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[Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

CastleVille screenshot
I am a huge fan of social media. Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus -- it all makes sense to me and has shown to be a very useful tool in not only communicating with friends but finding new games, developers, and websites. My Twitter feed provides enough news and information that I can skip any standard media. I haven't watched a local newscast for a long, long time. On top of that, I can communicate with readers in real time, sharing photos and tidbits of cool.

Has social media affected MMO gaming? It definitely has. Watch any smart developer's Twitter feed and you will see the community team interacting directly with players, answering questions, hosting contests, and helping players feel as though the developers are actual people. Social media has also changed how we connect to our games, MMO or not.

All of this means that everything is social now. Going to the dentist? Share it with your friends. Defeated a boss monster on your Xbox? Tweet it. Just picked up that epic sword in Dark Age of Camelot? Post it to your Facebook. Heck, many MMOs now have a Twitter or Facebook option built right into the client. All of this instant connectivity is nice, but it's possible that the "massively" part of MMO will soon apply to any game. What will this do to the genre?

Continue reading Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it

MassivelyFree for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancityvilledark-age-of-camelotf2pfacebookfarmvillefeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgoogle-plushero-academylord-of-the-rings-onlineopinionsocialsocial-gamingsocial-networkingtwittervelvet-ropeZyngaWed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Diablo III launch site collapses under the weight of fans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/new-diablo-iii-launch-site-collapses-under-the-weight-of-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Diablo III title image
With just over a month left until Diablo III is released, Blizzard launched its new Darkness Falls, Heroes Rise minisite to get people excited. Fans can enter an art contest with some big prizes or create a banner to unlock an exclusive in-game banner sigil that will never be given away outside this event. The site is one big social media campaign, with exclusive content that unlocks when players share enough contest entries on Facebook and Twitter. Fansite DiabloFans revealed that the unlocks will include developer diaries, wallpapers and more. Once the share meter reaches 100%, a final epic unveiling will occur that Blizzard's Bashiok says "is going to melt people's brain meats."

When the site first launched, fans reported everything from PHP errors to lost connections and 404 pages. The site has since been stabilised but doesn't appear to be working as intended. The galleries are no longer updating, confirmation emails are not being sent for entries, and the unlock level hasn't budged from 0%. As we'll need just under 3% per day to meet the 100% goal, players are concerned that if the meter isn't broken, then expectations may have been set too high.

MassivelyNew Diablo III launch site collapses under the weight of fans originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiablofansdiablofans.comfacebookfantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerrpgsharesocial-mediasocial-networkingtwitterSun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: A world without boats edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/ask-massively-a-world-without-boats-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/ask-massively-a-world-without-boats-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/ask-massively-a-world-without-boats-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is an allegory. Maybe.
As you probably have already ignored, the big news of the day is that the world's boats have all been lost due to mysterious boat-related circumstances. Unfortunately, as human beings are extremely stupid and easily thwarted, no one can remember how to build a boat, nor did anyone take any notes on how one might build a boat. There aren't even pieces of information about how boats work. Long story short, Australia is now completely on its own.

In less boat-related news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively. Written while not on a boat, it's fielding questions about the ubiquity of social networking and Collector's Editions that cost nearly as much as a boat. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, mail it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: A world without boats edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: A world without boats edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycollectors-editionfacebookfeaturedhumormassively-metametanetworkingopinionsocial-networkingThu, 15 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Test driving Magic Hub]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/lost-pages-of-taborea-test-driving-magic-hub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/lost-pages-of-taborea-test-driving-magic-hub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/lost-pages-of-taborea-test-driving-magic-hub/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Runes of Magic/Magic Hub image
I'm going to jump on this one before anyone else does. The company Overwolf developed a little application that provides MMO players with social networking, web, video and screenshot functionality without the need to alt+tab out of a game.

It's a lot like what Trion has built into RIFT, only in a third-party package, and Frogster partnered with Overwolf to provide a Runes of Magic-branded version called Magic Hub -- complete with RoM-specific buttons.

After some technical problems, I got Magic Hub to work and put it through its paces. There are other applications out there that provide a wide range of functionality for gamers, but since this one is customized for RoM, I thought I'd give my impressions.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Test driving Magic Hub

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Test driving Magic Hub originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfeaturedfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegmailimpressionintegrated-webintegrationjeremy-strattonlost-pages-of-taboreamagic-hubmsn-messengeropinionoverlayoverwolfromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentscreenshotsskypesocial-networkingsteamthird-partythird-party-applicationstwittervideoyoutubeMon, 12 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Embers of Caerus: 'MMO guilds suck']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/embers-of-caerus-mmo-guilds-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/embers-of-caerus-mmo-guilds-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/embers-of-caerus-mmo-guilds-suck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Forsaken Studios
Forsaken Studio's newest sandbox MMO may not even have a proper website yet, but that doesn't mean Embers of Caerus can't make waves. In the team's first dev blog, a gauntlet is thrown down to all other MMOs: Your guilds suck, apparently. Nothing personal.

"For that part traditional MMORPG guilds have done their job, and they haven't done it badly, but it can certainly be improved," the team writes. It's their opinion that guilds are a little too exclusive and inflexible, not allowing players to mingle in multiple groups as they would in real life.

Using Facebook as an example of how people categorize friends into different groups, the devs show that we have grown to expect flexibility in structuring our relationships and social circles. It's the opinion of the team that MMOs should evolve with the times to include the same types of features: "Once we break the bonds of traditional guilds, and work instead to define ways to organise and control our relationships and groups, the possibilities are pretty much endless."

Embers of Caerus plans to allow players as much flexibility as possible in their goals and their social groupings, so that an adventurer could be part of both a thieving guild and a merchant troupe if so desired. The title is only a few weeks into development at this point.

[Thanks to the good folks on the Massively forums for bringing this to our attention!]

MassivelyEmbers of Caerus: 'MMO guilds suck' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diarydeveloper-blogdeveloper-diaryembers-of-caerusfacebookforsaken-studiosguildguildsnew-titlesocial-circlessocial-networkingthievesTue, 30 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[gPotato partners with Overwolf for social media client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gpotato-partners-with-overwolf-for-social-media-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gpotato-partners-with-overwolf-for-social-media-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gpotato-partners-with-overwolf-for-social-media-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Game evangelist
gPotato is partnering with Overwolf to launch a new in-game client overlay, according to a new press blurb released this morning. Who the heck is Overwolf? The company was founded in 2010 and is responsible for the Overwolf Client, a product that "adds social features and functionality to games enabling players to share, socialize and evangelize for their favorite game."

The software features an integrated web browser, Facebook, Twitter, MSN, and Skype support, as well as the ability to record and share in-game videos and screenshots. gPotato's in-game client is customized and optimized for its stable of free-to-play games, and you can see the service in action via the beta that is currently attached to Aika Online.

MassivelygPotato partners with Overwolf for social media client originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evangelistfantasyfree-to-playgame-evangelistgpotatommo-industryoverwolfoverwolf-clientpress-releasesocial-gamingsocial-mediasocial-networkingTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reinventing PlayStation Home to be more like an MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Playstation Home
PlayStation Home was a hugely anticipated feature for console fans, one that ultimately garnered mixed reviews and apathetic affection. Due to the reception, Sony has decided to reinvent the game lobby-slash-virtual-world to incorporate the best of themeparks, MMOs, and social networks.

When it relaunches this fall, PlayStation Home will look radically different, resembling a sleek mall with plenty to do and faster functionality for those who want to get right to their games. But between playing commercial titles, gamers are encouraged to hang out for a while, which is where MMO elements come into play.

The new Home has a number of districts, as an amusement park would, and in them players can pick up quests, go on treasure hunts, and explore these video game-themed zones to find hidden mysteries. Sony also promises that it will incorporate persistent, ongoing stories, similar to those you'd find in MMOs, such as an alien invasion that affects all of the areas.

Sony is hoping that the 23 million Home users will embrace this new experience and form stronger social connections through it.

MassivelySony reinventing PlayStation Home to be more like an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamusement-parksconsolehomehorrorplaystationplaystation-3playstation-homeps3rebootreimaginerevampsocial-networksocial-networkingsonysportstheme-parktheme-parksTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Single-player games will be dead in three years, says industry analyst]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/single-player-games-will-be-dead-in-three-years-says-industry-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/single-player-games-will-be-dead-in-three-years-says-industry-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/single-player-games-will-be-dead-in-three-years-says-industry-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Demon's Souls
So game development studios desperately want to move the entirety of our hobby online in order to mimic the recurring revenue model of MMORPGs. That's not exactly news, but it is news when an industry analyst makes an eyebrow-raising claim regarding the immediate future of the genre. To that effect, Eurogamer recently attended a "closed-door, Sony-organized panel discussion on the future of video games," which featured an analyst predicting the end of single-player titles by 2014.

Mark Cerny, a "veteran video game consultant," used the 2009 single-player RPG Demon's Souls as an example, saying that its mixture of traditional offline gameplay and social connectivity to other gamers experiencing the same title is the wave of the future.

"The funny thing here is, we don't even know what to call this. Is it single-player or is it multiplayer? We don't even have the words. It's kind of Orwellian. If you don't have any word for freedom you can't have a revolution," Cerny said. What exactly is that revolution, and will it be good for gamers? Check back in 2014 to find out.

MassivelySingle-player games will be dead in three years, says industry analyst originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-connectedalways-onanalystbig-brotherconnectivitydo-not-wantdrmgame-industrymark-cernymmo-industryorwellianpredictionsrpgssingle-player-gamingsocial-gamingsocial-networkingsonyWed, 17 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study suggests one in three gamers has purchased virtual goods]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/study-suggests-one-in-three-gamers-has-purchased-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/study-suggests-one-in-three-gamers-has-purchased-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/study-suggests-one-in-three-gamers-has-purchased-virtual-goods/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Let's say you're playing an MMO with two of your mates. They could be online friends, real-world friends, or some combination of both. According to a new study conducted by PlaySpan and VGMarket, one of you has used real-world money to purchase virtual items.

The research was compiled last month and samples a pool of 1,000 gamers drawn from a VGMarket database. While the one-in-three statistic is interesting in its own right, even more compelling is the evidence that suggests 57 percent of participants purchase virtual items on a monthly basis.

You might think that social networking games are responsible for the lion's share of these percentages, but VGMarket's data show console games with online play accounting for 51 percent of the purchases, with social titles claiming second place at 30 percent (MMOs came in third, if you're curious). The study presents quite a number of curious factoids despite its relatively small sample size, and you can check out all the findings at the official PlaySpan website. It's also worth noting that downloading the full study requires providing PlaySpan with your personal info via a web registration form.

MassivelyStudy suggests one in three gamers has purchased virtual goods originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-gamesconsolesf2pfree-to-playmmo-industrymoneyplayspanpress-releasereal-moneyreal-money-tradingreal-world-moneyrmtsocial-networkingstatisticsvgmarketvirtual-goodsThu, 04 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Order & Chaos Online now available on Facebook]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/order-and-chaos-online-now-available-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/order-and-chaos-online-now-available-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/order-and-chaos-online-now-available-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Order and Chaos is branching out from its iOS roots, as Gameloft has brought the mobile MMORPG to the Facebook social networking platform. The title is free-to-play through level 10, at which point users will need to fork over Facebook credits in lieu of a subscription fee. A Gameloft press release details the pricing structure as follows:
  • 1 day: 1 FB Credit
  • 1 month: 10 FB Credits
  • 3 months: 20 FB Credits
  • 6 months: 30 FB Credits
If you're wondering, 50 Facebook credits equals approximately $5.00, so you're looking at a pretty sweet deal when it comes to accessing a game that has been labeled the mobile equivalent of World of Warcraft. Order and Chaos features four races (Elves, Humans, Orcs, and Undead), as well as over 1000 skills, 2000 unique equipment items, and 500 quests.

MassivelyOrder & Chaos Online now available on Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedf2pfacebookfantasyfree-to-playgameloftmobileorder-and-chaosorder-and-chaos-onlinepress-releasesocial-networkingThu, 21 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Is Real website presents visual record of EVE, hosts launch contests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/eve-is-real-website-presents-visual-record-of-eve-hosts-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/eve-is-real-website-presents-visual-record-of-eve-hosts-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/eve-is-real-website-presents-visual-record-of-eve-hosts-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Two weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Games announced a new advertising campaign with a twist. An external marketing company was hired to create a unique virtual museum of EVE artwork, screenshots and videos that would function as a growing visual record of what EVE means to its players. People interested in seeing what EVE is all about could then skim through the site and hopefully get a better impression of what it's like to be part of the EVE community. Players got a head-start in uploading content to the EVE Is Real website last week and we've been eagerly awaiting the website officially going live. Although no official announcement has been made, it appears that the EVE Is Real website has launched.

To encourage players to upload their work, the site's creators are running launch contests with some huge prizes. The top 20 images uploaded to the site will win their owners a brand new EVGA GeForce GTX 460 SE graphics card, and the video that gets the most votes will secure its creator an expensive Alienware gaming desktop machine. Submissions end on August the 18th, and the voting phase then takes place between August the 18th and September the 1st. If you've created some nice screenshots, an epic EVE video or even an awesome My Little Pony version of the latest EVE trailer, submit it before August the 18th for your chance to win.

In an interesting move, CCP will be rewarding every single EVE player with several thousand of its new microtransaction currency Aurum if the website takes off. A running total is maintained of the number of times images and videos on the site have been shared via Facebook and Twitter, and at certain share levels every single EVE player will be gifted a lump sum of Aurum.

MassivelyEVE Is Real website presents visual record of EVE, hosts launch contests originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareaurumccpccp-eveccp-gamescompetitioncontesteveeve-ccpeve-is-realeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefacebookgeforcelaunchscreenshotsocial-mediasocial-networkingtrailertwittervideoWed, 20 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint and Mail.Ru partnering for global distribution deal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bigpoint and Mail.Ru Group have just announced a corporate partnership that aims to bring titles from each publisher to new prospective markets. Bigpoint, a browser MMO specialist most famous for its free-to-play Battlestar Galactica title, will bring its games to Mail.Ru's Russian-speaking audience via the latter's existing portal delivery service.

Similarly, Bigpoint users will find Mail.Ru titles like GodsWar Online accessible via the Bigpoint website. Bigpoint games will also be making their way to Mail.Ru's Odnoklassniki and My World social networking services.

"As successful browser-game providers, Bigpoint.com and Mail.Ru are a match made in heaven. We're happy to expand both our game portfolio and our international network of partners at the same time," said Bigpoint CEO Nils Holger Henning in a recent press release.

MassivelyBigpoint and Mail.Ru partnering for global distribution deal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-gamesf2pfantasyfree-to-playgodswar-onlinemail.ruOdnoklassnikiodnoklassniki-rupartnershippress--releasepress-releasesci-fisocial-networkingTue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are social media connections in MMOs useless?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-social-media-connections-in-mmos-useless/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-social-media-connections-in-mmos-useless/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-social-media-connections-in-mmos-useless/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I first started to notice it in Champions Online. Cryptic gave us the ability to broadcast our achievements in the game over Twitter: "CapnCrunch has reached level 10!" At the time, it felt like a silly idea that wouldn't catch on, but for some reason, it has. More and more we're seeing studios working hard to integrate popular social networks into their MMOs, and more and more I'm wondering... why?

RIFT has been big on doing this, implementing the ability not only to set your account to automatically tweet achievements ("Hey guys, I jumped off a bridge and didn't die!") but also to post them in Facebook. The game also allows you to record video and take screenshots to post online, which seems to me to be more useful but still probably not as captivating to a potential personal audience as one might hope.

So my question today concerns these social media connections in MMOs -- are they useless? Are they just a fad that few people use? Do the ones who do use them end up annoying their followers with a stream of spam messages? Or do people actually enjoy the ability to have their games tie in with their social networks and see how their friends are progressing?

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: Are social media connections in MMOs useless? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementschampionschampions-onlinefacebookmyspaceopinionriftscreenshotssocial-mediasocial-networksocial-networkingsocial-networkstdgthe-daily-grindtumblrtweettweetstwittervideoyoutubeWed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE forums available for testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/new-eve-forums-available-for-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/new-eve-forums-available-for-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/new-eve-forums-available-for-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last month, CCP Alice from EVE Online's web-development team revealed that the official EVE forums would be getting a complete revamp as part of the ongoing Incursion expansion. The new forums will have several advanced features, including a powerful search feature, a "Like" button next to posts, and the ability to subscribe to an RSS feed of search results. The new forums are nearing completion and, in true CCP style, developers have released them for public testing and feedback-gathering before they go live.

Developers need your help to make sure the forums are everything you expect. Head over to EVE Gate and sign in to give the new forums a test. If you've noticed anything wrong with the new forum, or even if you just have a suggestion for a change you'd like to see made, leave your feedback in the New Forum Feedback Portal. The web-development team is adding highly supported ideas to a review list for further development. When the new forums come in, the old forums will remain as a locked backup in its current location on the EVE website.

MassivelyNew EVE forums available for testing originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-aliceccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineforumforumsincursionsocialsocial-networkingFri, 25 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil lays off large portion of its staff [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/netdevil-lays-off-large-portion-of-its-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/netdevil-lays-off-large-portion-of-its-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/netdevil-lays-off-large-portion-of-its-staff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When it comes to game development, it's somewhat common to see a layoff or realignment of development team members shortly after the release of a title. However, it appears that NetDevil's most recent round of layoffs came as a complete surprise to its employees. After all, the company's most recent release, LEGO Universe, is well past that initial post-launch phase, having gone live back in October 2010, and both Jumpgate Evolution and Fortune Online are (at least supposedly) under development currently at the studio. There are jobs posted on the hiring page, as well.

However, it appears that the developer, owned by Gazillion Entertainment, is on shaky ground as of this morning, according to rumors. The truly horrible thing about this isn't that some developers were laid off -- it's how the affected employees found out. It appears that some of the NetDevil employees were notified that they were going to be laid off via Facebook postings before they were officially contacted by the company, according to a blog posting by Toby Cochran, who worked as a character/creature animator on LEGO Universe. Apparently an image showing a tombstone with the inscription "NetDevil R.I.P. Oct 1997-Feb 2011" started making the rounds on social networking sites shortly thereafter, indicating a far bleaker picture than just that of layoffs.

We've reached out to NetDevil and Gazillion Entertainment for comment on the rumors and what, if anything, it will mean for the development of Jumpgate Evolution and Fortune Online. We'll be sure to update this post as soon as we have further information. In the meantime, we hope that all the talented, hard-working NetDevil employees who were affected are able to land fabulous new well-paying spots elsewhere, continuing to do what they love.

[Update: We received the following statement from NetDevil: "The transition of members of our team to the LEGO Group allows us to conclude the work-for-hire segment of NetDevil's business and lets us expand our internally-published, free-to-play game businesses based on our own properties and licensed properties. Gazillion is wholly focused on developing, operating, and publishing the next generation of browser-delivered games," said David Brevik, President and COO. "We're proud of the LEGO Universe game that our team built, and we are certain that it has a bright future."]

MassivelyNetDevil lays off large portion of its staff [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessemployeesfacebookFOfortune-onlinegazilliongazillion-entertainmentJGEjumpgate-evolutionlayoffslego-universeLUmmo-industrynet-devilNetDevilrumorsocial-networkingtoby-cochranThu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online to get shiny new forums as part of Incursion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-online-to-get-shiny-new-forums-as-part-of-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-online-to-get-shiny-new-forums-as-part-of-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/eve-online-to-get-shiny-new-forums-as-part-of-incursion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite calls for some new features, the EVE Online forums haven't changed much at all since their release in 2003. A search feature was added several years ago, but it failed to produce reliable results. As usually happens when there's something missing in EVE, the community filled in the gaps with Chribba's popular EVE-Search forum archive and search tool. In a new devblog, CCP Alice has revealed that the forum will finally get a face-lift during the Incursion expansion. Players will be happy to know that a useful advanced search feature is definitely on the way, with some handy innovations like the ability to subscribe to an RSS feed of your search results.

In addition to displaying the shiny new avatars we'll create with the new character generator, the new forum has a quick-reply feature, a "like" button next to every post and a share option to link the post on various social networking tools. Each thread will also post to an RSS feed, so you can subscribe to interesting threads and receive replies on any device with an RSS reader. Players will also have a favourite thread list, which could be handy for saving a list of the various guides and information posts players find themselves looking up on a regular basis. The new forum will be integrated with EVE Gate, and the old forum will be left as an archive for posterity. The exact release schedule of the new forum isn't yet decided, but as it's part of Incursion, it will have to be released before the summer.

MassivelyEVE Online to get shiny new forums as part of Incursion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-aliceccp-eveccp-gamesdevblogeveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineforumincursionsocial-networksocial-networkingWed, 12 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deck the halls with Coralax costumes in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/deck-the-halls-with-coralax-costumes-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/deck-the-halls-with-coralax-costumes-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/deck-the-halls-with-coralax-costumes-in-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

At one point in development, the Coralax were going to be the new epic archetype for the villainous crowd in City of Heroes. Now, they're just another low-level villain group with some memorable looks to them. But for the next twelve days, they can be something more -- namely, they can be your new clothing. No, you aren't getting missions to skin the Coralax and wear what's left as a hat. The Paragon Studios team is taking the opportunity to give away the never-before-seen costume code for the aquatic humanoids via social networking through December 23rd, skipping the weekends.

While similar giveaways have happened in the past, they've always been with costume codes from a recent convention. The Coralax costume is totally new and unprecedented, and that means whoever snags one owns a unique part of the game's history. Since the team won't be announcing where the codes will be dropped next, it's up to players to keep a close eye on Twitter, Facebook, and the forums to try and snag a code in time. Good luck to City of Heroes players eager for the new costume, because nothing says the leadup to the holiday season like a mad dash for something everyone wants.

MassivelyDeck the halls with Coralax costumes in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-2010city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcontestcoralaxcostumecostume-codecostume-contestcovcoxfacebookforumsholiday-eventncsoftnew-costumeofficial-forumsparagonparagon-studiospromotionsocial-networkingspecial-eventtwitterWed, 08 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga passes EA in estimated worth rankings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/zynga-passes-ea-in-estimated-worth-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/zynga-passes-ea-in-estimated-worth-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/zynga-passes-ea-in-estimated-worth-rankings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Like a horde of unstoppable zombies, social titles are devouring the domestic and worldwide gaming industry at an alarming rate. The latest example of the brain-sucking apocalypse comes courtesy of a Bloomberg report on Farmville-maker Zynga's estimated worth. It clocks in at $5.51 billion, placing it squarely in front of industry titan Electronic Arts ($5.22 billion).

Despite potential hits like BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic waiting in the wings, EA seems to be losing ground in the war for your online entertainment dollar. Since March 1st, EA's shares have declined 6.3 percent, while Zynga's estimated value has more than doubled in the same period. That said, while Zynga has leap-frogged EA, they still have a ways to go to catch Activision ($13.9 billion estimated worth), as well as China's Tencent Holdings ($43 billion).

MassivelyZynga passes EA in estimated worth rankings originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardbiowarebloombergeaElectronic-Artsf2pfacebookfarmvillefree-to-playsocial-gamessocial-networkingstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortencent-holdings-limitedthe-old-republiczyngaMon, 01 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook games transmitting your info to third parties]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/facebook-games-transmitting-your-info-to-third-parties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/facebook-games-transmitting-your-info-to-third-parties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/facebook-games-transmitting-your-info-to-third-parties/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our friends at Joystiq have turned us on to a Wall Street Journal article that concludes your privacy is at risk if you play Facebook games. The Journal discovered that each of the top 10 Facebook applications transmits user IDs, which may be shared with unauthorized third parties.

We know, it's not exactly new or shocking information, but continued user ignorance -- or apathy -- regarding online habits is a troubling trend that bears examining. WSJ authors Emily Steel and Geoffrey A. Fowler did just that and turned up all manner up interesting findings including a data-mining firm called RapLeaf Inc. that linked Facebook user IDs to its database of internet users. RapLeaf didn't stop there, as it then transmitted the user IDs to a dozen other firms, an express violation of Facebook policy.

Though RapLeaf vice president of business development Joel Jewitt said "we didn't do it on purpose," Facebook is nonetheless trotting out the damage control PR. "We have taken immediate action to disable all applications that violate our terms," said a company spokeman.

MassivelyFacebook games transmitting your info to third parties originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data-miningfacebookfarmvillelack-of-privacyprivacyrapleafsocial-networkingwall street journalWallStreetJournalwsjzyngaMon, 18 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout: Report says Chinese gamers losing interest in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/burnout-report-says-chinese-gamers-losing-interest-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/burnout-report-says-chinese-gamers-losing-interest-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/burnout-report-says-chinese-gamers-losing-interest-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Is there a point at which oversaturation, cultural prominence and old habits collapse under their own weight? According to a recent survey by Chinese market analyst Niko Partners, trends are shifting away in China from hardcore MMO gaming to more casual fare like social networking games.

GamesIndustry.biz reports that self-defined "hardcore" gamers in one of the largest MMORPG markets in the world have grown tired of the thousands of carbon-copy MMOs out there and have rebelled against the monotony by taking their business elsewhere.

Niko Partners' Lisa Cosmas Hanson sees a pattern to this trend: "We believe that the Chinese market has taken up SNS (social networking site) gaming in earnest, and that the hardcore gamers have shifted their preferences to include these games alongside the casual gamers who naturally appreciate them. The hardcore gamers are growing weary of the monotony of themes in the Chinese MMORPGs, and they want to extend their social interactions to games that attract a more diverse user base."

By 2014, the analyst says that there will be 141 million online gamers in China, and the casual games market will grow from 23% to encompass 30% of all online revenues -- approximately $3 billion US.

MassivelyBurnout: Report says Chinese gamers losing interest in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutcasualcasual-gameschinachinesechinese-marketfacebookGamesindustry.bizhardcoreniko-partnersover-saturationsnssocial-networkingwhat-me-worryWed, 06 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick, come follow us on Digg before our wagon tips over!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/#commentsFiled under: ,


You know what the best way to avoid dying of dysentery is? It's following your friendly, neighborhood MMO site on Digg! Following us on Digg grants you a 99.8% chance of not dying from dysentery when trekking through the dangerous landscape that is the virtual Oregon Trail.

Following us also affords you other amazing benefits, like getting all of our best headlines sent straight to you! You can vote on the content we post, so be sure to vote up the stories on our site that you love! Plus, if all of that wasn't neat enough, the things you Digg about MMOs can be shared with us, and we might even cover it! All of this helps us learn what content you lovely readers want to see on the site, and it gives you another say in how we do things here at Massively.

So what do you have to do to get all of these benefits and a free set of buffalo meat? All you have to do is visit our Digg page and follow us! That's it! Don't have a Digg account? Well you can get yourself one in no time flat.

MassivelyQuick, come follow us on Digg before our wagon tips over! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diggdigg-has-died-of-cholerafollow-massivelyfollow-us-on-diggnew-diggoregon-trailsocial-mediasocial-networkingthe-new-diggThu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Raptr is a pretty ambitious project, even if you think about what has been accomplished so far. Essentially, the service is connecting all of your gaming-related services under one profile, one messenger, and one new iPhone app. Think of it as your Trillian messenger for gamers. I have a short history with Raptr but never really warmed up to it until recently. I wanted a service that would allow all of my friends, across all of the different networks that I visit, to see what and how much I am playing.

Now that I have made a newer profile and have really started adding a few friends, I am sort of shocked at it's usefullness. Not only does it let me sign in to most of the major messaging services, game networks and social services like Facebook, but it allows me to see what my friends are doing as well, in some very specific ways.

I was excited to get a chance to talk to Raptr CEO Dennis Fong and was impressed by how such an ambitious idea has now turned into a real, working application.

Continue reading Massively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong

MassivelyMassively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimappbuddy-listchatdennis-fongfacebookfeaturedhands-onimIMSinstant-messengerinterviewInterviewsipadiphoneiphone-appmeta-industryPlayStationPlaystation3raptrsignaturesocialsocial-networkingtrillianway-too-many-gamesXbox-360Xbox-LiveTue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP updates EVE Gate beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ccp-updates-eve-gate-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ccp-updates-eve-gate-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ccp-updates-eve-gate-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CCP Fallout lets us know about the latest update to the EVE Gate beta client via a news post on the official EVE Online website. CCP Games has upgraded New Eden's premiere social networking tool to version 1.0.1, and it now boasts a lengthy list of bug fixes which are summarized in the patch notes.

The fixes includes everything from adjustments to the skill queue display, to several refinements to the mail system, to various tweaks dealing with calendars, contacts, and saved login settings.

You can get started with EVE Gate, learn more about it via the EVElopedia entry, or check out the patch notes for the latest information.

MassivelyCCP updates EVE Gate beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpCCP-Gameseveeve-gateeve-onlineevelopediapatchsocial-networkingupdateThu, 10 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP launches EVE Gate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/ccp-launches-eve-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/ccp-launches-eve-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/ccp-launches-eve-gate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lost in the hubbub and excitement surrounding the launch of this week's Tyrannis expansion is the debut of CCP's EVE Gate social networking platform. Luckily, CCP Zymurgist charges to the rescue with a quick news release detailing the features of the new service.

"EVE Gate is a new social networking site open to the pilots in EVE Online and is now open for business. Head on over to http://www.evegate.com and get started with managing your contacts, reading your EVE mail, setting up calendar events, and talking with your corporation and contacts all without being logged into the EVE Online client," he writes.

Check out the press release and the official EVE Gate website.

MassivelyCCP launches EVE Gate originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpCCP-Gameseveeve-gateeve-onlinesocial-networkingtyrannisFri, 28 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: A sneak peak at EVE Gate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/eve-evolved-a-sneak-peak-at-eve-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/eve-evolved-a-sneak-peak-at-eve-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/eve-evolved-a-sneak-peak-at-eve-gate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some time ago, CCP announced their unusual plans to develop their own EVE Online social networking website. Their plan was to tie it into the game, giving players a site they could visit to stay in touch with their EVE contacts and corporation while not logged in. It was expected to be ready by Winter 2009 but never materialised when the Dominion expansion was released. Now named EVE Gate, the website has been rescheduled for the upcoming Tyrannis expansion on May 18th. Recently, CCP released an early alpha version of the EVE Gate website and have begun the slow process of adding features and working out bugs. Some of the features are not active and the site is not yet tied into the active EVE server. Nevertheless, the current alpha build shows what we can expect from the site when it launches.

In this article, I give a run-down of what features we can expect from EVE Gate at launch and what we can expect from it in future iterations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: A sneak peak at EVE Gate

MassivelyEVE Evolved: A sneak peak at EVE Gate originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaapplicationsappsccpccp-eveccp-gamescosmosdevelopmentefteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-fitting-tooleve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineevehqevemonfeaturedkillboardsocialsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingspacebooktyranniswebsiteSun, 11 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual sales boom, will top $3 billion in five years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/virtual-sales-boom-will-top-3-billion-in-five-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/virtual-sales-boom-will-top-3-billion-in-five-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/virtual-sales-boom-will-top-3-billion-in-five-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Gamasutra reports on a new study from research firm DFC Intelligence that concludes that sales of virtual goods are on the rise. The study surveyed 5,000 gamers from Europe and North America for a two-month period in early 2010, and also sampled seven years of Live Gamer historical data. Live Gamer, a virtual world monetization company with clients that include Sony Online Entertainment and Funcom, partnered with DFC for the study.

DFC reports that 88 percent of their survey base purchased virtual content, a label that includes everything from MMO microtransactions, to music, to movies and games. Sixty percent of this group said their digital purchases were in-game items.

DFC says the growing trend of virtual item sales paints a bright future for MMORPGs as well as social networking platforms, predicting that total item sales for "MMOG Lite" titles will exceed $3 billion by 2015. Head on over to Gamasutra for the full article.

MassivelyVirtual sales boom, will top $3 billion in five years originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dfc-intelligencefacebookitem-shoplive-gamermicrotransactionssocial-networkingvirtual-goodsvirtual-worldsMon, 29 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivox moves beyond voice chat for gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/vivox-moves-beyond-voice-chat-for-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/vivox-moves-beyond-voice-chat-for-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/vivox-moves-beyond-voice-chat-for-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

Vivox is going to have to change their site's front page very soon: " Vivox. We Put the Best Voice Chat in Games. And that is all we do." That won't hold true for much longer, as Vivox has announced plans to bring integrated voice chat to social applications.

The Social Voice Partner Program is currently being demonstrated with Facebook, Google Wave, and Ning and will be available to all social application developers this May. Social networking sites and applications are growing by leaps and bounds, and Vivox is getting on board early: "With the explosion of the social Web, there is rising consumer-driven demand for integrated voice," said Rob Seaver, CEO of Vivox. "Vivox anticipated the emergence of this trend and this new program will lend communications expertise to social application developers. Our vision truly is to 'let the Web talk'- and let that experience be as high-quality and natural as it is in real life."

MassivelyVivox moves beyond voice chat for gaming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingfacebookgoogle-waveningsocial-networkingsocial-voice-partner-programVivoxvivox-voice-chatvoipMon, 22 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For the last few weeks, EVE Online players have been getting excited about the up-coming Tyrannis expansion with its Planetary Interaction feature. We received our first taste of what Tyrannis will hold last month when the expansion was announced and since then we've speculated on how its planetary interaction feature might work. Although CCP haven't answered our interview questions on Tyrannis yet, we caught up with EVE Senior Producer Torfi Frans Olafsson at GDC 2010 to get the inside scoop. Torfi was keen to point out that a lot of what CCP are doing in Tyrannis is laying the foundation for future updates and expansions. He calls Tyrannis "a stepping stone toward something even bigger."

In addition to providing some inside info on the upcoming Tyrannis and Incarna expansions, Torfi revealed that there are more people working on EVE today than ever before. In contrast to MMOs that cut down their development team sizes once the game is out, CCP's ranks have been increasing at a huge rate in recent years. The ever-increasing revenue generated by EVE subscribers allows them to fund a large development team dedicated to making the game better for EVE players. "We've never had as many subscribers as we have today", says Torfi, "330,000 subscribers, like actual paying subscribers, not counting trials." It's thanks to all those subscribers that CCP are beginning to realise dreams they were never able to achieve when the game was less popular.

Skip past the cut to see what Torfi Frans Olafsson had to say about Tyrannis, Incarna and more.

Continue reading GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more

MassivelyGDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeveloperdeveloperseveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionExpansionsexplorationfeaturedgdc-2010incarnaindustrymanufacturingminingmmo-industrynew-edenplanetplanetssocialsocial-networksocial-networkingtorfi-frans-olafssontyranniswalking-in-stationswormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab acquires Avatars United, Enemy Unknown AB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/linden-lab-acquires-avatars-united-enemy-unknown-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/linden-lab-acquires-avatars-united-enemy-unknown-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/linden-lab-acquires-avatars-united-enemy-unknown-ab/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In a move that will no doubt perplex, flummox and befuddle many media commentators and technology columnists who erroneously believed that Second Life was a Web 2.0 social networking tool, Linden Lab has acquired social networking site, Avatars United (and developers of same, Enemy Unknown AB). This also has the side-effect of shooting down any semblance of Wallace Linden's identity piece last week being an overture of a conversation, instead making it look like the usual introduction to a Linden Lab fait accompli.

We've written about Avatars United on a couple of previous occasions, but never really had much call to get involved ourselves. The social networking tool includes a large number of MMOGs and non-game virtual environments, being best known for it's strong application support of open-ended space-based MMOG, EVE Online.

Continue reading Linden Lab acquires Avatars United, Enemy Unknown AB

MassivelyLinden Lab acquires Avatars United, Enemy Unknown AB originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatars-unitedbreakingbusiness-modelsccpccp-eveccp-gamescultureenemy-unknown-abeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineliden-labs-second-lifelinden-lablinden-labsm-lindenmark-wallacemmo-industryopinionsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssocial-networkingvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswallace-lindenSat, 30 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: When social and market values collide, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinemarketrelationshipssocialsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingteamworkSun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/eve-evolved-when-social-and-market-values-collide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Research into the social sciences suggests that people interact with each other in two separate modes. One mode is governed by primarily social influences and the other by basic market forces. Which one we choose in any given interaction has a profound impact on the way we interact with each other. Perhaps nowhere in the gaming world are these forces played out as strongly as in EVE Online, with its lack of economic regulation and tight-knit social structures. EVE players routinely form social relationships with other pilots, their corporation leaders and corpmates. On the flip-side, we interact with hundreds of players we don't know using more selfish market-driven rules as we trade, haggle over prices or even just buy something from the market. But how do these two types of player-to-player interaction coexist in the same universe and what problems can arise when they collide?

In this complex and in-depth article, I examine the relationships we form with other players, why they're important and what can happen when we inadvertently cross the line from an implied social contract to a market-based business one.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: When social and market values collide

MassivelyEVE Evolved: When social and market values collide originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedmarketrelationshipssocialsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingteamworkSun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CrimeCraft: Kingpin bowls over your iPhone today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/crimecraft-kingpin-bowls-over-your-iphone-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/crimecraft-kingpin-bowls-over-your-iphone-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/crimecraft-kingpin-bowls-over-your-iphone-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yes, bowling puns. We know not everyone appreciates a good cheesy joke, but today's a seemingly auspicious day for MMO iPhone and Facebook apps. It's hard to imagine what self respecting game doesn't have a tiny socially-networked counterpart. You can consume details on Kingpin over on its official page, although if you've played any of these "build a gang" type games before you probably know what's in store.

If you're wondering just why you should check out this app -- aside from the fact that it's shiny and new -- then be aware that the first 50 players to hit max level in Kingpin will earn a CrimeCraft AUG that offers an experience and a money bonus. Also in the wings are a limited number of CrimeCraft gold bar packages, the Valley Forge Federalist, an assault rifle with five "slots" and a five slot submachine gun, the R-Sys Smilodon.

MassivelyCrimeCraft: Kingpin bowls over your iPhone today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecrimecraftcrimecraft-kingpinf2pfacebookfree-to-playiphonesocial-networkingvogsterMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX coverage begins tomorrow!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GameX, the Northeastern video game industry summit and expo, is starting tomorrow! As we said earlier this week, we'll be there, getting face time with guests, visiting Mythic Entertainment and Hi-Rez Studios, and getting you information on some of your favorite titles.

In addition to our coverage here on the site, we'll be updating our Twitter account with things we see at the expo and pictures! Now instead of running to us every five minutes for your Massively fix, you can get updates, pictures, and more from us in the form of tweets! If you're not currently following @massively, or if you're not on Twitter, now is the time to both sign up and add us to your follow list!

MassivelyGameX coverage begins tomorrow! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsescapistescapist-magazinegame-expogamexgamex-2009global-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmythicmythic-entertainmentphiladelphiasocial-mediasocial-networkingthe-guildtwitterwarwarhammer-onlineyahtzee-croshawThu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Network bringing Facebook persistence to Sid Meiers' series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Civilization Network may not exactly be an MMO, but it's the closest a new game in the series has ever come to the concept. The announcement isn't too surprising as we've heard rumors in the past of a potential persistent version of the game being developed. Frankly, it's nice to finally know the pioneering developer's next game.

Meier himself explains the general design goal of Civilization Network on the official Facebook page, and it's more or less all about cooperation with friends and family. That's not to say there's no competition either, but the biggest edge a social networking game has is similar to an MMO -- cooperation with other players.

We'll be watching this project closely, as the blending of MMO qualities with a series like Civilization is by far abnormal. The next piece of the puzzle is the game's business model, but as of yet there's been no announcement of how Firaxis plans on making any money with the game. You can watch for beta news on the game's official Facebook page, and we highly suggest it.

MassivelyCivilization Network bringing Facebook persistence to Sid Meiers' series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilizationcivilization-networkfacebookfacebook-appsfiraxissid-meiersocial-gamingsocial-networkingsocial-networksWed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online achievements via Avatars United]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/eve-online-achievements-via-avatars-united/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/eve-online-achievements-via-avatars-united/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/eve-online-achievements-via-avatars-united/#commentsFiled under: ,

CCP Games may not feel that an Achievements system (beyond the bragging rights with Certificates) really fits the setting of EVE Online, but it's something players can get via Avatars United, a social network for MMO gamers. More specifically, Avatars United is a social network for your avatars across a wide range of MMOs.

We mentioned Avatars United and its growing EVE Online community a while back. The guys at Enemy Unknown -- the people behind Avatars United -- have built some EVE-specific apps for their users which might be of some interest our readers. These apps make use of a player's (full) API allowing the apps to access and display all sorts of character information within the Avatars United social network.

Continue reading EVE Online achievements via Avatars United

MassivelyEVE Online achievements via Avatars United originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsapiavatars-unitedccp-gamescertificatesenemy-unknowneveeve-achievementseve-kill-trackereve-onlinesocial-networksocial-networkingTue, 29 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE social network COSMOS roadmap revealed, some features delayed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/eve-social-network-cosmos-roadmap-revealed-some-features-delaye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/eve-social-network-cosmos-roadmap-revealed-some-features-delaye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/eve-social-network-cosmos-roadmap-revealed-some-features-delaye/#commentsFiled under: , ,


COSMOS is the social network for EVE Online slated to arrive with this winter's Dominion expansion, which CCP Games describes as "EVE away from EVE". Ultimately, it's a way to extend the game experience into new platforms such as web and mobile, along with voice integration -- but this is the long-term plan. In the short term, they've announced a delay with rolling out some of the previously mentioned features when Dominion launches. The initial release will focus on the new in-game mail system being tied into COSMOS and laying the groundwork for other features to come in early 2010.

EVE Online developer CCP Caedmon explained the reasons behind this delay: "We think that this delay for the web application is the right move because we have always had our sights set on the long game for COSMOS. The first release, while crammed with good stuff, was always intended to lay the basis for the ground-breaking innovations to come. Rushing COSMOS out with less polish didn't make sense in this context, we want to impress from day one."

Continue reading EVE social network COSMOS roadmap revealed, some features delayed

MassivelyEVE social network COSMOS roadmap revealed, some features delayed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarccp-caedmoncontactscosmosdev-blogdev-blogsdominioneve-onlineexpansionsfacebookfeaturesmailsci-fisocial-networksocial-networkingMon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Massively was on the ground at the Game Developers Conference 2009 in Austin this week, and had a chance to sit down with Nathan "Oveur" Richardsson, Executive Producer of EVE Online. We discussed EVE's winter expansion, Dominion, and the new dimensions to the sci-fi MMO's setting that CCP Games hopes to introduce. We also learned a bit more about the company's plans to expand EVE into other platforms, namely through the COSMOS social network which will tie in with the game from Dominion onward.

Continue reading AGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond

MassivelyAGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdc-2009capital-shipsccp-gamesconsolescosmosdominiondust-514eve-onlineexpansionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsinterviewsiphonemassively-interviewsmmo-industrymobilenathan-richardssonoveurpen-and-papersandboxsci-fisocial-networkingsovereigntywhite-wolfSat, 19 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon sets October release date]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/alganon-sets-october-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/alganon-sets-october-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/alganon-sets-october-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Alganon is an upcoming fantasy MMO that we here at Massively have our eyes on. It is said to integrate more of an expansive social network than we may already be used to, as well as a new look at on and offline skill advancement.

But the real news here is that Quest Online, the makers of Alganon, have announced a launch date of October 31 of this year. In preparation for this launch, the forums have been completely revamped. Preorders will also be taken later this month, featuring a digital download option and special preorder bonuses, to be announced later. Check out the official Alganon website for more details.

MassivelyAlganon sets October release date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonlaunch-datepreorderquest-onlinesocial-networksocial-networkingTue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Socially awkward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


So, ok, we've been talking about Champions Online recently here in the column. Been talking about it a lot, as a matter of fact. I don't feel like risking having this column turn into a Champions love fest (as much fun as I'm having with the game), so we're going to change gears significantly this time and get onto a completely new train of thought.

This week's topic: social gameplay. No, I don't mean those games you play obsessively/compulsively on Facebook or your social network of choice. I'm talking about how some aspects of gameplay completely rely on human interaction, for better or for worse. It's present in all of our games, but are we really taking advantage of it? We're going to take a look at some games that do take advantage of human-powered conflict, and why, perhaps, it might be a wave of the future for online games.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Socially awkward

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Socially awkward originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedclassdynamic-contentemergenceeve-onlineface-of-mankindfeaturedguildjoystiqfeaturesrolesshootersocialsocial-gamingsocial-networkingMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Can it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/can-it-be-new-in-game-web-browser-arriving-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The developers at CCP Games just dropped some good news about the new in-game web browser (IGB) for EVE Online they've been working on, codenamed "Moondoggie", one that will deliver a "tenfold performance boost" over what exists today. We've checked CNN and BBC, and even Fox News, but hell is not freezing over... pigs are not in flight. The long-awaited new browser is on the way.

EVE Online players have been screaming about wanting a revamped in-game browser since well before Massively was even born, particularly as so many useful third-party sites function as in-game utilities for players to use without the need to alt-tab out. Of course, despite the frustrations players have felt with the IGB, delivering a better one is no simple matter. CCP Games has periodically stated that it's something they're looking into or working on, but today's dev blog written by CCP Pleognost, "The Second Coming of Moondoggie", confirms the details of the project. And that it's close to being ready.

Continue reading Can it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online

MassivelyCan it be? New in game web browser arriving for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamesccp-pleognostcosmosdev-blogdev-blogseveeve-onlineforumsigbin-game-browsermoondoggienew-featuressci-fisingularitysocial-networksocial-networkingtest-serverthird-party-applicationsweb-applicationsFri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST