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[EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/eve-evolved-setting-the-universe-on-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This week CCP Games announced the name and focus of EVE Online's upcoming summer expansion. The Inferno expansion aims to re-invigorate PvP with some long overdue gameplay changes. CONCORD-sanctioned wars will be iterated on for the first time in half a decade, and faction warfare will hopefully be getting the updates it should have received in 2008. Following on from the success of the Crucible expansion with its hundreds of small features and gameplay changes, Inferno will also contain dozens of small gameplay changes, usability fixes, and minor improvements.

We'll hear more about DUST 514 in the coming months as CCP reveals more concrete details of the game's link to EVE Online and the motivations behind planet-bound wars. Incarna fans will apparently also see some movement, with Team Avatar focusing on avatar-based updates for this release. While Inferno is a rather uninspired name and coincidentally would make three of the last four expansions start with the word "in," the expansion's content is genuinely exciting. Fundamental changes are coming to EVE's PvP mechanics for the first time in several years. CCP hasn't revealed the exact changes, but that hasn't stopped players from speculating on what might be heading their way.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I speculate on the changes coming in the upcoming Inferno expansion and what changes I think might be coming to EVE's PvP.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphabounty-hunterbounty-huntingccpccp-gamesconsolecrucibledustdust-514empyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfanfestfeaturedfirefpsgame-mechanicsincarnainfernommofpson-fireopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspeculationsummerwarwardecSun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite summer zone?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-summer-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-summer-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-summer-zone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I've not always been the biggest fan of summer in general. The smells aren't as strong as spring or autumn, the days are too hot, the sweat is annoying, and wasps seem to think that they can set up shop everywhere. But still, it's nice to have long sunny days and the opportunity to wear hot pants whenever I feel like it. Er, whenever you feel like it.

Sanctum in RIFT feels like a wonderful "summer" zone to me, kind of like a resort town that happens to train and equip armies of mercenaries as a side project. I love looking down at the sparkling ocean, listening to the cries of the gulls, and feeling my stress wash away. Level? Who needs to level? Bring me another Mai Tai, garçon!

So in the spirit of summer, today we'd like to get your thoughts on your favorite summer zones in MMOs. Which zones exude the languid tone of vacation to you? If you had to retire on a virtual beach somewhere, where would it be? And how would you deal with the raving hordes of cannibal chimps?

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's your favorite summer zone? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cannibal-chimpshot-pantsmai-taiopinionsummersummer-zonetdgthe-daily-grindvacationWed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does summer vacation affect your playtime?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/the-daily-grind-does-summer-vacation-affect-your-playtime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/the-daily-grind-does-summer-vacation-affect-your-playtime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/the-daily-grind-does-summer-vacation-affect-your-playtime/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively readers, being people of excellent taste in entertainment, know there's a lot of fun to be had sitting down and logging in to their favorite MMOs for a few hours of fun. The problem with kicking back and relaxing like this for any period of time is that eventually real life is going to rear its head and you're going to have to step away. (This is a good thing, mind you.)

The summer months are here for much of the world, and that affects MMO playtime in one way or another for many gamers. Are you one of those gamers? Maybe school and studying have kept you busy and now you're free as a bird with more time to play. Maybe you're a parent, and now that the kids are out of school, they're keeping you hopping. Do you have a job that changes according to the weather or seasons?

How do the summer months affect your gaming time?

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: Does summer vacation affect your playtime? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-timeopinionreal-liferlsummersummer-vacationtdgthe-daily-grindvacationWed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Surviving the summer doldrums]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-summer-doldrums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-summer-doldrums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-summer-doldrums/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and as we all know, it marks the unofficial start of summer. That means lots of grilling, extra sunblock, school vacation... and the summertime blues in our favorite MMOs.

Summer is always a difficult time for MMOs, and for guilds in particular. Expansions tend to arrive in the fall and winter, meaning that content begins to grow stale by summer. Members aren't on as often; instead, they are busy with children out of school, summer trips, and shockingly, a desire to soak up some sun and nice weather. For a guild leader, this is one of the most difficult times of the year, and many guilds fail to make it through the summer. But there are some ways to get through the doldrums, and the experience can even be a great opportunity to strengthen your guild in the long run. Read on for some helpful summertime tips in this week's Guild Counsel!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Surviving the summer doldrums

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Surviving the summer doldrums originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsleadershipsummersummer-doldrumsThu, 02 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet announces summer convention schedule]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/arenanet-announces-summer-convention-schedule/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/arenanet-announces-summer-convention-schedule/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/arenanet-announces-summer-convention-schedule/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 fans, are you trying to decide which conventions you want to make it out to this summer? Well, ArenaNet's latest blog entry may just make your decision a little bit easier, as it outlines which shows the studio will be making appearances at and what to expect from each.

First up on the list (from July 21-24) is "the granddaddy of all pop-cultural conventions," San Diego Comic-Con. ANet will be sending out "an elite team of artists and devs... to meet fans and do signings." The next outing (August 17-21) sends ANet to the magical land of Cologne, Germany for Gamescom, which will include a playable demo of Guild Wars 2 as well as "a bunch of new surprises that [the devs] can't talk about yet." Attendees are also encouraged to deck themselves out in their best Guild Wars-related finery for ANet's costume contest. Then it's back to ANet's home turf of Seattle, Washington (August 26-28), where the "entire studio will descend upon PAX Prime." The studio says to "expect big surprises, cool swag, interesting panels, and a ton of Guild Wars 2 demo stations." And lastly, not letting the cessation of summer stop the runaway train that is ArenaNet, from October 21-25 the studio will be dropping in on gay Paris for Paris Games Week, "where [the devs will] bring [their] hands-on demo for [their] French fans."

Do note that E3 is not included in this smorgasbord of conventions, with ANet citing its desire "to focus on shows that allow [it] to share Guild Wars 2 directly with gamers."

For the full details and any future updates to the schedule, head on over to the official post on the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyArenaNet announces summer convention schedule originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetconventiongamescongamescon-2011guild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2paris-games-weekparis-games-week-2011paxpax-primepax-prime-2011san-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2011summerFri, 27 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Heat wave]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/wings-over-atreia-heat-wave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/wings-over-atreia-heat-wave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/wings-over-atreia-heat-wave/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just when summer gave way to autumn in the northern hemisphere, spring slipped away from Atreia and has been replaced by a sizzling summer. Commemorating the release of Aion's most recent expansion this month, NCsoft has launched a live player event called Scorching Heat, which heralds the onset of summer on the lands of Atreia and offers Daeva a plethora of goodies throughout the month-long event simply for being logged into the game.

From Wednesday, September 15th until Wednesday, October 13th, Daevas can acquire summer-themed rewards such as bathing suits, diving gear, candy that transforms them into a giant Inquin, sunglasses, and beach hats, as well as items that are useful within the game such as platinum, gold, and silver coins. Even more significantly, unlike past events in which rewards were one-per-account or soulbound, this event awards items that can be openly traded. Whether you are a fluff-lover or not, this fact alone is money in (or out of) the bank; fortunes are being made or lost on swimwear in the open market, as those who don't care so much about the fluff charge obscene amounts of kinah to sell it to those who do.

However, just as some features to this new event have Deavas smiling into their ice-cold mela juice, others have them cursing. For instance, excessive server lag can be attributed directly to this event, as players remain logged in whether they are playing the game or not.

So overall, are Daevas enjoying the scorching heat? Or just getting burned? Swim past the cut and check out the ins and outs of Aion's latest live event.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Heat wave

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Heat wave originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gameclothingeventeventsfeaturedflufflive-eventlive-eventsnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionsummerWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 27 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does summertime affect your playing time?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/the-daily-grind-does-summer-time-affect-your-playing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/the-daily-grind-does-summer-time-affect-your-playing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/the-daily-grind-does-summer-time-affect-your-playing-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The weather has warmed up, the kids are home from school for the summer, and Steam is urging us to stay out of the big blue room. Summer is here -- for part of the world, anyway.

Does summer vacation affect your play time? Do you save it for the evening after a day of enjoying the warm weather, or finally enjoy some gaming time uninterrupted by pesky classes and homework?

On the other hand, maybe the summer months cut down on your playtime in other ways. Maybe you've done your time in school and gone on to have your own kids. Are your summers taken up with providing transportation, snacks, and entertainment money?

Hit the button and let us know!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Does summertime affect your playing time? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureholidayopinionsummersummer-gamingtdgthe-daily-grindSat, 26 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Share your Second Life summer look for a chance at L$10,000]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/share-your-second-life-summer-look-for-a-chance-at-l-10-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/share-your-second-life-summer-look-for-a-chance-at-l-10-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/share-your-second-life-summer-look-for-a-chance-at-l-10-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Today seems to be a day of contests! First we have the DDO stress test contest that's going to be occuring tonight, and now we have another one for Second Life! A contest of summer style, no less! Who's up for some virtual modeling?

It's the summer, and Linden Lab is interested in seeing everyone's summer attire -- like swimwear, bright colors, and the things you generally wear on the beach. So interested, in fact, that they're willing to lay L$10,000 on the whole deal via an Xstreet shopping spree.

Continue reading Share your Second Life summer look for a chance at L$10,000

MassivelyShare your Second Life summer look for a chance at L$10,000 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachwearcontestfacebookfan-pagephotossecond-lifeshopping-spreeslsnapshotssummerxstreetMon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does your guild have a summer amnesty?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-daily-grind-does-your-guild-have-a-summer-amnesty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-daily-grind-does-your-guild-have-a-summer-amnesty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-daily-grind-does-your-guild-have-a-summer-amnesty/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Summer is now in full swing and the lure of the outdoors is strong. School is out, people are going on holiday, to muddy music festivals or just enjoying the fine weather. Suddenly virtual worlds and MMOs are that much quieter as people dip back into real life. Each year, my guild mistress institutes what she calls a 'summer amnesty'. Over the summer things become a little more relaxed, there's no ire if people don't raid as often. Real life takes precedence for once and things just chill out a bit. People come, people go. Even better, rather than monthly farming, we just have to contribute once and it covers the majority of the summer. That gives me the freedom to not feel guilty about lengthy absences so I can sit in my garden and drink cider or go to the pub. It's nice.

So with the heat of summer now upon us, I'm wondering, how does your guild cope with the summer months. Do you have an amnesty? Do you forget about farming and just have fun? Do you just tone raiding time down? What about guild taxes or farming? Do you make an effort to improve guild bonding by maybe even having a real life meet up or BBQ? Do you partake in summer festivals? Tell us in the usual manner.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Does your guild have a summer amnesty? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbqfarmingguild-farmingguild-taxesreal-lifesummersummer-amnestythe-daily-grindThu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your summer plans?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-summer-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-summer-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-summer-plans/#commentsFiled under: ,

The summer solstice occurred just over a week ago and it seems like Mother Nature finally stopped slacking and caught up with the season. This has led to a number of us talking about sweltering heatwaves and chaotic storms around the Massively office lately. They seem to be having a positive effect, which rings especially true for this northerner who is usually forced to wear a toque for over half the year.

It also got us wondering: What are your summer plans? Do they involve beaches, books, or barbecues? What about baseball, birdwatching, and beer? (PS. Never mix those last two - trust me.) There sure are a lot of summer-y things that start with the letter B. Biking, bocce, baking on a backyard blanket... Okay, that was a stretch.

One activity that doesn't start with a B is playing MMOs. What MMOs do you have on tap this summer? Will you pillage Land of the Dead in Warhammer Online? Participate in the Aion beta events? Tickle yourself pink in Free Realms? Obsess over every Star Wars: The Old Republic tidbit? Turn enemies into space junk (and then salvage that space junk) in EVE Online? Enquiring minds want to know!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your summer plans? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioneve-onlinefree-realmssummerswtorwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR's summer celebration event has begun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/wars-summer-celebration-event-has-begun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Warhammer Online is celebrating the fourth of July and summer in general by offering some in-game bonuses, and providing some explosive incentives for participating in RvR. WAR's James Nichols announced the event's official opening yesterday, saying, "It's our way of saying thanks, have fun, and enjoy the start of summer with a BANG!" As part of the event, all players can now take advantage of a 10% bonus to experience and renown gain. On top of this, slain enemy players will drop fireworks that can be used to revel in your victory -- we imagine large skirmishes will end with a whole bunch of colorful explosions for the duration of the celebrations.

These bonuses will be in effect for about a week and a half, ending on the 7th of July.

MassivelyWAR's summer celebration event has begun originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julyeaelectronic-artsexperience-bonusfireworksfourth-of-julyjames-nicholsmythicmythic-entertainmentrenown-bonussummerwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 27 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI's Celestial Nights celebrates faithfulness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/final-fantasy-xis-celestial-nights-celebrates-faithfulness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/final-fantasy-xis-celestial-nights-celebrates-faithfulness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/final-fantasy-xis-celestial-nights-celebrates-faithfulness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Final Fantasy XI is well known by its players for providing unique holiday offerings. From the Taru-heavy celebrations of the Starlight Celebration to the Moogle-hunting antics of the Starbreeze holiday, Square/Enix has done a great job of taking real-life special events and tweaking them into Vana'diel-specific jubiliations.

June 27th marks the beginning of the Celestial Nights event, a sort of summer celebration of togetherness. In past years it's been marked as probably one of the most unique in-game events in any MMO because of one very out-of-game requirement. In order to succeed at the event, players have to write poetry. Real poetry, not clicking on an object and watching for a 'write poetry' cooldown. FFXIclopedia might just be able to answer some pressing questions about the event, with some lore text to lay on you as well.

Celestial Nights will be ongoing through July 8th, and you can talk to the Moogles in Northern San d'Oria (D-8), Bastok Markets (G-8), and Windurst Waters (F-5) for details on how to participate.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI's Celestial Nights celebrates faithfulness originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celestial-nightsffxifinal-fantasy-xiin-game-eventsquare-enixsummerSun, 22 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer update adds Merchant class to Dream of Mirror Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/summer-update-adds-merchant-class-to-dream-of-mirror-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/summer-update-adds-merchant-class-to-dream-of-mirror-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/summer-update-adds-merchant-class-to-dream-of-mirror-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gametribe, the European carrier of Dream of Mirror Online (run in North America by Aeria Games), announced a new game update this weekend. The update will go live on the 25th, and it will add a new class to DoMO -- the Merchant. The Merchant "uses money to fight and create powerful attacks." Sounds cool, but expensive!

The update will also feature a handful of new quests, including a couple new steps to the main quest. The item mall will see the addition of greedy inventory bags. Unsurprisingly, those will increase a character's maximum inventory. Some new visual character customization options will be added as well.

We've given kudos to DoMO for its art style in the past. Brenda Holloway (one of the staff bloggers here at Massively) even wrote that it's better than World of Warcraft. Don't scoff until you've tried it! If you have an aversion to microtransactions, though, maybe you should just take our word for it and move on.

MassivelySummer update adds Merchant class to Dream of Mirror Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbagsclassdomodream-of-mirror-onlinegametribegreedyjunemerchantmicrotransactionspatchquestssoftstarsummerupdateSun, 22 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST