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 Firing Line: PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby on the MMOFPS revolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-firing-line-planetside-2s-matt-higby-on-the-mmofps-revolut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-firing-line-planetside-2s-matt-higby-on-the-mmofps-revolut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-firing-line-planetside-2s-matt-higby-on-the-mmofps-revolut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line interviews PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby
Sony Online Entertainment has begun carpet-bombing media outlets with publicity relating to its upcoming PlanetSide 2 MMOFPS. The game has been in development for quite a while now, but up until very recently the devs have kept a low profile. Now the title's Twitter feed is exploding on a daily basis, awe-inspiring alpha gameplay videos are finding their way into the public eye, and interviews abound.

I managed to get creative director Matt Higby's attention for a few moments, and he's got some interesting things to say about PS2's upside. Would you believe that MMOFPS is about to become a new industry buzzword? Read on after the break.

Continue reading The Firing Line: PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby on the MMOFPS revolution

MassivelyThe Firing Line: PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby on the MMOFPS revolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmofeaturedfiring-linefpsinterviewmatt-higbymatt-higby-interviewmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-interviewpsps1ps2pvpsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsSat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary
So PlanetSide is nine years old this week (nine!), and Sony Online Entertainment is journeying down memory lane to look back at its ground-breaking MMOFPS. The firm is of course hard at work on the sequel, but some of the devs have taken a time-out to share their favorite memories with us.

Though the word "epic" is overused in MMO discourse, it's a recurring theme here. Due to the size, scope, and sheer ambition on display in the original PlanetSide, it's actually appropriate too. While you're reminiscing with the devs, take a stroll through our side-by-side gallery that compares vehicles and equipment from the original PlanetSide with their counterparts in PlanetSide 2.

Gallery: PlanetSide vs. PlanetSide 2 comparisons

Continue reading The Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-rischclassic-mmodave-georgesonfeaturedfiring-linefpsmargaret-krohnmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-aftershockplanetside-dev-memoriesplanetside-epic-momentsplanetside-memoriespsps1ps2pvpsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shooterthom-terrazastpstramell-isaacFri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Hands on with Heroes & Generals
During the first 10 minutes of my time with Heroes & Generals, I killed once, died twice, and drove a tank, a jeep, a half-track, and a bicycle (not necessarily in that order). I also rode shotgun on said tank and said jeep, manning a nifty vehicle-mounted machine gun in the process.

I marveled at the visuals, took way too many screenshots of my squadmates looking at the blow-away badass in-game map (it's the little things, amirite?), and generally had a helluva good time. Did I mention that all of this happened in a browser?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Defiance - ATVs in SFO
Trion has released a new making-of featurette for Defiance, its "transmedia" property that includes a sci-fi shooter MMO and a Syfy television series.

Defiance the game takes place in the bombed out ruins of a post-alien-invasion San Francisco, while Defiance the TV show is set in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the location differences, Trion says that the events of the virtual world will affect those of the show and vice versa. How so (and how much)? That remains to be seen, but Shacknews has a game preview that sheds a little light on the subject.

In a nutshell, characters on the show might namedrop a gamer avatar who completes a particular mission or makes an impact on the game world in some way. Syfy president Dave Howe also told the website that he's hopeful that gameplay events will have a more significant impact on season two of the television series.

Head past the break to view the full video feature.

[Source: Trion press release]

Continue reading Trion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy

MassivelyTrion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-person-shooterdave-howedefiancemaking-ofmaking-of-defiancemmo-shootersci-fishooterthird-person-shootertrailertransmediatriontrion-worldsvideoTue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - World of Warplanes producer interview
Last week I talked a bit about a couple of flight sim shooters coming soon to a PC near you. One of them is World of Warplanes, the followup title to Wargaming.net's ubiquitous World of Tanks hit.

The World War II action MMO masters are slipping the surly bonds of earth with a new lobby-based battler that's currently flying through the early phases of its global alpha test. I had a few burning questions for the devs, including specifics on the matchmaking system, progression, and the possibility of historical scenarios. Producer Anton Sitnikau was gracious enough to answer those and more, so head past the break to see what he had to say.

Continue reading The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression

MassivelyThe Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Image
What do War Thunder, World of Warplanes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Tribes: Ascend have in common? Not a whole lot aside from their respective appearances in this week's edition of The Firing Line.

Won't you join me after the cut for a rundown on some recent and notable online shooter news? If you're feeling particularly ornery, you can point and laugh at the fact that I'm still not in the War Thunder beta.

Continue reading The Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda screenshot
Among the Massively staff, I'm known as the obsessive competitor who plays every game in a hardcore fashion. It's no surprise that I gravitate toward high-skill, difficult games that test skill instead of the typical MMO grinds. But it should be a bit of a surprise that I don't really like competitive shooters. Shooters take a lot of the elements I really love about competition such as mindgames and positioning and marginalize them in favor of raw aiming and twitch reflexes. I'm fond of saying "You must be this tall to ride this ride" when it comes to shooters that are very twitch-based.

Global Agenda is a different beast than other shooters, though. The competitive shooter market is saturated with class-based shooters whose emphasis is more on teamwork than on aiming, and Global Agenda really takes it to eleven. Aiming is still important, but it's hardly the most important skill in the game, and every class has a way of minimizing the need for aiming skill. In fact, most of the more effective builds in GA don't require aiming. The emphasis in GA is on teamwork, mobility, and good decision-making. Even though it's a shooter, I find it really easy to spend far too much of my time playing it. It's just great fun.

Continue reading Why I Play: Global Agenda

MassivelyWhy I Play: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitioncompetitive-gamingcompetitive-shootereditorialf2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgaglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosjetpacksjetpacks-are-awesomemassively-metametammofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionsci-fishooterspy-fithird-person-shootertpswho-doesnt-like-flyingwhy-i-playWed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-firefalls-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Hands on with Firefall's beta
I'm dying on the beautiful beach outside Firefall's starter town. As I lay bleeding from a hundred holes and generally making a mess of my shiny new bumble bee-colored battleframe, my avatar collapses to the sand and says the funniest thing I've heard in a while.

"Grandpa!"

This is delivered in his best rural Georgia twang, and it lessens the sting of my latest newbie move. The whole scene is Firefall in a nutshell: It's fun, frustrating, and funny all at once.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Hands-on with Firefall's beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend
Oh, Tribes: Ascend, if only you were an MMO.

Actually, wait a minute. When I think on it, if Hi-Rez Studios' new free-to-play sci-fi shooter were an MMO, I probably wouldn't like it as much. There's something to be said for frequent updates and instant gameplay gratification, and Tribes provides those things (and more) in spades.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - World of Tanks anniversary retrospective
We've been hearing about World of Tanks for so long that it seems crazy to think the title is just now celebrating its first anniversary. Sure enough, though, Wargaming.net's lobby-based multiplayer title is barely a year old. Well, OK. It's almost two years old if you count its summer 2010 beta release, which we won't since the title up there says first anniversary.

Anyhow, what's even scarier than the passage of time is the fact that World of Tanks (and the company behind it) is showing no signs of slowing down.

Continue reading The Firing Line: World of Tanks first-anniversary retrospective

MassivelyThe Firing Line: World of Tanks first-anniversary retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-anniversaryfpsfree-to-playhistoricalmmofpsopinionpvptanktankstflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-tanks-anniversaryworld-of-tanks-first-birthdayworld-of-tanks-retrospectivewotwot-anniversaryFri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Shooter news roundup
Dude, there was a ton of big shooter news this week!

I mean, this isn't terribly unusual, particularly since the genre is expanding at a rapid rate, but when I've got to cut interesting items out of this column for length reasons, you know it's been an eventful few days.

Join me after the break for a recap on everything from Firefall to Defiance to John Romero and beyond.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - Can you hate EVE and love DUST?
Hoo boy, CCP and EVE Online.

Wait, what? Isn't this Massively's shooter column? Well, yes, yes it is, and if you weren't already aware, CCP has made a shooter called DUST 514 set in the EVE universe. I bring this up for two reasons. One, I'm really looking forward to the game (as I might have mentioned last time). Two, CCP has taken some lumps in the PR department over the past couple of weeks primarily because of its annual alcohol-fueled sausage-fest.

I'm not going to rehash cyber-bully scandals today, but since e-thug players will undoubtedly have some sort of DUST presence, and since DUST shares certain unforgiving gameplay tenets with its sister title, should those of you who love sandbox shooters but hate EVE Online even bother with the game?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Can you hate EVE and love DUST?

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Can you hate EVE and love DUST? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsolecyber-bullydustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefeaturedfiring-linefpsinternet-spaceshipsmittanimittani-cyber-bullymmofpsopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishootersociopaths-in-spacetflthe-firing-linethe-mittanithird-person-shootertpsFri, 06 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - DUST 514 Fanfest 2012 highlights
Oh man, this back and forth between PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 is going to be the death of me. I feel like I'm cheating on one game every time I get excited about the other, but I just can't help it since both titles are drawing a bead on my personal sweet spot.

This week's Firing Line is all DUST all the time, thanks to the massive info dump at last weekend's Fanfest 2012 event. I didn't get to go to Iceland for the hands-on, unfortunately, but I did log into PlayStation Home for the keynote livestream (which is archived after the cut in case you missed it).

And I'll go ahead and beg your forgiveness for my fanboy breathlessness in advance this week. I've been an EVE Online player for a number of years now, so I'm already enamored of both the DUST universe and CCP's propensity for sandbox mechanics. What I didn't know prior to Fanfest, though, was just how deep the rabbit hole's going to go.

Continue reading The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns
Now that the glow of PlanetSide 2's GDC demo reveal is a couple of weeks back in the rear-view mirror, I've had time to digest it all and adjust my expectations of the game accordingly. Nothing I saw from Matt Higby and company dampened my enthusiasm for Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS opus, but a few things I didn't see are niggling at the back of my mind.

Don't get me wrong -- PS2 is still at the top of my most-anticipated MMO list, but there are a few points of contention that could relegate it to the status of fun diversion instead of zomg-must-play-every-day title.

Continue reading The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns

MassivelyThe Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line: Tribes Ascend Soldier utility pack giveaway
Like Tribes: Ascend? Like the Soldier class? If you answered yes to those questions, Massively and The Firing Line have an exclusive giveaway that you're going to love. We've teamed up with Hi-Rez Studios to bring you the Soldier utility pack, which is an upgrade item that grants an additional grenade slot and additional health (don't worry, balance fans; your Soldier avatar will sacrifice a bit of his energy pool when the pack is equipped).

How can I get my hands on this fine item, you ask?

It's as easy as clicking on the giveaway button after the break. After you've secured your code, boot up your Tribes client and select "extras" from the in-game menu followed by "redeem promotion." Enter your code in the box and then click over to your Soldier class to swap out your new pack!

Continue reading The Firing Line Exclusive: Tribes Ascend utility pack giveaway

MassivelyThe Firing Line Exclusive: Tribes Ascend utility pack giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascende-sportesportf2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playgiveawayhi-rezhi-rez-studiosonline-shooteropinionpvpsci-fishootersoldier-giveawaysoldier-packtflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-giveawaytribes-soldier-utility-packtribes-universeutility-pack-giveawayMon, 19 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-firing-line-blacklight-release-defiance-and-hopefully-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - news roundup edition
Welcome back to The Firing Line, shooter fans. I'm still recovering from Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide 2 demo last week (as well as CCP's reveals regarding DUST 514 gameplay footage and impending beta dates).

Life goes on, though, and there are plenty of interesting tidbits to talk about with regard to our favorite genre. Won't you join me after the break for a recap?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Blacklight release, Defiance, and (hopefully) a DUST livestream originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklightblacklight-retributiondefiancedustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinef2pfanfest-2012fanfest-2012-dustfanfest-livestreamfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenonline-shooteropinionperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweroundupshootershooter-roundupsyfysyfy-channelsyfy-defiancetflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstriontrion-defianceFri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 header
This week I was fortunate enough to chat up the developers on the two biggest MMOFPS titles of the year. Exactly what year that is remains to be seen, and after hearing Sony Online Entertainment use the word "alpha" quite a lot, I suspect that PlanetSide 2 may slip into 2013. And that's not a bad thing at all, by the way.

CCP's DUST 514, on the other hand, is surely coming in 2012. The devs will be doling out some long-awaited hands-on time with EVE's precocious little brother at Fanfest in a couple of weeks, and while DUST and PS2 share similar core gameplay, their target audiences (and the general feeling I get from each game) are completely different.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconconferenceconventiondavid-reiddustdust-514dust-eve-integrationdust-playstationeveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-mechanicsgdcgdc-2012hilmar-peturssoninterviewmatt-higbymmofpsmobilenew-edenopinionplanetside-2playstation-3ps2ps3pvpsandboxtflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstramell-isaacvitaFri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 Hi-Rez Interview, Tribes release date
It's been a crazy week at GDC, and though I've already gotten the skinny on both PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514, there's more on the way when it comes to online shooter news. Yesterday morning I headed over to the Hi-Rez Studios booth on the main show floor, where COO Todd Harris had some exciting news to share with fans of the firm's Tribes: Ascend title.

The free-to-play shooter will officially launch on April 12th, and Hi-Rez has also released a new parody trailer that pays homage to Dead Island and shows off the perils of the dreaded "llama capture" (if you're a Tribes newb, just know that speed equals survival when it comes to flag-grabs).

Join me after the cut for some Tribes-related chit-chat as well news of new content on the way for Global Agenda.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondead-islande-sporte-sportsexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgagame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012global agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewmmofpsonline-shootersci-fishooterspy-fithe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extrathe-firing-line-interviewsthird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-dead-islandtribes-release-datetribes-videovideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Game publishers (and a few game news sites) have a funny habit of applying the term MMO to anything and everything under the sun. We've been keeping an eye on Grimlands for a while now, and while we're still not sure whether it's an MMO, it basically had us at post-apocalyptic.

Free-to-play publisher gamigo says its upcoming wasteland shooter comes complete with "a comprehensive crafting system, guild towns, vehicles, and PvP content." Regardless of whether it is or isn't a full-fledged MMO in every sense, it looks like a good time, particularly in light of the new trailer that shows off a bit of ambiance and a bit of gameplay footage.

Grimlands is a third-person shooter being developed by Drago Entertainment, and you can watch the full clip after the cut.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter

MassivelyLay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragodrago-entertainmentf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsmmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishootersurvivalthird-person-shootertrailervideowastelandTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Global Agenda turns two
You! Yeah, you! You still haven't played Global Agenda, have you? I know, I know, you're going to get around to it, it's on your list, blah blah and etc. While you've been dilly-dallying about, Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter has gone and turned two years old!

That's OK, though, because the game has more options, more content, and more pew-pew than at any time in its history, and thanks to a gaggle of anniversary events, now is the perfect time to saddle up.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryf2pfeaturedfiring-linefree-agentfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermmotpsopinionpatchesrecursive-colonyretrospectivesci-fithe-firing-linethird-person-shootertwo-year-anniversaryupdatesyes-it-is-an-mmoFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda - Chloe's Burning Fashion
Time flies when you're fragging newbs, and Global Agenda fans have been doing just that for the better part of two years now. Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter launched on February 1st, 2010, and for this week's anniversary, the firm is offering up some exclusive prizes as well as trotting out a few old flair favorites.

Starting today, any Global Agenda player who wins an instanced PvE or PvP mission before February 6th will receive a mini Switchblade pet to parade around Dome City in between matches. Hi-Rez is also sponsoring a 6-on-6 PvP tourney that features a dragon helmet for all participants and an unnamed exclusive item and cash prize for the winning team.

But wait, there's more! Check out Chloe's Burning Fashion for an extensive back catalog of previously retired flair pieces. There are over 100 items available for purchase using Hi-Rez's cash shop currency, including some headgear from past holiday events.

Finally, check out this Friday's The Firing Line for more info on Global Agenda at the two-year mark.

[Source: Hi-Rez press release]

MassivelyHi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydome-cityf2pflairfree-agentfree-to-playglobal-agendaheadgearhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermmotpssci-fishooterthird-person-shootertournamenttwo-year-anniversaryMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Newsplosion edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-firing-line-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-firing-line-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-firing-line-newsplosion-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - zomg it's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. header
Holy carp there was a lot going on in shooter circles this week! Between the news blurbs, videos, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. memories (yes, I said S.T.A.L.K.E.R, and damn that takes a long time to type), there was nearly enough information for two editions of The Firing Line.

Luckily for you (and for my overworked editor), I managed to keep the word count down. Let's not kid ourselves, though; there's plenty of interesting stuff after the cut. Join me for the latest on dueling World War II aviation MMOs, a new free-to-play shooter from Crytek, the requisite PlanetSide 2 lovefest, and some official dev answers to last week's Taikodom question.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Newsplosion edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Newsplosion edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekf2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgaijingaijin-entertainmentgamersfirstghost-reconghost-recon-onlinejesse-knappmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsmmotpsnews-roundupnewsplosiononline-shooteropinionplanetside-2roundupshootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstalkerstalker-onlinetaikodomthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertom-clancys-ghost-reconubisoftwar-thunder-world-of-planeswarfacewargaming.networld-of-planesworld-of-warplanesFri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - header with various shooter avatars
OK, so you've heard about this whole Global Agenda thing, and you've talked yourself into giving it a shot. It's completely free-to-play from start to finish these days, and the Unreal graphics, sci-fi setting, and strange mixture of hyper-competitive PvP and ultra-accessible PvE have always held a certain appeal.

You're not sure, but you think it's kind of an MMO, given that it has persistent territory control, lots of quests, and plenty of progression-based gameplay. Maybe you're a pro skillz baller, or maybe the extent of your shooter knowledge is which end of the gun gets pointed at the bad guys.

Either way, you'll likely have a good time in Hi-Rez's spy-fi action title, and you'll have an even better time if you understand a few key points about the game prior to diving in.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classescombat-ratingfeaturedfiring-lineglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmercmerc-pvpmicrosoft-trueskillmmo-shootermmotpsopinionplayer-skillpvpsci-fishooterskillskill-basedskillsspy-fithe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrueskilltutorialsFri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-hands-on-with-firefall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Firefall
It's no secret that I like my games with more of a skill-based flavor. I enjoy games that reward player skill above superior gear or higher levels. In light of that, I was quite excited to get some hands-on time with Firefall, the new massively multiplayer shooter coming from Red 5 Studios.

There has been much talk about the upcoming title, with its status as one of the few forays into the MMO shooter space since PlanetSide and Global Agenda. There's also the small detail that the studio is headed up by former World of Warcraft Team Lead Mark Kern alongside a number of former Tribes series devs. So how is the game shaping up in preparation for its December launch? Jetpack your way past the cut to find out.

Continue reading PAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall

MassivelyPAX 2011: Hands-on with Firefall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionassaultfeaturedfirefallfirst-person-shooterhands-onmmofpsnew-edenpax-2011pax-prime-2011penny-arcade-expo-2011penny-arcade-expo-prime-2011previewreconred-5red-5-studiosshooterthird-person-shooterWed, 31 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda's 1.5 update is just around the corner, and Hi-Rez has released a teaser video to whet your appetite. The clip is pretty brief (under a minute's worth of footage to be precise) but it nonetheless sets an eerie stage for what looks to be some fun additions to the third-person shooter's Sonoran Desert PvE content.

As the teaser web page states, "Robotics agents are using drones to stream video to the domes. Is it safe for agents to enter this area of the desert?" You'll have to wait for 1.5 to find out, but in the meantime, fly your jetpack past the cut to get a look at the surveillance footage (and listen in on its creepy audio track) before heading to the official Global Agenda website for more details.

Continue reading Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content

MassivelyGlobal Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.51.5-patchf2pfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shooterpvesci-fishootersonoran-desertteaserthird-person-shootertrailervideoSat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda gifting AP to booster account holders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hi-Rez Studios is throwing a bone to Global Agenda veterans who raised concerns about the limitations on the title's Agenda Points. Agenda Points are Global Agenda's item shop currency and were introduced with the Free Agent patch as a way for players to spend real-life money on optional character items.

Agenda Points will now be distributed for free to active Booster supporters on a daily basis (to the tune of five AP per day plus an additional five for each level 50 character on an account). Theoretically players could walk away with 1,350 AP per month if they have eight max-level toons.

In other Global Agenda news, Hi-Rez's month-long player appreciation promotion is in full swing, and each successive week brings a 50% AP discount on all store items for one of the game's classes. Head to the official GA website to learn more, and don't forget to download the game!

MassivelyGlobal Agenda gifting AP to booster account holders originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agenda-pointsapboosterscash-shopclassesf2pfree-to-playitem-shopmmotpsplayer-appreciation-monthsci-fishooterthird-person-shootervanity-itemsFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda's new F2P model a resounding success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/global-agendas-new-f2p-model-a-resounding-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/global-agendas-new-f2p-model-a-resounding-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/global-agendas-new-f2p-model-a-resounding-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The business model saga of Global Agenda is an interesting one, and PC Gamer recently sat down with Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris to chat about it. In a brief interview, Harris mentions his observations on free-to-play and the future of gaming as well as Global Agenda's resounding success since going to a full-featured F2P model.

"We have many, many more people creating accounts every day, many more people playing concurrently, our revenues are higher than they ever have been before which means we can develop content and put it into the game faster than ever before," he explained.

It wasn't always so, as Harris also admits to a bit of F2P bias in a previous life. With Global Agenda flying high under its new model, though, it's unlikely that Hi-Rez will be looking back. "I do think [F2P is] clearly the direction of gaming," Harris says.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda's new F2P model a resounding success originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsf2pfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-industrymmotpssci-fithird-person-shootertodd-harristpsMon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Firefall dev blog introduces super-secret surprise mystery writer!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/new-firefall-dev-blog-introduces-super-secret-surprise-mystery-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/new-firefall-dev-blog-introduces-super-secret-surprise-mystery-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/new-firefall-dev-blog-introduces-super-secret-surprise-mystery-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mark Kern, CEO of Red 5 Studios, sits down with players today for a nice fireside chat in the not-quite-June Firefall developer diary. The focus of the dev diary is on the story Red 5's upcoming MMOTPS. Mr. Kern explains that the Firefall team really wants players to be invested in the game's story, and he goes on to discuss how the folks at Red 5 intend to make them give a darn.

So how exactly are they going to do that? Well, as Mr. Kern points out, a large part of a good story is a good writer. And contributing to Firefall's story will be none other than the esteemed Orson Scott Card. That's right, the creator of the legendary Ender's Game series -- alongside his daughter, Emily Janice Card -- will be contributing to a free upcoming Firefall manga that will help to set up the story prior to the game. Udon Entertainment (of Street Fighter comic fame) will be providing the artwork for the manga, so it's sure to be a must-read for any Firefall fans. To see the whole dev diary, which includes some words from Mr. Card himself, head on past the cut.

Continue reading New Firefall dev blog introduces super-secret surprise mystery writer!

MassivelyNew Firefall dev blog introduces super-secret surprise mystery writer! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryemily-janice-cardenders-gamefirefallmangamark-kernmmotpsorson-scott-cardred-5red-5-studiosthird-person-shooterudonudon-entertainmentvideovideosFri, 01 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep Black Online coming to PC this summer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deep-black-online-coming-to-consoles-and-pc-this-summer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deep-black-online-coming-to-consoles-and-pc-this-summer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deep-black-online-coming-to-consoles-and-pc-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's not every day that we get to tell you about a new MMOTPS (that's third-person shooter, if you're wondering), so without further delay: Hey guys, check out this new MMOTPS! It's called Deep Black, though we're wondering why it's not called Deep Blue since much of the action apparently takes place underwater and in the air via various forms of jetpack. Don't worry, land-lubbers, there's plenty of action on terra firma as well.

The title is being developed by Biart Studio, a Russian outfit headquartered in the Moscow equivalent of Silicon Valley, and the game will feature "fully customizable [character] appearance, more than 30 types of sci-fi weapons, and three game modes at launch," according to a Biart press release. The game is a F2P instanced shooter featuring eight to 24 players, and it's coming to a PC near you in the near future.

You can check out our sister site's Deep Black reveal from last summer, and you'll also want to head to the game's official website to learn more.

MassivelyDeep Black Online coming to PC this summer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biartdeep-blackf2pfree-to-playjetpackjetpacksmmotpspress-releasesci-fishooterthird-person-shootertpsunderwaterTue, 28 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall art lead builds battleframes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/firefall-art-lead-builds-battleframes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/firefall-art-lead-builds-battleframes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/firefall-art-lead-builds-battleframes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Firefall isn't being marketed as a traditional MMO, and in fact there aren't many traditional MMO staples in this Red 5 Studios creation. For instance, the class system is series of battleframes. These are armor sets that any player can wear, and they define what role he plays in a group.

Another way Firefall is attempting to carve its own gaming niche is found in the art style behind this third-person shooter. Art Lead Adam McMahon takes a few moments in the latest Firefall dev blog to talk about the evolution of the battleframe design. Some of the original designs for the battleframes conjured up scenes from Alien or Starship Troopers. But the art team quickly realized that it was "making a game for the global market," and therefore, as McMahon explains, "the art needs to be special and it needs to appeal to that broad audience." At that point, the design took a totally different direction and eventually became the look you see in the promo art now and you will see in the game.

If you'd like to read more about how McMahon and the Firefall team inspired the look of the game, be sure to read the whole developer diary. While you're there, take a moment to sign up for the beta.

Gallery: Firefall battleframe design

MassivelyFirefall art lead builds battleframes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-mcmahonartbattleframescharacter-designdesignf2pFirefallfree-to-playftpgalleryred-5red-5-studiosRed5third-person-shooterSun, 12 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Friday Livestream: Global Agenda [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/the-friday-livestream-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/the-friday-livestream-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/the-friday-livestream-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's another Friday, and that means it's another edition of the Friday Livestream! Tonight we have an agenda... a Global Agenda, in fact!

We're going to be going through the various play modes of Global Agenda, live! So come join us as we get thrashed in PvP, tour the new Sonoran Desert open zone, and maybe even give PvE missions a go. But, PvP action is where we'll be at for most of the night, so I hope you all enjoy watching me die over and over again!

As always, click the picture above or hit the button below to get to the video. If you're feeling social, you can also join us in the Livestream chat located at http://www.livestream.com/massivelytv!

[Update: The stream is over, but the video lives on! Check it out after the break!]

Continue reading The Friday Livestream: Global Agenda [Updated]

MassivelyThe Friday Livestream: Global Agenda [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friday-livestreamglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studioslive-videolivestreammercenary-pvppvpq-n-areconthird-person-shootervideoFri, 22 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We're LOCO for Lands of Chaos Online beta keys!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/were-loco-for-lands-of-chaos-online-beta-keys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/were-loco-for-lands-of-chaos-online-beta-keys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/were-loco-for-lands-of-chaos-online-beta-keys/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You liked them, you grabbed them, and now we have more of them! Lands of Chaos Online has provided us with another 1,000 closed beta test keys to hand out to y'all, so grab them while they're still hot! Plus, if you missed our last giveaway, now's the time to strike!

Lands of Chaos Online, or LOCO for short, is a Defense of the Ancients (DotA) styled game paired with traditional massively multiplayer mechanics, all wrapped up in a third-person shooter shell. It's a hybrid to the extreme, but it does provide for some fast-paced combat and hectic sessions of leveling. We took a look at the game during GDC 2010, so if you're interested in learning more about it, or seeing some trailers of the game in action, look no further than our coverage!

So, need the details on how to get in on the ground floor? Jump after the break and we'll tell you all about it.

Continue reading We're LOCO for Lands of Chaos Online beta keys!

MassivelyWe're LOCO for Lands of Chaos Online beta keys! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayaburda-icburdaicclosed-betaclosed-beta-key-giveawayclosed-beta-testdefense-of-the-ancientsdotagiveawaylands-of-chaos-onlinelocothird-person-shooterMon, 24 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc10-land-of-chaos-online-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMOs are a strange genre without many of the clearly-defined borders for something that is or isn't a part of the field. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of innovation in the field that's confined strictly to the absolute edges of what could be considered an MMO. Games such as MAG and Global Agenda feature several shooter conventions mixed with several MMO conventions, and it's an interesting formula. Land of Chaos Online is pushing the formula as well, by adding in third-person shooter elements to a Defense of the Ancients-style match format.

The game is on the outer edge of the genre, but it draws much of its gameplay and feel from MMOs, with a strong emphasis on coupled character persistence and more shooter-style elements. We caught up with Achim Kaspers, managing director of Burda:ic, during GDC to talk about what the game would play like and get an idea of what we could expect. More information on this unique game after the cut.

Continue reading GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview

MassivelyGDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdefense-of-the-ancientsdotaf2pfeaturedfree-aimingfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgdc-2010instancinginterviewsitem-shopland-of-chaos-onlinelocopricingshootersteam-fortress-2third-person-shooterThu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: One massive agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So, I'll be honest, I had a completely different idea for a column this week. But reading over the comments on yesterday's launch trailer for Global Agenda got me thinking: Why is there so much ado about the nature of an MMO? Why are so many fixated on the 10 vs 10 nature of Global Agenda and not the bigger picture of what the game has to offer? Why do we scoff at the idea of 100 person instances when it was designed to give the player more flexibility?

Today, I want to play the devil's advocate, as I do in so many of my opinion columns. I want to take on the defense of Global Agenda as an MMO title, and I think I have enough evidence to prove that it's massive -- just not in the way you normally consider MMOs to be massive. And, personally, I think this is only good news for the industry at large.

If you guys wish to comment on this edition of Anti-Aliased, please comment of page 2 of the article, as always! Your comments are always well received!

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: One massive agenda

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: One massive agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-vs-10anti-aliasedconquestfeaturedglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rez-studiosmassive-warmassively-multiplayermmo-tacticsmmortsmmotpsplanetsidethird-person-shooterFri, 15 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Bad Santas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/one-shots-bad-santas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/one-shots-bad-santas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/one-shots-bad-santas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While you're unlikely to find Billy Bob Thornton running around in the landscape of CrimeCraft, recently players were treated to all the strange Santas they could handle in the recent holiday event "Mall Santa Photo Booth." Now as to how some weirded-out Terminator Santa got in there, we've no idea. Thankfully Victor B. was there to capture this image from the event, and might be able to shed some light on it:

CrimeCraft is a persistent online third-person shooter with an "over-the-shoulder" view similar to Gears of War. It takes place in a near future urban metropolis that revolves around gang warfare. Players can create gangs, craft weaponry, tailor clothes, and manufacture drugs. Game play in instances features a kill streak reward system similar to COD4. It grants experience points, which allows a player to upgrade their skills (skills are like perks such as martyrdom and explosives).

Well, perhaps a reader will explain the festive cyborg-looking thing on the left, eh?

If you'd like to join in the fun, send in screenshots from your favorite MMO to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Be sure to add your name, the name of the game, and a quick description in the email. We'll post the image out here for everyone to check out and give you the credit! Also, please make sure your screenshot is at least 1024 pixels across and has no visible UI elements.

Gallery: One Shots


MassivelyOne Shots: Bad Santas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimecrimecraftholidays-2009one-shotssantascreenshotscreenshotsthird-person-shooterVictor-bvogster-entertainmentFri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment reveals Stargate shooter instead of MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After over two years of work on Stargate Worlds and an increasingly dubious outlook, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment launched a website revealing Stargate Resistance. The game defines itself as a third-person shooter, and is scheduled for a release very soon -- Q1 2010.

This is a bit of a startling development for fans who have been anticipating Stargate Worlds, as well as those who have given up on the franchise completely. So what does this mean for Stargate Worlds? Information is a little scattered, but SGW team member fan Ian Stock gave the most concise explanation: "SGW will be worked on; but at a much lower rate compared to that of Resistance...That is until such a time when SG:R has become comfortable financially (enough) to then begin ramping up SGW again."

The latest news on the Stargate Worlds site highlights the screenshots that were revealed back in November, so the Stargate Worlds development team seems to have moved their attention to Stargate Resistance for the time being.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment reveals Stargate shooter instead of MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentCMEstargatestargate-resistanceStargate-Worldsthird-person-shooterWed, 09 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/redefining-mmos-the-shooter-invasion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


The MMO industry is always changing, and if we're going to stay ahead of the curve, we need to re-evaluate some of our views and ingrained notions from time to time. The Redefining MMOs series at Massively is our look at the state of massively multiplayer online games as it is today, and where we see it going. This week we're going to look at how shooters have invaded the MMO space, give you a run-down of some promising MMO shooters on the horizon, and finally tackle the question of whether or not they should be covered here at Massively.

Something we're seeing more and more is a blurring of the lines between formerly distinct game genres -- this is especially true of shooters and MMOs. There are a number of shooters on the horizon that fit the bill as MMOs (although not RPGs), but such games are a radical departure from the DikuMUD pedigree shared by most MMORPG titles we cover at Massively. These shooter-MMO hybrids may have quests, levels, and classes, but they cast few illusions about being true RPGs. They're shooters through and through, but have persistent settings or are massively multiplayer -- traits which catch our attention.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: The Shooter Invasion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinconsolescrimedust-514featuredfirst-person-shooterfpsgame-mechanicsglobal-agendahuxleymagmmo-industrymmofpsopinionplanetsidepvpredefining-mmossci-fishootersthe-agencythird-person-shooterFri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie developed Divergence Online to combine third person shooter with MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/indie-developed-divergence-online-to-combine-third-person-shoote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/indie-developed-divergence-online-to-combine-third-person-shoote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/indie-developed-divergence-online-to-combine-third-person-shoote/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Divergence Online is a sci-fi hybrid of a third person shooter and MMO, from indie developer Stainglass Llama. The game is set hundreds of years in the future, in a time when human and alien civilizations clash. The rated-M game will feature a "hybrid interface" where players can switch between "RAG Mode" (Run-and-Gun Mode) with crosshairs and "MMO Mode" with auto-attack, more standard MMO-style targeting, movement, and camera control.

The MMO Gamer has some early info about the game, revealed in an interview by Mobin Koohestani with Divergence Online Project Manager Ethan Casner, who is also the creator of the Divergence universe. Casner gives The MMO Gamer a brief overview of the game's concepts, lore and game mechanics in the interview. He says, "Our goal is to get as close to the feel of combat in a traditional FPS/3PS as possible, with the capabilities of an MMORPG such as character progression and a persistent world populated by (hopefully) thousands of players at the same time."

Continue reading Indie developed Divergence Online to combine third person shooter with MMO

MassivelyIndie developed Divergence Online to combine third person shooter with MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divergence-onlineethan-casnergame-mechanicsindependent-studioindieinterviewsloremmo-industrymmofpsmobin-koohestaninew-titlessci-fithe-mmo-gamerthird-person-shooterMon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CrimeCraft to be sold exclusively for North America at Best Buy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/crimecraft-to-be-sold-exclusively-for-north-america-at-best-buy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/crimecraft-to-be-sold-exclusively-for-north-america-at-best-buy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/crimecraft-to-be-sold-exclusively-for-north-america-at-best-buy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


One of the titles gamers can look forward to this summer is CrimeCraft, a hybrid of a shooter and urban MMO from Vogster Entertainment, to be published by THQ Inc. in August. Vogster and THQ have taken a somewhat surprising step towards distribution of CrimeCraft in North America; the title will be sold exclusively at Best Buy, either in-store or online.

The exclusivity of this deal may bring some perks to CrimeCraft players. The official release states: "Consumers who purchase CrimeCraft at Best Buy will receive two months of free play time and a number of exclusive in-game items, including two in-game t-shirts from acclaimed real-world fashion labels and a combat backpack for their avatar. Gamers will also receive a virtual Best Buy discount card that allows them to purchase in-game items at a reduced cost. Those gamers pre-ordering CrimeCraft via Best Buy retail stores or online at www.bestbuy.com, will additionally receive virtual in-game shoes from Ecko Unltd., created by fashion icon Marc Ecko, access to play the pre-release version of the game during beta, and three days' head start at the game's launch."

Pre-orders begin on May 31st (online) or on June 7th (in stores). CrimeCraft is still slated for an August 25th launch.

Gallery: CrimeCraft

MassivelyCrimeCraft to be sold exclusively for North America at Best Buy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buybusiness-modelscrimecrimecraftlaunchesmarc-eckommo-industrymmofpsnorth-americapre-ordersretailshooterthird-person-shooterthqvogster-entertainmentFri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-digital-continuum-zombies-zombies-zombies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I firmly believe persistent online games have a lot more to offer, and every so often that fact rises up to the front of my thoughts by games like Resident Evil 5. If a cooperative and ostensibly zombie game can exist, then why not a massively version? Let me present to you, the reader, my vision of a game that could quite feasibly exist in just four or five years time:

The zombie apocalypse MMO.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Zombies, zombies, zombies originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypsecapcomfeaturedfirst-person-shooterleft-4-deadresident-evil-5the-digital-continuumthird-person-shooterundeadvalvezombiezombiesSat, 14 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST