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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[Wings Over Atreia: The skinny on housing from NCsoft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/wings-over-atreia-the-skinny-on-housing-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/wings-over-atreia-the-skinny-on-housing-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/wings-over-atreia-the-skinny-on-housing-from-ncsoft/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Aion, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia

Wings Over Atreia

We spoke; NCsoft listened.

Don't look so surprised! Is it really so far-fetched to think that developers care about and want to keep an eye on the thoughts and reactions of their playerbase? Well, other than to just laugh at us of course. *wink* I kid, I kid.

In all seriousness, though, when I shared my first impressions of the long anticipated Aion: Ascension, I noted some letdowns amid the greater aspects. My opinions were formed from what information could be gleaned from actual in-game play during those first days after release. Of course, not all of Aion's new features could really be explored and enjoyed in that short span of time, so that, coupled with a lack of published information (shocking!), meant I wasn't even close to a comprehensive understanding. But my disappointments in the temporary aspects of some housing and other items as well as the high cost of housing struck a chord with others as well.

To our benefit, NCsoft was listening. Producer Adam Christensen and Associate Producer Sean Orlikowski quickly addressed some of the concerns noted, sending us more information to share. Along with clarification, we received an exclusive look at the housing release schedule for both the Asmodian and Elyos factions. If you know which real estate you want, check the schedule below to see when your spot hits the market. (And don't forget to save your kinah!)

Gallery: Aion housing

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The skinny on housing from NCsoft

Wings Over Atreia: The skinny on housing from NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-3.0ascensionAtreian-Atlasexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-giftsfree-to-playfurnituregalleriesgalleryhousinghousing-schedulemassively-exclusivencsoftopinionplayer-housingPlayer-housing-Informationschedulescreenshotscreenshotswings-over-atreiaMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Fanfest 2012 schedule unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/eve-online-fanfest-2012-schedule-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, real-world, News items, DUST 514, Sandbox

EVE Online Fanfest 2012 banner

The days leading up to this year's EVE Online Fanfest are fading quickly, and this weekend, fans of internet spaceships from around the world will descend upon Reykjavik. In light of that, it's probably about time that attendees start planning their schedules, and CCP is here to help them do just that.

The full Fanfest 2012 schedule is now up and running, and boy-howdy is it ever packed. In addition to the usual smattering of roundtables and panels, the convention will play host to a number of tournaments, and of course, hands-on time with DUST 514. The full schedule is too cram-packed to even begin to summarize here, so just head on over to the official site and start filling your agendas.

EVE Online Fanfest 2012 schedule unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineeve-online-fanfest-2012eventsinternet-spaceshipsirlreal-life-eventsreal-world-eventssandboxschedulesci-fiMon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your preferred night to raid?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-night-to-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-night-to-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-night-to-raid/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

LotRO Raid

We all have our own schedules with our own reasons for gaming when we can. For those with a static group of friends, a dedicated night or two to raid is usually the preferred method of playing an MMO. Whether you play to relax after work or play when you have the day off, it's a safe bet that most of us tend to organize our most involved raiding nights around a set time.

So what night do you prefer? Even if it's every night of the week, or just one, let us know in the comments below.

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!

The Daily Grind: What's your preferred night to raid? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>organizedraidraid-nightsschedulestatic-grouptdgthe-daily-grindFri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE layoffs affect timetable for PlanetSide Next [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/soe-layoffs-affect-timetable-for-planetside-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/soe-layoffs-affect-timetable-for-planetside-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/soe-layoffs-affect-timetable-for-planetside-next/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, New titles, News items, MMOFPS

Last week we got the bad news that Sony Online Entertainment laid off 205 employees and shuttered the Denver, Seattle, and Tucson studios. The announcement was coupled with the news that that The Agency, the long-anticipated "spy-fi" MMO, was also being canceled. The intent, SOE said, was to focus on its upcoming MMOs based on its extant IPs: PlanetSide Next and EverQuest Next.

However, in the wake of all the layoffs, there will also apparently be a delay in the development time-frame for PlanetSide Next. According to a statement by John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment, the game "will be out a little later in the year" but the team is focused on "pulling out all the stops to make it great." It's sad news, but we're certain that a lot of PlanetSide fans would rather have a great, polished game over a game pushed out quickly to meet a now-unrealistic development schedule.

Update: SOE's John Smedley has posted several reassuring comments to the PlanetSide Universe forums:

Recently (a few weeks ago actually) we made the call to update the game to a new internally developed engine. Doing that meant delaying the game, but we thought it was in the best interests of PlanetSide Next. It also means delaying releasing further info for a little while. I will let you all know more when we firm up the schedule. The likely next step is a larger scale release of information and the beta signups going up. As I've said previously current Planetside subs will be included automatically.

Normally when we do game announcements we do a much bigger concerted information push all at once and these kind of one off posts don't happen. In this case I feel like the PlanetSide audience has hung in with us for a long time and I really want to involve you all more in advance of the official info. However what happens is everything gets carried across the net and the actual info gets changed. I'm sorry for that happening. We will do our best to keep you informed early. But that necessarily means that sometimes when things change you have to be ready for that too.

(Thanks to Matt for the tip!)

SOE layoffs affect timetable for PlanetSide Next [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentjohn-smedleylayoff-repercussionsmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextrelease-dateschedulesoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttimetableMon, 04 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Aion, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia

The battle was sore. The sound of wings beating the hot air of the Abyss filled the ears of all of us, soldier and commander alike. Singed feathers, both black and white, floated about, as fireballs flew between factions, pelting any who could not dodge fast enough. Shadowy forms dove, weaving between the raining arrows, looking for targets. Sounds of steel clashing rang out as spies tried to sneak past enemy lines in search of kisks. The battle was immense, a sea of red crashing against us, trying to claim what was rightfully ours! We knew we must give our all to repel the enemy onslaught.

In the heat of battle, immediate decisions had long-reaching consequences; the tide of battle could turn on a single kinah. All voices hushed as the Commander, MrAwesumPants, issued the order that would bring victory, that would bring us closer to eradicating this threat upon true Daeva. One force was dispatched to take the artifact and activate it. "Do it. Do it now. Do it. Do it. Do it now. Do it do it do it do it now do it do it do it now... now... now... now... get it. DO IT NOW... come ON! Are you paying attention? NOW NOW NOW!! DO IT DO IT DO IT! NOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOW!!! Do it. Don't do it. OMG you *expletive* I can't believe you just did that!"

Everyone could hear the spittle dripping from his mic, spraying against his monitor. The hush continued.

Have you ever sat in a faction Ventrilo server and heard the siege leader repeat an order like a rapid-fire machine gun for what seemed like five minutes straight, then right as it is being accomplished, immediately rescind the order, demand his followers stop, then totally berate whoever followed the order? No joke -- true story. If you thought drama was just for individuals or legions in Aion, think again! There is a seemingly endless supply of siege drama to keep Daevas entertained -- or disgusted.

Settle back and tune in past the cut for the latest episode of Daevas of Our Lives.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege

Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamecraftingdaevas-of-our-livesdramafeaturedfortressleaderleadersleadershipnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpvepvpRPschedulesiegesiege-warfaresiegessiegingventriloWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 01 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you balance your time?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-balance-your-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-balance-your-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-balance-your-time/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, Opinion, The Daily Grind

November marks the beginning of a busy couple of months. Two major holidays are just around the corner, necessitating gift-buying and holiday events in your favorite games. There's a new year just around the corner, too. New games are being released for the holiday season. And of course, you have to balance your commitments in-game with your expectations in the real world, ranging from holding down multiple jobs to just making it to your final exams (which are also afflicting school-age gamers this time of year). And that doesn't count balancing alts, balancing progression with exploration in-game...

Of course, for those of us who play multiple games, the issue of time is a persistent one. But right around now, everyone starts feeling the crunch, and despite numerous petitions, the length of the day remains at a strict 24 hours. So how do you balance all of the things that are expected of you across multiple game and real-life commitments? Do you have a priority system and set days for set tasks, or do you just wing everything and hope it works out for the best?

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!

The Daily Grind: How do you balance your time? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebalancing-timecultureevery-darn-dayopinionregular-responsibilitiesscheduletdgthe-daily-grindtimetime-managementMon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How long do you wait for stragglers?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-for-stragglers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-for-stragglers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-for-stragglers/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Events, in-game, Opinion, The Daily Grind

It doesn't matter if it's a light-hearted RP event or a high-intensity progression run. As sure as the sun rises, if everyone is told the event is going to begin at 5 PM sharp, at least one player will not show up until 5:01. They might claim timezone difficulties, traffic, or even just that they forgot what time it was taking place. Inevitably, someone shows up late, and quite frequently several people arrive late to a lower-impact event. That's not counting the people who show up on time, but have one last thing to finish that takes upwards of half an hour.

Of course, MMOs are fundamentally hobbies, and it's understandable that not everyone will be perfectly punctual. But by the same token, people who delay an event's start time by a significant amount are cutting into the enjoyment of other players, and it does mean they're harder to rely upon. How long do you wait for late arrivals before starting without them? Will you kick people from a regular roster, or argue that they should be kicked, in the event that they fall behind schedule too frequently? Or are you on the other side of the equation, and despite your best efforts you're almost always late to the party?

The Daily Grind: How long do you wait for stragglers? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivaleventsgodotguild-eventslateopinionpatiencescheduletdgthe-daily-grindwaitingWed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LFG Expo postponed until next year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/lfg-expo-postponed-until-next-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/lfg-expo-postponed-until-next-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/lfg-expo-postponed-until-next-year/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Events, real-world, MMO industry, News items

In the midst of one of this year's biggest shows, a fledging expo later this month has decided to postpone their own event. The LFG Expo, which promises to be an MMO-focused event for developers and fans alike, has announced that they are postponing their first event. Previously scheduled for later this month, it's now scheduled for... next year. Eventually. The only concrete information is that the organizers are aiming at sometime during 2011, which is quite some distance in the future.

Readers may remember that we held a ticket giveaway not so long ago for the expo. As of yet, there's no word from the organizers regarding tickets and attendance. Officially, the schedule was moved to secure better developer support, although it's a rather vague statement. Quite possibly the show's close proximity to E3 worked against its developer attendance, but without more official word, all we can do is wait and see what happens next. With any luck, this is simply a minor setback in the LFG Expo's progress.

LFG Expo postponed until next year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydeveloper-supportlfglfg-expommo-industrynewspostponedscheduleschedulesTue, 15 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: The advantages of a family-friendly guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/mmo-family-the-advantages-of-a-family-friendly-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/mmo-family-the-advantages-of-a-family-friendly-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/mmo-family-the-advantages-of-a-family-friendly-guild/#commentsFiled under: Kids, MMO Family, Family, Miscellaneous

tostadophoto.com, flickr

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

The benefits of so-called "family-friendly" guilds go far beyond the flexibility for an occasional (or perhaps not-so-occasional) "AFK, baby woke up" during raids. Having started out as a launch-era, Drelzna-camping EverQuest player, I now appreciate the evolution to a kinder, gentler schedule. When my guild finally made a conscious switch to a more forgiving schedule and philosophy, the relief in guild chat was palpable. It's not necessarily about the specific hours or the number of nights per week -- the family-friendly approach is more of a mindset that gives members room to breathe.

Continue reading MMO Family: The advantages of a family-friendly guild

MMO Family: The advantages of a family-friendly guild originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childchildrenfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-guildfeaturedguildskidsparentsscheduleFri, 02 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bounty Bay Online increases the scale of city wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/bounty-bay-online-increases-the-scale-of-city-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/bounty-bay-online-increases-the-scale-of-city-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/bounty-bay-online-increases-the-scale-of-city-wars/#commentsFiled under: Historical, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, PvP, News items, Bounty Bay Online

What good is a proper game in the age of the high seas without the option to take over cities? Fortunately for everyone who thinks along those lines, Bounty Bay Online not only has the option to take on cities, but an expanded list and more frequent times available for those who wish to take part in the conflicts. Merchant alliance cities Alexandria, Venice, Lisbon, Bordeaux and Amsterdam are all now in the lineup to be taken by fleets with strong enough ships and military might. But the addition of the cities isn't the only change that's being made.

Previously, only two cities per day were available for guilds to attempt to conquer. The adjustment and merging of times will now force players into different tactical decisions, as there will be more ports to assault or defend and less opportunity for a single fleet to move from port to port. A detailed breakdown of the changes is available here, and the full system of attacking and taking cities can be found here. For players in Bounty Bay Online, things most likely have gotten a fair bit more interesting on the ocean.

Bounty Bay Online increases the scale of city wars originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbobounty-bay-onlinechangescity-attackscity-siegesfrogsterfrogster-interactivemerchant-alliancesailingscheduleschedulesshipsThu, 01 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/#commentsFiled under: Kids, MMO Family, Family, Miscellaneous

★Debs★, flickr

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Believe it or not, the childhood years can be a golden era for your gaming. It's all about availability -- and let's face it, staying home to game gives you a big edge. The trick is making sure you actually are available to your children and partner while you're gaming. (After all, isolating yourself in the back room mumbling, "Just six more kills ... Just six more kills ..." isn't exactly helping anyone find a juice box or get a fresh diaper.) Still, once you stop to consider the ways that gaming can fit into your daily schedule, we think you'll find that gaming is a great fit for a young family.

Continue reading MMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years

MMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childchildrenfamilyfeaturedkidsparentsscheduleteenagersteenstweensFri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/#commentsFiled under: Tips and tricks, Kids, MMO Family

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family. From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Today's MMO Family is for all the MMO-playing teens out there who'd like more time to game. Parents, you're most welcome to stay and read along (and hand this to your own teen afterwards), but we've covered your perspective before. (Refer back to our tips on how to balance gaming with the rest of your life, or check the signs that your teen may be over-indulging in too much gaming.) What we haven't covered yet explicitly are strategies for responsible teens to earn permission for more gaming time. If you're jonesing for more time in game and online, there are things that you should and shouldn't do before you even make your case with your parents.

Here's our game plan.

Continue reading MMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time

MMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrenfamilyfeaturedhomeworkkidsparentsscheduleschoolteenagersteensFri, 05 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Parental control tools]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/mmo-family-parental-control-tools/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/mmo-family-parental-control-tools/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/mmo-family-parental-control-tools/#commentsFiled under: Kids, MMO Family

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

If you've been following along here at MMO Family, you'll know we keep a pretty big toolbox. What works for one family won't fit another, so we believe in offering a lot of different options. You can't possibly use every tool at once -- or maybe you could, although you probably shouldn't. You'd be one busy parent if you attempted to wield all 17 internet safety tactics at once for every child, every day. You'd never have time to actually log in and play if you ran every game screening technique known to man ... Treat all these tactics like a buffet, and load up your plate with the ideas you think fit your family's taste.

That said, we've got another big tool for the box this week: parental controls. These settings on your computer, game consoles and individual games let you limit access to game features you don't want your children to use. You can use parental controls to determine what games your kids play (and block those M-rated games borrowed from the friend at school), who they're playing them with and when they're playing them.

Continue reading MMO Family: Parental control tools

MMO Family: Parental control tools originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrenfamilyfeaturedmonitorparental-controlsparentsscheduleFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: When enough is enough]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/mmo-family-when-enough-is-enough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/mmo-family-when-enough-is-enough/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/mmo-family-when-enough-is-enough/#commentsFiled under: Kids, MMO Family, Miscellaneous

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Whether yours is the kind of family with "screen time" limits or the type that takes a more laissez-faire approach to logging in, there comes a point when enough is enough. Plenty of pixels and ink have been devoted to the debate over whether or not internet and gaming overuse should be considered an "addiction." What we're here to discuss is how gaming affects your family. As parents who game, we should be in a unique position to appreciate, respect and guide our children's attraction to games. But sometimes in the crush of day-to-day living, it's easy to let those last few minutes slip into half an hour ... past an hour ... into the evening ... into a habit that's begun eating away at family balance.

To help parents recognize when their children's gaming may have passed what's reasonable and productive for them as individuals, we touched base with psychiatrist Dr. Kourosh Dini (author of Video Game Play and Addiction: A Guide for Parents and himself a gamer). Statistics on gaming use, he explains, show that most gamers manage to balance gaming with their daily lives without negative consequences. "In fact ... sometimes what one can gain from a game is quite profound," he observes. "The person's mind and the video games together set the stage - either for benefit or for detriment." A gaming schedule that suffocates one child's motivation and energy might buoy another through social problems at school. Our mission: to keep the mix healthy, productive and fun.

Continue reading MMO Family: When enough is enough

MMO Family: When enough is enough originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionbalancechildrenfamilyfeaturedparentsquittingscheduleFri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, Massively Meta, Massively Event Coverage

It's that time of year again! For the next four days, the streets of Atlanta, GA will be transformed from a bustling downtown business center to prime acreage chock full of enormous nerd herds. With a handful of East coast writers, we here at Massively couldn't let all the geeky shenanigans - and MMO fun - go on without taking part. That's right, we have been invited back to participate for a third year as panelists and general party fiends at the MMO track.

On site this year to take part in the fun are Colin Seraphina Brennan, Shawn Schuster, Elizabeth Harper for both Massively and our sister-site, WoW.com, and myself. When we're not lending our professional hands to various things, we'll be catching up with guests, attendees, and generally scouting for anything that might send gamer geek hearts fluttering.

If you're also in Atlanta for this enormous pop-culture love-in and would like to catch up with the Massively crew, be sure to check out the listing behind the break for where we'll all be. Just remember there's tons of other great things going on for the MMO track, so be sure to check the pocket guide for a full schedule!

Continue reading Dragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house!

Dragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancesdragon-condragoncondragoncon-2009eventsmmo-trackpanelsschedulestaffFri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: At a glance, Fantasy, Game mechanics, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Neo Steam

The two kingdoms of Rogwel and Elerd are finally facing off on the territory of Rope Isle for control of the neo steam! Yes, realm vs. realm combat is finally being enabled on the Neo Steam servers, letting players go at it for control of new stretches of land and the dungeons that dwell beneath. Players will be able to both fight on foot and in siege engines for the glory of their kingdom!

However, realm vs. realm combat in Neo Steam works a bit differently than most MMOs. For one, it's actually timed. Currently you can only engage in RvR once every weekend. Once a side wins the battle, the areas are locked until the next week.

Continue reading Neo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons

Neo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlinedungeonsgroup-contentneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentpvpraidsrealm-vs-realmrvrschedulescheduled-pvpTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion summer beta schedule revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-summer-beta-schedule-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-summer-beta-schedule-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/aion-summer-beta-schedule-revealed/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Aion, News items

Renewed speculation about Aion's North American release date began swirling when a couple online retailers listed it at September 1, 2009. We have now come across some interesting information in the July issue of Beckett Massive Online Gamer that suggests NCsoft may indeed meet the target. The magazine lists these key dates:

June 19-21: Asmodian closed beta capped at level 10
July 3-5: Asmodian level cap increases
July 17-19: Abyss only with unrestricted flight and hopefully a lot of PvP
August 14-17: First open beta
August 19-23: Second open beta

The dates are listed as "accurate as of press time" and may be subject to change, but we can confirm the Asmodian beta will commence this weekend and that it will be capped at level 10. You can definitely be sure of one thing: Massively will be there to cover each and every Aion beta event from now until release.

[Via: Keen and Graev]

Aion summer beta schedule revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-the-tower-of-eternityasmodianbetaclosed-betancsoftopen-betaPvPscheduleTue, 16 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008 event schedule released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/pax-2008-event-schedule-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/pax-2008-event-schedule-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/pax-2008-event-schedule-released/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, MMO industry

Gaming convention season is upon us and perhaps one of the largest of these is the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, Washington. This being the fifth annual PAX, the turnout promises to already crush the numbers from the previous years combined. In anticipation of the event, every bit of news concerning the attendees and panel information is welcomed with open arms... and giddy screaming.

Yesterday, the PAX folks released their tentative schedule of events in pdf format on their forums. This includes the usual general gaming panels, but also a few interesting ones for MMOs. There's a panel with ArenaNet on three years of Guild Wars, one on NCsoft, one on the MMO and Virtual World business, and many more. Check out the forum announcement containing the pdf link and good luck with the planning!

PAX 2008 event schedule released originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetevent-scheduleken-levinencsoftpaxpax-2008penny-arcade-exposcheduleseattleMon, 11 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds Comic-Con event plans unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, New titles, Stargate Worlds, News items

We learned a while back that developer Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and publisher FireSky are teaming up with the United States Armed Forces and the creators of the Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis TV series to present Stargate Worlds at this year's Comic-Con. Fans will get to ask questions about the game and the series, as well as see gameplay footage. A life-sized stargate wll be deployed for photo ops, too.

Now the schedule has finally been announced. It'll all go down in Ballroom 20 on Friday the 25th. From 10:45 to 11:45, the showrunners and stars of Stargate SG-1 will sit in a panel discussing Stargate Continuum, the new movie based on the series. After that, the Stargate Worlds presentation will run from 11:45 to 12:15. Finally, the cast and crew of Stargate Atlantis will talk about season 5 from 12:15 to 1:15. All Pacific time, of course, since the convention's in San Diego.

So if you're just interested in the game, show up at 11:45 and leave at 12:15. We figure you'll go for the whole thing if you'll go at all though; most folks interested in this game are probably fans of the series too, right?

Stargate Worlds Comic-Con event plans unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcomic-concomic-con-2008fireskyfiresky-llcsan-diegoschedulesg-1sgwstargatestargate-atlantisstargate-continuumstargate-sg-1stargate-worldsSat, 19 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Expansion release schedule versus quality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/expansion-release-schedule-versus-quality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/expansion-release-schedule-versus-quality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/expansion-release-schedule-versus-quality/#commentsFiled under: EverQuest II, Expansions, Launches, Patches, Opinion

Relmstein has posted a great analysis of how to do expansions right-- he looks at the history of major MMO expansion releases, and grades their qualities on three criteria: timing of release, cost at retail, and quality of content. In essence, he sets up a quick continuum that proves the old theory: "Good, fast, or cheap. Choose two."

A game like World of Warcraft has released one terriffic quality expansion, but as Relmstein says, it was a long time coming. And Star Wars Galaxies released huge updates one after another, but we all know how well that worked out. Relmstein lists Everquest 2 as the best of all worlds-- they've released expansions fairly often (every 12 months regualrly), at fairly cheap prices (the fact that the original game content comes with every expansion doesn't hurt), and the quality has been done fairly well.

It's an interesting balance. Of course expansion packs aren't an MMO-only phenomenon, but the idea of constantly pushing out new game content is something that lends itself very well to a persistent massively multiplayer world. You'd think that there has to be some rate out there at which players are getting their content too fast, but according to Relmstein, we haven't even reached the ideal rate yet-- it's still taking developers too long to cook up polished expansion content for hungry players.

Expansion release schedule versus quality originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysiscontentcontinuumexpansionqualityreleaserelmsteinscheduleThu, 13 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST