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[Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
Massively Speaking Episode 189 is a special GDC edition hosted by two of our attendees, Shawn Schuster and Jef Reahard. The two assemble for a short, early-morning debriefing on yesterday's PlanetSide 2 demo, which as Shawn describes it, "pretty much blew [him] away." They compare the game to its predecessor and chat about the combat styles, immersion, interface, hype, and the massive feel of the game, even in alpha.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, when the pair will be joined by fellow Massively staffers MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan. Our ground crew will be reporting back on DUST 514, Trion Worlds, MechWarrior Online, and more over the next few days. (And don't worry; the Justin and Bree show will return next week.)

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfeaturedfpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012humorjef-reahardmassively-speakingmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2podcastpodcastingpodcastsps2sci-fishawn-schustershootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 189Massively.com Staff00:12:10podcasts<![CDATA[This Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

TWIMMO: World of Darkness
It's another Thursday, and another week for Gamebreaker.TV's This Week in MMO. What's in store for this installment? Massively's very own Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster and Community Manager Rubi Bayer join regular host Gary Gannon in "mature" discussion about MMOs.

First up, Gary, Shawn, and Rubi run through the topic of the mature rating in MMOs such as CCP's World of Darkness. Then our intrepid hosts guide us through the magical and technological starting zone for the Asura in Guild Wars 2. Also, saving Metropolis just became cheaper -- free, in fact! Shawn and Rubi discuss DC Universe Online's entry to the free-to-play market. Where is the future of MMO-subscription models going? Freemium? When Shawn spoke to SOE President John Smedley, Smed certainly favored it.

Moving on to another action-based game, Rubi reveals TERA's PR speak within its endgame Q&A statements, and Shawn admits that the small raid size in The Secret World isn't quite big enough for him.

Catch all that and more in the full Gamebreaker.TV video after the break!

Continue reading This Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition

MassivelyThis Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetAsurablue-hole-studiosccpDCdc-universe-onlineEAElectronic-Artsen-masse-entertainmentendgamef2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpFuncomgamebreaker-tvgary-gannonGuild-Wars-2GW2humanjohn-smedleync-softncsoftRaid-Sizeraidsrubi-bayershawn-schusterSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstarting-zoneterathe-secret-worldTSWVampireWarner-BrosWODworld-of-darknessThu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Here comes the sun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/one-shots-here-comes-the-sun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/one-shots-here-comes-the-sun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/one-shots-here-comes-the-sun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As the axiom goes, all work and no play makes one a very dull person. But what they didn't cover is those of us whose work is to play! When the day is done, we all enjoy geeking out in various worlds. Today's One Shots comes in from our fearless leader, Shawn Schuster, who was recently spending time in Fallen Earth and writes in: "Just when you thought Fallen Earth sunsets couldn't get any more beautiful, they go and improve the lighting and glow effects. This is my character Ampersand taking a breather with his clanmates in the Rothium Ridge area of Deadfall."

It's easy to take part in One Shots. All you have to do is send in your screenshots to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in. Couldn't be easier!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Here comes the sun originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeicarus-studiosone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsshawn-schusterFri, 04 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Fallen Earth fashionista]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/one-shots-fallen-earth-fashionista/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/one-shots-fallen-earth-fashionista/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/one-shots-fallen-earth-fashionista/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While anyone who has listened to Massively Speaking can tell you that Shawn just loves Fallen Earth, what you may not be aware of is just how hardcore he is about aesthetics. Indeed, it would appear that our fearless leader happens to be a post-apocalyptic fashion fiend -- and the rougher-looking the fashion, the better! Today's One Shots also gives us a view of the higher sectors of Fallen Earth for those who haven't traveled there as yet. Shawn explains:

"Whenever we see Fallen Earth screenshots, they're always from the desolate brown desert wasteland in Sector 1, but I wanted to show that there's much more to the game than that. This was taken in the swampy region near Docuer's Court in Sector 3, filled with Cypress trees and swamp moss. I'm also sporting my brand new MOPP 7 mask I grabbed as a quest reward from the recent Quarantined Monkeytown instance. The stats might suck, but its looks make it worth wearing."

Have you been to a place we haven't seen as yet? Why not snap a screenshot and send it in to us! We love to see what you're doing. Email those screenshots to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Fallen Earth fashionista originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeicarus-studiosone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssector-3shawn-schusterThu, 05 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-massively-set-to-appear-on-live-internet-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively's own Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster will be appearing on Internet television today at 12pm PST live from GDC 2010. That's right, Gamebreakr with Gary Gannon is going to do a live streaming web show and this particular blogger thinks it'll be worth catching -- even if only so Shawn knows that countless people are staring at him while he's on air.

Actually, the show's had plenty of interesting people from the gaming realm on already including CCP's Nathan Richardsson, President of SOE John Smedley and Christina Norman of BioWare. And, as our leader extraordinaire, Shawn will most definitely make for an interesting guest. We can't wait to see it!

[Edit: see the recorded video after the jump]

Continue reading GDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV

MassivelyGDC10: Massively set to appear on live Internet TV originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareccpchristina-normangamebreakrgdc-2010gdc10john-smedlymassivelynathan-richardssonshawn-schustersoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's top 5 original features for 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/massivelys-top-5-original-features-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/massivelys-top-5-original-features-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/massivelys-top-5-original-features-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not only are we here at Massively passionate about covering the news, but we also deliver on unique and original content. We're out in the trenches interviewing developers, talking about our favorite games, getting inside our games and meeting the community, and giving you our perspectives on the MMO industry. Sometimes you agree with us, sometimes you don't, but we'll keep writing as long as you guys lend us your support and keep reading.

This year was a real breakout year for our original content as we had a bunch of our features rock the traffic charts higher than our news. So, in the spirit of a banner year, it's time to run down the list and name our top five features for 2009.

Once again, we're presenting the article in gallery-vision (TM), so be sure to jump on in by clicking the link below or clicking the first image in the gallery below that. If you wish to comment, drop back by this post (not the gallery) and leave your comment in the white comment box below.


Gallery: Massively's top 5 original features for 2009

Tateru takes on the Australian governmentHorizontal is the new verticalEVE is hard, but it doesn't have to be!It's better than those crappy flip booksGender in the online world

MassivelyMassively's top 5 original features for 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brendan-drainend-of-2009featuredkyle-horneropinionoriginal-contentseraphina-brennanshawn-schustertateru-ninotop-5top-5-features-of-2009top-fiveyear-in-reviewThu, 31 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Facing the uncertain future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/one-shots-facing-the-uncertain-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/one-shots-facing-the-uncertain-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/one-shots-facing-the-uncertain-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With the launch of both Aion and Fallen Earth tomorrow, it's an exciting time around here at Massively. We love the shiny fun of new games - especially when it comes to niches we've been waiting for someone to publish in. Today's Fallen Earth One Shots actually comes to us from Jonathan M., Shawn Schuster's co-host on the "Through the Aftermath" podcast. He writes in: I caught this scenic picture after climbing a satellite tower near Embry Crossroads. Looking out at the wastelands of the southwestern US, you can almost picture what the world must have looked like before the world ended. Now it's a picture of survival; of an outpost in an unforgiving world, where remnants of humanity are trying desperately to continue on. And they wonder why I love this stuff.

If you're trying out a new game, we'd love to see some of your favorite new areas. Of course, if you're playing an old favorite, feel free to email a screen to us too! Point those pretty mails at oneshots AT massively DOT com and be sure to add your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. That way we know who to point at and say "he did this" when we post 'em up here.

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Facing the uncertain future originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcjonathan-mone-shotspodcastpost-apocalypticscreenshotscreenshotsshawn-schusterthrough-the-aftermathMon, 21 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Lord of the Rings Online for former subscribers until August 24th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/free-lord-of-the-rings-online-for-former-subscribers-until-augus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/free-lord-of-the-rings-online-for-former-subscribers-until-augus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/free-lord-of-the-rings-online-for-former-subscribers-until-augus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Do you miss the rolling hills of Bree-land? Home sick for The Shire? Well think fondly no more, as all subscribers are being welcomed back to Lord of the Rings Online!

Past subscribers can jump back into the game until August 24th and enjoy all of the updates and changes made to the game. No links have to be clicked, and no accounts have to be re-opened. All you have to do is download the client, patch the game, and log in! Even more exciting is the fact that all players will be rewarded with a +25% exp boost, as is common with these welcome back periods. Free game play and bonus experience, how can you turn that down?

But wait, there's more! Act now and you can go out adventuring with Massively's very own hobbit, Gibbi! Yes, the wonderful Gibbi, as played by Shawn Schuster, can be yours to adventure with all if you play on the Brandywine server.

So what are you waiting for? Get to it!

MassivelyFree Lord of the Rings Online for former subscribers until August 24th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-expchoose-my-adventurehobbitslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassive-hobbitsshawn-schusterthe-lord-of-the-rings-onlineturbinewelcome-back-weekThu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 49]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-49/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-49/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-49/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 49 returns this week with more news of the wider MMO world. Shawn is joined by Kyle Horner once again as we discuss everything from Runes of Magic to the City of Heroes Mission Architect. Kyle also gives us a good dose of his impressions of DDO in his weekly column, The Digital Continuum.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to Massively Speaking via the Zune service.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[Digg] Like the show? Digg it.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
[VW] Listen at VirginWorlds.com
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 49

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 49 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesddodungons-and-dragons-onlinefeaturedissue-14kyle-hornermassively-speakingmission-architectncsoftparagon-studiospodcastshawn-schusterthe-digital-continuumturbinevirginworldsWed, 15 Apr 2009 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 49Massively.com Staff52:51podcasts<![CDATA[Meet the Team: Shawn Schuster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/meet-the-team-shawn-schuster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/meet-the-team-shawn-schuster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/meet-the-team-shawn-schuster/#commentsFiled under: ,


Once a week our writers will give you a glimpse into their lives, to let you get to know them and the characters they play a little better. Click here to read more Meet the Team.

What do you do for Massively.com?
I'm the game lead for Lord of the Rings Online and Guild Wars. This gives me the responsibility of focusing on these two games with interviews, dev tours and feature articles. I'm also a general blogger, which basically means I handle news for the ever-growing list of games I feel comfortable writing about. I also co-host and edit the Massively Speaking podcast.

What's your favorite MMO?
Right now, it's LotRO. While it's not the one I've spent the most time with, it has most of the features I would consider for my Holy Grail of MMOs.

Gallery: Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Tim DaleMeet the Team: Jon ShuteMeet the Team: Lemuel PewMeet the Team: Lesley SmithMeet the Team: James Egan

Continue reading Meet the Team: Shawn Schuster

MassivelyMeet the Team: Shawn Schuster originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-warslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromeet-the-teamshawnshawn-schusterMon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST