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[Fifty days of 'lulz' over: LulzSec disbands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/50-days-of-lulz-over-lulzsec-disbands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/50-days-of-lulz-over-lulzsec-disbands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/50-days-of-lulz-over-lulzsec-disbands/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The secretive hacking group known as LulzSec has announced that it is formally disbanding with the completion of its planned 50 days of mayhem. Among its many targets that it has hacked, including government sites, LulzSec struck at The Escapist, Bethesda Game Studios, League of Legends, and EVE Online.

LulzSec sent out a final statement, which said the group was a band of six hackers who had planned 50 days of attacks from the beginning. Now that the time is up, the group plans to fade into the shadows.

The group hopes that others will continue with these illegal activities: "Behind the mask, behind the insanity and mayhem, we truly believe in the AntiSec movement. We hope, wish, even beg, that the movement manifests itself into a revolution that can continue on without us."

While a suspected member of LulzSec was arrested a few days ago, the organization denied that he was part of the collective.

MassivelyFifty days of 'lulz' over: LulzSec disbands originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-securityantisecattacksccpciaddoseveeve-onlinefbigovernmenthackershackingleague-of-legendslollulzlulzsecryan-clearythe-escapistMon, 27 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you think of MMORPGs, I wouldn't blame you if your mind stayed rooted firmly in the past decade or so, perhaps taking a brief vacation to 1997 before returning to today's 3-D polygonal glory. But it's not like people just woke up in the late 90's, looked at each other, and said, "Hmm. Online multiplayer RPGs. Let's make it happen!"

On the contrary, history had been building up to that moment for quite some time. Tabletop RPGs and computer MUDs (multi-user dungeons) were both important ancestors of modern MMOs, just as was a mostly forgotten piece of software lore: the bulletin board system, also known as the BBS.

In layman's terms, BBSes were like pocket internets -- host computers that allowed anyone to dial up and use special programs remotely. While BBSes weren't (initially) tied together like the world wide web, they featured a lot of the elements that would make the WWW so popular, such as email, forums, and, yes, online games.

Today's special one-shot Game Archaeologist will take a brief look at the history of the BBS, as well as a couple of its games that could be considered "MORPGs" (like the renowned website, the "Massively" part would be a while in coming). Dial up, gentle readers, and make your hissing modem noises!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baudbbsbulletin-boardbulletin-board-systemcbbsccpdoor-gameseveeve-onlnefeaturedgreat-blizzard-of-1978in-game-moduleslegend-of-the-red-dragonlordmacguyvermodemmudmudsmulti-user-dungeonof-teeth-and-clawsrandom-eventsrandy-suessseth-able-robinsonstar-trekSTDssysopsysopssystems-operatorsthe-escapistthe-game-archaeologisttrade-warstrade-wars-2002ward-christensenxmodemyou-are-pwned-by-a-grueTue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual worlds for kids an ever-growing market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/virtual-worlds-for-kids-an-ever-growing-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/virtual-worlds-for-kids-an-ever-growing-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/virtual-worlds-for-kids-an-ever-growing-market/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kids -- particularly tweens -- are big business today, with an ever-larger percentage of the family budget being used for and influenced by this age group. Smart businesses everywhere are hurrying to get in on the gold mine, and MMO gaming is no exception. MMOs and virtual worlds like Free Realms and Club Penguin are enjoying growing success, and there is still plenty of room on the bandwagon.

More and more MMO companies are turning an eye to console development, and that road runs both ways: The Escapist took a look at the possibility of upcoming virtual worlds for the 8-12 year old market. The focus was on franchises that have traditionally been known to be console only, particularly those coming from Nintendo. Nintendo enjoys a nearly unshakable hold on the young casual console gamer market, thanks mostly to the Mario franchise.

A virtual world filled with Mario and all of his friends? Why not? Take a look at what The Escapist has to say on the matter.

MassivelyVirtual worlds for kids an ever-growing market originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kidsmarionintendosuper-mario-brosthe-escapisttweensvirtual-worldsWed, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX 2009: Victorian spaceships with Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gamex-2009-victorian-spaceships-with-ben-yahtzee-croshaw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gamex-2009-victorian-spaceships-with-ben-yahtzee-croshaw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gamex-2009-victorian-spaceships-with-ben-yahtzee-croshaw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw of the infamous Zero Punctuation reviews on The Escapist is a bit tricky to track down, but we were able to get some time in with him at this year's GameX in Philadelphia.

We pitched the fast talking reviewer some questions to get his opinion on the MMO genre beyond his reviews of Tabula Rasa and EVE Online, and found out some interesting things -- like victorian steampunk spaceships are awesome. So what breaks the MMO genre for Yahtzee? Will more MMOs be smash... er... featured on Zero Punctuation? If you're wondering the answers to these questions, then wonder no more! Just click on through after the break to check out our video interview!

Continue reading GameX 2009: Victorian spaceships with Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw

MassivelyGameX 2009: Victorian spaceships with Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-croshawben-yahtzee-croshawfeaturedgamexgamex-2009interviewmmosopinionthe-escapistvideo-interviewyahtzeeyahtzee-croshawzero-punctuationWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Warhammer Online GM gives perspective on game's decline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/former-warhammer-online-gm-gives-perspective-on-games-decline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/former-warhammer-online-gm-gives-perspective-on-games-decline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/former-warhammer-online-gm-gives-perspective-on-games-decline/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At Massively we must often report on declining subscription numbers and subsequent layoffs in the MMO industry, just as we do when the games we love are healthy and growing. When you look beyond the numbers though, such industry statistics are ultimately about people whose lives have been negatively impacted. They face uncertainty in their career and likely have tough times ahead.

Case in point: We've written about the Mythic Entertainment layoffs from the view of an outside observer of the MMO industry, but of course there's a side to this that only someone who's worked there can really convey. Some have a story they'd like to tell, like Jeremy Monken, former games reviewer for a D.C. newspaper turned Warhammer Online GM at Mythic Entertainment.

Continue reading Former Warhammer Online GM gives perspective on game's decline

MassivelyFormer Warhammer Online GM gives perspective on game's decline originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeremy-monkenlayofflayoffsmmo-industrymythicmythic-entertainmentreal-lifesubscription-numbersthe-escapistwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 07 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential avenues for MMO companies to deal with griefers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/potential-avenues-for-mmo-companies-to-deal-with-griefers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/potential-avenues-for-mmo-companies-to-deal-with-griefers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/potential-avenues-for-mmo-companies-to-deal-with-griefers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ah, the MMO griefer. Most of us have encountered them, or been them, at some point. It can be frustrating to deal with but griefing in MMOs is enabled by the very nature of most online interaction -- anonymity -- and there's not much that can be done about that. Or is there? Much has been written on eliminating griefing before, and will continue to be written we're sure, but Allen Varney at The Escapist has a different take on handling griefers.

Varney writes, "The motive to block and frustrate griefers masks what might be a great opportunity. Can we distract would-be griefers? Can we make the game so unpleasant for them they leave voluntarily? Sure. But go further: Could we turn griefers, despite themselves, to productive ends?" His article "Wanted: Ganked or Alive" points out how the behavior of griefers is something that can be predicted and exploited.

Continue reading Potential avenues for MMO companies to deal with griefers

MassivelyPotential avenues for MMO companies to deal with griefers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanallen-varneyeve-onlinegame-mechanicsgriefgriefergriefersmmo-industryopinionthe-escapistTue, 05 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Feeling a budget burn? Go World of Warshopping!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/feeling-a-budget-burn-go-world-of-warshopping/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/feeling-a-budget-burn-go-world-of-warshopping/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/feeling-a-budget-burn-go-world-of-warshopping/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are you sick of the economy but still a ravenous consumer? Are you trying to save real life cash but still craving the trendiest threads? Are you looking for the some of the best cheap entertainment money can buy? Step into the ultra-violet tanning light and embrace the penny-saver known as World of Warcraft!

Tom Endo over at The Escapist delivers an interesting editorial that just might have you looking at WoW in a new and exciting way. It isn't about using the game as a means to replace social encounters; it's about using the game to replace expensive social encounters. Tom may not personally feel you need to use WoW as a coping mechanism for poor economic times, but you certainly could. For Tom, it's all about expressing his consumerism in a new way.

Go window-shopping on WoWHead! Keep an eye out for that new glowing sword! Save up all our pennies and splurge on a vanity mount you don't really need! Remain envious of and try keeping up with the Boneses (they're undead after all)! WoW really is a perfect alternative to explore the need for greed, so if you're feeling the pocket pinch, why not give it a try?

Disclaimer: Shop-a-holics may exhibit early symptoms of WoW addiction. Buyer beware!

MassivelyFeeling a budget burn? Go World of Warshopping! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardthe-escapisttom-endoworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist takes a look at multiboxing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/the-escapist-takes-a-look-at-multiboxing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/the-escapist-takes-a-look-at-multiboxing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/the-escapist-takes-a-look-at-multiboxing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Multiboxing. It sounds like cheating when you have one man controlling two or more characters, but it's more of a pain to work with than it is a straight out cheat. Whatever your feelings are on the situation though, you have to admit, people who do multiboxing have some tremendously interesting setups and rigs to accomplish this difficult feat.

The Escapist has just let loose a feature article detailing the stories of users who multibox, why they do it, and exactly how they accomplish it on their game of choice. It's a very interesting look at the whole situation, especially when the reasons of why these normal people choose to run more account at once in their favorite game rather than just join groups or work solo are fully explained.

If you're interested in reading the full five page feature article, head on over to The Escapist and check out what Greg Tito was able to uncover.

MassivelyThe Escapist takes a look at multiboxing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktopsgreg-titomultiboxmultiboxingrigssetupsthe-escapistworld-of-warcraftThu, 05 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiction book features world domination via MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/fictional-book-features-world-domination-via-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/fictional-book-features-world-domination-via-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/fictional-book-features-world-domination-via-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the world of creative fiction creating these bizarre, unrealistic stories about video games and how they magically kill people, it's a breath of refreshing air when something comes along that defies the usual conventions. The new techno-thriller novel Daemon by Daniel Suarez is one of those books that escapes from the usual traps of writing about video games.

Daemon features a story about a dead game designer who rigs up multiple programs to run on the condition of finding his name in a obituary RSS feed. Programs that twist enough electronic mediums in just the right way to automatically steal identities, move money, recruit people, and even kill. And where is this virus hidden? In the dead game designer's MMO, of course!

Daemon stays in the realm of plausibility via its writer, Suarez, who has a career as a IT consultant and is an avid gamer. While it originally had publishing difficulties, the book has picked up steam and is now available on his website through companies like Borders, Barnes & Noble, and others. So, when you're waiting during that next raid for your priest to show up and you have nothing else to do, why not give reading this book a go?

[Via The Escapist]

MassivelyFiction book features world domination via MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdaemondaniel-suarezfictiongame-designermmothe-escapistthrillervirusFri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The game journalist war erupts in PlanetSide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/the-game-journalist-war-erupts-in-planetside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/the-game-journalist-war-erupts-in-planetside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/the-game-journalist-war-erupts-in-planetside/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fond readers will remember the last time game journalists invaded PlanetSide. They were overpowered, weapon toting, vehicle stealing, base overriding Black Ops members, and they just so happened to be the Massively.com staff. Of course we ended up getting slaughtered, as we represented a mysterious fourth faction and ended up having the entire community gang up on us -- which was insanely fun.

But now a new breed of journalist will be entering the fray. Not one, but three other staffs will be jumping down this time around, and each group will be taking a different side of combat. The Escapist, BoingBoing Offworld, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun will be joining the game as part of the three different factions, each group looking to take some of their readership along for the ride. The Escapist has already opened their key giveaway, where they will be giving 70 PlanetSide keys to readers. Rock, Paper, Shotgun has stated that they will put up their own information soon, and Offworld looks to be getting ready as well.

Continue reading The game journalist war erupts in PlanetSide

MassivelyThe game journalist war erupts in PlanetSide originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boingboing-offworldinvasionjournalistoffworldplanetsiderock-paper-shotgunsoethe-escapistwarThu, 15 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A story of in-game animosity crossing from World of Warcraft to real life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-story-of-in-game-animosity-crossing-from-world-of-warcraft-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-story-of-in-game-animosity-crossing-from-world-of-warcraft-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/a-story-of-in-game-animosity-crossing-from-world-of-warcraft-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A new feature over at The Escapist takes a look at the phenomenon of World of Warcraft faction hostilities crossing over from the game into real life. Anyone who's played Blizzard's MMO and has more than a couple of friends that do the same has probably experienced it: getting the evil eye for playing on the other side. The story itself is a strange travel through various experiences of social rejection and acceptance that are based primarily on whether or not people roll Alliance or Horde. It's things like this that make massively multiplayer online games so interesting to many fans of the genre. It wasn't until something as successful as World of Warcraft came along that we've been able to see the pop-culture effects of the genre on the general populace.

We're just wondering how long it takes MTV to catch on and make a reality show where five Horde players have to share one house with five other Alliance players. What happens when people stop being nice and start being nerdy?

MassivelyA story of in-game animosity crossing from World of Warcraft to real life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardallianceblizzardhordemtvthe-escapistwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 28 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist introduces The Virtual Policy Network]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/the-escapist-introduces-the-virtual-policy-network/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/the-escapist-introduces-the-virtual-policy-network/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/the-escapist-introduces-the-virtual-policy-network/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Escapist is carrying a deliciously cogent piece from multimedia writer Wendy Despain, tantalizingly entitled Legislating the Virtual World. In it, she introduces The Virtual Policy Network, founded by Ren Reynolds to help governments, universities and businesses mediate their interests in online worlds. The Virtual Policy Network includes such names as Richard Bartle, Mia Consalvo, Randy Farmer, Thomas Malaby, Jessica Mulligan, and David Pullinger. The issues in virtual environments, however, may be at once simpler and more complex than they appear on the surface.

'As an example, consider how landlord laws might apply to virtual worlds. If it's assumed the "residents" are renting their virtual space from the people who make and maintain the game, does banning a player equate to evicting them from an apartment?,' writes Despain, 'Now consider the fact that landlord laws vary from city to city, not just internationally, and you have an idea of how complex a simple account ban can become with a little creative litigation.'

However, we'll defer to the combined wisdom of Belgian surrealist painter Réné Magritte and philosopher, historian, intellectual and sociologist Michel Foucault, who more accurately stated, Ceçi n'est pas une pipe.

Continue reading The Escapist introduces The Virtual Policy Network

MassivelyThe Escapist introduces The Virtual Policy Network originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedavid-pullingerjessica-mulliganlegalmia-consalvomichel-foucaultmmo-industrypoliticsrandy-farmerrene-magritterichard-bartlethe-escapistthe-virtual-policy-networkthomas-malabyvirtual-worldswendy-despainSat, 11 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist explores hilarious family happenings when giving gold as a gift]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/the-escapist-explores-hilarious-family-happenings-when-giving-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/the-escapist-explores-hilarious-family-happenings-when-giving-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/the-escapist-explores-hilarious-family-happenings-when-giving-go/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This week the online magazine The Escapist is once again delving into online interactions. They've previously talked about everything from failure cascades in guilds to the 'curse' of WoW addiction. Today they've got up a humorous piece about a family misunderstanding around the always contentious act of buying gold. In this case, the gold in question is Guild Wars gold, purchased for a young man enjoying a birthday.

Once the gold is purchased, miscommunications within the family lead to some tense moments and inter-generational conflict. Check out the piece and find out how the story ends, in Brendan Sears' piece "Careful What You Wish For".

MassivelyThe Escapist explores hilarious family happenings when giving gold as a gift originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold-farmingguild-warsgwhumorrmtthe-escapistTue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor: Epic drops have epic literary origins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/professor-epic-drops-have-epic-literary-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/professor-epic-drops-have-epic-literary-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/professor-epic-drops-have-epic-literary-origins/#commentsFiled under: ,

The conventional game mechanics of today's WoW-like MMORPGs are thousands of years old -- at least dating back to the Ancient Greeks. That's the thesis of Classics professor Roger Travis of the University of Connecticut in an article he wrote for The Escapist, called "Achilles Phat Lewtz."

He compared the excitement he experienced when gaining a rare drop in The Lord of the Rings Online to similar instances in Greek poet Homer's epic war story The Iliad. He also located examples of quests, guilds, character classes, grinding and boss fights in Homer's work. Check out the article; it's insightful and entertaining.

Travis also runs his own blog on the subject of relating games and ancient literary epics called "Living Epic: Video Games in the Ancient World." The various posts there are substantial and fascinating. Give it a look-over.

MassivelyProfessor: Epic drops have epic literary origins originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achillesancientblizzarddropsepicgreecegreekhomerliving-epiclootlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroprofessorroger-travisthe-escapistthe-iliadthe-odysseyturbineuniversity-of-connecticutworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 16 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look into the psyche of a tank player]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-look-into-the-psyche-of-a-tank-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-look-into-the-psyche-of-a-tank-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-look-into-the-psyche-of-a-tank-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a highly interesting look into the psyche of a longtime tank player, The Escapist takes us on a short, two-page journey down the rabbit hole of an MMO player's outlook on his hobby. We always appreciate a more heady approach to the how and why of class choice and this feature definitely delivers. It's a subject that can bring about lengthy time-passing discussions. What does it say about a person who always plays a healer? Why do they constantly choose to even be a healer? Everyone will have a slightly different set of reasons for playing the class that they do, which makes it such an interesting group discussion.

We also have to approve of the message the article sends out at its conclusion: A positive outlook on the social aspects of playing an MMO and the feel-good nature of the guild experience. It's always nice to see someone espousing an honest take on why they enjoy the genre.

MassivelyA look into the psyche of a tank player originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescoxeqeq2everquesteverquest-2ffxifinal-fantasy-xitanksthe-escapistTue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft to push evolution of Korean-style MMOs through Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/ncsoft-to-push-evolution-of-korean-style-mmos-through-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/ncsoft-to-push-evolution-of-korean-style-mmos-through-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/ncsoft-to-push-evolution-of-korean-style-mmos-through-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We love The Escapist over here at Massively. Take for instance Jared Rea's recent article, "Beautiful 21st Century" -- a piece about one company's attempt to overcome the stigma attached to most older Korean MMOs that make it to the western market: beautiful but grindy. Perhaps the most notable Korean title currently played in the west is NCsoft's Lineage II which, despite being a beautiful game, has drawn some flack from gamers about its steep grind (although this is becoming less of a problem).

NCsoft is working to change this perception of their forthcoming Korean-developed titles, particularly in light of their upcoming MMO Aion: The Tower of Eternity. Much of the problem that NCsoft faces is similar to what all companies, game or otherwise, face when taking their brand overseas -- being recognized as a global brand rather than seen in the limited light of their offerings in a given region of the world.

Continue reading NCsoft to push evolution of Korean-style MMOs through Aion

MassivelyNCsoft to push evolution of Korean-style MMOs through Aion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionasiaasianclassescultureffxifinal-fantasy-xigame-mechanicsglobalgrindgrindyindustryjared-reakoreakoreanlineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromarketmmo-industryncsoftnew-titlesopinionpvepvpthe-escapistworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 06 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation braves interstellar spreadsheets in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/zero-punctuation-braves-interstellar-spreadsheets-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/zero-punctuation-braves-interstellar-spreadsheets-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/zero-punctuation-braves-interstellar-spreadsheets-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee has reached geek culture superstardom by sacrificing sacred cows. By profanely slamming popular franchises such as Halo and Super Smash Bros., he's brought down the wrath -- and the web traffic -- of virtually the entire gaming community. There's a running joke through many of his animated reviews, though: he hates MMORPGs.

Both Tabula Rasa and Age of Conan got the full treatment, and Yahtzee has even criticized some single-player games (such as The Witcher) just for sharing gameplay elements with MMORPGs. His fans apparently thought he was being a bit too harsh. "Not all MMORPGs are the same," they presumably said. "Try EVE Online. It's different!"

And so he did. It turns out that "different" might be in the eye of the beholder. Or just as likely, MMORPGs can never be different enough for Yahtzee! The humorous (and as usual, NSFW) video review is embedded above, courtesy of The Escapist.

MassivelyZero Punctuation braves interstellar spreadsheets in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananimationben-croshawescapistescapist-magazineeveeve-onlinehalo-3humorreviewsuper-smash-brostabula-rasathe-escapistvideoyahtzeeyahtzee-croshawzero-punctuationThu, 04 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Western MMO fan plays Eastern MMO, gets disoriented]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/western-mmo-fan-plays-eastern-mmo-gets-disoriented/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/western-mmo-fan-plays-eastern-mmo-gets-disoriented/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/western-mmo-fan-plays-eastern-mmo-gets-disoriented/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's an article over at The Escapist that tells the story of a hardcore Western-style MMO player who tries out an Eastern-style MMO and experiences a bit of culture shock. The article is written by WarCry Senior Editor John Funk.

The game he tries to play is Mabinogi (of which we've published our own first impressions), and he dedicates himself to playing it for one week. During that week, he plays it for a total of 30 hours. That means he played the same game four and a half hours a day for seven days straight. We're not sure there are many games Western, Eastern, or otherwise that can stand up in that kind of intensity but he weathers through it! Comedy occurs as he struggles to understand random owl visits and perplexing user-interface functionality.

At first it seems like the article is asking if the game mechanics of an Eastern MMO are destined to be completely lost in translation for Western players, but in the end Funk cops out into another direction. Still, it's humorous and occasionally almost insightful, so check it out if the topic interests you.

MassivelyWestern MMO fan plays Eastern MMO, gets disoriented originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeasteasternjohn-funkkoreamabinoginexonsouth-koreathe-escapistwarcrywestwesternSun, 31 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The CSM speaks, will CCP Games listen?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/the-csm-speaks-will-ccp-games-listen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/the-csm-speaks-will-ccp-games-listen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/the-csm-speaks-will-ccp-games-listen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online's delegates elected to the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) have made headlines in recent weeks, both in the gaming press and mainstream news. Amidst all the media attention, EVE players have been debating to what extent the CSM will be able to work with CCP Games on changing the game to better accommodate the playstyles of the subscribers.

An article at The Escapist called 'Politics in a Vacuum' explores this interaction between the CSM and CCP Games, focusing on the Council summit in Reykjavik. CSM delegate Alison Wheeler (aka Inanna Zuni in EVE) told The Escapist: "I'm not totally sure yet how much agreement there is between CCP management and CCP development teams. They've opened this can of worms that said, 'These people get elected by other pilots and players, they have the right to say, "We want this to happen; please make it so!" Predictably, this could lead to some problems where the expectations of EVE's players, conveyed through the CSM, are unrealistic in terms of what CCP can deliver on.

Continue reading The CSM speaks, will CCP Games listen?

MassivelyThe CSM speaks, will CCP Games listen? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alison-wheelerccpccp-gamesccp-hammerheadcouncilcsmcsm-delegateeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsicelandinanna-zunilead-designernoah-wardpoliticsreykjavikserenity-steeleshayne-smartsummitthe-escapistWed, 13 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Goodbye, virtual environments. Hello, real environments.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/goodbye-virtual-environments-hello-real-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/goodbye-virtual-environments-hello-real-environments/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/goodbye-virtual-environments-hello-real-environments/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all the talk about virtual environments (virtual world is, after all, something of a misnomer), what if you could use the real environment and bring the virtual to you? That's been the fundament of Augmented Reality for some time, and the core of many a spirited discussion -- the overlaying of information, images, representation onto what we perceive of the real world. Information about products, places, people, directions to destinations.

What about games? What if you could layer a gamespace into your physical environment? Or a non-game virtual environment, like Second Life, for example? The Escapist's Howard Wen talks to Blain MacIntyre, Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology who has been one of several researchers there hacking on the Second Life viewer, adding Augmented Reality features to the software.

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

Continue reading Goodbye, virtual environments. Hello, real environments.

MassivelyGoodbye, virtual environments. Hello, real environments. originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-cameraaugmented-realityblain-macintyregeorgia-techhoward-wenkevin-aldermanmitch-kapormotion-capturesecond-lifethe-escapistvirtual-worldsTue, 12 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A personal account of the devastation wrought by virtual theft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/a-personal-account-of-the-devastation-wrought-by-virtual-theft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/a-personal-account-of-the-devastation-wrought-by-virtual-theft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/a-personal-account-of-the-devastation-wrought-by-virtual-theft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In the mainstream media it's not entirely uncommon to hear tales of virtual theft cast in a mocking or sometimes even light-hearted tone. Given the right set of details, we're sometimes guilty of it ourselves. In any case, when you actually read a first-hand account of such an experience, you quickly see how devastating a personal blow it can be to a person. A recent article in The Escapist explores one such experience, going into the depths with one unfortunate Paladin who had her Final Fantasy XI account hacked.

Much the same way that a real life burglar can rob somebody of their sense of safety, virtual thieves rob players of the joy and security they get from building up a character in a virtual world. The Paladin followed in the article lost her will to play altogether, which we think is an even sadder outcome than losing her highly-valued account.

MassivelyA personal account of the devastation wrought by virtual theft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasy-xihackedthe-escapistvirtual-theftTue, 24 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Recognizing Champions Online's tabletop roots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/recognizing-champions-tabletop-roots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/recognizing-champions-tabletop-roots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/recognizing-champions-tabletop-roots/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


One of the unexpected benefits (at least from our perspective) of Cryptic's shift from Marvel Universe Online to Champions Online is the professional relationship it fostered with the guys who managed the Champions pen and paper IP. While the crossover from paper RPG to MMO is far from straight-forward, there is a considerable brain trust from which Cryptic can draw in the creation of their game. The Escapist recently posted a terrific article which went into some depth with one such mastermind -- 16-year veteran of the franchise, Steve Long.

While Long maintains some unadulterated affection for the HERO character creation system of the pen and paper game, he seems to be of the belief that the current arrangement (with Cryptic buying the Champions IP outright and licensing it back to Hero) is going to be beneficial for both parties. While MMOs seem to be driving the overall simplification of pen and paper RPGs, Long thinks that MMOs have a lot to learn as well, especially in the areas of customization and interactivity with environments.

MassivelyRecognizing Champions Online's tabletop roots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosheropen-and-paperRPGssteve-longtabletopthe-escapistWed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini-fascist kiddie MMOS are a-ok!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/mini-fascist-kiddie-mmos-are-a-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/mini-fascist-kiddie-mmos-are-a-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/mini-fascist-kiddie-mmos-are-a-ok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Unlike most seasoned adult gamers, whose first introductions to online play were usually in the cut-throat world of the first-person shooter or real-time strategy genres, kids today are largely insulated from the bullying behavior that once typified the online experience. Creating a safe, collaborative environment that still manages to challenge gamers is one of the chief design goals of MMOs aimed at children, as Richard Aihoshi explores in a recent article for The Escapist.

Gathering opinions from developers working on titles like LEGO Universe, FusionFall, and Magi-Nation, Aihoshi explores how these titles seek to eliminate anti-social behavior like ganking and trash-talking through calculated design decisions. While Aihoshi establishes something of a consensus among the developers, he doesn't reflect on the potential ills of setting up these "mini-fascist utopias," as they are referred to by LEGO Universe's Ryan Seabury. One wonders whether this digital extension of helicopter parenting is actually desirable at all. Instead of teaching kids that fighting and cursing is wrong, we take away their freedom to do those things altogether. Lesson learned? This blogger doubts it.

MassivelyMini-fascist kiddie MMOS are a-ok! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>censoredfascistfusionfallhitlerkiddiekidslego-universemagi-nationmini-fascist-utopianon-violentrichard-aihoshithe-escapistTue, 10 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial expresses dissatisfaction with slow trickle of MMO innovation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/editorial-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-slow-trickle-of-mmo-inn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/editorial-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-slow-trickle-of-mmo-inn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/editorial-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-slow-trickle-of-mmo-inn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gamers With Jobs co-founder Sean Sands contributed to The Escapist a two-page article lamenting the state of the MMO industry. The article is aggressively titled "The Fallacy of MMO Innovation," and uses the example of Age of Conan as the springboard for a discussion of industry-wide issues.

We've already asked questions about just how innovative AoC is, but Sands seems certain of the answer, saying "in reality it really brings very little to the table that hasn't been tried before." But who can blame Funcom for not revolutionizing the genre? MMOs are so expensive to make, and their successes are uncertain to begin with, says Sands, so it's no surprise that developers and publishers are afraid to innovate. He also suggests that polish is just as essential as innovation; that's what makes World of Warcraft successful, after all.

It's a good read, although its contents might not be anything new to the minds of experienced MMO players. There's one question the author doesn't answer, though; is there a way out of this rut? We'd be fools if we tried to provide a definitive answer to that, but it's what the article left us wondering in the end. AoC pushes things forward a tiny bit in some ways. Some hope Warhammer Online will as well. But neither will totally revolutionize the genre. Is there anything on the horizon you're hoping will take the genre to a new level, or are you just as pessimistic as the rest of us?

MassivelyEditorial expresses dissatisfaction with slow trickle of MMO innovation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanarticleea-mythicgamers-with-jobsinnovationopinionsean-sandsthe-escapistthe-fallacy-of-mmo-innovationTue, 27 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist goes virtual this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-escapist-goes-virtual-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-escapist-goes-virtual-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/the-escapist-goes-virtual-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gaming commentary magazine The Escapist has gone all-online this week, with an issue entitled "It's a Small, Virtual World". Probably best known among gamers for the excellent video series Zero Punctuation, The Escapist's editorial side is always full of thought-provoking commentary.

This week features thoughts on the alternate reality game spawned by "The Office", a discussion of this year's Building Virtual Worlds show at Carnegie Mellon University, and the harsh reality of life online. They liken living in a virtual world to the travails of the old West, complete with opportunity, outlaws, and more than a few dirty deeds.

It's a great read, and The Escapist in general is well worth looking into.

MassivelyThe Escapist goes virtual this week originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-reality-gamesthe-escapistvirtual-worldsTue, 05 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An interview with a Lead Producer, on Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In an interview with Hermann Peterscheck, The Escapist squeezes out a bunch of information -- some new and some old. A lot of the interview is spent on talking about getting new players into Jumpgate Evolution, an important issue for NetDevil. Largely, it seems like Hermann and his team get what they need to do to win over people who try the game for the first time. He states that the team is focused on getting the first 30 seconds to 5 minutes down pat. Also, he talks about making sure their game looks beautiful while not choking computer hardware to death.

The screenshots that have been coming out of NetDevil certainly point to a game that's looking quite pretty -- although we'll have to wait for some in-game video before we call it all good. It's important to note that NetDevil seems to be thinking about all the angles, because we're very certain they want Jumpgate Evolution to avoid a similar fate as their previous title. With a heavy focus on making the basic game fun, pretty and simple with a hidden depth -- we're willing to say JE has us here at Massively excited for it.

MassivelyAn interview with a Lead Producer, on Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilthe-escapistMon, 28 Jan 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist spends a day in the life of a WoW addict]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/the-escapist-spends-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-wow-addict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/the-escapist-spends-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-wow-addict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/the-escapist-spends-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-wow-addict/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So when you read the title up there, did you think that this story was going to be a downer? We did too, until it read through this very engrossing article. Written by Stacey Allen, the entire thing explores her rise to a gamer with the help of her husband and her (and his, of course) eventual magnetic meeting with World of Warcraft. It's a very enjoyable read that explores her various experiences with gaming more than anything else.

We couldn't help but feel a bit moved by the whole thing, which does end with a snap back to WoW. Still, when you hear about all those relationships destroyed or families torn asunder and then read this article it really puts a contrastive light on the whole issue. Stacey and Michael have found a way to stay close to each other, even if that happens to be traipsing around Azeroth each night. It would be nice if there were more stories like this, not just about WoW but about gaming in general.

MassivelyThe Escapist spends a day in the life of a WoW addict originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardazerothblizzardthe-escapistworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 15 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An analysis of the quest formulae in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/an-analysis-of-the-quest-formulae-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/an-analysis-of-the-quest-formulae-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/an-analysis-of-the-quest-formulae-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Michael Fiegel, a gent who formerly worked on the late, lamented Gods and Heroes, has up an article in the Escapist magazine this week. He's turned his talent on a piece comparing the epic tales of yore with modern quests in Massively Multiplayer online games. From the shortest kill or collection quest in World of Warcraft all the way up to the Odyssey or Illiad, he argues that they all outline a formula.

Fiegel examines this formula, noting the basic structure, the outline that every quest has. In his conclusion, he notes that ultimately these formula, this storytelling shorthand, is done for our benefit. As 'once upon a time' puts the audience in the right frame of mind for a fairlytale, dwarves, elves, and mages are all hallmarks of the familiar modern fantasy.

It's interesting to think of the possibility that this might work in reverse someday in the future. Perhaps the 'you are the hero' nature of online gaming will one day influence the nature of storytelling?

MassivelyAn analysis of the quest formulae in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formulalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroqueststhe-escapistworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 02 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The9 buys shares in ... itself]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/the9-buys-shares-in-itself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/the9-buys-shares-in-itself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/the9-buys-shares-in-itself/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Escapist reports that following disappointing profits despite record sales, Chinese gaming company The9 (the Chinese carrier of World of Warcraft) saw its stock values plummet by 32% recently. The company then took the opportunity to purchase back $50 million worth of shares in itself.

CEO and Chairman Jun Zhu was quoted by The Escapist saying, "We think that the current shares price level do not reflect the company's value and potential. Mirroring this confidence, our board of directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to $50 million of its own stock."

This curiously comes after a great deal of growth of the Chinese World of Warcraft player-base in Q3 and the recent launch of Sword of the New World: Granado Espada.

MassivelyThe9 buys shares in ... itself originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbusinesschinafinancialgrenada-espadaindustrystockssword-of-the-new-worldthe-escapistthe9world-of-warcraftFri, 23 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist explains how your guild can avoid a "failure cascade"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/the-escapist-explains-how-your-guild-can-avoid-a-failure-cascad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/the-escapist-explains-how-your-guild-can-avoid-a-failure-cascad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/the-escapist-explains-how-your-guild-can-avoid-a-failure-cascad/#commentsFiled under: ,


So you're the leader of a guild in your game of choice. All is well at first; everybody's having fun. Then, one or two people get upset about something someone said, or the schedule for a raid, or someone's failure to pay the guild hall maintenance fee. You try to contain it, but all hell breaks loose. Each player's departure leads to another's. Three weeks later, just you and two people from your office are still in the guild.

The Escapist calls this a "failure cascade" in a new article. The author of the article uses EVE Online as an example as he explains what a failure cascade is, where the term came from, and what kinds of guilds can be immune. The article is particularly interesting because it illustrates how EVE Online's open PvP combat can exacerbate the problem and lead to mass departures from the game.

MassivelyThe Escapist explains how your guild can avoid a "failure cascade" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>articleccpeveeve-onlinefailure-cascadeguild-masterguildspoliticspvpquittingthe-escapistTue, 20 Nov 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist wants you to consider Myst Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Storytelling in massively multiplayer games usually occurs only in footnotes. You might read a lore item's description here, get a hint in the quest text there, but it's almost always an ancillary part of the experience. In the olden days of text MUDs, that wasn't necessarily the case. In some MUDs, players and wizards engaged in communal storytelling, as in the best pen-and-paper roleplaying sessions.

If you look at today's mainstream online games, it seems as if that art has been lost. There are some smaller communities out there that still herald that kind of experience, though. The Escapist focused on one of those in an article titled "The Ending Has Not Yet Been Written." It's an excellent piece about how players and developers alike have fostered a unique, niche-storytelling experience in Cyan Worlds' Myst Online: Uru Live.

Myst has always been an eccentric in the gaming world. It was a groundbreaking success for computer games, and it spawned countless clones, but no one ever recaptured its magic. Now the series is treading a unique path in the online world, despite past setbacks.

MassivelyThe Escapist wants you to consider Myst Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyancyan-worldsmystmyst-onlineroleplayingstorytellingthe-escapisturuuru-liveTue, 06 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST