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[MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

World of Warcraft? Yeah, even folks who don't play video games at all have heard of this behemoth of MMO gaming. With 12 million subscribers worldwide, the WoW phenomenon has practically come to define an entire generation's worth of MMO gaming. While it's designed for teens and up, the game is so ubiquitous that you wouldn't have to dig far to find players of all ages, including many teens but also younger children as well.

With a new expansion, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, due for release on December 7th, plenty of kids (and grownups) will be angling for WoW in their holiday stockings. The question is: Is WoW a good fit for your kids? With good preparation and consistent parent moderation, it can be -- but if you don't play the game yourself or you take a more hands-off approach to gaming, you may want to wait until your little goblin- or worgen-to-be is well into the teen years. Join us after the break for an insider's look at WoW for younger children and teens.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cataclysmchild-friendlychildrenetiquettefamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-gamingfeaturedgroupinggroupsguildskid-friendlymmo-familynetiquetteparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteensworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Kids are like sponges, sure -- old saying is old. But are online manners something you really want to leave to chance? Are the interactions your kids so intently follow online the manners you want them soaking up and using themselves? As parents, we know that the habits and attitudes that kids pick up today are what we'll find coming right back at us tomorrow. Teens who are used to trolling in games and forums will have a hard time modulating to a less strident tone in a business meeting. Kids who excuse a lack of scruples with "whatever -- it's only the internet" are due for a big surprise when a thoughtless instant message or careless lack of response to an email slams doors in their faces later in life.

As parents who game, we all have hot buttons that set us off: the guy who always shows up late to raids, beggars, you name it. The point is: Have you talked to your kids yet about these behaviors? Are you explicitly (by both word and example) helping them not to grow up to be That Guy?

I'm pretty sure we don't need a primer in online etiquette here at Massively, but I don't think it would hurt to share some of the things we wish Those Other Parents had taught their kids before turning them loose in our games. I'll share my dirty dozen after the break -- won't you share your own in the comments?

Continue reading MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners

MassivelyMMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beggingchildrenetiquettefamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedgroupinggroupsguildsinterruptionslollulzmannersmistakesnetiquetteninja-inviteninja-lootingparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteenstime-managementventTue, 16 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Parents as gaming gatekeepers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/mmo-family-parents-as-gaming-gatekeepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/mmo-family-parents-as-gaming-gatekeepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/mmo-family-parents-as-gaming-gatekeepers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Does your child have the emotional levels it takes to tackle certain MMOs? The idea of parents as gaming gatekeepers all too often comes down to simplistic, ESRB ratings-based rulings passed down from on high by relatively disengaged parents. Deciding what and how your child should play is far from a black-or-white decision. Last time in MMO Family, for instance, we looked at how to tell if your child is ready for MMO raiding -- yet far too many commenters missed the point, assuming (from the topic alone, we can only presume) that we advocate a laissez-faire attitude that allows kids to abandon their other activities and strands them in front of a keyboard during every free moment. Come on, folks, it's not a choice between letting kids play to the detriment of the rest of their lives vs. not playing at all. It's about gatekeeping -- and this is where you, the parent, come in.

The truth is, categorically forbidding kids who're interested in video games to play at all is no more thoughtful or balanced an approach than throwing up your hands and letting them log in during every waking moment. Your role is to help children learn to balance their interests and lives, with as light or heavy a hand as may be necessary for your kids. This week, we've brought you some thoughts from a mother and son who've been there, done that -- together.

Continue reading MMO Family: Parents as gaming gatekeepers

MassivelyMMO Family: Parents as gaming gatekeepers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-appropriateage-limitschildrenESRBfamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedguildsparental-controlsparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteenstime-managementTue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Is your child ready for MMO raiding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/mmo-family-is-your-child-ready-for-mmo-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/mmo-family-is-your-child-ready-for-mmo-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/mmo-family-is-your-child-ready-for-mmo-raiding/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Does your youngster have ambitions to become an MMO raider? As a seasoned gamer yourself, you may find it hard to believe that your kids are already old enough to be chomping at the bit to battle the same bosses, to pore over the same strategies, to put themselves through the same scheduling wringer that you do. That's the thing about kids, though -- they want to tackle the cool stuff just like you do, especially if that's what they've grown up watching you raid.

Is MMO raiding appropriate for your older child or teen? That's a matter only a parent can decide. The answer will be different from child to child, age to age and family to family. The best analogy I can offer is to treat this like a virtual team sport. Make sure your youngster has the bandwidth to support adding another focused activity to his schedule; from there, you'll want to help him choose the right team with a solid coach and assistants, supportive teammates and an age-appropriate challenge rating and social environment. A little direction from a tuned-in, gaming-savvy parent can help many young wannabe raiders realize their ambitions in an age-appropriate, balanced and enjoyable way.

Continue reading MMO Family: Is your child ready for MMO raiding?

MassivelyMMO Family: Is your child ready for MMO raiding? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-appropriateage-limitschildrenfamilyfamily-funfamily-gamingfeaturedguildsparental-controlsparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteenstime-managementTue, 05 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/mmo-family-finding-time-to-game-during-the-family-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

★Debs★, flickr
MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Believe it or not, the childhood years can be a golden era for your gaming. It's all about availability -- and let's face it, staying home to game gives you a big edge. The trick is making sure you actually are available to your children and partner while you're gaming. (After all, isolating yourself in the back room mumbling, "Just six more kills ... Just six more kills ..." isn't exactly helping anyone find a juice box or get a fresh diaper.) Still, once you stop to consider the ways that gaming can fit into your daily schedule, we think you'll find that gaming is a great fit for a young family.

Continue reading MMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years

MassivelyMMO Family: Finding time to game during the family years originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childchildrenfamilyfeaturedkidsparentsscheduleteenagersteenstweensFri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/mmo-family-how-to-lobby-your-parents-for-more-gaming-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family. From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Today's MMO Family is for all the MMO-playing teens out there who'd like more time to game. Parents, you're most welcome to stay and read along (and hand this to your own teen afterwards), but we've covered your perspective before. (Refer back to our tips on how to balance gaming with the rest of your life, or check the signs that your teen may be over-indulging in too much gaming.) What we haven't covered yet explicitly are strategies for responsible teens to earn permission for more gaming time. If you're jonesing for more time in game and online, there are things that you should and shouldn't do before you even make your case with your parents.

Here's our game plan.

Continue reading MMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time

MassivelyMMO Family: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrenfamilyfeaturedhomeworkkidsparentsscheduleschoolteenagersteensFri, 05 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researcher zeroes in on kids playing RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/researcher-zeroes-in-on-kids-playing-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/researcher-zeroes-in-on-kids-playing-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/researcher-zeroes-in-on-kids-playing-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hey kids! Do you want to try an experiment? No, you won't get paid but you will help further scientific research through the process of "cognitive ethnography." Not interested? Hmmm, well, you do get to play video games... Oh, you are interested! Let me just get you these waivers to sign...

Constance Steinkuehler is an MMO researcher studying teens and tweens in the world of RuneScape. Her research aims to find commonalities in thought process between young individuals who play MMOs. Her work will also assess the impacts of game play over a longer period on their daily lives, social relationships, and school work. Given the abundance and accessibility of games aimed at youth these days, it will be interesting to see how they influence us humans in our more impressionable years.

MassivelyResearcher zeroes in on kids playing RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cognitionconstance-steinkuehlerresearchrunescapeteenstweensyouthMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively webcomic: Grinders - Hot or Not]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/massively-webcomic-grinders-hot-or-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/massively-webcomic-grinders-hot-or-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/massively-webcomic-grinders-hot-or-not/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sticking to the theme of horrible MMO ideas that shouldn't, but are, the Grinders thinktank has aimed its sights at the new Seventeen MMO. Though, I bet calling it an MMO is really starting to abuse the term, much like Virtual Laguna Beach and Habbo Hotel have caused us to do in the past. Still, I expect there will be a few fun-loving fuggos who will want to mix up the bubbly suburban content. You've been warned.

Have a funny story of your own? Submit your tale complete with a screenshot to lemuel@massively.com. The best will he harangued for showing up the rest of them and upsetting the curve, but will be probably worked into the comic somehow.

Gallery: Grinders Webcomic


Lemuel PewLemuel Pew is a webcomic artist and MMO player with the attention span of a guppy. Between sketching gamers in cartoon form and taking naps at his desk with his nose on the H key, he draws an online comic called Blank It. Feel free to watch his Twitter at your own risk.

MassivelyMassively webcomic: Grinders - Hot or Not originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicfeaturedgrindershumorjoystiqfeaturesteenswebcomicFri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms video blog hits on game's unique features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/free-realms-video-blog-hits-on-games-unique-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/free-realms-video-blog-hits-on-games-unique-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/free-realms-video-blog-hits-on-games-unique-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Free Realms is one of those rare massively multiplayer online games that seems to hold appeal for both children and adults, despite its target group of teens and tweens. Sony Online Entertainment released a video blog from CES 2009 specifically about the game, with SOE President John Smedley and Creative Director Laralyn McWilliams. They explain a bit about what the game is, and some of what makes the title unique.

The video blog is interspersed with footage from Free Realms, highlighting its combat-optional design philosophy. This should provide gamers with a variety of options -- including pets and mini-games -- allowing them to play however they choose.

Continue reading Free Realms video blog hits on game's unique features

MassivelyFree Realms video blog hits on game's unique features originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilitycesces-2009childrenclassescombatcombat-optionaldemographicsfantasyfree-realmsgame-mechanicsjohn-smedleykidslaralyn-mcwilliamsmini-gamesmmo-industrypetsprofessionsquestssoesonysony-online-entertainmentteenstweensvideoWed, 04 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms site relaunches with beta registration, videos, and more!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/free-realms-site-relaunches-with-beta-registration-videos-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/free-realms-site-relaunches-with-beta-registration-videos-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/free-realms-site-relaunches-with-beta-registration-videos-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Massively has been following the Free Realms project over at Sony Online Entertainment for some time now. Not quite as targeted as The Agency or action-oriented as DCUO, Free Realms nonetheless represents the third axis of a whole new base for the company. In its way Free Realms is actually more important than either of those two titles, throwing together a AAA-quality teen-aimed fantasy MMO experience together with free-to-play and microtransactional economics. An ambitious and unique undertaking, to be sure, from a fairly traditional company. It's great, then, to see real public progress on the game over at the official Free Realms website.

They've updated with a ton of new content, including videos, screenshots, and writeups about what they hope to accomplish with the game. Even more exciting is a page which will allow prospective players the chance to sign up to participate in the game's Beta. Word from SOE is that the game will have a lengthy Beta experience, eventually leading to a 'service-style' launch rather than one you'd expect from a boxed game.

If you're not familiar with Free Realms, we have you covered. Read into our A to Z guide on the game, take a peak at plans for eventual sequels (already!), and figure out how social networking will fit into all of this! Go check it out.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

MassivelyFree Realms site relaunches with beta registration, videos, and more! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabreakingfree-realmsfree-to-playkidssoesony-online-entertainmentteensFri, 07 Nov 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keen Teens? Not on MMOGs/Virtual Worlds, study finds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/keen-teens-not-on-mmogs-virtual-worlds-study-finds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/keen-teens-not-on-mmogs-virtual-worlds-study-finds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/keen-teens-not-on-mmogs-virtual-worlds-study-finds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pew Research has just published results of a study into American teens focusing on video games and civics, entitled (oddly enough) Teens, Video Games and Civics. Almost all teens game, but few are into MMOGs and virtual environments.

Overall, 97% of teens (99% of boys, and 94% of girls) were gamers, with 80% of teens generally playing five or more different genres of games. Racing, Puzzle and Sports games topped the list (with 74%, 72% and 68% respectively), while MMOGs like World of Warcraft, et al came in at second-last place with just 21% and virtual environments (Second Life, Habbo Hotel, and so) in last place with only 10%.

The five most popular games among teens were Guitar Hero, Halo 3, Madden NFL, Solitaire, and Dance Dance Revolution ranging in ratings from E for Everyone to M (Mature).

Continue reading Keen Teens? Not on MMOGs/Virtual Worlds, study finds

MassivelyKeen Teens? Not on MMOGs/Virtual Worlds, study finds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicculturehabbo-hotelmmo-industryopinionsecond-lifeteensvirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftThu, 18 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The closed beta test of Gaia Online's much-anticipated MMO has officially begun. Here's the kicker: it has a name! And that name is zOMG!. No, really. The name of the MMO is actually zOMG!. Previously, it was called Gaia Battle. That was rather generic, so this is probably a step up.

The name was chosen out of hundreds of submissions from Gaia regulars. Said Senior Producer Dave Georgeson to Wired: "it captures the spirit of our users." Those users are mostly teens. Until now, Gaia Online has simply been a casual games portal and forum community. zOMG! is an MMO built on that foundation.

If you're not familiar with Gaia Battle -- err, we mean zOMG! -- it's a browser-based game that will run on any computer that plays nice with Flash. Gameplay involves combat -- which centers around upgradable magic ring items -- and minigames. Social networking type stuff is laced in as well.

Gallery: Gaia Online MMO

MassivelyGaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedcasualclosed-betadave-georgesonflashgaia-battlegaia-onlinenameteenswiredzomgTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Habbo aims to erase hate in online communities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/habbo-aims-to-erase-hate-in-online-communities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/habbo-aims-to-erase-hate-in-online-communities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/habbo-aims-to-erase-hate-in-online-communities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Let's face it, being a teen is not easy. With the ever-growing mountain of potential pitfalls teens may face, the last thing they want to deal with is the hatred, discrimination and bigotry that seems to be plaguing our online environments. To help combat this problem, Habbo has joined forces with the Matthew Shepard Foundation in a project they call "Erase Hate".

Beginning July 7th, the Matthew Shepard Foundation staff will make appearances twice a week in Habbo's InfoBus to discuss those issues concerning young people in a safe environment. Main topics will include bullying, discrimination and any other forms of hate experienced on and offline. Not only will these teens be taught how to deal with these concerns, but they will learn how to encourage respect among peers. "It is a mission of the Foundation to support young people and provide them with the resources to lead healthy, productive, hate free lives," said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. "Our partnership with Habbo will allow us to have ongoing conversations with young people about what they can do in the fight to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance."

MassivelyHabbo aims to erase hate in online communities originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discriminationerase-hatehabbohateinfobusmatthew-shepard-foundationteenteenagersteensMon, 30 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WeeWorld announces 'World']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/weeworld-announces-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/weeworld-announces-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/weeworld-announces-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WeeWorld, the company that gave us the ubiquitous WeeMees, has answered its customers' requests for a virtual world. It's the next logical step for a company that's consistently listened to what its users want.

To be entitled 'World' (well, at least it's easy to pronounce) the new virtual world will offer a space for users to walk around in and interact as their avatars. Future content will likely include quest and gaming elements, and an oft-requested shopping feature.

Continue reading WeeWorld announces 'World'

MassivelyWeeWorld announces 'World' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>social-networkteenteenagersteensvirtual-worldsweeworldworldTue, 20 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[7-Eleven sells Nexon Game Cards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/7-eleven-sells-nexon-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/7-eleven-sells-nexon-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/7-eleven-sells-nexon-game-cards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Worlds in Motion reports that you can now buy game cards for MapleStory and other Nexon games at your local 7-Eleven convenience store. The game cards -- which cost $10 or $25 -- can be used to purchase in-game items.

At first, this struck us as bizarre, but it actually makes some sense. A 7-Eleven representative is quoted in the Worlds in Motion article saying that the cards are perfect for the "tweens and teens" who enjoy MapleStory -- a demographic that also happens to frequent 7-Eleven. The representative calls it "the Slurpee-beverage crowd."

It's a strange world. Next thing you know we'll be buying EQ2 game-time cards at the gasoline pump!

Massively7-Eleven sells Nexon Game Cards originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-117-elevenauditioncash-shopconvenience-storegame-cardskartridermaplestorynexonretailstoreteenstweensworlds-in-motionFri, 30 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST