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[PAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
"For me, it's such a compelling genre for anybody who's played it," SOE Creative Director Matt Higby said about PlanetSide 2's niche. "But that's the thing. There's not a lot of people who have played a MMOFPS, but the people who have are addicted."

Hibgy sat down with us at PAX East to promote SOE's upcoming sci-fi shooter, saying that it scratches two itches with one bird (or some other mixed metaphor). "I'm a competitive player; I love shooters," he said, "but I'm also a very social player and love the progression aspect of MMOs."

It's not as if the MMOFPS field is going to remain wide-open for very long. Competitors are rushing to mine this largely untouched market. Still, SOE has an advantage above the rest: It launched one of the first of its kind and has years of experience managing such a game. While we anxiously wait for word on PlanetSide 2's beta, we listened to Higby tell us why this title will continue the company's reign over the genre.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby

MassivelyPAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabiowareclassic-mmoconconventione3eaelectronic-artsexpofpsgdclucasartsmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpspaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorteam-fortress-2the-old-republictorFri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The battle for story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Storyteller
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

When I was in grad school, one of my favorite classes spent a couple of sessions talking about the use and importance of story in teaching. It opened my eyes to the fact that stories are one of the most universal elements of the human experience, from antiquity to modern times, ranging from a little kid playing with toys to an adult penning a novel. We simply love to tell and listen to stories -- they grab our attention, spark our imagination, teach us valuable lessons, and create lasting memories.

But somewhere along the years, something went horribly wrong when it came to MMOs and stories. MMOs were always supposed to be the ultimate platform for storytelling, as both developers and players could pitch in to weave epic sagas, and for a while that seemed to be the case. Lately, however, I've seen a movement that is thrashing hard against stories in MMOs, typically using one of the following two statements: "Get your stupid story out of my game!" or "Stories are better left to other forms of entertainment."

It's made me a sad panda to realize that MMO storytelling is under attack by the very players who should embrace it, and often they're acting as if they're being dragged, kicking and screaming, into future MMOs where story is placed as a priority. Make no mistake: The battle for story is on, and the stakes have never been higher.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The battle for story

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The battle for story originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetasherons-callbacklashbiowarednddungeons-and-dragonsepic-sagafeaturedfuncomguild-wars-2gw2lord-of-the-rings-onlinelorenamaste-entertainmentriftroleplayingrprpgrpgssandboxstar-wars-the-old-republicstoriesstorystorybricksstorytellingtaletalesteam-fortress-2the-secret-worldtheme-parktriontrion-worldsturbineTue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT pre-orders rewarded with exclusive Team Fortress 2 unlocks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/rift-pre-orders-rewarded-with-exclusive-team-fortress-2-unlocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/rift-pre-orders-rewarded-with-exclusive-team-fortress-2-unlocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/rift-pre-orders-rewarded-with-exclusive-team-fortress-2-unlocks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Through regular closed beta events and frequent information reveals, Trion Worlds has really been pushing the word out on its upcoming fantasy MMO RIFT. The game's marketing campaign has taken a bit of an unexpected turn today with the announcement of a promotional partnership between the upcoming MMO and Valve's Team Fortress 2. Steam users who pre-order RIFT during the month of February or who have already purchased the game through Steam, will be given two limited-edition weapons in Team Fortress 2.

The "Sharpened Volcano Fragment" and "Sun-on-a-stick" are exclusive melee weapons available only to RIFT pre-order customers. In return, Valve is adding a new achievement to Team Fortress 2 that unlocks an exclusive item in RIFT. The Riftwalker achievement will grant TF2 players a code, which can be redeemed through the RIFT account management page. An exclusive headcrab-based headpiece, the "Well Spun Hat," will then be delivered in-game during RIFT's headstart period for pre-order customers on February 24th. This unusual promotion has left many of us here at Massively scratching our heads in confusion, but with the popularity of Valve's Team Fortress 2, it could prove to be a very successful move.

MassivelyRIFT pre-orders rewarded with exclusive Team Fortress 2 unlocks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionheadcrabsoh-god-get-this-thing-off-my-headpromotionriftsharpened-volcano-fragmentsteamsun-on-a-stickTeam-Fortress-2telaratf2triontrion-worldsunlockvalveThu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMOs are a strange genre without many of the clearly-defined borders for something that is or isn't a part of the field. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of innovation in the field that's confined strictly to the absolute edges of what could be considered an MMO. Games such as MAG and Global Agenda feature several shooter conventions mixed with several MMO conventions, and it's an interesting formula. Land of Chaos Online is pushing the formula as well, by adding in third-person shooter elements to a Defense of the Ancients-style match format.

The game is on the outer edge of the genre, but it draws much of its gameplay and feel from MMOs, with a strong emphasis on coupled character persistence and more shooter-style elements. We caught up with Achim Kaspers, managing director of Burda:ic, during GDC to talk about what the game would play like and get an idea of what we could expect. More information on this unique game after the cut.

Continue reading GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview

MassivelyGDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdefense-of-the-ancientsdotaf2pfeaturedfree-aimingfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgdc-2010instancinginterviewsitem-shopland-of-chaos-onlinelocopricingshootersteam-fortress-2third-person-shooterThu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The evolution of classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/the-evolution-of-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/the-evolution-of-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/the-evolution-of-classes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Classes are one of those central components of our MMOs. From the early days of Dungeons & Dragons to the use of class based systems in MUDs, we've been relying on the concept of characters with unique sets of skills working together to get the job done.

Andrew Vanden Bossche over at Gamasutra has recently sat down and looked at everyone's favorite FPS, Team Fortress 2, to analyze how classes have gone beyond their original roleplaying roots. While the article isn't exactly MMO-focused, it certainly does have bearing on our genre as we too begin to branch out away from the sword-and-board fantasy and into FPS territory with games like Global Agenda and Darkfall.

So if you want to see how experience and bullets go together while making gameplay more social and fun, check out the full article at Gamasutra.

MassivelyThe evolution of classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisclassesdarkfalldungeons-and-dragonsevolutiongamasutraglobal-agendasocial-experienceteam-fortress-2Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite non-MMO genre?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-non-mmo-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-non-mmo-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-non-mmo-genre/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Long before we had the soaring crafts and grand interstellar vistas of EVE Online, most games that involved spaceships were of a very set type. They usually involved one small ship, a horde of other ships, bullets flying everywhere, and a number of lives that were expressly designed to eat up as many quarters as possible. The gaming field has changed quite a bit since then, but scrolling shooters in the vein of Darius or R-Type can still eat up hours on end... much like most MMOs, although without as much emphasis on virtual worlds. And there's little denying that for fans of the genre, they're as effective at reducing stress.

Today, we ask our readers: what's your favorite game type that doesn't fall under our header? Do you prefer traditional console RPGs? Do you veer more toward fighting games, or strategy titles, or is it a mishmash of different things that appeal to you? You could argue the elements of Team Fortress 2 or Borderlands, but they generally fall under a different aegis than Champions Online or EverQuest II for most players... so what about you? What do you like to kick back with when you aren't on your MMO of choice?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite non-MMO genre? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandschampions-onlinecoculturedariuseq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iiopinionother-gamesr-typetdgteam-fortress-2tf2the-daily-grindSun, 01 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet packs, mechs, and all-out carnage in latest Global Agenda screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jet-packs-mechs-and-all-out-carnage-in-latest-global-agenda-sc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jet-packs-mechs-and-all-out-carnage-in-latest-global-agenda-sc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jet-packs-mechs-and-all-out-carnage-in-latest-global-agenda-sc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Global Agenda from Hi-Rez Studios is one of the upcoming games that is challenging our traditional definition of an MMO. Essentially Global Agenda will be a marriage of Team Fortress 2-style gameplay with a system of world control where guilds will tap resources to gain advantages. We got some hands-on time with GA at E3 2009 and Mike Schramm had a chance to try out the medic class. We know the game will have four classes at launch, and taking the Team Fortress 2 analog a bit further, Global Agenda's 'Assault' class is like the Heavy, 'Recon' is the Spy, 'Robotic' is similar to the Engineer, and 'Medic'... you get it. This is, however, a very broad generalization and what we've seen thus far suggests there will be a good range of abilities for each class with numerous gear options.

However, since none of us are in the beta at present, we're always hoping to find out more about the game. We've come across some new Global Agenda screens that Hi-Rez Studios released today, which show the various class gear and abilities in action. Have a look through our gallery to see the Assault, Recon, Medic, and Robotic classes tearing into mechs and androids, and quite likely each other as well. Plus, jet packs! We've added these shots to our Global Agenda gallery for you, so check it out:

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyJet packs, mechs, and all-out carnage in latest Global Agenda screens originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosjet-packjet-packsmedicmike-schrammmmo-industrynew-titlesreconroboticsci-fiscreenshotsteam-fortress-2Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/e3-2009-global-agenda-hands-on-with-executive-producer-todd-har/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Global Agenda is coming right along nicely -- we last saw the game in action at GDC, and today at E3, executive producer Todd Harris was nice enough to sit down and show us a never-before-seen part of the game: PvE gameplay.

We started off by checking out the character creator, which has come along quite a bit. They've built a very in-depth face creator -- there are about eight or ten different factors to switch between (eyes, mouth, and so on), and for each one, there are seven or eight sliders to adjust and tweak. Which allows for quite a few different variations, as you might imagine. Hair and skin color can also be edited, but Harris told us that body shape will generally be determined by the armor you wear (which is more or less determined by the class you choose).

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out
Massively is on the ground in Los Angeles this week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.

Continue reading E3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris

MassivelyE3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostclassese3-2009engineerglobal-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosmassivelymedicreconroboticsscoutshooterskillsteam-fortress-2third-persontodd-harrisWed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/the-digital-continuum-summertime-mmo-alternatives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/the-digital-continuum-summertime-mmo-alternatives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/the-digital-continuum-summertime-mmo-alternatives/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You, much like myself, may have had summer MMO plans a month or so ago. But like many things in life, circumstances changed and both Champions Online and Jumpgate Evolution were met with delays in their schedules -- making any plans to play them over the summer null.

It's a bummer, but not all is lost. Another thing I'm certain we all share is our love of gaming in general. I've been thinking of a list of games I plan to play through this summer in lieu of shiny new MMOs to delve into, with an emphasis on filling the void left by a lack Cryptic's and NetDevil's still forthcoming titles. I'm sure I'll play more than just three, but these are the ones I'll definitely play the most of overall.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribethesdabethesda-softworksbroken-steelchampions-onlinecodemasterscrypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsfallout-3featuredgazillion-entertainmentjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilopinionteam-fortress-2tf2the-digital-continuumvalvewizards-of-the-coastwotcMon, 01 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Saxton Hale wants you to devote your life to Team Fortress 2 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/wrup-saxton-hale-wants-you-to-devote-your-life-to-team-fortress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/wrup-saxton-hale-wants-you-to-devote-your-life-to-team-fortress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/wrup-saxton-hale-wants-you-to-devote-your-life-to-team-fortress/#commentsFiled under:


Hi. Um, er, Elizabeth was tired, and I was in the office late, and I couldn't run out of the door fast enough when I saw her coming down the hall, so now I have to write this column this week. Bear with me, I'm winging it here.

So, um, I think I have to tell some pithy story that somehow relates all of the things we're doing this weekend together. That's how this column goes, I think. So, er, we're playing Team Fortress 2. Lots of Team Fortress. So much Team Fortress that even Saxton Hale's head might turn slightly to the left in a small bit of interest in what we're doing. Basically, an incredible amount of Team Fortress, is what I'm trying to get across here during this point of the post. I personally think Valve put crack into the last patch, because now even I'm playing it again. Ok, so that story wasn't very pithy, but maybe one of you out there laughed. All I need is one, right?

But wait! That's not all! There's more just around the corner besides Team Fortress 2! Come, see what else we're doing, and then share what you're doing with us!

Continue reading WRUP: Saxton Hale wants you to devote your life to Team Fortress 2 edition

MassivelyWRUP: Saxton Hale wants you to devote your life to Team Fortress 2 edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsdead-ringere3e3-2009eve-onlinefpshuntsmaninfamousonline-fpsps3raidingsaxton-hale-watches-you-cry-yourself-to-sleepteam-fortress-2travelingwarwarhammer-onlinewhat-are-you-playingworld-of-warcraftwowwrupSat, 30 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Anybody home? ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/23/wrup-anybody-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/23/wrup-anybody-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/23/wrup-anybody-home/#commentsFiled under:


Guys? Hello? Is anyone home? I was thinking about getting together a group for Moria. Guys? Anybody home? Why are you all flagged away on IM? What MMO has this "spy" class you're all talking about? Guys?
  • Brendan Drain: My final university exam is this weekend, then it's time to relax with some Team Fortress 2 and some PvP in EVE Online. Once the exam is over, I'll also finally have time to step up my writing and get some new articles done that I've been putting off for weeks.
  • Colin Brennan: Trying out hanging with a roleplaying group I found in Second Life who seem to be pretty active and silly, and also doing some Star Wars tabletop roleplaying this weekend. I get to be a sith apprentice! Wooo hooo! I'm sprinting to the dark side!
  • Dan O'Halloran: Will be getting in some time in LotRO's Mines of Moria Friday night before heading out of town for the weekend. Just fought my way to Orc Watch for the horsepoint, but want to tackle the quests north of the 21st Hall before I venture deeper into the mines. I am continually impressed with the use of vertical space in the Moria expansion. You go down so deep to get to Orc Watch only to discover it's on the ledge of an even deeper, larger cavern. Great stuff!
  • James Egan: I'll be playing two games this weekend, which are my usual two -- EVE Online and Team Fortress 2. As to the latter, I'm loving The Ambassador pistol for the Spy, which came out with the class update. I was having so much fun I just refused to stop, and ended up playing all night. I'm not sure if I should feel guilty about this or what, but I don't. Not in the least. :D
  • Krystalle Voecks: I expect I'll spend some time reading the copy of Pride & Prejudice & Zombies I got for my birthday the other day, getting last-minute details nailed down for E3, and playing some EVE. If I can manage to get all the work taken care of, I'll probably head out to my favorite club and get my dance on. 00ntz 00ntz!
  • Kyle Horner: It's all about the Sniper/Spy action this weekend in Team Fortress 2. Yeah, it's like a disease.
  • Lemuel Pew: Team Fortress 2, Sniper/Spy update. That's pretty much it.
  • William Dobson: I'll be continuing my re-rolled character from last week in Warhammer Online. I'm on one of the more populated servers, but there are still large chunks of the day where RvR and Scenarios are completely dead, which is disheartening. I expect that this will be less so in Tier 4, but getting through Tier 3 could be painful.
So, dear readers, now tell us -- what are you playing this weekend?

MassivelyWRUP: Anybody home? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>team-fortress-2tf2what-are-you-playingwrupSat, 23 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris on Global Agenda's gameplay tiers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the new breed of sci-fi MMOs that crosses a first person shooter with an MMO is Global Agenda from Hi-Rez Studios. For those fans of class-based FPS games like Team Fortress 2, Hi-Rez Studios has emphasized that TF2 has been a major influence on Global Agenda's development. While the game's release date hasn't been announced yet, Hi-Rez has been fairly active in terms of promoting Global Agenda. Hi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris has written a dev blog for MMORPG.com titled "A Minute To Learn, A Lifetime To Master", a motto which is very much the spirit behind Global Agenda's game design.

Harris breaks down the major tiers of Global Agenda's gameplay as: Action/shooter mechanics and reflexes; RPG/build; Team tactics and cooperation - per mission instance; and Domination strategy and coordination - per alliance vs. alliance campaign. Harris goes into detail in each of these facets of the game, and explains how these tiers have played out with the roughly 1000 Global Agenda alpha testers. For more on the game design decisions Hi-Rez Studios has made with Global Agenda, see "A Minute To Learn, A Lifetime to Master" at MMORPG.com.

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris on Global Agenda's gameplay tiers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsgame-designgame-mechanicsglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmofpsmmorpg.comsci-fispy-fiteam-fortress-2tf2todd-harrisWed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve jokingly tips hat to MMOs in latest Team Fortress 2 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/valve-jokingly-tips-hat-to-mmos-in-latest-team-fortress-2-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/valve-jokingly-tips-hat-to-mmos-in-latest-team-fortress-2-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/valve-jokingly-tips-hat-to-mmos-in-latest-team-fortress-2-update/#commentsFiled under: ,


Team Fortress 2 from Valve is one of the more MMO-like first person shooters running. It's only played online, is class-based, has achievement unlocks which open up new gear possibilities, and after the last update there's a backpack with room for 50 items and mention (read: unconfirmed) of tradeable items. In some ways, TF2 is an FPS for MMO lovers -- or just those who use way too many acronyms.

The comparisons between Team Fortress 2 and MMOs aren't lost on some of the more inventive TF2 players out there like goldenhearted who's made Garry's Mod mockups of a fictional "Team Fortress 2 RPG". Valve also got in on the fun in a slightly sneaky way in the latest game update. Steam users found this programmer's tip of the hat to MMOs in the game code:

Continue reading Valve jokingly tips hat to MMOs in latest Team Fortress 2 update

MassivelyValve jokingly tips hat to MMOs in latest Team Fortress 2 update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garrys-modgoldenheartedhumorjokejokesspyteam-fortress-2tf2valvevalve-softwareMon, 04 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Team: Brooke Pilley]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/meet-the-team-brooke-pilley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/meet-the-team-brooke-pilley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/meet-the-team-brooke-pilley/#commentsFiled under: ,


Once a week our writers will give you a glimpse into their lives, to let you get to know them and the characters they play a little better. Click here to read more Meet the Team.

What do you do for Massively.com?

As a contributing editor, my job is to bring the latest and greatest MMO news to the people who play them. I am also one of the few team members who actively play Warhammer Online, so I try to cover it as much as I can in terms of news, features, and insights. Since I'm still a relative newbie at Massively, I try to learn as much as I can from my amazing team mates and contribute my own ideas when possible. In a nutshell, I get to research and play MMOs and then write about them. How cool is that?!

Gallery: Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Tim DaleMeet the Team: Jon ShuteMeet the Team: Lemuel PewMeet the Team: Lesley SmithMeet the Team: James Egan

Continue reading Meet the Team: Brooke Pilley

MassivelyMeet the Team: Brooke Pilley originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccp-gameseve-onlinefeaturedjoystiqfeaturesleft-4-deadmythic-entertainmentteam-fortress-2warhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftThu, 09 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Global Agenda is an upcoming 'spy-fi' shooter MMO that's garnering a fair amount of attention as it gets closer to release. It's the brainchild of Erez Goren, an entrepreneur who channeled his successes in the IT industry (including Point of Sale systems with game-like interfaces) into his own dream project, becoming its founder, CEO, and lead designer. Global Agenda will be the first game to be released by Hi-Rez Studios.

The title is a blend of sci-fi shooter and MMO where player actions can impact the game's world. Goren tells PC Gamer's Evan Lahti: "We were inspired by the fluid, action combat feel of [Tribes and TF2], but wanted even greater diversity of classes and devices and set our game within a persistent world of player-driven conflict where the results of combat matches really affects the world."

Continue reading Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2

MassivelyGlobal Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Much has been said on the influence of World of Warcraft on the MMO industry, but comparisons between other games and WoW don't end with massively multiplayer online games. The multiplayer cooperative mode of Resistance 2, a Playstation 3 exclusive from Insomniac Games, bears some similarities in its design to the ubiquitous Blizzard fantasy title in terms of class interdependencies.

Insomniac Games co-op lead designer for Resistance 2, Jake Biegel, recently gave an interview with Christian Nutt from Gamasutra on the development of multiplayer cooperative gameplay, and the games that influenced its creation. Of course, the class-based Team Fortress 2 was cited as an influence, but Insomniac Games also looked to World of Warcraft for further inspiration. "We looked at experiences like Team Fortress 2, in which there are dependencies on classes, and games like World of Warcraft, in which there are large amounts of people working in tandem, creating this kind of epic synergy to overcome these encounters that wouldn't be overcomeable as an individual," Biegel says.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

Continue reading The spirit of WoW in Resistance 2's co-op gameplay

MassivelyThe spirit of WoW in Resistance 2's co-op gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In our recent talk with Matt Wilson at E3, we were given a lot of really illuminating information about classes and guilds in the upcoming SOE title, The Agency. It would seem that the Agency crew is doing a very good job of listening to many of the frustrations of MMOG players, while taking the time to study popular games like Team Fortress 2. If you've been wondering about the different classes and abilities, as well as social structure in this upcoming MMOFPS, then you'll be interested to hear what's in the works.

Massively: What are the classes or archetypal roles in The Agency?

Matt Wilson: Our four primary classes are basically Combat, which is the ability to have weapons and have high defenses. Stealth, which is more of a high-DPS, sniper rifles and other things that you take into battle, [Undercover] Stealth which is very important, which is sneaking around and distractions. And finally, there's the Support classes like your Medics and Field Techs. Field Techs are about defense, turrets, other cool things like that. Medics are more about supporting the team, being able to support med stations while you're out in the field, heals, that kind of thing. Those are the general archetypes. Then we have specialties that fall out of those, allowing players to specialize further in each class.

Continue reading E308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes

MassivelyE308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agencyclassclassescombate3-2008e308featuredguildsjoint-agenciesmatt-wilsonrolesoesony-online-entertainmentstealthsupportteam-fortress-2TF2the-agencyundercoverMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: PvP in The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-pvp-in-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-pvp-in-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-pvp-in-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the many things people have been looking for in an MMOFPS environment is the ability to engage in some hardcore PvP. Shooter fans seem to absolutely love the thrill of fragging others straight off the map. While we weren't able to nail down all of the specifics from our talk with Matt Wilson, Executive Director of Development from SOE Seattle, we did manage to wrangle a few juicy tidbits from him. Some of the answers we got regarding the things they are considering for The Agency may prove to be welcome news to FPS PvP devotees.

Massively: Is The Agency going to be open to a PvP type of environment?

In the example we see in the video, the only thing you can do is actually blow up the bombs and kill yourself, that kind of thing. In PvP we'll have to flag friendly fire on or off -- if you want to shoot your team, you can. If you don't, you won't. In PvE, we're really focused on friendly fire being off most of the time because of players joining ad-hoc groups. We don't want to make the game a griefer's paradise.

Continue reading E308: PvP in The Agency

MassivelyE308: PvP in The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counterstrikecsfeaturedfpsinterviewjoystiqfeaturesmmommofpsplayer-vs-playerpvpsoeteam-fortress-2tf2the-agencytournamenttournamentsSun, 20 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: Spotlight on the Dwarven Engineer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/massively-goes-to-war-spotlight-on-the-dwarven-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/massively-goes-to-war-spotlight-on-the-dwarven-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/massively-goes-to-war-spotlight-on-the-dwarven-engineer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our time last Thursday talking Warhammer classes with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz was illuminating on many levels. For example, did you know that the user interface for every class in the game has been given a complete makeover? Not only will every class receive a neat widgety component (ala the Goblin Shaman's Mork n' Gork heads), but the bar itself is themed to the class's role.

The action bar for the Dwarven Engineer, as you might imagine, is a sight to see. This defensive ranged specialist is a unique addition to the MMO landscape. And yet, we couldn't help but feel the stunty's gameplay was incredibly familiar somehow. In fact, the experience of playing an Engineer in Warhammer Online bears a lot of resemblance to that of the Team Fortress 2 Engineer. If the little dwarf had complained "Spies sappin' ma sentry!" it would hardly have been surprising. Read on below for more on this highly skilled specialist ... and a few words about the Chaos Magus all the way at the end.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: Spotlight on the Dwarven Engineer

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: Spotlight on the Dwarven Engineer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzengineerfeaturedjosh-drescherjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warteam-fortress-2warwarhammer-onlineTue, 03 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Jennings on how to make PvP not suck]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/scott-jennings-on-how-to-make-pvp-not-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/scott-jennings-on-how-to-make-pvp-not-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/scott-jennings-on-how-to-make-pvp-not-suck/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

haha u died lolJust in case any of us design a PvP ruleset for a massively multiplayer online game, Scott Jennings has helpfully posted a 13-step guide to "PvP done right" on his personal blog, BrokenToys.org.

It's a potent mixture of common sense, personal opinion, and thousands upon thousands disagreeing that classes are needed. It's a great primer, aphorisms or not, and written wonderfully. Put simply, PvP in a game needs to work -- if it's an impossible concept or impossible to implement, nothing else matters. Personally, I'd go as far as to say the simpler the concept, the better the execution -- of course, that's a huge sweeping statement, but be it Team Fortress 2 or World of Warcraft or Chess, the depth doesn't come from the rules, it comes from the implementation. Except Cricket.

All decisions will upset someone. It's just about having a realistic, well-defined goal for PvP in your game and going from there -- and accepting that there will always be an awful lot of criticism, rage, and Fury.

MassivelyScott Jennings on how to make PvP not suck originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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