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[The Daily Grind: Is your rig pimpin', or just plain ghetto?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-daily-grind-is-your-rig-pimpin-or-just-plain-ghetto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-daily-grind-is-your-rig-pimpin-or-just-plain-ghetto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-daily-grind-is-your-rig-pimpin-or-just-plain-ghetto/#commentsFiled under: ,

We came across an interesting post at the Twenty Sided blog, titled "PC Games Retirement Home", in which Shamus Young commented on his lack of the need to purchase a new PC in recent times. Although he is certainly a gamer, the next PC games that he is looking forward to won't roll around for quite some time now that he's done with Fallout 3, and most of his video-gaming will be fulfilled by his console setup. In the past, his computer upgrades were frequent, but without major jumps in technology, or compelling PC games on the horizon to force his hand, he's managed to stay with the same PC for the last three years. He isn't saying that PC gaming is dead, but it's impossible to deny that the landscape has changed.

He does acknowledge, however, that MMOs are still enjoying some success on the PC platform. Does this mean that MMO gamers have kept up the PC-enthusiast's tradition of owning all the latest hardware? Although it's possible to play many MMOs with an older PC (especially browser-based games or titles like World of Warcraft that aim to fit the masses) newer MMOs such as Age of Conan or Lord of the Rings Online have been designed to take advantage of the latest PC hardware, and you will undoubtedly have a better experience on a flashier gaming rig. A tired old PC might even be a barrier to entry when trying out the most cutting-edge MMOs.

So we ask you, as MMO gamers: do you have a beastly PC that you upgrade/replace quite frequently, or have you found that a respectable older rig has been able to satisfy your MMO needs over the last few years?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is your rig pimpin', or just plain ghetto? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computersdaily-grindgaming-rigpcplatformrigshamus-youngtdgthe-daily-grindMon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are we renting our MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/are-we-renting-our-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/are-we-renting-our-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/are-we-renting-our-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you think about it, we're basically renting our MMO experience anyway. This is especially true for games that offer free software, yet charge a monthly fee. So would a rental service for MMOs really work?

In a recent article over at Twenty-Sided, Shamus explores the avenues of renting your multiplayer and single-player game experience. This is highlighted in what he says he expects to see in the future: a move towards more single-player games with simple online functionalities, like a chatroom. "Certainly an MMO denies you ownership," He explains. "But I wouldn't expect to be able to 'buy' an MMO any more than I'd expect to 'buy' cable television for a one-time fee and use it forever after." Some games have successfully achieved the opposite approach (Guild Wars) while others are doing just fine maintaining what is essentially a rental of their service. So what are your thoughts?

MassivelyAre we renting our MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscasualrentrentalshamusshamus-youngtwenty-sidedMon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Understanding Guild Wars gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/understanding-guild-wars-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/understanding-guild-wars-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/understanding-guild-wars-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Some MMOs are fairly straightforward, and we have come to expect a certain formula. Create a character, gain levels as quickly as possible, cram as many skills as you possibly can on your modded interface and get that phat lewt before the next guy, right? Well, what happens if someone comes along and introduces a new type of game? is it difficult to acclimate to this new type of gameplay?

A great example of this is with Guild Wars. The gameplay is based on strategy and working with what you have available to you at that time. This is a point that Shamus Young over at Twentysided has admittedly just realized. In his recent post about GW strategy gameplay, he explains that eureka moment he had when he realized that GW is not like the games he's used to, but it's more like a card game, where the skills you have in your 8-slot skillbar are the only ones you can use once you leave for a quest or mission. His new-found respect for the game is inspiring, as you can tell from the comments. If you find yourself confused on the purpose of GW gameplay, check out this post.

MassivelyUnderstanding Guild Wars gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteurekagameplayguild-warsncsoftshamus-youngstrategytwenty-sidedFri, 27 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST