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[Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2
"This is going to be the best game most of us have built in our lives," Carbine Studios Executive Producer Jeremy Gaffney said bluntly.

The game in question, of course, is WildStar, and it represents Gaffney's 10th or so trip through the beta development chute on the way to release. There's an undeniable note of pride and calm confidence in his voice as he talks about the baby that's growing inside Carbine's womb right now, and he was definitely not shy in opening up about all of the decisions and work the team's made as WildStar heads into its second trimester... er, closed beta test.

Before that, however, Gaffney provided a recap of the first closed beta test. He said that it was pretty limited, with only 2,000 players testing out the lowbie Exile zones. The team moved some of the elder game content down in level so that people could test it out, and developers spent some time doing impromptu Q&A sessions with players in the field. As a result, Carbine is ready to shift over to the Dominion side and greatly expand the beta in size and content. Read on for the full scoop on what the next step will entail.

Continue reading Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2

MassivelyUnicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbetabeta-testbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studioscb2closed-betaclosed-beta-2dominiondungeonfeaturedhousinghoustoninterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneymodsncsoftplayer-housingpreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World shaken, not stirred
For all those who've been trying so hard to predict gloom and doom for The Secret World, I say Nyeh nyeh because the April producer's letter announcing Issue #7 pretty much flies in the face of all your it's-gonna-die whimperings. In fact, I can't believe we still hear them because TSW just keeps getting better and better. Where's the duct tape when you need it...

While it's true we don't have monthly updates anymore (and that's totally understandable, given the restructuring that devs certainly couldn't predict), Secret World fans are still getting frequent, and more importantly extremely fun, updates. Just look at The Vanishing of Tyler Freeborn and The Last Train to Cairo; both of these issues brought interesting new storylines and a decent helping of new features. Some even say these updates introduced the best content so far. With that track record, who can't help but be totally psyched for the upcoming Issue #7?

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsauxiliary-weaponsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhappy-little-flameshorrorilluminatiIssue-7James-Bondmythologynew-DLCnew-weaponopinionpyropyromaniacsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonupdateMon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There are so many things wrong with that space blimp that I'm not sure where to start.
Nexus is a big place. We saw last week what it's going to be like getting from spot to spot in a smaller sense with last week's overview of movement, but there's more to movement in WildStar. After all, there are a lot of zones stretched out over big chunks of land, and even if you're sprinting as much as you can you'll eventually find that you can't traverse an entire continent by foot, much less the ocean.

No, for this sort of transport you need something more robust. You'll need vehicles, both personal and otherwise. You'll need boats, you'll need ships, you'll need something that can move faster than you can move even if you can jump out of a dodge. But a lot of what you need will depend upon what the game's layout looks like, so it's time to fire up the speculation machine and ask some questions, starting with those of location.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscolumnfeaturedmobilityncsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionsandparksci-fantasysci-fispeculationthe-nexus-telegraphtransporttransportationwildstarzonesMon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-stream-team-mlt-edition-may-13-19-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team May 13 19, 2013
Nothing beats an MLT, especially when the tomato is nice and ripe! Except maybe Massively TV. MMmm mmmm. Now there's something you can really sink your teeth into -- the wild and crazy antics of your favorite Stream Team hosts! And they've got a menu for all tastes this week, from space adventures to dragons to WWII planes. Of course, it all comes with a side of reruns and a dessert highlight to complete your meal.

So pull up a chair and grab yourself a helping or two... or 10. Hey, there's no limit here; enjoy as much as you like! While you're enjoying the spread, be sure to join in the after-dinner chat in Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I fly through the air with the greatest of ease, then land with a cracking sound from both my knees.
Movement does not normally seem like a complicated topic in MMOs. You press forward; your character goes forward. Backward? Same deal. You can turn, and you can strafe, and you can turn and strafe and run forward if you're some kind of rebel or you want to give yourself motion sickness. But WildStar makes movement a bigger deal than normal because with a greater emphasis on action comes a greater emphasis on moving out of the path of danger.

The latest official video covers all the basics of movement, from dashing to sprinting to pining for the presumably nonexistent quadruple jump. But we had a chance to sit down with lead combat systems designer Chris Lynch and lead class designer Hugh Shelton to talk about more of the specifics, starting with the obvious question: What beast must we slay to unlock the all-powerful quadruple jump?

Wait, that wasn't it. It was about chaining movement tricks together in an endless cycle of airborne dashes.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: How WildStar has the power to move you

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: How WildStar has the power to move you originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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He's either angry or getting up after a nap. I give even odds either way.
Movement is always important in MMOs; you can't get into arguments about who's standing in the fire if everyone is rooted in place, after all. Since WildStar is promising active combat, it needs to have even more movement than normal so that you can find new and exciting ways not to stand in new and exciting sorts of fire. And the newest DevSpeak video is all about that.

"That" being movement. Not new and exciting sorts of fire. It's still pretty much normal fire.

Some elements will be immediately familiar to anyone who has played a video game on a computer within the past decade. Some elements are a bit more uncommon, like double-jumping or giving every class access to a quick dashing roll. And some elements, like switching positions with a target by tearing a hole in space itself, are pretty well unique. Take a look at all of them just past the break.

[Source: NCsoft press release]

Continue reading New WildStar video is all about smooth moves

MassivelyNew WildStar video is all about smooth moves originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clone Wars Adventures not immediately affected by EADisney deal
If you're a Star Wars fan, you've no doubt heard of EA's acquisition of an exclusive multi-year license for creating games based on the iconic space story, a license that spans multiple platforms. But what does that mean for current -- or even past -- Star Wars MMOs that aren't connected to that studio? Massively jumped on the case and contacted SOE to find out what, if any, effect this agreement between EA and Disney would have on its past and present titles.

Specifically, we asked if Clone Wars Adventures would be forced to shut down when the current license expires. Of course, we also slipped in a question as to whether or not that deal prevented any possibility of a return of Star Wars Galaxies. As for CWA, the studio replied "Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures is fully armed and operational, and this week's announcement does not affect our current agreement with Lucasfilm." So the browser-based games appears safe -- at least for now. The studio, however, declined to comment on SWG.

MassivelyClone Wars Adventures not (immediately) affected by EA/Disney deal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chaos Theory Player projects enhance The Secret World experience
One of The Secret World's most unique elements makes it ripe for producing immersive experiences, even outside of the game. Set in the modern real world (as opposed to the fantasy or even sci-fi themes prevalent in our MMOverse), a game can more easily blur the line between logged in and logged out. Players can, and do, generate ways to be a part of the game while still out and about in the real world. Today, I'm going to shine a spotlight on two of these projects that use very different methods to continue immersion beyond actual gameplay.

In January, one TSW fan ran an Alternate-Reality Game (ARG) for fellow players. Using Twitter, the forums, email, and even in-game characters, this player orchestrated a full-on investigation for participants to work through. And just recently, a new site offering to immerse players more deeply into the game through imagery was beta-launched. Both projects further player involvement in the world of the game -- the stories, the conspiracies, the histories, and the surroundings -- beyond the actual game. Both received support from Funcom in their efforts to expand the fans' experiences. And both are definitely worth checking out, so I sat down with the creators to get the scoop on the why, the how, and the what's next.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience

MassivelyChaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking closer sometimes means the light just becomes more blinding.
I spend a lot of time playing around with theories about lore. I can't do a whole lot more in regard to playing with WildStar at the moment, so that works out well anyway, but I do enjoy throwing out theories and seeing what sticks. Sometimes that invalidates earlier theories I had in the process, but that's the business.

This week I don't want to invalidate something I already speculated upon but build upon a previous column. People seemed to like my musings on what the deal is with Nexus, but even as I was writing that column, I noticed one screaming problem: The Luminai don't fit.

Obviously the Luminai are kind of a big deal, what with their addition marking the creation of the Dominion and all that. These guys are important, and their creation was obviously intentional. But they still prompt some questions because they don't serve an obvious purpose in the larger scheme of things.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: What the Luminai mean for WildStar

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: What the Luminai mean for WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstorycarbinecarbine-studioscolumnfeaturedlorencsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionsandparksci-fantasysci-fispeculationthe-nexus-telegraphwildstarMon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-stream-team-seis-de-mayo-edition-may-6-12-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 12, 2013
You have to agree, May is one month that's full of holidays. The first week alone contains May Day, (unofficial) Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo. But the party doesn't stop there! Following quickly on the heels of these is perhaps one you are less familiar with: Seis de Mayo.

Not unlike its cousin the day before, Seis de Mayo is a day of celebration; however, this celebration centers on freedom from boredom via visual entertainment. No, really! And to commemorate the day, we're releasing an all-new Massively TV schedule, giving you the means to celebrate the whole week through with The Stream Team. If you can't celebrate live, just tune into a rerun and party whenever.

Well, even if you don't believe us, you can still commemorate the occasion with us. Just check out the past the cut for a heaping helping of daily festivities.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots The dark night rises
Just because you have passing familiarity with Superman and Batman doesn't mean you know jack about the real superheroes who do all of the dirty work while the headliners steal the signal light. For instance, have you met this guy? If you haven't, let reader Russell make your acquaintance.

"This is my Brawling Juggernaut in DC Universe Online, known by many as Orange Crush," Russell begins with aplomb. "Here he is in pursuit of justice, on the way to laying some Crush down on the villains of our great and beloved Gotham City!"

Will Orange Crush arrive in time? Tune in to the rest of this column after the break!

Continue reading One Shots: The dark night dashes

MassivelyOne Shots: The dark night dashes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Secret World celebrates with a bonus weekend
Celebrates what, you might ask? Funcom certainly doesn't need a reason to celebrate as the studio is dubbing this upcoming weekend as a golden weekend in The Secret World, full of prizes and rewards.

First off, for every Ability Point earned this weekend, you get a free bonus point which is stackable with item store Timed Ability Point boosts. You can also earn a free month of membership for every new player you recruit who purchases the game in the next 30 days. And to top it all off, you get 30% extra bonus points every time you purchase Funcom points.

The Secret World's Golden Weekend event runs from this Friday, May 3, at 9am EDT through Sunday, May 5.

MassivelyThe Secret World celebrates with a bonus weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe he just has allergies.
Making a new discovery on Nexus is always sort of a double-edged sword. The good news is that the Exile Academy of Science has discovered all sorts of fascinating details about the Thundercall Pell race living in the south of Galeras. The bad news is that some of this has come about as a result of discovering strange energy readings emanating from the caverns known as Stormtalon's Lair and the loss of a science team investigating the region, meaning that WildStar players will have to go in and deal with whatever ate the team that went in the first time.

The latest WildStar Wednesday sheds some light on this early dungeon, explaining the motivations behind the inhabitants of the Lair and some of the mysteries still surrounding them. Players will be tasked with fighting their way into the depths, stopping the Thundercall High Priest from awakening the eponymous Stormtalon. Which means you'll probably arrive just in time to fight Stormtalon before it gets free, because really, how else could this end?

MassivelyWildStar sneaks a peak at Stormtalon's Lair originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007
April's Game Director letter for The Secret World is hot off the presses, and in it Joel Bylos shared some juicy morsels about the next issue in store for the horror and conspiracy-laced game. He revealed that whereas Issue #6 was spiced with an Indiana Jones flavor, Issue #7 will be sprinkled with a distinct 007 zest. Yes, Bond. James Bond.

Set in Transylvania, Issue #7 directs players to investigate the presence of the werewolves in the area, which ultimately leads them to an Orochi facility secreted away below a glacier in the Carpathian Fangs. Along the way, players get to experience adventures as a secret agent, complete with daring chases (a snowmobile one at that!), dare-devil jumps from exploding bridges, and close shaves with laser beams near sensitive areas. There's also a new auxiliary weapon to brandish -- the flamethrower.

But the new goodies don't stop there. Bylos introduced a new feature that allows for custom streaming of radio stations or playlists directly into the client as well as a some PvP changes including tweaks to the matchmaking system. He concluded with some teasers about Black Ops and Issue #8. For all the details, check out the full letter.

MassivelyThe Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auxiliary-weaponsbuy-to-playfactionfantasyflamethrowerfuncomhorrorIssue-7James-Bondmythologynew-weaponOrochisci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldTransylvaniatswupdateTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Testing my Secret World DPS makeover
It's no secret that The Secret World is just a wee bit different than the majority of MMORPGs out there. Hallelujah for that, right? And one notable area it differs from the rest is how it treats gear and classes. As such, players can't necessarily bring habits and know-how from other titles and translate that into immediate success in TSW. It's no wonder that even good players can sometimes feel stumped or at a loss when navigating through builds. For that very reason, Chaos Theory brought you the first episode of What Not to Wear, a live makeover that focused on sharing hints and tips that non-theorycrafters (like yours truly) could use as a base for forging their own path.

It was a simple makeover really -- just minor changes in my focus and equipment using gear I already had in my bag and abilities I already had access to. Did it help? Did my effectiveness as a damage-dealer increase? The outcome was rather surprising.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover

MassivelyChaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDPS-guideDPS-makeoverdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhintshorrorilluminatilivestreammythologyopinionpassive-abilitiessci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstips-and-trickstrailertrailerstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonvideovideoswhat-not-to-wearMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: Respecting the NDA on WildStar's beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-nexus-telegraph-respecting-the-nda-on-wildstars-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-nexus-telegraph-respecting-the-nda-on-wildstars-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-nexus-telegraph-respecting-the-nda-on-wildstars-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There are probably some dark secrets in there, and you know what? I don't need to know them! I'm all right with those staying secret.
Carbine Studios is holding all of the cards for WildStar and those of us not in the beta just have to wait. Which is beyond frustrating. We have to sit back and let things slowly come out of the official PR machine, and no matter how fast we get new revelations, they're never fast enough. The temptation to look for someone willing to peel back the veil is immense because it beats pressing against the glass and waiting to find out more.

But the NDA is there for a reason.

Speaking as someone who isn't in the beta but is still talking about the game on a weekly basis, I will be the first to point out that waiting for official information is often like waiting for a solar eclipse before doing even the most basic tasks. It's frustrating, slow, and irritating. The problem is that the alternative -- wherein we just jump on every new piece of leaked information -- isn't good, and it comes out worse in the end.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Respecting the NDA on WildStar's beta

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: Respecting the NDA on WildStar's beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetascarbinecarbine-studioscolumncontextfeaturedinformationncsoftndanexusnexus-telegraphopinionrevealsrevelationssandparksci-fantasysci-fithe-nexus-telegraphwildstarMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Stream Team Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 May 5, 2013
Comfort food is a pretty universally understood concept. And most folks can also easily envision the security of a blanket a la Linus in the Peanuts cartoons. But what do gamers turn to for stability and comfort during stressful times? I mean, we all know that sometimes games get pretty intense. If you don't believe me, just watch Massively TV! Death and glory, victory and defeat: The Stream Team experiences it all.

Some folks have specific food or drinks on hand for their gaming sessions. I know one gamer with a bobble-head. Me? I've got my fuzzy slippers! Yes, really. When I wear them, glorious victories are all the sweeter and harrowing defeats lose their sting. And I swear they bring me luck. Gaming is just better in fuzzy slippers. If you haven't tried it, I totally encourage you to. Uncertain? Try it, you might like it! Grab a pair and give them a test run while watching this week's shows. Or if you have your own can't-do-without gaming accessory, let us know what it is in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedanetapbapb-reloadedapbrarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescrimecrypticcryptic-studioscwadnddragondragonsdragons-propheteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomg1gamersfirstguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2Heroes-and-GeneralsHeroes-and-Generalshi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorhousinginfernuminfernum-productionskid-friendlykidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslobbylucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetaminigamemmo-shootermmofpsmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaneplanesplanetsideplanetside-2pollps2pvppwerunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldshooterskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlessswtorThe-Lost-Titansthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamtorTorchlight-2torchlight-iitswtwitchtwitch-tvwarWar-Thunderwarcraftwargaming.netWarMage-Battlegroundswarplanewarplaneswizard101world-of-warcraftworld-of-warplaneswowwowpMon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 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[WildStar's Crimson Isle detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/wildstars-crimson-isle-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/wildstars-crimson-isle-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/wildstars-crimson-isle-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

WildStar's Crimson Isle detailed
Carbine has released a few info nuggets on Crimson Isle, one of the locales players will visit in its upcoming WildStar sci-fantasy MMO.

The Isle is far off the beaten path and boasts rocky terrain as well as deadly wildlife. In other words, it's shaping up to be an adventurer's paradise. The news blurb gives us a general overview of the location as well as intel on enemies (unidentified humans, designation Species CI36) and allies (the Crimson Isle Strike Team).

Read all about it at the WildStar website.

MassivelyWildStar's Crimson Isle detailed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscrimson-islencsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwildstar-crimson-islewsFri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snail to show off Black Gold steampunk MMO at E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/snail-to-show-off-black-gold-steampunk-mmo-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/snail-to-show-off-black-gold-steampunk-mmo-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/snail-to-show-off-black-gold-steampunk-mmo-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Black Gold Online concept art
We've written about Black Gold Online in the past, but the upcoming MMO is decidedly more interesting on the heels of publisher Snail Games' successful Age of Wushu launch.

The company will show off its Wushu follow-up at E3 2013. A new post on the firm's website says that players can look forward to 3000-plus dynamic events as well as "actions that can change the game world itself." Avatars can "change forms" in combat and and "drive giant armors," all while exploring a unique world blended from sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk elements.

Would you like to know more? There's a fresh trailer just after the break.

Continue reading Snail to show off Black Gold steampunk MMO at E3

MassivelySnail to show off Black Gold steampunk MMO at E3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-goldblack-gold-onlineblack-gold-trailerblack-gold-videoe3e3-2013sci-fantasysnailsnail-gamessteampunktrailervideoThu, 25 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar's lead PvP designer on differentiation and dynamics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wildstars-lead-pvp-designer-on-differentiation-and-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wildstars-lead-pvp-designer-on-differentiation-and-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wildstars-lead-pvp-designer-on-differentiation-and-dynamics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Draken are just suited to PvP. And any sort of combat, really.
Wildstar features a huge world, a variety of wildlife, an in-depth housing system, a variety of questing mechanics... but for some players that's just not the interesting part. No, the interesting thing is finding out how you can take up arms against a fellow player. A new interview with lead PvP designer Jen Gordy sheds some light on the game's PvP mechanics and how the designers are using this side of the game to continue encouraging players to play the game how they want.

There will be two PvP-centric stats on the game, one to improve damage to other players and one to decrease it. The development team is also including features like the ability to minimize the duration of a stun once you've been hit to avoid having PvP matches boil down to a race to incapacitate the other side. But both PvP and PvE are meant to still work toward the same whole -- things that you get on one side will be useful on the other, freeing you to explore the game aspects you find the most rewarding. Read the full interview for more details on how you can cut down your fellow players for glory and (presumably) profit.

MassivelyWildStar's lead PvP designer on differentiation and dynamics originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosinterviewinterviewsjen-gordyncsoftplayer-vs-playerprogressionpvppvp-statssandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwsWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/choose-my-adventure-extreme-diy-makeover-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/choose-my-adventure-extreme-diy-makeover-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/choose-my-adventure-extreme-diy-makeover-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Choose My Adventure Extreme DIY makeover edition
Life may be like a box of chocolates, but gaming is like a Do-It-Yourself project. It may not be as mouth-watering an analogy, but it is certainly fitting: MMOs are a giant construction zone where players build their own experiences in a virtual world using tools from the game and their own imagination.

Each project is a unique undertaking, bearing the personal touches of the builder, whether the builder is an individual or a group like a guild. Some players prefer to build a single residence and settle in, while others enjoy moving from project to project, exploring new territory and testing new tools. Me? I tend toward the former; I'm the kind who tinkers around in one place over a long period of time. But all that's about to change. Again.

That's right, folks; it's my turn to break ground on yet another Choose My Adventure! For the next six weeks I am leaving the comfy confines of my familiar surroundings and allowing you to direct my next MMO project. Yes, my dear Massively friends, you will be the foreman of this endeavor, determining every step of the construction, from where I'll build my newest experience to what tools I'll get to use.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origins of Malu delays beta start to May 4th
Origins of Malu fans have been twiddling their thumbs after Burning Dog announced a week ago that the start of the beta would be delayed. Today the studio has put a firm date for that start up front and center: May 4th. There is a possibility, however, that the beta may begin before that if all goes well.

Burning Dog apologized for the delay and said that it will be careful the next time it promises a set date that it can make the mark. "The pressure to not let the community down is high and we take this very seriously," the team said.

In the meantime, beta players with keys can go ahead and download the client in preparation of the test.

MassivelyOrigins of Malu moves beta start to May 4th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaburning-dogburning-dog-mediaclosed-betadelayoomoriginsorigins-of-malusandboxsci-fantasysci-fiTue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World has a lot of clothing options]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

tsw dev guide on costumes see team email
If you've played The Secret World for more than five minutes, you're probably aware of the fact that it has some of the most extensive outfit options of any MMORPG on the market. If you're not aware of that fact, well, you're the target audience of Funcom's latest dev blog.

It's all about avatar customization, and it details how TSW's stats are kept separate from clothing items in order to satisfy your inner min-maxer and fashion maven simultaneously. Since the game is set in the modern world, you'll find many authentic styles available to earn in-game or purchase through the cash shop. If you're a fan of the otherworldly, don't fret. There are plenty of sci-fi, steampunk, horror, fantasy, and medieval get-ups as well.

MassivelyThe Secret World has a lot of clothing options originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-clothingsecret-world-customizationskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswtsw-clothingtsw-customizationTue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Perfecting your build in The Secret World
After discussing last week that build creation was on the minds of many a Secret World fan, I promised to provide some hints and tips on how to better maximize your performance in game. It truly is a topic relevant to all players, even those who aren't focused on or interested in endgame. After all, even folks (like yours truly) who are in it mainly for the awesome story may find their ability to continue with said story hampered at some point by an insufficient build.

With a limit of only seven active (eight if you have an auxiliary weapon) and seven passive skills available to use at any time, creating a build in The Secret World is not quite like most other MMOs, so you can't just automatically throw on gear of a higher level and call it good. Sure, you can eventually pound your way through many things, but you can save yourself some time and frustration by understanding a bit about how the gear works together with your skills. That's where today's Chaos Theory comes in.

What better way to inform and entertain you than to open myself up for some theorycrafting by someone who has a better knack for it? Using my little Illuminati as our guinea pig, I've bared her gear for all to see and learn what can be done to improve. With that, I welcome you to the first episode of "What Not to Wear in TSW"!

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World

MassivelyChaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuildsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDPS-builddragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomguideguide-to-DPS-buildshorrorilluminatimythologyopinionsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheorycraftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: Dissecting WildStar's surprise patch notes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-nexus-telegraph-dissecting-wildstars-surprise-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-nexus-telegraph-dissecting-wildstars-surprise-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-nexus-telegraph-dissecting-wildstars-surprise-patch-notes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Broadcasting high-fidelity surprises straight into your brain.
After I penned my last installment of The Nexus Telegraph, two things happened in very quick succession. The first is that a set of beta patch notes for WildStar were leaked to the internet by some unscrupulous individual, which prompted me and many other players to immediately shout that we wouldn't have leaked the notes if we had been selected. And there's an entire article to be written about why such an action isn't cool, how it harms the game, and why the persion responsible is a particularly toxic form of "fan."

But then the second thing happened. The powers that be over at Carbine Studios, being infinitely cool themselves, decided to save people the trouble of deciding whether or not to look at the leaks. They posted the notes themselves, which means that I can now read the notes and actually write a column about them.

Of course, as with any patch notes, we've been given an incomplete picture and can make only a few haphazard guesses about how the game will look. We also know that this is not even close to the final state of the game. But there's still interesting stuff here worth analyzing and speculating about.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Dissecting WildStar's surprise patch notes

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: Dissecting WildStar's surprise patch notes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-patchbeta-patch-notesbetascarbinecarbine-studioscolumnfeaturedncsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionpatch-notespatchessandparksci-fantasysci-fithe-nexus-telegraphwildstarMon, 22 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Yo ho ho!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/one-shots-yo-ho-ho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/one-shots-yo-ho-ho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/one-shots-yo-ho-ho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Yo ho ho!
There's probably no gulf as wide as the one between historical pirates and the pop culture versions that we venerate. As a guy who had a pirate-themed 30th birthday party, I can't say that I'm against our off-kilter brand of scallywags. Neither is reader Phinneas, who sent in our featured screenshot from Pirate101.

"These shots are of the main starting area with my fearsome pirate looking to the horizon for adventures ahead," he writes.

Best of luck to ye, laddie! May the wind be at your back, your enemies in Davey Jones' locker, and a bottle of ginger ale in your belly! Yet pirates are only the beginning of today's adventure through One Shots...

Continue reading One Shots: Yo ho ho!

MassivelyOne Shots: Yo ho ho! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbiowarebring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playeaelectronic-artsf2pfactionfamilyfantasyfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2horrorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlucasartsmythologyncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpiratepirate101piratesreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssecret-worldskill-basedstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionlessswtorthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswuser-submissionsSun, 21 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon update focuses on in-game economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon update focuses on ingame economy
Although it's been a while since the post-apocalyptic sandbox Xsyon has seen a patch, today's update looks to make up for that. With a focus on developing the in-game economy, this update introduces a number of new features, including new resources and materials, new Artisan and Master armor sets, a tribal upkeep system that offers bonuses, special trade totems, alliance and family group formation, and more.

Trade will be bolstered through the new totems; the new trade and quest versions allow tribes to place additional totems that will serve as a marketplace and quest hub. Even better, besides the ones placed in the tribe's own land, additional quest and trade totems can be placed on allied land. For more details on this and the other new systems, check out the full patch notes.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon update focuses on in-game economy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancescraftingeconomyfantasyin-game-economynew-armornotoriousnotorious-gamespatchpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitrade-totemstribal-upkeep-systemupdatexsyonFri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar chronicles closed beta metrics and milestones]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/wildstar-chronicles-closed-beta-metrics-and-milestones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/wildstar-chronicles-closed-beta-metrics-and-milestones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/wildstar-chronicles-closed-beta-metrics-and-milestones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

wildstar dev blog
Last night, WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney posted up a dev blog recapping the first days of the game's closed beta, which you are likely not in. We feel for you; we're not in either. Who is in? An Aurin by the name of Poptart, who became the first closed beta tester to make her way through character creation and set foot on Nexus. The first player-created UI mod, a friend-finding tool, was also whipped up within 24 hours. (Massively broke the news on how WildStar's modding system will work back in February.) And apparently, the Algoroc zone is a nasty place; it boasts four of the nine mobs most responsible for player death.

Gaffney offers up these metrics for humor, but he's actually serious business about data parsing and player feedback even as he wants the early invitees to enjoy themselves:
We're tracking almost everything that goes on in the game. Combat timings, level timings, movement, you name it. The players' actions matter to us. Betas aren't always fun per se (there's often a big difference between "playing" and "testing"), so we've tried hard to make sure the game is actually fun even in this, our very first round of external testing.
Tester feedback, he says, is funneled to straight to a rapid response team to deal with on a daily and weekly basis. And if testers don't submit that feedback? "One player actually found that some taxi drivers in a fit of generosity would give you money for flying to your destination instead of taking it and spent four hours riding back and forth," Gaffney admits. "We left him with 50 copper of the 14 gold he farmed as thanks for making us laugh."

MassivelyWildStar chronicles closed beta metrics and milestones originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studiosclosed-betadev-blogJeremy-Gaffneymetricsncsoftpoptartsandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsThu, 18 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: Spiral Knights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/second-wind-spiral-knights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/second-wind-spiral-knights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/second-wind-spiral-knights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Spiral Knights
There's something to be said for the rise of browser-based games. What once was an elephant graveyard of bad ideas, low-res graphics, and trite or incomplete game mechanics has now evolved into a veritable playground of new ideas and fun casual titles. Games like City of Steam and Drakensang Online continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in a browser window, delivering engaging experiences with depth and high fidelity.

Browser game represent some of the coolest technological innovations in the MMO niche. They also, often, represent the very worst in predatory monetization schemes and "pay-to-win" exploitation.

Spiral Knights does both. And it does both well.

Continue reading Second Wind: Spiral Knights

MassivelySecond Wind: Spiral Knights originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiummicrotransactionmicrotransactionspost-launchpremiumpuzzle-piratesre-reviewreviewsci-fantasysci-fisecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windsegaspiral-knightssteamthree-ringsthree-rings-designupdated-impressionsThu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar composer releases several new music tracks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-composer-releases-several-new-music-tracks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-composer-releases-several-new-music-tracks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-composer-releases-several-new-music-tracks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WildStar composer releases several new music tracks
If you're bummed because you haven't gotten one of the golden tickets to WildStar's beta yet, at least you can get an earful of what testers are experiencing. Composer Jeff Kurtenacker has posted 12 tunes from the upcoming MMO on SoundCloud for everyone to enjoy.

While some of the tracks have already been heard, quite a few are new. Among these are the Dominion theme, a couple of combat loops, and the Deradune zone theme.

Give the tracks a listen and let us know how you like the sound of WildStar is shaping up! While you're at it, check out Massively's interview with Kurtenacker regarding the creation and recording of this score.

MassivelyWildStar composer releases several new music tracks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscombat-musicdominionJeff-kurtenackermusicncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fiscoresoundtrackthemetrackswildstarwsTue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wildstar releases beta patch notes after NDA leak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-releases-beta-patch-notes-after-nda-leak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-releases-beta-patch-notes-after-nda-leak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/wildstar-releases-beta-patch-notes-after-nda-leak/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wildstar M30 patch notes
Since the Non-Disclosure Agreement means pretty much nothing these days, when players (or gaming media...) violate that NDA, they usually get a slap on the wrist and a stern look from across the internet. Or in the case of Wildstar's recent beta NDA leak, everyone wins!

And by win, I mean everyone gets to see the newest beta patch notes. As community manager Troy "Aether" Hewitt explains, "So with a mind towards fairness to those people who have maintained that trust, we're taking the leak public in an official capacity. No, we won't be doing this every time. Yes, we want to remove the person/s who leaked this information from beta. Yes, we want to avoid future leaks."

You can read the complete M30 patch notes (in an official capacity) on Wildstar's site.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

MassivelyWildstar releases beta patch notes after NDA leak originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacarbinecarbine-studiosm30ncsoftpatch-notessandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwsTue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World community roundup
You've heard me express my thoughts quite a bit over the last couple of months about everything from what I want to see in The Secret World (like housing and an encore to special events) to my experiences with different aspects of the game (such as sabotage missions and Issue #6). Now it's time to share yours! Yes, folks, this week follows in a time-honored tradition of community roundups, where we dive into the topics that are in the forefront of the community's collective mind.

Of course, we can't touch on everything here (that's what official forums are for), but we can explore a smattering of the topics raised. So what are TSW players chattering about lately? Among the ongoing conversations are discussions about veteran rewards, clothing, PvP tournaments, and builds.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryclothingcommunity-roundupconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatimythologyopinionPvPsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheory-craftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonveteran-rewardsMon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burning Dog announces Origins of Malu beta delay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/burning-dog-announces-origins-of-malu-beta-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/burning-dog-announces-origins-of-malu-beta-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/burning-dog-announces-origins-of-malu-beta-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Origins of Malu orange sky
Origins of Malu fans, we feel your pain. We've been looking forward to the sci-fantasy sandbox for over a year now, but because of a beta delay we're going to have to wait a few more days. Burning Dog has posted a brief explanation on its website, saying that it has not had "adequate time to polish the game and complete the necessary internal testing" despite meeting its March production goals.

The client will be made available for download this week, the firm says, and a new beta date will also be announced in short order. If you've already registered a beta account, check your email today for further info.

[Thanks GJH!]

MassivelyBurning Dog announces Origins of Malu beta delay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaburning-dogburning-dog-mediaoomoriginsorigins-betaorigins-of-maluorigins-of-malu-betaorigins-of-malu-beta-delaysandboxsci-fantasysci-fiMon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New raid included in today's Secret World patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New raid included in The Secret World's patch
Amid the general bug squashing and polishing released in today's patch, The Secret World has tucked away a tasty little morsel of content: an all new lair raid encounter. A weak point between realities has been discovered out in the Kingsmouth wreckage, and groups of 10 adventurers can enter the extra-dimensional prison, The Island of Stillborn Stars, to face Eidolon of the Outer Dark.

Bits of housekeeping also included in the patch were fixes to several exploits in lairs, dungeons, and PvP as well as assorted bugs (say goodbye to area spam when anyone nearby uses a reconstructor and black screens after using the Helevator). Players will also find a brand new item for sale at the Envoy of Ca' d'Oro. For a full listing of all the changes, check out the official patch notes.

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyNew raid included in today's Secret World patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bug-fixesbuy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomhorrorlairlairsmythologynew-raidpatchsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswMon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's puppetmasters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-puppetmasters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-puppetmasters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-puppetmasters/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You thought we had done all of this for your benefit. You were half right.
What do the Eldan want?

It's a reasonable question. In the backstory of WildStar, the Eldan are the progenitors and the ultimate source of all the conflict that's out there. They hold all the secrets to the planet Nexus, they are the source of the technology our characters will use, and they are the ultimate starting point. The Dominion may maintain its galactic stranglehold, but the Eldan gave them that imperative.

And they are not answering their calls.

WildStar players have been keeping a careful eye on bits of lore, and intrepid fan InnocentCivilian took the opportunity to write up a great compilation on what we know about the Eldan so far. It's enough to get you thinking about what the Eldan are all about, and it led me to ask a few questions, ones that have obvious answers that make me wonder just what we'll find on Planet Nexus.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's puppetmasters

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's puppetmasters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundcarbinecarbine-studioscolumnfeaturedlorencsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionsandparksci-fantasysci-fispeculationthe-nexus-telegraphwildstarMon, 15 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team Stepping on tax edition, April 15 21, 2013
'Tis the season! Just... not that season. This isn't one we really want; it's not a season of joyousness and brotherly kindness. No, this one's more akin to scattering LEGOs and thumbtacks all across the floor then dashing barefoot from wall to wall just to hit your head against them over and over. We understand the pain. Truly, we do. And The Stream Team is here for you.

They say nothing's certain in life except death and taxes, but we disagree! We'd totally add Massively TV to that list. Have we ever left you in your times of need? No! And we know you need us now more than ever. We're here to help you, with a full line-up of shows to help ease the pain and take your mind off the traumas that cannot be avoided. So take a load off and check out this week's schedule, catch a few reruns, see the highlight of the week, and take part in our two polls. Then remember, at least this only happens once a year!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-wulinage-of-wushuagotaionanetarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallartplayascensionasiabigpointbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmococonsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdefianceeaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgame of thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgame-of-thrones-mmogame-of-thrones-seven-kingdomsgeorge-martingeorge-rr-martingotgot7kgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gvggwgw2hbohi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidnappingkidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmetamight-and-magicmight-and-magic-duel-of-championsming-dynastymmo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaneplanesplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppwesandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldseven-kingdomsshooterskill-basedSmitesnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorsyfytanktankstelonthe-aurora-worldthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthird-person-shootertortpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstruly-freetswtvtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgvillagers-and-heroeswarwarcraftwargaming.netwarplanewarplaneswesteroswizard101world-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warplaneswotwowwowpwushuwuxiaxboxMon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar explains how MMO servers work]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WildStar explains how MMO servers work
Welcome, class, to MMO Servers 101! Your professor today is Carbine Studios Lead Network & Database Engineer David Ray, and he's here to give a technical overview of how MMOs set up and run their servers. Please take notes. While Ray won't reveal all of Carbine's secrets, his explanation should be sufficient if you're curious as to how an average MMO sets up its backend.

If you're expecting an article that reveals WildStar's server rulesets, specific regions, or other practical player concerns, then this is not for you. However, it is a frank and fascinating look at the guts of the ship that runs MMOs, and considering that Ray has worked on both the space shuttle and other MMOs, we suspect that there's a good chance he knows what he's talking about.

MassivelyWildStar explains how MMO servers work originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacarbinecarbine-studiosdaemondavid-rayncsoftrealmsandparksci-fantasysci-fiserverserver-architectureserversshardshardswildstarwsFri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

WildStar begins beta testing
Saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words," the WildStar team has posted a picture of the team with the caption of "IT HAS BEGUN" in obvious reference to beta testing.

Yesterday, the team foreshadowed the onset of testing by tweeting, "We had Chinese food for lunch today, and our fortune cookie read: The person that keeps an eye on their spam filter will surely be rewarded."

Players interested in participating in WildStar's beta can sign up on the official site.

Update: A representative of Carbine Studios emailed us saying, "We have already seen a phenomenal response from our fans and are looking to continually add thousands of players throughout closed beta test 1 to come check out the great content we've been talking about for months. Our closed beta testing process is not a typical weekend event, but instead it will last for several weeks, giving players ample time to come in and check out the factions, races and classes they may choose to play when WildStar launches later this year."

MassivelyWildStar begins beta testing [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-has-begunbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studiosclosed-betait-has-begunncsoftndasandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsWed, 10 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST