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[EVE launches in Japan, adds multilingual search tool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/eve-launches-in-japan-adds-multilingual-search-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - shieldship wallpaper
Japanese sandbox fans are saying domo arigato this morning as CCP and Nexon have officially launched a localized version of EVE Online in the land of the rising sun.

Japan boasts the world's fourth largest gaming community, and CCP has added it to an impressive list of conquests that include English-, Chinese-, Russian-, and German-speaking markets. The company is handling all of the game-related conversion tasks via its in-house localization system, while Nexon is responsible for various marketing and support initiatives.

CCP has also added a multilingual search tool to the EVE client. The new functionality "helps weld the disparate language groups present in EVE into a more global and unified game experience -- truly demonstrating the impact and value of the single shard server model," says senior producer Jon Lander.

[Source: CCP press release]

MassivelyEVE launches in Japan, adds multilingual search tool originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-japaneve-nexoneve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsjapanese-evejon-landerlocalizationmultilingual-search-toolnew-edennexonnexon-evesandboxsci-fisingle-serversingle-shardTue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom Extra: Craig Morrison on new content, crafting, and customizable communities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-anvil-of-crom-extra-craig-morrison-on-new-content-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-anvil-of-crom-extra-craig-morrison-on-new-content-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-anvil-of-crom-extra-craig-morrison-on-new-content-crafting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Anvil of Crom - Spring 2012 Craig Morrison interview
It's been a little while since we've interviewed Age of Conan executive producer Craig Morrison. In the intervening months, Funcom's bloody fantasy MMO has added developers, new content, and fresh ideas at a fairly steady pace.

This week sees the introduction of tier four raiding content in Khitai as well as a lengthy Morrison-authored update letter that provides a roadmap for the rest of 2012. Follow along after the break as we talk raiding, the upcoming crafting revamp, and the community potential (and perils) of Funcom's spiffy new single-server technology.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom Extra: Craig Morrison on new content, crafting, and customizable communities

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom Extra: Craig Morrison on new content, crafting, and customizable communities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-interviewsaocaoc-raidsaoc-server-rulesetsaoc-tier-four-raidsaoc-unchainedcommunityconancraig-morrisoncustom-madecustom-server-rulesetcustomizable-communitydreamworld-single-serverf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomhyboriaopinionpriest-of-mitrapriest-of-mitra-revampsilirrionsingle-serversingle-server-technologythe-anvil-of-cromFri, 30 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pocket Legends wallpaper
If you've ever wondered about the feasibility of cross-platform MMOs, Spacetime Studios is here to tell you that it's a reality. The company announced an industry first earlier today when it removed the barriers between players who use different devices and operating systems.

The company's Pocket Legends and Star Legends mobile MMOs share a single global server, and access to said server is now open to users of desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

"There have always been technical walls between players on different platforms," said CEO Gary Gattis. "Now, people are free to play on the device they choose with anyone, anywhere, anytime, whether they are at home or on-the-go."

[Source: Spacetime press release]

MassivelySpacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformcross-platform-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playgary-gattismobilepocket-legendssci-fisingle-serversmart-phonesspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstabletsThu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Masthead prepping new Earthrise beta client, additional beta keys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/masthead-prepping-new-earthrise-beta-client-additional-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/masthead-prepping-new-earthrise-beta-client-additional-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/masthead-prepping-new-earthrise-beta-client-additional-beta-key/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Launch day for Earthrise is closing fast, and Masthead Studios is gearing up for the throng of sci-fi sandbox fans looking to make a new home on the game's single worldwide server. Masthead is also pushing a new version of the beta client to the game's test servers and will be distributing more beta invites in the very near future.

The new client features combat and tactical tweaks, changes to crafting skills and item insurance, and revamped graphics and animations. "The development team has been working around the clock to continually add new gameplay functions and we are thrilled for our community of testers to become further immersed and share their thoughts with us," says Masthead CEO Atanas Atanasov. As for getting your hands on that elusive beta key, you'll want to head to the official site and sign up for your chance to win.

MassivelyMasthead prepping new Earthrise beta client, additional beta keys originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atanas-Atanasovatanas-atansovbetabeta-keysbeta-signupsearthriselaunchmastheadmasthead-studiosrelease-datereleasessandboxsci-fisingle-serverThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise going with single server worldwide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/earthrise-going-with-single-server-worldwide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/earthrise-going-with-single-server-worldwide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/earthrise-going-with-single-server-worldwide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The team at Masthead Studios has provided a bit more information about Earthrise's recently announced February release date. While Monday's press release revealed that the sci-fi sandbox is coming to European retail in a few short weeks, it conspicuously left out any mention of an American launch or an American server.

As it turns out, this is because Earthrise will feature a single shard for gamers all over the world according to a forum post sighted yesterday on the official boards. "There will be one global server for Earthrise when the game goes live in February. There is one server for all players, no matter where in the world they are located," says Kuliani, Masthead's community manager.

MassivelyEarthrise going with single server worldwide originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthriseicebergiceberg-interactivemastheadmasthead-studiosnew-titlesreleaserelease-datesandboxsci-fisingle-serversingle-shardWed, 22 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum officially launched]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/perpetuum-officially-launched/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/perpetuum-officially-launched/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/perpetuum-officially-launched/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gear up, mechheads -- Perpetuum has officially launched. As of yesterday, November 25th, Avatar Creations' massively multiplayer sandbox is open for business. Early access accounts have been disabled, and you'll need to pony up for the $9.95 subscription fee in order to continue carving out humanity's destiny on the planet Nia. Newly created accounts will receive two weeks' worth of extension points (the game's skill point currency) for free, though a press release on the official website states that this offer will be for an "undetermined period."

Perpetuum features time-based character development, real-time asynchronous combat, dynamically changing environments, and a single-server persistent universe. Register for your account at the official website, and we'll see you on the surface of Nia.

MassivelyPerpetuum officially launched originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-creationsdynamic-environmentsearly-accesslaunchmechniaperpetuumperpetuum-onlinereal-time-combatsandboxsingle-serversubscriptionFri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look into the nuts-and-bolts of EVE Online's single-shard architecture]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/a-look-into-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-eve-onlines-single-shard-arch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/a-look-into-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-eve-onlines-single-shard-arch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/a-look-into-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-eve-onlines-single-shard-arch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you ever wondered why MMOs have multiple servers and limitations on the number of people that can be squeezed onto each? It's a good question, especially when you consider EVE Online's impressive single-shard (single-server) setup, where tens of thousands of concurrent players can log on in the same environment.

CCP's Kjartan Emilsson wrote an article for Gamasutra explaining why most MMOs choose to separate their population onto several severs. The main problem, Emilsson said, was the issue of avatar density. Too many players in too small of a space creates a miserable experience for all involved. So either the game has to put limits on how many avatars can be in an area, or create a playing field that is so large as to render this issue null.

Emilsson went on to argue the case for single-server games that create a united society instead of a fractured one. He detailed the setup of EVE's server architecture, which is held together by a single database at its nucleus and has been steadily growing and improving over time. If you love to read the nuts-and-bolts of the underlying technology that makes games like EVE run, then do yourself a favor and give this article your time.

MassivelyA look into the nuts-and-bolts of EVE Online's single-shard architecture originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsccpdatabaseeveeve-onlinekjartan-emilssonplayer-populationpopulationserverserver-architectureserverssingle-serversingle-shardsqlwill-there-be-a-sequel-to-sqlTue, 10 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online: The Butterfly Effect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/eve-online-the-butterfly-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/eve-online-the-butterfly-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/eve-online-the-butterfly-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The sci-fi MMO EVE Online has proven to be a popular game among some of the writers at Massively, and with good reason. After having spent years playing in sharded environments, plus the simple fact that it's a break from the fantasy genre, the single-server design of EVE is refreshing. Putting all of the players in this "sandbox" setting -- the galaxy of New Eden -- also creates a unique world dynamic where the actions of pilots on both individual and collective levels can have an impact on the rest of the game's players.

Anyone who's played EVE Online for any length of time is aware of the benefits of the sandbox, but CCP Games has decided to visualize the game's social dynamic with a project called "The Butterfly Effect." This video is a theoretical and beautifully-presented look at how the actions of a lone assault frigate pilot can resonate throughout New Eden. The Butterfly Effect starts out at the smallest level where a choice is made by the solo pilot, to either aid or kill another player in distress, and how that individual's actions and choices in EVE ripple outwards, ultimately affecting the game on a galactic scale, and thus thousands of other players.

While there's more we could say about EVE's open world game design, we'll just let the video speak for itself. We hope you enjoy Massively's video embed of The Butterfly Effect.

Continue reading EVE Online: The Butterfly Effect

MassivelyEVE Online: The Butterfly Effect originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbutterfly-effectccp-gameseve-onlinegame-designnew-edenopen-worldsandboxsci-fisingle-serverthe-butterfly-effectvideoWed, 29 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise interview explains game's crafting and sandbox elements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/earthrise-interview-explains-games-crafting-and-sandbox-element/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/earthrise-interview-explains-games-crafting-and-sandbox-element/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/earthrise-interview-explains-games-crafting-and-sandbox-element/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We've been noticing that the post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise is getting a lot of press these days. The latest piece that's caught our eye is an interview with Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov conducted by ReviewStash's Daniel Levy. The interview ranges across several topics of interest for potential Earthrise players, but perhaps what's of most interest are Atanasov's comments on combat game mechanics and crafting.

Aiming in Earthrise's combat will be done as with standard shooters, but the weapons available to characters will allow a player to keep a bead on their target. On Earthrise's crafting system, Atanasov says that players will be "capable of infusing Designs into items -- special bonuses and enhancements, or totally separate effects that allow the crafter to customize an item to the needs of his or her customers." Certain crafters may well become influential figures in Earthrise, Atanasov says, known for coming up with powerful item builds.

Continue reading Earthrise interview explains game's crafting and sandbox elements

MassivelyEarthrise interview explains game's crafting and sandbox elements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbulgariacombatcrafterscraftingdaniel-levyearthriseeconomyenterraenterra-islandfactionsgame-mechanicsguildsinterviewsmasthead-studiosopen-worldpost-apocalypticpvpresourcesreviewstashsandboxsci-fisingle-serversofiaterritorial-controlSun, 22 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The EVE Performance Group]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/the-eve-performance-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/the-eve-performance-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/the-eve-performance-group/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


"CCP fix lag nao!!" That's essentially what this writer has been hearing from players since he began EVE Online, and most assuredly it was being uttered long before that. Whether it's a typical forum whine or something much more clever, the message remains the same: Players really want to have fleet battles with several hundred people at once. After all, the shardless galaxy that players populate, in theory, should allow for that. But in practice, lag can turn such engagements into a slide show. Is it unrealistic to assume that 1000-player fleet battles will ever be a reality in EVE? Time will tell. Still, you'd think that CCP Games didn't care about wiping out lag from much of what you read on the forums.

They're making some inroads with their new server technologies and ongoing initiatives to improve performance, but players still wonder what goes on behind the scenes. The latest in the recent blitz of dev blogs from CCP Games comes from CCP Tanis, "Introducing: the EVE Performance Group," and is an attempt to explain how this group of developers works to make EVE "run better, faster, and smarter." CCP Tanis lays out how they using monitoring, profiling, and debugging tools to try and reduce server load and increase performance.

Continue reading The EVE Performance Group

MassivelyThe EVE Performance Group originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-tanisdevdev-blogdpseveeve-onlineeve-performance-groupforumsgame-mechanicsinfinibandlagmmo-industrynpcnpcsperformancesci-fiserverserverssingle-serverweapon-groupingFri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST