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[Game of Thrones Facebook title in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Joffrey golf-clapping
HBO's Game of Thrones is getting the online gaming treatment for the second time in the space of a calendar year. First it was Bigpoint's free-to-play browser MMO, and now it's a Facebook game called Game of Thrones Ascent, which is being developed by Disruptor Beam, a social gaming company headed by former GamerDNA CEO Jon Radoff.

The company says that players will "lead the life of a noble during the time of upheaval as portrayed in the books and the series thus experiencing a new type of game that unites both story and strategy."

Precious little info is given on the title, including a release date, but we'll bring you the latest as it becomes available.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones Facebook title in the works originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disruptor-beamf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgreat-ideajon-radoffsocialsocial-gamesMon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
"Whenever we design a new feature we always ask ourselves how it impacts our players' ability to play with their friends," ArenaNet's Eric Flannum stated about Guild Wars 2. In an interview focused on connecting players together, Flannum made it clear that the team was looking for every possible opportunity to pave the way for social hookups.

Flannum addressed the specifics of how Guild Wars 2's servers work in relation to transfers. While there is a traditional paid transfer service (which can be used only every seven days), all players will have the ability to hop over to friends' servers as a guest. Player team-ups are further made possible by the dynamic level-adjusting system that scales players down to the zone they're occupying.

This process is made easier by ArenaNet's decision to make friend lists and guilds account-wide instead of specific to a server. So while each guild has a home server, other chapters can exist elsewhere. Flannum also said that the team is carefully structuring its PvP system so that it will be free from potential abuse by server guesting.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetaeric-flannumfantasyfriend-listfriends-listgroupgroupingguildguild-wars-2guildsgw2home-serverhome-worldhookupsinterviewncsoftpc-gamerpvpserverserver-transferssocialteamteamingteamupsTue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![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[Guild Wars 2 gets all social before the beta weekend [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/guild-wars-2-gets-all-social-before-the-beta-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Or you could just hang out by the punch bowl and not talk to anyone. That's also an option.
There's no shortage of players waiting eagerly to jump into Guild Wars 2 beta testing this weekend, but that's still several days away. It's very possible that you really need a steady shot of Tyria a little earlier than that. Fortunately for you, there are options open as the community team pushes interaction in a big way. The game's Facebook page is the center of a rather art-centric promotion: As the page nears half a million Likes, the team is releasing a new piece of art for every 10,000 new fans.

Not your cup of tea? That's all right, as the team has also set up a Pinterest page to show off the best game-related fan projects. There are also boards set up on the same page where you can show off screenshots of each race, whether you're opting for the diminutive Asura or the towering Norn. It's a good chance for everyone to get involved in the Guild Wars 2 community before the weekend gets underway, even if it won't make the test start any faster.

[Updated with clarification regarding the picture forums.]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 gets all social before the beta weekend [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-testingbeta-weekendfacebookfantasyforumforumsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftnewsofficial-forumspinterestsocialsocial-mediatwitterMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ancient and modern clash in new 8Realms trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ancient-and-modern-clash-in-new-8realms-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ancient-and-modern-clash-in-new-8realms-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ancient-and-modern-clash-in-new-8realms-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Concept Art -- 8Realms
Jagex, creator of the hit browser-based MMO RuneScape, is fixing to break out its latest title: the social empire-building strategy title 8Realms. In 8Realms, players are put in charge of an ancient, primitive civilization, and they're responsible for raising their nascent society into a far-reaching, world-spanning empire. Whether they accomplish this goal through warfare, diplomacy, or other means is up to them. To get a taste of the kind of absurdity you can expect from 8Realms, click on past the cut for a new trailer, then click on over to the official site to build your own empire. Just be sure to watch out for predatory automobiles.

[Source: Jagex press release]

Continue reading Ancient and modern clash in new 8Realms trailer

MassivelyAncient and modern clash in new 8Realms trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfree-to-playhow-delightfully-absurdjagexpredatory-jeepssocialstrategytrailervideovideosTue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A WoW player's guide to The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/a-wow-players-guide-to-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/a-wow-players-guide-to-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/a-wow-players-guide-to-the-old-republic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not pictured: looking up from this point on the map to see several docked battlecruisers. It's unexpectedly impressive.
Whether you're a longtime World of Warcraft player or someone who's just recently tried the game and fallen in love with it, you're probably aware that there are other MMORPGs out there. Recently, the game that's been getting the most press is Star Wars: The Old Republic. And if you've sat down and tried it out as a veteran on World of Warcraft, you probably had some idea of what was going on when you started playing, with the only initial speedbump being the lack of an auto-attack feature.

But there's more to the game than combat and more things that might trip you up in the long run. So Eliot Lefebvre and Matt Daniel are here to help you out with a massive guide to coming into TOR when you're accustomed to the environment of WoW. Take a skip past the break to find out almost everything you'll need to know when converting from the world of Azeroth to the galaxy of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Continue reading A WoW player's guide to The Old Republic

MassivelyA WoW player's guide to The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alignmentbattlegroundsbiowarebioware-eabioware-mythicclassescraftcraftingcrew-skillsea-biowarefeaturedgame-mechanicsguideinstanced-pvpmechanical-guidesopinionpvppvp-rewardspvp-systemssocialsocial-pointsspacespace-combatstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorsystemsthe-old-republictorwarzonesworld-of-warcraftwowwow-player-guideFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA-BioWare acquires KlickNation, rebrands it BioWare Social]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BioWare logo
All the cool kids are into social gaming these days, so it should come as no surprise when some of the bigger gaming firms start testing the waters. BioWare looks to be next on that list according to a report at GamesIndustry.biz that details Electronic Arts' acquisition of KlickNation.

KlickNation operates social games including SuperHero City and Six Gun Galaxy, and while the company's monthly active user base has declined from 1.3 million to 400,000, EA and BioWare see it as a growth opportunity. KlickNation's expertise in building innovative and compelling RPGs for social platforms makes them a seamless tuck-in with the BioWare team at EA," says Ray Muzyka.

The new unit has been renamed BioWare Social, and thus far the company has not announced any concrete plans relating to new or existing titles.

MassivelyEA-BioWare acquires KlickNation, rebrands it BioWare Social originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-socialbusiness-modelscasualcasual-gamingeaea-biowareelectronic-artsklicknationmmo-industryray-muzykasix-gun-galaxysocialsocial-gamingsuperhero-cityFri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's CastleVille hopes to enter MMO territory]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/zyngas-castleville-hopes-to-enter-mmo-territory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/zyngas-castleville-hopes-to-enter-mmo-territory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/zyngas-castleville-hopes-to-enter-mmo-territory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

CastleVille
Zynga, maker of social games FarmVille and CityVille, has declared its intention to take the plunge into the MMO market with a new game: CastleVille. "Zynga is bringing massively multiplayer role-playing games to the mass market," creative director Bill Jackson announced from Zynga's San Francisco HQ. What game mechanics justify calling the game an MMO? According to Jackson:
You can build your castle, show it to your friends, and craft things like potions or armor. You can follow the game's story and its characters. You can trade and barter with friends by visiting their towns. And you have to defend your town against beasts who are outside the walls. The game has more personalized storytelling; players explore the world around them. You meet characters and make them happy and unlock new characters as you progress.
Chief executive Mark Pincus echoed his company's bold plans: "We want to give you more of a World of Warcraft feeling, but packaged up in something you can understand in three clicks and five or 15 minutes."

MassivelyZynga's CastleVille hopes to enter MMO territory originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-jacksonbrowsercastlevillecityvillef2pfarmvillefree-to-playmark-pincussocialsocial-mmoWorld-of-WarcraftwowzyngaTue, 11 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Building a successful fleet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/captains-log-building-a-successful-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 65093.1...

Hello, computer (and players)! In the Star Trek Online universe, fleets are the foundation that ensures ones' in-game (and even out-of-game) experience is one that is active, social, and fulfilling. Whether you enjoy PvP, Special Task Forces, role play, or a combo of all the above, there should be a fleet out there for you to call home. But, what do you do if you can not find one that suits your warp core? Well, you start your own! That's right! Gather your friends (or make new ones), visit the fleet contact on Earth Space Dock, think up a clever name, and click that "create" button.

Okay, okay -- I make it sound a lot easier than it actually is. Building a fleet takes a lot of work, time and dedication, but is possible with the right spirit at the helm. Then, just when you have it built, successfully running it becomes an even bigger challenge. During this week's Captain's Log, I am going to take you on a tour of duty as we explore a possible structuring to your future fleet. Based off of one of the most successful fleets in-game, Stonewall Fleet, which has had over 1,400 members sign-up for membership, let's take a look at the roles they have in place to make it all happen.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's help our readers create the perfect structure to their fleet...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Building a successful fleet

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Building a successful fleet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiraladmiraltyalliesambassaforcode of conductCodeOfConductcombatcounselorcraftingcrafting corpCraftingCorpcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdata samplesDataSamplesenergy creditsEnergyCreditsfleet admiralfleet resourcesFleetAdmiralFleetResourcesfleetsHazard teamHazardTeamintelligenceinvitesKDFklingonlas vegasLasVegaslivestreamnewsletternicholas swinfordNicholasSwinfordnick swinfordNickSwinfordofficersPersonnelpvprecruitmentrostersocialst-onlineStar Trek Conventionstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineStarTrekConventionSTFstlvstostonewall fleetstonewall-fleetStonewallFleettrek-onlineThu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Playstyles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/wasteland-diaries-playstyles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/wasteland-diaries-playstyles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/wasteland-diaries-playstyles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Most MMOs have three playstyles. Well, that's incorrect; they actually have any number of play-styles with varying degrees of three types of play. PvE (player vs. environment) is the style of play in which the antagonists are a part of the gameworld itself. PvP (player vs. player) pits the players against each other. And RP (roleplaying) has the players vying for... whatever they decide they need to vie for. Most players engage Fallen Earth (or any MMO, for that matter) with a mix of the three.

Fallen Earth is a great setting for the RPers. Its vastness and its interesting-looking locales make for a variety of backdrops. The interesting locales usually make for some great locations for open world PvP. And there are hundreds and hundreds of PvE missions here, there, and everywhere. All three types of players can get a lot out of Fallen Earth if they approach the game properly. The purpose of this post is to help you along with getting what you can out of the game with your preferred playstyle. So without any further ado, click past the cut and read on.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Playstyles

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Playstyles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-countyauction-houseblockadeCraftercraftingfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfefeaturedgamersfirsticarusicarus-studioslevel-capPlayStylepvepvproleplayRolePlayingRPsocialtraderFri, 01 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Going on a hot date with Lucent Heart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/free-for-all-going-on-a-hot-date-with-lucent-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/free-for-all-going-on-a-hot-date-with-lucent-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/free-for-all-going-on-a-hot-date-with-lucent-heart/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Lucent Heart has really gotten under my skin. While my recent schedule has not allowed me as much time in the game as I would liked, I have been poking around the official site and Facebook page and sneaking in a few quests here and there. I really enjoyed chatting with the devs from Gamania during E3, and they asked whether I'd a personal tour of the game afterwards.

We were finally able to hang out for a while, and I captured a lot of it on video for your viewing pleasure. We decided to look at the Cupid system and a bit of a dungeon, but we could have gone on for a lot longer. The fact is that the game, like many of its foreign counterparts, simply packs more gameplay and new systems into every square inch of its design than many Western MMOs. With the Japanese version of Lucent Heart two years ahead of the U.S. version, more content is guaranteed.

Click past the cut to check out my hot date with Mark, Product Manager of Lucent Heart, and to hear a bit more about the game!

Continue reading Free for All: Going on a hot date with Lucent Heart

MassivelyFree for All: Going on a hot date with Lucent Heart originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandeveloper-interviewf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgamaniainterviewlucent-heartsocialvideoyoutubeWed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Outspark details Seven Dragons browser MMORTS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/outspark-details-seven-dragons-browser-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/outspark-details-seven-dragons-browser-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/outspark-details-seven-dragons-browser-mmorts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There's a new MMO in the Outspark stable, and the creators of Divine Souls and Fiesta are branching out with its latest release. Seven Dragons is a browser-based real-time strategy title built on questing, character development, resource building, and PvP battles.

Seven Dragons features three combat modes with wildland monster hunting, player city invasions, and arena combat making up the majority of the game's armed conflict. Being an MMO and RTS hybrid, Seven Dragons also boasts city building, resource management, and of course, the chance to match wits with the titular wyrms. Check out the game guide on the official Outspark website, and start playing for free in the browser of your choice.

MassivelyOutspark details Seven Dragons browser MMORTS originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-dragonsbrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfree-to-playmmortsoutsparkpress-releasereal-time-strategyrtsseven-dragonssocialsocial-mmoWed, 18 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex preparing to conquer the world with 8Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"What's next?" is the question on everyone's lips when it comes to successful MMO studio Jagex. The RuneScape developer has many projects in the works, including Stellar Dawn and Transformers Online. However, the company is hoping that you'll also take notice of 8Realms, its social empire builder that lets you cultivate a civilization from scratch and conquer the world with your cunning.

As 8Realms entered closed beta this past week, Lead Developer Claire Blackshaw spoke with CVG about the game's focus. "Our approach is always a strategy first and social second," she said. "Though I do think the most appealing aspect of games such as Diplomacy is the social element."

She thinks that the game can challenge genre favorite titles like Civilization and Total War while remaining accessible to the lunch break strategist: "8Realms can fit into your day, firing it up at lunch to launch a few attacks or make sure your research is going as planned. Also because of the social element you have wars break out which get you very worked up."

The team is also proud of how far it has advanced the capability of browser-based games alone. "We made current browser tech jump through hoops, and using our own server-side technology pushed what's possible in terms of scaling," Blackshaw said.

MassivelyJagex preparing to conquer the world with 8Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-realms8realmsbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-technologybrowser-techbrowser-technologycivilizationClaire-Blackshawcvgdiplomacyempire-builderempire-buildinginterviewjagexrunescapesocialstellar-dawnstrategytotal-wartransformerstransformers-onlineSun, 08 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: That can be arranged]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/hyperspace-beacon-that-can-be-arranged/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/hyperspace-beacon-that-can-be-arranged/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/hyperspace-beacon-that-can-be-arranged/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I have definitely been on a bit of a high horse about the social side of Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you have been following this column, then you know that, despite the statics to the contrary, I believe that one of the greatest dynamics of MMOs is the social system built strictly via human interaction. I always thought that one of the coolest things I ever saw in this type of game was the organic growth and change of these games. EVE Online interested me most in that regard. The cycle of corporations and rivalries of individual players seems to be the crux of the stories coming from the game -- with CCP acting as a type of god, throwing in elements to see how its subjects would react.

Although I understand that SWTOR is a themepark game (to be honest, I don't want it to be anything but), that social element will still exist, if for no other reason than that there are hundreds of thousands of people running around occupying the same space. I also find it very interesting that the social aspects of the game were pushed pretty hard in recent news, even up to last week with the April Fools' Day Wookiee jokes -- the emotes of the characters were the actual update. BioWare wished to show us that it realizes how important social elements are to players.

After the cut are some quotes and impressions I have received from developers regarding the more social aspects of TOR.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: That can be arranged

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: That can be arranged originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBrooks-Guthriecory-butlerdaniel-ericksoneaElectronic-Artsfeaturedjames-ohlenLucasArtsopinionsocialStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicStephen-Reidswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 05 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert on designing for loners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-on-designing-for-loners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-on-designing-for-loners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-on-designing-for-loners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nothing stirs up a good MMO debate like the age-old question of whether or not the genre should cater to solo players. BioWare's Damion Schubert, lead systems designer on the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic, recently added a bit of fuel to that particular fire during a presentation at last week's GDC in San Francisco.

Schubert's talk focused on loners in the massively multiplayer space, and while it's no surprise to anyone that TOR is being built with the solo player in mind, it may come as a bit of a revelation that BioWare isn't aiming to "dumb down" the MMORPG as some fans have suggested.

On the contrary, Schubert states that MMOs feature "hardcore stuff. This is hardcore gameplay, and we have to figure out how to get the solo player in a position where they want to take part in this, where they feel comfortable with the social circles, where they feel like they can be contributors."

Continue reading GDC 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert on designing for loners

MassivelyGDC 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert on designing for loners originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredamion-schubertdesignea-biowareexclusivefeaturedgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011han-solohardcorelonerlonerspanelsci-fisocialsocial-designsolostar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicyoure-doing-it-wrongMon, 07 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dateline: Thursday, February 24th, 12:55 p.m. EST. After having rushed home from work (huzzah for a half-day), I was frantically putting the kids to bed for an afternoon nap and patching up my RIFT client. Twitter was abuzz with gamers sitting at the starting gate and revving their mice. It was here. After seven betas, it was here, and we would be the first in the door.

12:59 p.m. EST. Began checking the server status list, trying to will the dull grey names to light up as they signified activity.

1:00 p.m. EST. Scott Hartsman posts a short message on Twitter: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to RIFT."

Right on cue, the servers came up, and what felt like the entire population of Oregon tried to cram into the game all at once. By 1:01 p.m., when I logged in, my chosen server of Faeblight was already full and had 461 people in the queue. I was 462. It would be another 45 minutes until I was able to play the game proper.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigalebasketballfeaturedfootballhead-startholy-graillars-buttlerlaunchpick-up-gamesrealmsriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmanserversshardssoccersocialsocial-experiencesocial-gamesocial-gamingtriontrion-worldsturtleturtle-mountturtle-powertwitterworld-of-warcraftWed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:00 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[The Daily Grind: Do you like cross-server dungeon finders?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's little doubt that World of Warcraft has brought a lot of change to the MMO space in a few short years. One of the more recent Blizzard innovations is the dungeon finder tool, a cross-server matchmaker that throws together ad-hoc groups for the game's 5-man instances. Released in early December of 2009, the mechanic has proven to be a boon for casual players who are pressed for time or are looking to power through content.

The dungeon finder doesn't earn universal high marks, however, and players who use PUGs to recruit for their guilds (or those who simply like to make new friends) are often put off by the disposable (and largely silent) nature of many dungeon finder groups.

For today's Daily Grind, we'd like to know how you feel about the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am-don't-talk-to-me-just-kill-the-boss mentality that's showing up with greater frequency in current-gen MMOs. Do you blame the dungeon finder? Do you care?

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 like cross-server dungeon finders? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-socialblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcasualdungeon-finderfantasygame-discussiongamer-discussiongroupingmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionsocialsolotdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Secret of the Solstice is reborn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/secret-of-the-solstice-is-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/secret-of-the-solstice-is-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/secret-of-the-solstice-is-reborn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Secret of the Solstice, but today we have no choice but to announce that it is no more... specifically, because the game is undergoing a major upgrade. Changing its name to Solstice Reborn, Outspark's isometric free-to-play game is getting a wide variety of improvements including an overhauled UI, a number of 3-D graphical improvements, and a wide variety of new quests and enemies added to the existing gameplay.

The game is also heavily tilting toward the social networking side of play, and not just via integration to Facebook. Several new elements tie in directly to social interactions, such as the Marriage quests and the new Master and Pupil system. Whether you've never tried the original game or just want to see what the changes are, Solstice Reborn looks to be an interesting update to an older game and a fun ride for anyone willing to give it a shot.

Plus, if you're into winning free trips to San Francisco, the Outspark team is holding a contest to fly you and a friend out to WonderCon 2011. Check the official forums for more info!

MassivelySecret of the Solstice is reborn originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfacebookfree-to-playgraphical-overhaulisometric-viewmajor-overhaulmajor-patchnewsoutsparkpatchessecret-of-the-solsticesocialsocial-mechanicssolsticesolstice-rebornsprite-basedsprite-gameupdatesTue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When has a game made you feel better?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-made-you-feel-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-made-you-feel-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-daily-grind-when-has-a-game-made-you-feel-better/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's face it, real life has a tendency to throw some pretty nasty curveballs from time to time. Sometimes the negativity just keeps coming, and it feels like all you can do is struggle to keep your head above water for a few days. And then you log in to Guild Wars to find that your friend wants to give you a rare undedicated pet to help you feel better, or you finally reach the next ship tier in Star Trek Online, or you get a lucky night of Incarnate drops in City of Heroes.

We talk a lot about the drama and friction in MMOs for understandable reasons, but every now and again the social side of the game is a boon and not a curse. It's not always enough, but a victory in a game can at least help dull the ache when things are going bad, and sometimes it's enough to make your day after all. So when has a game made you feel better? Was it your fellow players, lucky drops, or just a long-awaited milestone that perked you up?

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: When has a game made you feel better? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheering-upculturefriendlinessfriendsgood-fortunegood-luckhappyopinionpositivitysocialtdgthe-daily-grindupliftingTue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you a chat Luddite?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So DC Universe Online's voice chat is broken, according to many of the commenters on this and other MMO-centric websites. Ironically, even if the game had no voice chat at all, it would be less broken than the abject disaster that serves as the superhero title's text chat interface.

While the game is enjoyable enough in most respects, I scratch my head as to how a development firm with SOE's considerable expertise could scrimp on something as vital as in-game text chat. The cynic in me says that it's because the PS3 version takes priority, but whatever the reason, DCUO's social tools (at least on the PC) are in dire need of someone who cares.

That brings up an interesting point regarding voice chat vs. text chat. While third-party programs such as Mumble and Ventrilo have been the norm for "serious" MMO guilds for years now, it's only recently that games have started incorporating voice chat (and players have started expecting it). Sure, voice can be vital for raids, PvP, and challenging endgame content, but is it really necessary (or desirable) for most of the things we do on our way to the level cap? Today's Daily Grind is all about your stance in the voice vs. text chat debate. Are you a chat Luddite? Do you refuse to play a game without voice chat? Inquiring Massively minds want to know.

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 you a chat Luddite? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenchatcommunicationcommunitydcDC Comicsdc-universe-onlineDcComicsdcuogame-discussiongamer-discussiongroupingmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsmumblesocialsocial-toolssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttdgteamspeaktext-chatthe-daily-grindventrilovoice-chatTue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The only way out is the way through]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I had originally planned to use this week's column to talk about the ways you can develop a roleplaying storyline outside of sitting in your city of choice and chatting, but sometimes plans work out differently. In fact, that was exactly what inspired me to change topics -- sitting and chatting with the head of my linkshell in Final Fantasy XIV about how he'd realized after the fact that the character he created was unintentionally alienating him from RP and that he'd placed a distance between his character and the other members of the shell that wasn't doing him any favors.

We chatted about what he could do with the character to try to salvage him to avoid scrapping the character and starting over with a concept better-suited to what he wanted to do. But he's not alone in that position -- what if your character isn't working out after all, but for whatever reason it's not easy to just scrap the character and start over? I've talked a lot about how to prevent your character from going off the rails, but how do you get back on the rails when a restart isn't a good option?

Continue reading Storyboard: The only way out is the way through

MassivelyStoryboard: The only way out is the way through originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-buildingcharacter-eventscharacter-retconscharacter-storyeventsfeaturedin-game-eventsopinionretconroleplayingroleplaying-eventsrpsocialsocial-rpstoryboardFri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After my last Perfect Ten list, I strongly debated creating a new one revolving around the issue of spiders and their relation to insects and gigantism, but my editor told me that that wasn't enough of an MMO topic to suit Massively's needs. So, bowing and scraping in apology, I must instead present to you my back-up plan: Ten reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today.

I can hear some of you grimacing right now: "But Justin -- if that is your real name -- are you really so doe-eyed and naïve? Don't you know that all MMOs suck, that it's all the same old crud, and that you have gray in your beard?"

That's where I'm different, I guess. I'm not blind to some of the serious issues that plague the MMO industry, and I've had my fair share of burnout, disillusion and frustration with the games, but I can't bring myself to become an MMO cynic. On the contrary, I feel that part of being an MMO fan is that it's fun to look on the bright side and get excited about this hobby we all share. So in that spirit, I present to you 10 reasons why it's a great time to be an MMO fan right now more than ever before.

And, yes, I'm still calling spiders "bugs." You can't stop me. I'm immune to all conventional weapons!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addbusiness-modelscharitieschristmascyniceveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhalohorrorlongevitylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaddennaivencsoftpolygamypost-apocalypticpvepvppvpbdtthrpsandboxscifisocialspiders-are-insectssubscriptionsuperherotheme-parkThu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much of your social life comes from MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/the-daily-grind-how-much-of-your-social-life-comes-from-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we may be the target of mockery or quizzical expressions for mentioning our online friends, relationships in MMOs are often a significant part of a gamer's social life. After all, gamers are places where we all share a common interest, can go on uncommon adventures, and have the potential to forge bonds that transcend the game itself.

So how much of your social life comes from MMOs? Do you have a great group of friends or a guild that's there to support you, laugh with you and have fun with you? Did you ever fall in love in an MMO and perhaps find your way to the altar together? Do you log in more to hang out and be goofy with your pals than to grind your way to the level cap? Are MMOs just a small fraction of your social scene or the majority of it?

For a bonus question and a cookie, does your MMO social life mirror your social life outside of the game or is it the polar opposite? Do you have a few friends in real life but a ton online, or are you the same party animal in game that you are out on the town?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of our 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 The Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How much of your social life comes from MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-is-for-cookieguildguildsonline-datingonline-friendsonline-relationshipsopinionrelationshipssocialsocializertdgthe-daily-grindMon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you socialize differently in-game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/the-daily-grind-do-you-socialize-differently-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/the-daily-grind-do-you-socialize-differently-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/the-daily-grind-do-you-socialize-differently-in-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some people are just naturally more social than others. Some of us have no trouble talking to new people, asking questions, making friends, and generally interacting with our fellow humans. Others struggle to even make eye contact with the cashier at the local McDonald's for fear of somehow screwing things up. But whether or not you're a social person, how you behave often depends on the situation you find yourself in -- such as whether you're in the real world or trying to get four random strangers to attack the darn skull-marked target first.

There are those of us who go from being a shy and insular person in the real world to a social butterfly when we get online, and there are those of us who perform the exact opposite transformation and barely say a word. And then there are people who don't change much, who are just as shy or outgoing as they are in day-to-day life despite the change of venues. Do your social traits change when you log in? Or do you tend to stay the same in the virtual world?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of our 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 The Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you socialize differently in-game? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitygregarioushelp-someone-is-wrong-on-the-internetsinternet-anonymityintrovertedonline-actionsonline-activitiesonline-personaopinionoutgoingshysocialsocial-interactiontdgthe-daily-grindSat, 16 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vindictus gives characters a moment around the campfire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/vindictus-gives-characters-a-moment-around-the-campfire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/vindictus-gives-characters-a-moment-around-the-campfire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/vindictus-gives-characters-a-moment-around-the-campfire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The focus that Nexon has pushed with Vindictus has been one of non-stop, no-holds-barred action. While that's not a bad thing in any sense, it does lead one to wonder if there will be anything but the non-stop slaughter to deal with. As it turns out, there will be a feature in the game not just allowing players a brief rest, but actually encouraging one -- the campfire. Long known as a place where adventurers can congregate and rest, campfires can be built mid-dungeon and provide not just a chance to stop and chat, but also offer vital services.

Obtained from an NPC early in the game, campfire kits and books allow players to put a campfire together, giving them small buffs that increase the longer they sit by the fire. The fire improves attack, defense, and health regeneration, with greater bonuses coming the longer you enjoy its warming presence. It also offers a more subtle benefit to players by allowing the repair of any damaged items. Although you can only assemble one per dungeon and gain no protection while sitting at the fire, it seems that Vindictus has built in a mechanic to encourage the party to sit down and chat for a minute or two before resuming the charnel-house slaughter.

Gallery: Vindictus campfire preview

MassivelyVindictus gives characters a moment around the campfire originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffscampfirecampingcamping-mechanicsdungeondungeonsfiregame-mechanicsnexonnexon-usapausepausing-gameplayregenerationrepairsrestslow-buffssocialsocial-mechanicsstacking-buffsvindictusviolenceMon, 04 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Loyalty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/wasteland-diaries-loyalty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/wasteland-diaries-loyalty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/wasteland-diaries-loyalty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In Fallen Earth you start out as a confused clone. You don't have any idea who you are or what to do. The answers are there if you choose to seek them out. But you may also choose to ignore your greater purpose and carve out your own little niche in the wastes. You may form bonds with other players during your journeys, and you might join a clan at some point. But there is another factor that might divert your moral compass from that of your colleagues: Fallen Earth's six factions.

The factions add a bit of flavor to the game, but they also complicate matters for players who have formed friendships in Sector 1, before the factions had any sway. Sure, you may learn a little bit about the various factions during your adventures in the Plateau Province, but you won't choose sides until you get to Sector 2. You can always remain neutral, but that would be akin to playing the game blindfolded. You would be severely gimping yourself for no good reason. After the cut I will take an in-depth look at loyalties in Fallen Earth and how they might be torn between three different entities: factions, friends, and clans.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Loyalty

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Loyalty originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clansconflict-townsfactionfaction-control-pointsfactionsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedgame-loreicarus-studiosprogress-townspvepvpsocialState-of-the-gameFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift looking to be the social, outgoing type]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/rift-looking-to-be-the-social-outgoing-type/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/rift-looking-to-be-the-social-outgoing-type/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/rift-looking-to-be-the-social-outgoing-type/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems as though one of the holy grails of MMORPG development is to encourage players to be social and group up without forcing them to do so like back in the olden days of yore. Rift's creative director, Scott Hartsman, thinks the dev team's found the key to this problem: "We want our MMO to be a social experience and we've realized that it's not that people don't want to be social, it's just because they don't want to be inconvenienced."

In an interview with ZAM, Hartsman details how Rift: Planes of Telara is hoping to change the minds of players about teaming up for the game's signature instances. While a character can solo through them just fine, the more players that enter a rift equals greater amounts of experience and loot for everyone. Rifts will adjust both loot and difficulty based on the number of players involved, and Trion Worlds expects that this will go a long way to combating antisocial behavior that MMOs have encouraged.

Guilds are another facet of socialization on which Trion plans to focus. "One thing we haven't talked much about is people getting together to build their guild up and build a structure (in the metaphorical sense) that provides you and all of your friends benefits," Hartsman said. You can read the full interview, including details on PvP, at ZAM.

MassivelyRift looking to be the social, outgoing type originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groupingguildsinterviewlootpvpriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmansocialtrion-worldsyore-is-a-funny-wordzamMon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:00 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[EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While reading the latest Anti-Aliased, Seraphina Brennan's weekly opinion column here at Massively, I couldn't help but apply what she was talking about to EVE Online. Sera's opinion piece was centred on the idea that games should be fun right from the start. If there's a period of boredom or grind before you get to the fun parts of a game, the developers are doing something wrong. While this is most often attributed to theme-park MMOs, with their rush to endgame before the game really opens up, I can't help but think EVE falls into the same trap.

Despite its open-world sandbox nature with no forced progression or crafted endgame, I catch myself saying "EVE doesn't really start until ..." all the time. Most often I'm talking about how EVE's core gameplay really begins with PvP, and how motivationally essential it is to join a good player-run corporation. I've always found EVE's social structures and PvP to be its two most powerful components. Over the years, I've watched players who get involved in them stick with the game for years, while others who don't quickly become bored. I find myself wondering whether anything can be done to bring those parts of the game to new players right from the start.

In this opinion piece, I look at the idea that EVE doesn't really kick off for players until they get into PvP or join a good corporation. I go on to suggest a few changes to the new-player experience that might help bring these elusive endgames to new players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationend-gameendgameeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturednew-playernew-player-experienceopinionpvepvpsandboxsocialtutorialSun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How well do you know your game buddies?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While it's increasingly possible to play an MMO without being forced to interact with others, it's a bit like renting a tuxedo for a trip to McDonald's. Connections get formed (however mercenary they may be at the start) and you find yourself with a circle of friends you play with. Of course, while it's helpful to know who these people are, it's not absolutely necessary to know much aside from their character names and their roles in a group.

Some people are content to leave their knowledge of cohorts there; others prefer to go the extra mile and find out the players and personalities behind the avatars. And it can help the play experience to know that Swizzle the Thief is actually a CPA in Gary, Indiana who's thinking about marrying his girlfriend. It's not going to help the group in the strictest sense, though, and getting too attached can lead to some major drama. What about you? Do you tend to know a lot about the people you game with, or would you generally prefer not to know?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How well do you know your game buddies? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumscompanionsdramafriendsgatheringsgroupsmercenarysocialsocial-groupstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/the-daily-grind-theres-a-line-and-you-crossed-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The relationships we form in games are by their very nature kind of mercenary. You make friends in EVE Online not because you know your bosom buddy is waiting for you, but because flying in 0.0 is pretty dangerous on your own. So most of your friends in a game start off based on you deriving some benefit, and with a few exceptions that's where they remain. The problem comes when that benefit is outweighed by something else. That's when guilds of friends have nasty splits over what seem like minor matters, because someone crossed a line and no amount of in-game support is worth the drama.

Sometimes it's all game-related, and other times outside drama shoves its way into the game. Either way, it's something bad enough that you're often cutting off a significant advantage -- sometimes even a whole guild and the concurrent access to the endgame -- for purely personal reasons. Those of us who have done so, though, rarely look back with regret. What about you? When has a relationship in a game passed the point where the benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks? Or have you only ever been on the flipside of the equation?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: There's a line, and you crossed it originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondsconflictfriendshipsguildsopinionorganizationsrelationshipssocialsocial-dynamicstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

I have a confession to make: I would not be married with two wonderful kids if it wasn't for the internet. Yes, I hold my head up high when people ask how my wife and I met, and I tell them... an online dating website. That sort of thing might have been odd and unusual ten years ago, but nowadays, forming great relationships through the internet is almost as common as in real life -- and just as meaningful.

So our question today is less about the gaming side of things and more about the social aspect: what's the best human relationship you've experienced that started in a MMO? Did you meet a significant other, a wife, a husband, a confidant, a best friend, a soulmate or a crony in game? Did a game help to rescue an estranged relationship and smooth over the cracks? Has your guild gotten so close that you meet regularly to help each other solve mommy issues?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>online-datingrelationshipssocialtdgthe-daily-grindthe-guildMon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Island Entertainment offers MMO for women]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/virtual-island-entertainment-offers-mmo-for-women/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/virtual-island-entertainment-offers-mmo-for-women/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/virtual-island-entertainment-offers-mmo-for-women/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As much as a goodly portion of the MMO market is perfectly happy blowing up spaceships, killing untold numbers of rats, punching criminals in socially-awkward spandex, and generally behaving like a twelve-year-old boy... suffice to say that a lot of people have zero interest in those settings. Virtual Island Entertainment from enVie Interactive is aimed specifically at that category of potential player. Specifically, they're aiming for women, trying to create a virtual world that they claim "caters to women looking for an engaging online game that speaks to them."

The game's feature list is focused more along the lines of social environments rather than gameplay; players can engage in "episodic content, unique shopping experiences, high fashion, art design, and intimate encounters, all in a tropical island setting." Comparisons between the game and the 200-pound gorilla of virtual worlds, Second Life, are all but inevitable, and there is a small mention that the game hopes to support a certain amount of user-created content. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2010, it remains to be seen what kind of following Virtual Island Entertainment will draw and how the target audience will respond.

MassivelyVirtual Island Entertainment offers MMO for women originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>envie-interactivesocialsocial-gamestarget-audiencevievirtual-island-entertainmentvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswomenMon, 19 Apr 2010 17:00:00 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[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[The Fringe: The Dos and Don'ts of Facebook games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/the-fringe-the-dos-and-donts-of-facebook-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/the-fringe-the-dos-and-donts-of-facebook-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/the-fringe-the-dos-and-donts-of-facebook-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Welcome to The Fringe, where we totter on the edge of MMOs with a guide for playing Facebook games.

When we asked on the Daily Grind if you played Facebook games, many of you said you did. But Facebook is very polarizing. Some people love the games, while others don't see them as games at all and hate everything having to do with them. It doesn't help that there's so much spam associated with most of the games. But those of us who do play know that there are a wide variety and that many of them include the same gameplay that our favorite MMOs have. We get XP, levels, acquire loot, make avatars, play minigames within the games, quest, trade items and even participate in PvP. The sim games are extremely popular and require quite a bit of strategy for proper allocation of resources. But if you don't like text adventure games or never got into games like old school SimCity, you're not going to get the Facebook versions either.

If you do play these MMO-lite games, there are things you can do to get the most out of your play sessions. And there are things you shouldn't do so that you don't annoy your friends (as much) nor imbalance your life. Those of us who have spent time playing casual games of all kinds know that they can suck you in even more than full-blown MMOs. Most of us can't play WoW at work, but casual games with their low resource consumption and their easy access are tempting when work isn't keeping our full attention. This applies to games like solitaire, but add the comeraderie and variety of Facebook games and we can be even more tempted to play when we shouldn't. So here are some general Dos and Don'ts:

Continue reading The Fringe: The Dos and Don'ts of Facebook games

MassivelyThe Fringe: The Dos and Don'ts of Facebook games originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe-worldcountry-lifefacebookfacebook-gamesfeaturedguidesocialsocial-gamingthe-fringeSun, 14 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What made it click?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/the-daily-grind-what-made-it-click/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/the-daily-grind-what-made-it-click/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/the-daily-grind-what-made-it-click/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's almost always a moment. If you're interested in MMOs beyond just enjoying the game while you play it -- and truth be told, if you're reading Massively you pretty well qualify -- then there was most likely a single experience you had somewhere along the line that convinced you these games were special and interesting. Something beyond just a diversion you could take or leave. There was something the game that made you sit up and say that you were experiencing something unique, something that may or may not be commonplace these days but seemed new and fresh at the time.

Perhaps it was the first time you took part in a major PvP battle. Perhaps it was your first struggle against a difficult monster in PvE, realizing that you actually had other real people at your side fighting the monster. It could have been the first time you crafted something you were proud of, or even just a close friend you made in the game that you wouldn't have met otherwise. Today, we're asking you what moment in an MMO first made the whole idea click for you. And for bonus points, looking back on it now, does it seem like you were excited over something silly, or does it still feel unique?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What made it click? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiphanymoment-of-truthpvepvpsocialtdgthe-daily-grindunique-experienceTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 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.

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