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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Storyboard: Roleplaying hasn't gone anywhere]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/storyboard-roleplaying-hasnt-gone-anywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/storyboard-roleplaying-hasnt-gone-anywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/storyboard-roleplaying-hasnt-gone-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I think I used one of these before? Not sure.
Certain phrases just tend to stick in my craw. For example, the idea that back in the day MMORPGs really supported roleplaying, but now they don't any more. You can't really lose yourself in modern games. You get the idea; I've talked about this before.

The calls that roleplaying is dead are quite convincing except for the fact that roleplaying continues and does not appear to be going anywhere. If anything, I'd argue (from anecdotes, so without much scientific merit) that roleplaying populations seem to be expanding, which makes sense, since with more and more people playing games online, more and more of them are going to be totally keen on pretending to be an elf.

But I can understand the sentiment because from another perspective it can seem totally on the mark. So I'm going to just go for the simple version and discuss the ways in which things haven't changed all that much after all.

Continue reading Storyboard: Roleplaying hasn't gone anywhere

MassivelyStoryboard: Roleplaying hasn't gone anywhere originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhistoryopinionrantingrecollectionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 14 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The soft launch scam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/the-soapbox-the-soft-launch-scam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/the-soapbox-the-soft-launch-scam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/the-soapbox-the-soft-launch-scam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter
Back in the golden days of video games, there was no such thing as a soft launch. Nintendo didn't send out test copies of Super Mario World to special "backers," and Sega didn't ship half-finished Sonic games with promises of further content updates. Games, for the most part, were played only after they were finished, printed, packaged, and shipped. Even on PC, beta testing was more of an earned honor exclusive to players that showed dedication to a title and its community.

Here in these modern times of Internets and always-ons, however, things are different. It would seem as though developers need only make enough game content to shoot a reasonably convincing trailer before the publishing team can begin collecting money by slapping a "BETA" sticker on the webpage and offering fans early access.

Over the last few years soft launches have become increasingly common -- especially for creators of online games. The line between "in testing" and "done" is becoming blurred, and publishers are reaping the benefits while players suffer.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The soft launch scam

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The soft launch scam originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobetacash-shopclosed-betacrypticcryptic-studiosdndeditorialf2pfantasyfeaturedfoundersfree-to-playMicrotransactionsneverwinterop-edopen-betaopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerantrantsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsoapboxsoft-launchstorystoryboardthe-soapboxTue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: For me, it was Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/storyboard-for-me-it-was-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/storyboard-for-me-it-was-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/storyboard-for-me-it-was-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, they're code names. If you think you know who they are, you're probably right.
I want to tell you a love story. It's not a happy one. It's about Daniel and Rachel.

Rachel loves Daniel. She didn't expect to fall for him, but she did. The problem is that Daniel doesn't love Rachel back. More than that, he can't even conceptualize feeling for Rachel what she feels for him. She acquiesces, acts as a friend, listens to Daniel talk about his true love Samantha. She watches Daniel date Olivia. She gets attacked by Olivia for her affection. She pays attention to the fact that Daniel still talks about Samantha when she's been gone for a year, even though Daniel doesn't mention Rachel at all if she's not around.

This is not a happy dynamic for Rachel, but it is certainly dramatic. The problem is that Rachel and Daniel are characters, and Daniel's player is making a point of being aloof and dismissive toward Rachel because that's the whole point. So how do you ignore Rachel without making Rachel's player feel left out of roleplaying?

Continue reading Storyboard: For me, it was Tuesday

MassivelyStoryboard: For me, it was Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicedynamicsfeaturedfriendshipsopinionrelationshipsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 07 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO story has moved you?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-story-has-moved-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-story-has-moved-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-story-has-moved-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind Which MMO story has moved you
Sometimes I don't think that MMO writers get enough credit for the truly great tales that are embedded into our game experiences. Perhaps that's because there's a lot of fluffy nonsense tales that surround them, or perhaps it's because we're just so used to skipping past the story to reach the objective. Even so, I have to believe that there are stories that touch and move us in MMOs, because I've encountered several of them.

I have a particularly strong connection to many of the accounts that unfold in The Secret World. One story that I pieced together via lore discoveries and missions is the tale of Carrie Killian. We never meet her in the game, but we do explore the burned shell of the Black House, where this fortune teller was burned alive after a mob rampage. After learning all of the events, I had a lot more sympathy for this poltergeist than I did for the townsfolk.

So which MMO story has moved you? Which has remained lodged in your memories even unto this day?

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: Which MMO story has moved you? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-housecarrie-killiandaily-grindloreopinionstorytaletdgthe-black-housethe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldSun, 02 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Getting back the spark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/storyboard-getting-back-the-spark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/storyboard-getting-back-the-spark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/storyboard-getting-back-the-spark/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You've lost that loving feeling. Whoa, that loving feeling.
People occasionally ask me, "How is it that your roleplaying is so exciting?" To which I can only ask, "How is yours so boring?"

A lot happens when I roleplay. Relationships start and stop, alliances are made and broken, plots are hatched, crazy schemes are set into motion, and things generally just happen. I've had characters kill other people off permanently, had characters killed off, run through cycles of desecration and redemption. Some scenes have gone better than others, but at the end of the day, I can say that my roleplaying has been full of stuff happening.

But I see a lot of people who feel their roleplaying is stagnant. Their groups have dissolved, their stories have been told, there is no more spark there. So today's column is all about getting back into the paint and turning your roleplaying experience from stagnant to dynamic, taking you from a boring set of routines into a series of stunning and enrapturing revelations. In other words, here's some advice to get the spark back in your roleplaying.

Continue reading Storyboard: Getting back the spark

MassivelyStoryboard: Getting back the spark originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebreaking-habitsfeaturedhabitsopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrprutsstorystoryboardFri, 31 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: As stupid does]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/storyboard-as-stupid-does/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/storyboard-as-stupid-does/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/storyboard-as-stupid-does/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ironically, I felt too dumb to write this column effectively.
Playing a stupid character is oddly frustrating because it's incredibly difficult to do.

This should not be the case. This should, in fact, be the opposite of the case. Playing someone with the mental alacrity of a ball of twine should be much easier than your brilliant wizard. But when you try to play a dumb character, it's easy for that character to wind up slipping into periods of pointless stupidity without acting like any of the nitwits you've actually dealt with over the course of your life.

Intelligence is a hard thing to quantify at the best of times, but some of our characters are meant to be just plain slow. I've played a few, and it's always a challenge to make the character feel like a person instead of a caricature. So here are some tips for making your big dummy feel appropriately oafish and endearing instead of just being a strawman.

Continue reading Storyboard: As stupid does

MassivelyStoryboard: As stupid does originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airheadsbad-choicesdimdopesdumbdummiesfeaturedmoronsnimrodsnincompoopsnitwitsopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardstupiditytwitsFri, 24 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The way it was for three years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Going back in time.
Roleplaying is the same as it ever was. People are still shoehorning in lore characters into backstories, someone is a sparkly magic vampire, and you can still turn a corner in a tavern to find two people with a decided lack of gear or public shame. (In Second Life, that corner is the one you turn to download the game.) But I've had three years of talking about it, so it's at least a little different than it was.

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's better.

Every year I like to take a look back at the past year, talk about what worked well, what didn't work at all, and what I'd like to do in the future. So it is for this year, complete with a nice big surprise down at the end there. Regular readers may be less surprised, but you can just bear with me.

Continue reading Storyboard: The way it was for three years

MassivelyStoryboard: The way it was for three years originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednew-featuresopinionretrospectiveroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardstoryboard-librarythree-yearsyear-in-reviewFri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Making villains work]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/storyboard-making-villains-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/storyboard-making-villains-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/storyboard-making-villains-work/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So how am I going to make the header screwy next week? I have a few ideas.
A while ago, I talked about the fact that roleplaying in MMOs most closely resembles comic books. This is apropos of the current discussion because both mediums have a fundamental issue with how villains are supposed to work. A good villain should be roundly trounced by the end of a story, but you also want to bring back a villain for more antics later on. So as I begin the follow-up to my recent column on the topic, the question becomes how you can make a villain who's entertaining and satisfying to encounter without becoming boring or making everyone wonder why no one has stabbed him yet.

To be fair, there's no way to absolutely fix this problem. Someone will always have the idea that stabbing the villain to death will alleviate the problem, and that assumption is pretty much right. But there are ways to minimize the issue without making everyone seem like a colossal twit or creating the soap opera problem (wherein everyone is a malicious jerk every so often and no one seems to make long-term changes). This week I want to examine how both antagonistic and malicious villains can be played to avoid those pitfalls.

Continue reading Storyboard: Making villains work

MassivelyStoryboard: Making villains work originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistscharactersfeaturedjerksopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardvillainsFri, 10 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Look behind the living world in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Now why can't every class have its own version of this to pilot all the time?
Have you been out of the loop in Guild Wars 2? There's been big stuff going on with the game's narrative, sure, but it's easy to lose the thread if you're not playing the game on a regular basis. The latest developer video from ArenaNet is meant to address this, with narrative designers Angel McCoy and Scott McGough talking about the events of the Flame and Frost storyline and how the game's previous stories are leading into future developments.

The crux of Flame and Frost is the allegiance between the Dredge and the Flame Legion, with the former lacking in magical artillery and the latter being cut off from traditional Charr machinery. That alliance led to the capture of civilians, which in turn led to a push by two young heroes to free former prisoners... which in turn has led to a population move to an unexpected place. Watch the full video for a glimpse at how the story elements lead into one another and to get hints about what's around the bend.

Continue reading Look behind the living world in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyLook behind the living world in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackgroundbuy-to-playfantasyflame-and-frostguild-wars-2gw2living-worldlorencsoftnewsstoriesstoryvideovideosTue, 07 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Just the artifacts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/storyboard-just-the-artifacts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/storyboard-just-the-artifacts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/storyboard-just-the-artifacts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are a lot of powerful items in our everyday life. Smartphones, for instance.
There's something inherently alluring about objects of power. That much is obvious; games are already fairly littered with them, ranging from weapons to vehicles to various items whose powers are invariably decided by needs of the plot. It's inevitable that as a roleplayer you would want to create something of power for your own purposes, something that has a purpose that only you know, hopefully a purpose with more careful thought than "being the most scary thing ever."

Items like this are what I'm calling artifacts. In some settings they're actual artifacts; in others they're just exceptionally well-programmed computers or bits of otherwise lost technology or whatever. They're useful for extended roleplaying, they create an additional element of your characters, and they're also really problematic in a variety of ways. Still, the drawbacks aren't significant enough to make them useless, just significant enough that you'll want to use a careful hand when adding in your own hidden wonders.

Continue reading Storyboard: Just the artifacts

MassivelyStoryboard: Just the artifacts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactsfeatureditemsobjectsopinionrelicsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 03 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: My lore problem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-soapbox-my-lore-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
"In the distant forests of El'quen, a dark evil stirs. Marrowgore the Unhunter, imprisoned for a thousand years in Cauldron Lake by the Eye of Son'drak, has broken free. Now, he and his evil BoneSlurpers stage an all-out war on the United Provinces. You, a freshly christened hero known for valorous acts both on and off the battlefield, must take charge of the Sacred Axeblade of Loqtai, harness the power it contains, and send the Unhunter back to his watery prison.

"But first, can you get me nine wolf pelts?"

Continue reading The Soapbox: My lore problem

MassivelyThe Soapbox: My lore problem originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betacutsceneeditorialfeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesloremassively-metammo-loreop-edopen-betaopinionplotrantrantsroundupsoapboxstorystorytellingtestingthe-soapboxtropesTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Villainy afoot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/storyboard-villainy-afoot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/storyboard-villainy-afoot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/storyboard-villainy-afoot/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In that moment you will realize that you are not the hero of your own story; you are the villain. You are the source of anguish. You are what must be demolished for the good of everyone.
I really thought this was a topic I had revisited on a few occasions, but apparently the only time Storyboard has discussed villainy was back in the column's infancy when I was still properly finding its voice. (Not that I feel that project has ever stopped, but that's another matter.) And it's an interesting topic for many reasons because villainy as a concept really gets put through the wringer in RP to begin with, especially if you tend to let morality be muddled into a few million shades of gray like I tend to.

The thing about villains in roleplaying is having a character solely meant as A Villain generally doesn't work as well, simply because no real people are as malicious as that might require. Instead, you wind up with several people serving as the villains in a particular timeframe. So we need to define what we mean by villains, what role they can play in roleplaying, and what the pitfalls are in the first place.

Continue reading Storyboard: Villainy afoot

MassivelyStoryboard: Villainy afoot originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistsenemiesfeaturedjust-plain-jerksopinionopponentsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardstorytellingsuggestionsvillainsFri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five years of EVE Evolved]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/eve-evolved-five-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/eve-evolved-five-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/eve-evolved-five-years-of-eve-evolved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
About five years ago, on April 27th, 2008, I joined the Massively team and wrote the very first issue of the EVE Evolved column. Five years later, the column is still going strong and delivering its weekly dose of EVE Online to thousands of readers. I used to worry about running out of ideas to write about, but regular game updates and hilarious player shenanigans mean there's always something interesting going on in New Eden. When EVE hits its 10th anniversary in May, this column will have been running for just over half of the game's lifetime. In that time, I've written over 250 in-depth articles, guides, in-game stories and opinion pieces on EVE Online and a few on DUST 514.

As usual, I'll be celebrating this anniversary by rounding up this year's column highlights and giving away two 30-day Pilot's License Extensions to two lucky readers. To enter the competition, write a comment explaining which EVE Evolved articles from this year you liked best and what topics you'd like to see covered in the coming year. You will need an active EVE account to claim the prize, so be sure to include your character name in your comment if you want to be in with a chance. If you'd rather not give out your character name or don't have an EVE account but would like to give the game a go, you can sign up a new trial account and use the name of your new character.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the highlights from the column's fifth year!

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five years of EVE Evolved

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five years of EVE Evolved originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetanniversaryapocryphaasakaibaitingbounty-hunterbounty-huntingccpccp-gamesconsolecrimewatchcruisersdecadedustdust-514eoneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexplorationfeaturedfive-year-anniversaryfive-yearsfpsfrigatesgame-designguideguideshistoryhulkinfernolowsecmmofpsnyphurodysseyopinionopinion-piecepiracyplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvepvpretributionrisk-vs-rewardsandboxsci-fiship-fittingship-fittingsship-setupsshooterspeculationstoriesstorystorytellingthe-battle-for-caldari-primewormholewormholesSun, 21 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Dramatic community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/storyboard-dramatic-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/storyboard-dramatic-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/storyboard-dramatic-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A subtle shift in process has yielded positive results with these headers.
A couple of friends of mine recently found themselves knee-deep in roleplaying community drama. For those of you who have not seen this dread beast before, let me assure you that it is the most vile of all forms of drama, in which people wind up angry at one another over elements that virtually no one else cares about. I've seen it strike many times, and it's always frustrating and unpleasant due in no small part to its sheer pointlessness.

I've talked about community drama on one occasion when it comes to the Final Fantasy XIV roleplaying community, but the fact that I'm seeing it passed around elsewhere means that it's a topic worth addressing in a general sense. This isn't drama centered around what happened within the game but drama about the managerial aspects of the community, about handling site ownership and moderation and all of the associated stuff. And there are a few tricks to help minimize this before it starts.

Continue reading Storyboard: Dramatic community

MassivelyStoryboard: Dramatic community originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argumentscommunity-dramacommunity-organizationcommunity-sitesdramafeaturedopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingroleplaying-communitiesrpstorystoryboardFri, 19 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: A day in LotRO's Forochel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-in-lotros-forochel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-in-lotros-forochel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-in-lotros-forochel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Road to Mordor A day in Forochel
The snow crunches angrily beneath my boots. It's a hard snow, beaten down by the winds and the constant sub-arctic temperatures. On top of it is a light powder that stings when it is whipped into my eyes. Fortunately all is calm and quiet at the moment, and I move on.

I'm a pioneer in Forochel, or so my title tells me, but I still feel as if I don't know this untamed land. It's the roof of the world, or so they say, with odd peoples, strange languages, and frozen ruins. I see sights there that I never would anywhere else in Middle-earth, and it almost feels like an alien world removed from all I've known because of that.

I walk toward a distant fire while the snow falls behind me and covers my footprints. Too often I think of how far away I am from the safety and warmth of home, and it frightens me. Am I a fool to forge into this land? To go in the opposite direction of the One Ring? Or is this my destined path?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: A day in LotRO's Forochel

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: A day in LotRO's Forochel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfeaturedforochelfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelotroopinionroad-to-mordorstorythe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentSat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Profession discussion - the Builder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-builder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-builder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-builder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anyone who mentions the name Bob in the comments is earning a disapproving look.
Human beings like to make stuff. It's in our nature, presumably because the humans who liked making things were able to create important inventions like clothing and weapons and homes and portable DVD players. That stuff gives you an edge over the guy hunting with a rock and a decent pitching arm. A lot of jobs and hobbies alike revolve around making things or changing existing made things into new made things.

The Builder isn't just someone who enjoys making things but someone who lives by making things. Our previous professions have all focused around providing something, but the Builder is the person responsible for making those things. This is a profession that's all about creating, something near and dear to most roleplayers to begin with. But it's also a profession that has a bit more to it than simply being the guy down the road who puts cabinets together at a discount.

Continue reading Storyboard: Profession discussion - the Builder

MassivelyStoryboard: Profession discussion - the Builder originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingcharacter-conceptscharacter-creationcharacterscreatingcreativityfeaturedopinionprofession-discussionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardthe-builderFri, 12 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Moral framework]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/storyboard-moral-framework/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/storyboard-moral-framework/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/storyboard-moral-framework/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Good, bad... I'm the guy with a column.
Every so often, I start a column and it just doesn't come together. So my original plans for this week's article are being changed. I could technically go back and edit last week's piece to erase any evidence that plans had changed, but that would just be wrong.

That segues nicely into this week's actual topic: morality. We generally paint morality in broader strokes than is necessarily beneficial, as evidenced by the fact that I just said that something as harmless as editing an old article could be considered wrong. Obviously it's not harming anyone, but because of standards that I impose on myself, I feel as if it's the wrong course of action to take.

Pretty much all of your characters have moral codes, and if you're not thinking about them consciously, those codes can easily default to the same ones that you have. I've touched on that idea before, but there's more to it than that. When you get right down to it, your characters need their own codes, some of which you might even find personally repugnant.

Continue reading Storyboard: Moral framework

MassivelyStoryboard: Moral framework originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-moralsevilfeaturedgoodmoralitymoralsopinionphilosophyrightroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsituational-moralsstorystoryboardwrongFri, 05 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Six reasons Rise of the Hutt Cartel makes SWTOR better]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-makes-swt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-makes-swt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-makes-swt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Six reasons Rise of the Hutt Cartel makes SWTOR better
I don't work for BioWare, and I definitely don't believe that Star Wars: The Old Republic is the greatest, most ambitious project in videogame history. However, I do believe that SWTOR is a great game, and its expansion Rise of the Hutt Cartel only makes the game better. It's not because Makeb has waterfalls. (Sure, a concept artist said that, but did that really need to make it into the final promotional video?)

I think fans forget that Rise of the Hutt Cartel is not just Makeb. There are multiple additions to the core game, like new armor sets and questlines. Over the past month, I've had the opportunity to play through all of it. And for the first time in a long time, I can't wait to play through the single-player questline. Let me give you the highlights of my experience and what I believe are the best parts of RotHC.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Six reasons Rise of the Hutt Cartel makes SWTOR better

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Six reasons Rise of the Hutt Cartel makes SWTOR better originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhutt-cartelhyperspace-beaconlucasartsmakeboperationopinionraidrise-of-the-hutt-cartelrothcsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorthe-old-republicthe-shroudtorTue, 02 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: RP in the key of C]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chase the high ground, where you'd rather be, where you might be found. Face all aglow to leave from here, to pack up and go.
Music is kind of a big deal. The right choice of music can change a scene from being happy to ominous, and intentionally mismatching the scene and the music can lead to hilarious results with minimal effort. In-game music makes use of this, naturally, and it's rare to find something stirring and peppy in the midst of a zone filled with volcanoes and demons. We rely on the background music to set a mood and underscore what's taking place at any given moment.

All that goes for roleplaying, too. But the odds are that the game music isn't going to provide the romantic music you need in the Undercity in World of Warcraft or the driving combat music you need on your bridge in Star Trek Online. Game music is meant for people who are playing; the music you need is closer to scoring a film.

So given the importance of music, let's talk about it just a little this week. After all, having the right tune playing can make a lasting impression, even if it's just on the people within earshot.

Continue reading Storyboard: RP in the key of C

MassivelyStoryboard: RP in the key of C originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acousticsadviceaudiofeaturedmusicopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsoundssoundtrackstorystoryboardFri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: The Old Republic at the 15-month mark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/second-wind-the-old-republic-at-the-15-month-mark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/second-wind-the-old-republic-at-the-15-month-mark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/second-wind-the-old-republic-at-the-15-month-mark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR - This dude is no longer carbon-frozen
A long time ago, I previewed Star Wars: The Old Republic. It was a beta build, and a limited press preview to boot, so it's fair to say that I didn't have the full measure of BioWare's latest Star Wars opus. Even so, it exceeded my expectations in some respects, and despite the reams of hate fan mail I received for being Massively's leering, anti-SWTOR Sith villain, the truth of the matter is that I love Star Wars and video games to such a degree that it's impossible to stay away from any product that marries them.

I own Super Bombad Racing, for funk's sake.

Continue reading Second Wind: The Old Republic at the 15-month mark

MassivelySecond Wind: The Old Republic at the 15-month mark originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgunslingerlucasartsmmo-storypost-launchre-reviewreviewroundtablesci-fisecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windsecond-wind-swtorstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorswtor-15-month-reviewswtor-at-15-monthsswtor-second-windthe-old-republictortranscriptupdated-impressionsFri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's living story to 'grow in scope and grandeur']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/guild-wars-2s-living-story-to-grow-in-scope-and-grandeur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/guild-wars-2s-living-story-to-grow-in-scope-and-grandeur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/guild-wars-2s-living-story-to-grow-in-scope-and-grandeur/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's living story to 'grow in scope and grandeur'
Guild Wars 2 Living World Designer Leif Chappelle continues ArenaNet's efforts to educate and sell the concept of gradually unfolding stories to the playerbase. Chapelle says that several storytelling tools are being employed, including open world activities, dungeons, crafting, and instanced episodes.

"What we're creating is an actual chronology of the world," Chappelle says. "The events of Flame and Frost will create repercussions throughout the world, bringing new tales and conflicts to light. Through the course of 2013, the concept of these Living World releases will grow in scope and grandeur as we move ahead and build up the groundwork to make this a key component of the developing and ever-changing world of Guild Wars 2."

While the event is going on, players will have the option to go back in time and see earlier stages of the story, but this will be denied once the arc is complete. Chapelle says that the team has worked hard to make the UI more clear in regards to steering players to the right areas for the story.

ArenaNet is currently selling Guild Wars 2 for 30% off until April 1st.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's living story to 'grow in scope and grandeur' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playdev-diaryfantasyflame-and-frostguild-wars-2gw2leif-chappelleliving-storylorencsoftpromotionsalestoryWed, 27 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/garriott-talks-shroud-of-the-avatar-story-questing-and-mechani/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Richard Garriott and Matt Barton
Richard Garriott recently dropped in on Matt Chat to talk up Shroud of the Avatar with host Matt Barton.

Lord British has a lot to say over the course of the hour-long show, including some elaboration on Shroud's curious is-it-or-isn't-it-an-MMO design structure. "While most people will probably play in what I call the default setting of the open world, you can also turn it down to the other levels of comfort or safety that might prefer," he says.

There's plenty more where that came from, including bits about the story, Tracy Hickman's involvement, and the game's approach to traditional RPG questing. Click past the cut for the full interview.

[Thanks Avaloner81]

Continue reading Garriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics

MassivelyGarriott talks Shroud of the Avatar story, questing, and mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygame-mechanicsgarriott-interviewinterviewlord-britishmatt-chatquestingrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarstoryvideoMon, 25 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The Battle for Caldari Prime]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/eve-evolved-the-battle-for-caldari-prime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/eve-evolved-the-battle-for-caldari-prime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/eve-evolved-the-battle-for-caldari-prime/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved The Battle for Caldari Prime
The empires of EVE Online have long and bloody histories that, until now, have been played out largely through fictional chronicles and in-character news posts. This week saw conflict erupt in-game between two NPC empires in the Battle for Caldari Prime live event. The neutral CONCORD faction has managed to maintain order between the four main empires of New Eden for decades, but that doesn't stop the Gallente and Caldari factions occasionally violating the peace.

The Caldari were originally part of the Gallente Federation but gained independence in a war lasting almost a hundred years. Following an attack on a Gallente city, a right-wing faction in the Gallente government seized power and ordered the bombing of the Caldari homeworld. Millions of Caldari citizens were evacuated from the homeworld, a planet that has been under dispute ever since. Caldari Prime resides in the Luminaire system and is officially inside Gallente territory, but recent events have seen the tables turn.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the story behind the recent Battle for Caldari Prime, accusations that the event was staged and scripted, and what the future may hold for live events in EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The Battle for Caldari Prime

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The Battle for Caldari Prime originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottle-lightningcaldaricaldari-primeccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeventeventsevents-in-gamefakefakedfeaturedfpsgallenteground-combathistoryleviathanlive-eventlive-eventslivestreamloreluminaireMercenariesmmofpsnpcnuke-them-from-orbitopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpriggedrole-playrole-playingRolePlayingrpsandboxsci-fishiigerushooterstagedstorystorylinestreamtitanvideowarSun, 24 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The characters you like]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/storyboard-the-characters-you-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/storyboard-the-characters-you-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/storyboard-the-characters-you-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm almost sure I've used one of these before.
Some of my characters are pretty awful people. Some of them aren't people in the strictest sense of the word, to be fair. But there are some pretty awful types among them. And I enjoy playing them, but I sure as heck don't like them. They're terrible people who deserve to meet with terrible fates, and the glory of roleplaying is that they serve as a bit of anarchistic fun until someone gives them what they deserve. I don't like them as people.

But that's not universal. I have other characters who will frequently do awful things but aren't fundamentally bad, just misguided on several occasions. Sometimes the line can get a bit blurry between one well-trained spy and assassin when one of them is a character I like and the other one is meant to be awful. So I started thinking about the distinguishing factors and what it means to play a character you like personally compared to one just meant to cause trouble. The answers were a bit odd.

Continue reading Storyboard: The characters you like

MassivelyStoryboard: The characters you like originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-experiencecharacter-traitscharactersfeaturedopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 22 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Profession discussion - The Merchant]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-merchant/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-merchant/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-merchant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Everything must go!
People want stuff. It's a given. Part of this is because in the earliest days of human history having a sharpened stick was the difference between eating and starving, but part of it is just the way that we've structured our societies. And a lot of the things that people want are things that they can't make themselves, which means those people need someone to come to the rescue. That's where this profession comes in; the Merchant is all about getting people the stuff that they want.

This is easily the strangest profession discussion I've done yet because it's easy to understand how you could have a lot of different people in the role of a spy or an aristocrat, but it's less obvious how you could have a character with certain archetypes be a merchant. The thing is that the merchant isn't just about selling things and making money. Being a merchant is what a character does on the road, and that ranges from selling mushrooms to selling your sword in the name of a good cause.

Continue reading Storyboard: Profession discussion - The Merchant

MassivelyStoryboard: Profession discussion - The Merchant originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharacter-typesfeaturedmerchantmerchantsopinionprofession-discussionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsellingstorystoryboardFri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should games periodically update their tutorials?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/the-daily-grind-should-games-periodically-update-their-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/the-daily-grind-should-games-periodically-update-their-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/the-daily-grind-should-games-periodically-update-their-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Starfleet really never got its act together in this crisis.
As I began playing Star Trek Online for the first time in years, it occurred to me that the tutorial quests were still very familiar. This is not entirely surprising; outside of a handful of extra help windows, they're the same basic tutorial quests that existed in the game back when it launched.

On the one hand, this is perfectly reasonable. Updating a bunch of tutorial quests that are there just to ease you into the feel of a new game would just be fixing something that's not broken. At the same time, when the game presents its tutorial as part of a story, it's odd when the tutorial no longer reflects the overall setting of the game. And if you've played the tutorial before, it's a bit disheartening to do so a second (or third or fourth...) time.

So what do you think? Should games periodically update their tutorials? Or should a tutorial be upgraded only to be more straightforward rather than changing with the times?

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: Should games periodically update their tutorials? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindgame-storyintro-questsnew-charactersopinionstartingstorystory-settingstorylinetdgthe-daily-grindtutorialSun, 10 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Working with mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/storyboard-working-with-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/storyboard-working-with-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/storyboard-working-with-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you look closely, there is a hidden meta tale.
One of the points I've harped on in the past is the idea that game mechanics don't encompass your entire character. They can't, almost by definition. Mechanics are in place to ensure that everyone plays by the rules and works according to a standardized system, while individual characters are meant to have their own unique traits and abilities. So no matter what, when you create a character in an MMO, you're creating the best possible approximation rather than an absolute copy.

The odd thing is that as I recreate one of my favorite characters yet again, I find that she's a lot easier to build and understand as a result of the limitations of many games. While there's a definite case to be made for the awkwardness of fitting a character into a system, I think we give the limitations of most systems too little credit in terms of narrowing down character ability and making for a better environment. So let's talk about the benefits of having mechanical limitations.

Continue reading Storyboard: Working with mechanics

MassivelyStoryboard: Working with mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creativityfeaturedgame-mechanicslimitationsopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: RP-Beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/storyboard-rp-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/storyboard-rp-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/storyboard-rp-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I've got a legacy to consider.
So there's a beta going on right now that is really relevant to my interests. Yes, that does mean that there is an unofficial beta roleplaying server, also relevant to my interests. Long-time readers will know both what I'm talking about and why I don't have a whole lot of other things on my mind right now.

This actually dovetails nicely with an obvious topic, however: roleplaying in the beta for any given game. If you plan to roleplay when the game goes live, beta is a great time to get started, possibly building up character relationships and dynamics before the game has even launched. That's all good stuff.

The problem is that beta is not, in fact, a prequel to the live game. It's a test version of the real game. And even beside the obvious repercussions of rollbacks and the like, there are reasons why roleplaying in beta might not be a great idea.

Continue reading Storyboard: RP-Beta

MassivelyStoryboard: RP-Beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-rpbeta-testingbetasfeaturedopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingroleplaying-in-betarpside-activitiesstorystoryboardFri, 01 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Burnout: Second time's the charm for L.A. Noire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mmo-burnout-second-times-the-charm-for-l-a-noire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mmo-burnout-second-times-the-charm-for-l-a-noire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mmo-burnout-second-times-the-charm-for-l-a-noire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Burnout - L.A. Noire
I don't know about you, but I really wanted to like L.A. Noire at release. I mean, come on. It was Rockstar. It was also a gigantic open playfield based on the 1947 incarnation of a real-life town that's spilling over with sordid, sultry characters all looking to make their mark on post-World War II America.

Alas, something about the title just didn't jell with me at launch. In fact, I didn't even finish the original campaign on my Xbox 360, which is rare when it comes to personal gaming habits. Equally rare is the occasion when I repurchase a game that I didn't really like on a different platform, but that's what I did thanks to yet another ridiculous Steam sale this past December.

My second tour of duty as hard-boiled detective Cole Phelps has been decidedly more enjoyable than my first, and while L.A. Noire is still a flawed video game in some respects, it makes for an engaging vacation from massively multiplayer convention while riffing on some of the genre's new-school charms.

Continue reading MMO Burnout: Second time's the charm for L.A. Noire

MassivelyMMO Burnout: Second time's the charm for L.A. Noire originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-togetherburnoutcole-phelpsfeaturedla-noiremmo-alternativesmmo-burnoutopen-worldopinionrockstarsingle-playerstoryFri, 01 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Profession discussion - The Aristocrat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-aristocrat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-aristocrat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-aristocrat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of these people probably isn't an aristocrat.
Aristocracy is not a job in one sense. You can't apply to be an aristocrat, nor can you get a degree that leads to becoming an aristocrat, and there's a marked lack of professional guilds and unions for the field. You can't even really hope to be one when you grow up, since you're usually born into it. But in the broader sense of roleplaying character professions, "aristocrat" certainly qualifies, as it answers the question of what your character does while on the road.

Some aristocrats might hit the road because they have a duty to those of lower status. Others might be out there because they want to be anywhere other than home. Some have tastes or curiosities that can be satisfied only in a more exotic location. Whatever the reason, many aristocrats pack up their elaborate and numerous bags and head off in search of adventure, or at least the various opportunities that adventure brings along.

Continue reading Storyboard: Profession discussion - The Aristocrat

MassivelyStoryboard: Profession discussion - The Aristocrat originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicearistocrataristocratsbackstorycharacter-creationfeaturedjobsnobilityopinionprofession-discussionprofessionsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 22 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Forming a roleplaying guild is easier than you think]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/storyboard-forming-a-roleplaying-guild-is-easier-than-you-think/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/storyboard-forming-a-roleplaying-guild-is-easier-than-you-think/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/storyboard-forming-a-roleplaying-guild-is-easier-than-you-think/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm on a plane as you read this.
Roleplaying guilds, as I have mentioned before, have a lot of problems that more normal guilds just plain don't. The Guild Counsel discusses a lot of guild problems in detail every week, and if you haven't noticed that guilds make for a litany of major issues, well, it only gets worse when you consider that roleplaying adds a new slice of potential drama and hurt feelings. I do not envy those in charge of these organizations, especially when I think over my brief stints of leadership.

As a result, forming a new roleplaying guild seems like an activity best undertaken with great care and personal protection, like installing a beehive. But it's actually far simpler than that. You can start a roleplaying guild with minimal effort and have the foundations in place for it to work. Whether or not it will work in the long run isn't as obvious, but you knew that already.

Continue reading Storyboard: Forming a roleplaying guild is easier than you think

MassivelyStoryboard: Forming a roleplaying guild is easier than you think originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildmaking-guildsopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingroleplaying-guildsrpstorystoryboardsuggestionsFri, 15 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TESO's newest story post delves into the life of High King Emeric]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tesos-newest-story-post-delves-into-the-life-of-high-king-emeri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tesos-newest-story-post-delves-into-the-life-of-high-king-emeri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tesos-newest-story-post-delves-into-the-life-of-high-king-emeri/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TESO's newest story post delves into the life of High King Emeric
Meet High King Emeric, a true renaissance man. He's a Breton, a merchant lord, a skilled fighter, leader of the Daggerfall Covenant, and a diarist. A new story post for The Elder Scrolls Online tells the story of his training and ascension, as told by our daring hero himself. Read the riveting tale of how he goes from studying accounting to breaking sieges, finding a bride, taking a throne, and ruling.

If the Daggerfall Covenant isn't really your speed, there are similar tales for the leaders of the Aldmeri Dominion and the Ebonheart Pact.

MassivelyTESO's newest story post delves into the life of High King Emeric originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldaggerfall-covenantelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineemericesofactionshigh-king-emericloremorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpvprvrsandboxskyrimstorytamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 13 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Making a deal with the Hutts in SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/hyperspace-beacon-making-a-deal-with-the-hutts-in-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/hyperspace-beacon-making-a-deal-with-the-hutts-in-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/hyperspace-beacon-making-a-deal-with-the-hutts-in-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Dealing with the Hutts in SWTOR
Hutts. When you say that word to a layman, he probably thinks that you're talking about grass-topped houses, but if you say that word to the Star Wars fan, the image that springs to his mind is Jabba the Hutt. The giant green and yellow slug was mentioned all the way back in 1977 when Star Wars was first released. In fact, he was supposed to show up in that movie, but due to budget restraints, the special effects department couldn't mask over the late Declan Mulholland. The scene was later added back in for the special edition, but it really nullified the mystery of Jabba and made the Hutt appear to be more of a joke than the dangerous gangster that he should have been.

Hutts. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, Nem'ro is the central figure to both the Bounty Hunter and the Imperial Agent storylines for the first 10 levels. On the Republic side, you run into an overarching story on Nar Shaddaa involving Bareesh the Hutt and Republic Ambassador Averdon, one that pits you against warring criminal organizations. These gargantuan blobs are central to both the Republic and Imperial stories on Quesh and the endgame operation for Karagga's Palace. And now, the first SWTOR expansion will center around the Hutts and the planet of Makeb.

Hutts. Where did they come from? How did they come to power? Are they different in TOR than they are in the movies? Let's take a moment to explore these criminal overlords.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Making a deal with the Hutts in SWTOR

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Making a deal with the Hutts in SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhuttballHuttshyperspace-beaconlorelucasartsopinionrise-of-the-hutt-cartelroleplayroleplayingsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorswtor-expansionthe-old-republictorTue, 12 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Profession discussion - the Spy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-spy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-spy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/storyboard-profession-discussion-the-spy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Oddly, none of these people are spies. Even though one of them traditionally is.
Long-time readers will remember that back around the end of this column's first year, I wrote a series of columns about character archetypes. It was a series I'm quite proud of as a whole, and one that I've wanted to follow up for a while, but I had to wait until I had an idea that fit. That was when I started thinking about how that series talked entirely about who a character is rather than what he or she actually does. In reality, the two can be miles apart.

Take my first choice of profession, the spy. A spy might believe that she's doing something for the greater good. She might see this simply as part of her duty and a necessary task. She might be doing this because she's fundamentally amoral, she might be hoping to find the answer to a puzzle she's long agonized about, or she might even be doing this because she just really wants to know secrets. But today I'm not going to talk about that. You want to make a spy; let's talk about what goes into that.

Continue reading Storyboard: Profession discussion - the Spy

MassivelyStoryboard: Profession discussion - the Spy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationcharacter-occupationscharacter-professionscharactersfeaturedopinionprofession-discussionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpspiesspystorystoryboardsuggestionsthe-spyFri, 08 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Is EVE becoming a spectator sport?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/eve-evolved-is-eve-becoming-a-spectator-sport/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/eve-evolved-is-eve-becoming-a-spectator-sport/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/eve-evolved-is-eve-becoming-a-spectator-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This week saw another landmark event in EVE Online grab the gaming community's attention as over 3,000 players from dozens of alliances battled it out in the lowsec system of Asakai on the Caldari border. The battle reached 2,800 concurrent players at peak, falling just short of 2011's record-breaking siege of LXQ2-T which hit 3,110 simultaneous combatants at its peak. There were livestreams, tons of after-action reports, and the story of this immense battle started by one man clicking the wrong button really captured our imaginations.

EVE is one of those rare cases in which a lot of people find the media that surrounds the game more fun than the game itself. News of big in-game events like scams, heists, and huge battles spreads across the internet like wildfire, even among people who hate the game or have never tried it. When news of the Asakai battle emerged, someone on Reddit suggested that people should play EVE for only a few months to get some background and then quit and just read the stories. I've seen a lot of similar comments over the years saying that EVE is more fun to watch and read about than play, and it makes me wonder if the game is becoming a bit of a spectator sport.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why stories like the Battle of Asakai are so pervasive and explain why I think EVE should embrace its role as a spectator sport.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Is EVE becoming a spectator sport?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Is EVE becoming a spectator sport? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-warfareasakaiavatarbillioncapital-shipscarrierccpccp-gamesdreadnoughteveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeventeventsfeaturedisklivestreamLiveStreaminglorenyxopinionpvpsandboxsci-fispectatingspectatorspectator-sportsportstoriesstorystorytellingstreamstreamingsupercarriersupercarrierstitantitansvideoSun, 03 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Play to the medium]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/storyboard-play-to-the-medium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/storyboard-play-to-the-medium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/storyboard-play-to-the-medium/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I need some more screenshots and images. Going further afield lately.
One of the greatest moments of education I had in college was when a professor sat down to discuss a story I was writing with me. He said to me, "Eliot, this story is never going to be as good as it could be like this."

"Well, I'm learning. I mean, I could rewrite the --"

"No, it isn't that you're not good enough as a writer, it's that this story isn't a novel. You're writing the best novel out of it that you can, but this is a story for a graphic novel. No matter how well you write it, it's always going to be a novelization of a comic book."

That was the first moment that I really started to understand the idea of writing something for a medium instead of just writing a story in the form available to you. That there are some stories that just don't work in certain formats, whether that format is novels or comics or movies or even roleplaying. And it's why I'm talking specifically about the medium today, because it's an easy concept to miss but an important one to keep in mind.

Continue reading Storyboard: Play to the medium

MassivelyStoryboard: Play to the medium originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 01 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: One of us is going down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/storyboard-one-of-us-is-going-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/storyboard-one-of-us-is-going-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/storyboard-one-of-us-is-going-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I want to redo this header, but at this point I can't help but think I'm messing with an institution.
You and your group of roleplaying companions need something new to do. You've grown tired of sitting around talking about problems in the outside world or engaging in a non-stop soap opera drama wherein someone is always sleeping with someone else inappropriately. By complete coincidence, you and your companions all appear to be heavily armed and armored, leading to an excellent suggestion -- you should go out and get involved in a conflict! A fracas of some kind! What a concept!

Sarcasm aside, long-running conflicts are a lot of fun when handled right. While I've talked about them in brief before, today I want to look at a handful of common conflict types and offer some tips about how to run them without tears. If you think drama can spill over into OOC channels when it's just a matter of pretend romances being spurned, you don't even want to know what happens when the knives come out.

Continue reading Storyboard: One of us is going down

MassivelyStoryboard: One of us is going down originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistsconflictdramafeaturedfeudheroesnemesisopinionprotagonistsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystory-arcsstoryboardvillainsviolent-conflictFri, 25 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Roleplaying for churn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/storyboard-roleplaying-for-churn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/storyboard-roleplaying-for-churn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/storyboard-roleplaying-for-churn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sometimes it's an art week.
Odds are good that you're going to be moving on from your current game of choice at some point. I'd even ramp those odds up to nearly absolute under certain circumstances (if you're the sort who claims newer games aren't engaging whilst hopping from game to game on a regular basis, for example). This leads to a bit of a problem with a lot of roleplaying stories because there's a very real possibility that your character's arc is going to be truncated as a result.

It's not intentional, but it happens just the same. You spend time building up character relationships at launch, and then as the three-month mark rolls around, people start leaving, playtimes drop off, you get tired of some of the game's systems... and the next thing you know, the people who cared about the character you've been building for some time have all evaporated, leaving you to either make your character relevant again to a whole new group of players or just stop bothering.

One of the things I've been both considering and playing with of late is the idea that maybe this can be embraced instead of feared. Rather than planning something of indeterminate length, you can try working with the assumption that you've got a more limited window to work within and pace yourself according to that.

Continue reading Storyboard: Roleplaying for churn

MassivelyStoryboard: Roleplaying for churn originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changing-gameschanging-titleschurnfeaturedideasopinionplayer-churnplayer-exodusplayer-turnoverroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardtime-limitsturnoverFri, 18 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asheron's Call heeds the Darkest Night]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/asherons-call-heeds-the-darkest-night/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/asherons-call-heeds-the-darkest-night/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/asherons-call-heeds-the-darkest-night/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Asheron's Call harkens the Darkest Night
It seems quite fitting to the season for Asheron's Call to name its newest event Darkest Night. The January event continues the game's story with an attempt to put down Hoshino Kei once and for all.

Several new quests are being added to the game for the event, and an interesting "tell the story from the villain's point of view" lore tidbit gives some insight into the challenges that lie ahead for adventurers. There is also a quartet of screenshots from the event that include a lock with no key, a treasure room, a deadly pit, and a key. Hm. Going to be hard to figure that one out, eh?

MassivelyAsheron's Call heeds the Darkest Night originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callclassic-mmodarkest-nighteventfantasyin-game-eventloresandboxscreenshotsstoryturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 11 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Hint, hint]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/storyboard-hint-hint/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/storyboard-hint-hint/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/storyboard-hint-hint/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sometimes I don't really have a theme. Sometimes I do. Guess which this week is!
During the last several months of Final Fantasy XIV, my main character did the unthinkable: She went to work for her old mentor alongside the Garlean Empire. Everything she was doing outside of personal ventures, up to and including rejoining the mercenary company she had previously helped found, was based around collecting information. She had quite the dossier by the time she was finished, too, having flushed out a number of secrets regarding both Eorzea's defensive plans and the Ala Mhigan resistance.

Not that anyone knew this because it simply never came up.

Part of how I screwed this one up came down to both my choice of roleplaying groups and my own work-based schedule in the game. But another part of this was the simple fact that I didn't make it clear quickly enough just what she was up to. I dropped some hints here and there, but they were lost in a rush of other events, and as a result that whole subplot never got explored, which is a shame, especially because I like to think I'm usually pretty good at dropping hints and getting others to catch on. So as I reflect on what I did wrong, let's talk about how to do it right.

Continue reading Storyboard: Hint, hint

MassivelyStoryboard: Hint, hint originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedhintsopinionpacingplottingrevealsroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsecretsstorystoryboardFri, 11 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST