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[Generosity scandal rocks sci-fi sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/generosity-scandal-rocks-sci-fi-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/generosity-scandal-rocks-sci-fi-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/generosity-scandal-rocks-sci-fi-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Players of [hardcore MMO] reeled today over the the latest scandal to hit the game. According to our sources, a character by the name of [player #1] of [guild name] flew his [spaceship name] above a neglected outpost on [game location], dumping over [huge number] [game currency] on the players below. The money has an approximate value of [huge number] USD.

"[Player #1] is a travesty," one angry citizen declared. "This game is about scamming and swindling idiots out of their money, not giving it away like some namby-pamby carebear in [themepark MMO]."

"I could have been killed!" insisted [player #2], who spends his game time [tradeskill ending in -ing] in the town. "All that [game currency] was really heavy. What if it had landed on my [body part]?"

[Player #3], who is not an economist, suggested that donations of this magnitude ruin the economy. "We can't just go around throwing free [game currency] out of spaceships. It causes inflation and hurts [insulting term for newbie players]."

[Game company] could not be reached for comment.

Games Journalism sure is hard work, so we've decided to take a break today and let you write your own news! Too many stories about RIFT on Massively lately? Not enough about the game of your choice? No problem! Much in the style of Mad Libs, today is your day to create the news you want to read, all day on the :30s. Simply fill in the blanks and it's yours. Have fun!

MassivelyGenerosity scandal rocks sci-fi sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebeargenerosityhardcoreingratitudeinternet-spaceshipsmad-libs-april-fools-day-2011sandboxscandalsci-fithe-hero-of-cantonFri, 01 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ankhesentapemkah removed from EVE's Council of Stellar Management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/ankhesentapemkah-removed-from-eves-council-of-stellar-managemen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/ankhesentapemkah-removed-from-eves-council-of-stellar-managemen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/ankhesentapemkah-removed-from-eves-council-of-stellar-managemen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online's democratically elected Council of Stellar Management has been the cause of a great deal of controversy since the programme's inception. The idea that players can bring their concerns on game design issues to a player-elected representative has been popular with forum-posters. Council members work tirelessly to compile lists of issues that are important to the player-base, then present them to CCP in the CSM Summit every six months. While the council has managed to push through some very important issues and work on key features, it's been the focus of several scandals and a great deal of EVE drama.

Controversial council member Eva "Ankhesentapemkah" Jobse was removed from the council today. The official reason given for her dismissal was "a breach of the non-disclosure agreement (NDA)." The exact nature of the breach has not been publicised as the sensitive nature of the data involved renders the issue a private matter between Eva and CCP Games. As usually happens when information isn't available, the forums have exploded with speculation over what exactly Eva did that breached the NDA. Although Eva has yet to comment publicly on the issue, fellow council member Sokratesz was quick to allay suspicions that it was due to information posted in her personal CSM blog.

When reached for comment, Eva had the following to say: "All I can say at the moment is that out of respect for the CSM, the players of EVE, as well as the good people at CCP, I cannot give any details besides my personal conviction that CCP's statement is not in relation to any of my recent publications, and that I do not share CCP's conclusion that there has in fact been an NDA breach. I am currently engaged in following up this situation with CCP." Eva plans to keep her followers updated on her situation via her CSM blog as the situation develops.

MassivelyAnkhesentapemkah removed from EVE's Council of Stellar Management originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankhesentapemkahbreakingccpccp-eveccp-gamescontroversycouncilcouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdramaevaeva-jobseeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinescandalWed, 07 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've just gotten word that EBANK, a player-run bank in EVE Online self-described as "the largest financial entity ever seen in EVE" has been rocked by embezzlement from its own CEO, Ricdic. The former CEO stole roughly 200 billion ISK from EBANK, which is roughly 8.6% of the entire 2.3 trillion ISK that EVE's playerbase has deposited. EBANK chairman Hexxx has issued a statement on the game's official forums, stating that Ricdic has been banned by CCP Games for engaging in RMT, also adding that the former CEO "has scammed."

The loss of nearly 9% of EBANK's deposits is a serious blow to the player-run institution, perhaps as much to investor confidence in the bank as it is to their funds, but Hexxx says their liquidity is still between 400 billion and 500 billion ISK. A June 6th news item on the EBANK site written by bank auditor LaVista Vista states, "We are currently experiencing some technical problems. Therefore, we ask that people do not deposit any ISK, until we have solved the problem." EBANK's director and head teller Athre has now assumed the role of interim CEO, as the EBANK staff determines the best way forward from here.

Continue reading EVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement

MassivelyEVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athrebanbankingbannedbansbreakingccp-gamesebankeconomyembezzlementforumshexxxisklavista-vistaplayer-run-venturesricdicrmtscamscandaltheftthieftrustvirtual-currencyWed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best of Massively: Five stories that scandalized you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/the-best-of-massively-five-stories-that-scandalized-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/the-best-of-massively-five-stories-that-scandalized-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/the-best-of-massively-five-stories-that-scandalized-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Massively is just a week and a half away from its first birthday, and we're winding our Best of Massively series down in the final days! This week we're listing five stories we wrote that caused a lot of people to get very angry -- sometimes at us, sometimes at game developers or other industry figures, and sometimes at all of the above!

If you have a thick skin for controversy (or if you're drawn to it like a moth to a flame like a lot of us are!), check out the list. Just... let's not let it come to violence, okay?


Gallery: The Best of Massively: Five stories that scandalized you

DPS bug made Age of Conan's females weaker than its malesBlizzard says WoW players are coming back from WARFuncom struggles after the Age of Conan launchRichard Bartle says he's played Warhammer Online -- it's called World of WarcraftMark Jacobs announces major features cut from Warhammer Online

MassivelyThe Best of Massively: Five stories that scandalized you originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbest-of-massivelyblizzardfeaturedfuncomjoystiqfeaturesmythicrichard-bartlescandalthe-best-of-massivelywarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 24 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan GM fired amidst in-game sex scandal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/age-of-conan-gm-fired-amidst-in-game-sex-scandal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/age-of-conan-gm-fired-amidst-in-game-sex-scandal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/age-of-conan-gm-fired-amidst-in-game-sex-scandal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An Age of Conan player tricked a naïve, Funcom-employed Game Master (an in-game customer service representative) into pursuing cybersex with him. The player posed as a female playing a male character and enticed the male GM with flirtatious remarks and innuendos. After the GM fully threw himself into the moment, the player revealed that he was male, and that the conversation had been a prank.

Friends of the player posted screenshots of the conversation on MMORPG's forums, and the ensuing controversy led Funcom to fire the GM for unacceptable behavior and violation of the customer service guidelines. Destructoid then interviewed the prankster and hosted the unedited version of the conversation screenshots.

Frankly, we're not sure who is the bigger jackass -- the GM for his unprofessional behavior, or the player for baiting him into it. Everyone seems to have his or her own unique interpretation of this fiasco.

[Via Big Download]

MassivelyAge of Conan GM fired amidst in-game sex scandal originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccontroversycscustomer-servicecyber-sexfiredflirtingfuncomgame-mastergmscandalscreenshotssexThu, 14 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Losing influence with SOE: EQ2 Flames admin "LFG" tells all]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/losing-influence-with-soe-eq2-flames-admin-lfg-tells-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/losing-influence-with-soe-eq2-flames-admin-lfg-tells-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/losing-influence-with-soe-eq2-flames-admin-lfg-tells-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


He is an EverQuest 2 player that rose to power leading one of the largest fansite communities. He earned the esteemed "Community Influencer" rank that opened the gates to game designers and allowed him to forge ties with prominent SOE staff. With his connections it wasn't long before the site he administrates, EQ2 Flames, served as a clandestine outlet for EQ2 developers to post on. Behind the scenes "LFG" played a role working with inside sources to leak information that resulted in the EQ2 Test Server scandal. The forum also resulted in leak of the news (almost a month before it actually happened) that former Senior Producer, Scott Hartsman, was to part ways with Sony Online Entertainment.

His actions wouldn't come without serious ramifications. Last week SOE terminated his "Influencer" membership, citing a lack of participation and misconduct as the reasoning behind their decision. In the destructive wake that followed an ugly entanglement by both SOE developers and EQ2 players has surfaced. Allegations of cheating, developer corruption, and other scuttlebutt permeate forum posts. This is a drama that pits community against community, developers against players, and more than likely developers against developers. It is a story that has shaken up a very large community and that has once placed SOE in a questionable spotlight. I contacted "LFG", the EQ2 Flames administrator, to help bring some clarity to it all.

In the interview below several allegations involving SOE employees are levied. These along with other accusations on EQ2 Flames also raise other questions regarding SOE's internal policies. At the time of this posting SOE's community team had not yet responded with an official comment. When SOE does respond we will post it in full.

Continue reading Losing influence with SOE: EQ2 Flames admin "LFG" tells all

MassivelyLosing influence with SOE: EQ2 Flames admin "LFG" tells all originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-crosbybrenlocraig-dalrympleeq2eq2-flameseq2flamesethical-conductfeaturedgaellnitegrimwelllfgscandalscott-hartsmansoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 18 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Several days ago Massively reported that EQ2 Flames administrator broke the story on a scandal that regards numerous members from Unhallowed Triad, a guild on EQ2's Test server that was transferred to Unrest, a Live server through an inside connection at SOE. Character transfers from the Test server to a Live one is not allowed and against current SOE transfer policy; albeit, the EULA has a clause that SOE may change this policy at any time. However, the case is made that a Player / Dev affiliation has led to corruption, leaving many infuriated players with lots of unanswered questions as seen in these two threadnaughts. To recap for those not following this closely or wanting to sift through 100+ pages on the forums:

  • SOE employee(s) abused their power breaking various codes of ethics (confirmed & guilty)
  • Numerous Test players accuse Unhallowed Triad with a history of exploitation and getting away with it in due part to their SOE connection (rumors)
  • Someone at SOE made the call to transfer Test characters to a Live server breaking policy (confirmed & guilty)
  • Not only were characters transferred to Unrest, but items as well. Unhallowed Triad's Guild level was also inflated to 60. (confirmed & guilty)
  • Many Unhallowed Triad guild members admitted to transferring off test in Assassin's chat (confirmed)
  • Several Unhallowed Triad guild members were transferred unknowingly (more than likely)
  • Legitimately leveled characters belonging to several Unhallowed Triad members were transferred over from other servers or already leveled on the Unrest server (confirmed)
  • Unhallowed Triad guild tag no longer exists but there other guild tag Unholy Trinity exists and their Guild level stands at 30 (confirmed)
  • All players on the Test server have not been given the same opportunity to transfer to a Live server
The evidence found via EQ2 Players alone is overwhelming. So much so that it's impossible to sweep all the allegations under-the-rug. Initially, SOE was quick to react as both Alan "Brenlo" Crosby, Director of Global Community Relations and Bruce "Froech" Ferguson, EQ2's new Senior Producer admitted to SOE's involvement. Well, rather that someone at SOE made the call to override the policy, but in a good natured manner to reward certain players for their hard work on the Test server. Not a smart choice of words or tone given EQ2 players warranted concerns. In any case, Ferguson claims the transferred characters will be removed. Since their initial statements and response there has been no further word from a SOE representative on this matter.

Continue reading SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries

MassivelySOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brenlocharacter-transfereq2eq2flameseqiiethical-conducteulaeverquest-2exploitsfroechgrimwelllive-serverplayer-developer-relationshipscandalsoesony-online-entertainmenttest-serverunhallowed-triadunholy-trinityunrestSun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Entire guild Unhallowed Triad moved from EQ2 Test Server to live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/rumor-entire-guild-unhallowed-triad-moved-from-eq2-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/rumor-entire-guild-unhallowed-triad-moved-from-eq2-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/rumor-entire-guild-unhallowed-triad-moved-from-eq2-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


A thread on popular forums EQ2Flames is asserting that a guild from the EverQuest II Test Server, Unhallowed Triad, has been moved over to the live server Unrest. This is something that SOE had said would never happen, due to the doubled experience gain on Test making it unfair on live players. The poster also claims that there was a GM account in the guild that assisted them in killing things that they could not take down on their own, in order to obtain some of the best gear in the game.

Continue reading Rumor: Entire guild Unhallowed Triad moved from EQ2 Test Server to live

MassivelyRumor: Entire guild Unhallowed Triad moved from EQ2 Test Server to live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeq2eq2flameseqiigrimwelllivelive-serverrumorscandalsoesony-online-entertainmenttesttest-serverunhallowed-triadunrestThu, 13 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The New York Times finds EVE Online intriguing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-new-york-times-finds-eve-online-intriguing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-new-york-times-finds-eve-online-intriguing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/the-new-york-times-finds-eve-online-intriguing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The New York Times published an article on EVE Online this morning. NYT writer Seth Schiesel focused on EVE's growth and emphasis on player freedom.

Hilmar Petursson (CCP's CEO) told Schiesel in a phone interview that there are "basically two schools of thought for operating an online community. There is the theme-park approach and the sandbox approach. Most games are like Disneyland, for instance, which is a carefully constructed experience where you stand in line to be entertained." He said that CCP takes the sandbox approach, creating a world where players are free to define their own experiences.

The article also describes the current political climate in EVE Online's worth, including the Band of Brothers blueprints scandal and other things. If you're already an EVE player, you won't find anything new in the article, but if you're not, it's bound to be an eyebrow-raising read.

MassivelyThe New York Times finds EVE Online intriguing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>articleband-of-brothersbobccpeveeve-onlinehilmar-peturssonnew-york-timesnytscandalseth-schieselWed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST