-grind-which-devs-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-mmo-spa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-daily-grind-which-devs-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-mmo-spa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar
We've seen a number of big-name game gurus make headlines in recent months with various MMOish development projects. Whether we're talking Chris Roberts, Mark Jacobs, or Richard Garriott, there's plenty of star power on display in both the MMO and crowdfunding arenas these days.

Are there any other well-known devs you'd like see turning (or returning) to the MMO ranks?

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: Which devs would you like to see in the MMO space? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-robertscrowdfundingdaily-grinddevelopersdevslord-britishmark-jacobsopinionrichard-garriotttdgthe-daily-grindMon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Massively's guide to sandboxes
Welcome to Massively's guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond. I've collected the essential details on all the major sandbox titles releasing this year and in the near future in one easy-to-reference article. If you're wondering whether ArcheAge forces you to PvP, or if you can't tell The Repopulation from Origins of Malu, this is your post.

I'll be updating it as game features are added, removed, or revealed, so be sure to use the comments to let me know if I've overlooked a particularly noteworthy item. Finally, I want to point out that this isn't an exhaustive list because of the sheer number of sandbox projects ongoing. For now, I'm choosing to focus on the ones that will be playable in 2013/2014 as well as the projects that have a big-name developer attached.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-sandbox-guide2013-sandboxesaaabove-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesaction-mmoage-of-wulinage-of-wushuagonarche-agearcheageasiaavataraventurinecarbinecarbine-studioschinachinesechinese-mmochris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescrowdfundingcrypticcryptic-studiosdangerousdarkfalldavid-brabendfdndeliteelite-dangerouseqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgame-mechanicsgpotatogvginternet-spaceshipinternet-spaceshipskickstarterkidnappinglord-britishmartial-artsmassivelys-sandbox-guideming-dynastyncsoftneverwinteropen-pvpopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvppwerepopulationrichard-garriottsandboxsandbox-guidesandparksarsci-fantasysci-fishroudshroud-of-the-avatarsnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesome-assembly-requiredsony-online-entertainmentSOTAspacespaceshipspaceshipsstar-citizenthe-repopulationwildstarwswushuwuxiaxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar is well and truly Kickstarted]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/shroud-of-the-avatar-is-well-and-truly-kickstarted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/shroud-of-the-avatar-is-well-and-truly-kickstarted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/shroud-of-the-avatar-is-well-and-truly-kickstarted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's nice to see people come together to help the less fortunate have a chance at their dreams
Time has run out for the Kickstarter campaign for Richard Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar. The closing tally for the campaign was $1,919,275, raised over a humble $1,000,000 goal. When you throw in the donations made through the game's site rather than Kickstarter, the whole effort raked in just over two million dollars.

Given that the game hit its funding goal back on March 19th, we realize the success of the campaign was never really in question. The project has enough funding to have unlocked nine or ten stretch goals, including a Tracy Hickman novel and a host of systems and content goodies.

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar is well and truly Kickstarted originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcrowdfundingfantasykickstarterlord-britishrichard-garriottshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAtracy-hickmanSun, 07 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Game developers actually are rockstars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-soapbox-game-developers-actually-are-rockstars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-soapbox-game-developers-actually-are-rockstars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-soapbox-game-developers-actually-are-rockstars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Soapbox Game developers actually are rockstars
Shortly after this column series started, Massively's Shawn "Epic Beard" Schuster planted his feet on the wooden crate to tell us that game developers are not rockstars. And as much as it frightens me to disagree with him, I believe I have a moral obligation to let him know that he was wrong. Sure, his article pointed out that it takes a team to create a spectacular game and that the personalities of the gaming industry cannot do it by themselves. As he put it, even though Sid Meier didn't code all of Civilization and Richard Garriott didn't construct all of Tabula Rasa, their names sat proudly on the box. But just like rockstars, those two names and many more developers' names belong on the covers of their respective games.

Rockstars from Aerosmith to Beyonce are more than the faces on the covers of their albums. In college, I used to create CD covers for local recording artists, so I can tell you first-hand that even though there was only one name on the front, there were many names on the inside jacket, just as there are many names in game credits. So how exactly are game developers like superstar musicians? The analogy fits in nearly every single way.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Game developers actually are rockstars

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Game developers actually are rockstars originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gontieraerosmithAscapbeyoncebiowarebungieCivilizationdayzdouble-fineeddie-veddereditorialedmund-mcmillenfeaturedgabe-newellhaloindie-game-the-movieJustin-BieberkickstarterKnights-of-the-Old-RepublicKnights-of-the-Old-Republic-2kurt-cobainLucasArtsmatt-walstmicheal-stipeObsidian-Entertainmentop-edopinionrantrantsRichard-Garriottscott-weilandshawn-schustershroud-of-the-avatarSid-Meiersoapboxstone-temple-pilotssuper-meat-boytabula-rasateam-meatthe-soapboxthree-days-graceTim-Schafertommy-refenesUltima-OnlinevalveTue, 02 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster is open to making another 'worldy MMO']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Raph Koster may make another 'worldy MMO'
On his personal blog, Raph Koster announced that he has left Disney to become an unemployed game developer. The big question is, of course, what's next for the driving force behind Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. The answer is... he doesn't know.

However, Koster does indicate that he is open to working on another traditional MMO, but not one born of Kickstarter. "I suspect that those of you who want this all want me to make a worldy MMO," he writes. "I may yet make one of those in the future, but I don't think that you can raise enough money on Kickstarter to do it justice."

Koster says that he might be doing some consulting, writing, and speaking, but what he wants to do most is to "simply start making games." He claims that GDC inspired him to get back into the game-making business, big-time. He also says contrary to some rumors, he is not working with Richard Garriott on Shroud of the Avatar.

MassivelyRaph Koster is open to making another 'worldy MMO' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneygdcgdc-2013kickstartermetaplacemmoraph-kosterrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarstar-wars-galaxiesswgultima-onlineTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rewards expand for backers of Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/rewards-expand-for-backers-of-garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/rewards-expand-for-backers-of-garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/rewards-expand-for-backers-of-garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You don't want to live in a skull cave, the taxes are insane.
If you've been meaning to throw money at Richard Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar Kickstarter campaign but haven't yet, the good news is that there are now more rewards for people who pledge support to the game.

The $50 reward tier now includes a special Immortality Fruit, a special title, and early access to your surname. At $60, you also get a special tunic, weapon, and pet. The new $80 tier adds in future access to episodes 2 & 3 of the game, an indestructible starter tool, and the ability to tame an elusive monster out in the wild (assuming the game reaches its stretch goal for the taming system). Those who have already donated will receive the rewards as well, but there are several more expanded tiers that might convince fans to bump in a few more dollars.

MassivelyRewards expand for backers of Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcrowdfundingfantasykickstarterkickstarter-rewardslord-britishpledge-tiersreward-tiersrewardsrichard-garriottshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAstretch-goalstiersWed, 27 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Richard Garriott and Matt Barton
Richard Garriott recently dropped in on Matt Chat to talk up Shroud of the Avatar with host Matt Barton.

Lord British has a lot to say over the course of the hour-long show, including some elaboration on Shroud's curious is-it-or-isn't-it-an-MMO design structure. "While most people will probably play in what I call the default setting of the open world, you can also turn it down to the other levels of comfort or safety that might prefer," he says.

There's plenty more where that came from, including bits about the story, Tracy Hickman's involvement, and the game's approach to traditional RPG questing. Click past the cut for the full interview.

[Thanks Avaloner81]

Continue reading Garriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics

MassivelyGarriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygame-mechanicsgarriott-interviewinterviewlord-britishmatt-chatquestingrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarstoryvideoMon, 25 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar gets serious about housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/shroud-of-the-avatar-gets-serious-about-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/shroud-of-the-avatar-gets-serious-about-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/shroud-of-the-avatar-gets-serious-about-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar gets serious about housing
The Portalarium team has heard the many, many questions that potential players and Kickstarter backers have about Shroud of the Avatar's player housing system, and so they have released a video to help clear up several of the details.

Houses in Shroud of the Avatar are purchased with in-game currency, exist in a shared space, and can be traded between players. Unlike early-era Ultima Online, Shroud won't render you vulnerable to burglars and thieves; house items will remain safe, although sometimes the house itself will be taken out of commission during a siege.

There are several different types of player houses, from city houses to village cottages, that can be decorated on both the inside and the outside. The team decided to go with a deed system that will allow players to buy, sell, and trade the land on which houses are built. If a deed is acquired through the Kickstarter campaign, the house will be maintenance-free for life.

You can watch the devs discuss the housing system after the jump.

Continue reading Shroud of the Avatar gets serious about housing

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar gets serious about housing originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingfantasyhousingkickstarterlord-britishplayer-housingportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarvideoFri, 22 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott clarifies his 'most game designers really just suck' statements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Richard Garriott addresses '
Richard Garriott made some serious waves yesterday with some fairly inflammatory statements in an interview with PC Gamer. Citing a few exceptions like Chris Roberts, Garriott said, "I've met virtually no one in our industry who I think is close to as good a game designer as I am. I'm not saying that because I think I'm so brilliant. What I'm saying is, I think most game designers really just suck, and I think there's a reason why."

This statement, and others like it that were delivered in the interview, caused no small amount of backlash. Today, Garriott posted a response (titled Words taken out of context) in an attempt to "clarify" his words. He cites a lack of context and "broader real time discussion" for the simplification and inaccurate representations of his statements. "By no means," he says, "did I intend to disparage others who have led the many great games of each era in gaming history." He then went on to re-tread some of his ideas about the difficulty about being a designer versus being an artist or programmer. "Sadly," he concludes, "I really do think that most people who get into design roles on a team have no more skills at design than the programmers and artists."

Lest we do him the disservice of taking his words out of context, you can read his full rebuttal at the Portalarium website.

MassivelyRichard Garriott clarifies his 'most game designers really just suck' statements originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competition-is-harddesigndeverlopers-suckgame-designgame-designersgame-industrylord-britishmmo-industryrichard-garriottThu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott: 'I think most game designers really just suck']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar - Hopefully it won't suck
Richard Garriott has some harsh words and a bit of tough love for game design professionals in a new interview at PC Gamer. Lord British, more visible in the press these days as a result of his successful Shroud of the Avatar Kickstarter project, sat down with the mag to talk at length about what ails gaming and who he thinks is capable of doing something about it.

"I think there's really very few great game designers," Garriott says. "I think Chris Roberts is one of them, Will Wright's another, Peter Molyneux is another. They clearly exist, but on the whole, I think that the design talent in our industry is dramatically lower than we need, as an industry. It's a very hard skill to learn."

Garriott cites a lack of education and a lack of extra-design skills as problems plaguing many designers and the industry at large.
If you're not a good artist and not a good programmer, but you still like games, you become a designer, if you follow me.

You get into Q&A and often design. And the most valuable part of creating a game is the design, which the programmers are technically executing. And they'd be happy to just execute some of them. But in my mind, most artists and programmers are just as much of gamers as the designers, and I usually find in my history that the artists and programmers are, in fact, as good of designers as the designers. They're often better, because they understand the technology or the art.

So we're leaning on a lot of designers who get that job because they're not qualified for the other jobs, rather than that they are really strongly qualified as a designer. It's really hard to go to school to be a good designer."

MassivelyGarriott: 'I think most game designers really just suck' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdevelopers-suckgame-designgame-designers-suckgame-industryinterviewlord-britishlord-british-thinks-game-designers-suckmmo-industryrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarWed, 20 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar tops $1 million in funding, adds stretch goals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/shroud-of-the-avatar-tops-1-million-in-funding-adds-stretch-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/shroud-of-the-avatar-tops-1-million-in-funding-adds-stretch-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/shroud-of-the-avatar-tops-1-million-in-funding-adds-stretch-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar adds stretch goals, rewards
Lord British's Shroud of the Avatar Kickstarter project has officially surpassed its $1 million funding goal with 19 days to go. That means stretch goals and bonus rewards, and the project website has been updated with a listing that includes a pet system (both social- and combat-focused) and seasonal weather functionality.

Bonus rewards have also been added to all of the backer tiers beginning at the $60 founder level. New goodies include various avatar titles, in-game house decor, physical collector's items, and more.

[Thanks Don!]

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar tops $1 million in funding, adds stretch goals originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingfantasykickstarterlord-britishportalariumrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarshroud-of-the-avatar-kickstarterTue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tracy Hickman tapped for writing duties on Shroud of the Avatar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/tracy-hickman-tapped-for-writing-duties-on-shroud-of-the-avatar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/tracy-hickman-tapped-for-writing-duties-on-shroud-of-the-avatar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/tracy-hickman-tapped-for-writing-duties-on-shroud-of-the-avatar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I'm not saying there are going to be dragons, but there will be dragons.
If you were a fan of fantasy games in the 1980s, you know Richard Garriott from the Ultima series. (Our younger readers are more familiar with him as someone who went to space.) Odds are good that you were also familiar with Tracy Hickman, co-author of the popular Dragonlance novels during the '80s. And if that sounds like two great tastes that taste great together, you'll be happy to know that Tracy Hickman has been announced as the lead story designer for Garriott's upcoming Shroud of the Avatar.

Hickman's writing credits aside from the Dragonlance series include the Death Gate Cycle, the ongoing Dragonships series, and the online serial novel Dragon's Bard. There's no word on whether his frequent co-authors will be joining in on the writing duties as well, but even Hickman alone should make some old-school fantasy fans very happy about the direction of the upcoming game.

MassivelyTracy Hickman tapped for writing duties on Shroud of the Avatar originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingdesign-teamdevelopmentkickstarterloremanagementnewsportalariumrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarsotatracy-hickmanFri, 15 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott explains why Shroud of the Avatar is on Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/richard-garriott-explains-why-shroud-of-the-avatar-is-on-kicksta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/richard-garriott-explains-why-shroud-of-the-avatar-is-on-kicksta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/richard-garriott-explains-why-shroud-of-the-avatar-is-on-kicksta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pictured: Not space.
Richard Garriott has been to space, but his upcoming game, Shroud of the Avatar, is not in space. It is on Kickstarter, and according to Garriott himself in a recent interview, that's because it allows him to release a game without oversight. Garriott claims that the unnamed games he's released to sub-par reception have been chiefly the result of publishers meddling with the finished product, whereas the games he has been allowed to finish his way have been classics.

While the game is not explicitly tied to the Ultima franchise for copyright reasons, Garriott sees it as very much being in the spirit of the older games, since Ultima IX ended with the world more or less destroyed. He also discusses influences on the game world's design and how players can switch between single-player and online modes of operation without a problem. If you're looking forward to the game, you can get more details in the full interview.

MassivelyRichard Garriott explains why Shroud of the Avatar is on Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundinginterviewkickstartermassively-single-playeroptionalonlineportalariumpreviewrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarsotaWed, 13 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar promises offline mode with no DRM]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/shroud-of-the-avatar-promises-offline-mode-with-no-drm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/shroud-of-the-avatar-promises-offline-mode-with-no-drm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/shroud-of-the-avatar-promises-offline-mode-with-no-drm/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shroud of the Avatar promises offline mode with no DRM
As Richard Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar Kickstarter campaign continues, the team has posted an update on a few topics that in no way have to do with the recent SimCity kerfuffle.

The post states that the team is creating an offline version of the game for those who prefer that style (or find it more convenient). While players won't be able to take their offline character into the online version, there may be the possibility of doing the reverse.

Other words of comfort include the promise that Shroud of the Avatar "will not use any form of DRM" for its offline mode and that the single-player version won't be littered with microtransactions.

[Thanks to Don for the tip!]

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar promises offline mode with no DRM originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-rights-managementdrmfantasykickstarterlord-britishoffline-modeportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarsingle-playersingle-player-modeTue, 12 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar prototype screenshot
Richard Garriott's recent Shroud of the Avatar announcement was greeted with both huzzahs and catcalls (though the former seem to outnumber the latter if the project's current Kickstarter numbers are any indication).

Now that Lord British has spent the weekend answering questions via livestream and elaborating on game mechanics in the press, what do you think about the new project? Are you backing Shroud's Kickstarter, or are you taking a wait-and-see approach? Or do you not care one whit? Let us know via the voting booth after the cut.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalleaderboardlord-britishone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar to feature 'personalized multiplayer']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar-to-feature-personalized-multipl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar-to-feature-personalized-multipl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/garriotts-shroud-of-the-avatar-to-feature-personalized-multipl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar to feature 'personalized multiplayer'
Richard Garriott's new Shroud of the Avatar project is proving pretty popular on Kickstarter. As of press time it's already raised over $600,000 of its $1 million goal with 28 days to go.

Why all the excitement? It would be easy to single out Lord British's Ultima pedigree, but it's also worth noting that the project itself seems to be aiming for those old-school gamers who are feeling a little left out due to the homogenization of current-gen MMOs. Garriott recently spoke to GamesIndustry.biz and elaborated on Shroud of the Avatar's mechanics, which he described as "personalized multiplayer" rather than massively multiplayer.

The game is "the antithesis of what people have been doing with MMOs these last few years," Garriott explained. "They not only build every stitch of technology from scratch, they build a giant world, and they build them all in the exact same horrifically difficult but no longer impressive model. At one time it was brilliant, but now they're all the same."

Shroud will have Garriott staples like a classless character system, virtues, housing, and extensive crafting, but it won't have thousands of players thrown together on a typical MMO-like server.
There is no server where everyone that is connected that happens to walk onto the same map will all see each other. If you do that it's terribly complicated and it's largely a waste of time for you. If you're walking on the streets of New York you don't really care about most of the people going by the other way. The only people you care about are the people you've met before or you are likely to meet again in the future. We can determine that by whatever information you're willing to give us, and if you're not willing to give us information we'll use a heuristic to pull people into your current play space. It's much cheaper, for you and for us, and much more likely to be relevant to you."
Garriott also says that while you can play Shroud of the Avatar offline, it will still be persistent. "Everyone's in the same world," he notes. "If you log on just once a month, you'll have downloaded the current state of affairs of ownership and the current blueprint of people's houses. Everyone who has a shop that sells things, whatever it is that has been built up in the world you'll get to see. Your world will advance because of the contributions of other players."

MassivelyGarriott's Shroud of the Avatar to feature 'personalized multiplayer' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasylord-britishportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarSun, 10 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott kickstarting Shroud of the Avatar multiplayer RPG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/garriott-kickstarting-shroud-of-the-avatar-multiplayer-rpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/garriott-kickstarting-shroud-of-the-avatar-multiplayer-rpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/garriott-kickstarting-shroud-of-the-avatar-multiplayer-rpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Garriott kickstarting Shroud of the Avatar multiplayer RPG
Richard Garriott is officially returning to his RPG roots with a new project called Shroud of the Avatar. Lord British has launched a Kickstarter project, and while the FAQ reveals that the new title isn't an MMO, it will have some sort of co-op/multiplayer component. As you might expect, it's a fantasy world with a heavy emphasis on sandbox elements, exploration, combat, and storytelling.

Shroud of the Avatar is currently planned only for the PC, though the game's website does allow for possible mobile functionality via stretch-goal funding. Currently, Garriott is looking to raise $1 million over the next four weeks. You can watch his pitch video after the cut. He's also livestreaming at LordBritishPresents.com.

Continue reading Garriott kickstarting Shroud of the Avatar multiplayer RPG

MassivelyGarriott kickstarting Shroud of the Avatar multiplayer RPG originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingfantasykickstarterlord-britishportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarvideoFri, 08 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott is up to... something]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can we trust this man?
Oh, Lord British, you coy and rascally devil!

It seems as if Richard Garriott has unveiled a new website called LordBritishPresents.com that comes complete with its very own countdown timer. What waits on the other side? Is it another casino browser game, or could it be something of actual interest to the legions of Ultima Online fans the famed developer still trails in his spacefaring wake?

We'll know in just under a week, and in the meantime we'd recommend following Garriott's Twitter feed for further teases.

MassivelyRichard Garriott is up to... something originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-britishlord-british-presentslordbritishpresentsoh-nooh-yesrichard-garriottteaseteaserultimaultima-onlineuoFri, 01 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott throws end-of-the-world party, world survives in style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/richard-garriott-throws-end-of-the-world-party-world-survives-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/richard-garriott-throws-end-of-the-world-party-world-survives-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/richard-garriott-throws-end-of-the-world-party-world-survives-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Richard Garriott throws endoftheworld party, world survives in style
If you've got the means and know-how to throw the world's best apocalyptic party, would there be anything from stopping you doing it? Nothing got in the way of Portalarium's Richard Garriott when he wanted to create one of the most cool- and insane-sounding end-of-the-world bashes on December 21st in Austin, Texas.

"We thought this date shouldn't pass without an interactive soiree," Garriott explained. The creator of Ultima Online is famous for throwing strange elaborate parties, including a Titanic get-together where he sunk the boat with the party-goers on it.

Garriott created a 30-foot Mayan pyramid as the centerpiece of the event. Around the pyramid were four apocalypse-themed tents, including an alien tent with a Sputnik replica and a hedonism display with naked zebra ladies prancing about.

The $1,000-plus door charge for the party went toward the X Prize Foundation.

MassivelyRichard Garriott throws end-of-the-world party, world survives in style originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseend-of-the-worldend-of-the-world-partyevilfunnyhumorpartyportalariumrichard-garriottultimaultima-onlineultimate-collectorThu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Garriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary
It's been a week of remembrances for past and present members of the Ultima Online dev team. The title's 15th anniversary has offered ample opportunity for stories from the early days, the latest of which come courtesy of Lord British himself (and no, it's not the one about his in-game death).

Richard Garriott tells of his run-in with a player thief bent on ruining the game experience for a new player. It's an amusing anecdote that illustrates how UO's early incarnation led to plenty of unexpected gameplay scenarios. "After [the incident], I began to think more carefully about the rules we ourselves put in the game, and the inevitable play styles that would come of it," Garriott writes.

MassivelyGarriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversariesanniversaryclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasygriefinglord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentrichard-garriottsandboxthiefultimaultima onlineultima-thiefuoThu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/garriotts-portalarium-partnering-with-zynga-for-ultimate-collec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Garriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector
Former Ultima Online guru Richard Garriott is joining forces with Zynga, the social gaming behemoth that has been hemorraging users and executives in recent months.

Garriott's Portalarium company will use the Zynga Platform to launch its Ultimate Collector game, which is currently undergoing a limited Facebook beta.

"Ultimate Collector is really three games in one," Garriott says via press release. "It's a collecting game where players go on a major hunt for collectibles ranging from toys, gadgets, historical weapons, novelties and famous art and display those collections in their homes. It's a shopping game where players can visit shops and stores in our game, some of them from national retailers, to purchase items and add to their collections. And it's a world building game that allows players to outfit a home, show off their collections to their friends, sell virtual items to other collectors and make in-game money to upgrade their house and grow it even larger."

MassivelyGarriott's Portalarium partnering with Zynga for Ultimate Collector originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualevilfacebookgarriottoh-how-the-mighty-have-fallenportalariumrichard-garriottsocialultimaultimate-collectorzyngaFri, 07 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect
When it comes to classic MMOs that have strong nostalgic pull with veterans, the topic does arise from time to time what a sequel to any given game would look like and how it would be received in the current gamer climate. We've already talked about updating graphics here in The Game Archaeologist, but I'm talking about more than a new coat of paint -- I'm talking about a new game entirely. A Star Trek: The Next Generation to the classic Star Trek. A One Direction to the New Kids on the Block. A Madden '13 to a Madden '12.

I'm stretching here.

In a recent franchise producer's letter, Mythic's Jeff Skalski gave fans of Ultima Online a teeny tiny glimmer of hope that Ultima Online 2 might one day be a reality. Depending on your read of it, it could've just been a "stop asking about UO2 already" plea, a shameless way to promote Ultima Forever, or one fan talking to another about something that could happen if both parties work toward a common goal.

Considering the troubled past of Ultima Online's sequels, we have to wonder: Is this more false hope than real hope? Is there any conceivable way that this 15-year-old MMO could one day be granted the same honor as EverQuest, Asheron's Call, Guild Wars, and PlanetSide by getting a sequel that actually launches? I have some thoughts on all this, which is good because otherwise there would be a whole lot of white space after the jump.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akalabethasherons-callclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artseverquestfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-britannianostalgiaopinionplanetsiderichard-garriottsandboxthe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineultima-foreverultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-x-odysseyultimate-rpguouo2Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Social gaming won't destroy MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-soapbox-social-gaming-wont-destroy-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-soapbox-social-gaming-wont-destroy-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-soapbox-social-gaming-wont-destroy-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'd like to note for the record that this is what Mr. Garriott proposes will destroy MMOs.
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.

Richard Garriott has gone on record saying that he believes that the days of classic MMOs are over. The future is social gaming, social media, a lot of things with the word "social" shoehorned in. Coincidentally, he's gone on record as saying this at a time that coincides with his entry into the social gaming arena following a somewhat forcible expulsion from the MMO genre.

You probably think that Richard Garriott is crazy even if you haven't been to space. Still, the idea is a little worrisome. Your phone calls with your mother have changed from being about your aunt's new hip to asking why you haven't watered your crops in FarmCenterWorld or whatever she's playing. You can smile at the collapse of Zynga all you want, but there are still plenty of companies making good money by slapping microtransactions on Build Mode from The Sims and calling it a day. Combine that with recent failures and missteps in the MMO world you probably wonder whether Garriott, crazy or not, might have a point.

But don't worry. Odds are pretty low that social gaming is actually going to kill MMOs... for a lot of good reasons.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Social gaming won't destroy MMOs

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Social gaming won't destroy MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>but-hes-been-to-SPACEeditorialfeaturedfuture-of-mmosop-edopinionoveranalysisrantrantsrichard-garriottridiculous-statementssoapboxsocial-gamingsocial-mediasocial-networksthe-soapboxTue, 04 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Larry's old-school 16-bit MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/mmo-blender-larrys-old-school-16-bit-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/mmo-blender-larrys-old-school-16-bit-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/mmo-blender-larrys-old-school-16-bit-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MMO Blender Larry's old school 16bit
In August of 1991, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System launched in North America, kick-starting what would eventually be the biggest boom in console roleplaying games. Granted, some of us had been playing RPGs on consoles like the original NES, but RPGs didn't see as big a console boom as they did on the SNES. In fact, console RPGs haven't seen the same level of popularity since the SNES. A quick jump over to VGChartz shows us that out of the top 50 games sold world-wide on any individual console, RPGs on the SNES dominated the NES, the Playstation, and even the Nintendo DS, boasting titles like Dragon Quest VI, Final Fantasy III, and Super Mario RPG. If you take into account some adventure games that should be considered RPGs, like Super Metroid and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, then you have arguably the best platform of all time for the genre.

Nowadays, with online gaming and indie companies sprouting up all over the place, a 16-bit online RPG would probably sell really well, especially if it took some of the best elements from the classic console RPGs of the NES/SNES era. Isn't that right, Cthulhu Saves the World? Let's see what I can throw together from some of my favorite 8- and 16-bit games.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Larry's old-school 16-bit MMO

MassivelyMMO Blender: Larry's old-school 16-bit MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarmchair-game-designbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolescthulhu-saves-the-worldeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfavorite-mmofeaturedFinal-Fantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playgame-designgame-mechanicsguild-wars-2gw2kid-friendlykidskids-mmolarry-everettlord-britishlucasartsmechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftNESninendonintendo-dsnintendo-entertainment-systemopinionplaystation-3playstation3ps3richard-garriottsci-fiSNESsoesony-online-entertainmentSquareSquare-Enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsuper-mario-rpgsuper-metroidsuper-nintendosuper-nintendo-entertainment-systemswtorthe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-a-link-to-the-pastthe-old-republictorultimaultima-ivUltima-OnlineultimaonlineuoFri, 03 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott's Portalarium raises $7 million in funding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/richard-garriotts-portalarium-raises-7-million-in-funding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In space, this game totally looks awesome.
Richard Garriott designed Ultima Online and Tabula Rasa, and he has also been to outer space. This has apparently convinced several investors that funding his new company Portalarium is a sound decision, as it was recently announced that Portalarium has secured roughly $7 million in investment capital.

The money is being pushed into the final stages of development on the company's first title, Ultimate Collector, which is slated for release later this summer on Facebook, mobile, and browser-based platforms. Some of the funds are also earmarked for development on the company's second game, alternately known as both Ultimate RPG and New Britannia, which does not yet have a release window.

The chief investment firm was London-based m8 Capital, but several other sources also contribued to the groundswell of support, including Richard Garriott himself. Last month, the company announced that it will be working through the Zynga Platform Partners program to publish Ultimate Collector.

MassivelyRichard Garriott's Portalarium raises $7 million in funding originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-gamesbusinessfacebookfundinggaming-industryindustry-figuresindustry-newsinvestmentmmo-industrymobileportalariumrichard-garriottsocial-gamingultimate-collectorzyngaTue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott says his new social game is the 'spiritual successor' of his previous work]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/garriott-social-game-is-the-spiritual-successor-of-my-previou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/garriott-social-game-is-the-spiritual-successor-of-my-previou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/garriott-social-game-is-the-spiritual-successor-of-my-previou/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Richard Garriott Ultimate Collector social game is the 'spiritual successor' of my previous workEvery so often, Ultima Online creator Richard Garriott takes a break from his social gaming endeavors to grant an interview to a fan site. The latest such is on display at Gather Your Party, and Garriott has plenty to say about his current company, Portalarium, and how its new Ultimate Collector title might appeal to UO fans.

"For us it's a stepping stone. It's an MMO-lite in my mind. Very lite, with more what I will call classical leveraging of casual game mechanics than you will probably see in the RPG, but compared to most casual games, to most social games, it is far deeper," Garriott explains.

He's also aware of the amount of skepticism that his turn toward social gaming generates among Ultima fans and MMORPG enthusiasts, but he thinks that's par for the course. "Newness is fraught with a certain kind of risk, distrust and lack of understanding," Garriott says. "I think what I'm building now is the spiritual successor of my previous work."

MassivelyRichard Garriott says his new social game is the 'spiritual successor' of his previous work originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercasualclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgarriottlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentrichard-garriottsocialsocial-gamingultimaultima onlineultimate-collectoruoMon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Whenever you get really into a new hobby, it's natural to want to blab about it to anyone who drifts into your gravitational field. That's why we all talk about MMOs, right? It's also why any friends, family members, and coworkers have had to put up with excited rambling about my discovered love for Geocaching.

Some of you probably know Geocaching, as it's been around for over a decade now. For those of you who haven't, it's a worldwide treasure hunt that involves over a million and a half "caches" of various sizes that are hidden and then marked with GPS coordinates. Players head to the official site or one of the open-source projects to get the coordinates and go hunting for them. There's a useful two-minute introduction to this hobby on YouTube if you're curious.

I noted on our Massively Speaking podcast that Geocaching has a lot in common with MMOs: Both encourage questing and exploration, both have treasure to be found, and both plug you into a community of adventurers. Listener Terrence heard this and send in an email with an interesting revelation that ties these two hobbies even closer together, as a game developer brought his online world to a real-world location.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Richard Garriott's haunted cache.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britannia-manorcacheclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistgeocachegeocachinginternational-space-stationisslord-britishmudmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaocean-flooropinionrichard-garriottsecond-pass-mushthe-game-archaeologistthe-guardians-questthe-necropolis-of-britannia-manortitanictorilmudtrailertrailersultimaultima onlineuovideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Who will be our MMO development heroes of tomorrow?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-daily-grind-who-will-be-our-mmo-development-heroes-of-tomor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-daily-grind-who-will-be-our-mmo-development-heroes-of-tomor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-daily-grind-who-will-be-our-mmo-development-heroes-of-tomor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Greatest American Hero
The lifespan of the MMO genre is still fairly short when you take general gaming into consideration. Fifteen years ago, most of us wouldn't have dreamed of what's available online today, thanks to the innovators who brought together graphical roleplaying games and the MUDs of the day. People like Richard Garriott, Raph Koster, Starr Long, J. Todd Coleman, and a handful of others helped create what we know today as MMORPGs.

But who will be the innovators and trend-setters of tomorrow's MMOs? We see a lot of innovation these days, but ascribing those ideas to one person isn't as easy (or applicable) as it was in the early days of five-man studios. Still, there are geniuses in these modern studios making some much-needed improvements that will carry on for many years.

So if you're a player and you know of someone who will be known for his or her innovation in the future, let us know. If you're a developer who wants to call out a co-worker for something he or she has done to change the genre, get that name out there!

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: Who will be our MMO development heroes of tomorrow? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heroesinnovationj-todd-colemanmmo-industryopinionraph-kosterrichard-garriottstarr-longtdgthe-daily-grindSat, 25 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Could you make your own MMO for $30 million?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-daily-grind-could-you-make-your-own-mmo-for-30-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-daily-grind-could-you-make-your-own-mmo-for-30-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-daily-grind-could-you-make-your-own-mmo-for-30-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott in space
Massively gets a certain amount of grief for writing news stories about Richard Garriott. While it's true that he hasn't made a major contribution to the MMO industry since the 1990s, it's also true that he's something of a touchstone when it comes to geekery and ambition. If a guy can go from being a young astronaut hopeful to having a spare $30 million to burn on a spaceflight, that's got to count for something, doesn't it?

While we're on the subject of a spare $30 million, yesterday's Garriott piece got me to thinking about what I would do if I had that kind of pocket change. While spaceflight and a lifetime supply of Hershey's kisses are certainly high on the list, I'd use a good chunk of the money to make my own MMO. What about you, Massively crew? Would you self-finance an MMO if you could, and what would it be like? Would $30 million be enough?

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: Could you make your own MMO for $30 million? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-millionfeaturedgame-discussiongamer-discussiongarriottmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-industrymmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsrichard-garriottself-financed-mmotdgthe-daily-grindThu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott talks riding rockets, Man on a Mission movie]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/garriott-talks-riding-rockets-man-on-a-mission-movie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/garriott-talks-riding-rockets-man-on-a-mission-movie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/garriott-talks-riding-rockets-man-on-a-mission-movie/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Richard Garriott on the ISS
Richard Garriott may not be making the MMO sequel that many of his fans crave, but he is the subject of a new documentary film called Man on a Mission. VentureBeat.com recently corralled the elusive creator of the famous Ultima franchise for an extensive interview.

The piece is mainly focused on the film, which is currently playing in select cities as well as various on-demand internet outlets. The documentary presents Garriott's career as an underdog triumph, and highlights the fact that he was rejected for NASA's astronaut program due to his poor eyesight. Garriott had the last laugh, however, as he bought his way to the international space station in 2008 and became the first second-generation astronaut in American history (and a noted supporter of private-sector space flight).

While there's precious little info regarding Garriott's current and future gaming pursuits, the interview does offer up some geeky nuggets for those interested in rockets and rocketmen. "For example, launch you think of as this loud, shaky, scary moment," Garriott explains. "In fact, on a liquid-fueled rocket like the Soyuz, it's almost perfectly silent and smooth on the inside. It's much more cerebral, it feels much more like a ballet move, lifting you ever faster into the sky, than it does a sports car dropping the clutch at a green light."

MassivelyGarriott talks riding rockets, Man on a Mission movie originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedocumentarygarriottgeekeryinterviewsman-on-a-missionmmo-industryrichard-garriottspace-flightultimaultima-onlineyes-we-know-this-is-not-game-news-but-respect-your-eldersWed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This Week In MMO
It's time for another episode of This Week in MMO, and the focal point of this week's episode is none other than the freshly launched Star Wars: The Old Republic. Gary Gannon, Mike B., and Mike Schaffnit share a conversation about the staggered launch, the early start, the newly announced grace period, and much more.

Of course, the world does not revolve only around SWTOR, so the guys also take some time to highlight other goings-on in the MMO world. Warhammer Online will be merging servers once again, which does not forecast a sunny outlook for Mythic's PvP-focused title. Also on the table is talk that the gradually less sane Richard Garriott will be returning to work on the Ultima universe. What could this mean to MMO players? Well, click on past the cut and find out for yourself.

Continue reading This Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition

MassivelyThis Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremythicmythic-entertainmentrichard-garriotrichard-garriottstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthis-week-in-mmotortwimmoultimavideovideoswarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA denies Richard Garriott's claims of Ultima Online discussions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ea-denies-richard-garriotts-claims-of-ultima-online-discussions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ea-denies-richard-garriotts-claims-of-ultima-online-discussions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/ea-denies-richard-garriotts-claims-of-ultima-online-discussions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Thumbs up from Astronaut British
What would a recent day in MMO news be without a mention of Richard Garriott? Today's entry is especially interesting in a he-said-they-said kinda way.

A few days ago, Richard Garriott spoke up on the possibility of a reincarnation of the Ultima franchise through talks "at very high levels with Electronic Arts about access to the property." But EA is now denying this claim.

EA's Jeff Brown recently told IndustryGamers in a candid interview that he's not sure what Lord British is talking about. "No one at EA is discussing partnership or licensing opportunities related to the Ultima Online franchise."

Sorry Ultima Online fans, it seem that either the talks were supposed to be confidential, or they simply didn't happen at all.

MassivelyEA denies Richard Garriott's claims of Ultima Online discussions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-niedeaelectronic-artsgeneral-britishindustry-gamerslord-britishRichard-GarriottUltima-OnlineuoThu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: On gold-farming and the grind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/the-soapbox-on-gold-farming-and-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/the-soapbox-on-gold-farming-and-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/the-soapbox-on-gold-farming-and-the-grind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chest of gold
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.

You're no doubt aware of a certain sci-fi MMORPG that's launching this week. As is the case each time a new major title releases, I'm curious to see how (or if) the developers will deal with the inevitable real-money trade.

BioWare has been fairly quiet about gold-farming and the steps it may take to combat it, which isn't too surprising given the unglamorous and often controversial subject matter. Few game devs mention their anti-RMT plans prior to launch, but plenty of dev teams complain about RMT after their game has been released. And yet, the usual solutions to black market currency trading are continuously ineffective at stopping it.

Continue reading The Soapbox: On gold-farming and the grind

MassivelyThe Soapbox: On gold-farming and the grind originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfun-barriergold-buyinggold-farminggold-sellinggrindgrinding-leads-to-gold-farmingopinionprogress-questprogressionreal-money-traderichard-garriottrmtsci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-grindthe-old-republicthe-soapboxtorTue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott: 'Exceptionally unusual pressures' helped tank Tabula Rasa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/richard-garriott-exceptionally-unusual-pressures-helped-tank/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/richard-garriott-exceptionally-unusual-pressures-helped-tank/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/richard-garriott-exceptionally-unusual-pressures-helped-tank/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tabula Rasa
What truly happened with the sad tale of Tabula Rasa, the scifi MMO that had the full backing of Richard Garriott and NCsoft -- and yet lasted only 15 months before being shuttered? For the full scoop, it's good to go right to the source: General British himself.

Garriott sat down with Eurogamer for a candid dissection of what went wrong with Tabula Rasa. Ultimately, he feels that he did not do enough to make the game the best it could've been. Initially, Garriott's team brought on several Asian developers to help shape the title to be appealing to the Eastern market.

The partnership didn't work out, and after two years the team basically started over. By then, Tabula Rasa was already struggling. "So Tabula Rasa started its two-year late restart under exceptionally unusual pressures and with understandable corporate discontent, which made it very difficult to finish," he said.

Garriott then acknowledges that the MMO's failure has caused players to be wary about his future projects: "Since Ultima Online was a fair time back and Tabula Rasa had its troubles, it makes perfect sense that people would go, 'I'm cautious as to what my expectations are.'"

MassivelyRichard Garriott: 'Exceptionally unusual pressures' helped tank Tabula Rasa originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeastern-marketeurogamerfailuregeneral-britishinterviewncsoftrichard-garriottshawns-babytabula-rasatrultima-onlineuoTue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott's Ultimate RPG 'clearly the spiritual successor' to Ultima]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/garriotts-ultimate-rpg-clearly-the-spiritual-successor-to-ult/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/garriotts-ultimate-rpg-clearly-the-spiritual-successor-to-ult/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/garriotts-ultimate-rpg-clearly-the-spiritual-successor-to-ult/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ultima Online - gaggle of players gaggling
The Richard Garriott crazy train is heading toward a section of track that long-time fans of the gaming god might actually appreciate. In a new interview with Eurogamer, the man behind Ultima Online talks a little less about his recent foray into social casino games and a little more about what might be Ultima Online 2.

Yes, we've seen the UO sequel smoke before. This time, though, there may be fire. "We've actually talked to Electronic Arts about [Garriott leading Ultima Online again]. I would love to have access to the Ultima property. We've had discussions at very high levels with Electronic Arts about access to the property," he explained.

Regardless of any EA deals, Garriott says that his new Ultimate RPG is "clearly the spiritual successor of the Ultima series."

MassivelyGarriott's Ultimate RPG 'clearly the spiritual successor' to Ultima originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsinterviewmmo-industryrichard-garriottsandboxultimaultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-sequelultima-successorultimate-rpguoMon, 12 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portalarium announces Ultimate Collector: Garage Sale as first title]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/portalarium-announces-ultimate-collector-garage-sale-as-first-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/portalarium-announces-ultimate-collector-garage-sale-as-first-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/portalarium-announces-ultimate-collector-garage-sale-as-first-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ultimate Collector: Garage Sale
Richard Garriott's recent startup, Portalarium, had many people wondering what would be the first thing to come out of this mad scientist's new studio. Well, wonder no more. Now we know that Portalarium's first title will be a Facebook game known as Ultimate Collector: Garage Sale, which focuses on -- you guessed it -- collecting things that you buy at garage sales. We couldn't make this up if we tried.

Players can create an avatar and customize their houses, and then go shopping at estate sales, garage sales, pawn shops, and so forth in order to complete collections of items. These item collections can then be displayed in your house as a trophy of sorts, or you can sell them to make a quick buck. We'll just have to wait and see how this bizarre project shapes up in the coming months.

MassivelyPortalarium announces Ultimate Collector: Garage Sale as first title originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementgarage-salenew-titlenew-titlesportalariumrichard-garriottultimate-collectorultimate-collector-garage-saleWed, 07 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott predicts the death of consoles as a gaming medium]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/richard-garriott-predicting-the-death-of-consoles-as-a-gaming-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/richard-garriott-predicting-the-death-of-consoles-as-a-gaming-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/richard-garriott-predicting-the-death-of-consoles-as-a-gaming-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ground Control to Major Tom, your circuit's dead, there's something wrong - can you hear me, Major Tom? Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Considering his influence on the realm of MMOs, many gamers would argue that it's hard to dismiss Richard Garriott's thoughts on development out of hand. A recent interview with the man includes him predicting the fall of traditional console gaming in favor of portable devices, and the end of MMOs as a major market share compared to social and casual games. As Garriott puts it, the era of MMOs was chiefly between 2000 and 2010, and the explosion in social gaming is now a new part of the overall game development cycle.

Naturally, since Garriott's current company, Portalarium, is targeting specifically that demographic, he might be just a little bit biased. But he's hardly the first industry insider to claim that modern games need to be easily be picked up with little to no up-front cost. Take a look at the full interview for more, including Garriott's thoughts on how present designers are lazy and his self-comparison to Tolkien.

MassivelyRichard Garriott predicts the death of consoles as a gaming medium originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casual-gamingindustry-figuresindustry-insidersinterviewsmmo-industryopinionsportalariumrichard-garriottsocial-gamingWed, 30 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Documentary on Richard Garriott to premiere in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/documentary-on-richard-garriott-to-premiere-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/documentary-on-richard-garriott-to-premiere-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/documentary-on-richard-garriott-to-premiere-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Don't you talk back to me about game design, I've been to OUTER SPACE.
He's the man credited with Tabula Rasa and Ultima Online. He blames other companies for ignoring the social gaming space. He runs his own company via robot, and he likes to remind everyone that he is a key element of the ultimate RPG. Oh, and he's been to space, and that's what the upcoming documentary about Richard Garriott is going to focus on. The documentary, Man on a Mission, will be chiefly focusing Garriott's efforts to be the first son of an astronaut to go into space.

As the documentary explains, due to Garriott's nearsightedness, a career in NASA was always out of the question, but he never stopped wanting to follow in his father's footsteps. The documentary will premiere on January 13th nationwide, tracing his path to fortune through video games followed by his trip aboard the Soyuz spacecraft. If you're interested in seeing what you can expect from the documentary, you can check out the trailer just past the cut.

Continue reading Documentary on Richard Garriott to premiere in 2012

MassivelyDocumentary on Richard Garriott to premiere in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentarygarriottgeneral-britishindustry-personalitieslord-britishman-on-a-missionmmo-industryrichard-garriottvideovideosMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST