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 you loathe third-party downloaders?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-loathe-third-party-downloaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-loathe-third-party-downloaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-loathe-third-party-downloaders/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO screenshot
Every time I boot up Lord of the Rings Online or Dungeons and Dragons Online, I'm reminded that somewhere on my computer lurks Pando Media Booster. Ostensibly, Pando and software like Pando helps MMO players to download game clients, but they also spread out the load and track other information presumably of use to the game companies themselves. I've deleted Pando and similar software from my PC multiple times, but some games just don't function well without them. Players have been known to suggest the whole system of third-party installers and downloaders and launchers is nothing more than bloatware, or worse, malware and spyware.

Am I alone in loathing MMO patchers that are really torrents I can't disable, launchers that lump the entirety of a company's games together, and third-party download whatever-ware that won't go away?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you loathe third-party downloaders? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloatwarebrianna-royce-tdgddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineinstallerlauncherlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromalwareopinionpandopando-media-boosterpando-networkspatchtdgthe-daily-grindthird-party-downloadertorrentturbineupdateSat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion full client torrent available]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/aion-full-client-torrent-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/aion-full-client-torrent-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/aion-full-client-torrent-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Thinking of returning to Aion to check out the 1.9 patch? You're not alone, as folks are beginning to trickle back into the world of Atreia to partake in the improved XP and other tweaks. If you've deleted the game from your hard drive, or you're a new player, you might want to check out the full client torrent that NCsoft has just released.

Given that the game has been out for nine months, and has been patched fairly regularly, you're likely to have a lengthy download and update process if you re-install from your original game discs. Happily, NCsoft has bundled the entire game client, as well as all the patches up to and including last week's 1.9, into a file that you can grab from FilePlanet. Alternatively, you can can grab a torrent from GamersHell or NCsoft's own server.

Check out the official news posting for further details.

MassivelyAion full client torrent available originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.9aionclient-downloadfileplanetgamershellncsoftpatchtorrentTue, 08 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth client now available via torrent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/fallen-earth-client-now-available-via-torrent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/fallen-earth-client-now-available-via-torrent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/fallen-earth-client-now-available-via-torrent/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Icarus Studios and Fallen Earth have announced a nice surprise for fans frustrated with slow downloads. As a convenience to their users, there is now a Fallen Earth torrent file for faster downloads of their game client.

If you're unfamiliar with how it works, it's pretty simple. Just download the torrent file, provided in this handy link or in the announcement on the official site, then double-click the icon on your PC to begin the full download. Once everything is downloaded, you'll start the installation process. Again, pretty simple, and the Fallen Earth team has kindly provided step by step instructions with the announcement.

One last reminder from the Fallen Earth guys: "This is new, so if you encounter any issues, just let us know and we will try to respond quickly!"

MassivelyFallen Earth client now available via torrent originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadfallen-earthicarusicarus-studiostorrentFri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion open beta client now available for download]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/aion-open-beta-client-now-available-for-download/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/aion-open-beta-client-now-available-for-download/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/aion-open-beta-client-now-available-for-download/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aion's open beta is officially on the way so everybody will be able to sample the delights of Atreia between September 6th and 13th. Ahead of this, NCsoft has announced the availability of the Aion beta client. The client can now be downloaded from various corners of the internet, including FilePlanet and GamersHell, but the company has also announced they are making it available via BitTorrent.

Despite its shady reputation as the medium of choice for file-sharers and illegal downloads, BitTorrent itself is quite legal. Indeed it's a popular method of downloading files which has been embraced by numerous companies over the years. However, if you still want to use traditional methods, NCsoft has also announced that FilePlanet will be giving away a selection of open beta keys beginning Tuesday, September 1st. But anyone who has pre-ordered the game or won a full beta key from a competition just have to bid their time until the open beta begins.

MassivelyAion open beta client now available for download originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-launchaion-open-betaaion-patch-1.5aion-the-shadow-of-the-balaurbetabittorrentclientclosed-betafileplanetgamershellncsoftopen-betatesttorrentFri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Book 7 Lothlorien patch files available early]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/lotros-book-7-lothlorien-patch-files-available-early/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/lotros-book-7-lothlorien-patch-files-available-early/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/lotros-book-7-lothlorien-patch-files-available-early/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Turbine has announced (via Twitter!) that the Volume 2, Book 7: Leaves of Lórien content update for Lord of the Rings Online will go live this Tuesday, March 17, 2009. But you can get your hands on the update files now. Turbine is giving North American, Australian and New Zealand players an opportunity to download the patch files early via direct download or torrent. The downloaded files can even be grabbed from a different computer and then you can transfer those files to your LotRO machine. No early files have been posted for European players yet.

What awaits you in LotRO's first major content patch since the Moria expansion went live in November? Turbine offers a quick list of the major features on Vol 2 Book 7 as well as updated Patch Notes. The LotRO Follower blog offers a list of what changed during Testing by comparing the patch notes when the PTR went live and now.

Massively has its own tour of the new content as the enchanted lands of Lothlórien are opened up to players. And, of course, there are plenty of screenshots below to tide you over until the content goes live in a few days.

Gallery: LotRO Volume 2: Book 7


Gallery: LotRO Volume 2: Book 7 Dev Tour

MassivelyLotRO's Book 7 Lothlorien patch files available early originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-downloadleaves-of-lorienlothlorienlotrolotro-book-2.7lotro-patchtorrentturbinevolume-2-book-7Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beware third party downloads for Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/beware-third-party-downloads-for-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/beware-third-party-downloads-for-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/beware-third-party-downloads-for-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Brannoc, the community manager for Darkfall, has released an announcement today regarding downloading the Darkfall client from any group other than Aventurine. In a nutshell, he says don't do it. Aventurine cannot guarantee the quality of those downloads or what may be hidden inside of them. If you wish to download the Darkfall client, do so from Aventurine's official torrent.

Brannoc's official announcement states, "Many people have begun to host the client we made available by torrent on other websites for direct download.

Aventurine cannot guarantee the efficacy of these clients and make no guarantees as to their security or freedom of malware. For that reason we recommend only utilizing official download sources for the Darkfall client.

Aventurine also does not support any 3rd party applications or programs for use with the Darkfall client.

Anytime you utilize non-official resources you run a security risk for your system and for that reason we recommend you keep an up to date antivirus program and firewall software up and running. "

MassivelyBeware third party downloads for Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebrannocclientdarkfalldarkfall-onlinedownloadpatcherthird-partytorrentTue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes with Stargate Worlds at Comic-Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For all of you who have been patiently waiting to see some gameplay from Stargate Worlds, the folks from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment have set up a series of torrents, chock-full of love for you. With the help of the folks from SGWIrc, the Stargate Worlds crew's downloadable coverage boasts not just candid gameplay video like the one above (we love the "run away!" comment) but also pictures of other shenanigans going on at the event. Also, don't forget to head over to the Stargate Worlds blog to check out the convention from their perspective.

We also have our people on the ground at Comic-Con, so be on the lookout for some more upcoming footage of Stargate Worlds, as well as all the other news coming out of San Diego!

[Via GamingToday]

MassivelyGo behind the scenes with Stargate Worlds at Comic-Con originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenescandidcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcomic-consan-diego-comic-consdcc-2008sgwstargate-worldstorrentvideoSat, 26 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Book 12 updater available via torrent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/book-12-updater-available-via-torrent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/book-12-updater-available-via-torrent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/book-12-updater-available-via-torrent/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Those looking to download and patch their Lord of the Rings Online client ahead of time look no further. A torrent (available here) made by Turbine allows those with the Book 11 patch to pre-patch themselves and thus log in right away after server maintenance is over this Wednesday. New players can't use the patch as it only supports those with the Book 11 patch, but hey at least everyone else can, right?

Well, not exactly. If you've got the EU version of Lord of the Rings Online, then you're sadly out of luck as this patch won't work for you -- so it isn't all sunshine and daisies. This patch also won't work for the Roheryn preview server -- no surprise there, though. We're unsure as to why European players are left in the cold, but at least everyone else can get themselves pre-patched as soon as they like.

Still, it's always nice when a developer goes out of there way to make sure most players can get right into the new patched up game after downtime ends. Hopefully next time they'll just make sure to have the EU players covered as well.

MassivelyBook 12 updater available via torrent originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-11book-12lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchserver-maintenancetorrentturbineMon, 11 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO Book 11 notes and early download available]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/lotro-book-11-notes-and-early-download-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/lotro-book-11-notes-and-early-download-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/lotro-book-11-notes-and-early-download-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Book 11: Defenders of Eriador , the third free content update for Lord of the Rings Online, is arriving Wednesday morning. In advance of the patch going live, Turbine has released the patch notes two days early on the LotRO Lorebook, their official Wiki site.

There are no surprises since we saw these patch notes on the Preview server earlier this month. Still on track are all the major changes:
  • The introduction of player and guild housing in the Man, Elf, Hobbit and Dwarf cities
  • Four new level 40+ outdoor zones in and around The Misty Mountains to smooth out high level questing
  • The Rift, the game's second raid zone, a 12-man level 50 instance that pits your group against a Balrog and introduces new class armor sets
  • Class revamps for Lore-masters (new Lynx pet, new high level skills) and Minstrels (Warspeech, a new dps stance for faster soloing, new high level skills.)
Also, the introduction of Gollum to the game through a flashback instance. And the epic quest series that allows the players to help the Fellowship in its journey to Mordor has a new 13-quest arc. We're not sure yet how the new Epic Quest series plays out yet, but the title of patch could mean all the playable lands are in jeopardy.

The patch is currently available by Torrent and direct download. It will also be available through the patcher on Wednesday, October 22, 2007.

MassivelyLotRO Book 11 notes and early download available originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balrogbook-11defenders-of-eriadordps-stancegollumguild-housinglore-masterlotro-lorebooklynx-petminstrelplayer-housingthe-rifttorrentwarspeechMon, 22 Oct 2007 20:10:00 EST