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[One Shots: Internet spaceships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

One Shots
EVE Online is one of those polarizing games that seems to spark debate at every mention, but even if you're not a fan of the game's mechanics, there's no denying that the game's visuals are breathtaking. Infamous EVE pirate Helicity Boson sent in today's highlighted screenshot with this note:
Today I come to you with an amazing screenshot taken during a joint operation with several of Shadow Cartel's friends who happened to have trapped an unsuspecting super capital pilot. The visuals were just... amazing. There are a few more on my site, machine9.net. I hope you'll share this with the world!
Helicity's screenshot and two more starship-themed pics are tucked behind the break!

Continue reading One Shots: Internet spaceships

MassivelyOne Shots: Internet spaceships originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsccpccp-gamescrypticcryptic-studioseveeve-onlinef2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryinternet-spaceshipsone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsspacespaceshipspaceshipsspreadsheets-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarshipstarshipsstouser-submissionsSun, 15 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Zandagort]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Zandagort screenshot
Zandagort, a very independent browser-based MMORTS by Zanda Games, really holds a lot of promise. I want to get that out of the way first. Potential, unfortunately, has nothing to do with a player's current experience with the game. No one sits at his PC or laptop and says, "Man, I sure am excited about what this game could be, so I'll keep playing." But that very potential often makes me a little depressed. Potential for good also means potential for bad; if a game is unfinished and has the chance to grow, there's likewise a very real possibility that the game could fester, lose development love, or worse yet, die on the vine. There's no guarantee that even a "AAA" massive-budget game like Star Wars: The Old Republic or RIFT will last forever or even a good amount of time. Who knows?

Usually with an indie game, if it isn't shining and picking up an audience relatively quickly, it just might be in trouble. Zandagort has an audience; I can see players in the outer reaches of space. I am not going to pass judgment on the number of players simply because indie budgets are often easily supported by a smaller playerbase, but I wonder what type of audience it is. I am open-minded and enjoy the occasional slog through an intense "spreadsheets-in-space"-style game, but Zandagort really wore down my patience.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Zandagort

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Zandagort originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancasualf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onLiveStreammassively-tvriftrise-and-shinysci-fisci-fi-mmoscience-fictionspacestreamstronghold-kingdomstwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideozanda-gameszandagortSun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LeKool kickstarts Star Supremacy closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/lekool-kickstarts-star-supremacy-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/lekool-kickstarts-star-supremacy-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/lekool-kickstarts-star-supremacy-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Supremacy battle screen
Star Supremacy's closed beta is officially live. The free-to-play browser-based space war MMO kicked off its testing phase last night, and LeKool Games says the game brings something unique to the crowded F2P market.

That something is ship customization. "No two ships will be identical," according to the company's press release. Star Supremacy is a hybrid 4X/multiplayer title set in the distant future, and it features three human factions battling across the stars for control over scarce resources and vast wealth. More info and beta signups are available on the game's official website.

[Source: LeKool Games press release]

MassivelyLeKool kickstarts Star Supremacy closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4xbetaclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playinternet-spaceshipslekoollekool-gamesspacestar-supremacystrategySun, 01 Apr 2012 13:00:00 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[Traveller AR trailer promises the galaxy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/traveller-ar-trailer-promises-the-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/traveller-ar-trailer-promises-the-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/traveller-ar-trailer-promises-the-galaxy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Traveller AR
Based on the long-running space-themed RPG, Traveller AR is coming soon to the iOS platform. The "AR" there stands for "augmented reality," as the title will use the much-ballyhooed AR feature to allow you to mingle the real and virtual world into one.

Just as in EVE Online, players in Traveller AR will hop in a ship and fly out into the cosmos looking to make their fame and fortune. There will be three races and three classes (Scout, Spacer, Trader) to choose from at the start and well over 40,000 unique solar systems to explore and plunder.

According to the game's trailer, Traveller AR space cadets can choose their own path to glory, including trading, missions, combat, and exploration. It looks like a crossbreed of a board game with a rudimentary space combat simulator, and the trailer gives a good overview of the UI and functionality in store for us.

Hop past the break to see the future... today!

Continue reading Traveller AR trailer promises the galaxy

MassivelyTraveller AR trailer promises the galaxy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented-realitybetaeveeve-onlineingzingz-incscoutspacespace-mmospace-themed-mmospacertradertradingtrailertravellertraveller-arvideoMon, 16 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keen Software House announces pre-order deals for Miner Wars MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/keen-software-house-announces-pre-order-deals-for-miner-wars-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/keen-software-house-announces-pre-order-deals-for-miner-wars-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/keen-software-house-announces-pre-order-deals-for-miner-wars-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Miner Wars MMO logo
Czech studio Keen Software House has announced a pre-order sale for its in-development title, Miner Wars MMO. The game is described on its official site as taking place in "a post-apocalyptic inner Solar System, approximately 10 years after the destruction of Earth." Players must learn to deal with life in space with limited resources. All players control mining spaceships and can explore the galaxy, harvest valuable resources, upgrade their ships, engage in epic-scale battles, and more.

If this catches your fancy, the title is currently on pre-sale for $19.99 US. But wait, just like a good informercial, there's more. If you purchase the game as part of this early presale package, "you can play the game for at least two years (guaranteed) without any subscription fees." That's right, the studio is offering to nix subscription fees for two years for anyone who throws down cash on the game right here, right now. Why, though? Well, for one, it will allow the studio to gauge interest in the project (as compared to the MMO's single-player counterpart, Miner Wars 2081) while also providing the studio with funds to "hire a larger team [to] make the game earlier and better." For the full details on the pre-order deals, just head on over to the title's official site.

[Source: Keen Software House press release]

MassivelyKeen Software House announces pre-order deals for Miner Wars MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6dofdealdealskeen-software-houseminer-warsminer-wars-2081miner-wars-mmomore-internet-spaceshipspew-pewpre-orderpreordersix-degrees-of-freedomspacespaceshipsWed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyfort releases sci-fi MMORTS Light of Nova]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/joyfort-releases-sci-fi-mmorts-light-of-nova/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/joyfort-releases-sci-fi-mmorts-light-of-nova/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/joyfort-releases-sci-fi-mmorts-light-of-nova/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Light of Nova
A new MMORTS bursts onto the scene as Joyfort releases its latest title, Light of Nova. The title takes place in a sci-fi universe "thousands of years in the future after humans have colonized outer space." Players are tasked with building the ultimate spacefaring armada, destroying their enemies, and uncovering the mysteries of the universe through the game's storyline. For the full details on this new F2P title and to get in on the action for yourself, just click below to go to Light of Nova's official site.

MassivelyJoyfort releases sci-fi MMORTS Light of Nova originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playjoyfortlaunchlauncheslight-of-novammortsreal-time-strategyrtssci-fispacestrategyWed, 21 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final SWG producer's letter thanks community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/final-swg-producers-letter-thanks-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies - YT2400 Blue Harvest over Mos Eisley
Community was one of many things that set Star Wars: Galaxies apart from your average MMO, and Sony Online Entertainment's Tony "Teesquared" Tyson took a moment to thank the game's faithful in what serves as the final producer's letter for the shuttered sandbox title.

Tyson touches on several highlights including housing, crafting, entertaining, and space-sim mechanics that were unique to SWG, and he ultimately concludes that the game "was, and will always be, a meaningful and memorable part of my life, an experience I'll treasure and share with anyone who wants to hear a good story."

SOE launched SWG on June 26, 2003 and powered down the servers one final time early this morning.

MassivelyFinal SWG producer's letter thanks community originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycraftinghousingproducers-lettersandboxsci-fishutdownsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentspacestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmoswgteesquaredtony-tysonFri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fans have been sitting on pins and needles, waiting for their blessed early access emails for Star Wars: The Old Republic. What can you do while we wait to reserve your character names before the noobie rush on December 20th? You could check out the awesome guide Massively released on Monday to scout out which class you want to play before you play it. You could read the Hyperspace Beacon that came out yesterday; it may take the edge off the anticipation. Or maybe you could have a chat with SWTOR Creative Director James Ohlen about the current state of the game and what's coming down the bend.

We went with the last one.

After the break, find out what Ohlen had to say about SWTOR's legacy system, customizable ships, and other future content.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated]

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesBioWareEAearly-accessElectronic-ArtsfeaturedguildsinterviewinterviewsJames-Ohlenlaunchlegacy-systemLucasArtssci-fispaceStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTORuiuser-interfaceWed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR: Starship operator's guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-starship-operators-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-starship-operators-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-starship-operators-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SWTOR - Starships
Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of an actual, factual, interstellar starship! Or you soon will be, assuming that you're planning to play Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Starships have captured the imaginations of Star Wars fans for over three decades now, as the Millennium Falcon, Luke's X-Wing, Boba Fett's Slave-1, and Knights of the Old Republic's Ebon Hawk have become geek cultural icons. It's not Star Wars without the stars, after all, which is why BioWare will be handing you the keys to your very own starship as part of your SWTOR journey.

But what does that entail? There's a lot of confusion and misinformation swirling about starships, which is unfortunate. SWTOR's starships are part player housing, part combat vehicle, and part story platform, and that combination lacks an easy analogue in other MMOs. That's why you've got this handy holocron with all of the starship "must knows" to aid your initial voyage to the stars!

Coordinates for the jump are plotted. Punch it, reader!

Continue reading SWTOR: Starship operator's guide

MassivelySWTOR: Starship operator's guide originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecraftingcrew-skillsdroiddroidseaea-biowareElectronic-Artsfeaturedguideshipspacespace-combatspaceshipstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarshipstarship-guidestarship-operator-guidestarshipsswtorswtor-gameplay-guideswtor-guideswtor-launch-guidethe-old-republictorvehicleMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/eve-evolved-touring-a-galaxy-reborn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title
EVE Online recently celebrated the release of its incredible Crucible expansion, noted as one of the most feature-heavy expansions in the game's history despite the majority of its features being produced in a period of just a few weeks. Two years' worth of graphical upgrades, features, balance upgrades and quality-of-life fixes hit Tranquility all at once, and the response from players has been incredibly positive.

Last week I rounded up all the information there is to know about the Crucible expansion, but reading articles and news posts is no substitute for hands-on experience. This week I took a tour around parts of New Eden to explore the incredible new graphics Crucible delivered. As I have a background in graphics programming, the graphical upgrades are obviously the most exciting change for me. The astounding background nebulae are even more impressive when you know just how difficult it would be to build a nebula system that looks this incredible from any location.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I explore a reborn galaxy and catalogue my adventures in a massive HD gallery.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-eveccp-gamescrucibleengine-trailseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexplorationexplorerfeaturedgalaxygallentegallerygraphicsgraphics-enginegraphics-programminggraphics-updatehands-onhighseclowsecminmatarnebulanebulaenebulasnew-edennullsecscreenshotscreenshotsspacewarpwarp-drivewarpingSun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online introducing new nebulae]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/eve-online-introducing-new-nebulae/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/eve-online-introducing-new-nebulae/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/eve-online-introducing-new-nebulae/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- EVE Online Nebula
The final frontier is about to get a whole lot prettier, as CCP has announced in a dev diary today that it's working on introducing a smattering of new nebulae to EVE Online. The team hopes that doing so will make the game more immersive and realistic to players.

On top of that, the new nebulae will also help to give players a sense of location. Lowsec and nullsec space will be darker, with cooler color palettes. Meanwhile, hisec space will be more colorful and saturated with warmer color palettes. And "by stellar coincidence," as the team puts it, "the dominant stellar phenomenon of each race happens to be in the same color palette as the ships of that race."

For more information on the new nebulae and the reasons for their introduction, head on over to the official EVE Online dev blog.

MassivelyEVE Online introducing new nebulae originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundsccpccp-gamesdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlinegraphicshiseclowsecnebulanebulaenullsecspaceThu, 03 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Little Space Heroes
In this week's MMO Family, I took a look at an adorable new game from Bubble Gum Interactive called Little Space Heroes. It's a free-to-play, animated, space-themed game aimed at children ages 6 to 12. The game is still in beta, but players can register and get a glimpse of this virtual universe right now.

At first glance, I wasn't sure whether I'd even be able to get my two young "testers" interested in the game. They've tried similar-looking games like Club Penguin but never seemed to stick with them for very long. Surprisingly, not only did they enjoy it, but they pretty much took over, and my little space alien hero was shoved aside as we spent most of our time playing their two characters. Read on for some first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes

MassivelyMMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-basedbubble-gum-interactivechildrenchildrens-mmosfamily-mmosfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onkaren-bryankidskids-gameskids-mmoslittle-space-heroesopinionpreviewpreviewsspaceWed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Over the last few months, the phrase "Flying in Space" has been increasingly used by both EVE Online's developers and its players to describe features other than those of Incarna. It seems like a redundant phrase as all of EVE's gameplay currently takes place in space, but the distinction has become necessary when discussing the allocation of development resources. Members of EVE's player-elected Council of Stellar Management have recently spearheaded a wave of new complaints about the level of resources dedicated to EVE's in-space features, claiming that developers have been left without the resources necessary to do a good job.

In the previous three EVE Evolved columns, I discussed the upcoming nullsec revamp scheduled to begin this winter and the incredible new gameplay players might get as part of it. Members of the CSM know exactly how many people will be working on that revamp, and although those numbers haven't been made public, several delegates have gone public with their disapproval. EVE's subscription fees are currently paying for the development of CCP's upcoming fantasy MMO World of Darkness and its ambitious console MMOFPS DUST 514, leaving few resources for new EVE gameplay and content.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the success of EVE's first blockbuster expansion and ask why development on EVE Online has dramatically decreased over the past two and a half years.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedflying-in-spaceincarnaincursionmark-heardpeak-concurrent-usersseleenespacesubscription-numbersthe-mittanityrannisSun, 11 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo celebrates Black Prophecy + Raptr bundle with giveaways]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gamigo-celebrates-black-prophecy-raptr-bundle-with-giveaways/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Black Prophecy
Gamigo announced today that its free-to-play sci-fi MMORPG Black Prophecy now comes bundled with the gaming-centric IM client Raptr. For those of you not in the know, Raptr is a multi-protocol instant messaging client that allows gamers to keep in touch with their IM friends while in-game, while also allowing players to see what their friends are playing and arrange to join their friends' games.

To commemorate the union of game and IM client, gamigo is hosting a promotion, which is going on now and will end on September 16th, 2011. To participate, players have to scamper over to Black Prophecy's Raptr page, follow it, and leave comments on the stories posted each day. What can players win for their troubles? Well, 20 lucky players will receive an in-game prize pack, which includes a 30-day Character Card, 10 XP bonus consumables, five Concentration Boost consumables, and an in-game Synaptic Impairment Protection II item. Four grand-prize winners will receive all of that plus a top-of-the-line gaming joystick "with a total of over $2000 in gear and in-game items." Who doesn't love free stuff, right? So what are you waiting for? Get on it, space cowboy.

MassivelyGamigo celebrates Black Prophecy + Raptr bundle with giveaways originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybundlecontestf2pfree-to-playgamigogiveawayraptrsci-fispaceThu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond meets fundraising goals, updates FAQ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyond-meets-fundraising-goals-update/#comments Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond - logo Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond has taken several small steps over the course of its short lifetime, but can it make one giant leap to a full-fledged release product? It's off to a decent start, judging by its Kickstarter fundraising tally.

The devs have issued a press release proclaiming the success story and are drafting a FAQ document designed to get more information out there to potential investors (and eventually, players). The latest version of the FAQ is viewable on the official website, and we've included a few highlights for you here:
  • The game is a follow-up to Moonbase Alpha (released in 2010)
  • Project Whitecard and Wisdom Tools are the developers per a "Space Act Agreement" with NASA
  • The target audience will be the 5-24 age and the gaming and science enthusiast markets
  • The game will be available for iOS and Windows PC; other platforms are being considered
  • Unreal Engine 3 is being used to develop the game
  • A beta is planned for December 2012

MassivelyAstronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond meets fundraising goals, updates FAQ originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronaut-moon-mars-and-beyondeducationalfundingfundraisingkickstartermoonbase-alphamy-god-its-full-of-starsnasaproject-whitecardreal-lifesciencespaceunreal-engine-3wisdom-toolTue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies' GU20 brings the GCW to space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-galaxies-gu20-brings-the-gcw-to-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-galaxies-gu20-brings-the-gcw-to-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-galaxies-gu20-brings-the-gcw-to-space/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies screenshot
Star Wars Galaxies may be due for a tragic space opera death come December, but that doesn't mean the devs are twiddling their thumbs in the meantime. This morning, Sony Online Entertainment's sci-fi sandbox received a major faction and space update, making the ongoing Galactic Civil War content truly interplanetary. According to the patch notes, players can now "participate in dynamic space battles and fight alongside or against Ace pilots including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett" above iconic planets like Tatooine, Corellia, Naboo, Lok and Dantooine. The patch offers new duty missions for player Pilots as well as awards for participation in the new content, and recurring station events ensure that players can always find some action in the cold black of space.

Medics and Smugglers also received profession tweaks to bring them into balance with the other classes, and Shipwrights will be happy to learn that the update's new starships are in fact player-craftable.

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies' GU20 brings the GCW to space originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galactic-civil-wargalaxiesgcwgu20medicpatchpilotsmugglersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentspacestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgupdateThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy launch-day interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-launch-day-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Reakktor Media's space-faring MMO Black Prophecy saw its North American launch today, as well as its first major content update. We've already provided you lovely readers with a launch-day roundup for your perusal. To commemorate the game going live, we have a launch-day interview with gamigo's Executive Board Member Patrick Streppel. So strap yourselves in, kick your thrusters into overdrive, and jump past the cut for the full interview.

Continue reading Black Prophecy launch-day interview

MassivelyBlack Prophecy launch-day interview originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyf2pfree-to-playgamigointerviewitem-shoplaunchlaunch-day-interviewpatrick-streppelreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fispaceWed, 13 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What does your ideal gamespace look like?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-ideal-gamespace-look-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-ideal-gamespace-look-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-ideal-gamespace-look-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When you're younger, your game consoles and systems are usually put wherever the space exists, and your computer is generally tucked into a corner of your bedroom. But when you get a little bit older and move out on your own, you start having a much wider field of options for where you game and how you do so. Video games could be the centerpiece of your house, or you could have a special room devoted to just gaming in some corner of your apartment. And if you're going to be involved in a marathon session of Fallen Earth, wouldn't you like a minifridge nearby?

Today we're going just a bit meta and asking you what your ideal space for gaming would look like. Would it be large? Small? What sort of furniture would it contain? The hardware isn't necessarily important -- what is important is what you'd build for your play if you didn't have to worry about space or budget. Games like EverQuest II let us create the environment we want in a virtual space, but if you had that same sort of power in the real world, what would you do?

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: What does your ideal gamespace look like? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computersculturedesksfurnituregaming-spacehousingopinionreal-housingreal-liferoomsspacetdgthe-daily-grindwhere-you-playTue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What is your favorite internet spaceship?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-daily-grind-what-is-your-favorite-internet-spaceship/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we talk about intergalactic transportation, there is no end to the variety of shapes and sizes of starships. Even within specific genres of science fiction, the starships are consistently inconsistent. In Star Wars, the Imperial ships are very angular, whereas the Mon Calamari ships are kind of puffy. If you look at Star Trek, you see a multitude of cultural differences between the spacecraft. Federation ships are very pristine, clean, and diplomatic. On the other had, Klingon ships carry the mark of the aggressive species that created them.

Many MMOs have introduced us to ships we can pilot in a virtual world. Star Wars Galaxies and Star Trek Online were mentioned above, but there is also EVE Online and Taikodom -- not to mention games still in development like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Jumpgate Evolution. So in the spirit of EVE fanfest, we are asking today: What is your favorite internet spaceship?

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: What is your favorite internet spaceship? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariccpCrypticEVEeve-onlineGamersfirstgazillion-entertainmentinternet-spaceshipsJGEjumpgate-evolutionNetdevilsci-fiscience-fictionSOESonyspacespaceshipStar-Trekstar-trek-onlineStar-WarsStar-Wars-GalaxiesSTOSWGtaikodomthe-daily-grindTue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The question that lurks deep in the recesses of most MMO gamers' minds -- the question that they never really want to ask -- is what will happen when the lights go out? When your favorite game is finally sent to its resting place in that server farm in the sky, will we still care about it, and if so, what will we be able to take away?

While most of us have yet to face this, considering the longevity of most launched MMOs, it does happen, and it will certainly happen to us sooner or later. And while you won't be able to take your max-leveled, uber-geared character out of the game and into another one, you hopefully have the memories, the friendships, the screenshots, and the bragging rights. With many canceled MMOs, the shutdown is fairly abrupt following the official announcement, although some games, like Earth & Beyond, give players enough time to say their goodbyes and get in those final experiences before everything goes dark.

Like many of the games we've been exploring in The Game Archaeologist, Earth & Beyond may not have enjoyed stellar popularity, but it certainly did have a remnant of dedicated fans who have yet to let the flames of their adoration die down. Today we've got a buffet of E&B goodness: the background story from the manual, final memories from a few fans, and a photo album full of concept art and nostalgic screenshots. Sound good? Let's go!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-and-beaearth-and-beyondelectronic-artsemulated-serversemulatoreveeve-onlinefeaturedfreelancergalleryinfiniticorpjenquaimanualprogenscience-fictionscifispacestargatesunriseterransthe-game-archaeologistvrixwestwoodwestwood-studiosTue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 reveals the truth behind the green blob in space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/wizard101-reveals-the-truth-behind-the-green-blob-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/wizard101-reveals-the-truth-behind-the-green-blob-in-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/wizard101-reveals-the-truth-behind-the-green-blob-in-space/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you follow astronomy or just like stories about big green things, you probably were aware of last week's photo from the Hubble telescope showcasing an enormous green blob. It's a known spot in space, an enormous region in which new stars are being formed -- although why stars would be forming out in the middle of nowhere has researchers baffled. But researchers from Wizard101 have helpfully taken the opportunity to dispel the mystery, making it clear exactly what the region of space actually is.

Does it look sort of like a giant green frog? Well, that's exactly right.

The discovery was made possible by use of facilities in the ancient undersea world of Celestia, but it still raises a number of new questions. Some of the wizard researchers speculate that the enormous frog might be a powerful minion of Morganthe, while others are certain the frog's appearance is simply a prank by a wizard with more time than common sense. Whatever the case, Wizard101 has helped provide us with the answer to a great scientific mystery, and for that we can all rest a little easier.

MassivelyWizard101 reveals the truth behind the green blob in space originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycelestiacomedyf2pfree-to-playhumorkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentloresillyspacespace-explorationw101wizard101Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Beyond the scope]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/hyperspace-beacon-beyond-the-scope/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/hyperspace-beacon-beyond-the-scope/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/hyperspace-beacon-beyond-the-scope/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You only have to go as far as the official forums to see the concern over what Star Wars: The Old Republic is offering. I have a major question: Do the concerns have merit? I had an unofficial discussion with my editor, Bree Royce, about the whole idea of complaining to a large gaming company like BioWare. Although I maintain that there is far too much complaining about features that the game will never have, Bree argued that the potential players of the game should continue to complain at every opportunity. What other way can they motivate a top-tier gaming company to deliver the game they want? After some thought, I agreed, but what happens to player desires that exceed the game's scope?

I would like to think that developers would re-evaluate the scope of the project if enough people complained, but in truth, that level of reconstruction is expensive. For a game that is already as expensive as SWTOR, I just don't see it happening. The few things that have been changed, like the size of the lightsaber hilts and the Wizard title, are really small things. However, things like taking space combat out of the tunnel are a bit more time-consuming, not to mention costly, and so they are less likely to be changed. But as Bree suggested to me, what other avenue do players have?

What I'd like to talk about this week are a few of the top desires of the community, desires that push the scope of SWTOR. I will give the reasons I believe they are pushing the scope of the game, but I would really like to have your involvement. Why do you think these things were implemented the way they were, or why will they not be implemented? Step beyond the break to see my thoughts.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Beyond the scope

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Beyond the scope originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarechroniclechronicleseaelectronic-artsfeaturedlucas-artsplayer-generated-contentracesspacespace-combatspeciesStar-Warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicSWGswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 09 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy's clan system outlined in new update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/black-prophecys-clan-system-outlined-in-new-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/black-prophecys-clan-system-outlined-in-new-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/black-prophecys-clan-system-outlined-in-new-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Have you been hungry for more information on Reakktor Media and gamigo's upcoming free-to-play space dogfighter, Black Prophecy? Well then, today's update on clan systems will undoubtedly be welcome news for those of you who can't wait to fly with friends. Some of the mechanics are very familiar, such as a clan leader being able to assign ranks and responsibilities to certain members, as well as the ability for the clan to create their own logo using an in-game editor.

Other aspects of the Black Prophecy clan system deal with familiar mechanics turned on their heads -- such as how clan stations will be handled. The word is that players will have to complete faction missions and gather enough resources and members, then they will be able to request their own chunk of space in which to build their clan station. Players will also be able to decide if the station will be opened up to others players in the faction that they're allied with, or if it will be kept for the clan members alone; thus removing any fear of getting your station blown to heck in the middle of a giant PvP clan war. Each station will be comprised of a central command module that will house up to 10 players comfortably, and offer some small vendor aspects. From there, players can add on more modules to their station to not only unlock more room and additional perks, but also more faction missions.

Overall, it certainly sounds like an ambitious yet fun system. Check out the shiny new screenshots below, then pop over to the Black Prophecy forums for the specifics on the clan system!

Gallery: Black Prophecy

MassivelyBlack Prophecy's clan system outlined in new update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyclan-systemf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-aglogo-designerranksreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHspacespace-stationspace-stationsThu, 28 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution still alive and kicking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Jumpgate Evolution has been flying a bit under the radar since E3 2010, but we're happy to report that the space-based action MMO is still seeing active development. The recent forum upgrade, coupled with a producer update that outlines what the NetDevil folks are currently working on, has conspired to give us a bit of hope that we might be barreling through hyperspace and setting spaceships afire sooner rather than later.

In the post on the official boards, executive producer Lance Robertson touches on everything from the patcher and the live support team to PvP, the economy, and compatibility testing as ongoing areas of concentration. The details are a bit sparser than we'd like, but we'll keep our scanners peeled for more Jumpgate Evolution news as it happens.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution still alive and kicking originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-updateeconomygazilliongazillion-entertainmentjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlance-robertsonnet-devilnetdevilpatcherpvpspacetestingThu, 07 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Details on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's something about the massive span of space that lends itself to large-scale PvP, and Jumpgate Evolution is certainly heading down the road to having big and meaningful faction battles. This is the core of the game's Event Sectors, hotspots of activity between both players and NPCs in which everyone takes part in a truly epic struggle. In a recent diary on MMORPG.com, Joe Grubb explains the design philosophy behind the sectors and how they're shaping up as the game continues in development.

Grubb explains that one of the first goals the team had with these sectors was that they had to feel meaningful in context -- rather than just featuring good gameplay, it had to make sense why the battle was taking place from a lore standpoint. He goes on to explain how the team began testing and then revising the way content was set up to improve the feel of immersion and realism in each given sector. Take a look at the full diary for a preview of what promises to be one of the most interesting features in Jumpgate Evolution -- and really, who doesn't like epic space battles?

MassivelyDetails on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdevelopment-diariesevent-sectorsimmersionjoe-grubbjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlarge-scale-pvpnetdevilpvpscience-fictionspacespace-battlesWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Off the rails]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/choose-my-adventure-off-the-rails/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/choose-my-adventure-off-the-rails/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/choose-my-adventure-off-the-rails/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Join me as I brave my way through lands unknown in an adventure dictated entirely by you, the Massively readers! Suggest everything from game played to character creation to ultimate goal and watch it unfold in a series of posts here on the site. Then, as our two months are up, we'll do it all over again in a new game!

This last week wound up being a medley of moments -- some pretty cool and others a study in frustration, honestly. However, to be completely fair, while some of this is related to the game, a goodly portion of the frustration is related to some pretty glaring oversights for newcomers on Sony Online Entertainment's part.

Curious as to what happened in Star Wars Galaxies this week? Join me behind the jump as I break down what things broke down, and what bits were pretty solidly in the "kick ass" column.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Off the rails

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Off the rails originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventureCMAempirefactionfeaturedimperialpilotrebelrebellionSandboxsoeSONYsony-online-entertainmentspaceStar-Warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgWed, 11 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 launches into space Taikodom-style!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are not many games that truly give the player the feel of what it is like to fly a starship in space. In fact, even some of the MMOs that label themselves as sci-fi are often just fantasy games with a futuristic paint job. And if you're looking for, more specifically, a free-to-play sci fi MMO, you will find but one game, and that game is Taikodom, the Brazilian-born, space-action game. If this game seems familiar, it's because it was recently acquired by GamersFirst, who have really put production of this title into full gear. Massively was lucky enough to to get our hands on the current incarnation of this game -- pre-beta! -- at E3.

Set some 300 years in the future, Taikodom tells us that Earth -- or at least, Earth as we know it -- has completely changed. We are no longer able to set foot on the soothing surface of our blue-green homeworld. Instead, groups of space stations called Nodes are now our homes. Corporations run these nodes, and each has its own distinct faction and personality. Humanity now explores the galaxy in starships, which simulate and repeat familiar sights and sounds back to us. Hyperspace between Nodes is traversed via giant disc-shaped stations called, predictably, jumpgates. Explore this vast and exciting galaxy with us after the break!

Gallery: E3 2010: Taikodom

Continue reading E3 launches into space Taikodom-style!

MassivelyE3 launches into space Taikodom-style! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010featuredgamersfirstopen-worldopen-world-pvpsci-fispacespaceshipstaikodomtaikodom-betaunityunity-engineThu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2010: Hands-on with Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/e3-2010-hands-on-with-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/e3-2010-hands-on-with-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/e3-2010-hands-on-with-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

At E3 yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down and play some Jumpgate Evolution. Yes, I said Jumpgate Evolution: the game we've all feared was going away after announcements of its indefinite development. Interestingly enough, this is a game that many of you have shown great interest in. Is the game still alive? Is it playable? When's it releasing?

Well, luckily for you, most of those questions were answered at E3. Not only is it playable, I spent probably 30 minutes barrel-rolling and dogfighting my way through a handful of tutorial quests. Is it ready for primetime, though? Follow along after the jump to find out my E3 hands-on impressions of the highly-anticipated space action MMO.

Continue reading E3 2010: Hands-on with Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyE3 2010: Hands-on with Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010featuredgazilliongazillion-entertainmenthands-onjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilopinionspaceWed, 16 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Taking inventory]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/the-daily-grind-taking-inventory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/the-daily-grind-taking-inventory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/the-daily-grind-taking-inventory/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the great points of commonality for MMOs is the time-honored tradition of inventory management. Specifically, the minigame wherein you have to decide what to keep, sell, throw away, or hold on to with a limited amount of space. One of the major contentions regarding the Allods Online cash shop at launch (aside from the huge debuff only removable via cash shop items) was how much it used to cost just to make a minor upgrade to your inventory storage. The prices have since changed, of course, but the irritation at inventory management was obvious.

Nearly every game has to decide how much of a management aspect should be involved and the right amount of space for a given character in any stage of their career. Moreover, these aspects usually change with time, as stack sizes increase and decrease with patches. Some players see space management as a relic of games like Dungeons and Dragons, which used it to try and maintain realism in broad strokes. Others see it as an obnoxious limitation on gameplay that's long ceased to have any connection with its original purpose.

So what do you think? Is inventory management a good thing, or is it one of those gameplay elements you'd like to see go the way of the dodo?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Taking inventory originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoyancesinventoryinventory-managementitem-stacksitemsmanagementold-mechanicsrelicsspacestacksstoragetdgthe-daily-grindFri, 07 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Lost in worlds divided]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-digital-continuum-lost-in-worlds-divided/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-digital-continuum-lost-in-worlds-divided/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-digital-continuum-lost-in-worlds-divided/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the many MMOs I've played, the ratio between games that got world design right and those that got it wrong is surprisingly skewed towards the latter. Nothing kills the thrill of discovering a new online world faster than feeling like you're being kicked around seemingly unconnected environments without possessing any real understanding or control.

This week's The Digital Continuum is aimed at discussing practical ways to address this problem. Obviously this is -- as per usual -- my personal opinion taken mostly from my brain and the experience gathering within it.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Lost in worlds divided

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Lost in worlds divided originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcgcgicinematiccinematicscut-scenecutscenedesignfeaturedopening-cinematicopinionspacethe-digital-continuumworldworld-designworld-of-wacraftwowzonesTue, 23 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NetDevil's Scott Brown has emerged from the black depths of development on Jumpgate Evolution to give an update to the commmunity. In fact, he's given quite a substantial -- if not brief -- update about the various game elements being hammered into proper working order.

The topics covered are Battlespace, mission structure, faction definition and improvements being made to the previously lackluster enemy AI. So basically, NetDevil has been working to revamp the game ever since its June 2009 release date was changed into a To Be Announced state, leaving fans wondering when they'd be able to get their space fighter action on. We've posted Scott's bullet point update beyond the break, for those interested.

Continue reading A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress

MassivelyA significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitygazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejge-gamejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilscott-brownspacespace-fighterspace-gameupdateWed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Star Trek Online's space combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/hands-on-with-star-trek-onlines-space-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/hands-on-with-star-trek-onlines-space-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/hands-on-with-star-trek-onlines-space-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Space battles in Star Trek Online are going to be a big selling point for many a Trek fan. I recently got some hands-on time with the closed beta and found several interesting talking points to deliver like hot fresh delicious phasered pizza. I imagine some of you are quite up to snuff on the basics of combat in Star Trek Online, so if you find your interest waning I suggest skipping ahead into the analytical aspect of this feature.

Gallery: Star Trek Online Gallery

Continue reading Hands-on with Star Trek Online's space combat

MassivelyHands-on with Star Trek Online's space combat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricombatcrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedguideshands-onmassively-hands-onpreviewshipspacespace-combatstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestosto-featuredTue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take part in space exploration with NASA's coming MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/take-part-in-space-exploration-with-nasas-coming-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

How would you like to take a trip into space? No, not the stylized science fiction that Star Trek Online promises, or the fantasy-with-spaceships of Star Wars: the Old Republic. We've heard the announcement about NASA's coming space MMO, Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond, but the game hasn't been making the rounds in the usual gaming circuit. An in-depth article about the game's development and planned release is interesting for any fans of the rigors and challenges of spaceflight, not mention a look at a game that's moving far outside the usual realm of our genre.

Much like America's Army, the goal of the game is to try and give players a taste of what it's like to actually work in the field being simulated. While the game is focusing on creating enjoyable gameplay first, players can expect to see landscapes and tasks grounded in solid scientific principles and based upon actual astronaut missions, complete with the real and tangible challenges of exploring inhospitable worlds. The article also discusses the MoonBase module, which is set to be launched as a free standalone component on Steam in January to serve as both a preview and a testbed for the game. Take a look at the full article for a closer examination of what the game could mean, and what it might be like to play a space game where you were less concerned about arming weapons and more concerned with understanding the world around you.

(Or, if you have to, start imagining an expansion set in the 1980s adding the Soviet space program as a new faction. Which is only slightly less realistic.)

MassivelyTake part in space exploration with NASA's coming MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just when you thought you'd seen enough Star Trek Online space combat videos to keep you satisfied for a day or two, Cryptic Studios whips out a Klingon focused trailer that's sure to get your Pepto Bismol colored blood beating through those hardened, warrior-like veins.

That's right, Klingons are in this game! We almost forgot with all that Federation love coming from Cryptic ever since the game was announced. But that's okay, because Klingon's are accustomed to waiting in secrecy for the right moment to strike. This is only the first small disruptor blast in what's sure to be a volley of ferocious strikes far greater than any puny Federation ship could handle.

See the glory of the Klingon Empire after the break.

Continue reading Klingons make their first Star Trek Online video appearance

MassivelyKlingons make their first Star Trek Online video appearance originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some of the best art has a purposeful visual direction and that seems to be the case with Black Prophecy's Human faction. It also helps when your game has an incredibly beautiful rendering engine and a cockpit view to show every glorious detail off up close and personal.

For those of us into the art design of a game, this recent developer diary on the Human art direction will most certainly interest you -- especially since it gets pretty in-depth on the reasoning behind every line and curve. The three page write-up goes into detail on the faction logo's origins, ship and station structural design. A lot of time is spent describing the real world parallels of the Humans in Black Prophecy to, well, us.

MassivelyThe art direction of Black Prophecy's humans originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The latest Star Trek Online dev chat was expectedly focused on the skill-based progression system revealed in last week's Ask Cryptic. A particularly interesting answer revealed that although it's possible to eventually earn all the space skills in the game, your ship equipment and bridge officer selection will be a determining factor. Since ground combat is focused around your skill kit, which is based off your career choice, it's restricted by class.

We also learned that advancing in rank earns players the right to newer, larger ships. When hitting a new rank, Starfleet will grant one free vessel, but the acquisition of other vessels within that new type will require merit. Knowing that puts us at ease, because we're sure that once Starfleet gets a load of our captaining abilities, they'll have no choice but to give us a trillion merit on the spot.

MassivelySkill and ship progression covered in new STO dev chat originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticataricombatcrypticcryptic-studiosdev-chatprogressionspacespace-combatstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is space the "final frontier" for MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/the-daily-grind-is-space-the-final-frontier-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/the-daily-grind-is-space-the-final-frontier-for-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/the-daily-grind-is-space-the-final-frontier-for-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Space: the final frontier." Sounds a bit short-sighted, doesn't it? I mean, no offense to the ghost of Gene Roddenberry, but we've barely scratched the surface of what's out there beyond our atmosphere. To claim that it is the "final frontier" to be explored, charted, and colonized may not be entirely accurate. But, it does make for a catchy slogan and a great series of TV shows, movies, and games (ok, games... historically, not so much).

Thus far, "space" may appear to be the final frontier in MMOs as well, but to claim it as such is also short-sighted. The creativity of the human mind is a great thing. I'm sure we'll conjure up some novel concepts or twists on old themes or settings and make them work. The two biggest MMO sub-genres so far are undoubtedly Fantasy and Science Fiction (often space-oriented). Superhero MMOs are making a run for it and so are MMOs in post-apocalytic settings. There are even a plethora of oddly-themed kids games too.

Are there any genres we haven't thoroughly tapped yet? What about Horror? Mystery? Crime? Modern warfare? As for settings, what about Earth present? Earth historic? Alternate dimensions? Fairly tales? What genres and settings are you itching to explore?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is space the "final frontier" for MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fairy-talesfantasygene-roddenberrygenregrimehistorichorrorkidsmodern-warfaremysterypastpost-apocalypticpresentsci-fispacestar-treksub-genresuper-heroWed, 12 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/eve-evolved-untangling-the-mystery-of-the-sleepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/eve-evolved-untangling-the-mystery-of-the-sleepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/eve-evolved-untangling-the-mystery-of-the-sleepers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


When EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion was released, details on how wormholes and the 2500 new systems that came with them worked were sketchy. The advanced Sleeper AI found protecting these systems were a force to be feared, unknown and mysterious. There were no guides, no stories of encounters on the forums and anyone that had mounted a successful expedition was keeping their closely guarded secrets to themselves and raking in the ISK.

My corporation (Pillowsoft) were among the first to launch their expedition, having previously prepared an Orca with a medium POS, fuel, equipment and everything else we thought we'd need. We set up in an unknown system and explored this new frontier with a cautious optimism. Over the months that followed, we learned a great deal about EVE's new wormhole systems and the Sleepers that lived in them. After striking gold many times and making each of our expedition members over a billion ISK richer, we began telling our story and giving up those secrets we had been so careful to protect. Today, a great deal is now known about the "unknown" wormhole systems and with ever more corporations launching their own expeditions, it's now more important than ever to research the Sleeper menace before venturing into the abyss.

Join me for this extensive three-page article where I dole out the fruits of my research on wormholes and begin to untangle the mystery of the Sleepers.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As we look back at the past several years of the MMO scene, we see a genre that has gone through significant evolutionary leaps. With those pioneering days of text MUDs and blocky graphics behind us, today we enjoy professionally developed games with impressive development teams and massive budgets behind them. The genre's depths have been thoroughly explored and we've even categorised the features we've come to love and expect from our favourite online retreats. Every part of the genre, from the types of gameplay available to the terminology we use, has been routinely evolving and redefining itself over time.

With professional MMO development soaring and a whole new generation of promising titles on the way, we stand on the cusp of what could be the next big evolutionary leap for online gaming. In the coming weeks and months, Massively will be examining how the MMO genre has been redefined during the current generation of games and where it's headed in the next. If you have something important to say on the topic, feel free to post a comment on page 2 or even write your own "Redefining MMOs" blog post and leave a comment with the URL.

In this introductory article, I ask why we use the terminology we do when talking about MMOs and if perhaps it's starting to change.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: Terminology

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: Terminology originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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