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[MMObility: Command and Conquer's new twist on the MMORTS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/mmobility-command-and-conquers-new-twist-on-the-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/mmobility-command-and-conquers-new-twist-on-the-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/mmobility-command-and-conquers-new-twist-on-the-mmorts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Command and Conquer screenshot
I've had my fill of MMORTS games. I love them, and I mean love them, but after being asked to look at the 567,386th title from the genre, I am getting a wicked case of tunnel vision. Sometimes I wish I could hit a switch and see these games with the eyes of a brand-new player, to truly judge their quality without any preconceptions. That's not possible, unfortunately.

Luckily, once in a while there comes along a title that feels fresh or does enough with design to seem new and clever. Command and Conquer Tiberium Alliances stands out from the crowd with its interesting combat and a casual approach to hardcore gaming. I have to admit that, at first, I was a bit bummed at having to take a look at yet another epic strategy game that would probably not feel that epic, but my mind was changed after a solid week of playing.

Continue reading MMObility: Command and Conquer's new twist on the MMORTS

MassivelyMMObility: Command and Conquer's new twist on the MMORTS originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-tiberium-alliancesfeaturedmmobilitymmortsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesmartphoneTiberiumFri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
Jagex, developer of the ever-popular browser-based game RuneScape, is known for its rapid development schedule. Heck, I fully expect that this article will be outdated by the time I finish its rough draft. Players of the Jagex flagship MMO can log in to find new items, places to explore, and quests to do almost weekly. I tend to poke my nose into the game several times a week, so I know that a more casual player has endless amounts of content to run through. I might level up my construction skill and then switch to something completely different. I just recently spent an afternoon playing with just the new bonfire skill.

Of course, those pesky developers are at it again: giving me more content to go through even though my highest skills hover around only the level 40 mark. This time it's the Runespan, a brand-new area that helps players level runecrafting by offering them a one-stop shop that is more casual and non-competitive than the normal runecraft experience.

I got the chance to call up some of the lead developers on the phone and ask not only about the Runespan but about the new FPS improvements, so be sure to check that out!

Continue reading MMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape

MassivelyMMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjagexjagex-games-studiommobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepreviewpreviewsrsrunescapesandboxsmartphonethe-runespanFri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot
When Tiny Speck, maker of the wonderfully odd browser-based sandbox Glitch, announced that it would be taking the game back to a beta state in order to retool many of the game's most essential systems, I was skeptical. Heck, I've remained skeptical. I stopped streaming the game due to time constraints but continued to log in and enjoy it. More specifically, I didn't feel like continuing to stream it until the new releases were officially released. I tend to enjoy betas but want to hold back my opinions until games are actually open, and this return to beta made me feel the same way.

Lately, however, the changes being tested and implemented into the game have just been too cool to stay hushed about. Housing is receiving wonderful, wonderful updates that will allow for complete creative freedom that is rarely seen in MMO housing. The UI is transforming as well, and new skills and creatures are being introduced.

Beta or not, there is some crazy-cool stuff going on in the land of Ur. In fact, check out these brand new patch notes!

Continue reading MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations

MassivelyMMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabeau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playglitchhipsterhousing-changesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesandboxsmartphonetiny-specktinyspeckunlauncheningFri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Tibia screenshot
Tibia is an MMO that has been hanging in there for many, many years. You have to give it respect for that alone. When you add on the fact that the game seems to be updated relatively frequently and boasts a pretty good-sized playerbase, it becomes even more intriguing. I've played it in the past and have enjoyed the simple graphics and slower-paced gameplay. I like how NPCs chat with you, old-school EverQuest-style, and how there seems to be a lot more to the game than meets the eye.

There are plenty of eyesores, however. The developers recently released Tibia in a beta browser form. While the client was always easy enough to download and run on my multitude of devices, I always prefer to just jump into my browser and load it up.

I found a lot of neat little systems but also quite a few bugs or odd design choices. Colors and layout can be a problem, and I am not the biggest fan of Flash-based MMOs. Still, I am enjoying myself so far and look forward to more. Let's talk about what I found over these last several hours with Tibia's browser-based version.

Continue reading MMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version

MassivelyMMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedflash-basedfree-to-playfreemiumftpisometric-viewMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOld-schoolopinionphonesmartphonetibiaUltima-OnlineFri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Killing the bland in Iruna Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/mmobility-killing-the-bland-in-iruna-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/mmobility-killing-the-bland-in-iruna-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/mmobility-killing-the-bland-in-iruna-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Iruna Online screenshot
Once again, Droid Gamers sent me a sweet tip regarding yet another Android-based MMO. This time around, it's Iruna Online, a real and actual MMO complete with open worlds, "millions" of other players, quests, equipment and monsters. In fact, the game reminds me in some ways of Final Fantasy XI. Iruna Online is not the first mobile MMO that has felt like the Square-Enix favorite, perhaps because they all share a similar art style. As I played, it struck me that the newer smartphones have enough power to run a game that looks as good as Final Fantasy XI, albeit with some graphics options turned down or off.

The similarities basically end there, however. Iruna Online is one of the newer stock of mobile MMOs that show mobile massively multiplayer gaming is really here. It should not be shocking or surprising anymore. Just as in the PC market, we are going to see many titles stream from the Eastern market. Many of them will be duds, but many will also be very, very cool.

Continue reading MMObility: Killing the bland in Iruna Online

MassivelyMMObility: Killing the bland in Iruna Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigoogle-playHTC-inspireiruna-onlineMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepreviewsmartphonesmartphone-mmoSquare-EnixFri, 27 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Parallel Mafia icon
If you have played Parallel Kingdom by PerBlue before, then a lot of what I am going to describe might sound familiar. If not, then it might sound very unique and exciting. The truth is that I have been attempting to get into Parallel Kingdom for a while but always found myself a bit overwhelmed, so I was excited to be invited to check out PerBlue's new title Parallel Mafia. I hoped that I might squeeze in some questions about Parallel Kingdom while I had the team on the line. Sure enough, I not only got introduced to the new title but left the interview knowing a lot more about Parallel Kingdom. I have been playing heavily since then. As I compare the two titles, I can see a lot of similarities, but there are some nice differences as well.

Both titles are location-based MMORPGs. I have always wanted more options in the genre, but I imagine it's a tough one to develop in. What's the point of the real-life connection? Why would players want to play in a game that is basically spawned on top of Google Maps?

Continue reading MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game

MassivelyMMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedgoogle-mapsiOSiphonelocation-basedmafia-warsmmobilitymobileperbluepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsUltima-OnlineZyngaFri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

HTC Inspire picture
I have a smartphone that is pretty much filled to the brim with actual, functional, persistent MMORPGs. Some of them are three-dimensional romps through massive worlds filled with dungeons and dragons; others are representational browser-based games that work through the phone's native browser; and the rest are hardly nothing more than a few dots on the screen and impressionistic gameplay.

Still, they are MMOs. I love having access to them, and over the last year I have actually grown to love simple, clever design and basic artwork over almost anything else. Forget Guild Wars 2; we'll hear enough about that to make us choke. Sure, it might be a fun game, but I'm a tech guy from the Bizarro universe. I prefer to see how little tech I need to game with. I want to push the limits even lower.

Anyway, it's springtime here in Texas, so it's time to clean out all sorts of crap from my life. I organize all of my hundreds of songs, films, movies and art pieces and get my digital life in order as well. This process includes tweaking my current line-up of basic technology and downloading any updates for the games that exist on those devices. It's time to cull the weak and glorify the wonderful.

Continue reading MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket

MassivelyMMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsdie2niteelemental-knights-online-the-worldempire-onlinefeaturedglitchHTC-inspireillyriadillyriad-gamesIOSiphoneMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOnLiveopinionorder-and-chaos-onlineparallel-kingdomperbluephonepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstewart-butterfieldthe-infinite-blacktibiaMEtiny-specktraviantraviansVendetta-Onlinewarspear-onlineworld-of-midgardFri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Let's make a mobile MMO, part four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-mmo-part-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-mmo-part-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-mmo-part-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Sketches
So here we are at the last part of a four-part mini-series in which Dave Toulouse, indie developer of games like Golemizer and Star Corsairs, and I have attempted to make a working mobile MMO. I started the series with the hopes of fostering discussion over design as well, and we have gotten some great conversations going in the comments section! I think many MMO gamers dream about game design at some point, and some go beyond that point and actually create a game. It can be tough, as this series has shown, just to get the basics down.

Well, here we are at the last. I wanted to go over some of the best ideas the readers had, cover what we were able to do with the actual game, and debate how much further it would need to go to be considered officially "done."

Continue reading MMObility: Let's make a mobile MMO, part four

MassivelyMMObility: Let's make a mobile MMO, part four originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindbrowserbrowser-baseddave-toulousef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgolemizerhtcIOSipadiphoneMMObilitymobilesmartphonestar-corsairsworgoltFri, 24 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Let's make a mobile game, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-game-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-game-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/mmobility-lets-make-a-mobile-game-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My MMO screenshot
Last week I started working with Dave Toulouse, indie developer of Golemizer and Star Corsairs, to build our very own mobile MMO. For the sake of completing the project within the month of February, we kept our game designs simple and easy for anyone to play. The idea was not to create a state-of-the-art video game but instead to build a working framework that illustrated some of the basics of MMO design.

Ironically, my first column on the subject was received rather coolly when I consider my normal column response, but last week's responses taught me a valuable lesson about design: Players often want to talk about what is not possible rather than what is. Dave told me how his players often told him what they wished his games would achieve, without ever considering just how difficult it is to make a game.

Still, there were several great ideas in the comments section. I'm going to use those ideas to break down this week's update.

Continue reading MMObility: Let's make a mobile game, part two

MassivelyMMObility: Let's make a mobile game, part two originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddave-toulousefeaturedgolemizerIOSMMObilitymobilemy-mmosmartphonestar-corsairsworgoltFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Two new MMOs, one tiny screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/mmobility-two-new-mmos-one-tiny-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/mmobility-two-new-mmos-one-tiny-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/mmobility-two-new-mmos-one-tiny-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Elemental Knights Online screenshot
You know what I love about discovering new mobile games? It's that moment when I realize they are actually pretty good and might give me some real MMO action on my smartphone. The biggest issue I have these days is separating the true MMOs from the social, multiplayer and singleplayer games that bombard the market. While I enjoy games from those genres, many of them arrive on my phone disguised as something else. Many of them even call themselves "MMOs" without having any real multiplayer interaction or persistence.

So you can imagine how happy I am when I find real, persistent MMOs that are available for my HTC Inspire Android phone and iOS. Yes, there are more of them out there than you might think. Let's take a look at a couple of new ones that I have found.

Continue reading MMObility: Two new MMOs, one tiny screen

MassivelyMMObility: Two new MMOs, one tiny screen originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanchibideep-space-nineelemental-knights-online-the-worldfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xiglitchIOSMMObilitymobilepocket-legendssmartphoneSquare-Enixthe-infinite-blackVendetta-OnlinewinlightFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you pay for an MMO's mobile app?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-for-an-mmos-mobile-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-for-an-mmos-mobile-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-daily-grind-would-you-pay-for-an-mmos-mobile-app/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GW2's future mobile app
The rise of smartphone gaming has created a niche somewhere between mobile MMOs and regular MMOs: MMO apps. Games like World of Warcraft, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Lord of the Rings Online, the upcoming Guild Wars 2, and now RIFT all have (or will have) mobile apps that players can use to perform a variety of in-game or pseudo-in-game activities, like chat with guildies, relist auctions, reset crafting timers, or play lotteries.

The sticking point is that some of these games aren't giving the app away for free. World of Warcraft, for example, lets everyone download the Mobile Armory app for free but charges a $3 monthly subscription fee for premium services in the Remote app. That's $3 above and beyond the $15 subscription just to access guild chat and play the auction hall from your pocket.

Would you pay for a mobile app for your favorite MMO, and if so, how much? What's your limit?

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: Would you pay for an MMO's mobile app? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appauction-hallbrianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindeq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iifallen-earthGuild-Wars-2guildchatgw2mobile-appmobile-armorymobile-mmoopinionriftsmartphonesmartphone-apptdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-Warcraftwowwow-remoteMon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Of apps and patches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/enter-at-your-own-rift-of-apps-and-patches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/enter-at-your-own-rift-of-apps-and-patches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/enter-at-your-own-rift-of-apps-and-patches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Rift grotto
On the surface, things have been relatively quiet in RIFT. The Fae Yule Event moved along merrily, but there hasn't been much revealed about update 1.7 yet. Fans are so used to the rapid pace of updates that they've made a minigame out of guessing what's coming and when it will arrive.

But if you're wondering whether the team took the holidays off and left behind its work, fear not! Just a few days ago, Trion Worlds revealed a new iPhone app called RIFT Mobile and held its first developer Q&A with the community, during which it provided lots of new tidbits of information for RIFT fans to look forward to. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll look at the highlights.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Of apps and patches

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Of apps and patches originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiantsenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedguardianshal-hanlinIPhonekaren-bryanmobile-appriftrift-mobileroleplayingsmartphonetelaratriontrion-worldsupdate-1.7Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your lootables and chatables on with Trion's new RIFT iOS app]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/get-your-lootables-and-chatables-on-with-trions-new-rift-ios-ap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/get-your-lootables-and-chatables-on-with-trions-new-rift-ios-ap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/get-your-lootables-and-chatables-on-with-trions-new-rift-ios-ap/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT Mobile
With little fanfare, Trion Worlds has released an iPhone mobile app this past weekend for RIFT that should make staying in touch with guildies and in-game events far easier for the on-the-go set.

The app is called RIFT Mobile and is currently available for the low, low price of "free." The app allows RIFT players to talk to friends and guildies whether they're in-game or also using the app -- and yes, there are push notifications if you so desire. The app also supports guild and officer chat, guild messages of the day, zone event notifications, and the guild wall.

Probably the most intriguing feature of the RIFT Mobile app is something called "Lootables" -- ways to earn actual in-game loot while using the app. The app is available in English, French and German languages and can be used only by current players of the game. A community rep on the official forums has confirmed that it's "an early release/beta" and that more official info is on the way.

[Thanks to Valotith for the tip!]

MassivelyGet your lootables and chatables on with Trion's new RIFT iOS app originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple-appapple-storebetaguildguild-chatiosios-appiphone-applootablesmobilemobile-appmobile-tie-inriftrift-mobilesmartphonetriontrion-worldszone-eventsSun, 01 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Whenever I write up something about a smartphone MMO, one of the most common complaints I hear is this: "If I wanted to play a game for several hours, I would sit at my gaming desktop." While this is true for many players, it is also true that games like Star Legends and Pocket Legends by Spacetime Studios have met with a lot of success. The developers were surprised to find that players were more than willing to sit for several hours while playing the games on their tiny screens.

Still, there is a lot of truth to the complaints about smartphone MMOs. An MMO is typically something a player wants to get lost in. We commonly refer to it as "immersion," but really we're just talking about being sucked into the ideas and design of a title. If you have found yourself daydreaming about a game while at work, you were "immersed."

I would argue that this type of deep immersion is very possible on the smaller screens of smartphones and tablets. However, in order to achieve it more commonly, developers might have to adjust many of their designs and theories. Click past the cut and we'll discuss it!

Continue reading MMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market

MassivelyMMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbeau-hindmanEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfleckMMObilitymobilemobile-mmomobile-mmospocket-legendssmartphonesmartphone-appsmartphone-mmoSOEspacetime-studiosstar-legendstheres-an-app-for-thatwizard-101wizard101wizardbloxFri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Star Legends screenshot
This week my job was a bit harder than it usually is. This week I had to revisit Pocket Legends and Star Legends, the entirety of the Spacetime Studios lineup, in order to catch the updates and differences since both games were recently adapted to play within the Chrome browser.

See, the device that you play an MMO on does make a difference. While I haven't found many players who have an issue with moving up to a finer machine with a larger screen, I almost always receive a few comments in any of my mobile MMO columns about the lack of fun involved with playing anything on a screen that will fit in your hand. While I understand the difficulty in downgrading your monitor size, the mobile market's reception of Pocket Legends surprised even the developer. People are playing it, for many hours, on screens that are very small.

But now we have the ability to play it in our browser. Does it make a difference in the experience? Click past the cut and I'll let you know.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddungeon-fighter-onlinefeaturedlivestreammobilemobile-mmonexonpocket-legendsrise-and-shinyside-scrollingsmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Checking out 8Realms from Jagex]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mmobility-checking-out-8realms-from-jagex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mmobility-checking-out-8realms-from-jagex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mmobility-checking-out-8realms-from-jagex/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

8Realms screenshot
Jagex, maker of the very popular browser-based MMO RuneScape, has branched out into the world of the MMORTS. I call this a good thing, especially since I am such a fan of the genre. There are literally scores and scores of the strategy-based city builders out there. Many of them not only are similar to each other but offer nothing new, not even a slight twist in design. I have a few favorites like Illyriad, Golden Age, and Aloriah, so I was eager to jump into this new one, given that it is made by one of my favorite design studios.

8realms seems to sport a unique design. Players are asked to build up their cities and advance through different ages, from ancient times all the way up to the modern day. A trailer on the front page of the official website shows a commander admiring his army of sword- and spearmen, until suddenly a modern-day jet fighter nukes them to smithereens. All I could think was, "Is this game balanced?"

If you would like to join in on the fun along with me, you can join in VIP access by going to the official site and using the code MASSIVELY15 when prompted. Then come back and click past the cut to hear all about my experience!

Continue reading MMObility: Checking out 8Realms from Jagex

MassivelyMMObility: Checking out 8Realms from Jagex originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedevonyfeaturedgolden-ageillyriadjagexministry-of-warMMObilitymmortsmobilerunescapesmartphoneFri, 09 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you play any mobile MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-any-mobile-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-any-mobile-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-any-mobile-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pocket Legends -- Screenshot originally submitted to One Shots by Mark S.
A guildie of mine and I were discussing phones this week, and we came to the joint conclusion that for us, mobile gaming, especially the mobile MMO market, is no draw at all when it comes to our phone selection. Unlike Beau, who writes Massively's mobile gaming column, MMObility, I don't relish the thought of playing any serious MMO while peering at a tiny screen or trying to make a character run around with an awkward swipe of my finger. I'll play a little single-player time-waster to, well, waste time, but deep gaming is reserved for a big comfy chair and a jumbo-sized screen. I certainly wouldn't tailor a phone or slate purchase around gaming.

And yet the mobile gaming market is exploding, so someone out there must be playing these wee little MMOs, like Pocket Legends, shown in tablet form in the above screenshot. In fact, these games might just be the perfect snack while you're trying to surreptitiously get your game on at family holiday events or while waiting in an endless shopping line. So are you a mobile MMO gamer? And if so, what mobile MMOs do you play?

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 play any mobile MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-legendsslatesmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiostablettdgthe-daily-grindSat, 26 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fleck screenshot
Over the time I have been exploring mobile gaming, especially since I have been writing this column, I've discovered exactly what I like and dislike about the genre. Mobile MMOs are the tiniest niche within the greater world of MMOs. Some would say that MMOs are even a tiny corner of gaming in general. While I don't quite agree, I would say that explaining my column to random game shop employees or curious friends is quite the challenge.

"You write about games... on your phone?"

"Yes, massively multiplayer games."

"Huh?"

Luckily there are many new ones that offer a much more robust gaming experience. I can proudly show people examples of games like Order and Chaos Online, Star Legends or Illyriad. Of course, I sift through many poor examples before I get to the good ones. So let's take this opportunity to discuss what I think makes for a good game. Click past the cut and feel free to add your ideas in the comments section!

Continue reading MMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me

MassivelyMMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfarmvillefeaturedfleckillyriadmafia-warsMMObilitymobilemobile-mmoorder-and-chaos-onlineouter-empiressmartphonestar-legendstibiaMETue, 30 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: More new games and news from mobile MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mmobility-more-new-games-and-news-from-mobile-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mmobility-more-new-games-and-news-from-mobile-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mmobility-more-new-games-and-news-from-mobile-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Outer Empires screenshot
Finding mobile MMOs for smartphones, slates, and browsers is not easy. I will often lump games that can run on a basic laptop into this column, but the specific games for those wonderful mobile devices are still rare. Yes, there are quite a few games in the Mafia Wars-style, but I have been scouring the internet to find games that actually resemble "real" MMOs -- you know, the ones that have persistent worlds and interaction with large numbers of players.

They're out there, but the faucet is at a slow drip. It must be hard to make mobile games, especially MMOs, especially in a market that is not only new but such a niche. Granted, titles like Order and Chaos Online and Pocket Legends have shown that great success is possible, but in this columns, I like to highlight the little guys and the hidden gems.

So click past the cut and I'll share with you a few updates on some of my favorite lesser-known mobile MMOs.

Continue reading MMObility: More new games and news from mobile MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: More new games and news from mobile MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acandroidasherons-callbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcastlecraftceltic-heroeseqEQ-IIeq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpIOSMMObilitymmortsmobileouter-empirespocket-legendsRyzomslatesmartphonetibiaMEwarspear-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft buys smartphone app studio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/ncsoft-buys-smartphone-app-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/ncsoft-buys-smartphone-app-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/ncsoft-buys-smartphone-app-studio/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the past, NCsoft has been rather cautious about mobile gaming, and aside from dipping a toe in the pool with an Aion smartphone app, the South Korean game developer has remained on the sidelines. Yesterday the company announced that it's diving in headfirst via the acquisition of Hotdog Studio, a Seoul-based mobile developer known for Dark Shrine.

We've known for some time now that NCsoft also has plans to include mobile functionality with Guild Wars 2, and its iOS/Android program will enable chatting, real-time map viewing, and other as-yet unrevealed functionality.

NCsoft acquired 58.3 percent of Hotdog's shares, and is looking to "enhance our ability in the smart phone environment," according to a publisher representative.

MassivelyNCsoft buys smartphone app studio originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-exchangeandroidguild-wars-2gw2hotdoghotdog-studioiosmmo-industrymobilemobile-appsmobile-gamingncsoftsmartphoneThu, 28 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spacetime Studios, makers of the current heavyweight champion of the mobile world Pocket Legends, has expanded its lineup by adding Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. I was more excited about this title than almost any other that was announced this year -- and for good reason. Pocket Legends proved that a real mobile MMO complete with a persistent world, real-time chat and multiplayer interaction is possible. Over this last year the developers have added on a lot of new options and kept the game moving forward. If their new game was going to follow the same patch as Pocket Legends, then more power to Spacetime.

At the same time, would they be able to overcome or improve some of the basic issues that comes with mobile gaming? And what exactly was the goal of making a second mobile MMO if a lot of your core design would remain the same... and a lot of your players would as well?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I found this week!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbig-brothers-big-sistersblackstarf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpmobilepocket-legendsrise-and-shinysmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesstar-warsSun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The constants of the console]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Once again I find myself envious of the console gamer lifestyle. If you think about it even for a bit, you can see how they almost have the best of all gaming worlds. Most popular console titles support some version of multiplayer that can simulate an MMO. Granted, players don't have access to potentially thousands of players at once and all that "massive" entails, but if we are even mildly honest, we'd admit that a great many MMO players spend their time in an instanced dungeon with the same handful of people, most of the time.

A console is also portable and standard. If you buy a console game, you pretty much know it will run on your system. Sure, there are hiccups here and there, but those would be generally the same hiccups that all players would have. The games are made for the console, not the other way around. My jealousy has begun to affect how I play -- I am starting to find ways to step further and further away from the standard PC setup, and hopefully I will never utter the words "upgrade my PC" again.

Browser-based and portable gaming are much like the console market. Let's discuss how so and why this really makes me feel good. Click past the cut!

Continue reading MMObility: The constants of the console

MassivelyMMObility: The constants of the console originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsfeaturedflash-basediphonejavammobilitymobilesmartphoneunityTue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Survival on a desert island]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/mmobility-survival-on-a-desert-island/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/mmobility-survival-on-a-desert-island/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/mmobility-survival-on-a-desert-island/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We've all played that age-old game of pondering what we might take with us on an endless trip to a desert island. What music would you bring? Whom would you bring with you? What food would you bring, if you could choose only one food? I've recently been thinking about this old game again, mainly because of my obsession with portability and all-in-one devices. Which device would I bring with me to that island, if I had to choose? (Let's forget the fact that I could just make a call or otherwise contact the authorities to rescue me off the island!)

The ultimate question is this: Which MMO would I bring installed on that device? Or, going a bit further, which apps or other downloads would I include? Once I started asking, my fantasy turned into somewhat of a challenge to myself: Could I survive a week without any access to a desktop at all? Could I write, play, and otherwise continue to do my job with only a pocket-sized device?

Join me past the cut and let's see what I might include on this trip.

Continue reading MMObility: Survival on a desert island

MassivelyMMObility: Survival on a desert island originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserfeaturedgooglegoogle-docsillyriadiosMMObilitymobilemobilitymoving-playeroprahoprah winfreyOprahWinfreyouter-empirespandoraphonephonespocket-legendssketchbook-proskypesmartphonespacetime-studiosWorld-of-WarcraftyslandiaTue, 26 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: A handful of games for your portables]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mmobility-a-handful-of-games-for-your-portables/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mmobility-a-handful-of-games-for-your-portables/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mmobility-a-handful-of-games-for-your-portables/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

To be honest, there are not nearly as many true MMOs available for your iPhone or Android device as I would like. It's a new market, of course, and the number of offerings is growing, but typically a lot of the MMO gaming you will be doing on your phone will be through your browser. This isn't a bad thing when you consider the quality of many of the browser games out there, but more MMOs cannot come quickly enough. So when I find one that I like, I would like to tell as many people as I can.

And when I find more than that, I have to say something about all of them. Normally I would do a report on each game individually, but in this case, I have not had as much time with each game to give a full and decent report. It will be up to you, fair reader, to investigate these games with me. Don't worry -- they won't cost you much at all.

Click past the cut and let's take a look!

Continue reading MMObility: A handful of games for your portables

MassivelyMMObility: A handful of games for your portables originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp storeAppStorebeau-hindmanbetaeve-onlinefeaturedHTC-inspireiosiphoneMMObilitymobilemobile-mmorpgouter-empiresrunessmartphoneyslandiaTue, 19 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Security 'RIFT' has closed for iOS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/security-rift-has-closed-for-ios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/security-rift-has-closed-for-ios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/security-rift-has-closed-for-ios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The developers at Trion Worlds have given the players an active way to close the RIFT in security for the iPhone. As reported a couple of weeks ago, RIFT is following in World of Warcraft's footsteps with a mobile authenticator. Most of the time, being called a clone of WoW is a negative mark on the game, but in this case, it's a matter of personal security.

RIFT launched its authenticator on the Android platform first, giving those customers more peace of mind in the wake of reports of holes in the game's security. Today, Community Manager Erick "Zann" Adams posted that the authenticator is now available for the iPhone and other iOS products as well.

Because of the growing popularity of MMOs and other online games, these extra security measures are more than welcomed by the gaming community. If you are a RIFT player, then you can rush to the iTunes store or the Android market to pick up the authenticator or jump to the RIFT game site to find out more information.

MassivelySecurity 'RIFT' has closed for iOS originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketauthenticatorerick-adamshackerhackingiosiphoneiTunes-storeRIFTrift-planes-of-telarasecuritysmartphoneTriontrion-worldszannMon, 11 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a lot of city-building, army-amassing, crop-growing RTS-style games in the browser market. Heck, I will wager that they probably make up about 70 percent of the games I come across while researching (my fancy word for lurking through game sites). The genre works really well in a browser, though, so I can see the appeal of making such a game. Of course, as in any popular genre, you will have your duds. After seeing my billionth army-builder, I have to say that I'm just not really interested that much anymore. It takes a unique one to grab my eye.

In comes Illyriad. It looks pretty similar to other RTS-style browser MMOs, and it plays similarly as well. Something about it was different, though, and I just couldn't put my finger on it. The hand-drawn art was a nice touch, and the world truly felt large, but there was something else.

Join me past the cut as I examine what it was. I also fired off some questions to the developer, Stormcrow, to get his take on the game's success.

Continue reading MMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket

MassivelyMMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscash-shopccpeveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpillyriadIndieMicrotransactionsministry-of-warMMObilitymmortsRTSsmartphonestormcrowTue, 05 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-gray-areas-shadow-cities-redefines-mobile-mmorpgs-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

How does being the main character in a techno-cyberpunk fantasy MMORPG grab you? And when we say "you," we really mean you, as opposed to a digital avatar or a pre-made character archetype. While we're at it, how does playing said MMORPG in the real world, specifically your home town and any cities you may visit, sound?

If you answered "pretty freaking awesome" like we did, keep reading.

We sat down with the guys from Grey Area at last week's GDC to talk about the firm's slick new location-based iPhone MMO called Shadow Cities. We came away with the feeling that while many MMO companies talk a good game when it comes to innovation and driving the genre forward, this small Finnish startup is actually walking the walk.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion

MassivelyGDC 2011: Grey Area's Shadow Cities redefines mobile MMORPGs and immersion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storefantasyfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011grey-areagrey-area-labsipadiphonemikko-hamalainenmobilesci-fishadow-citiessmartphonetechnomagevideoville-vesterinenMon, 07 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although portable MMOs seem like the next logical step in enabling our online gaming addiction, remarkably few titles have graced the field as yet. Of the select few, Spacetime Studio's Pocket Legends heads the pack in style and popularity. It appeals to a wide range of players because the basic game is free; the developer charges players only for expansions and other item shop goodies.

Cinco Barnes took the opportunity to speak at GDC about how Spacetime sorted out the complex issues surrounding portable MMOs, how the studio came up with the payment structure, and what the team learned as it goes forward with its next MMO, Blackstar.

Pocket Legends' roots go back to 2005 when Spacetime Studios took some seed money from NCsoft and began work on a large-space sci-fi MMO for PCs. While the project went bust and NCsoft pulled funding, Spacetime came away with the technology it developed if not the deep pockets to compete in the field. By 2009, the company became enamoured with the iPhone as a gaming device and decided to take the tools it had developed to create a unique game for that platform.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs

MassivelyGDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackstarcash-shopcinco-barnesdesignf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-designgame-developers-conferencegauntletgdcgdc-2011iosipadiphoneipoditem-shopmobile-gamingpocket-legendssmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five mobile MMOs that are not Pocket Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/free-for-all-five-mobile-mmos-that-are-not-pocket-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/free-for-all-five-mobile-mmos-that-are-not-pocket-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/free-for-all-five-mobile-mmos-that-are-not-pocket-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mobile MMO gaming is all the rage, didn't you know? All the cool kids are doing it! Well, a lot of them, anyway -- and I can't really vouch for their level of cool. Still, mobile MMO gaming might seem to some as though it is primitive and in its infancy, simply because it is. If you've watched the development of the genre and you realize that it is only about as old as recent smartphones, though, you'd be nothing but impressed at the sheer speed of it all.

Even this year I've seen games pop up from seemingly nowhere, gather tons of players, and prove that gaming on a three-inch screen is completely possible. If you figure the iPad and cheaper (yet more powerful) netbooks into the equation, you find that MMOs work just fine on smaller screens. The recent announcement of the Nintendo 3DS didn't get my blood boiling at all. After all, 3-D didn't make a good movie out of Avatar -- what makes anyone think that is can save pixely single-player games?

The price is right, as well. Most of the mobile MMOs I have found lately (I looked at around 11) were totally free or very cheap. Compare that to the price of your average 3DS game, and I think you'll have a winner.

Click past the cut to see my short list of cool smartphone MMOs.

Continue reading Free for All: Five mobile MMOs that are not Pocket Legends

MassivelyFree for All: Five mobile MMOs that are not Pocket Legends originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanempire-onlinef2pfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifree-to-playftpgraal-classicipadiphonemobilemobile-gamngpocket-mmosportableseven-swordssmartphoneworld-of-magicyslandiaWed, 02 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you like side applications?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-side-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-side-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-side-applications/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're playing World of Warcraft, increasingly, you have options available to keep you playing the game even if you're logged off. With several apps running off the Armory and the recent announcement of a planned Auction House access feature as a premium, there's almost no reason to log in at all. Unless you want to level up, quest, roleplay, raid, PvP, explore... okay, there's plenty of reason to log in, but there are more options than ever to let you handle matters inside the game while not even close to your computer.

It's not unprecedented by any means, as both Fallen Earth (coming soon) and Champions Online also offer applications for the iPhone to help take care of the game's management functions while you're away from your computer. With the continued advent of more functional mobile devices and more robust web environments through services such as Facebook, games can offload many of the more tedious bits of gameplay into applications players just run through quickly on a break at their day job. What do you think of the increasing trend? Are you happy to have the option to take care of administrative tasks when not near your computer, or do you see it as intrusive and unnecessary?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How do you like side applications? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecofacebookfallen-earthfeiphonesmartphonetdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-armorywowwow-armoryFri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: uGame on your iPhone?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/the-daily-grind-ugame-on-your-iphone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/the-daily-grind-ugame-on-your-iphone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/the-daily-grind-ugame-on-your-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Many games are now coming out with iPhone extensions, breaking down the lines between being in-game and being out of game. Now you can check your character's skills in EVE, or go sell some things on the Fallen Earth auction house, or have a shoot out with your homies in CrimeCraft all thanks to specialized apps for your iPhone. What's next, a Snowboarding Conan mini-game?

Well, today's question is all about how much you guys play your MMOs with your phones. Are you the "true addict?" The person who uses his phone to stay connected to your game of choice even if you're nowhere near your PC? Or are you the person who'd rather have developers working on the game and not on their iPhone extension programs.

Secondary question for super-awesome bonus points: How many people could Conan kill while on a snowboard? Eleven or Eleventybillion?

Compile those comments in your head, and then throw them into our comment box and submit to your heart's content.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: uGame on your iPhone? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eleventybillion-peopleiphonemobile-phoneopinionsmartphonesnowboarding-conanthe-daily-grindThu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST