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[Global Chat: September 12-18, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/global-chat-september-12-18-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Star Trek Online image
Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

This week our readers had some things to say about both sides of the gaming fence: the development side and the player side. Follow along after the jump to see what we talked about and contribute your own thoughts!

Continue reading Global Chat: September 12-18, 2011

MassivelyGlobal Chat: September 12-18, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commenterscommentscrypticcryptic-studiosglobal-chatopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpick-up-grouppugpwerelationshipsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestothe-guildSun, 18 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Dealing with 'Mr. Wiggly']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-guild-counsel-dealing-with-mr-wiggly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-guild-counsel-dealing-with-mr-wiggly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-guild-counsel-dealing-with-mr-wiggly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mr. Wiggly from The Guild
So there you were, ticking those last few points of health off the raid mob, preparing to celebrate a major victory, when all of a sudden someone triggers a massive AoE and the raid wipes. Even worse, you and everyone else on the raid instantly know who it is because it's the same person who mem-blurred the boss the week before and accidentally ported his group out the raid before that. In fact, it's beginning to seem like the raid should stop fighting NPCs and start taking on this guy because he's a much bigger threat.

The easy answer is to ream him out, boot him, and refuse to ever rez him again, but it's not that simple because he is extremely nice, is married to the guild leader, is helpful and contributes immensely when not raiding, or is a combination of all three. That's right, in this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at what to do with the nightmare of having a Mr. Wiggly in your guild.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Dealing with 'Mr. Wiggly'

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Dealing with 'Mr. Wiggly' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryanmr-wigglyraidingraidsthe-guildwiggly-wipeThu, 08 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dragon*Con Logo
PAX Prime is freshly finished and Gamescom 2011 is a distant memory, but con season isn't over yet! Not by a long shot, in fact. Dragon*Con is just around the corner, and we have undertaken the monumental task of putting together a what's-what for all of our adoring MMO fans.

Now, just because Dragon*Con isn't as internationally renowned as Gamescom or as well-publicized as Penny Arcade's brainchild doesn't mean you should write it off by any means. There's still a whole truckload of events for MMO players at Dragon*Con. From Q&As to panels (including one on MMO podcasting that includes our very own Shawn Schuster!) and more, there's a little something for every MMO player at Dragon*Con.

So whether you're attending or just want to see what kind of news you have to look forward to coming out of Dragon*Con (news that will, of course, be covered right here on Massively), jump on past the cut and see what the Atlanta-based con has in store.

Continue reading Massively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011

MassivelyMassively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurequest-worldsatlantaccpccp-gamesdc-universe-onlinedcuodragon-condragon-con-2011dragoncondragoncon-2011eventeventsglobal-agendaguidehi-rezhi-rez-studioskingdom-of-loathingmassively-guidemassivelys-guide-to-dragonconmmo-trackoxhornpanelsriftsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-guildtrion-worldsThu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Counsel: The dreaded guild meet-and-greet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/guild-counsel-the-dreaded-guild-meet-and-greet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/guild-counsel-the-dreaded-guild-meet-and-greet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/guild-counsel-the-dreaded-guild-meet-and-greet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You've played together for months, even years, and now it's finally time to put a face to the name. Yep, it's the dreaded guild meet-and-greet. Summer tends to be a popular time for guild meet-ups, since the nice weather and flood of game conventions bring ample opportunity to get together. But meeting up with guildmates can be a hectic and somewhat stressful time. Even though online bonds can be as strong if not stronger than real-life ones, that final hurdle of meeting in person is daunting.

You've probably seen the parody of The Guild's luncheon, with Tink surreptitiously sneaking in, Codex nervously trying to play host, and Vork passing out laminated copies of the guild agenda, but with some planning and thought, guild meet-and-greets can be a lot of fun. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at some dos and don'ts when it comes to meeting your guild.

Continue reading Guild Counsel: The dreaded guild meet-and-greet

MassivelyGuild Counsel: The dreaded guild meet-and-greet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-meetupguildsmeet-and-greetthe-guildThu, 07 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Helpful hobbits see fundraising as Child's Play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/helpful-hobbits-see-fundraising-as-childs-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hobbits -- is there anything they can't do? First they're taking the One Ring into the heart of Mordor to save Middle-earth from Sauron's grip, and now they're out on another journey, this time to bring relief to hospitalized children in our world.

You may be quite familiar with Child's Play, a charity started by Penny Arcade's creators and designed to raise money to buy video games and systems for children's hospitals. This year, MMO gamers are getting in on the action, as A Casual Stroll to Mordor, a LotRO blog and podcast, is attempting to raise $5,000 for Child's Play by presenting the fundraising as steps along Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin's famous journey from the Shire to Rivendell.

Dubbing it "The Fellowship Walk," each milestone toward the $5,000 goal is represented by a different stage of the Fellowship's journey on their site. The Lonely Mountain Band, The Guild and other individuals are donating special items to be given away over the next month in an effort to attract more donors. Merric, one of the founders of the blog, found himself hospitalized as a child, and found out first-hand how helpful video games are in distracting kids from the pain.

You can learn more about their effort -- and perhaps chip in a few bucks yourself -- by heading over to A Casual Stroll to Mordor! Oh, and happy birthday to Frodo and Bilbo!

MassivelyHelpful hobbits see fundraising as Child's Play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorcharitychilds-playfundraiserlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromerricmordorpenny-arcadesauronthe-fellowship-walkthe-guildthe-lonely-mountain-bandturbineWed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do MMOs belong in the mainstream?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-daily-grind-do-mmos-belong-in-the-mainstream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-daily-grind-do-mmos-belong-in-the-mainstream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-daily-grind-do-mmos-belong-in-the-mainstream/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Age of Conan on The Big Bang Theory. Second Life on The Office. World of Warcraft on South Park. The Guild transforming into an internet phenomenon. The Simpsons and FoxTrot creating parodies of virtual worlds.

It seems as though everywhere we turn, MMORPGs are toeing the line between niche and mainstream, especially thanks to the whirlwind of WoW. As MMOs become less of a fringe activity and more accepted in popular culture, I have to ask -- is that a good thing? After all, geeks are highly protective of their territory, often seeing themselves as the faithful guardians of That Which Society Rejected. To suddenly see that pastime become accepted and embraced by the crowd may prove disorienting -- and even disturbing.

So do MMOs belong in the mainstream? As they become more widespread, is there something essential that's being lost in the translation? Are the faithful guardians resentful of MMO devs who may cater to the casual crowd over them? Is there a risk of overexposure and backlash? Won't somebody please think of the children?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do MMOs belong in the mainstream? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfoxtrotmainstreamnicheopinionsecond-lifesouth-parktdgthe-big-bang-theorythe-daily-grindThe-guildthe-officethe-simpsonswont-somebody-think-of-the-childrenworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game On! The cast of The Guild releases new music video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/game-on-the-cast-of-the-guild-releases-new-music-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/game-on-the-cast-of-the-guild-releases-new-music-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/game-on-the-cast-of-the-guild-releases-new-music-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

They've done it again. Almost one year after the ridiculously catchy "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar," the cast of The Guild has released a second video.

Game On begins with Codex trying to back off of gaming a bit. "People say it's weird," she says. Zaboo, with his typical over-the-top enthusiasm, has hired an entire troupe of dancers to lure her back in.

It's a fun video with shades of Benny Lava in some of the subtitles, and the typical antics of our favorite Guildies are in full force. Vork is stoic (read what you will into the meaning behind his faux-Vishnu costume), Clara and Bladezz are ogling various dancers, Zaboo is flailing about, and Tink is strutting her stuff.

Check out the video on The Guild's site.

MassivelyGame On! The cast of The Guild releases new music video originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladezzclaracodexgame-onthe-guildthe-guild-game-onthe-guild-music-videotinkerballazabooTue, 27 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-best-relationship-that-started-in-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

I have a confession to make: I would not be married with two wonderful kids if it wasn't for the internet. Yes, I hold my head up high when people ask how my wife and I met, and I tell them... an online dating website. That sort of thing might have been odd and unusual ten years ago, but nowadays, forming great relationships through the internet is almost as common as in real life -- and just as meaningful.

So our question today is less about the gaming side of things and more about the social aspect: what's the best human relationship you've experienced that started in a MMO? Did you meet a significant other, a wife, a husband, a confidant, a best friend, a soulmate or a crony in game? Did a game help to rescue an estranged relationship and smooth over the cracks? Has your guild gotten so close that you meet regularly to help each other solve mommy issues?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your best relationship that started in a MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>online-datingrelationshipssocialtdgthe-daily-grindthe-guildMon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX 2009: Massively.com talks with The Guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/gamex-2009-massively-com-talks-with-the-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/gamex-2009-massively-com-talks-with-the-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/gamex-2009-massively-com-talks-with-the-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GameX 2009 was insane this weekend and we were all over the place, but one of the first groups that we set a chunk of time aside for was Jeff Lewis (Vork), Sandeep Parikh (Zaboo), and Robin Thorsen (Clara) from The Guild. We weren't missing out on catching up with those three.

The interview that ensued answered some of the important questions in life, like how many MMO real life experiences get moved into The Guild's script, what it was like to work with Wil Wheaton and Jed Whedon, and is that a real Sandeep Parikh Backflip (TM) in the "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar" music video?

If you're curious to these answers and more, then you should click that button below and continue reading after the break. We have an exclusive video interview for you!

Continue reading GameX 2009: Massively.com talks with The Guild

MassivelyGameX 2009: Massively.com talks with The Guild originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backflipdo-you-wanna-date-my-avatarfeaturedgame-expogamexgamex-2009jed-whedonjeff-lewisphiladelphiarobin-thorsensandeep-parikhthe-guildvideovideo-interviewwil-wheatonMon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX coverage begins tomorrow!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/gamex-coverage-begins-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GameX, the Northeastern video game industry summit and expo, is starting tomorrow! As we said earlier this week, we'll be there, getting face time with guests, visiting Mythic Entertainment and Hi-Rez Studios, and getting you information on some of your favorite titles.

In addition to our coverage here on the site, we'll be updating our Twitter account with things we see at the expo and pictures! Now instead of running to us every five minutes for your Massively fix, you can get updates, pictures, and more from us in the form of tweets! If you're not currently following @massively, or if you're not on Twitter, now is the time to both sign up and add us to your follow list!

MassivelyGameX coverage begins tomorrow! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsescapistescapist-magazinegame-expogamexgamex-2009global-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmythicmythic-entertainmentphiladelphiasocial-mediasocial-networkingthe-guildtwitterwarwarhammer-onlineyahtzee-croshawThu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Torchlight will morph from single player game to MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-torchlight-will-morph-from-single-player-game-to-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-torchlight-will-morph-from-single-player-game-to-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/e3-2009-torchlight-will-morph-from-single-player-game-to-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Coming from the desginers who made Diablo, Mythos, Mythos II and Fate, we're expecting quite a lot from their new title, Torchlight. This classic Diablo style 2D hack-and-slasher can in every way be considered the spiritual successor to Mythos, and in some ways even more closer to the original Diablo. For instance, Torchlight is a town with another world underneath it -- that and it's going to be a single player RPG before it goes MMO. But rest assured, it will go MMO in a year to a year and a half.

First, we'll discuss features that will exist at singleplayer launch later this year, then we'll cover the new elements planned when the game expands into a massively multiplayer game. Check it all out after the jump along with gameplay footage, complete with Felicia Day of The Guild trying her hand at a beta version of the Action RPG.

Gallery: E3 2009: Torchlight

Continue reading E3 2009: Torchlight will morph from single player game to MMO

MassivelyE3 2009: Torchlight will morph from single player game to MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2009felicia-dayflagship-studiosmythosrunic-gamesthe-guildtorchlightFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Felicia Day, Lewis and Parikh to appear in Second Life tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/felicia-day-lewis-and-parikh-to-appear-in-second-life-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/felicia-day-lewis-and-parikh-to-appear-in-second-life-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/felicia-day-lewis-and-parikh-to-appear-in-second-life-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Felicia Day, Jeff Lewis and Sandeep Parikh, three multi-talented stars of hit Web sitcom, The Guild are to appear in Second Life tomorrow evening as guests on Mitch Wagner's popular podcast, Copper Robot. The hit series, The Guild, has charmed a huge audience with its witty sitcom tale of misfits who all represent a guild in a mythical online game.

Rissa Maidstone, COO of Words2Worlds Inc, has prepared avatars for the guests that combine their MMO personas with their atomic appearance. Above you'll see Codex Alchemi, Codex's alter ego. All three will appear in Second Life for the recording of Copper Robot at 6PM US Pacific Time, tomorrow (Sunday 5 April) at the Seaside Theater on World2Worlds Island.

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.

MassivelyFelicia Day, Lewis and Parikh to appear in Second Life tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codex-alchemicopper-robotfelicia-dayjeff-lewismitch-wagnerrissa-maidstonesandeep-parikhsecond-lifethe-guildworld2worldsSat, 04 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Felicia Day talks WoW addiction, characters, oldschool PC gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/felicia-day-talks-wow-addiction-characters-oldschool-pc-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/felicia-day-talks-wow-addiction-characters-oldschool-pc-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/felicia-day-talks-wow-addiction-characters-oldschool-pc-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

G4TV's X-Play interviewed the lovely Felicia Day on video about her soon-to-return web video series The Guild and her past gaming experience. Fans of Ms. Day and her show will eat it up no matter what we say, of course, but we will note that she reveals what her main World of Warcraft character was and what games she played when she was a kid.

Be sure and watch the video after the break, but if you just want the information (we'd think you'd be more interested in seeing Felicia Day's delightful personality than raw data, but here goes): her main was a Warlock (who apparently did some Alchemy on the side), and she had Priest and Mage alts. She grew up playing everything from Zork to Wizardry to Nethack, and has mostly been a PC gamer rather than a console one. We buy it -- she's got cred!

Day is doing these appearances to promote The Guild's second season, which debuts exclusively on Xbox Live today.

Continue reading Felicia Day talks WoW addiction, characters, oldschool PC gaming

MassivelyFelicia Day talks WoW addiction, characters, oldschool PC gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felicia-dayg4tvinterviewthe-guildvideowarlockworld-of-warcraftwowx-playTue, 25 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The second season of the explosively popular online video series The Guild, which is a fictional story about the lives of a group of World of Warcraft players (and which was created by and stars Felicia Day, later of Doctor Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog fame), will be distributed by Microsoft. Each episode will appear first on Xbox Live, and will only be available through the show's website four weeks later.

The entirety of Season One is now available on Xbox Live, according to Felicia Day's personal blog. The first episode of Season Two will start airing via the service tomorrow, November 25th. The show will remain free to viewers through all venues, and ad supported -- including product placement by Sprint. Microsoft will have its hands in the ad revenue, but will give Day free creative reign. Also, the second season will be shot in HD to accommodate the Xbox 360.

Looks like the scrappy underdog TV series about MMO players has hit the big time, and we're cheering Day on. Next stop: movie deal, right? Fortunately, Microsoft's contract promises that Day will be free to shop around outside of the company for movie and TV deals.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyThe Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdealdistributionexclusivefelicia-daymicrosoftmsnthe-guildtvvideowebisodesworld-of-warcraftxboxxbox-360xbox-liveMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-orders now available for The Guild DVD]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/pre-orders-now-available-for-the-guild-dvd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/pre-orders-now-available-for-the-guild-dvd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/pre-orders-now-available-for-the-guild-dvd/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you enjoyed the first season of The Guild as much as we did, then you may want to head over to the show's official site and place a pre-order for the upcoming DVD. When it ships out on the 1st of August, the DVD will include all of season one's episodes, gag reels, interviews, and commentary tracks, and comes at a price of $20 with free shipping for pre-orders.

The anticipated second season of The Guild is in the process of being written by Felicia Day, and shooting should start a little later on this year.

[Via WoW Insider]

MassivelyPre-orders now available for The Guild DVD originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdfelicia-daypre-orderseason-oneseason-twothe-guildwow-insiderMon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SmallWorlds announces open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/smallworlds-announces-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


There must be something in the (virtual) air. If this year doesn't see everyone moving en masse to Flash-based, personal virtual worlds cum social spaces, then it certainly isn't for lack of trying. SmallWorlds joins Whirled and Metaplace as virtual worlds you can embed in your own blog, forum, home page or what have you. Need a place to watch "The Guild" with your friends between rousing games of Chinese Checkers? You got it. SmallWorlds can bring YouTubes, Twitters, Flickrs, games and more into your little isometric 3D corner of the web. Avatars are fully customizable, and so are their pets (!!!).

SmallWorlds is going into open beta June 2 after eighteen months of development. They'll be letting the first thousand people who sign up for the beta in a week early. If you're at all interested in seeing what you can build with their tools and how many friends you can crowd into your little virtual cabana, why not visit their site and sign up for the beta?

Gallery: SmallWorlds beta

MassivelySmallWorlds announces open beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsbetabrowsercasualflashflickrfree-to-playgallerylaunchmetaplacenew-titlenewssmallworldsthe-guildtwittervirtual-worldswhirledyoutubeWed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 10 of The Guild: Boss battle!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/episode-10-of-the-guild-boss-battle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/episode-10-of-the-guild-boss-battle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/episode-10-of-the-guild-boss-battle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Buoyed by their success against Bladezz, the guild takes on the awesome might of the boss; but this is a six-man raid! How can our heroes possibly hope to triumph with only five?

Who gets pwned? Who gets pudding? Who has the Notary feat? And where the heck are Clara's kids? All (but one) of these questions will be answered in this, the season-final episode of The Guild's first storming season!

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in an MMO guild. The Guild is totally supported by donations, so lend your support where you can!

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading Episode 10 of The Guild: Boss battle!

MassivelyEpisode 10 of The Guild: Boss battle! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefelicia-dayhumorthe-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeFri, 16 May 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 9 of The Guild: Owning Bladezz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/episode-9-of-the-guild-owning-bladezz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/episode-9-of-the-guild-owning-bladezz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/episode-9-of-the-guild-owning-bladezz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The guild gathers to duel Bladezz for the guild bank. Bladezz is given the choice: repent or rape, and although no nipples are in evidence, there is leverage. Clara is not, in fact, smuggling hams -- though nobody really believed that she was.

Who does Tink defeat during the battle with Bladezz? What monster boss must the guild face? How did Codex's pap-smear turn out? Just what is Bladezz' dark and sinister secret? Is this the most awesome tea-bagging of all time? All this and more in episode 9!

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in an MMO guild.

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic. (Felicia? You owe us one for not using a snap from the first few seconds of the video!)

Continue reading Episode 9 of The Guild: Owning Bladezz

MassivelyEpisode 9 of The Guild: Owning Bladezz originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefelicia-dayhumorthe-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeFri, 18 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 8 of The Guild: Tipping point]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/episode-8-of-the-guild-tipping-point/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/episode-8-of-the-guild-tipping-point/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/episode-8-of-the-guild-tipping-point/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Desperate times and desperate measures. A high place and a loop of Cat-5. More about Zaboo's mother. The threat to the guild bank. The threat of the video. The beginnings of a daring plan, and the beginnings of a daring escape. Can the talented guildies match their skills against real life and Zaboo's mother? (I swear, Zaboo and I seem to share the same mother - it's creepy)

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in an MMO guild.

The Guild stormed the Best Series award at the YouTube awards! The honors are truly well deserved, and it looks like The Guild will also take the Series category of the Yahoo Video Awards as well!

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading Episode 8 of The Guild: Tipping point

MassivelyEpisode 8 of The Guild: Tipping point originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefelicia-dayhumorthe-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeFri, 21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 7 of The Guild: Home Invasion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/episode-7-of-the-guild-home-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/episode-7-of-the-guild-home-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/episode-7-of-the-guild-home-invasion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Codex is under-siege in her home, much like Gondor under the assault of the Witch King's armies. Zaboo's mother is -- well let's say that it is easier to see why Zaboo is the way he is. Tink sorts out child custody with Vork over Clara's children and turns out to be every bit as good as Clara at mothering them. The naked(ed) horror, fried food and an ending that will leave you hanging.

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in an MMO guild.

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading Episode 7 of The Guild: Home Invasion

MassivelyEpisode 7 of The Guild: Home Invasion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humorthe-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeFri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 6 of The Guild: Total Wipe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/episode-6-of-the-guild-total-wipe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/episode-6-of-the-guild-total-wipe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/episode-6-of-the-guild-total-wipe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back from the real world meetup, Zaboo and Codex get their body language straight, Tink tries to drive Vork into bankruptcy in a feud over Clara's children and a knockout ending! It'll all make sense, trust me.

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in an MMO guild.

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading Episode 6 of The Guild: Total Wipe

MassivelyEpisode 6 of The Guild: Total Wipe originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>the-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeFri, 25 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A very guild Christmas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/a-very-guild-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/a-very-guild-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/a-very-guild-christmas/#commentsFiled under: ,

Felicia Day's The Guild brings us a Christmas treat - a little something for all of you to further brighten your joyous non-denominational festive season. Okay, so it's Christmas-ey - So very much is at this time of year. It's no reason that we can't all team up and raid the big red guy for some epic loot.

Just under two minutes, the Guild Christmas Carol is a montage of classical MMO themes and Christmas songs - all sung no worse than by your own friends, relatives, and teamspeak buddies.

This fun is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading A very guild Christmas

MassivelyA very guild Christmas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasthe-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeThu, 13 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode 5 of The Guild: Rather Be Raiding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/episode-5-of-the-guild-rather-be-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/episode-5-of-the-guild-rather-be-raiding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/episode-5-of-the-guild-rather-be-raiding/#commentsFiled under: ,

Still with the real world meetup, awkward conversation, real-world circumstances, cheese gouging, Codex's desperate plea for help with Zabu and more!

The Guild is the very funny creation of the exceedingly talented Felicia Day - though, honestly, The Guild is pure gold through and through (and that ain't just Warcraft gold, honey). The Guild is all about the adventures (and misadventures) of the people behind the characters in a World of Warcraft guild.

This episode is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's special twinkly magic.

Continue reading Episode 5 of The Guild: Rather Be Raiding

MassivelyEpisode 5 of The Guild: Rather Be Raiding originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>the-guildvideoworld-of-warcraftyoutubeSun, 02 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild, episode 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/the-guild-episode-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/the-guild-episode-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/the-guild-episode-4/#commentsFiled under: ,

I don't know if it's actually funnier not knowing much of anything about World of Warcraft than it is if you do, but Episode 4 of The Guild is out now. The Guild is a wildly popular and funny (did I mention it was funny?) series about a group of World of Warcraft players in a guild, who - essentially - spend most of their time together, while being physically apart.

Actually, I swear I've worked with this collection of people in an office a few years ago, or a group of people (if such a cohesive term is genuinely applicable) eerily like them. It all seems so very familiar. I guess this is my time to 'look back on this and laugh' as someone promised me was going to happen one day. Thanks to WoW Insider for letting us know that Episode 4 is out. The video is below the fold, courtesy of YouTube's twinkly magic.

Continue reading The Guild, episode 4

MassivelyThe Guild, episode 4 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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