Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hartsman: 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/hartsman-the-traditional-aaa-style-of-development-and-distribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/hartsman-the-traditional-aaa-style-of-development-and-distribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/hartsman-the-traditional-aaa-style-of-development-and-distribu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hartsman 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken
A few days ago we reported on RIFT's impending free-to-play conversion, followed by the news that Trion was undergoing a second set of apparently unrelated layoffs. Former Trion studio GM and CCO Scott Hartsman responded to the layoffs on Twitter, intimating that aspects of the gaming industry are "fundamentally broken."

After we invited your thoughts on that same subject in a Daily Grind earlier this week, we contacted Hartsman in the hopes of getting him to elaborate. Join us after the cut for the resulting interview.

Continue reading Hartsman: 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken

MassivelyHartsman: 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaabrokenbusiness-modelsfeaturedgaming-industry-brokenhartsman-interviewindustryinterviewinterviewsriftscott-hartsmanscott-hartsman-interviewtriontrion-worldsWed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you think MMO gamemaking is fundamentally broken?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-mmo-gamemaking-is-fundamentally-br/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-mmo-gamemaking-is-fundamentally-br/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-mmo-gamemaking-is-fundamentally-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Scott Hartsman
Buried in the brouhaha that is the latest round of Trion layoffs was the opinion of former RIFT producer Scott Hartsman. The MMO industry veteran offered his sympathies on Twitter and also offered to help affected former employees with job intros and the like.

Hartsman also hinted at his views on current industry trends, saying that "this model of gamemaking is so fundamentally broken." Given the limitations of Twitter and fact that Hartsman didn't elaborate, it's hard to know exactly what he meant, though we can extrapolate based on his prior positions on F2P and the context surrounding the Trion situation.

What about you, Massively readers? Do you agree with Hartsman? Is this model of MMO gamemaking fundamentally broken?

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: Do you think MMO gamemaking is fundamentally broken? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdaily-grindf2pfree-to-playopinionscott-hartsmantdgthe-daily-grindunsustainablewhalesTue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman pontificates on the future of MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/scott-hartsman-pontificates-on-the-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/scott-hartsman-pontificates-on-the-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/scott-hartsman-pontificates-on-the-future-of-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

hartsman on the future of mmos
We hadn't heard a peep from Scott Hartsman after he left his position as executive producer at Trion Worlds... until now. The former EverQuest II and RIFT lead spoke with Forbes not about where he's going but about where he thinks the MMO industry is heading.

Hartsman sees the increased cost and competition of MMOs becoming a major problem as more time goes by: "Can companies keep up with the expectations and each generation of MMOs costing more and more? It's an arms race that no one can win, it's not sustainable in its current direction."

He also thinks that we've hit a cap on the number of people willing to subscribe and that the newer (read: free-to-play) models are providing attractive, flexible alternatives for a wider playerbase. "It's all about finding business models that serve larger numbers in a fair way," Hartsman said, pointing to League of Legends as an example of how "friction-free" an entry to a game can be.

MassivelyScott Hartsman pontificates on the future of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelbusiness-modelsconquestdotae-sporteq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playleagueleague-of-legendslolmobapvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarariotriot-gamesrvrscott-hartsmansoesonysony-online-entertainmentsub-modelsubscriptionsubscription-modelthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 05 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Goodbye Scott, hello 2.2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/enter-at-your-own-rift-goodbye-scott-hello-2-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/enter-at-your-own-rift-goodbye-scott-hello-2-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/enter-at-your-own-rift-goodbye-scott-hello-2-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Enter at Your Own Rift Goodbye Scott, hello 22
If I was to make a list of the top, oh, five or 10 MMO developers whom I admire, Scott Hartsman would be on there. It's not just that I appreciate that he's one of the few human beings who is shorter than I am, but that he's had a remarkable career full of accomplishments that I respect. EverQuest II and RIFT both owe a great debt to the leadership of Hartsman, which is why it was a sad shock to hear that he was leaving Trion Worlds for unknown pastures.

And thus we begin a new year of RIFT, teetering between uncertainty and promise. For as severe as Hartsman's departure will be felt in the development of the game and in its community, we're also looking ahead to the title's third year of operation and a new update that looks to add even more delectable treats on top of this fantasy buffet.

So today we're going to say goodbye to Scott and hello to Update 2.2 as we look at the recent state of the game post.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Goodbye Scott, hello 2.2

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Goodbye Scott, hello 2.2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.22.3archeagebill-fisherconquestdefiancedepartureend-of-nationsenter-at-your-own-rifteq-iieverquest-iifantasyfeaturedopinionpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanstate-of-the-gamestorm-legiontelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsupdate-2.2update-2.3Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman leaving Trion Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/scott-hartsman-leaving-trion-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/scott-hartsman-leaving-trion-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/scott-hartsman-leaving-trion-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scott Hartsman leaving Trion Worlds
According to a recent post on the RIFT forum, Executive Producer Scott Hartsman has announced his resignation from Trion Worlds.

"It's been an amazing time," Hartsman writes, "Working with some of the best developers anywhere, getting the company's first game off the ground, taking it all the way through a multitude of amazing updates, then to Storm Legion, and even a little bit beyond."

Lead Game Designer Bill "Daglar" Fisher will be continuing with the State of the Game update starting tomorrow, but no word yet if he'll be taking over the Executive Producer role.

[Thanks to Kirk for the tip!]

MassivelyScott Hartsman leaving Trion Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-fisherconquestdaglarfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch
RIFT's long-anticipated Storm Legion expansion has officially launched, and Trion Worlds has also released a new trailer and screenshots to mark the occasion. The update brings with it a host of things for players to enjoy, from new continents to housing to an increased level cap (60). As Ascended prepare to dive into all the new content, Scott Hartsman, RIFT Executive Producer and Trion's Chief Creative Officer, took a moment to thank the players for their part in shaping the expansion. He stated:
"Storm Legion is a labor of love, and we dedicate it to our incredibly amazing players. Their feedback and critique throughout the expansion's development really pushed it over the top, making it a truly special experience. Thanks to them, Storm Legion is huge, dynamic, and incredibly fun to play."
For even more on Storm Legion, head to Massively's launch day guide. Then check out the new screenshots in the gallery below and watch the trailer after the break.

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

Gallery: RIFT: Storm Legion

Continue reading RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch

MassivelyRIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestexpansionfantasygalleryhousinglaunchlaunch-daynew-continentspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanscreenshotsstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptrailertriontrion-worldsvideoTue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Is the subscription justified?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/enter-at-your-own-rift-is-the-subscription-justified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/enter-at-your-own-rift-is-the-subscription-justified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/enter-at-your-own-rift-is-the-subscription-justified/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Enter at Your Own Rift Is the subscription justified
I wonder whether the folks at Trion Worlds feel as if they're on an ever-shrinking island, holding fast to the subscription-only model while the world erodes into the sea of free-to-play. It's got to be an unsettling feeling, particularly as the competition continues to press in from all sides.

Is clinging to RIFT's subscription worth it? When even Star Wars: The Old Republic flinched and buckled to F2P, what chance does RIFT have to stay its course? Is Trion hurting or helping this game by holding fast to the business model?

It's a tricky question that's made trickier by the scarcity of facts. Trion's expressed strong confidence in the way it's steered RIFT so far, and I wonder whether that's a genuine confidence based on numbers that I don't see or a brave front for a duck that's paddling furiously under the calm pond surface.

So is RIFT really so good that it justifies a monthly subscription, and if so, what makes it OK to stay above the F2P waters on that tiny island?

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Is the subscription justified?

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Is the subscription justified? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdavid-reidenter-at-your-own-riftexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playopinionpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanstorm-legionsubsub-onlysubssubscriptionsubscription-onlytelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 05 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Wardrobe blues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-wardrobe-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-wardrobe-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/enter-at-your-own-rift-wardrobe-blues/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Enter at Your Own Rift Wardrobe blues
One of the aspects of RIFT that I keep trumpeting to friends and strangers alike is just how wonderfully quick, responsive, and engaging Trion Worlds' updates have been. It's almost as if the dev team is engaging in a pillow fight with players, swinging away and trying to pummel us into submission with great content that's not always perfect but usually is great. In comparison, many other MMOs have become stodgy dinosaurs, creaking along with long-promised but never-arriving features.

So while I praise Trion for the bounty of nine major updates since launch, there's one feature that I've felt discontented with every since its inclusion: the wardrobe. For me to say this is kind of a big thing; anyone who knows me knows that I adore it when MMOs give us the option to dress up our characters the way we like. An appearance system was a big wish list item for me, and when Trion casually tossed it in the game early on, I was ecstatic.

Yet over the months, I've grown to dislike the system as a whole, especially in comparison to cosmetic gear systems in other titles that I play. It's a little difficult to put a finger on why, but I've got another 1000 words or so to make the attempt and then discuss solutions. Let's get to it!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Wardrobe blues

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Wardrobe blues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestcosmeticcosmetic-systemcosmeticsenter-at-your-own-riftf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionoutfitoutfitspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmantelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentwardrobewardrobe-systemWed, 08 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: What Scott Hartsman's AMA portends for RIFT]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/enter-at-your-own-rift-what-hartsmans-ama-portends-for-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/enter-at-your-own-rift-what-hartsmans-ama-portends-for-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/enter-at-your-own-rift-what-hartsmans-ama-portends-for-rift/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Scott Hartsman
The Trion team is nothing if not persistent. In an elaborate plot involving Dr. Pepper and a one-way locked office, the devs were able to finally get Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman to participate in an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit. It was an engaging discussion that touched on a variety of topics, from up and coming titles such as End of Nations to Hartsman's journey from GM of the MUD Scepter of Goth to his time with SOE and his current endeavors with Trion. We learned that he's a pretty hardcore raider, that he plays incognito, and that his raid drink of choice is Grimbergen Blonde. But the focus of the conversation was RIFT, and while he didn't shed too much light on the upcoming expansion, he did drop a few hints about what we might see in the future. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll look at some of the highlights!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: What Scott Hartsman's AMA portends for RIFT

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: What Scott Hartsman's AMA portends for RIFT originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsconquestenter-at-your-own-riftfantasyfeaturedopinionpvpredditreddit-amariftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanstorm-legiontelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 01 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT exclusive: Storm Legion lore bonanza]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/rift-exclusive-storm-legion-lore-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/rift-exclusive-storm-legion-lore-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/rift-exclusive-storm-legion-lore-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT exclusive Storm Legion lore bonanza
With fall on its way, the dark forces of the Storm Legion are preparing to invade RIFT and give its players a new challenge. Fans of Trion Worlds' maiden MMO are no doubt scouring the internet for any scraps of relevant information about the expansion, which is why we're pleased to offer you two exclusive lore pieces on the Infinity Gate and the Storm Legion itself.

In addition to this lore, we've got brand-new concept art and screenshots to give you a taste of what's to come with Storm Legion.

When you're done soaking all of this in, you may want to check out Executive Producer Scott Hartsman's Reddit AMA (ask me anything) that's going on today!

Continue reading RIFT exclusive: Storm Legion lore bonanza

MassivelyRIFT exclusive: Storm Legion lore bonanza originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaask-me-anythingbetaconquestexpansionfantasygalleryinfinity-gatelorepvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsFri, 27 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's Update 1.9: An interview with Scott Hartsman and Hal Hanlin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/rifts-update-1-9-an-interview-with-scott-hartsman-and-hal-hanl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/rifts-update-1-9-an-interview-with-scott-hartsman-and-hal-hanl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/rifts-update-1-9-an-interview-with-scott-hartsman-and-hal-hanl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Conquest, Mentoring, and Summer Fun Trion talks Update 19
"It's about more players being able to do more things with each other." That's how Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman described the core goal behind Update 1.9. And based on the upcoming changes, it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities for both. From Conquest to mentoring to low-level instant adventures to the new 10-man sliver and even the arrival of global chat across all servers, the world of Telara has several exciting new changes on the way.

Massively sat down with Scott Hartsman and Design Director Hal Hanlin for a roundtable discussion about what's in store for 1.9. Read on for highlights and a look at what's coming from this rather beefy patch.

Gallery: RIFT: Conquest

Continue reading RIFT's Update 1.9: An interview with Scott Hartsman and Hal Hanlin

MassivelyRIFT's Update 1.9: An interview with Scott Hartsman and Hal Hanlin originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfantasygalleriesgalleryglobal-chathal-hanlininstant-adventuresinterviewinterviewsmentoringpreviewpreviewspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanscreenshotscreenshotssliverthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsupdate-1.9Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion Worlds licenses CloakWorks cloth simulation tech]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/trion-worlds-licenses-cloakworks-cloth-simulation-tech/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/trion-worlds-licenses-cloakworks-cloth-simulation-tech/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/trion-worlds-licenses-cloakworks-cloth-simulation-tech/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CloakWorks logo
RIFT players, have you been feeling like the game is missing a certain je ne sais quois? Perhaps the way your cloak flaps in the wind just isn't quite dramatic enough for you. Well, you may just be in luck, as Trion Worlds has just announced that it has licensed CloakWorks' "advanced cloth simulation technology" known as Shroud. RIFT executive producer Scott Hartsman claims that capes are one of the most-requested visual features and states that he's "very happy" with Shroud's results.

The studio hasn't released any previews of the new technology in action, but we'll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for new details as they come. In the meantime, though, why don't you busy yourself by catching up on all the latest news about RIFT's upcoming Storm Legion expansion?

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyTrion Worlds licenses CloakWorks cloth simulation tech originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloakworkscloth-simulation-technologyconquestfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanshroudstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 13 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT: Storm Legion expansion coming this fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/rift-storm-legion-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/rift-storm-legion-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/rift-storm-legion-expansion-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT
The RIFT army cannot be stopped, and neither can Trion Worlds' incredibly hard-working team. Trion officially announced today that RIFT's first expansion, Storm Legion, will be hitting the stores this fall. Executive Producer Scott Hartsman said that the expansion will "triple in size" the amount of content and territory that players currently have. "RIFT: Storm Legion is about more, more, more," he said.

Storm Legion will open up two new continents for play: Dusken (a horror-themed continent) and Brevane (which hosts the cradle of Telaran civilization). Another major city will join the map, the dual-faction town of Tempest Bay.

Each continent will feature its own storyline, with the promise by the devs that the term "story" will feature far more heavily than mere busy work. The main story of the expansion is driven by Crucia, the Queen of Storms, who's bringing her huge entourage to Telara through the Infinity Gate.

Players have much to anticipate when the expansion releases. In addition to the new continents, the expansion will increase the level cap to 60, add capes to our wardrobes, experiment with a player housing system called "dimensions," introduce seven new dungeons and three new raids, add a crafting tier, and see another Chronicle join the roster. Players will also get to play with four new souls, one for each calling (Warrior, Rogue, Mage, and Cleric). Finally, for the brave at heart, the expansion will bring the immense colossus to terrorize the realms, and these open-world colossus battles are supposed to be like nothing we've ever seen before.

Get excited for RIFT: Storm Legion by watching the trailer after the jump!

Continue reading RIFT: Storm Legion expansion coming this fall

MassivelyRIFT: Storm Legion expansion coming this fall originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrevanecapecapeschroniclechroniclesconquestCruciadungeonsduskenexpansionfantasyplayer-housingpvpraidsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararift-storm-legionrvrscott-hartsmansliversstorm-legiontempest-baythree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptrailertriontrion-worldsvideoThu, 31 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionAndy-Cataldoasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotccpccp-gamesclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playhumorinternet-spaceshipsKai-Schoberlord-britishlucasartsmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenplanetsidepsps1pvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fiscott-hartsmansoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fishing, survival, and dragons: The Trion Team talks about RIFT's 1.8 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/fishing-survival-and-dragons-the-trion-team-talks-about-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/fishing-survival-and-dragons-the-trion-team-talks-about-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/fishing-survival-and-dragons-the-trion-team-talks-about-rift/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
As the Carnival of the Ascended draws to a close and the last of the piñatas and balloons are put away from RIFT's first birthday, Update 1.8 is just around the corner. It's full of new content, including the new raid zone Infernal Dawn, fishing and survival skills, and lots of game improvements. Massively took part in a roundtable discussion with Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman, Design Producer Hal Hanlin, and Producer Adam Gershowitz to get all the details on Update 1.8 and more. Read on for highlights!

Gallery: RIFT 1.8 screenshots

RIFT 1.8 screenshots

Continue reading Fishing, survival, and dragons: The Trion Team talks about RIFT's 1.8 update

MassivelyFishing, survival, and dragons: The Trion Team talks about RIFT's 1.8 update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gerschotiwzfeaturedfishingguild-recruiting-toolhal-hanlininstant-adventureskaren-bryanlaethysleaderboardsriftrift-1.8rift-expansionscott-hartsmanstreaming-clientsurvivalThu, 12 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman: A fully dynamic RIFT 'lacked clarity']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/scott-hartsman-a-fully-dynamic-rift-lacked-clarity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/scott-hartsman-a-fully-dynamic-rift-lacked-clarity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/scott-hartsman-a-fully-dynamic-rift-lacked-clarity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scott Hartsman
It's a well-known fact that throughout a good portion of its development process, RIFT was designed to be a completely dynamic world free from the traditional questing system. So why did Trion Worlds feel the need to shoehorn in these established MMO elements?

Scott Hartsman doesn't duck the question in a recent interview but gives an open explanation for how the process came to be. He said the team originally began with a huge concept of a world where everything could change and be transitory but discovered that it had one big flaw: Players didn't feel connected to the world they were supposed to be saving.

"A lot of it came down to a lack of clarity," Hartsman admits. "People need to feel like they have a place in the world in order to feel like it's a world they want to keep coming back to." To provide a way to anchor players in the story and place of the world, the team went back and added a static layer in addition to the dynamic one already present and created new ways for the two to interact.

Hartsman reveals that everything in RIFT is created, balanced, and scaled by designers, as the team rejects fully machine-generated content (although the devs have used programs to assist in the design). He says that the team's main focus, from before launch until now, has been to get its subscribers to play together, as those relationships help "stick" a player to a game like nothing else.

MassivelyScott Hartsman: A fully dynamic RIFT 'lacked clarity' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynamic-contentfantasyinstant-adventuresinterviewriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsTue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Where the mobs raid you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-mmo-report-where-the-mobs-raid-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-mmo-report-where-the-mobs-raid-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-mmo-report-where-the-mobs-raid-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report goes to Trion
The MMO Report returns this week with a special RIFT edition in celebration of the game's first birthday. In this extra-long show, Casey visits the Trion Worlds studios in Redwood Shores, California for a beard's-eye view of the game as it turns one. He meets up with such Trion notables as Scott Hartsman, Hal Hanlin, and Russ Brown as they chat about the Carnival of the Ascended, the anniversary events, the mobile app, and the record-breaking 20,000 marriages recently performed in-game. The devs also discuss how they balance fan feedback (endgame players are apparently the loudest) and claim that the latest patch features the "greatest balloons ever put into a game."

Eavesdrop on Casey's tour in the HD video after the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Where the mobs raid you

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Where the mobs raid you originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaycasey-schreinerhal-hanlinhumormmo-reportnewsopinionriftroundupruss-brownscott-hartsmanthe-mmo-reporttriontrion-worldsvideovideosThu, 01 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Looking back at RIFT's first year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-back-at-rifts-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-back-at-rifts-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-back-at-rifts-first-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Rift carnival
As I ran around smacking loot piñatas (finally, someone acknowledges these things for what they are), I wondered how on earth RIFT's first year went by so fast. The Carnival of the Ascended is just around the corner, and on March 1st, the game officially celebrates its first birthday.

In just one year, RIFT has seen seven game updates, a handful of world events, and all sorts of new additions and improvements to the world of Telara. Rather than being a straight-up retrospective, this week's Enter at Your Own Rift is looking back on the first year with a Justin-style list of highlights and even a glimpse of what's coming in 1.8.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Looking back at RIFT's first year

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Looking back at RIFT's first year originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycarnival-of-the-ascendedchroniclesember-isleenter-at-your-own-riftfantasyfeaturedinstant-adventureskaren-bryanmaster-dungeonsopinionplanar-attunementretrospectiveriftrift-1.8rift-birthdayrift-mentoringrift-one-year-oldrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmansoul-presetssoul-systemtelaratriontrion-worldswarfront-accoladeswarfrontsWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
It wasn't but yesterday that we ran our feature on the gaming achievements of the Guinness Book of World Records: Gamer's Edition 2012, but between then and now, a new MMO-related record has been set. As many of you know, RIFT recently added marriage to its plethora of features, allowing players to make the ultimate commitment in Telara. Well, the ultimate commitment besides joining a raiding guild, at any rate.

A press release today announced that RIFT players banded together with the goal of setting the record for the most in-game marriages in a 24-hour span. We're not certain what the previous record was if there was one at all, but RIFT players managed to set the bar with a staggering 21,879 marriages performed between noon on February 14th and noon on February 15th. RIFT executive producer and Trion Worlds CCO Scott Hartsman is pleased with the outcome, stating in the press release that "Ascended Weddings were a great way to lift the veil on RIFT's new 'Gatherings' feature, social experiences that bring players together in new and interesting ways." He goes on to add that "[the studio] looks forward to expanding this great new gameplay element in the always-evolving world of Telara." So congratulations to all of the lucky couples. Enjoy your new ball-and-chain!

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyRIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegaming-cultureguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-book-of-world-records-gamers-editionin-game-marriagein-game-marriagesin-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesmmo-culturerecordrecordsriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsweddingweddingsworld-recordworld-recordsThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Just getting started': Scott Hartsman rallies the RIFT faithful for 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/just-getting-started-scott-hartsman-rallies-the-rift-faithful/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT
"What an amazing year it has been," begins Scott Hartsman in his one-year state of the game report for RIFT. Citing Trion Worlds' ability to "think about MMOs a little bit differently than everyone else," Hartsman recalls the mountain of accomplishments of the previous year, including the seven major content updates leading up to the recent Update 1.7 and the RIFT Lite service.

The best part? "We're just getting started," he exults.

Hartsman identifies the "key themes" of the team's 2012 focus, including playing with other people, improving the soul system, leaping forward in PvP, coming up with new ways to interact with the game world, and expanding RIFT's endgame. The interactions theme is intriguing, especially considering his phrasing: "When we say interact, we mean both interacting with the game in non-combat ways, and interacting from out of game entirely."

The letter dives into more specifics with each of these themes before culminating in a promise of even more surprises to come later this year.

Massively'Just getting started': Scott Hartsman rallies the RIFT faithful for 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7dev-diaryproducers-letterpvpriftrift-litescott-hartsmansoul-systemstate-of-the-gametriontrion-worldsupdate-1.7Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA['RIFT Lite' announced, makes first 20 levels free to all [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/rift-lite-announced-makes-first-20-levels-free-to-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/rift-lite-announced-makes-first-20-levels-free-to-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/rift-lite-announced-makes-first-20-levels-free-to-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT Lite, with less calories
Trion Worlds has just announced that its fantasy MMO RIFT, which released to wide acclaim just 11 months ago, will today launch an introductory version of the game known as RIFT Lite. Similar to Warhammer Online's Endless Trial and World of Warcraft's Starter Edition, RIFT Lite will allow "anyone with a Trion account to experience the game's first 20 levels at no cost and with no playtime restrictions." Players will be able to access the capital cities as well as Terminus, Mathosia, Freemarch, and Silverwood, all the way up to level 20 and on any server, for the low, low cost of zero dollars.

In the press release, RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman, who told fans last November that Trion had "absolutely no plans whatsoever" to turn RIFT F2P, stated that his company believes "a Lite edition with no time limit is the best way for players to see what an amazing experience RIFT continues to be."

Diet RIFT launches today in conjunction with the latest patch, Carnival of the Ascended, which brings player weddings, dungeon overhauls, and PvP tweaks to Telara.

[Update: The official RIFT Lite website has now gone live.]

Massively'RIFT Lite' announced, makes first 20 levels free to all [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnival-of-the-ascendeddiet-riftendless-trialf2pfree-to-playfree-to-trylevel-20litemini-f2ppatch-1.7riftrift-litescott-hartsmantelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion plans RIFT's 2012 attack strategy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
With 2011 locked in as a highly profitable year for Trion Worlds, the studio is eager to prove that it didn't pull off a one-trick-pony with RIFT by leaping into 2012 with guns blazing. Scott Hartsman emphasized that the studio's emphasis on having a responsive live team that quickly and decisively acts on player feedback is a key element in what makes RIFT special. "We want to make greater strides for 2012," he said.

Hartsman also opened up about Trion's plans for 2012, starting with the Return to Telara free play weekend that's currently active. The team is preparing to unveil plans about major improvements to the PvP system, including ways to lower PvP wait time, improve the PvP soul system, increase rewards, and perhaps have a form of open-world PvP that isn't limited to factional combat.

Other areas of improvement for the year he mentioned include giving players tools for social gatherings and tweaking the crafting system.

MassivelyTrion plans RIFT's 2012 attack strategy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7craftingpatch-1.7pvpreturn-to-telarariftscott-hartsmansocial-gatheringstelaratriontrion-worldsweddingsFri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
All in-game holiday festivals were not born equal, but they do seem to share a family resemblance when it comes to being merry and bright. RIFT's Fae Yule is but one of many, many Christmastime MMO holidays that we're witnessing this month, but the team at Trion Worlds is looking to make it stand out from the rest of the crowd with its depth and sense of fun.

So why do the inhabitants of Telara celebrate Fae Yule and take time out of their busy schedule of slaughter and soul-absorbing to decorate the town and scarf down bucketfuls of eggnog? What do they sing about when gathered around a crackling fire? What kind of present is appropriate for the fellow who already has the gift of immortality?

It's time to sit on Trion's lap and ask for your greatest wish in game while jolly St. Hartsman tells you all about the lore and in-game goodies behind RIFT's festivities. Ho-ho-hit that jump and let's get started!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstorychristmaschristmas-eventexclusivefae-yuleholidayholiday-eventIlluminariain-game-eventloreriftscott-hartsmanstorytriontrion-worldsVaiyuuTue, 13 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman: RIFT going F2P would be a 'large net negative' for the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/scott-hartsman-rift-going-f2p-would-be-a-large-net-negative-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/scott-hartsman-rift-going-f2p-would-be-a-large-net-negative-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/scott-hartsman-rift-going-f2p-would-be-a-large-net-negative-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT
With so many former subscription-only MMOs turning to free-to-play/hybrid business models these days, one might assume that Trion Worlds feels the pressure to do the same with RIFT -- but that is far from the case. Speaking with Eurogamer, Scott Hartsman confirmed that Trion has "absolutely no plans whatsoever" to transition RIFT to a F2P model. He cited strong business and a growing game as reasons why the company is happy where it's at.

Embracing F2P, in Hartsman's opinion, would end up hurting more than helping in this situation: "One of the assumptions people make is you can just take a game and throw a switch and change the model. For starters, you'd have to decide that that would be a good thing, and I do not think it would be -- that would be a fairly large net negative for RIFT and the RIFT community."

While Hartsman confirms that F2P attracts large amounts of users, he also says that it fundamentally changes how an MMO studio approaches the game itself. "Take a free-to-play game or a social game, where the business is all about -- the social games' word for it is, 'going whaling,'" he said. "The idea is you have a paying player subsidising the play of, potentially, dozens or hundreds of other users. And so you have to be willing to create a game that has the ability to make huge sums of money from relatively small numbers of people. Once you decide that you are going to enter the whaling business, it's a different mindset and a different set of goals you're designing for entirely."

MassivelyScott Hartsman: RIFT going F2P would be a 'large net negative' for the game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurogamerf2pfree-to-playriftscott-hartsmansubscriptiontriontrion-worldswhalingWed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter At Your Own Rift: The big takeaways from GDC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-big-takeaways-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-big-takeaways-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-big-takeaways-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ember Isle
After dining on enough beef brisket to feed an army of hungry cowboys, I returned from Austin's GDC Online to chip away at the Ashes of History world event quests. RIFT had a nice showing at the GDC Online Awards ceremony, walking away with awards for Best Online Technology and Best New Online Game. In addition, Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman gave a talk about RIFT's pre-launch preparations and post-launch plans. GDC was dominated by a handful of common topics, like free-to-play, metrics, monetization, and technology. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll take a look at a few of these to see how they apply to RIFT, and then we'll look at the big takeaways from GDC overall.

Continue reading Enter At Your Own Rift: The big takeaways from GDC

MassivelyEnter At Your Own Rift: The big takeaways from GDC originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Benedikt-GrindelChristopher-Schmitzenter-at-your-own-rifteqeverquestextra-life-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playgdcgdc-onlinegdc-online-2011georg-zoellerkaren-bryanMarkus-Perssonminecraftmojangmonitizationpanelpanelsred-doorriftscott-hartsmansettlers-onlineshadow-citiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortelarathe-settlers-onlinetriontrion-worldsubisoft-blue-bytewizard101Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2011: RIFT's Scott Hartsman on surviving and thriving in today's MMO climate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-online-2011-rifts-scott-hartsman-on-surviving-and-thriving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-online-2011-rifts-scott-hartsman-on-surviving-and-thriving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-online-2011-rifts-scott-hartsman-on-surviving-and-thriving/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Scott Hartsman
Recently, we took time to look back on the past six months of RIFT's milestones, and this year at GDC Online, Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman sat down for a question-and-answer session to do the same thing. While we've seen the results of Trion's post-launch efforts, Hartsman gave a candid glimpse at what was going on behind the scenes as the team finished up beta and moved toward launch day. He took questions from N'Gai Croal, as well as from the audience, and highlights from the interview follow after the break.

Continue reading GDC Online 2011: RIFT's Scott Hartsman on surviving and thriving in today's MMO climate

MassivelyGDC Online 2011: RIFT's Scott Hartsman on surviving and thriving in today's MMO climate originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafeaturedgdcgdc-onlinegdc-online-2011panelpost-launchriftscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsThu, 13 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: A six-month retrospective]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-six-month-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-six-month-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-six-month-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rift invasion
About a year ago I was on a little show called The Rift Podcast with Arithion, Desi, and Trion Community Manager Cindy Bowens. It's hard to believe, but at the time, there was just a trickle of buzz surrounding RIFT and only a few details were available about the game. We're now six months into release, and it's worth taking a look back at some of the memorable moments for RIFT from beta and beyond. There have been many changes in-game, and while the ride wasn't always smooth, it's surprising how much has been added in game in such a short time.

In this week's Enter at your own Rift, we'll journey back to beta and look at some of the peaks and valleys as it reached its six-month milestone.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A six-month retrospective

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A six-month retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cindy-bowensenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedhammerknellkaren-bryanplanar-attunementretrospectiveriftrift-connectrift-invasionsriver-of-soulsscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsworld-eventsWed, 12 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Hal Hanlin and Scott Hartsman on Update 1.5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/enter-at-your-own-rift-hal-hanlin-and-scott-hartsman-on-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/enter-at-your-own-rift-hal-hanlin-and-scott-hartsman-on-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/enter-at-your-own-rift-hal-hanlin-and-scott-hartsman-on-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rift Chronicles
Chronicles, Planar Attunement, Veteran Rewards, a World Event, and a hint about a brand-new area coming soon are just the tip of the iceberg in RIFT's 1.5 update. Ashes of History is due to launch next week, and Design Producer Hal Hanlin and Executive Producer Scott Hartsman offered up lots of details during a conference call yesterday.

Whether you're an experienced veteran or a brand-new player, there's something for everyone in update 1.5. Read on for the full rundown of what's on the way, then take a look at our gallery for the newest Ashes of History screenshots.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Hal Hanlin and Scott Hartsman on Update 1.5

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Hal Hanlin and Scott Hartsman on Update 1.5 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashes-of-historychroniclesenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedgalleriesgalleryhal-hanlininterviewinterviewskaren-bryanplanar-attunementriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantelaraTriontrion-worldsupdate-1.5veteran-rewardsWed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: How gold farming really hurts the economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/enter-at-your-own-rift-how-gold-farming-really-hurts-the-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/enter-at-your-own-rift-how-gold-farming-really-hurts-the-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/enter-at-your-own-rift-how-gold-farming-really-hurts-the-econom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT: Sanctum under threat
Recently, Trion Worlds CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman talked to Gamasutra about how gold farming is a much bigger threat than we assume, particularly because of the large amount of credit card fraud. Those who played RIFT at launch probably recall the large wave of hacked accounts early on. According to Hartsman, the hacking attempts were so quick and so intense that the game could have been "denial-of-serviced off the internet" when it launched.

As I was browsing the Auctioneer the other day, I was reminded of Scott's statement because gold farming has sucked a lot of the fun out of in-game economies in virtual worlds. Markets early on were lively, unpredictable, exciting, and full of freedom but very vulnerable because of the growing illegal trade of in-game currency for real money. In an effort to combat the rising real-life value of gold, games like RIFT have moved away from gold toward a system of non-tradeable tokens. But while these tokens have helped to curb the value of gold and reduce the demand for third-party RMTs, they've also removed a lot of the freedom from players. After the cut, we'll take a closer look at how exactly that's happened and why it hurts the economy.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: How gold farming really hurts the economy

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: How gold farming really hurts the economy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>currencycurrency-tradingenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedfree-marketgoldgold-farmingmarketplaquesreal-money-tradingriftrmtRMTsscott-hartsmanthird-party-tradingtriontrion-worldsWed, 10 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Forward thinking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-forward-thinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-forward-thinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-forward-thinking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT right now feels like it's in the middle of that quiet pause right before all hell breaks loose. In game, we're in the thick of the Waves of Madness event, and good old Scotty's ammunition is working well against the doors of Hammerknell Fortress. The question is, what will happen once the doors are finally broken?

Outside the game, Trion CCO and Rift Executive Producer Scott Hartsman posted a "State of the game," which outlined what they have planned for the fantasy MMO down the road. But it actually leaves us with more questions than answers. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll look at the world event as well as the summer update, and speculate on what's really coming to Telara.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Forward thinking

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Forward thinking originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-wardstoneschronicles-of-telaraenter-at-your-own-riftinstant-adventuresriftscott-hartsmantrionwaves-of-madnessWed, 27 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: Broke and richer for it edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/global-chat-broke-and-richer-for-it-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/global-chat-broke-and-richer-for-it-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/global-chat-broke-and-richer-for-it-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

This week we're looking at all things money: Who has it, who doesn't, and why it makes the world go 'round. Naturally, Massively writers are richer than seven kings of Arabia combined and aren't concerned with such petty matters, but it seems to weigh heavily upon some of your heads. Hit the jump and let's see what the buzz was like in the comments section this past week!

Continue reading Global Chat: Broke and richer for it edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: Broke and richer for it edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentscrypticglobal-chatgold-buyergold-buyersgold-buyinggold-farmergold-farmersgold-farminggold-sellergold-sellersgold-sellingmoneyopinionpre-orderrmtscott-hartsmanstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republictorvisaSun, 24 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman says gold farming hurts our games more than we know]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/scott-hartsman-says-gold-farming-hurts-our-games-more-than-we-kn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/scott-hartsman-says-gold-farming-hurts-our-games-more-than-we-kn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/scott-hartsman-says-gold-farming-hurts-our-games-more-than-we-kn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gold buying is one of those aspects of MMO culture that is seemingly universally denounced, yet enough people partake in the practice to keep the wheels of this grey market activity going. Scott Hartsman may be saying the obvious when he denounced gold farming and selling to Gamasutra, but apparently it is still something we need to hear.

The Trion Worlds general manager shared a glimpse of just how hard these activities hit games, and how concerned he and other studio execs are about the proliferation of credit card fraud that results: "It's those kinds of things where people laugh and go, 'Oh, that never happens.' No. It happens. It happens a s**tload. To the point where, over the last three or four years, I would dare anybody to ask an exec at a gaming company how much they've had to pay in MasterCard and Visa fines, because of fraud. It happens a lot."

According to Hartsman, the more these events take place, the more money studios spend on paying fines and dealing with them instead of reinvesting funds into the games themselves -- all because of the "jerks" perpetuating the crimes.

MassivelyScott Hartsman says gold farming hurts our games more than we know originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-card-fraudgamasutragold-buyinggold-farmergold-farminggold-sellinggrey-markethackhackedhackersjerksmastercardrmtscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsvisaThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's first State of the Game address floods players with news of the future [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rifts-first-state-of-the-game-address-floods-players-with-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rifts-first-state-of-the-game-address-floods-players-with-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rifts-first-state-of-the-game-address-floods-players-with-news/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Trion Worlds has never been shy in talking about RIFT's upcoming content, especially considering how fast and furious said content's been flying down the pipe. However, the studio may have topped itself today as it gave its first State of the Game address, opening up about the title's history to date and both the near and far future of the team's plans.

It's difficult to try to summarize all of this news in a brief paragraph -- so we're not even going to try! Instead, Massively joined a number of other news outlets for a conference call with the RIFT team and Scott Hartsman to clarify all of the exciting content, fixes and features mentioned in this address.

So join us after the jump as we look at quality-of-life improvements, new types of rifts, vastly improved PvP experiences, solo dungeons, and something intriguing called "Instant Adventure."

Continue reading RIFT's first State of the Game address floods players with news of the future [Updated]

MassivelyRIFT's first State of the Game address floods players with news of the future [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-advancementchronicles-of-telaraescalationhigh-adventureinstant-adventurelfglfg-systemlfg-toolpatch-1.4planar-attunementplanar-attunement-treesplanesport-scionpreviewpvppvp-riftpvp-riftsriftriftsscarwood-reachscott-hartsmansolo-dungeonsstate-of-the-gamethe-chronicles-of-telaratriontrion-worldsupdateworld-pvpxpThu, 14 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today we're on the verge of RIFT's third major update's going live. It's a doozy of a patch, too, with a little something for everyone: a raid for endgame players, guild banks for... well, guilds, character transfers for the antsy, and RIFT's second world event for one and all.

With Patch 1.3, Trion Worlds puts its money where its mouth is by continuing with its streak of sizable, regular updates. It's a critical patch for some, as it seeks to answer the growing call for more endgame content while an increasing number of players hit 50. Fans of RIFT will most likely welcome the spread of the patch, but detractors will undoubtedly criticize why X was done instead of Y (and don't even get into Z; that letter is nothing but trouble). And above the noise, Trion sails on with apparent confidence and dedication.

Even though we got to speak with Trion at E3, I got the opportunity for another pre-1.3 interview with Design Producer Hal Hanlin (which, by the way, is a superhero fake identity if I ever heard one). In this no-holds-barred discussion, we covered the selling points of 1.3, the accusation that RIFT is "dying," and the philosophy behind Trion's rapid stream of content.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-man-raid20-person-raidbalancebind-to-accountcharacter-transferscollectionscontentdesign-teamdesignerse3e3-2011enter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedguild-bankhal-hanlinhammerknelllfg-systemMurdantixMurdantix-mountpatch-1.3patch-1.4pvppvp-daily-questsraidred-sliversriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldswaves-of-madnessworld-eventWed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman: 'Happy customers stick around longer']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"Here's the overall philosophy behind all this: Happy customers stick around longer," Scott Hartsman said in an interview with Gamefront. "That's what we think. That's the beginning and end of it." It may seem like common sense, but for Hartsman and the team at Trion Worlds, it's a lesson they feel is easy to forget.

He cites this as the driving force behind one of the game's major upcoming changes: the ability to transfer characters between servers for free. Trion hopes that the character transfers will help friends connect without the obstacle of separate servers getting in their way. Hartsman said that the tech behind the transfer is impressive -- not to mention "instantaneous" from a customer standpoint.

Hartsman says that the team places a premium on talking frankly and frequently with players. If Trion doesn't always come across as perfect, he hopes that the company makes up for it with communication and sincerity: "We don't want to hide behind a big wall, and we don't want everything to come through a formal mouthpiece. I'd rather have us all out conversing with people and occasionally making a mistake here or there on the assumption that because we are talking to people more means that overall, things are going to be better."

The lengthy interview covers a wide range of pressing topics, from the "bumpy" River of Souls event to the LFG system and the free trial program.

MassivelyScott Hartsman: 'Happy customers stick around longer' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharacter-transferscustomer-servicegamefronthappinesshappy-customersinterviewlfglfg-systemlfg-toolriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsscott-hartsmanserver-transfertrialtriontrion-worldsTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT offering free character transfers with patch 1.3 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's always tough when you roll a character on a server but find out that your good friends are on another. The question of "Do I reroll or stay put?" is an agonizing one, fortunately one that RIFT players will not have to struggle with too much longer.

Trion Worlds has announced that with the advent of patch 1.3, RIFT will allow players to move to select servers once per week -- for free. These free character transfers include a wholesale move of all of the character's items, achievements and titles. Also, Trion has stated that initially there will be no limit to the number of times your character can hop to a different server.

Scott Hartsman thinks this will strengthen the game's community: "MMOs are all about playing with your friends no matter which server they're on, and that's why we're offering this as a free service to our subscribers. RIFT is both a game and a service, and adding free server transfers is just one more way we can make this the best possible MMO experience available."

Patch 1.3 will also allow guild leaders to transfer over their guilds' details, including levels and experience. The patch is scheduled for "early summer."

[Update: Trion has posted a Free Character Transfer FAQ on the forums with specifics as to this service. Check it out!]

MassivelyRIFT offering free character transfers with patch 1.3 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharacter-transfersfreefree-character-transferguild-transferguild-transferspatchpatch-1.3riftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsupdateMon, 23 May 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT podcast celebrates the end with Scott Hartsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a sad day for The RIFT podcast, as its latest episode, 42, will also be its last. It's not due to a lack of interest in the game, however, but rather to real-life health concerns. One of the hosts, Arithion, is extremely ill and apparently can't look at moving pictures on a screen for more than 10 minutes, making gaming impossible.

So the podcast creators decided to end the show on a high note, inviting Scott Hartsman and Cindy "Abigale" Bowens to join them for a candid interview about RIFT's future. Hartsman indicated that news about guild banks and character transfers is coming very soon, saying, "We have a slick little answer" for the latter. He also revealed that RIFT's Weather Cast summer ad campaign actually used real weatherpeople, and the fact that the company is continuing with television ads is a good indicator of how well the game is going.

The LFG tool has had a huge impact on the game, as Hartsman's seen "multiples" of increments of players diving into dungeons since it went into place. The team is hard at work tweaking the system to make it work perfectly.

While The RIFT Podcast is riding into the sunset, there's always hope. "Forty-two doesn't have to be the end," host Desikis said. "Who knows, there might be a comeback!"

MassivelyRIFT podcast celebrates the end with Scott Hartsman originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigalecharacter-transferscindy-bowensdungeonsguild-bankshealth-concernsinterviewlfglfg-systemlfg-toolpodcastriftrift-podcastscott-hartsmanthe-rift-podcasttriontrion-worldsweather-castMon, 23 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT team updates RP server naming policy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rift-team-updates-rp-server-naming-policy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rift-team-updates-rp-server-naming-policy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rift-team-updates-rp-server-naming-policy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The fine folks at Trion Worlds have finally answered a pressing question that's been on the tongues of RIFT roleplayers since launch: What are the roleplaying server naming rules, and how are they being enforced? Scott Hartsman stepped into the forums recently to offer clarification on the topic, something for which RIFT roleplayers are certainly grateful.

Hartsman says that the team's goal with naming rules is to "apply sanity and reason, as best as we can, to this inherently subjective topic that's as much about opinions as it is about facts." In light of this, the rules that will be imposed are fairly standard for the genre -- no partial or complete sentences (sorry, Ipwnyouhard!), no pop-culture references, no leetspeak, and no titles that are "obviously out of place in Telara" -- but even so, it's great to see them explicitly spelled out so players know what to expect. Hopefully this will lead to a more enjoyable roleplaying experience for anyone on RIFT's RP servers. For the full post, which also includes some tidbits on customer service feedback, skip on over to the official forum post.

MassivelyRIFT team updates RP server naming policy originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hartsmannamingnaming-policyriftrift-planes-of-telararole-playingroleplayingrprp-naming-policyrp-server-rulesscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsSun, 08 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WonderCon MMORPG industry panel explores key topics of the day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/wondercon-mmorpg-industry-panel-explores-key-topics-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/wondercon-mmorpg-industry-panel-explores-key-topics-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/wondercon-mmorpg-industry-panel-explores-key-topics-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

At last month's WonderCon in San Francisco, three MMO industry experts sat down to do a panel on many of the pressing questions and issues that players have these days. The lively panel, moderated by PC Gamer's Josh Augustine, consisted of Dirk Metzger (Zentia), Scott Hartsman (RIFT) and Nick Huggett (Runes of Magic), each taking turns to address some of the questions that are commonly asked about these games and the industry at large.

These topics included player retention, free-to-play vs. subscription business models, the endless comparisons to World of Warcraft, why MMOs tend to be fantasy-based, some of the biggest mistakes in the genre, how to appeal to both hardcore and casual players, the differences between the Asian and North American market, and the struggle to provide player-created content.

The rise of social media also has a significant effect on MMO development, according to Hartsman. "What that kind of forces us to do, bluntly, is make better games right off the bat, because people will tell you if your game sucks."

You can watch the video highlights of the panel after the jump.

Continue reading WonderCon MMORPG industry panel explores key topics of the day

MassivelyWonderCon MMORPG industry panel explores key topics of the day originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asianbusiness-modelcasualDirk-Metzgerf2pfree-to-playhardcoreindustry-panelNick-Huggettnorth-americanpanelplayer-retentionriftromrunes-of-magicscott-hartsmansocial-mediasubscriptionvideowonderconworld-of-warcraftzentiaMon, 02 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's patch 1.2 moved to May 10th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rifts-patch-1-2-moved-to-may-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rifts-patch-1-2-moved-to-may-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rifts-patch-1-2-moved-to-may-10th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Don't break out the updater just yet, RIFT fans -- we've learned that you are going to have to wait a little bit longer to get your hands on the game's second big update. Patch 1.2, which was tentatively scheduled for a May 4th release, has been moved back to the 10th.

Trion Worlds let us know that the patch is still being "polished, tweaked and perfected," and as such the team needs additional time to get it ready.

When we talked with Scott Hartsman a week ago about the update, he made sure to mention that all of the details about RIFT's content patch, including the date, weren't set in stone. Patch 1.2 will contain additional endgame content, the wardrobe system, and a new Looking for Group tool.

MassivelyRIFT's patch 1.2 moved to May 10th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2content-patchcontent-updateendgamelfglooking-for-grouppatchpatch-1.2riftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsupdateupdate-1.2wardrobeThu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST