Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Retro-themed sandbox 8BitMMO announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/retro-themed-sandbox-8bitmmo-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/retro-themed-sandbox-8bitmmo-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/retro-themed-sandbox-8bitmmo-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

8BitMMO
Archive Entertainment is looking to get a slice of the massive Minecraft pie (which is square, not round), as the team has dived into the concept of a retro-style sandbox MMO called 8BitMMO. It may not boast the most incredible graphics, but that's kind of the point; players who recall their NES days with fondness will be right at home with the presentation on display.

8BitMMO is touted to be a "100% player-built world," where anything can be built, destroyed, and harvested for raw materials. Up to 250 players can occupy a server at the same time, and there's the option to group or go solo while you build, explore, or fight off the evil LawyerCats. There are quests, PvP engagements, and methods of protecting one's buildings from griefing.

This project is the sole creation of Robby Zinchak, who was formerly a producer at Microsoft. Zinchak has been working on 8BitMMO since 2001 and is impressed with the creativity shown in the game so far: "People are creating some genuinely cool architecture - everything from towering windmills to sports arenas. One player even made a huge statue of a flying dragon. The community is very inventive, and I can't wait to see what they'll come up with next!"

Currently, 8BitMMO can be played on the official website as it continues to be developed. You can watch the trailer for this interesting project after the jump.

[Source: Archive Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Retro-themed sandbox 8BitMMO announced

MassivelyRetro-themed sandbox 8BitMMO announced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind
So yesterday on Twitter I conducted an extensive, exhaustive survey in which I asked, "Hai guyz, what makes a sandbox MMO a thing? You know?" It was probably a little less articulate than that. While I might be seen as the ultimate source of information in video games, the truth is that I'm struggling to come up with a precise definition of what, exactly, makes a "sandbox" MMO.

Interestingly enough, the responses that some friends sent back my way were as varied as could be, suggesting that this might be more of a murky area than I assumed. Considering how much we throw the term around, both on Massively and elsewhere, I think it might be beneficial to come to a consensus.

So how would you define a sandbox MMO? Is it the tools, the freedom, a lack of traditional leveling, the variety of non-combat activities, the tone, or something else entirely? Can you sum it up in one precise sentence?

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: How would you define a sandbox MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>definitionsfeaturedopinionsandboxsandbox-mmosandboxessome-assembly-requiredtdgthe-daily-grindWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Diving into details of Origins of Malu with an exclusive interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header image
"This will be the world's best game ever ever ever!" -Michael Dunham. You tell 'em!

Honestly, we have heard it before: MMORPG feature lists that promise what our sandbox-loving hearts desire. Try as we might, we cannot escape those sneaky tendrils of hope that find the chinks in our +10 jaded armor of cynicism as we read about the return of a true virtual where actions have consequences, personal choices dictate gameplay, and individuality is a matter of principle.

Sadly, time and time again those hopes are dashed by titles that either cannot deliver on their promises or never even survive until launch. The same is true for the developers at Burning Dog Media; they too have ridden the roller coaster of sandbox dreams and harbored in their hearts a vision of their ultimate game if only they had the wherewithal to produce it. The difference between them and us is... they do!

Welcome to issue #6 of Some Assembly Required -- an exclusive interview with Michael Dunham and Dave Cruikshank -- Lead Developer and Art Director of Burning Dog Media, respectively -- who are in the midst of developing the new sci-fi/fantasy MMORPG Origins of Malu. Originally called just Origins (the change was to help avoid confusion with other projects that were cropping up with similar titles), this game previously teased sandbox aficionados with a glimpse at some hope-stirring features. Today, we have the privilege of expounding on "coming soon" and revealing more features that not only are planned but are for the most part implemented.

So why should we check out Origins of Malu? And what tantalizing tidbits of sandboxy goodness can we expect? Grab onto that hope and dive past the cut -- if you dare -- to see what Michael and Dave have to share.

Gallery: Origins of Malu

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Diving into details of Origins of Malu with an exclusive interview

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Diving into details of Origins of Malu with an exclusive interview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIburning-dogburning-dog-mediacharacter-customiationcraftingdave-cruikshankduelingduelseconomyexclusivefactionsfantasyfeaturedharvestinghousinginterviewmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamnew-titlesoriginsOrigins of Maluorigins-mmoOrigins-of-MaluOriginsOfMalupermadeathpvpsandboxsandbox-mmosci-fiscifisome-assembly-requiredFri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The final countdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Your voices were heard! At least, I do hope those are your voices I've been hearing in my head... they are telling me to do things. And I listened. I am instructed to listen to the voices. The voices can't hurt me, right? Well, maybe not the voices themselves, but since they chimed in on experimenting with combat, I know I am about to get hurt some!

This week concludes our foray into Xsyon for Choose My Adventure, but I dare say it does not end my time there. Although the game does not fit the standard mold of MMO fare today, it has been quite enjoyable and a great change of pace. I have kept myself entertained with my adventures in-game and I still look forward to logging in each time (minus the apprehension as the combat loomed closer).

Take a (final) hike past the cut for the results of our look at combat, some final impressions on the game, and a sneak peek at your next CMA guinea pig.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The final countdown

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: The final countdown originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmafeaturedffa-pvpgalleryimpressionimpressionsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplayer-created-contentpost-apocalypticpreludepvppvp-tournamentSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-gamingsandbox-mmoTahoetahoe-basinterraformingtribetribesxsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Well, this week has certainly been interesting. And by interesting, I mean not really usual. Then again, if any of you know me very well, that really should not come as much of a surprise; normal and MJ usually do not coexist in the same stratosphere. I am also not one to shy away from the untrodden path, and I tend to take off on my own tangents. Who needs easy when you can have interesting? Perhaps this quality alone made me a decent match for tackling the world of Xsyon for this round of Choose My Adventure. That, and a measure of patience.

In my first true week of playing Xsyon, I really didn't get to "play" much of anything. Not in any sense of the word that most MMO gamers would be familiar with. That isn't to say that I didn't have any fun; on the contrary, I really enjoyed the time I did get in, and I look forward to really digging my toes into that rich Tahoe soil. Well, my shovel, really.

So what were the unusual circumstances surrounding my first adventures? Hike past the cut for a deeper look at the week and some helpful tips for anyone planning to jump into game come launch.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: And so it began... again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicechoiceschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmafeaturednotoriousnotorious-gamespollpollspvpSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-mmoserver-downtimeskillssurvival-tipsterraformingtotemstribesxsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So my bags are packed (what exactly do you pack for an apocalypse? I vote toothbrush, regardless!) and I'm setting out for the Lake Tahoe region. Yup, our itinerary is set -- Xsyon has won the hearts of the readers for this next escapade in the Choose My Adventure series. I find this kind of exciting, as I grew up frequenting this area out here in the real world and look forward to seeing it represented in the game.

Now, I have a confession to make: I watched the vote carefully. Too carefully. OK, I was obsessed with it! I don't think I can even tell you how many times I clicked refresh in one day; it was quite addicting to watch the numbers creep up as the readers cast their votes. And since six weeks of my life was on the line, I had a vested interest in the outcome. At least, that's how I tried to rationalize my maniacal refreshing. Xsyon commanded the lead straight off, but Pirates of the Burning Sea had a good showing and maintained a solid second place throughout the contest. Four games kept running neck-and-neck: DC Universe Online, Earthrise, EVE Online, and LEGO Universe. I admit to rooting some for the underdogs as well -- each game has special and unique features I would enjoy delving into. Think about it: Can you imagine life as a LEGO? But in the end, no one could topple the promise of a vast wasteland filled with mutants and an empty canvas for players to fill in.

So now that we have the setting, all we need is the character. Unlike many games, Xsyon demands that you pick things such as your crafting skills at character creation, so please forgive the number of polls attached to this week's article.

Head on past the cut to learn a bit about Xsyon and vote to make me build the CMA creature of your bidding!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseapocalypticcharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcharacterschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmacraftingcrafting-skillsfeaturedjordi-grau-davismutantmutantsmutatemythicalmythical-creaturesnotorious-gamespollpollspvpSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-mmoskillsstarting-areastarting-locationterraformingtotemstribesweaponsXsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/earthrise-shows-off-the-feel-of-the-game-in-a-new-cinematic-trai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The feeling of personal possession, of place. A sense that your character's goals are your own. A wide-open world to explore and make a place in. Anything we're forgetting about the intended feeling of Earthrise? Well, we're sure it'll come to us eventually. In the meantime, Masthead Studios has released a brand-new cinematic trailer for the game, showing off the elements that players can expect from the sandbox game slated for release on February 4th.

Putting the viewer right in the heat of events, the trailer follows a young man with a high-powered shotgun speeding across a wasteland with a keen eye toward his destination. The trailer is only a couple minutes long, but it nicely captures the feel of a sandbox game, even with only a few lines of dialogue and the barest exploration of the game's backstory. If Earthrise can deliver the feel it advertises in the trailer just past the break, there are going to be a lot of happy sandbox players next month.

Continue reading Earthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer

MassivelyEarthrise shows off the feel of the game in a new cinematic trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematiccinematic-trailerearthrisemastheadmasthead-studiosopen-pvppreviewpvpsandboxsandbox-gamesandbox-mmotrailervideoThu, 20 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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

Last week, our own Jef Reahard mounted the Massively Soapbox with an article titled Sandboxes and the fear of FFA PvP. In it, he argued that open PvP was a natural and necessary part of any solid sandbox MMO. He also made waves by suggesting that FFA PvP is crucial to the roleplaying experience and that roleplayers should really face their "fears" and give it a try.

I'm a sandbox gamer and a PvPer at heart. I played the early years of Ultima Online and lived the adrenaline rush of full and brutal PvP and thievery. Dark Age of Camelot's RvR sucked up another year of my life. Star Wars Galaxies remains my sandbox of choice, and I've braved a World of Warcraft PvP server since launch. I know this territory very well. I'll knock it, because I have more than tried it -- in several tasty flavors.

And even though I'm an unabashed Jef-fangirl, I think there are a few debatable issues with his article. Hit the jump for some good old-fashioned counterpoints!

Continue reading The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchyBlizzardccpCCP-Gamesconsequencesdeath-mechanicea-mythiceveeve-onlinefeaturedffaffa-pvpgankergriefergriefersImmersionopen-pvpopen-world-pvpopinionpve-sandboxpvppvp-sandboxroleplayroleplayerRolePlayersRolePlayingRPSandboxsandbox-mmosandparksoapboxSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-soapboxThemeParktrammelUltima-OnlineUOWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your goals in a sandbox MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the main attractions to sandbox MMOs is the wide freedom of choice, of exploration, and of goals that you can accomplish. In games from Wurm Online to EVE Online, players have reveled in the ability to make their own stories and carve out a slice of the world for their own use.

So if you've ever played a sandbox MMO, what were your goals? What do you try to do when you set foot in a brand-new one? Do you quickly dive into crafting or strike out on bold adventures? Do you become a feared bandit of the forest or an avenging savior of the helpless? Do you see whether you can find the edge of the known world and then cross it?

And if you've never experienced a sandbox MMO, what would you hypothetically do in one if you played it?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your goals in a sandbox MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eveeve-onlinesandboxsandbox-mmotdgthe-daily-grindtheme-parkwurm-onlineMon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome back from the holiday, readers! I trust everyone has recovered from the excitement of a long weekend, a tasty Thanksgiving and a rabid Black Friday. By now you should have settled back into the slow, miserable slog toward more holidays. I know I have.

For this week's Captain's Log, I'm going to discuss themepark and sandbox MMOs. What do those terms mean? And how does Star Trek Online fit into that dichotomy, both in its present form and in its Foundry-expanded future?

Continue reading Captain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark?

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioseve-onlinefeaturedSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-gamingsandbox-mmost-onlineStar-TrekStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-season-threestosto-season-3sto-season-4sto-season-threetheme-parktheme-park-mmothemeparkthemepark-mmotrek-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online's open beta starts February 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/mortal-onlines-open-beta-starts-february-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/mortal-onlines-open-beta-starts-february-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/mortal-onlines-open-beta-starts-february-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The upcoming sandbox MMO from Star Vault, Mortal Online, is finally entering its awaited open beta on February 1st. While the game has been in testing for quite some time, getting beta access meant pre-ordering a copy of the game, which turned several people off from the idea. But not only is the game going to become easier to take part in testing starting on Monday, there are two carrots thrown in to help entice players.

First off, any existing beta characters will not be wiped upon the commencement of open beta. That means anyone already playing, whether in the closed beta or as part of the game's recent stress test, will get to keep their character that they've worked on. Second, while in open beta the game's price will be dropped by five euros (about $7), which means that if you like the game, it's even easier to decide to make it a full-time home.

Downsides? Only one - as community manager Maerlyn points out, the testing will be based on a single server cluster in Stockholm, so their may be server caps or slight connection issues depending on distance. But that's hardly enough to take away from the good news. If you've been waiting for Mortal Online, your day is almost here.

[ Thanks to Bartillo and David for the tip! ]

MassivelyMortal Online's open beta starts February 1st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmaerlynmomortal-onlineopen-betaopen-testingpre-orderprice-dropsandboxsandbox-mmostar-vaultstockholmSun, 31 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawntide reaches beta phase 2, re-opens testing applications]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dawntide-reaches-beta-phase-2-re-opens-testing-applications/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Did you miss the first round of Dawntide beta testing applications? Well fear not, as Working As Intended has re-opened their request for testers as they march Dawntide into its second phase of beta.

Dawntide's beta testing has been quite unique so far, as it hasn't come with an NDA to keep testers quiet. The testers have been sharing their opinions on the game, as well as offering lots of feedback over on the Dawntide forums.

While information on the game has been quite limited, the website has been updated with a wealth of information regarding general gameplay, combat, territory control, and plenty more. Plus, we here at Massively got to sit down with Dawntide's producer, Christian Hummeluhr, and talk with him about his vision for the game. So if you're interested, don't drag your feet, sign up for a beta testing spot!

MassivelyDawntide reaches beta phase 2, re-opens testing applications originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachristian-hummeluhrclosed-betadawntidendasandboxsandbox-mmosignupsworking-as-intendedWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST