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[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[The Massive EQversary Giveaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/everquest-9th-anniversary-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/everquest-9th-anniversary-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/everquest-9th-anniversary-contest/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For nine years, the world of EverQuest has opened the doors for many travelers in search of adventure. One of the earliest games in the MMORPG genre, EverQuest still retains a passionate and loyal fanbase to this day. For those players who are elders of the lands of Norrath, as well as those who are interested in visiting this fair and foreign land once again, we bring you the chance to win goodies in honor of EverQuest's 9th Anniversary celebration!

Twenty lucky winners will be picked to receive a 30-day timecard code for EverQuest (ARV $15), because you can't beat free game time! (Note: you must already have an EQ account for these cards to work.) One prize winner will get a copy of EverQuest -- with all expansions including their most recent addition, Secrets of Faydwer (ARV $40)! Just perfect for those who have never played, or those who haven't played in a while as well as those who'd just like an account for alts! And one final prize winner will land a swanky promotional "NeverQuest" poster featuring The Simpsons (ARV $20)! To win, you must be 18+, a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec), and otherwise acceptable under the official rules. Comments must be left by no later than 12:00 PM Eastern U.S. time on 4/01/08 to be eligible.

So what are you waiting for? Get to commenting so we can hook you up with some fantastic EQ Anniversary prizes!

MassivelyThe Massive EQversary Giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestseqeqversaryeverquestfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmassive-giveawaysneverquestsoethe-simpsonsMon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST