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[EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Fanfest 2013 day one roundup DUST 514, wormholes, lowsec PvP and Retribution
The 10th anniversary EVE Online Fanfest is beyond massive, with over 1,400 players piling into Reykjavik's Harpa building for three days of intense internet spaceshippery. Players fly from across the world to meet their corpmates and chat with other players as passionate about EVE as they are. CCP runs a packed schedule of game design presentations, reveals, and roundtable discussions with players, but for many attendees, the event is about being a part of a tight-knit community that usually exists only inside a game server.

CCP made the bold statement to the press team this morning that its goal is "to create virtual worlds more meaningful than real life," and with so many people flying across the world to meet other players face to face, I'd say the studio has succeeded. Today saw talks on EVE's hugely successful Retribution expansion, ship rebalancing, map generation in DUST 514, and lowsec PvP, and of course, we attended the DUST 514 keynote speech. There were also some hilarious shenanigans with the wormhole roundtable room filling to bursting and a guest science lecture on the possibility of faster than light travel in real life.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestfeaturedfpsgraphicsicelandinternet-spaceshipslowsecmassively-event-coveragemmofpsnewspiracypirateplanetary-interactionplaystationplaystation-3previewpreviewsps3pvprekyjaviksandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineterritorial-controlvideovideoswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesThu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: History of the Interstellar Starbase Syndicate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/eve-evolved-history-of-the-interstellar-starbase-syndicate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/eve-evolved-history-of-the-interstellar-starbase-syndicate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/eve-evolved-history-of-the-interstellar-starbase-syndicate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Today's EVE Online is packed to the brim with warring alliances smashing each other's property to pieces, but it wasn't always like that. In EVE's early days, there were so few players that much of nullsec was wasteland and you could often go 40 jumps across the lawless regions without seeing a single soul. Conquerable stations were added for players to fight over in 2003's Castor expansion, but they were few and far between. It wasn't until player-owned structures were first introduced with Exodus that nullsec really started out on its path to full-scale colonisation and all-out war.

The first player-owned structures introduced were Starbases, which offered not only a place to stash your loot and ships but also a whole new industry based on reacting moon minerals together. Moon minerals have been a major point of contention in nullsec balance discussions over the years, but most alliances weren't all that interested in moons when the industry first appeared. Starbases took all day to set up, refueling and emptying them required constant hauling, and just scanning all the moons in a region for minerals was a massive undertaking. In the summer of 2005, player Count TaSessine saw this problem as an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands as he formed the Interstellar Starbase Syndicate.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the history of one of EVE's early alliances, its creator's dream for a civilian nullsec, and the changes that eventually led to the alliance's destruction.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: History of the Interstellar Starbase Syndicate

MassivelyEVE Evolved: History of the Interstellar Starbase Syndicate originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaalliancealliance-politicsalliance-warfarealliancesborealiscalicoccpccp-gamesconsidocount-tasessineeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefabricafeaturedfleet-warfaregreat-southern-warhistoryiacinterstellarinterstellar-alcohol-conglomerateinterstellar-starbase-syndicateissloremarginismcmercenary-coalitionnullsecnyphurpoliticspvpsandboxsci-fiserenity-steelestinsterritorial-controlterritorial-warfarethe-great-southern-wartychowarwarfareSun, 11 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/eve-evolved-merging-eve-with-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
When console MMOFPS DUST 514 was first announced, players were cautious of the game's ambitious goals. Developers promised that DUST battles would decide the ownership of planets inside PC MMO EVE Online, and that this would tie into system sovereignty and ultimately ownership of entire regions of space. We expected the two games to have separate communities and economies that would interact only when EVE players hired DUST mercenaries to take over sectors of particular planets, but we couldn't have been more wrong.

Two years later, CCP blew our expectations out of the water with details of how DUST and EVE will be practically joined at the hip. We learned that the two games would share the exact same corporations and that ISK would be transferable between games. We also got a glimpse of the incredible plans for realtime integration, with EVE ships able to deliver air strikes to planets and DUST players able to shoot down ships in orbit with ground cannon. But have those ambitious goals stayed in focus during development, and what can we expect from DUST when it launches early next year?

In this week's EVE Evolved opinion piece, I look through the public information on DUST 514's launch integration with EVE Online and speculate on how the link may evolve after release.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Merging EVE with DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-strikealliance-warfarebattlefieldbattlefield-2ccpccp-gamescommanderconsoleconsole-mmodustdust-514dust-514-betadust-514-videodust-betadust-bunnieseveeve-dust-integrationeve-dust-interactioneve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsincarnaintegrationmercmercenarymercenary-quartersmmofpsplanetplanetsplaystationplaystation-3ps3realtimesandboxsci-fishootersolar-systemsterritorial-controlterritorial-warfaretrailervideowalking-in-stationswar-bargeSun, 04 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/eve-evolved-eve-onlines-top-selling-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
At E3 this year, EVE Online developer CCP Games said it wants the game to still be running decades from now, continuing its usual trend of steady growth. EVE has barely grown in subscriptions over the past year, and average concurrent logins have flatlined since 2010, but the Crucible and Inferno expansions helped start turning things around. Developers hope to get growth back on track and attract new people to the world of New Eden, but I have to wonder whether they're selling EVE to new people in the right way.

EVE has always spread through word of mouth, with people being brought in by friends or starting fresh after hearing an epic story of in-game events or seeing an awesome video. More recently, existing online communities have been drawn to set up shop in the game and bring hundreds or thousands of members with them. People brought in by friends and people who join organisations in-game are more likely to stay in the game long-term, and it's this angle that I think CCP really needs to push. With its single-shard universe, awesome community, and massive scale PvP, EVE has some pretty huge selling points that no other MMO can match.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at a few of EVE's biggest selling points and how CCP could use them to attract new players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points

MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE Online's top selling points originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescorporationscorpscrucibleculturedominionendgameeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfleet-battlesfleet-commandfleet-warfarefreefree-to-playgoalsinfernomarketingplexpvpsandboxsci-fiselling-pointsterritorial-controlterritorial-warfaretrailertrailerstyrannisvideovideoswarwarfarewarsworld-recordSun, 10 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Player-owned structures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/eve-evolved-player-owned-structures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
For much of EVE Online's life, warfare has revolved around player-owned structures of one sort or another. When conquerable stations were released at the end of 2003, they became flashpoints for PvP and goals for corporate territorial warfare. This continued even after the release of player-owned starbases in late 2004, as even the most territorial alliance didn't have the manpower to take down a well-defended large starbase. Industrialists held all the cards, and nullsec alliances made deals with them to open their moons for exploitation.

Eventually, player-built outposts arrived on the scene, and starbases were adopted to fill a military role in system defense. Whichever side in a fight could control the most starbases in a system would win the outpost, and fearsome dreadnoughts were introduced to make starbase sieges possible. Today, starbases take a back seat to wars over infrastructure hubs, territorial claim units and sovereignty blockade units. The war will eventually extend to planets, but until now planetary interaction has been an entirely industrial affair without the slightest hint of EVE's typical conflict. With the coming Crucible expansion, the starbase and customs office systems are due to be overhauled in a way that should lead to more conflict and lay the ground work for DUST 514.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the history of starbases, the impact of the coming starbase revamp, and the possibility of additional conflict brought in by the new customs offices.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Player-owned structures

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Player-owned structures originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesconflictcruciblecustomscustoms-officedustdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexodusexpansionfeaturedfleetfleet-warfarefleetsfuelnewsnormadicowning-a-planetpatchplanetplanetary-interactionplanetsplayer-developersplayer-developmentplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationpospos-fuelpvpred-moon-risingrmrstarbasestarbase-fueltaxterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareterritoryterritory-controlwormholeSun, 27 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online introduces political map, Chronicles of Nave]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mortal-online-introduces-political-map-chronicles-of-nave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mortal-online-introduces-political-map-chronicles-of-nave/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mortal-online-introduces-political-map-chronicles-of-nave/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Mortal Online
Mortal Online players are going to have to wait a little bit longer for the game's The Dawn expansion, but in the meantime, Star Vault is busily working on the game's newly added territory control system. The newest addition to the system is a political map and a feature the team calls Chronicles of Nave.

The political map allows players to track which territories are under whose control in real time, so they always know where the fights are raging. The Chronicles of Nave, on the other hand, is a ladder ranking system, which ranks players and guilds according to a variety of statistics. The current system displays players' stats and builds, though there is an option to turn this feature off in case a player would rather keep his build a secret. Both of these features are still in beta, so players can expect them to be updated with expanded functionality. For the full details, check out the forum post over at the Mortal Online official forums.

MassivelyMortal Online introduces political map, Chronicles of Nave originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicleschronicles-of-navemomortalmortal-onlinepolitical-mappvpstar-vaultstarvaultterritorial-controlterritory-controlWed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Vault reveals more Mortal Online territorial control details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/star-vault-reveals-more-mortal-online-territorial-control-detail/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/star-vault-reveals-more-mortal-online-territorial-control-detail/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/star-vault-reveals-more-mortal-online-territorial-control-detail/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mortal Online - Nave map
A couple weeks back we heard tell of Mortal Online's territorial control update. Today, Star Vault has elaborated on the new sandbox system via a news bulletin on the game's official website.

It seems that the feature is still fairly early in the development process, as the site says that internal testing is still in full swing. External testing, by way of a specially selected focus group, is planned for next week.

What's that, you want to hear more about mechanics? Very well. Keeps act as a "starting point" for guilds in the territorial control system. Each keep awards control points (CP) that can be spent on towers and "various things." Keeps also feature an overseer NPC who provides extra protection, sells goods and features, and more. Finally there's the prominence system, which involves earning prominence points (PP) through various methods including PvP and PvE. There's more, of course, but we don't want to deprive you of a chance to visit the Mortal Online website, so off you go.

MassivelyStar Vault reveals more Mortal Online territorial control details originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>control-pointsfantasyguild-keepskeepsmortalmortal-onlinenaveprominenceprominence-pointssandboxsiegesstar-vaultstarvaultterritorial-controltowersSat, 01 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online update expanding territory control features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mortal Online - control point
Mortal Online's sandbox is about to get a bit sandier if a new territory control update video is any indication. The fantasy title from Star Vault has had a rough time in the court of public opinion since its June 2010 launch, but development continues apace.

The latest patch brings control structures to the table, and according to the video intertitles, said structures can be placed anywhere near territory that you already control. Occupied land then earns taxes and control points for its owners, and control points may be spent "to further increase the area of any of your control structures, increase their abilities, or build more of them."

City control is possible with the new update, as is the collection of guild points after completing "various deeds." Star Vault says that the guild points can be used for a number of actions including outlawing players in your territory or declaring martial law. Check out the video after the break and head to the official Mortal Online website for more details.

Continue reading Mortal Online update expanding territory control features

MassivelyMortal Online update expanding territory control features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>control-pointsfantasyffaffa-pvpgame-mechanicsmortalmortal-onlinenavepvpsandboxstar-vaultstarvaultterritorial-controlterritory-controltrailervideoSun, 11 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Building a better empire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image: Building a better empire
It's often said that EVE Online is 99% endgame, with only the tutorials and epic mission arcs really providing directed gameplay. Once you get out into the open world, the game is dominated by sandbox laws and social interaction. This is most clear in the lawless nullsec regions where alliances war over territory and build their own empires in the void.

Last week I looked back at the early days of nullsec industry and examined the problems industry has developed over the years. With a massive nullsec revamp scheduled to begin this winter, I went on to speculate on how the game could be changed to bring back the glory days of nullsec industry. Although adequately incentivised local mining and production could transform player-created empires, those aren't the only areas of gameplay being revisited. Sovereignty mechanics, fleet warfare, small gang warfare, exploration and small-scale territorial control will all eventually be redesigned as part of the massive iterative overhaul.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the history of EVE's empire-building and territorial warfare mechanics, some of the problems faced by the sovereignty system, and how those aspects of EVE could possibly be changed for the better.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Building a better empire

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Building a better empire originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareccpccp-eveccp-gamescolonisationdreadnoughtempireempire-buildingeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedhistoryinfrastructureinterstellar-starbase-syndicateissmapmostly-harmlessnullsecoutpostplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationpvpsovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareterritorywarwarfareSun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE Online trailer highlights the player behind the space ship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/new-eve-online-trailer-highlights-the-player-behind-the-space-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/new-eve-online-trailer-highlights-the-player-behind-the-space-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/new-eve-online-trailer-highlights-the-player-behind-the-space-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hot on the heels of today's announcement that EVE Online will soon be making its way to Japanese gamers, CCP released a new trailer for the Incarna expansion. Rather than focusing only on in-game action, the new trailer entitled "I was there" tells the tale of a memorable battle from the perspective of a player. Although the dialogue is pretty corny, the story and feeling behind it are things any player involved in gang or fleet warfare can identify with. We all carry stories of the epic fights we've turned around in our favour, and we all like to remember that we were there.

The trailer highlights the very real rush of fleet warfare, the real bonds we form with the players behind the ships and the communities we build and defend together. That sense of community is even extended outward into the real world, as attendees at the annual Fanfest or any one of several unofficial EVE meet-ups find out every year.

At the 2011 EVE Fanfest in March, CCP and EVE players in attendance raised $11,000 US for charity Get Well Gamers. Notable items sold included the official CCP Banhammer from the GM department, as seen in the company's absolutely not safe for work music video HTFU, and a tour of the CCP offices led by CEO Hilmar Pétursson. CCP Soundwave's impromptu art print auction raised a massive $1,500, bringing total donations up to the $11,000 mark. The money was delivered to Get Well Gamers this week and will go to help buy gaming systems for sick children to play during their stays in hospital.

Skip past the cut to watch the new Incarna trailer, embedded in HD.

Continue reading New EVE Online trailer highlights the player behind the space ship

MassivelyNew EVE Online trailer highlights the player behind the space ship originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarsccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-soundwavecharitycommunitycool-as-fdonationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefleetfleet-warfaregang-warfareget-well-gamersincarnanewspvpterritorial-controlterritorial-warfaretrailervideoThu, 07 Jul 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Huge Earthrise patch brings major combat tweaks, bug fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There are patches and then there are patches, and the most recent Earthrise update was definitely the latter. Masthead Studios has dropped approximately one gigabyte worth of changes on the world of Enterra thanks to the 18143 patch, and if the preliminary discussion thread is any indication, players seem to be happy with the tweaks.

Many of the changes are found in the game's combat engine, with adjustments to core and special weapon damage as well as weapon ranges and substantial updates for assault rifles, precision rifles, flamers, melee weapons, and shotguns. AI line-of-sight issues have also been fixed, and several UI and party-related bugs have been squashed.

There's also an interesting blurb in the patch notes regarding territorial warfare. Specifically, the notes say that "all bases and the environment around them are complete and standing by." While Masthead hasn't publicly confirmed that Earthrise's warfare system is complete and ready for prime time, it's encouraging to see some official progress.

MassivelyHuge Earthrise patch brings major combat tweaks, bug fixes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1814318143-patchearthriseenterramastheadmasthead-studiospatchpatch-notespatchessandboxsci-fiterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareupdateupdatesweapon-changesweapon-damageweapon-rangesThu, 12 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proposed changes to EVE's nullsec regions cause a stir]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/proposed-changes-to-eves-nullsec-regions-cause-a-stir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/proposed-changes-to-eves-nullsec-regions-cause-a-stir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/proposed-changes-to-eves-nullsec-regions-cause-a-stir/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

At the end of 2009, EVE Online's vast and lawless nullsec regions were given a complete overhaul with the Dominion expansion. System sovereignty mechanics were changed, and a new infrastructure system was put in place. Through an infrastructure hub interface, alliances were given the ability to upgrade the systems within their borders. Areas of space near EVE's empire systems that were rarely fought over suddenly became prime real-estate, ripe for conquest and development. The difference in quality between the best systems deep in nullsec and poor systems nearer empire was significantly lowered.

The hope was that by increasing the carrying capacity of each individual system, CCP would cause large alliances to contract into smaller areas of space. The result hasn't been exactly as CCP had planned, since huge areas of nullsec are now being dominated by massive coalitions of alliances. In a new devblog, CCP Greyscale has explained steps that CCP plans to take in order to rectify the situation. The quality of cosmic anomalies provided by system upgrades will soon depend largely on the system's true security rating. Systems that were highly sought before Dominion will now be significantly better for making ISK.

CCP hopes that this will cause high-end alliances to concentrate in higher-end space, leaving power vacuums near empire space for smaller alliances to fill. Player reaction to the devblog has been fierce, with the comments thread reaching over 65 pages, the vast majority of it negative. Whether the changes are a good idea is debatable, but the one thing players have widely agreed on is that the changes will not achieve the goals CCP has set out in the devblog. As the changes are part of the official Incursion features list, however, it's highly likely that they'll go to the live server in a future patch deployment.

MassivelyProposed changes to EVE's nullsec regions cause a stir originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaledevblogeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinenullsecterritorial-controlterritorywarwarfareThu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Spotlight is a new bi-weekly feature in which we interview prominent members of EVE Online's player community or development team. Every two weeks, we'll be shining the spotlight on a player or developer who has a significant impact on EVE to highlight the efforts of EVE's most influential people.

It's said that PvP is the force that drives EVE Online, forging demand in the markets through destruction of assets and adding much of the unique political conflict that lies at the heart of EVE's gameplay. If war is EVE's driving force, then mercenaries are its swiftest vehicles. Contract killers by profession, mercenary corporations will take up arms against anyone for the right price. No mercenary group in EVE has ever been as feared and admired as Mercenary Coalition. Famed for being perhaps the single most destructive influence in EVE, MC has turned the tides of wars and shattered entire regions and alliances through brute force. At the alliance's highest point, the mere mention of its name was often enough to postpone war.

The group officially disbanded in 2008 following a drawn-out war with Band of Brothers alliance in Delve. Late last year, Mercenary Coalition made a comeback with the announcement by founder Seleene that the group was looking for new members and contracts. Although the future now seems less than certain for the infamous alliance, MC's founder Seleene has certainly had a long and colourful history in the game -- first as a player and then later as a developer for CCP Games. Under the name CCP Abathur, Seleene worked on EVE for over three years before eventually leaving the company on good terms. Having been both an EVE developer and an avid EVE player, he now has a rare perspective on the game and its development.

In this EVE Spotlight, I talk to Seleene about his career as the head of EVE's biggest mercenary outfit and his career as an EVE game designer.

Continue reading EVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene

MassivelyEVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdciccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-spotlightfeaturedinterviewmcmercenariesmercenarymercenary-coalitionnullsecpvpseleeneterritorial-controltortugavideowarfareThu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Earthrise launch roadmap reveals a commitment to continued development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/earthrise-launch-roadmap-reveals-a-commitment-to-continued-devel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/earthrise-launch-roadmap-reveals-a-commitment-to-continued-devel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/earthrise-launch-roadmap-reveals-a-commitment-to-continued-devel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've known for some time that Masthead Studios' upcoming single-server sci-fi sandbox Earthrise was planned for retail release on February 4th. Until now, however, we haven't known exactly what would be in that initial release and what features won't make the final cut. In an announcement today, Masthead Studios revealed not only a list of key features they'll be guaranteeing to provide at launch, but also a roadmap for further development and releases throughout the year. The announcement confirms Earthrise's release in less than two weeks time on February 4th, with a substantial commitment to continued development on specific features in the following months.

The list of key features promised for launch is as follows:
  • A unique post-apocalyptic setting where the cloned remnants of mankind battle to survive and rebuild.
  • Highly customizable characters with over 100 different skills, abilities and tactics.
  • No artificial imposed "class" restrictions.
  • Fast-paced, action-packed combat featuring dynamic targeting, adaptive power armor and hundreds of high-tech weapons.
  • Sophisticated player-versus-player (PvP) mechanics that let players fight for the established order, join the revolutionary underground, or carve their own bloody path as an independent criminal.
  • Character progression that keeps players advancing in their development with no limits.
  • An advanced market-based economy with in-game supply and demand based on player activities and interactions.
  • Deep crafting mechanics that enable players to design and manufacture unique items from blueprints and raw resources.
Skip past the cut for a look at Masthead's development schedule for 2011 and a first look at what we can expect to be introduced throughout the coming year.

Continue reading [Updated] Earthrise launch roadmap reveals a commitment to continued development

Massively[Updated] Earthrise launch roadmap reveals a commitment to continued development originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdevelopmentearthrisefeaturedfebruarylaunchlaunchesmastheadmasthead-studiosmountspatchespvpreleaserelease-datesandboxsci-fiterritorial-controlvehiclesTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Early this morning, the EVE Online server underwent an extended scheduled downtime for the deployment of the Tyrannis 1.2 patch. The patch deployment proceeded as planned and almost exactly to schedule, with the entire downtime lasting around 12 hours. When the servers came up, however, members of some nullsec alliances noticed that something was amiss. All of a sudden, a number of systems in Delve that had been vacant before the downtime were now owned by Reddit-based alliance Test Alliance Please Ignore.

It soon became apparent that Test Alliance had placed territorial control units in the systems just before the extended downtime began. Under normal circumstances, territorial claim units must be protected by a fleet for the six hours they need to start up. During that time, enemy fleets have a chance to engage the hostile force and destroy their claim unit. If the six hours pass without event, ownership of the system is then awarded to the alliance that placed the structure. By placing the structures immediately prior to the extended downtime, enemies of Test Alliance were unable to contest the claim, which meant it automatically succeeded. What happened next has been the cause of a great deal of controversy on the EVE forums and Reddit.

Skip past the cut for a run-down of what happened next.

Continue reading EVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences

MassivelyEVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesbreakingccpccp-eveccp-gamescorruptionDelveeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgame-masterGMnullsecpvpsovereigntyt20-incidentterritorial-controlterritorytest-alliance-please-ignorewarwarfareTue, 02 Nov 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Dilov & Hristov on the systems of Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With an open PvP model, a rich crafting system, and a sumptuous art style, Masthead Studios' upcoming sci-fi post-apocalyptic game, Earthrise, has been gaining more and more interest from our readers. From everything we've seen of the game to date, this title will offer some interesting options in terms of how one chooses to play through the world. That's why, when we were given the chance to ask some questions of Momchil Dilov, Lead Writer and Plamen Hristov, Senior Game Designer on Earthrise, we were happy to do so.

For those not familiar with the game, you'll want to check out the interview noted yesterday, then join us behind the break as we ask about different systems such as crafting, PvP sieges, the importance of guilds, customization, character penalties, and more!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Dilov & Hristov on the systems of Earthrise

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Dilov & Hristov on the systems of Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-siegecraftingcustomizationearthriseeconomyfeaturedguildsinterviewlevel-capmassively-exclusive-interviewsmasthead-studiosMomchil-DilovPlamen-Hristovplayer-bankruptcypvpresourcesskillpointsteleportationterritorial-controlweapon-typesweaponsFri, 17 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Alliance warfare has always been a huge part of EVE Online's endgame PvP, with alliances fighting over resources, expanding their borders or just settling age-old political grudges. The Dominion expansion made sweeping changes to alliance warfare and the transition hasn't been easy on all the alliances. Since Dominion went live, it's been difficult to judge just how effective the expansion has been at revitalising territorial warfare or how alliances are using the new system. EVE Blogger Wensley has been involved in the recent war against CVA in Providence region and he's been posting some of the valuable insights he's gleaned on territorial warfare over at his blog Rifter Drifter.

In part 1 of his series "Catch 22" on the most recent parts of the war, he details the reasoning behind CVA's territorial expansion from Providence into the Catch region. In part 2, Wensley describes the details of the actual war so far and provides some useful insights into the mechanics of territorial warfare. He suggests that since alliances now get to choose the rough time their systems are fought over by way of the new reinforcement timers, they should have picked a time zone that would be inconvenient for their enemies. Instead, they had set their reinforcement timer to their enemy's peak play time, allowing them to easily amass huge fleets for the attack. He goes on to blame CVA's poor performance on a lack of preparedness, suggesting that if they had gotten their fleet together and into the threatened system first, any lag occuring when enemy players jump in would have been in their favour. If you're following the war in Providence region or just interested in how territorial warfare is fought now in EVE, Rifter Drifter's on-going Catch 22 series is definitely worth a read.

MassivelyEVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareblogbloggerccpccp-eveccp-gamescuratores-veritatis-alliancecvadominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinelagprovidencepvprifterrifter-drifterterritorial-controlwarfareTue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Player housing is one of those features we love to see in an MMO but every game that has it seems to implement it differently. Sometimes it's limited to instanced rooms the player can decorate and sometimes it's a little more functional like shared guild halls. In EVE Online, the closest thing to widely-available player housing would be anchorable starbases, which can be configured to serve a variety of functional roles. Originally, their primary purpose was to mine moon minerals and react them to produce advanced materials for Tech 2 production.

Starbases can be very useful as tactical staging points for PvP operations. With the right modules anchored around them, they can also be configured for use in other industries, from mining and manufacturing to research and deep space exploration. Until recently, they also played a critical role in EVE's alliance sovereignty warfare as the alliance with the most starbases in a system gained control of it. With that role now fulfilled by Outposts, Infrastructure Hubs and Territorial Claim Units, starbases have mostly returned to their former industrial and tactical uses.

In this article, I look at five different starbase configurations that can be very useful to organised corporations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeath-stardepotdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedpiracyplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbasepospvpsafespotsleepersovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controltipstips-and-trickswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


CCP Games has made some sweeping changes to how players claim and contest territory in EVE Online, with the recently-launched Dominion expansion. These changes haven't been without issue, however, and a significant problem with the new Sovereignty Blockade Units (SBU) has arisen. SBUs are anchored by attackers at stargates in a solar system belonging to the territory-holding alliance and disrupts the control of the Sovereignty holder, providing opportunities for attackers to usurp the space holding alliance. Issues with the SBUs prompted the devs to declare an exploit over the weekend. EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler stated:

"An issue has been discovered that makes outposts and infrastructure hubs vulnerable to attacks without the attacker having adequate Sovereignty Blockade Unit (SBU) coverage in the system. Attacking outposts and/or infrastructure hubs without adequate Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system is an exploit and any incidents will be dealt with accordingly. Situations where attackers have the proper SBU coverage are not subject to this rule. The problem is under repairs and will be fixed as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter."

Continue reading CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system

MassivelyCCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsexploitsgame-mechanicspvpsandboxsbusci-fisovereigntysovereignty-blockade-unitterritorial-controlMon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


One of the games we're looking forward to playing next year is Earthrise, a post-apocalyptic MMO currently in development at Masthead Studios. At launch, Earthrise will offer guilds a wide selection of buildings and facilities that can be built within their controlled territory. Masthead Studios has bigger plans for city building and Territorial Conquest game mechanics post-launch, though. Long term goals for this aspect of guild-level gameplay include expanding options for guilds to become less beholden to the major NPC factions (and the cities of Continoma and Noir).

Specifically, Masthead Studios would like for players to establish administrative buildings, which will provide some of the conveniences and features generally found only in NPC-held cities. According to the Earthrise devs, "Administrative buildings will remove the requirement to visit cities even further by providing access to Market, Warehouses and more from inside the Guild owned territories."

Continue reading City building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds

MassivelyCity building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-buildingcontinomaearthriseenterraenterra-islandfactionsguild-citiesguildsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoirnpc-citiesplayer-housingpost-apocalypticpost-apocalytpicqotwsandboxsci-fiterritorial-conquestterritorial-controlTue, 08 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The sci-fi MMO EVE Online set a new record this past weekend for users logged in at a given time: 54,181 pilots, up from the previous record of 53,850 set in March of this year. This new peak concurrent user (PCU) count is a significant milestone for the single shard setting of New Eden, where all of those players can (potentially) interact with one another. New Eden is a big place though, a galaxy with thousands of charted solar systems and thousands more uncharted, accessible through wormholes. Given the size of New Eden, those 54,181 pilots may not interact directly but their actions can impact everyone else in the game, regardless of whether it's through trading, establishing or toppling industrial empires, or alliance warfare on a massive scale.

The new PCU record comes in the wake of EVE Online's Dominion expansion launch on December 1 which focuses on revamping the game mechanics of territorial control, or sovereignty, in New Eden's lawless tracts of 0.0 security (nullsec) space. CCP Games Senior Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson told Massively: "With Dominion, we've made zero security gameplay so much more engaging. We're seeing a lot of people are taking the leap, updating their clones and jumping into the deep end of the pool. They are realizing that taking risks can bring big rewards, and lots of adrenaline pumped moments as well. Co-operation and having good allies is the key to success in the dark and brutal world of zero point zero space. We're seeing players communicate more, team up more and generally have more fun. Each day since release has been exciting for the developers as they watch this expansion unfold and take on a life of its own, in the hands of our ever-creative playerbase."

[Thanks StMistaken!]

MassivelyEVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0ccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsmmo-industrynew-edennullsecpcupeak-concurrent-userssandboxsci-fisenior-producersingle-shardsovereigntyterritorial-controltorfi-frans-olafssonMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"-- Smash the control images -- Smash the control machine --"
William S. Burroughs, The Soft Machine

The Dominion expansion for EVE Online is so-named for its heavy focus on the game mechanics of "Sovereignty" or control of territory in the New Eden galaxy. There's been no small amount of controversy surrounding CCP's proposed system, however, particularly as it's slated to go live on December 1st with the Dominion release. While some of the core game mechanics of control are still undergoing revision, CCP Games recently explained how ownership of solar systems will change hands in a dev blog titled "Storming the Gates."

EVE developer CCP Abathur lays out how new equipment will be used in claiming space and repelling invaders.

Continue reading CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion

MassivelyCCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccpccp-abathurccp-gamesdev-blogdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsi-huboutpostspvpsbusci-fisovereigntytcuterritorial-controlwormholesThu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online's sandbox approach to game design is one where where centralized, well-developed clusters of solar systems are controlled by NPC factions while vast, lawless tracts of space can be claimed by the players themselves. This 0.0 space (aka nullsec) contains some of EVE's most valuable resources plus offers complete freedom from the laws imposed in high security NPC space. It's the frontier -- the wild west -- that alliances of EVE's capsuleers clash with one another to control.

For all the freedom to use diplomacy, espionage, and outright warfare to get the most out of 0.0 space, players have long been hindered by the game mechanics of "sovereignty" -- EVE's system of establishing control over territory and reaping the various rewards that come with such control. The changes CCP Games are making to the game with the Dominion winter expansion aren't just about altering a few game mechanics related to territorial control -- they're about changing the rules of the sandbox itself.

Continue reading EVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox

MassivelyEVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccp-greyscaledev-blogdominionemergent-gameplayeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsmoonssandboxsci-fisovereigntyterritorial-controlTue, 15 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We recently mentioned that the next expansion for EVE Online is called Dominion, and will focus on revamping the sovereignty game mechanics -- arguably one of the most crucial aspects of the game for the most hardcore players. So why, then, is sovereignty so important to the game's players?

EVE Online is a game where everything takes place in a single setting, the New Eden galaxy comprised of thousands of solar systems. While a large percentage of the game's playerbase remains in high security space controlled by NPC factions, for others it's 0.0 space (aka nullsec) where the real action is. In a nutshell, 0.0 is a lawless frontier where the rarest ores and minerals, the highest bounty NPCs, the most lucrative exploration content (in known space) is found. Of course, these regions are the most hotly contested territories in EVE Online and those resources found within are a driver for the continual conflict that engulfs New Eden.

Continue reading Breaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion

MassivelyBreaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although the game is still in its early beta stages, the Earthrise developers at Masthead Studios have been very proactive about discussing the post-apocalyptic title with the community. They've been dropping breadcrumbs each week about Earthrise's features and game mechanics, not giving too much info on the title, but enough to form a clearer picture of what Earthrise will be like. This week, they're focusing on player-controlled resources.

Earthrise community manager Moll explains that the game's rare resources will be used in many different scopes of activity, ranging from crafting gear and vehicles to building and enhancing structures in conquered territories. As to the latter -- building bases and command centers -- player organizations will need to make some tradeoffs.

Continue reading Earthrise devs on player controlled resources

MassivelyEarthrise devs on player controlled resources originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managerearthriseforumsgame-mechanicsguildsmasthead-studiosmollnew-titlesplayer-controlledpost-apocalypticresourcessci-fiterritorial-controlTue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


How can we describe a game like Global Agenda? "It's like a sci-fi Team Fortress 2 with elements of territory and resource control." That works. Or we could say, "It's an MMO that's gene spliced with a first person shooter." That's pretty accurate as well. But whichever way you look at it, Global Agenda is a game that's hard to define with any single, existing label. You'll play as an "agent" in one of four classes -- Assault (heavy weapons), Recon (stealth and melee), Robotic (gadgets galore), or Medic -- in a game that's as much about fast-paced combat as it is about controlling territory and tapping resources on an alliance (guild) level.

The title is in development at Hi-Rez Studios, and I4U News recently spoke with Global Agenda executive producer Todd Harris about what makes this game unique. Harris discusses Global Agenda's elements of world control and says, "When a player alliance successfully claims an entire zone, anticipated to take approximately 45 days, that group will be rewarded with prestige items, public display of their alliance banner, and permanent notation within the lore of the world."

Continue reading Global Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments

MassivelyGlobal Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newsletter X for the post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise is here, after these community updates from Masthead Studios went on hiatus since March. This tenth newsletter mentions how their current development focus is on the game's crafting system, which they've said will allow for a high degree of customization, allowing skilled players to become well-known among their peers for their particular creations. There's also a fair amount of coverage of some of the various Earthrise community efforts, ranging from fansites to player-created art, as well as a media coverage recap. There's definitely a few things in there worth checking out if you're interested in keeping up with Earthrise.

While Masthead Studios may not feel quite this way about the game, this writer feels that Earthrise has some of the makings of a terrestrial EVE Online: a sandbox setting; guild-level world and resource control in what are now called 'Concession grounds'; and hopefully with that, player politics. If they can develop Earthrise along these lines, we suspect it could prove to be popular with fans of both sci-fi and post-apocalyptic games.

Gallery: Earthrise

MassivelyEarthrise newsletter Issue X updates players on game's state of development originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earthrise is a sci-fi MMO currently in development at Masthead Studios in Bulgaria, one which aims to merge sandbox gameplay with a post-apocalyptic setting. By all indications, Earthrise will be a game where players can band together to work towards world control, while of course struggling against opposing forces with similar goals.

This territorial control between guilds will be a key aspect of Earthrise and the latest 'Question of the Week' on the game's official forums addresses the game mechanics connected with such pursuits. Earthrise community manager Moll has posted "Siege Territory gameplay + defensive structures" which explains how guild bases will be integral in capturing and holding territory, as well as some of the ways these structures will allow guilds to tap the resources of a given territory. In addition, specific structures will allow for mass production, serve as power plants, and provide teleporters for moving troops between territories. There's plenty more info on the advantages of territorial control to be found in the latest round of Q&A's with the developers at Masthead Studios.

MassivelyEarthrise developers explain siege territory gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next free expansion for Lineage II is Gracia Final which is expected to bring a number of new features to the long-running fantasy MMO title. NCSoft announced this week that Gracia Final will expand gameplay to a new continent which offers aerial hunting grounds. The Gracia Final expansion will give players new ways to get in on PvP action, including three-vs.-three, or heading into the Aerial Cleft PvP arena solo for random match-ups.

Gracia Final will bring expanded clan benefits that come with the ability to level up your clan to 11. Another change for Lineage II is the Territory Battles feature, a capture-the-flag form of PvP that differs from the territorial control systems already present in the game. NCSoft states, "Unlike castle sieges, where battles are fought between clans, territory battles allow individual players and groups unassociated with clans to participate as anonymous mercenaries in these epic wars over the lands of Lineage II . All territory war participants can receive Territory which can be traded for new items through the Territory Manager."

The Lineage II Gracia Final preview site is now up and gives a basic overview of the upcoming expansion.

MassivelyLineage II expansion Gracia Final gets preview site originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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The struggle for dominance

Earthrise will be a very PvP-centric title, with open PvP and full looting adding greater risk to combat. How long will players have to loot fallen opponents (or allies)?

Atanasov says, "There will be a time limit. Right now we're planning for 30 seconds, which means that once you die nobody can pick up your inventory for that first 30 seconds. So you have the time to choose whether or not you want your inventory back," at a cost, of course.

A key game mechanic that's central to Earthrise's combat is a player's "battle rating" which is a numerical ranking of how tough you are (as presently skilled/equipped) and conversely how tough your opposition is. Your own battle rating and that of your opponents determines the experience you can gain from defeating them, or how juicy a target you are to them.

Your battle rating is determined by a few factors. The armor and weapons you equip and the abilities you've learned largely dictate battle rating. A target's battle rating will be visible to you and determines how much experience you'll get from taking down a mutant or other opponent.

The battle rating system will also give players flexibility in how quickly they advance. For example, you may be very strong but if you want greater experience gains from taking on weaker opponents you can choose to use weaker gear to match. In effect, you lower your own battle rating but earn more rewards by facing a greater challenge. The battle rating system isn't just a system that determines individual gains, it will also carry over to groups. Atanasov says, "I would say it's very unique in the MMO field. Nobody has tried it so far. I hope it will work well and will bring some new ideas to the future of MMO games."

Continue reading GDC09: Massively previews Earthrise page 2

MassivelyGDC09: Massively previews Earthrise page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbackstorybulgariacontinomacraftingearthriseeconomyfeaturedgdcgdc-2009joystiq-featuresloremassively-event-coveragemassively-interviewsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoirpost-apocalypticpreviewspvpsci-fisiege-warfaresofiaterritorial-controlSun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Have wormholes revitalised EVE?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/22/eve-evolved-have-wormholes-revitalised-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/22/eve-evolved-have-wormholes-revitalised-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/22/eve-evolved-have-wormholes-revitalised-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


It's been just over a week since the Apocrypha expansion went live and EVE Online is already starting to see the impact of the new content on gameplay. Wormholes in particular have revitalised gameplay for so many individuals that Apocrypha may just be the best EVE expansion to date. Everything from piracy to low security space, system ownership and exploration have been affected by the advent of unstable wormholes. But how could something as simple as unstable wormholes revitalise other areas of gameplay?

In this article, I examine the far-reaching effects of EVE's newest gameplay addition - wormholes.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Have wormholes revitalised EVE?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Have wormholes revitalised EVE? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's latest Apocrypha expansion has elevated the exploration profession to new heights. The addition of roughly 2500 new and uncharted solar systems, expanding the game's galaxy of New Eden to over 7500 solar systems in total, brings what can honestly be called 'true exploration' to the sci-fi MMO.

Territoriality is a major aspect of EVE and wormholes allow players to emerge in far flung regions of New Eden -- sometimes places they're not supposed to be -- leading to all sorts of unexpected near-death experiences. Players have already reported emerging from wormholes and finding themselves hunted by the local territorial powers (player alliances claiming those regions of the galaxy) or by the NPC authorities, in those cases where players are involved in factional warfare. Some pilots have found themselves deep within enemy faction territory, leading to all kinds of insane chases across the galaxy.

Continue reading Wormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days

MassivelyWormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've been noticing that the post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise is getting a lot of press these days. The latest piece that's caught our eye is an interview with Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov conducted by ReviewStash's Daniel Levy. The interview ranges across several topics of interest for potential Earthrise players, but perhaps what's of most interest are Atanasov's comments on combat game mechanics and crafting.

Aiming in Earthrise's combat will be done as with standard shooters, but the weapons available to characters will allow a player to keep a bead on their target. On Earthrise's crafting system, Atanasov says that players will be "capable of infusing Designs into items -- special bonuses and enhancements, or totally separate effects that allow the crafter to customize an item to the needs of his or her customers." Certain crafters may well become influential figures in Earthrise, Atanasov says, known for coming up with powerful item builds.

Continue reading Earthrise interview explains game's crafting and sandbox elements

MassivelyEarthrise interview explains game's crafting and sandbox elements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As the post-apocalyptic massively multiplayer online game Fallen Earth has now entered closed beta and gets closer to its launch, Icarus Studios is sharing more info about the title. Tiggs, the Fallen Earth Community Director, has posted the latest Stratics HoC Chat Transcript. Quite a number of the Fallen Earth devs were on hand for the chat, not limited to the game's writer and content designer, lead scripter, lead game designer, and the art director.

They fielded questions from the Fallen Earth community about the game, hitting upon everything from their choice to create an MMO without classes to the goal-oriented PvP style of the game, where territorial control is key. If you missed this as it was happening, have a look at what the devs and players are saying about Fallen Earth.

MassivelyFallen Earth dev chat transcript a glimpse into the game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Without a doubt one of the liveliest people we know of in the MMO industry, Paul Barnett, put out a YouTube video this week in celebration of his birthday, and brought Warhammer Online devs Jeff Hickman and Colin Shannon in for some updates on the game. Perhaps the most interesting thing revealed is WAR's new Zone Domination system which is currently in the works. It's intended to supplement Warhammer Online's realm-vs.-realm system by providing more compelling ways to capture zones. Hickman says, "If you can capture everything in a zone and hold it, claiming the Keeps and dominate that zone, then you have a very good chance of capturing the zone." Or, as Barnett summarizes, Zone Domination will give players more reasons for defending and holding objectives.

Colin Shannon also provides an update on the reduction of crashes in WAR, and there's (perhaps) a ray of hope mentioned at the end for having multiple items in the mail system. Check out the video embed below the cut for more on the state of the game, and what new features WAR players should be getting in a forthcoming patch.

Continue reading WAR's new Zone Domination system in development

MassivelyWAR's new Zone Domination system in development originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prolific games journalist Jim Rossignol is an avid EVE Online player, who has made regular contributions to Eurogamer focused on this particular sci-fi MMO. His latest piece, "EVE Online: Battle Reports", is a brief account of how his PvP-focused corp (EVE's version of a guild) fared in a conflict against some steep odds.

His aim is to explain a bit about how the game works while telling his story, hopefully holding appeal for those who don't play the game as well as those who do. "Because of the open structure of the game world, player-versus-player battles happen in all kinds of contexts and situations, and the sheer number of variables means they can make for a great story," Rossignol writes.

Continue reading An insider's account of galactic warfare in EVE Online

MassivelyAn insider's account of galactic warfare in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday marked a first in EVE Online -- the first time a titan supercapital ship was destroyed by an opposing non-capital ship fleet. For those less familiar with EVE, titans have been a sensitive issue for many players in the game, as they're New Eden's closest equivalent to the Death Star in Star Wars. That is to say, they can unleash a doomsday area-of-effect weapon blast that typically annihilates whatever it washes over. Only in EVE, there isn't just the one titan. There is a growing multitude of them. Given the titan proliferation in EVE, when a titan dies, players on the other side of the conflict rejoice.

A titan is the ultimate weapon in alliance warfare. Typically only an array of opposing capital ships -- the biggest and baddest -- have the firepower to bring a titan down. But on Friday, November 21st, a concerted effort from the following alliances destroyed a titan with a sub-capital ship fleet: Triumvirate, G00DFELLAS, Atlas Alliance, Axiom Empire, ParadoXon Alliance, Bionic Dawn, HUN Reloaded, Skunk-Works, Eradication Alliance and Band of Brothers. (If you think that's quite a number of involved parties, you should see how many pilots made it onto the killboard.)

ISD Clarity Brown, one of EVE's in-game reporters, states, "This kill was -- as far as we know at present -- unique, in that the killing force contained not one capital ship." The downed Erebus-class titan was flown by Shizah, from Cutting Edge Incorporated, which is part of RAZOR Alliance.

Continue reading First titan class ship in EVE to be destroyed by non-capital fleet

MassivelyFirst titan class ship in EVE to be destroyed by non-capital fleet originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Any massively multiplayer online game built around the twin pillars of PvP and territorial control can't go wrong by providing realtime status updates of the struggle via the web. Warhammer Online has endeavored to do just that with the Realm War site, as addressed in a dev diary by the title's Web Development Lead, Scott Stricklin. The dev blog touches on what Mythic has accomplished thus far with bringing WAR to the web, and what they hope to accomplish in the future -- namely, podcasts, community news, and character and guild profiles. While they have no shortage of ideas about how to expand WAR outside of the client, their first objective has been to bring Realm vs. Realm data to the web. That goal has now been realized, and Stricklin walks the reader through the features of the newly revamped Realm War site.

Players now have access to updated information about the overall campaign and the status of each capital city, Stricklin writes. This information is also presented visually, with each capital city's look changing based on its status, ranging from peaceful to besieged. This can all be kept in a pop up box in your browser to provide continual updates for when the tide of battle turns. Further information is provided through selectors which represent a server's racial pairings, giving a snapshot of what's happening with each tier's zone control. An added bonus to this are influence maps for each zone, similar to the in-game maps, which show the status of the various RvR objectives and allow a player to mouse over keeps, seeing when it was last captured and by which guild. Have a look at Scott Stricklin's dev diary for more on the Realm War site, or better yet, just head over there and try it out for yourself.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our Warhammer guides: Massively's Character Creation Guide and our WoW Player's Guide to Warhammer. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyBringing WAR to the web originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-citiesdestructionea-mythicendgamefantasygame-mechanicsinfluence-mapkeepkeepsmapsmythic-entertainmentorderpvpracesrealm-vs-realmrealm-warrealm-war-sitervrscott-stricklinterritorial-controltierswarwarhammer-onlinezone-controlzonesFri, 21 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Community Spotlight: SirMolle Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/eve-community-spotlight-sirmolle-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/eve-community-spotlight-sirmolle-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/eve-community-spotlight-sirmolle-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Band of Brothers fields the largest capital ship fleet in the game. Obviously this provides your alliance with an advantage, but how do you respond to what many players feel is a problem of capital ship proliferation? Do you miss the days before capital ships and POS warfare became the norm?

EVE is ever-changing. It has evolved since the early alpha and beta days to early release, to today's EVE. It will never stop changing, and the players have to evolve with it. You can always say "remember the good old days", but, that's just nostalgia. Evolve or die, adapt or be overcome.

I could say I miss ninja-mining, I could say I miss dura-Mallers, I could say I miss splash damage from torpedoes, I could say I miss the days before POS's were in the game. But all in all, EVE is a larger game, a larger world, a more complex world today than when it started. Changes are a part of your EVE-life. Embrace it.

The most important ship in EVE is not a capital ship; it's the battleship.

Continue reading EVE Community Spotlight: SirMolle Part 2

MassivelyEVE Community Spotlight: SirMolle Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareband-of-brothersccpccp-gamescommunity-spotlightconflictendgameeveeve-community-spotlighteve-onlinegame-mechanicsguildsinterviewsmassively-interviewsmaxnew-edenplayer-owned-stationpospvpsci-fiterritorial-controlFri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST