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[Rise and Shiny: Zandagort]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Zandagort screenshot
Zandagort, a very independent browser-based MMORTS by Zanda Games, really holds a lot of promise. I want to get that out of the way first. Potential, unfortunately, has nothing to do with a player's current experience with the game. No one sits at his PC or laptop and says, "Man, I sure am excited about what this game could be, so I'll keep playing." But that very potential often makes me a little depressed. Potential for good also means potential for bad; if a game is unfinished and has the chance to grow, there's likewise a very real possibility that the game could fester, lose development love, or worse yet, die on the vine. There's no guarantee that even a "AAA" massive-budget game like Star Wars: The Old Republic or RIFT will last forever or even a good amount of time. Who knows?

Usually with an indie game, if it isn't shining and picking up an audience relatively quickly, it just might be in trouble. Zandagort has an audience; I can see players in the outer reaches of space. I am not going to pass judgment on the number of players simply because indie budgets are often easily supported by a smaller playerbase, but I wonder what type of audience it is. I am open-minded and enjoy the occasional slog through an intense "spreadsheets-in-space"-style game, but Zandagort really wore down my patience.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Zandagort

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Zandagort originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancasualf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onLiveStreammassively-tvriftrise-and-shinysci-fisci-fi-mmoscience-fictionspacestreamstronghold-kingdomstwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideozanda-gameszandagortSun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation populates pre-alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- The Repopulation
Beyond Technologies, the studio behind upcoming sci-fi sandbox title The Repopulation, has been spending the last couple of months preparing new features for the game to show off at GDC 2012. Well, the wait is over as a new changelog post on the game's official site gives players a look at all the hard work that's been put into the game over the last two months.

Oh, we're sorry, did we say changelog? We meant novel. The team has clearly been slaving away nonstop if the sheer number of changes and additions is any indication. If you're waiting to see these new features in action, though, don't worry. The studio says that some new video footage has been prepared that will be publicly released after GDC 2012. And to top it off, the post announces that the studio "will be opening Alpha testing in June." More information on that will be coming next week, so hang tight and read up, and be sure to stay tuned for our own MJ Guthrie's look at the game straight from GDC 2012.

MassivelyThe Repopulation populates pre-alpha originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabeyond-technologieschangelogchangelogsgdc-2012patchpatch-notespatchesrepopulationsandboxsandboxessci-fiscience-fictionthe-repopulationFri, 09 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Otherland
Fans of Tad Williams' cyberpunk series Otherland, rejoice. The MMO adaptation of the series, which is being published by gamigo AG, has received a brand-new trailer showcasing many of the varied worlds you can visit on Otherland's Net. The trailer takes players on a tour of many of the game's interesting environments, which range from a medieval fortress to a Blade-Runner-esque metropolis. Fans also get a small taste of the game's combat set to some appropriately cyberpunk, wubwubwub-filled dubstep.

To watch the trailer for yourself, just click on past the cut and log in to the Net. We'll see you on the other side.

Continue reading Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net

MassivelyLatest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdubstepf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-agotherlandsci-fiscience-fictiontad-williamstrailertrailersvideovideoswubwubwubMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jump into Black Prophecy's past with gamigo's Nexus Conflict]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jump-into-black-prophecys-past-with-gamigos-nexus-conflict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jump-into-black-prophecys-past-with-gamigos-nexus-conflict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jump-into-black-prophecys-past-with-gamigos-nexus-conflict/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Nexus Conflict
The world of Black Prophecy hasn't always been like it is today. In the past, the Second Species Wars raged between the cybernetically augmented Tyi and the genetically modified Genides who fought for control of an area known as the Nexus, where universes collide. In a press release today, gamigo AG announced that its new title, Nexus Conflict, will allow players to take a trip back in time to participate in these wars not behind the controls of a fighter ship but on the command bridge of a colossal battle cruiser.

Nexus Conflict is being billed as a "tactical real-time strategy game," and players will be able to run it right in their browsers thanks to the Unity engine. The title will offer both PvE and PvP missions, meaning that there will be something for the co-operative and competitive crowds alike. And of course, players will be able to customize their ships with a variety of upgrades in order to turn them into the biggest, baddest, planet-blowing-up-est starships in the Nexus.

If this sounds like your idea of a good time, then just head on over to the Nexus Conflict official site (linked below) to sign up for the game's beta test, which is scheduled to begin in March.

[Source: gamigo AG press release]

MassivelyJump into Black Prophecy's past with gamigo's Nexus Conflict originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfree-to-playgamigo-agmmortsnewnew-titlenew-titlesnexus-conflictreal-time-strategyrtssci-fiscience-fictionstrategyMon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

USS Taranis NX Class
After the most tumultuous year in Star Trek Online's history, we stand on the cusp of the game's second anniversary and full-blown evolution to free-to-play. Early F2P entrance for former subscribers was opened last Thursday. And now, unfortunately, loyal subscribers have been informed that the anticipated flood of new story-based content might more accurately be described as a trickle.

In his most recent Dev Diary #11, STO's acting Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo outlined his future hopes for the game in 2012. As players are wont to do, we read between the lines and noticed not what was contained in the blog but rather what was blatantly missing: a detailed outline of future playable content.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought?

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-ihlecaptains-logCBScbs-corporationcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-conversionneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEsci-fiscience-fictionst-onlinestar-trekStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostotrek-onlineSat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The first one hundred words in the Merriam-Webster dictionary edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ask-massively-the-first-one-hundred-words-in-the-merriam-webste/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ask-massively-the-first-one-hundred-words-in-the-merriam-webste/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ask-massively-the-first-one-hundred-words-in-the-merriam-webste/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THE SHARK CAN SMELL YOU
A, aah, aardvark, aardwolf, Aaron, aaronic, ab, aba, abaca, aback, abacterial, abacus, abaft, abalone, abandon, abandoned, abase, abash, abate, abatement, abatis, abattoir, abaxial, abbacy, Abbasid, abbatial, abbe, abbess, Abbevillian, abbey, abbot, abbreviate, abbreviation, Abdias, abdictate, abdomen, abducens, abducent, abduct, abduction, abeam, abecedarian, abed, Abel, abelian, abelmosk, Abderdeen, aberrant, aberrated, aberration, abet, abeyance, abeyant, abhor, abhorrence, abhorrent, Abib, abidance, abide, abiding, abigail, ability, abinito, abiogenesis, abiogenic, abiological, abiotic, abject, abjection, abjuration, abjure, ablate, ablation, ablative, ablaut, ablaze, able, abloom, abluted, ablution, ably, Abnaki, abnegate, abnegation, abnormal, abnormality, abo, aboard, abode, aboil, abolish, abolition, abolitionism, abomasum, abominable, abominate, abomination, aboral, aboriginal, aborigine.

When you're done drenching yourself in glue in celebration, it's time for this week's edition of Ask Massively, in which we discuss walking in ships and stations. If you'd like to have a question answered in a future edition of the column, leave it in the comments or mail it to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The first one hundred words in the Merriam-Webster dictionary edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: The first one hundred words in the Merriam-Webster dictionary edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-massivelydesignfeaturedgames-with-spaceshipsground-combathumoropinionplayer-combatsci-fiscience-fictionship-combatshipsThu, 27 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
Last week's Behind the Mask generated quite a bit of controversy over fantasy and the suspension of disbelief. This week, I'm going to follow up. We'll cover how the Champions Online universe deals with fantasy in its lore and why realism is important.

We'll also cover how fantasy elements can use realism to expand -- rather than subtract -- your options for roleplaying. Last week, we only covered weapons technology, but there's a lot more to any fictional setting than just weapons. Everything from communications and transportation to food production is important to discuss, and while we can't touch on everything, we can look at the hows and whys of the superhero genre.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfantasy-sci-fifeaturedfree-to-playits-magic-and-i-dont-got-to-splainloreroleplayingsciencescience-fantasyscience-fictionsuper-heroThu, 22 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond prepares to plumb the depths of space for adventure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-prepares-to-plumb-the-depths-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond
While NASA's shuttle mission may be over and the International Space Station's future in doubt, there is one place that space exploration is moving forward: online. Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond is looking more promising by the day, especially now that the team has secured almost $40,000 via Kickstarter to help fund the project.

So why did NASA agree to an MMO of all things? Daniel Laughlin, project manager of NASA's Learning Technologies, sees the two as having a lot in common. Talking with Universe Today, Laughlin said, "Based on the existing literature as well as my own experiences gaming, an MMO was the logical choice for a game project for NASA."

While NASA is partnered with the development team, the space agency is not funding the game -- hence the use of Kickstarter to raise money for Astronaut. It takes place in 2035 as mankind is just starting to colonize the solar system, and it promises to use real physics and technology to simulate these efforts.

Khal Shariff says that players should expect a lot of crafting, use of proper gear, and missions that flow together for a bigger storyline. Interestingly enough, it seems that even NASA has room for a few new heroes. "We have protagonists in the game, and I won't say much about them, because I don't want to spoil the opening scene of Chapter One," Shariff said. He hopes that players will enjoy the melding of science fiction with science fact: "We want you to sit down and curl up with one session and have a feeling like you had when you read the best short science fiction stories, especially like those of Clarke. There is plenty of adventure to plumb."

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond prepares to plumb the depths of space for adventure originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthur-c-clarkeastronautastronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondcolonizationdaniel-laughlininternational-space-stationkhal-shariffkickstarterlearning-technologiesnasasci-fiscience-factscience-fictionscifisolar-systemuniverse-todayMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Bounty Hounds Online trailer shows off man versus machine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/new-bounty-hounds-online-trailer-shows-off-man-versus-machine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/new-bounty-hounds-online-trailer-shows-off-man-versus-machine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/new-bounty-hounds-online-trailer-shows-off-man-versus-machine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Now if only it would specify that this was its second request to drop the weapon.
If you're not one of the lucky people who got in to our Bounty Hounds Online beta giveaway, you might be sitting around wishing for another dose of the game's visual style. It's certainly a rarity to see the sort of heavily mechanized futuristic setting that the game puts forth, after all. But you're in luck -- there's a new trailer available that shows off more of the gameplay as well as several of the game's mechanized companions.

Highlighting several mercenaries going toe-to-toe with an enormous walking tank, the trailer shows off some of the game's promised action and versatility, complete with transforming animal companions and a whole lot of firepower. Players will be taking part in the clean-up operation on a planet at the heart of an interstellar war, with other mercenaries acting as simultaneous allies and threats. Check the trailer just past the break for a fresh helping of science fiction action in all its screaming explosive glory.

Continue reading New Bounty Hounds Online trailer shows off man versus machine

MassivelyNew Bounty Hounds Online trailer shows off man versus machine originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobhobounty-hounds-onlinef2pfree-to-playmachinesrobotsscience-fictiontrailertrailersvideovideoswickedwicked-interactiveTue, 16 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wicked partners with Alienware for Bounty Hounds Online North American launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/wicked-partners-with-alienware-for-bounty-hounds-online-north-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/wicked-partners-with-alienware-for-bounty-hounds-online-north-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/wicked-partners-with-alienware-for-bounty-hounds-online-north-am/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wicked Interactive has partnered with Alienware Arena for the North American launch of Bounty Hounds Online. Players may recognize the game as a sequel to the 2006 PSP title Bounty Hounds. BHO is a free-to-play MMORPG that allows players to delve deeper into the Bounty Hounds universe, which is set centuries in the future after a devastating third World War.

Players choose from five different mercenary classes (Trooper, Agent, Bioengineer, Artillery, or Scientist) and select a Mercenary Company to align themselves with. Each mercenary is also given a CTU, or Combat Tactical Unit, which is a robotic pet that assists players in combat. Players are able to build their CTU to their liking in order to further increase its combat acuity. And to round it all out, we have some lovely screenshots in the gallery below and a trailer after the cut.

For more information on this sci-fi MMORPG, such as how to get in on the beta test which begins July 29, head on over to the game's official site.

Gallery: Battle Hounds Online core gallery

Continue reading Wicked partners with Alienware for Bounty Hounds Online North American launch

MassivelyWicked partners with Alienware for Bounty Hounds Online North American launch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-arenabhobounty-houndsbounty-hounds-onlinectuf2pfree-to-playsci-fiscience-fictionwickedwicked-interactiveThu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What is your favorite internet spaceship?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we talk about intergalactic transportation, there is no end to the variety of shapes and sizes of starships. Even within specific genres of science fiction, the starships are consistently inconsistent. In Star Wars, the Imperial ships are very angular, whereas the Mon Calamari ships are kind of puffy. If you look at Star Trek, you see a multitude of cultural differences between the spacecraft. Federation ships are very pristine, clean, and diplomatic. On the other had, Klingon ships carry the mark of the aggressive species that created them.

Many MMOs have introduced us to ships we can pilot in a virtual world. Star Wars Galaxies and Star Trek Online were mentioned above, but there is also EVE Online and Taikodom -- not to mention games still in development like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Jumpgate Evolution. So in the spirit of EVE fanfest, we are asking today: What is your favorite internet spaceship?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What is your favorite internet spaceship? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariccpCrypticEVEeve-onlineGamersfirstgazillion-entertainmentinternet-spaceshipsJGEjumpgate-evolutionNetdevilsci-fiscience-fictionSOESonyspacespaceshipStar-Trekstar-trek-onlineStar-WarsStar-Wars-GalaxiesSTOSWGtaikodomthe-daily-grindTue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The question that lurks deep in the recesses of most MMO gamers' minds -- the question that they never really want to ask -- is what will happen when the lights go out? When your favorite game is finally sent to its resting place in that server farm in the sky, will we still care about it, and if so, what will we be able to take away?

While most of us have yet to face this, considering the longevity of most launched MMOs, it does happen, and it will certainly happen to us sooner or later. And while you won't be able to take your max-leveled, uber-geared character out of the game and into another one, you hopefully have the memories, the friendships, the screenshots, and the bragging rights. With many canceled MMOs, the shutdown is fairly abrupt following the official announcement, although some games, like Earth & Beyond, give players enough time to say their goodbyes and get in those final experiences before everything goes dark.

Like many of the games we've been exploring in The Game Archaeologist, Earth & Beyond may not have enjoyed stellar popularity, but it certainly did have a remnant of dedicated fans who have yet to let the flames of their adoration die down. Today we've got a buffet of E&B goodness: the background story from the manual, final memories from a few fans, and a photo album full of concept art and nostalgic screenshots. Sound good? Let's go!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-and-beaearth-and-beyondelectronic-artsemulated-serversemulatoreveeve-onlinefeaturedfreelancergalleryinfiniticorpjenquaimanualprogenscience-fictionscifispacestargatesunriseterransthe-game-archaeologistvrixwestwoodwestwood-studiosTue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Space: the final frontier... except for 4chan, which is a lot scarier to explore. These are the voyages of the Starship Massively. Its five-year mission: to explore strange, new worlds; to seek out new life and blow it out of the sky; to boldly exploit trade routes like no one has done before!

Erp, better stop there before I begin infringing on the Captain's Log's territory! In any event, we at The Game Archaeologist Institute for Fuzzy Nostalgia continue to forge ahead with the Earth & Beyond dig, carefully dusting off memories and screenshots to preserve in a blog-shaped museum.

It's one thing to talk of a game, but another to speak with one who was there at the time, so I went on a hunt through the dark recesses of the internet to find seasoned Earth & Beyonders. This search took me about two minutes before one of my associates practically opened the floodgates of fanboy gushing to drown me in his enthusiasm for this title. One interview, hundreds of screenshots and an Electronic Arts dev bible later, and we at the institute knew that we hit the motherlode.

Join us for a civilized discussion with an Earth & Beyond vet as he shares with us crumpets and recollections.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduacanadacaptains-logcelestial-horizonclaudia-christiancolumbia-disastercommand-and-conquerdev-bibleeaearth-and-beyondechoes-of-nonsenseelectronic-artseveeve-onlineexplorerfantasyfeaturedfederationinterviewirelandJenquaijump-to-lightspeedlord-of-the-ringsnet7sci-fiscience-fictionspace-shuttle-columbiastar-trekstar-wars-galaxiessunsetswgtea-and-crumpetsthe-game-archaeologisttitanwargameswestwoodTue, 08 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Bungie's MMO won't be WoW in space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-bungies-mmo-wont-be-wow-in-space/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The top secret MMO project from Bungie continues to raise fan and industry eyebrows despite the absence of any real information about the title. The game, rumored to carry the code name Destiny, will be massively multiplayer, and it will be set against a space/sci-fi backdrop. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess as to what will actually emerge from the Halo-maker's secret laboratory.

Joystiq has unearthed a blurb about the project from this week's GDC, wherein Bungie lead network engineer David Aldridge was overheard referring to the game as "massively multiplayer" as well as the fact that it won't be "WoW in space."

MassivelyGDC 2011: Bungie's MMO won't be WoW in space originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-destinybungie-mmobungie-studiosbungivisiondestinyhalohypemicrosoftmmommo-industryrumorssci-fiscience-fictionspace-mmowow-in-spaceFri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For this month's Game Archaeologist expedition, I deliberately wanted to look at an older MMO that was -- for whatever reason -- no longer with us. After voting on a handful of these titles, Massively readers selected Earth & Beyond for March's focus, and I have to say that I'm intrigued.

Personally, I prefer science fiction over fantasy nine times out of ten, even though most of the MMOs that grace my desktop (with the exception of Star Trek Online) are fantasy games. Sci-fi has had an awfully difficult time making headway into the field of MMOs, with plenty of underperforming or canceled titles littering the way. I've heard it explained that the fantasy genre is easier for the common person to grasp because it uses elements of our past -- primarily the medieval period -- to provide a familiar baseline, whereas sci-fi's futuristic setting requires world-building from scratch.

Whatever the case may be, Earth & Beyond never really caught on the way that EVE Online did, and its miniscule population (GameSpot reported 20-25K subscribers six months before its shutdown) was not enough for Electronic Arts to keep it running. But between 2002 and 2004, Earth & Beyond reached for the stars and gave its own spin on how a sci-fi MMO could work. Let's take a look today at what made Earth & Beyond unique, what it gave the industry, and how it may help upcoming space MMOs avoid a similar fate.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcombatcommand-and-conquerdune-iieaearth-and-beyondebElectronic-Artsemulatoreqeveeve-onlineeverquestexplorationfansitesfeaturedsci-fiscience-fictionscifistar-trek-onlinestosunsettgathe-game-archaeologisttradingultima-onlineuowestwoodTue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unlike fantasy, the sci-fi genre has had a rocky relationship with MMORPGs. While studios have tried just as hard to make and promote them, there seems to be a curse that hovers over most of these games. From the canceled (Earth & Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa) to the radically retinkered (Star Wars Galaxies) to the relatively niche (Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online), sci-fi struggles to be seen as relevant and embraced as its bigger brother. That isn't to say that these games or the genre is worthless, just that it's a harder sell to both investors and players to throw players into the future than the mythical past. Fortunately, the industry hasn't given up on these games, and some of these titles -- such as EVE Online -- have proven that they're worth pursuing.

And if science fiction is a difficult sell, first-person shooters are doubly difficult in the MMO space. After all, it's not as though the world is suffering a shortage of FPS titles that can be played without a monthly subscription. To convince players to part with a monthly payment, the studio has to make a powerful, compelling case as to why its MMOFPS is worthy of that premium price.

Enter PlanetSide, circa 2003. While sci-fi MMOs, multi-faction PvP and online shooters had been done separately at that point, PlanetSide stepped up to the plate to combine all three into a persistent war on an alien planet. Due to popular demand, this month we'll be setting our sights to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond as we explore one of the more unique MMOs in existence.

Today let's take a look at what made PlanetSide a unique twinkle in SOE's eyes by counting down the highlights of this futuristic war.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinanarchy-onlineapbauraxisdark-age-of-camelotearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefactionsfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendajohn-hewittjohn-smedleymagmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextreal-time-combatsci-fiscience-fictionsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethree-front-warvehiclesworld-war-ii-onlinewwii-onlineTue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Linked to the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/one-shots-linked-to-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/one-shots-linked-to-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/one-shots-linked-to-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the NDA down on Earthrise's beta and the game set to launch on February 4th, we're somewhat surprised that we haven't gotten a great flood of Earthrise screenshots for One Shots yet. Thankfully, Cavadus has stepped up and decided to give those of us who didn't make it into beta a little sample of what we can expect to see in-game. He writes in: "[This screenshot is part of] a virtual tour of Sal Vitas, capital of Enterra and the Continoma faction. It's really quite beautiful. I hope you enjoy the picture!" He also enclosed a link to a gallery of the other tour images, if you'd like to check those out.

Are you in the mood to show off something cool you've seen recently? Perhaps you're also in a beta whose NDA is down? If you'd like to share, then email your screenshot to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit for sending it in. Couldn't be easier!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011


MassivelyOne Shots: Linked to the future originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacavadusearthrisefpsmastheadmasthead-studiosone-shotspost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiscience-fictionscreenshotscreenshotsFri, 28 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Older MMOs are interesting creatures. If they are subscription-based, they tend to lose players until they get down to a hardcore number, and then they are eventually shut down. World of Warcraft will eventually lose most of its numbers, too. In 20 years or so I fully expect to see players still playing it, though, talking about how the controls and game mechanics are still a lot of fun. If the game is from SOE, it might go on for ever and ever, albeit without much of a development team.

Anarchy Online is a great example of how a game can age very, very gracefully. Perhaps newer games should look at AO to see how to keep both their dignity and their core players as the games approach their golden years. I tried to put my finger on exactly why AO seems to have held up so well, how it can still suck in "new" players like yours truly, and how it can still thrill with its lore and setting. How do you even get away with graphics like that in an age of players who literally think that upgrading their PCs every two years is a mark of pride?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-OnlineAObeau-hindmancommunityf2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpFuncomfuncom-gamesfuturisticrise-and-shinySandboxsci-fiscience-fictionskill-basedWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 23 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I'm not a tough guy, but the first thing I want to do when someone wishes ill on one of my first impressions is to reach through the screen and punch his lights out. There were at least a few people who did this to me when I said I would be visiting Star Trek Online. It was as though they were warning me to stay away from that scary old house on the hill. "Don't go up there, see? That's Old Man Cryptic's house! If you do, don't say I didn't warn ya!" Duly noted, oddball.

I long ago made a rule to revisit games, even if I hated them when I first played them. MMORPGs change -- they have to. They have to adjust to a growing (or shrinking) playerbase, adapt to a questioning (or screaming) audience, or react to market influences (or games that do it better). Despite understanding all of this, I was worried that the five bucks I spent on the STO special edition from Amazon would be wasted.

I found something I did not expect, that's for sure. Join me after the cut to find out more.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Star Trek Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancrypticcryptic-studiosenterpriseeve-onlinefeaturedLiveStreamrise-and-shinysci-fiscience-fictionStar-Trekstar-trek-deep-space-nineStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-gameplaystoUssEnterprisevideoSun, 09 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Details on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's something about the massive span of space that lends itself to large-scale PvP, and Jumpgate Evolution is certainly heading down the road to having big and meaningful faction battles. This is the core of the game's Event Sectors, hotspots of activity between both players and NPCs in which everyone takes part in a truly epic struggle. In a recent diary on MMORPG.com, Joe Grubb explains the design philosophy behind the sectors and how they're shaping up as the game continues in development.

Grubb explains that one of the first goals the team had with these sectors was that they had to feel meaningful in context -- rather than just featuring good gameplay, it had to make sense why the battle was taking place from a lore standpoint. He goes on to explain how the team began testing and then revising the way content was set up to improve the feel of immersion and realism in each given sector. Take a look at the full diary for a preview of what promises to be one of the most interesting features in Jumpgate Evolution -- and really, who doesn't like epic space battles?

MassivelyDetails on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdevelopment-diariesevent-sectorsimmersionjoe-grubbjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlarge-scale-pvpnetdevilpvpscience-fictionspacespace-battlesWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PvP is a funny thing. Essentially, it is a glorified game of tag. There are variations on the theme, of course: freeze tag, Marco Polo, or Hide-and-Seek. Most of us have had the pleasure of spending a summer evening playing it with our friends. I know that when we played it, we added the dimension of The Woods (as they were known) and all that hiding in those woods on a dark summer evening implies. It was intense, I remember. Once, I hid under a pile of leaves for 40 minutes, scared out of my mind, while my buddy tried to find me.

Good PvP can be like that, but bad PvP can ruin your evening. Bad PvP, like a rainstorm during a campout, usually ends with one or more participants taking the event way too seriously. But when you spend a few hours in good PvP, running around shooting at strangers, throwing mines at each other and getting shot down by automated turrets, your heart will race and you will realize that you have had a smile on your face most of the time.

Global Agenda has that effect on me, like a good game of tag.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandarkfallfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmofpsmortal-onlinepvepve-to-pvppvprise-and-shinysci-fiscience-fictionshootersniperstealthSun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy networking physics explained]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/black-prophecy-networking-physics-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/black-prophecy-networking-physics-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/black-prophecy-networking-physics-explained/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Reakktor Media Technical Director Cyrus Preuss is back with his fourth and final dev diary regarding Black Prophecy's game physics. This time around, the focus is on the networking side of the equation, and the article does a good job of presenting the Reakktor team's networking challenges to the lay person.

"It must be noted that we are talking about a real first-person, respectively third-person MMO. So no server-sided dice play but real physical hit detection," Preuss says. "All of these mechanisms serve to determine what actually happens as precisely as possible. Every parameter adjustment has "logical" consequences as well as side effects that you can only track down with precise analysis."

Whether you're a physics major, or your eyes gloss over at the thought of balancing your checkbook, it's clear that Black Prophecy is a labor of love for Reakktor.

Hit this link to jump to the original article, as well as the first, second, and third parts of the Game Physics dev blog. Also be sure and stick with Massively all week as we will be interviewing the Reakktor team at GDC 2010.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy networking physics explained originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecycyrus-preussdev-blogdev-diarynew-titlesphysicsreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fiscience-fictionThu, 11 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are sci-fi MMOs cursed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Or are they just waiting for a savior, a la World of Warcraft? Yesterday we covered a recent interview done by Ten Ton Hammer with representatives of Trion World Group, the developers behind the upcoming SCI-FI channel MMORPG, that covered the viability of science fiction MMOs. While they are quite for the idea and are enthusiastic about a science fiction genre MMO, we here at Massively wanted to solicit your opinion. What's up with science fiction?

The new year will be bringing us titles like Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, Stargate Worlds, and Star Wars: The Old Republic -- a veritable stream of life flowing into the genre that's being dominated by EVE Online. Are you looking forward to them? Will you quickly wrap your hands around them and boldly go where no man has gone before? Or will you hold on to the games you already have and sneer like Gollum? Give us the word readers, speak your mind in our galactic council comments.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are sci-fi MMOs cursed? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareccpccp-gamescrypticcryptic-studioseve-onlinejumpgate-evolutionmmorpgmmossci-fisci-fi-wowscience-fictionsgwstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstargate-worldsstoswtorten-ton-hammerthe-daily-grindtriontrion-world-networkFri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you ready for Steampunk MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-daily-grind-are-you-ready-for-steampunk-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-daily-grind-are-you-ready-for-steampunk-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-daily-grind-are-you-ready-for-steampunk-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've been inspired to create today's The Daily Grind by a post on Grimwell's blog concerning Stephen H. Segal's viewpoints on the ubiquitous and compelling nature of the steampunk genre. Stephen's entire outlook boils down to the idea that what steampunk does for science fiction is make it inspirational once more. The classic sci-fi stalworts like Star Trek or Star Wars tend to present a future world as a place that we all take for granted, a world where teleportation and energy swords are commonplace. On the other side of the coin sits steampunk, a genre that approaches science in a fresh and highly creative way and as something to be looked upon with awe and wonder.

In the MMO genre it's a similar situation with the fantasy genre. We've seen so many fantasy-based worlds that more and more of us are becoming jaded by to most of their wonder. When was the last time an MMO consistently took your breath away or instilled within you a sense of awe? So we ask you, dear Massively readers: Are you ready for something else other than fantasy, something perhaps, very steampunk?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are you ready for Steampunk MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygrimwellsci-fiscience-fictionstar-trekstar-warssteampunkstephen-h-segalthe-daily-grindMon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Earlier this year it was reported that NCsoft had cancelled development on Blackstar, Spacetime Studios' intriguing science fiction MMO. Unwilling to let that deter them, the studio continued to develop the title, hoping that an enterprising (no pun intended) backer would com along to rescue the studio from limbo.

Well, there's even better news: Spacetime has newly acquired the rights to the IP, meaning that complete creative control is in their hands. From the press release: "After two years of development, the Blackstar universe is quite near and dear to our hearts" said Gary Gattis, executive producer and co-founder of Spacetime Studios. "Owning the IP as well as the engine and tool set puts a tremendous amount of potential in our hands. With all the developed components under the Spacetime team's control, the options for the IP are diversified."

Congratulations, Spacetime! Expect an exclusive interview to appear on Massively very soon.

[Thanks, Gary!]

MassivelySpacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstargary-gattisip-rightsncsoftscience-fictionspacetime-studiosFri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blackstar is a science fiction-themed MMO currently in development by Spacetime Studios, and it looks fantastic. The latest missive from their blog gives a look into their character development process -- in this case, a look at creating an identifiable, iconic aesthetic for each character class.

According to the blogpost, by locking down the character type visually, it allows for easier apprehension of the elements of that type by both the development team and publishing partners. This, in turn, solidifies its inclusion into the rest of the game earlier on, which makes further progress that much more effective.

Plus, y'know ... it's prettier. We love concept art at Massively, and a look behind the scenes is always welcome. Check out the rest of the article!

MassivelySpacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesblackstarconcept-articonicscience-fictionspacetime-studiosThu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is combat necessary?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/the-daily-grind-is-combat-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/the-daily-grind-is-combat-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/the-daily-grind-is-combat-necessary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For most of us the term 'MMO' conjures up images of combat, whether within a medieval fantasy setting, or a science fiction milieu. Other images are mixed in there, too, of course, but I'd wager that fighting is the one that pops up most often. It's so common, in fact, that when a game deviates from this norm, attention is called to it. Take Mabinogi, for instance -- many of its features are non-combat-based, like the aging system, or the ability to create MIDI-based music, or the creation and management of a household with a spouse.

I didn't realize how refreshing the thought of not having to constantly battle creatures to progress in a game was until Mabinogi offered me these alternatives. This makes me ask the question: is combat really an integral element of an MMO? Would you play a game that lacked it completely?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is combat necessary? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agingbattlecombatdark-age-of-camelotfantasyhuxleymedievalmidinon-combatscience-fictionthe-daily-grindSat, 01 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

As my compadre Eli writes here, there is reasoning available that Fantasy MMOs have flourished due to there being a greater preponderance of Fantasy titles, in various media, upon which to draw inspiration to sustain an MMO. The lack of substantive Science Fiction titles of the time, therefore, leads to the correlating dearth of such MMOs. However, this argument only mentions in passing what I think is the more crucial element, which is this:

Fantasy titles are about the Hero's Journey, or the Epic. Science Fiction titles are about exploration of ideas. One of these story types makes for better adaptation to immersive gameplay. Guess which?

Now, I will back up a bit and acknowledge that as a blanket statement, what I said does not (and should not be considered to) cover every Fantasy or Science Fiction title everywhere. Clearly, Star Wars is the most well-known Epic SF story, but then again, Lucas based the plot almost entirely on Joseph Campbell's monomyth, which was itself formulated around the epic myths and stories of history. And perhaps one of the finest Fantasy titles ever written, John Crowley's Little, Big, uses Fantasy tropes to examine the idea of the complexity of human relationships, rather than one character's journey to overcome evil. But having made those concessions, let me make my case.

Continue reading Why Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion

MassivelyWhy Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-runnercyberpunkepiceve-onlineextrapolativefantasygeorge-lucasheros-journeyjohn-crowleyjohnny-mnemonicjoseph-campbelllittle-bigmax-headroommonomythneocron-onlinescience-fictionspace-operastarship-troopersstrange-daystabula-rasathe-matrixthe-terminatorworld-of-warcraftWed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's NCSoft Europe working on?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/whats-ncsoft-europe-working-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/whats-ncsoft-europe-working-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/whats-ncsoft-europe-working-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Trawling the web is a tedious process that rarely yields significant results without a great deal of patient sifting. However, when one does strike something valuable, it makes it all worthwhile. To wit: NCsoft Europe is on a hiring spree for a previously-unannounced project!

In fact, it gets better. Looking at NCE's website gives us a page of concept art that seems to indicate a science fiction/Starship Troopers-esque military title with a slight mystical leaning. This is big! NCsoft is a -- forgive me -- massively prolific studio, with no less than seven MMOs under their belts. Can no one stop their madness? Do we really want to? No! Keep 'em coming!

We'll keep on top of this as more develops!

MassivelyWhat's NCSoft Europe working on? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-arthiringncsoftncsoft-europescience-fictionstarship-troopersFri, 04 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[My 2008 MMO hopes and wishes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2007 was an incredible year for MMOs, with tons of updates to existing games and a benign rash of new titles as well. I'm not much for predictions, but I'll tell you what I'm hoping for in 2008, since you all asked so nicely:

Blizzard to out-Diablo Mythos with their new MMO -- Let's face it, playing Mythos is ten kinds of fun, and most of that fun revolves around the type of gameplay that the original Diablo invented, and Diablo II refined. Mythos currently fills the gaping void left behind by Blizzard's continuing not to update the Diablo universe with a new game, but wouldn't you like to see it done up properly?

Google to provide some real competition for Linden Lab -- Right now, Second Life is the only cat of its breed, and it's snoozing in the sun. The ability for users to create their own content is arguably SL's biggest draw, and it's fueled many careers, but the interface issues, rolling restarts, updates that fix things only to break other things, and age verification problems leave me wanting someone to learn from these mistakes and bring us something better. We know Google's working on something ... here's hoping it's a Third Life.

A new genre -- So far, we've had Fantasy MMOs rule the day, with Science Fiction a close second, and a hodgepodge of other titles kind of experimenting with concepts a little bit. And pirates. But I'm looking for something new. Something that combines my love of cryptography with Cthulhu, perhaps. Or something that lets me relive my days playing cops and robbers. Whatever it is, this is the year to strike!

Resolutions? Hmm. I guess I resolve to keep playing those smaller MMOs and telling you what I think of them, and trying not to be too dismissive of those I find lacking. Ooh, that's gonna be difficult -- I'm quite fond of the snark, I am. What are your New Year's MMO hopes and wishes?

MassivelyMy 2008 MMO hopes and wishes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20072008blizzardcthulhudiablofantasygenregooglelinden-labmythospiratesscience-fictionsecond-lifewishesWed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Orcs and Elves are all well and good, but some of us are more attracted to a mythical future than to a mythical past. Sci-Fi is trendy again, in case you hadn't heard. From Tabula Rasa to Star Trek Online (we hope), the future belongs to, well ... the future. But what about the past of the future? Sorry; this is getting more verbally confusing than a Voyager time paradox episode. Let's put it this way: click through the jump to see Massively's top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs to date!

Can you think of any tragic omissions? To paraphrase a character from pop culture, "Science Fiction is neither Science nor Fiction. Discuss!"

Continue reading Massively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs

MassivelyMassively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineccpeaearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefeaturedfuncomjoystiqfeaturesjump-to-lightspeedlistnew-game-enhancementsngeplanetsidesci-fiscience-fictionsoestar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasatop-5westwoodTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST