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[City of Steam goes into alpha testing this July]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/city-of-steam-goes-into-alpha-testing-this-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/city-of-steam-goes-into-alpha-testing-this-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/city-of-steam-goes-into-alpha-testing-this-july/#commentsFiled under: , ,

City of Steam
City of Steam's been building up some strong word-of-mouth in the community, and we've been quite eager to get our hands on this steampunk MMO. The good news is that we just may have that chance come July, when City of Steam enters alpha testing.

Mechanist Games recently announced that work on the game is progressing to the point that it's ready to undergo player testing. While there isn't an exact date yet, it's certainly enough to know that July will be a special month.

"We're actually quite pleased that quite a few of those who participated in the sneak peek test told us that the game was already looking like an alpha build," the team writes. "Thanks and we would like to say we're quite proud of that fact."

MassivelyCity of Steam goes into alpha testing this July originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testbeta-testingcity-of-steamfantasymechanist-gamesscifisteampunkMon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-MMO devs aim to fund space combat game via Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Squad Wars
They were part of the force behind many MMOs you've known and loved, including Jumpgate, Auto Assault, LEGO Universe, RIFT, and League of Legends, and now they're banding together for a new cause funded by crowdsourcing. They're the developers at END Games, and they hope to raise a quarter of a million dollars to create a multiplayer space combat game.

Despite the team's legacy, however, this new title will not be an MMO. Titled Squad Wars, the proposed project will blossom into a frantic starfighter game that will pit squads of players against each other in the deadly vacuum of space. Instead of focusing on a persistent world, Squad Wars will offer packaged scenarios that will "ensure the most fun every time you login."

END Games is also notable in that two of its members were founders of NetDevil: Scott Brown and Ryan Seabury. As of the time of this writing, END Games has $1,430 toward its goal, which must be attained by May 19th for the project to proceed.

MassivelyEx-MMO devs aim to fund space combat game via Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultcrowdsourcingend-gamesjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionkickstarterleague-of-legendslego-universenetdevilnew-gamenew-titleriftRyan-Seaburysci-fiscifiScott-Brownspace-combatsquad-warsThu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Repopulation
Drips and drabs of information about the sci-fi sandbox The Repopulation have been coming in, but as with any title in early development, it's never enough to satiate the masses who want the whole scoop. So consider today's bounty of the first gameplay footage and a lore piece as an appetizer to tide you over until the main course.

The gameplay video demonstrates one of the core features of The Repopulation: its city-building system. During the 12-and-a-half minutes the video runs, fans can check out how cities are put together piece by piece using a wide variety of tools and fellow player cooperation. The devs also take this opportunity to discuss the UI, controls, and how alliances work in the game.

The team also posted a lore piece called Leesa's Story on the site. The vignette introduces the titular character, a cook who also happens to be a cook, and her misguided adventures going duck hunting.

The Repopulation is currently accepting signups for its alpha testing, which begins in June. You can watch the full video after the break.

[Thanks to J.C. for the tip!]

Continue reading The Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage

MassivelyThe Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesalphaalpha-testalpha-testingcity-buildingduck-huntduck-huntingleesas-storypre-alpharepopulationsandboxsci-fiscifishort-storystorythe-repopulationuiMon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Conflict blasts into beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/star-conflict-blasts-into-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/star-conflict-blasts-into-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/star-conflict-blasts-into-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Conflict
Star Conflict may not be the MMO on everyone's tongue right now, but give it time -- it might just catch on. The gestating title from Star Gem Inc. has passed through the beta barrier and is looking for testers to help take it to the cosmos and beyond.

Star Conflict is a free-to-play PvP-based game in which players team up to launch fully armed spaceships at each other in the hopes of winning a game of galactic chicken. It's set over 3,000 years from now, when factions battle over a discovered planet containing important ancient technology. Players begin their careers as wealthy mercs who have enough money to buy a few ships and outfit them the way they want.

From there, players will join one of six factions and engage in instanced PvP maps. Star Conflict has several game modes in which factions look to extend dominion over each other.

You can sign up for Star Conflict's beta today, and be sure to check out the first teaser trailer after the jump and let us know what you think!

[Thanks to our tipster for the heads-up!]

Continue reading Star Conflict blasts into beta

MassivelyStar Conflict blasts into beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pfree-to-playlobbymatchmakingpvpsci-fiscifistar-conflictstar-gemstar-gem-incteaserteaser-trailertrailervideoThu, 05 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Randall Bills talks about shaping the future of MechWarrior Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/randall-bills-talks-about-shaping-the-future-of-mechwarrior-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/randall-bills-talks-about-shaping-the-future-of-mechwarrior-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/randall-bills-talks-about-shaping-the-future-of-mechwarrior-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Randall Bills
For die-hard MechWarrior fans, it must be a relief to know that the upcoming MechWarrior Online is in good hands of people connected with the board game. One pair of hands in particular belongs to Catalyst Game Labs' Randall Bills, who is deeply involved with the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, and he emerged to participate in a very lengthy interview about the game and his love of multi-ton mechs.

Currently, Bills says that he fills two roles on the team: continuity editor and fiction content manager. In the former, he helps to inspect what the developers are working on and give them feedback and notes from his well of expert knowledge on the subject. In the latter, he's spearheading the team responsible for writing the lore behind the online game universe.

So what would Bills like to see happen in MechWarrior Online? Orbital insertions ("That's a level of action and immersion that would take MechWarrior Online to a whole new level.") and physical attacks ("It shouldn't work very well and be hard to pull off... but when you do pull it off it should be a move everyone in the game talks about for some time to come.").

As for what he's most excited about in the upcoming MMO, he's just glad that he'll be able to emulate the board game in a virtual environment: "To know that I can jump in a light 'Mech and do exactly what you can pull off in the board game (and just as important, what the fiction depicts for the universe) with a true melding of multiple tactics to achieve victory... that'll be a truly spectacular geek-out moment to experience."

Look for our own upcoming interview with the MechWarrior Online team coming soon.

MassivelyRandall Bills talks about shaping the future of MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battletechcatalystcatalyst-game-labsfictioninterviewloremechmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemworandall-billsscifiwriterFri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-apocalyptic L.A.W takes us from sketches to art to screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/post-apocalyptic-l-a-w-takes-us-from-sketches-to-art-to-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LAW
Good-looking graphics don't just magically appear overnight in MMOs, delivered by the FedEx equivalent of the leprechaun community. The look and design of a game is a lengthy process full of revisions, abandoned doodles, and brainstorming -- something we end-users tend not to appreciate.

Consider today your education, then, as the team behind the post-apocalyptic L.A.W -- Living After War released a whole crate of images with the intent of showing us how the iterative process works. In the gallery below you can check out different versions of the same buildings, vehicles, and mobs at various stages of their making. From sketches to concept art to in-game models, these screens are a great crash course in understanding how involved the development team has to get to make these games a reality.

Gallery: L.A.W -- Living After War


[Source: ProSiebenSat.1 press release]

MassivelyPost-apocalyptic L.A.W takes us from sketches to art to screen originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartistartistsconcept-artfedexgalleryin-game-modelin-game-modelsl.a.wl.a.w-living-after-warleprechaunliving-after-warpost-apocalypticprosiebensat.1-digitalscifiscreenshotssketchsketchesFri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases new PlanetSide 2 lore entry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soe-releases-new-planetside-2-lore-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soe-releases-new-planetside-2-lore-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soe-releases-new-planetside-2-lore-entry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - logo
Ah, SOE. What ever are we going to do with you? In a week that saw BioWare drop its guard on press information and Blizzard announce the impending arrival of six million kung fu pandas, what do you do to keep PlanetSide 2 in the public eye? You release another backstory snippet!

That's backstory.

For a shooter.

OK, now that we've reached our snark quota for the next several posts, we can tell you that today's reveal is part four of the ongoing PlanetSide 2 lore updates, and it concerns the holovid diary of one Thomas Connery (no relation to Sean as far as we know). This Connery is a commander in the Terran Republic, and his journal entry is somewhat alarming due to the fact that he seems to be lost in space with no oxygen-rich planets in his general vicinity. Check it out for yourself at the official PlanetSide 2 website.

MassivelySOE releases new PlanetSide 2 lore entry originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryfpsloremmo-shootermmofpsplanetside-2planetside2ps2real-info-pleasesci-fiscifishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthomas-conneryFri, 21 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP talks flying in space, says EVE is a healthy subscriber-based game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/ccp-talks-flying-in-space-says-eve-is-a-healthy-subscriber-base/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/ccp-talks-flying-in-space-says-eve-is-a-healthy-subscriber-base/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/ccp-talks-flying-in-space-says-eve-is-a-healthy-subscriber-base/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - space station
GameSpot has a new interview with EVE Online lead designer Kristoffer Touborg, and though it's a bit dated (it was conducted at last week's GDC, and obviously prior to yesterday's layoff announcement), it still features some interest nuggets relating to EVE and its immediate future.

In terms of CCP's bread-and-butter spaceship gameplay, Touborg confirms what all the company dev blogs have been saying lately, which is that EVE's flying-in-space elements are once again the top priority. "The number of people working on things related to flying in space has probably tripled, so we are ready to start delivering a load of content," he says.

The interview also touches on EVE's payment model, and specifically, why CCP has resisted the urge to jump on the free-to-play bandwagon. "We are a really healthy, subscriber-based game," Touborg says. "Does that mean we will be a subscriber-based game in five or 10 years? Maybe not, but as it currently stands, we have 400,000 subscribers, and there's really no reason to turn that bucket upside-down."

MassivelyCCP talks flying in space, says EVE is a healthy subscriber-based game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfree-to-playinterviewkristoffer-touborgmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fiscifishootersubscriptionsubscription-basedThu, 20 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum adding distress beacons, relaxing trial restrictions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/perpetuum-adding-distress-beacons-relaxing-trial-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/perpetuum-adding-distress-beacons-relaxing-trial-restrictions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/perpetuum-adding-distress-beacons-relaxing-trial-restrictions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Perpetuum - PvE fight
If you've ever wanted to prank-call a mob in an MMORPG, Perpetuum just might be your game. The sci-fi sandbox from Avatar Creations has unveiled a new distress beacon mechanic that basically allows the player to lure a few of the game's alien forces into an ambush.

The new gameplay adds a bit of PvE flavor to what is otherwise a PvP-focused title (or at least, a title in which the vast majority of the playerbase PvPs in some fashion), and Avatar is also adding new module tiers, which may be looted from the officers and commanders who respond to the distress beacon calls.

Finally, Avatar's latest Perpetuum dev blog brings some good news for those of you looking to partake of the game's free trial. Most of the trial's restrictions are being lifted, and you'll now be able to do just about everything in the game with the exception of founding your own corporation and sending money to other players. Check out the game's website for all the details, and don't forget to have a look at the distress beacon video after the break.

Continue reading Perpetuum adding distress beacons, relaxing trial restrictions

MassivelyPerpetuum adding distress beacons, relaxing trial restrictions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsdev-blogdev-diarydistress-beacongame-mechanicsmodule-tiersmodulesperpetuumprank-callingpvesandboxsci-fiscifivideoThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A certain point of view: Jef's hands-on with SWTOR's beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/a-certain-point-of-view-jefs-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/a-certain-point-of-view-jefs-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/a-certain-point-of-view-jefs-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Wars The Old Republic - Trooper with BFG 9000
Hey Star Wars fans, what say we recap my recent beta experiences in The Old Republic? I know what you're thinking (because it's the same thing I thought after BioWare's marketing folks sent along an unsolicited invitation): Here comes a giant anti-themepark rant and zomgwtf call someone who cares!

Surprisingly though, I had a decent time. I managed to get a Republic Trooper off the Ord Mantell starter planet and firmly entrenched in a few Coruscant quest lines, and I logged over 10 hours of gameplay in the process (in the comfort of my own home, mind you, and not under the watchful eye of a PR droid at a convention).

To be frank, TOR's not half bad. It's had a lot of money thrown at it, there's a ton of what passes for modern-day MMO content, and if you're into that sort of thing, you'll no doubt enjoy yourself for a time.

Continue reading A certain point of view: Jef's hands-on with SWTOR's beta

MassivelyA certain point of view: Jef's hands-on with SWTOR's beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurebeshbetabiowarecodexeaea-biowareelectronic-artsexclusivefeaturedfierfekfourth-pillargrindkill-10-separatistskill-ten-separatistsmassively-exclusivemmo-storynot-the-mmo-youre-looking-forord-mantellrepublic-troopersci-fiscifistar-warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtor-codexswtor-hands-onswtor-impressionsthe-old-republicthemeparktor-impressionstrooperThu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

StarCraft Universe - PvP screenshot
You may remember StarCraft Universe, the fan-made MMO mod that received an official Blizzard blessing earlier this year. Development on the project is moving right along, and the mod team has left fans with a nifty present as it gets ready to head to BlizzCon.

StarCraft Universe PvP is playable as of today via Battle.net, but you'd better hurry because the fun only lasts through October 30th. At that point, the game will be taken down "for further polishing since technically it isn't even ready for an open beta."

The playable portion features an arena called the Encephalon Grid, and testers will start at level 30 (fully geared). Every class is available, and players may also be able to unlock additional abilities by winning enough matches. Check out the full press blurb on the mod's official website, and get a load of the PvP video after the cut.

Continue reading Starcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th

MassivelyStarcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netbetablizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentencephalon-gridmodspvpryan-winzensci-fiscifistarcraftstarcraft-universevideoworld-of-starcraftWed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog teases new player customs offices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/eve-dev-blog-teases-new-player-customs-offices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/eve-dev-blog-teases-new-player-customs-offices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/eve-dev-blog-teases-new-player-customs-offices/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - customs office import/export window
How does the prospect of a player-owned customs office in EVE Online grab you? Whoa, settle down there, Mr. flying-in-space troll, as we're not talking about Incarna-style player housing here but rather a new mechanic that seeks to add a bit more sand to New Eden's sandbox.

CCP Omen has the details in the latest EVE dev blog and in a nutshell, player customs houses exist to enable planetary taxation and to add a new wrinkle to the game's planetary interaction mechanics. You'll need to erect a customs office in orbit around a planet (note: there can be only one), and of course it can be attacked and destroyed by your fellow capsuleers.

For a list of materials, costs, and associated corporation functionality, warp on over to the official EVE dev blog.

MassivelyEVE dev blog teases new player customs offices originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-omencustoms-officedev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlinefisflying-in-spacenew-edenplanetary-interactionplanetary-taxationplayer-customs-officesandboxsci-fiscifithere-can-be-only-oneTue, 18 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare says gamers find it hard to go back to other MMOs after playing SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/bioware-gamers-find-it-hard-to-go-back-to-other-mmos-after-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/bioware-gamers-find-it-hard-to-go-back-to-other-mmos-after-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/bioware-gamers-find-it-hard-to-go-back-to-other-mmos-after-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars The Old Republic - some dudes fighting or something
As Star Wars: The Old Republic's release date looms larger on the calendar, BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk are starting to be seen with increasing frequency on the PR circuit. The latest sighting comes courtesy of The Gaming Liberty, and the dynamic doctor duo offers up some interesting commentary on SWTOR and the logic behind setting up BioWare's new customer service center in Ireland rather than Canada or the U.S.

There's a "fair, reasonable tax and regulatory structure the government here [in Ireland] has provided for us which creates an entrepreneurial environment [...] which is a big bonus," Muzyka explains.

The interview also touches on lore inspirations for both The Old Republic and the classic single-player Knights of the Old Republic RPG, as well as the team's confidence in its new massively multiplayer product. "One of the most common things we're already hearing is that people seem to find it hard to go back to other MMOs once they play The Old Republic," Muzyka said.

MassivelyBioWare says gamers find it hard to go back to other MMOs after playing SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukinterviewoutsourcingray-muzykasci-fiscifistar-warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 17 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP readying new EVE bug reporting tool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ccp-readying-new-eve-bug-reporting-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ccp-readying-new-eve-bug-reporting-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ccp-readying-new-eve-bug-reporting-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente cruiser in hangar
Bug reporting is rarely sexy, but it's one of those necessary evils that comes with the territory when we're talking about complex pieces of software like EVE Online. Bug reporting has also been something of a pain for CCP customers prior to this week, and hopefully that will change with tomorrow's update.

CCP Redundancy has the details via the latest EVE dev blog, and the long and short of it is that there's a new crash-reporting tool scheduled to go live on October 18th. The tool has been tested internally and is just now ready for prime time, and Redundancy hums a few bars relating to the whys, the hows, and the privacy concerns. You can read all about it at the official EVE website.

MassivelyCCP readying new EVE bug reporting tool originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bug-reportingbug-reportsbug-squashingbugsccpccp-gamesccp-redundancydev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlinein-space-no-one-can-hear-you-report-bugsinternet-spaceshipsnew-edensandboxsci-fiscifiMon, 17 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitchblack shows off Prime beta footage in latest dev chat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/pitchblack-shows-off-prime-beta-footage-in-latest-dev-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/pitchblack-shows-off-prime-beta-footage-in-latest-dev-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/pitchblack-shows-off-prime-beta-footage-in-latest-dev-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Prime Battle for Dominus - beta footage
If you missed the latest Prime: Battle for Dominus dev chat this past Friday, fear not! Massively has you covered via the video embed after the cut, and it's chock full of juicy sci-fi pseudo-sandbox goodness (as well as a bit of gameplay footage). The whole presentation runs just upwards of 50 minutes, and the in-game footage features video captures from the current beta build.

Ranged and melee combat is evident, as are several different environments. The devs call attention to the game's three-faction PvP elements, and though the brief clips show relatively small groups of combatants, that will eventually change in favor of large-scale engagements.

Pitchblack also says that it's getting ready to release a few official combat videos, so stay tuned to Massively for the latest and greatest Prime: BFD news and views.

[Thanks to Bartillo for the tip!]

Continue reading Pitchblack shows off Prime beta footage in latest dev chat

MassivelyPitchblack shows off Prime beta footage in latest dev chat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction-pvpdev-chatdev-diarypitch-black-gamespitchblack-gamesprimeprime-battle-for-dominussandboxsci-fiscifithree-faction-pvpvideoMon, 17 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum upgrading to shader 3.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/perpetuum-upgrading-to-shader-3-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/perpetuum-upgrading-to-shader-3-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/perpetuum-upgrading-to-shader-3-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perpetuum - robots blasting something
Avatar Creations has posted a new Perpetuum dev blog that heralds the coming of shader 3.0. This is either great news or irritating news depending on what kind of gaming rig you run, but either way, change is coming.

The sci-fi sandbox game launched with model 2.0 shaders because Avatar wanted to make it as accessible as possible for as many people as possible, and because the team initially lacked DirectX experience. Now, though, Avatar has "reached the limits of shader model 2.0," and needs to upgrade the game in a visual sense without "going through significant hacks that reduce client performance and mess up the codebase."

Shader 3.0 is the answer, and the dev blog serves as a warning that the game's minimum hardware requirements will be changing. "As the vast majority of you have hardware that supports SM3, the change will only affect a handful of players," Avatar states.

MassivelyPerpetuum upgrading to shader 3.0 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsdev-blogdev-diarygraphics-upgradehardware-upgradeperpetuumsandboxsci-fiscifishader-model-2.0shader-model-3.0shader-modelsshadersupgradeFri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ship spinning returns to EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ship-spinning-returns-to-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ship-spinning-returns-to-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ship-spinning-returns-to-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Caldari ship
Everyone knows that internet spaceships are serious business. Relatively few, however, recognize the grave importance of EVE Online's late great ship spinning mechanic.

Happily for the hardcore, those few include CCP developers, and as we mentioned a few weeks ago, one of New Eden's favorite pastimes is coming back from the dead. A new CCP dev blog spills the beans on the release date, and EVE vets will probably be thrilled to hear that ship-spinning is coming to the Singularity test shard today. The feature is tentatively scheduled to return to the Tranquility live server on October 18th during an extended downtime beginning at 11:00 UTC.

CCP has also added the old hangar interface functionality back into the EVE client, and users with sub-optimal Incarna computer specs (or those who simply hate walking in stations) can opt to turn off the game's captain's quarters and party like it's 2010.

A weekend discount on PLEX has also been announced.

MassivelyShip spinning returns to EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsincarnapatchessandboxsci-fiscifiserious-businessship-spinningspinningsrs-bsnswalking-stationsFri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation influenced by UO and SWG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-repopulation-influenced-by-uo-and-swg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-repopulation-influenced-by-uo-and-swg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-repopulation-influenced-by-uo-and-swg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Repopulation - Is that Tatooine?
Searching for more info on the new indie sandbox called The Repopulation? If so, check out an interview with Above & Beyond Technologies' creator J.C. Smith at Quick Jump.

The piece covers a lot of ground, and Smith talks about everything from inspiration for the sci-fi title to the current state of the cluttered MMO market. "I think this market still has room for growth, and that the main reason we see some of these titles as failures is due to elevated expectations and bloating budgets," Smith explains.

What's going to set The Repopulation apart, then? That's a much longer answer, and portions of it will no doubt set sandbox fans' hearts aflame. "We probably drew more influence from Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies than we have from any other MMOs," Smith says. "To me, UO was what I expected from an MMOG."

MassivelyThe Repopulation influenced by UO and SWG originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesgreat-expectationsinterviewjc-smithnew-titlessandboxsci-fiscifistar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-repopulationultima-onlineuoFri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases second PlanetSide 2 short story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/soe-releases-second-planetside-2-short-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Vanu concept art
Sony Online Entertainment is kicking the publicity machine for PlanetSide 2 into high gear lately. The only problem is that all the PR has nothing to do with the actual game.

Yes, shooters can have lore (Global Agenda has quite an extensive backstory, for example), and SOE seems determined to keep its Forgelight-powered MMOFPS in the news without revealing much more about the mechanics. The latest salvo comes courtesy of celebrated comic scribe Marv Wolfman, who is busily creating PlanetSide 2's factional history via a series of short story vignettes. Today's reveal, the second in a series, centers on characters from the Vanu Sovereignty, some of whom buy into the faction's zealotry. "Today we have declared our Sovereignty, a Vanu Sovereignty. Only one force can live on Auraxis, and it must be us," one of them declares.

You can read the full text at the official PlanetSide 2 website, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Wolfman interview from earlier this week.

MassivelySOE releases second PlanetSide 2 short story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryloremarv-wolfmanmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2prpublic-relationssandy-jonessci-fiscifishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvanuvanu-sovereigntyyay-more-loreFri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE capital ship balancing coming this winter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/eve-capital-ship-balancing-coming-this-winter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/eve-capital-ship-balancing-coming-this-winter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/eve-capital-ship-balancing-coming-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente Titan
The lovefest between CCP and its disgruntled playerbase continues, this time in the form of a new blog entry heralding the impending balance of capital ships.

The proliferation of supercapital ships has been roundly criticized in various EVE Online discourses over the years, and CCP feels the time is right to begin addressing the stagnant fleet fights that often result when hundreds of hard-to-kill megaships are clogging the space lanes.

So what's the nerf solution? According to CCP Tallest, the devs plan to make supercapitals "a little bit weaker, but not gut them completely. We're doing a simple 20% reduction in shield, armor, and hull hitpoints on both supercarriers and titans." Tallest goes on to outline a few more details including planned changes for dreadnoughts, sub-capitals, and the oft-employed logoff exploit. "We are changing the logoff mechanics in such a way that as long as your enemies are actively engaged in fighting you, logging off is not going to save your ship."

MassivelyEVE capital ship balancing coming this winter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-ship-nerfcapital-ship-rebalancecarriersccpccp-gamesccp-tallestdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsnerfnew-edenpvpsandboxsci-fiscifisupercapitalstitansMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic playable at New York Comic Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/the-old-republic-playable-at-new-york-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/the-old-republic-playable-at-new-york-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/the-old-republic-playable-at-new-york-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars The Old Republic - Republic trooper with BFG9000
Mark October 13th through the 16th on your calendars, Star Wars: The Old Republic faithful, especially if you'll be anywhere in the vicinity of New York City.

BioWare's Hutt-sized Star Wars MMO will be hogging the spotlight at this year's New York Comic Con, and you'll have a couple of opportunities to get some hands-on time with the highly anticipated sci-fi title. The Alderaan and Huttball warzones will be playable at SWTOR's booth, while a few of the developers will be featured on three separate panels over the course of the event.

If you like a little alcohol with your Star Wars, you'll also want to make note of a dev-hosted meet-and-greet at District 36 on Wednesday, October 12th. All the details are available at the official site, so what are you waiting for?

MassivelyThe Old Republic playable at New York Comic Con originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alderaan-warzonebiowarecomic-conconventionsea-biowareelectronic-artshuttballnew-york-comic-connyccreal-world-eventssci-fiscifistar-warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicFri, 07 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation adds action mode combat toggle, military system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/the-repopulation-adds-action-mode-combat-toggle-military-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/the-repopulation-adds-action-mode-combat-toggle-military-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/the-repopulation-adds-action-mode-combat-toggle-military-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Repopulation - soldier in the woods
Last week we told you about a new three-faction sandbox MMO called The Repopulation. Today we've got the very latest on the game courtesy of Above & Beyond Technologies' end-of-September progress report.

As it turns out, some of September was dedicated to preparing for the game's initial announcement and piecing together the accompanying trailer. Other than that, though, the devs did make a bit of progress on gameplay proper. Action mode combat was the biggest addition, and the update describes an interesting mechanic that allows users to "toggle between action- or RPG-mode combat at any time during gameplay."

The other big addition is The Repopulation's military system. In a nutshell, it's a ranking system that allows players to gain military XP while performing various duties for their nation's armed forces. Ranks, medals, and perks like armor, weapons, vehicles, robotics, and special abilities are among the system's rewards.

MassivelyThe Repopulation adds action mode combat toggle, military system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesaction-combataction-mode-togglealphacombatcombat-togglefactionsgame-mechanicsmilitary-systemperksrpg-combatrpg-combat-togglesandboxsci-fiscifiseptember-updatethe-repopulationthree-factionupdateWed, 05 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic explains Star Trek Online's quick turnaround time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/cryptic-explains-star-trek-onlines-quick-turnaround-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/cryptic-explains-star-trek-onlines-quick-turnaround-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/cryptic-explains-star-trek-onlines-quick-turnaround-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - Stephen D'Angelo being interviewed
Star Trek Online fans have occasionally wondered whether Cryptic Studios felt pressured to rush the game toward its February 2010 launch date. Recent comments by new executive producer Stephen D'Angelo indicate that the company was under the gun due to a pre-existing licensing agreement between the Star Trek IP owners (CBS) and Perpetual Entertainment (STO's original developer).

D'Angelo states that Cryptic acquired the license from Perpetual and had to abide by the original agreement in order to keep it. That meant that the new dev team had approximately two years to crank out an ambitious sci-fi MMO based on one of world's most beloved IPs (and featuring one of the world's most notoriously obsessive fan bases).

The comments come during the course of a video interview on the STOked podcast, which you can watch after the break.

[Thanks to The Grand Nagus for the tip!]

Continue reading Cryptic explains Star Trek Online's quick turnaround time

MassivelyCryptic explains Star Trek Online's quick turnaround time originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playinterviewsperfect-world-entertainmentperpetualperpetual-entertainmentpwesci-fiscifistar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostovideoTue, 04 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/black-prophecy-celebrates-world-space-week-with-bonus-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy - big explosion, hopefully not from World Space Week
Did you know that it's world space week? Yep, it is, and gamigo is leveraging the occasion to hype its free-to-play Black Prophecy MMORPG. A new company press release has the details, and they boil down to a couple of special events both in and around the space shooter.

First up is an XP boost that grants players a 25% increase on both missions and enemy kills. gamigo is also offering an additional 15% extra cash on all cash shop packet purchases.

Also of note is Black Prophecy's first official expansion. Episode 2: Species War is out now, and you can view an official trailer for the new content after the break.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Black Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events

MassivelyBlack Prophecy celebrates World Space Week with bonus events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybonus-xpcash-shop-bonusepisode-2-species-warsf2pfree-to-playgamigoin-game-eventspromotionsreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fiscifispecies-wartrailervideoworld-space-weekTue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prime releases web-based guild creation tool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/prime-releases-web-based-guild-creation-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/prime-releases-web-based-guild-creation-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/prime-releases-web-based-guild-creation-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Prime Battle for Dominus - some statue thing with aliens
It's been rather quiet at the Prime Battle for Dominus camp lately, and aside from last week's guest appearance by Warren Weems and John Kenison on our Massively Speaking podcast, we haven't heard any new info about the sci-fi title in some time.

Happily, Pitchblack Games has just sent out a press release revealing the availability of a guild creation tool for its three-faction PvP game. The tool requires an account on the Prime website, and players may search for an existing guild or create their own. The creation process results in a unique section of the Prime site and also reserves the guild name in the game itself.

[Source: Pitchblack Games press release]

MassivelyPrime releases web-based guild creation tool originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dominusguildguild-creatorguild-name-reservationsguild-toolguildsjohn-kenisonmmo-industryprimeprime-battle-for-dominuspvepvpreserve-your-guild-namesci-fiscifithree-faction-pvpthree-factionswarren-weemsMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare founders: We make the decisions, not EA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/bioware-founders-we-make-the-decisions-not-ea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/bioware-founders-we-make-the-decisions-not-ea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/bioware-founders-we-make-the-decisions-not-ea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BioWare co-founders
BioWare has a message for critical fans who blame the company's perceived inadequacies on its corporate overlords at Electronic Arts. "I always chuckle because we are EA, we're BioWare -- we're both, and we still have huge autonomy in terms of what we do," co-founder Greg Zeschuk recently told Eurogamer.

Zeschuk and partner Ray Muzyka cover a lot of ground during the sit-down, and the docs indicate that they still play BioWare's games despite delegating day-to-day development duties to various project leads. "Most of our games, before we ship them, we finish them several times. The Old Republic, we're probably at that level or higher, in terms of hours," Zeschuk says.

Times have changed though, as both men acknowledge that today's BioWare is not the same company that made Neverwinter Nights or MDK2. "Way, way back, years ago, we didn't even consider those [commercial elements], we just made stuff," Zeschuk explains.

MassivelyBioWare founders: We make the decisions, not EA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukinterviewray-muzykasci-fiscifistar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente captain's quarters
Those of you chafing under the constraints of the Minmatar captain's quarters released earlier this summer as part of EVE Online's Incarna expansion have reason to celebrate. The other three racially themed quarters have just been deployed to Singularity (that's the test server, for you EVE newbs).

When we say racially themed, we don't mean like an Al Sharpton monologue but rather like the Gallente, Caldari, and Amarr races who, along with the Minmatar, make up EVE's four playable factions. A new dev blog hits the highlights of each CQ, and each one boasts a visual aesthetic that mirrors its race.

Gallente quarters, for example, are "are slick and streamlined -- comfort through elegant design. The mirror is also prominent, since the Gallenteans are known to spend a lot of time in front of it." The Minmatar pad has also been tweaked, and you can read all the details at the official EVE website. Before you go, check out the preview video after the cut.

[Update: CCP has also uploaded a video explaining the new time dilation feature.]

Continue reading EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server

MassivelyEVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldaricaptains-quartersccpccp-gamescqeveeve-onlinegallenteincarnaminmatarsci-fiscifisingularitytest-servertrailervideoFri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy - docking tutorial
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, Reakktor and gamigo have a series of new Black Prophecy tutorial videos that just might do the trick. OK, that's mean, but the producers could stand to work on the monotone voiceover that drones throughout the entirety of three separate clips.

Happily, the clips themselves are pretty informative, and they cover interface basics, advanced UI features, and basic game functions. If you're new to MMOs or new to the world of Black Prophecy, it's probably worth spending the 10 minutes required to check them out (and of course you can do so after the break). Just make sure you've got a Red Bull instead of a glass of warm milk.

Continue reading Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos

MassivelyReakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basic-game-functionsblack-prophecyf2f2pfree-to-playgamigointernet-spaceshipsreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHsci-fiscifispaceshipstutorialuiui-tutorialvideovideo-tutorialThu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More talk of an Avatar MMO surfaces from director James Cameron]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/more-talk-of-an-avatar-mmo-surfaces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/more-talk-of-an-avatar-mmo-surfaces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/more-talk-of-an-avatar-mmo-surfaces/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Cameron and Sam Worthington on the Avatar set
Hollywood IPs don't have the greatest track record when it comes to making the transition to the MMORPG space, but celebrated film director James Cameron recently told IGN that he thinks his Avatar franchise is up to the task.

In an interview that touches on 3-D entertainment, single-player gaming, and real-world themepark rides, Cameron also says that "Avatar is a perfect IP for an MMO." The massively multiplayer portion of the project seems to be in its infancy, as the director notes that the fictional universe established in the 2009 blockbuster needs to be fleshed out and expanded via the upcoming sequels before consumers can fully grasp how big Avatar really is.

"The film is really just a leaping off point," Cameron says, "so we've got to create a rich and diverse world that lives well beyond the films." This isn't the first time that scuttlebutt about an Avatar MMO has hit the intarwebs. Cameron's producing partner Jon Landau floated the topic in early 2010, and UbiSoft originally planned to release an Avatar MMO in conjunction with the film's holiday 2009 debut.

MassivelyMore talk of an Avatar MMO surfaces from director James Cameron originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-mmoavatars-playing-avatarsfilmintellectual-propertyinterviewipjames-cameronkill-ten-navimmo-industrymoviessci-fiscifiWed, 28 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum removing character attributes, tweaking character creation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/perpetuum-removing-character-attributes-tweaking-character-crea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/perpetuum-removing-character-attributes-tweaking-character-crea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/perpetuum-removing-character-attributes-tweaking-character-crea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perpetuum - mech blasting
The end of the month is drawing nigh, and that means it's time to check in with the devs at Avatar Creations for the skinny on Perpetuum. The sci-fi sandbox is trucking right along, according to the latest dev blog, which outlines a few changes forthcoming in the near future.

First and foremost is the removal of character attributes. If you're not familiar with the game, the change isn't as dire as it initially sounds, as attributes basically determine the cost of extension points, which in turn leads to skill specialization. Avatar says that the only problem with the current system is that it forces players to make critical choices early in their Perpetuum careers (when most don't have a clue how they want to build their character or how the game works).

The attribute changes will also necessitate a character creation revamp, and you can read all about the tweaks on the official website.

MassivelyPerpetuum removing character attributes, tweaking character creation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attributesavataravatar-creationscharacter-changesdev-blogdev-diarydev-updatemech-mmomechspatchesperpetuumsandboxsci-fiscifiupdateWed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Supremacy enters the closed beta event horizon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/star-supremacy-enters-the-closed-beta-event-horizon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/star-supremacy-enters-the-closed-beta-event-horizon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/star-supremacy-enters-the-closed-beta-event-horizon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Supremacy
If you have been looking for a space-themed online real-time strategy title, Star Supremacy may be the thing to quench your intergalactic thirst. In the game, three human factions find themselves at odds in the depths of space, and only by engaging in all-out warfare can a victor be declared. It's free, it's browser-based, and it's at a closed beta near you.

Star Supremacy announced that its closed beta program starts today and can be joined by any space pilot who happens to possess... the key. Where do you get... the key? It's actually not too hard, as the official site lists a slew of participating partners that will gladly give you one of their... keys.

The game is also giving away in-game currency and items to players who participate in one of four beta events. These rewards are designed to be incentives for good beta testing behavior, as they lure players into submitting bug reports, providing feedback, and promoting Star Supremacy.

MassivelyStar Supremacy enters the closed beta event horizon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbily-gamesbetabeta-keybeta-key-giveawaybrowserbrowser-basedclosed-betacontestf2pfree-to-playin-game-currencyin-game-eventsmmortspromotionreal-time-strategyrtssci-fiscifistar-supremacyTue, 20 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Diving into details of Origins of Malu with an exclusive interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/some-assembly-required-diving-into-details-of-origins-of-malu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Origins of Malu

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIburning-dogburning-dog-mediacharacter-customiationcraftingdave-cruikshankduelingduelseconomyexclusivefactionsfantasyfeaturedharvestinghousinginterviewmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamnew-titlesoriginsOrigins of Maluorigins-mmoOrigins-of-MaluOriginsOfMalupermadeathpvpsandboxsandbox-mmosci-fiscifisome-assembly-requiredFri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Innovating outwards: The joining of EVE Online with DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/innovating-outwards-the-joining-of-eve-online-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/innovating-outwards-the-joining-of-eve-online-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/innovating-outwards-the-joining-of-eve-online-with-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DUST 514
Even though the PC-using EVE Online and the PlayStation 3-playing DUST 514 gamers may be separated by platform boundaries, CCP fans in both worlds will be joined at the hip in an odd, first-of-its-kind symbiotic relationship when DUST 514 launches. It's an intriguing prospect, but fans are wondering just how CCP is going to pull it off and how the two games will interact in practice.

DUST 514 producer Thomas Farrer sat down with Gamasutra to shed some light on the nitty-gritty details behind the auspicious plan. Farrer says that the buzz over DUST isn't as big as the team hoped, but he thinks this is due to the project taking a completely new angle on the industry: "Often, particularly in first-person games, games often look very inwards when it comes to how they are trying to innovate or move things forward. What we've tried to do is look more outwards."

Farrer outlined how the two titles will share the same economy, corporate structure, and social features. He says that the already-constructed EVE Online universe was a boon to the team's plans, since the established setting provided a perfect backdrop to a persistent shooter MMO, and that the two teams are in constant contact with each other as the project goes forward.

Of course, some computer players are put out that DUST 514 will be exclusive to the PS3, but Farrer acknowledges the slight possibility that it might not always be so: "Right now, we're pretty much just entirely focused on PlayStation. That's what we're going to remain focused on at least for the foreseeable future. But you know, who knows what happens in the future."

MassivelyInnovating outwards: The joining of EVE Online with DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgamasutrainnovateinnovationinterviewmmofpspersistent-shooterplaystation-3ps3scifithomas-farrerFri, 02 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bounty Hounds Online coming in both boxed and digital versions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/bounty-hounds-online-coming-in-both-boxed-and-digital-versions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/bounty-hounds-online-coming-in-both-boxed-and-digital-versions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/bounty-hounds-online-coming-in-both-boxed-and-digital-versions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bounty Hounds Online, an upcoming sci-fi action MMO, is going to give you a choice how you want it packaged: paper or plastic. Er, we mean "boxed or digital." The retail box will be released under the name Bounty Hounds Online Pro and will arrive in European shops this October. For the price of 10 Euros, players will get a leg up on this free-to-play title with exclusive content and in-game currency. Multiple language versions are planned for the box release as well.

The game puts players in the role of mercenaries tasked with cleaning up an intergalactic war on a planet known as Clear Sky. You'll get to choose between five classes and four military companies before heading into the battle, not to mention the awesome-sounding CTU transformable combat pets.

Recently out of closed beta, Bounty Hounds Online is slated for open beta on August 2nd. You can sign up by visiting the official website.

MassivelyBounty Hounds Online coming in both boxed and digital versions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bhobounty-hounds-onlinebounty-hounds-online-proboxclearskyctucurrencyf2pfree-to-playinnogamesretail-boxsci-fiscifitransformersWed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 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 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[ARGO Online opens up closed beta signups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/argo-online-opens-up-closed-beta-signups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/argo-online-opens-up-closed-beta-signups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/argo-online-opens-up-closed-beta-signups/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Looking for something interesting to play on your older might-as-well-be-steam-powered computer? How about a free-to-play MMO? What if I said it was a hybrid steampunk post-apocalyptic sci-fi fantasy free-to-play MMO? If that sounds interesting then grab your keyboard, as the closed beta for ARGO Online is gearing up and burda:ic is looking for all manner of testers.

ARGO Online is a world torn by two factions -- the nature-loving Floresslah and the technology-based Noblians -- struggling to gain supremacy of what's left after dropping enormous bombs on each other. Among many of the things players can look forward to in the upcoming beta are classes like Bomber and Chaser, PvP challenges that will offer wide-ranging battles between hundreds of players at a time, a pet system, tradeskills, and more. The system requirements are also fairly low, which opens up the potential for more people to play. If you'd like more information or you want to sign up and lend a hand with testing, head over to the ARGO Online website and check it out.

MassivelyARGO Online opens up closed beta signups originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argoargo-onlineburda-icBurda:icf2pfantasyfloresslahfloresslah-factionfree-to-playmgamenobliannoblian-factionpost-apocalypticscifisteampunkMon, 06 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms The Old Republic won't be launched before April 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ea-confirms-the-old-republic-wont-be-launched-before-april-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ea-confirms-the-old-republic-wont-be-launched-before-april-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ea-confirms-the-old-republic-wont-be-launched-before-april-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It is a dark day for the Republic (and the Empire, for that matter) -- Gamasutra reports that Star Wars: The Old Republic won't be gracing our desktops before April 2011.

Or, if you're a half-glass-full kind of person, EA did confirm that TOR will be launched during the company's 2012 fiscal year, which goes from April to December 2011. So there's that. EA CFO Eric Brown said that this was the first time the company's publicly stated a launch window for TOR, a game that is one of its most highly anticipated titles for next year. BioWare previously said that it is aiming for a spring 2011 release.

The Old Republic has been deep in testing for months now, and with 2011 just a month away, the title's release doesn't seem so much of a remote concept as an event that's lurking right around the corner.

MassivelyEA confirms The Old Republic won't be launched before April 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbiowareeaElectronic-Artseric-brownlaunchnerfherderreleasescifistar-wars-the-old-republictestingthe-old-republictorWed, 01 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After my last Perfect Ten list, I strongly debated creating a new one revolving around the issue of spiders and their relation to insects and gigantism, but my editor told me that that wasn't enough of an MMO topic to suit Massively's needs. So, bowing and scraping in apology, I must instead present to you my back-up plan: Ten reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today.

I can hear some of you grimacing right now: "But Justin -- if that is your real name -- are you really so doe-eyed and naïve? Don't you know that all MMOs suck, that it's all the same old crud, and that you have gray in your beard?"

That's where I'm different, I guess. I'm not blind to some of the serious issues that plague the MMO industry, and I've had my fair share of burnout, disillusion and frustration with the games, but I can't bring myself to become an MMO cynic. On the contrary, I feel that part of being an MMO fan is that it's fun to look on the bright side and get excited about this hobby we all share. So in that spirit, I present to you 10 reasons why it's a great time to be an MMO fan right now more than ever before.

And, yes, I'm still calling spiders "bugs." You can't stop me. I'm immune to all conventional weapons!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addbusiness-modelscharitieschristmascyniceveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhalohorrorlongevitylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaddennaivencsoftpolygamypost-apocalypticpvepvppvpbdtthrpsandboxscifisocialspiders-are-insectssubscriptionsuperherotheme-parkThu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST