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 you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I don't have any idea what hand I should place this on. It looks kind of gross.
If you'd missed it, RIFT recently announced that the game will go free-to-play on June 12th. Obviously, the hope is to bring in a variety of new players, but the circumstances surrounding the announcement can result in a bit of whiplash when deciding whether or not to count yourself among those getting into the game.

On the one hand, RIFT is making humble promises about the item shop... but on the other hand, the development team also promised the game would never go free-to-play. Trion Worlds did just get hit by layoffs, but it's been said those layoffs don't affect RIFT's staff. It's long had consistent updates, but those updates have dropped off sharply this year.

Is trying the game out a good idea? A bad one? Today, we ask our readers to decide. Carefully weighing all the evidence, are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? Or do you think you'll be giving it a pass?

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 still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop
What will RIFT's free-to-play version look like? While we won't get to see it in action until the game makes the transition on June 12th, Trion Worlds has posted a screenshot of the new item store and some of its offerings for players to peruse.

The store screenshot includes a preview pane of a character wearing a fancy outfit and a top hat, as well as a list of several items. These include 30-day patron pass, faction changing scroll, character rename scroll, rename guild scroll, transfiguration bauble, rune unsocketing apparatus, and planar essence removal device. Later on in the thread, the studio posted a picture of a different cosmetic outfit being worn by a female character.

To "ensure a successful transition," Trion has sent out surveys to all current subscribers about the free-to-play switch.

MassivelyRIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everything
Any RPG player worth his or her salt knows that there are two primary maxims to making it big: explore everywhere and take everything not nailed down. Fortunately, ZeniMax subscribes to this philosophy as well, which is why the team has placed an emphasis on exploration and loot-gobbling in The Elder Scrolls Online.

In a new video, Creative Director Paul Sage shows how players can loot all manner of goods in the world and then use those items for crafting. He also points out how the world will be populated with readable books, fishable areas, hidden chests, and ability-boosting stones. So if you were wondering if it's OK to rob a church in TESO, the following video should assure you that it's more than fine -- it's encouraged.

Continue reading The Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everywhere

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everywhere originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT announces freetoplay,
Trion Worlds has just announced that fantasy MMO RIFT will be headed free-to-play on June 12th. Though former studio reps were once adamant that the game would remain a subscription MMO, the team has apparently decided it can better compete in a F2P world by being F2P. The hybrid model will include an optional sub with fully free content like dungeons and questing; consumables, cosmetics, and even gear will make up the cash shop.

We asked Creative Director Bill Fisher to explain the whys and wherefores of this decision. Check out our interview after the jump!

[Updated: The official site has also posted a handy chart to show you what you're getting at different tiers.]

Continue reading RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps'

MassivelyRIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-fisherconquestempyreal-assaultf2pfantasyfree-to-playhybridinterviewinterviewspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tamriel Infinium Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online
Many players in my guild are really looking forward to Elder Scrolls Online. Nearly everyone has signed up for beta. I cannot confirm or deny whether some of them might be in playing right now. When I announced that I was taking on the ESO column for Massively, I could feel their questioning eyes burning through the internet: Why would you want to do a column on the Elder Scrolls? You have said that you were burned out on fantasy. Skyrim gave you trouble because of the first-person view. And there are no playable dwarves. They might have caught me on that last one, but the others are partially true, as well. I have played a lot of fantasy games, but TES bends a lot of the traditions of high fantasy. And thankfully, you can play all of Skyrim in third-person view.

There are three major factors that have kept me intrigued with the entire world of the Elder Scrolls. Tamriel is full of deep and rich lore. Granted, most of ESO's lore is future-tense, but a good chunk can be applied to the current timeline -- much as in Star Wars: The Old Republic, my other editorial focus. Secondly, Elder Scrolls Online intends to keep the mechanics and the flavor of the franchise within an MMO setting. This includes a PvP system that pits three factions against each other. Although I usually have a take-it-or-leave-it approach to open-world PvP, I have always been fascinated by how three-faction systems work. Lastly, the community is passionate. I enjoy connecting with people who are looking to connect with each other and share their hopes for a game that hasn't even been released yet.

Those will be the three main focuses of this column. Let me tell you how it will work.

Continue reading Tamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online

MassivelyTamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's your lore. There are giant spiders. Kill them. What else is relevant?
We're not kidding about that title. The latest set of answers for The Elder Scrolls Online's Ask Me Anything is full of lore. Spilling over with lore. Its lore cup runneth over. Do you want to know how old an elf has to be before he's actually old? 200-300 years is old. Want to know if there will be any Dragonborn running around a la Skyrim? Nope, and shouts are a thing of legend. It's all the lore you've wanted and were clearly not afraid to ask about.

There are some other answers in the mix as well. Players will have to guess about the abilities of their opponents in PvP to some extent, since the armor system will not allow you to guess at abilities by appearance. Players can also expect to find puzzles in the game rather than pure combat encounters, although no details are given. So while you'll find the most meat if you're looking for lore, even more system-focused players will find some relevant answers in the full set.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online answers all your questions, assuming they're about lore originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online gets a new trailer, Journey to Coldharbour
The Elder Scrolls Online team has a present just for you: a new trailer! ZeniMax just released Journey to Coldharbour, a video showing off some of the Oblivion plane where Molag Bal, the God of Schemes, makes his home. Lead Loremaster Lawrence Schick and Lead Writer Wynne McLaughlin explain that Molag Bal steals players' souls at the very beginning of the game, leaving players to track him down, figure out what makes their souls so desirable, and stop his wicked schemes.

Skip below the cut to feast your eyes on the new trailer.

Continue reading The Elder Scrolls Online gets a new trailer, Journey to Coldharbour

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online gets a new trailer, Journey to Coldharbour originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online concept art
Going to Gamescom this year? If so you can get your hands on a playable demo of The Elder Scrolls Online. ZeniMax is bringing its MMO fantasy opus to Cologne for Europe's largest gaming con from August 22nd through August 25th.

ZeniMax's website update says that Gamescom is its first Euro convention, but it's certainly not the last. Further details about TESO's 2013 event docket are forthcoming.

MassivelyPlay The Elder Scrolls Online at Gamescom this August originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsgamescomgamescom-2013morrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosThu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained Kickstarter logo
Last night, Camelot Unchained surpassed its $2 million Kickstarter goal, but if you've been following the Kickstarter for the last month, you know that reaching $2 million means a lot more than reaching $2 million. As originally promised when the Kickstarter launched, the game will now receive an additional $3 million in funding, $2 million of which comes from City State co-founder and MMO industry veteran Mark Jacobs. The remainder comes courtesy of unnamed investors.

"The last 30 days have been an incredible journey," Jacobs said via press release. "We believed there's an audience for a highly focused game like ours, which has now been proven. What we didn't expect was how our community would come together so quickly and avidly. Not only is our average pledge off the chart, our backers have been just as intensely supportive in other ways, from providing immense amounts of helpful feedback to translating information into four languages (German, French, Japanese and Korean), and more."

Camelot Unchained will use a proprietary engine optimized for large-scale battles and already battle-tested to the tune of 200-plus frames per second while displaying 1,000 simultaneous characters rendered with 12,000 polygons. The three-faction PvP-focused fantasy MMO also boasts a building-block crafting system that will allow players to construct individual cells and larger segments before assembling them "in nearly limitless ways."

[Source: City State press release]

[Update: We've clarified that the additional funding was promised as a Kickstarter goal from the start.]

MassivelyCamelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And this has somehow happened before Zerg invade Azeroth. I'm speechless.
Adventurers of Telara, you've kind of got a good news/bad news situation taking place here. The bad news is that RIFT is getting invaded, which was already the case. The worse news is that it's now being invaded by the Hellbugs from Defiance, which usually require a great deal of automatic weapons fire to be put down. The good news is that if you can somehow manage to overcome the distinct lack of any firearms and put down the invasion, you can keep a Hellbug around to ride! Wait, that might still be bad news.

Yes, Trion Worlds is kicking off a cross-promotional event with new fire rifts that give players a chance at Defiance-related rewards, most notably the chance to pick up a Hellbug mount. The event is open to all players, even if you're just trying out the game's Lite version. No word on how long the event will last, but it's probably best to assume that it won't be forever -- which is also sort of a good news/bad news situation, unless you wanted to see the game overrun by Hellbugs.

MassivelyDefiance bugs invade RIFT originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallconquestcross-promotionsdefiancedynamic-eventsfantasyin-game-eventsinvasionsmmo-shooterpromotionspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsci-fishootersyfythird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxWed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal
Oh ye of little faith. Of course Camelot Unchained got funded. Niche MMOs with die-hard fanbases never say die, even when they're up against an 11th hour Kickstarter goal that looked mighty challenging just yesterday.

And that's pretty much all we have to tell you at the moment. Other than the fact that Massively's Kickstarter watchers can officially get back to work. We'll bring you more details about the newly greenlit project as soon as they become available.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobspvprvrWed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained concept art
Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter odyssey is almost complete, and as of press time there's a little over a day remaining. City State's fantasy RvR sandbox stands at just over $1.82 million out of its $2 million goal, so Mark Jacobs has penned a dev diary designed to push the game's funding over the top.

He outlines the many challenges inherent in managing both a Kickstarter campaign and an ambitious MMORPG project, and he hits the highlights of the former which include three faction RvR, Minecraft-style building options, and a custom engine that has easily handled hundreds of simultaneous players at well over 200 frames per second. Finally, Jacobs thanks CU's current backers, whom he says have given unprecedented support to the tune of a $160 average pledge.

Jacobs' full diary is readable after the cut.

Continue reading Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch

MassivelyMassively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, darn.
Were you planning to be the brave soul to bring Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter project to its goal? You might have missed your chance. Amazon Payments, the system which Kickstarter uses to accept pledges from browsers, started having trouble earlier today, meaning that several Kickstarter projects have run into trouble attracting more pledges or processing pledges for otherwise successful funding. That's bad news for anyone looking to make the last few dollars on a project before the project ticks over the last deadline.

There's currently no ETA on service restoration; quite notably, the payment service is currently the only Amazon service listed as having difficulties. Camelot Unchained is put into a particular pickle with this development, as the project is still more than $200,000 away from its goal with less than two days remaining. Hopefully the service errors will be cleared up before several projects start to feel the sting.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyAmazon's payment systems go kaput, taking Kickstarter with it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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City State Entertainment's Mark Jacobs
The Camelot Unchained information deluge continues with the release of a new video and a Reddit AMA by Mark Jacobs himself. The video is a half-hour-long affair in which Jacobs provides fans (and prospective Kickstarter pledgers) with an in-depth look at the lore of Camelot Unchained and the myriad features that the game is bringing to the table. Also, as it happens, you can check it out after the cut.

Meanwhile, on Reddit, Jacobs stopped by /r/IAmA to answer questions from the communit. Suffice it to say, questions range from the standard, "tell us about the progression system" to details on server structure, maximum player population, and much much more. Surprisingly, however, horse-sized ducks don't appear to be mentioned even once. To check the full Q&A session out for yourself, head on through the source link below.

Continue reading Camelot Unchained unveils new video, Mark Jacobs visits Reddit for AMA

MassivelyCamelot Unchained unveils new video, Mark Jacobs visits Reddit for AMA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amacamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvpredditrvrvideovideosMon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online's Matt Firor answers closed beta questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-answers-closed-beta-questi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-answers-closed-beta-questi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-answers-closed-beta-questi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- The Elder Scrolls Online
The interwebs have been all aflutter because of the recently leaked video of The Elder Scrolls Online beta footage, and it's left many people clamoring for more beta details. Thankfully, ESO Game Director Matt Firor has stepped forth to provide just that. In a new interview, Firor didn't care to comment on the leak itself, but he was more than willing to answer a number of questions regarding the game's ongoing closed beta.

Firor states that the game's beta is progressing "very smoothly so far" and that the team is now "focusing more on the gameplay exerience" and "getting valuable feedback from beta testers." He goes on to explain that the current beta focus is on "moment-to-moment gameplay," including questing, combat, and the game's progression system. Also on the table are questions about the game's AI, the introduction of guilds, the importance of crafted gear, and of course, when the next round of beta invites will go out (spoiler alert: the answer is incredibly nonspecific). Regardless, there's probably some useful information to be found for ESO fans, so click on through the link below to check it out for yourself.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online's Matt Firor answers closed beta questions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftclosed-betadaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsinterviewinterviewsmatt-firormorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 29 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Thar be dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Thar be dragons
It would be a rare fantasy MMO that didn't have a posse of dragons roaming the land (or flying through the skies), and Guild Wars 2 certainly does not break that trend. It doesn't mean that going head-to-head with one is any less intimidating, however.

Reader Paul sent in this little meet-and-greet with Puff, saying it was when his Asuran Mesmer first encountered a dragon. Let's just hope he remained alive to have a second encounter. Asurans often look like popcorn chicken to dragonkind.

It's not just flying lizards in this week's One Shots! What wonders await you, I wonder?

Continue reading One Shots: Thar be dragons

MassivelyOne Shots: Thar be dragons originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playcamelotclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2mythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsrvrscreenshotscreenshotssquaresquare-enixuser-submissionswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Community as content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/some-assembly-required-community-as-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/some-assembly-required-community-as-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/some-assembly-required-community-as-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required Community as content
Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to cover an occasion during which an in-game community came together and created a new player-run annual event. Born as an anniversary follow-up to a service event for the young terminally ill player Ribbitribbit, the new tradition focused on celebrating that very community that pulled together to create him a dream playground within EverQuest II. If the game lacked a sense of community in the game before that original project, it certainly didn't after.

After tugging at my heartstrings for a while, that experience made me reflect on how much our communities are really a cornerstone of player-generated content. How often have you attended or participated in an event or run a mission created by someone other than yourself? And yet, when discussing important tools and elements needed to support player-generated content, we often overlook the necessity of a vibrant community. It's like trying to bake a cake without adding the flour. Or how about this analogy: You can give folks a giant tool box full of a shiny implements and tell them to build a house, but not much will happen without the actual wood and materials! So to foster PGC, games need to foster building communities.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Community as content

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Community as content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionbuy-to-playcommunitycommunity-buildingcommunity-building-toolseaelectronic-artsendless-trialeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coverageeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfanfestfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-mechanicshorroricelandin-game-calendarlineagelineage-2lineage-iimassively-event-coveragemythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvprekyjavikrvrsandboxsarsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsoesome-assembly-requiredsonysony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtruly-freetswwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained explains stealth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained explains stealth
There are five days left for Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter program, and it's less than $600,000 away from its lofty $2,000,000 goal. The developers figured that this was a fine time to explain not only how stealth will work in CU but also how stealth failed in past games.

Mark Jacobs explained in the latest update blog that being killed by a stealther generates the most rage and angry email from players. But with Jacob's "bat-s**t crazy" idea regarding stealth, most of the frustration should be alleviated.

The idea revolves around the concept of the Veil, which in simple terms is another dimension that exists alongside our own. Players can become VeilWalkers, moving in and out of the Veil and traversing over and through objects undetected by most players. But VeilWalking comes with consequences of its own in the form of VeilStalkers, players who cannot enter the Veil but can pull Walkers out of it by using skills and placing traps.

Jacobs explained, "The Veil holds mysteries and power, but it comes with a price." What do you think? Is he bat-s**t crazy?

MassivelyCamelot Unchained explains stealth originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentclassescsedev-blogmark-jacobspvprvrstealthveilveilstalkerveilwalkerFri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained reveals building system demo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained reveals building system demo
With just a little over one week and $600k left in the Kickstarter campaign, City State Entertainment's Camelot Unchained is consistently pumping out the updates for all fans of the project.

Today's update goes into detail on the game's building system, including a video demo with programmer Tim Mills showing a quick prototype of what you can expect in the game. Mark Jacobs also teases tomorrow's tonight's update where he'll reveal the main lore of Camelot Unchained, including some early concept art and another video.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained reveals building system demo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingbuilding-systemcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvprvrWed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Warhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic
Lead Developer Keaven Freeman is no longer heading up Warhammer Online. Freeman wrote a goodbye post on his personal blog stating that he is leaving Mythic Entertainment to "explore new growth and new career possibilities."

"It is with heavy heart I report I am leaving Mythic Entertainment. I have worked with Mythic since 2007, and it quickly became my family," he said.

Freeman expressed his gratitude to the company and fans, saying that his time with WAR was rewarding: "I'm by no means saying everything was perfect -- there was a lot I could have done better, in hindsight, but I think we really managed to take some giant steps forward as well, as non-perfect as those steps may have been."

MassivelyWarhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>departureeaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasykeaven-freemanleavemmo-industrymythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More details revealed for Camelot Unchained's world-building systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

More details revealed for Camelot Unchained's worldbuilding systems
Talking about building the world in Camelot Unchained is not something that can be done in just one sitting, so Mark Jacobs broke it into two. In the first update, Jacobs described the building blocks, mining, and the cooperative nature of construction. The conclusion of this two-part series focused on explaining blueprints and how RvR is intertwined in the world-building system.

Blueprints, which can be traded, are a way to speed up the building process -- or rebuilding, if enemies have destroyed your structure in RvR. Players with the appropriate skills can create blueprints of an already finished structure or through the architect's interface as a plan for a future structure. Through RvR, players can claim buildings built by others, either by deconstructing the entire thing or just capturing it; those structures can then be repaired or rebuilt by the new owners.

Want even more information on building a fortress in Camelot Unchained? Then check out Massively's interview with Mark Jacobs.

MassivelyMore details revealed for Camelot Unchained's world-building systems originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentconstructioncraftingcsedecontructionmark-jacobspvprvrworld-buildingTue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn about PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online's latest AMA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ESO
The Elder Scrolls Online team waded through an AMA about PvP recently. Are you ready for some knowledge? Because we are so about to drop some.

Alliance Points will be tied to the PvP ranking system. Siege weapons can be obtained and created by anyone who has enough Alliance Points to purchase them; there are no other resources necessary to buy and deploy them. Players can effectively starve out an enemy area by depriving them of resources from surrounding lumber mills, farms, and mines. Seizing those resources before laying siege has a double advantage of also switching off various enemy patrols. Villages in Cyrodiil are Alliance-neutral, but if you control nearby keeps, you'll have NPC patrols in their surrounding villages and towns.

The team isn't quite ready to talk about some features like territory ownership perks and large team sizes. You can delve into full detail over on the official post.

MassivelyLearn about PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online's latest AMA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaask-me-anythingbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcyrodiildaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsmorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's housing, building, and mining revealed
The Camelot Unchained team has just released a new video dev blog for Kickstarter backers outlining some fairly ambitious plans for mining and construction in the upcoming PvE-free sandbox. The system will involve combinations of custom and prefab cells in which players so inclined can build up the empires and trading posts and fortifications of their dreams. And in a nod to games like Minecraft, the construction mechanics are built on a foundation of supplies procured through co-op mining gameplay.

Ahead of the reveal, we asked City State Entertainment's Mark Jacobs a few questions about the systems he's proposing, from the influence of Mojang's popular sandbox to whether mining will become my new part-time job. Read on for the complete interview!

[Update: As of Monday, CSE has also released the document form of the housing plans.]

Continue reading Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]

MassivelyBuilding the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintsbuildersbuildingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcellscity-statecity-state-entertainmentconstructioncsefeaturedgriefinghousinginterviewinterviewsmaintenancemark-jacobsmineminecraftminesminingprefabpvprentrvrscuttlingstructuresupkeepSat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT invites players to move into a new dimension]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT invites players to move into a new dimension
Budding interior (and exterior) decorators, get out your throw pillows: RIFT has added a brand-new dimension to the game today. Moonshade Pools was chosen by players to be the next housing plot in the game, and features cascading pools with a far-out view. It costs 300 platinum to purchase and starts out with space for 250 items with the option to increase to 1000.

The team will be livestreaming a couple of player-created Moonshade dimensions tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. EDT if you need inspiration for your own masterpiece.

MassivelyRIFT invites players to move into a new dimension originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdimensiondimensionsfantasyhousingpatchplayer-dimensionplayer-housingpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsupdateThu, 18 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers
City State Entertainment President Mark Jacobs has a few promises to make to players -- 11 of them, to be exact. He's put together an updated list of subscriber promises that he and his team will follow when developing and running Camelot Unchained.

The promises include being responsive to players, fighting gold sellers, having the team play the game regularly, eliminating the need for copy protection, protecting player privacy, rewarding players for finding bugs, and never lying to consumers. Most interestingly, Jacobs vows that if Camelot Unchained is ever shut down, then the studio will release the compiled server code to the gamers.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspromisespvprvrsource-codesubscriber-promisesTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Soggy beginnings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Soggy beginnings
Dungeons and Dragons Online newcomers and veterans alike are quite familiar with the waterlogged Sahuagin and all of their wacky antics. Basically think "level 1 mermaids from hell" and you're right with the rest of us. It's a good thing that the game doesn't have smell-o-vision because the tutorial would be reeking of a fishery, that's all I'm saying.

Reader Sharvis photographed his initial journey through the game and delivered this familiar image of an odd cellar. "Oh great, the Wavecrest Tavern's basement has flooded," he writes. "And who let the Sahuagin in? They're making everything look tacky again!"

We'll get the sump pump working while you check out the rest of today's player-submitted screenshots!

Continue reading One Shots: Soggy beginnings

MassivelyOne Shots: Soggy beginnings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabiowarebring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedcasualconquestddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchhipsterlucasartsone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First 20 minutes of Elder Scrolls Online gameplay leaked]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/first-20-minutes-of-elder-scrolls-online-gameplay-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/first-20-minutes-of-elder-scrolls-online-gameplay-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/first-20-minutes-of-elder-scrolls-online-gameplay-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Elder Scrolls Online beta footage
Want an early look at the first 20 minutes of The Elder Scrolls Online? Get it while you can after the cut, as a lengthy snippet of leaked gameplay footage has made its way onto YouTube.

The clip shows off character creation, nine playable races, and a choice between three classes (Dragonknight, Sorcerer, and Templar). You can also see the UI, skill trees, and various quests at different points in the video. There's plenty of combat on display, too, both third- and first-person.

Continue reading First 20 minutes of Elder Scrolls Online gameplay leaked

MassivelyFirst 20 minutes of Elder Scrolls Online gameplay leaked originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-betaelder-scrolls-first-20-minuteselder-scrolls-leakelder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsmorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesoteso-first-20-minutesteso-leakthe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosSun, 14 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse
Mark Jacobs isn't jumping on the free-to-play bandwagon like most of his MMO-making contemporaries. The Camelot Unchained developer and former Dark Age of Camelot head honcho predicted a F2P "apocalypse" in a recent interview with VG247.
You know, free-to-play is just another model, and just like every other model in the industry, it will hold its special little place for a while but then there will be consequences. Those consequences in a few years will be a bit of an apocalypse.

You're going to see a lot of developers shutting down, and you're going to see a lot of publishers going, oh yeah maybe spending $20 million on a free-to-play game wasn't the best idea ever. That's part of the reason, but the other reason is equally as important, that if you go free-to-play, you really have to compete with every other free-to-play game out there.
Camelot Unchained, which recently passed the halfway point of its $2 million Kickstarter goal, will be a "niche subscription game," which Jacobs says will allow his studio to focus on creating content for a more desirable audience.

The subscription model "allows us to focus our game on the people who want to pay for it, and are willing to pay for it," Jacobs explains. "I'll take a smaller subscription base that is dedicated, is energized and is excited to play our game, and to work with our game, than ten times that base where I have to deal with a lot of people who really don't care."

MassivelyMark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcommon-sensecseeconomicsf2p-apocalypsefree-to-play-apocalypsemark-jacobsmark-jacobs-f2ppvprvrsubscriptionSat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal
It's time for another Camelot Unchained Kickstarter update. There's so much to discuss that Mark Jacobs has broken today's video blurb into two parts. You can see the meat of the gameplay discussion in part two, where Jacobs outlines various project stretch goals. The first goal entails three new races and classes, one for each of the game's realms.

The second stretch goal involves a potential RvR dungeon that hearkens back to Darkness Falls from Jacobs' Dark Age of Camelot. But wait, hasn't Camelot Unchained been sold thus far as PvE-free experience? Yes, yes it has, and if you want to know how Jacobs and company plan to keep that promise while integrating a dungeon into the game, hit the jump and watch the video.

Continue reading Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal

MassivelyCamelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-depthscamelot-unchained-pvecity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedarkness-fallsmark-jacobspvprvrrvr-dungeonvideoFri, 12 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs: Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mark Jacobs Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs
In a recent interview, Mark Jacobs stated that unlike some other big titles, Camelot Unchained will be financially successful with fewer paid subscribers. "We don't need one million subs to make money," he said. "If we get 50K paying subscribers a month it will justify the $5 million development budget." Of course, he admitted that they'd certainly be happy with more.

Jacobs also touched on other topics, including crafting and the absence of PvE. Players who want to both fight and craft extensively will need to rely on alts. as fighters will have limited crafting options. And don't think the world will be empty just because there will be no traditional PvE; Jacobs assured that there will be NPCs, noting "You can skin them, get materials off them, salvage their weapons, armor, etc. but you cannot level your RvR skills by doing that."

[Thanks to Mikkel for the tip!]

MassivelyMark Jacobs: Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingcseinterviewmark-jacobsNPCsonly-50k-subspvprvrFri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT celebrates the arrival of Moonshade dimensions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are you totally certain we're not in Azeroth now? I mean, at first glance...
The development team behind RIFT is pretty happy with the new dimension being added to the game next week. In fact, they're so happy that they're kicking off a mini-celebration for players to get in on the dimensional decoration game. They're also giving a pair of ferns to any player who subscribes to the game's email newsletter, allowing you to make your dimension just a little bit prettier. (It's a big place, and there are only two ferns.)

The first celebratory event is being held tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. EDT -- a Dimensional Thunderdome, where three teams compete to see who can make the most lovely dimension possible. At the same time on 4/19, the developers will be holding a special tour of two different takes on the new dimension, showing players just how much you can do with the region. So if you're ready to forge a new landscape to your will, just wait a little while longer.

MassivelyRIFT celebrates the arrival of Moonshade dimensions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestculturedeveloper-eventsdimensionsfantasyin-game-eventsnew-dimensionsplayer-housingplayer-structurespvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsThu, 11 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained video shows 1,000 players on-screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

camelot unchained vid, ks update
City State has updated Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter page with a new video and a technology roadmap. Lead programmer Andrew Meggs is both our guide to the two-minute clip and the author of the textual accompaniment that talks up everything from the demo's level of detail to various goings-on with the CU engine.

Meggs says that the 1,000 characters glimpsed on-screen are only "hitting around six percent CPU load," which gives the team a lot of wiggle room for all of the "prediction, decoding, and lag compensation" tasks it's currently working on. Read the full entry and catch the video at CU's official Kickstarter site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained video shows 1,000 players on-screen originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-meggscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvprvrThu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online's latest Q&A talks phasing, PvP, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-qanda-talks-phasing-pvp-and-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-qanda-talks-phasing-pvp-and-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-qanda-talks-phasing-pvp-and-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online's latest Q&A talks phasing, PvP, and more
The latest edition of The Elder Scrolls Online's Ask Us Anything series is live on the game's official website. In it, you'll find a focus on Cyrodiil and PvP, as the well as the answers to questions about fast travel and sweet rolls.

In terms of PvP, one thing to note is that zone level scaling will bump everyone up to max level (50). ZeniMax says that "you'll be able to remain competitive, but a true level 50 will have the advantage of having more skills and abilities than you."

There's also a bit of info on layers and channeling in TESO, including answers to questions about gameplay choices and how player actions will affect the ability to play with people who make different choices.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online's latest Q&A talks phasing, PvP, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-us-anythingbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-channelselder-scrolls-layeringelder-scrolls-onlineelder-scrolls-phasingesofactionsmorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 08 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 14, 2013

It's definitely not a new thing. Throughout the ages, when intense frustration strikes, a colorful epithet can slip past the lips of even the most soft-spoken. Heck, at particularly annoying times, a full string of them has been known fly forth from the most unexpected sources. And we all know that there are plenty of frustration-inducing situations in gaming. So it's not hard to equate swearing with gaming, right?

Of course, we at Massively TV advocate a responsible use of language during our adventures. While there could be a time or a place for the universally known curses, we prefer bursts of creative language skills. And if there's one thing The Stream Team has, it's an abundance of creativity! We've learned it is possible to express frustration while avoiding the censors because censors are mean and carry big, painful sticks! Ouch.

Need proof? Pop into any of the shows scheduled this week or the reruns from last; watch how deftly (or not) our intrepid streamers react to curse-creating incidents. Hope as they might, nothing can go smoothly all the time... or for the very unlucky, at all! A perfect demonstration of this is highlighted in our newest section, a place devoted to showcasing a stream of the week. Catch MJ's colorful repurposing of the English language first-hand in Highlight Reels, then offer your most creative expression in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2la-mystical-landactionaction-mmoactivisionage-of-wulinage-of-wushuaionanetarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallascensionasiabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmococonquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodefianceDinostormdotadota-2e-sporteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gvggwgw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidnappingkidskids-mmolindenlinden-lablivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmetaming-dynastymmo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppweraiderzreal-liferiftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrs2s2-gamessandboxScarlet-Bladesci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldshooterskill-basedslSmitesnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorsyfytanktanksthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstruly-freetswtvtwitchtwitch-tvVillagers-andheroesvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarwarcraftwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowwushuwuxiaxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained Kickstarter update offers a look at the Tuatha De Danann]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

camelot unchained ks update and new art
Camelot Unchained finally threw its hat into the Kickstarter ring three days ago, garnering a quick outpouring of support from the community in the form of $411K in just four hours. Two days later the amount pledged nearly doubled, jumping to over $815K of a $2 million goal. Last night, Mark Jacobs posted an update that included additional concept art for the Tuatha De Danann race, or TDD. Also included is a short video where lead artist Scott Trolam discussed that early art and demonstrated a 3D version. Check out the art in the gallery below, and head to the official Kickstarter page for a look at the video.

Gallery: Camelot Unchained

MassivelyCamelot Unchained Kickstarter update offers a look at the Tuatha De Danann originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentconcept-artcrowdfundingcsegalleryKickstartermark-jacobsnew-concept-artpvpracesrvrScott-TrolamTDDTuatha-De-DanannFri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained discusses the trouble with rendering engines]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THEY'RE COMING FOR YOU.
It's been said multiple times by the Camelot Unchained team that this game is meant to be large. The focus is on large-scale sieges, not a couple of guys banging on the front door of a castle. That means the game needs to be able to handle a huge number of players on the screen at any one time. How do you find an engine that can handle that? According to the latest update on Kickstarter, you build one.

While the engine isn't built entirely from scratch, it isn't based off of an established engine, simply because it's being custom-built to handle the game's specific needs. The attached video allows you to see the engine in action, scaling from a handful of characters up to the moving mob pictured in the header. If you want to know more about what makes the game pretty to look at, this will be very relevant to your interests.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained discusses the trouble with rendering engines originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcrowdfundingcrowdsourcingcseenginegame-enginegraphics-enginekickstarterkickstarter-updatemark-jacobsnewspreviewpvprenderingrvrWed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live
It seems sorta funny to be announcing Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter project when we've been reading, writing, and talking about it for several weeks now. But today is the first official day of crowdfunding for City State's ambitious RvR effort, so there you go.

The goal is $2 million, and there are 29 days remaining.

City State founder Mark Jacobs has uploaded a wall o' text to the project page, along with some new concept art images, which you can see in our gallery below.

[Update: This afternoon, Mark Jacobs conveyed this note to the Massively team: "Wow, what a day and it's not even over yet! I have over 3K messages in my mailbox, we're at 411K (dollars) after 4 hours, and the outpouring of support and affection from the community has been overwhelming. No matter what the outcome of our Kickstarter, I will be forever grateful for the team at CSE and our supporters for making this day happen."]

Gallery: Camelot Unchained

MassivelyCamelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-kickstartercity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsegallerymark-jacobspvprvrTue, 02 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/not-so-massively-release-all-the-moba-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
It's been a huge week for MOBAs, with several new characters being released and one game closing its doors for good. League of Legends finally revamped underused champion Karma and released new character Zac, a strange green blob who drops parts of himself all over the battlefield and can even revive after death. Dota 2 released classic hero Bristleback, a spined boar who slows enemies with a disgusting snot attack and slowly peppers them with spiked quills.

SMITE released god of music Apollo, who can deal damage by playing his lyre, sing enemies to sleep, and even power-slide like a rock star. Heroes of Newerth is in between hero releases, but its recent HoN 3.0 update has earned it the title of Best MOBA at PAX East 2013 by gaming website RTSGuru.

Warhammer-themed MOBA Wrath of Heroes officially closed its doors on March 29th, and its website has now been replaced with a message by producer James Casey. Finally, Diablo III's former Game Director Jay Wilson gave a talk at GDC 2013 in which he blamed many of the game's downfalls on both the gold and cash auction houses.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes!

MassivelyNot So Massively: Release all the MOBA heroes! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgapollobattlenetbest-mobabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbristlebackchampionchampion-spotlightchampionscomiccompetitioncompetitive-gamingcontestd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedflubberfree-to-playgothic-fantasyherohero-spotlightheroes-of-newerthheroshonitemitemisationitemizationitemskarmaleague-of-legendslegendarylegendary-itemslolmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnew-championnew-heronewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpvpRigwarlRigwarl-Bristlebackriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgrtsgururvrs2s2-gamessteamvalvevideowarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroeszacMon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained reveals final Kickstarter reward tiers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Artwork -- Camelot Unchained
Have you ever heard of Poe's law? It originally applied to parodies of fundamentalist behavior, stating that it's impossible to create a parody of fundamentalism that someone won't mistake for the real thing. Sometimes, though, the law finds applications elsewhere, such as in Camelot Unchained's suspiciously timed unveiling of its final Kickstarter reward tiers. We're pretty certain that these are legitimate; after all, there's plenty of room for absurdity in rewards that only a small fraction of people will ever pay for. But some of these are so out there that we wouldn't be at all surprised if Mark Jacobs popped out of our computer screens and yelled, "April Fools!"

Many of the rewards seem innocent enough, sure: Up to 50 particularly spendy players can drop a thousand bucks in exchange for the opportunity to work with the dev team to design their own custom-built house, for instance. But that same thousand bucks could also be used for the ability to "name a liquid substance" in Camelot Unchained, which is probably one of the more bizarre rewards we've seen in recent times, especially considering the exorbitant amount of money required. And if you're the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or some kind of oil sheikh, pledging a whopping $10,000 (yes, ten thousand bucks) will net you a three-day visit to the studios of City State Entertainment, on the final day of which you'll "get to say the magical words 'AOT DEKCUS' (protip: read that backwards) and throw your choice of fruit pies at Mark Jacobs." If that's not sufficiently surreal for you, then you might be living in an Dali painting. Either way, the full list of rewards can be found on the official Camelot Unchained site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained reveals final Kickstarter reward tiers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstarterkickstarter-rewardsmark-jacobspvprvrMon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST