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[EverQuest II's GU63 tweaks crafting, adds hundreds of new items]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - armorsmith at the forge
If you've been slacking when it comes to keeping up with EverQuest II tradeskill news lately, the recent Game Update 63 (otherwise known as Skyshrine) featured quite a few noteworthy tweaks. Sony Online Entertainment has posted a dev interview detailing some of the larger changes, including the addition of several hundred new craftable items.

SOE's Brian "Omougi" Ferguson says that Carpenters and Alchemists got a lot of love during this patch, and combat-only players will be pleased to know that crafters can now make even more handy upgrades. There are two new consumables for each class archetype, and Ferguson is particularly fond of the tank versions which gives meatshields an additional 20% damage reduction for 12 seconds.

Full details are yours at the official EQII website.

MassivelyEverQuest II's GU63 tweaks crafting, adds hundreds of new items originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingeq-2eq-iieq2eq2-craftingeqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playnon-combat-gameplaysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttradeskillingtradeskillsyayMon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Grimlands - landscape shot
What's better than a post-apocalyptic online shooter? How about a post-apocalyptic online shooter that you don't have to pay for? Free-to-play publisher gamigo is hoping you'll feel that way about Grimlands, which heads to closed beta this week to focus test "technical details such as server stability, optimization of the network code, and new features."

The game's first beta build boasts a dozen new dungeons, dynamic weather effects, and vehicles that consume gasoline and feature both weapon and armor mounting capabilities. Oh yeah, there's crafting, too, and a player-run economy that includes weaponsmith, armorer, and engineer professions as well as various specializations. Sound interesting? If so, you can register for beta at the official site.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyGrimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsgrimlands-betagrimlands-closed-betammo-shooterpost-apocalypticpost-apocalyptic-shootershootertradeskillswasteland-shooterThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Handy tips for fishing and survival in Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-handy-tips-for-fishing-and-survival-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-handy-tips-for-fishing-and-survival-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-handy-tips-for-fishing-and-survival-in-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

rift fishing
In my last column about RIFT, I looked at a few highlights that were coming with Update 1.8, but because of the buzz surrounding the two new skills of fishing and survival, I wanted to delve into both a little more closely and perhaps even give a few tips I picked up so far that might be helpful if you're thinking of giving it a try.

Whether you're an old salt or a greenhorn, and if you're curious about what exactly it takes to fish in Telara or what you need to build yourself a nice camp and a warm meal, this week's Enter at Your Own Rift might help!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Handy tips for fishing and survival in Telara

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Handy tips for fishing and survival in Telara originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookingcraftingenter-at-your-own-riftfantasyfeaturedfishingfishing-derbyfishing-trophyopinionriftrift-bedrollrift-derbyrift-fishing-guiderift-planes-of-telararift-survival-guiderift-tentsurvivaltelaratradeskillstriontrion-worldsWed, 25 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse reveals TERA crafting guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/en-masse-reveals-tera-crafting-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/en-masse-reveals-tera-crafting-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/en-masse-reveals-tera-crafting-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - crafting interface
Crafting probably isn't the first (or even the second) thing that springs to mind when someone says TERA, but thankfully Bluehole and En Masse didn't opt to leave the system on the cutting room floor when designing the new fantasy MMO.

En Masse recently released a fairly detailed tradeskilling guide, and while it won't tell you exactly where to get rare materials, it does give you plenty of info on the basics. TERA features six different crafting disciplines, and your character can learn them all at any time. There are no training costs; all you'll need to worry about is finding patterns and raw materials.

Crafted items are usually better than random loot drops, but generally you'll be outpacing your gear every five levels, so you'll want to upgrade fairly often anyway. There's a lot more info on TERA's tradeskilling system at the official website.

MassivelyEn Masse reveals TERA crafting guide originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscraftingcrafting-guideen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteratera-craftingtera-crafting-guidetera-gatheringtradeskillingtradeskillsThu, 05 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Is The Secret World a sandbox?
I'm more excited than I thought I would be for The Secret World. After playing it at last week's Game Developer's Conference and getting a preview of the game's crafting system, I think it's safe to say my anticipation went up a few notches.

The real-world setting and horror-fantasy elements have always been appealing, but a general lack of info throughout 2011 -- coupled with Funcom's decision to add a cash shop to a subscription game -- conspired to knock The Secret World down a few pegs. Now I'm almost willing to forgive the business model faux pas because it seems like the game will feature significant sandbox elements.

Is it a sandbox, though?

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracycraftingfactionfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-mechanicshorroris-the-secret-world-a-sandboxjoel-bylosmartin-bruusgaardmmo-storymythologyopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsome-assembly-requiredstorythe-secret-worldthemeparktradeskillingtradeskillstswuser-generated-contentFri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World
Funcom's hush-hush demo at last week's Game Developer's Conference was quite a bit of fun, even if the opening few minutes treaded perilously close to wince-inducing. The Secret World creative director Ragnar Tornquist kicked things off with a brief introduction, which was followed by a look at the game's character creation as experienced by a female Dragon-faction avatar.

Once that was complete, we got an eyeful of some opening cinematics, and I do mean an eyeful. If you've never watched a lesbian makeout scene alongside a half dozen sweaty male game journos (and a couple of pretty PR girls), well, let's just say that it's hilarious to think about now and fairly awkward to actually experience.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awkward-lesbian-cinematic-is-awkwardbuild-abilitiesbuildersconconferenceconventioncraftingfactionfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012horrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-ability-wheelsecret-world-craftingsecret-world-skillsskill-basedthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-craftingtradeskillstranscribingtswThu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trek through fire and flame in RIFT's Infernal Dawn raid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/trek-through-fire-and-flame-in-rifts-infernal-dawn-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/trek-through-fire-and-flame-in-rifts-infernal-dawn-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/trek-through-fire-and-flame-in-rifts-infernal-dawn-raid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MAELFORGE SMASH!
RIFT's Carnival of the Ascended is in full-swing in Telara, but there's something dastardly dwelling under the veil of the festivities. While the Ascended feast, imbibe, and debauch, the less-than-phlegmatic cults of the Golden Maw and the Wanton scheme to free their dragon overlords from imprisonment in the upcoming raid, Infernal Dawn. But no Ascended should go up against the dragons unprepared, so Trion Worlds' Adam Gershowitz has volunteered to take players on a short tour of the Earth Wing of Infernal Dawn, where they will be tasked with destroying the Golden Maw, the Wanton, and ultimately their leaders: the earth dragon Laethys and the infernal Maelforge.

Infernal Dawn isn't the only new feature in the works. Gershowitz also reveals that the studio is working on new Instant Adventures set on the Ember Isle. Less pugilistic players will be receiving some new treats as well in the form of new tradeskills. While Gershowitz doesn't reveal any specifics on what these new tradeskills will be, he does hint that they "may or may not involve bodies of water." We've been fishing for ideas all day, but we're just not getting any bites. Oh well, we'll find out soon enough! In the meantime, check out the full video tour and prepare yourselves; Infernal Dawn is planned to go live in "just a month or two." Oh, and remember: Former RIFT subscribers can play free starting today until March 14th, so if you wanna get back into the world of Telara, now's the time.

And finally, be sure to keep an eye out for our own Karen Bryan's RIFT coverage straight from GDC 2012, which will surely shed more light on these upcoming additions.

Continue reading Trek through fire and flame in RIFT's Infernal Dawn raid

MassivelyTrek through fire and flame in RIFT's Infernal Dawn raid originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzearth-wingearth-wing-of-infernal-dawnember-islefantasygolden-mawinfernal-dawnlaethysmaelforgeprofessionprofessionsraidraidsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarathe-golden-mawthe-wantontradeskilltradeskillstriontrion-worldsvideovideoswantonThu, 08 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom gutting Age of Conan's crafting system, starting over]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/funcom-gutting-age-of-conans-crafting-system-starting-over/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/funcom-gutting-age-of-conans-crafting-system-starting-over/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/funcom-gutting-age-of-conans-crafting-system-starting-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - I have no crafting shots because the current system sucks that bad
Age of Conan's latest development update is here, and producer Craig "Silirrion" Morrison has quite a lot to say about the game's forthcoming crafting revamp. And when we say revamp, we mean revamp. "When we sat down and looked at the system and how we could add depth and improve engagement, it became clear that it was better to start over," Morrison says.

He isn't kidding either, as the new system does away with awkward quest blocks to progression and instead ties your advancement directly to making items and using the relevant skills.

Harvesting nodes will also spawn with more variety (and at more locations), and the much-reviled random NPC attacks that used to happen while harvesting are finally being dropped. Still want more details? Well, material quality will matter, there will be some sort of refining process, and there's an entirely new system for the actual production of an item. There's a lot more to Age of Conan's new crafting system, of course, but we're out of space, so you'll need to head to the official site to check it out.

MassivelyFuncom gutting Age of Conan's crafting system, starting over originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-crafting-revampaocaoc-craftingaoc-crafting-revampcraftingcrafting-revampcraig-morrisonf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyborianon-combatnon-combat-gameplaysilirriontradeskillswooTue, 28 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architecture banner
Hello, sandbox faithful, and welcome to a special interview edition of Some Assembly Required. We recently had a chance to pitch some questions to the team behind Seatribe's upcoming Salem title, and creative director Björn Johannessen was kind enough to answer them.

Salem is being advertised by publisher Paradox as "the crafting MMO," but it's also rife with throw-back mechanics including a huge amount of player freedom and a permadeath/punishment system similar to the one in Johannessen's Haven & Hearth.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessencash-shopcraftingemergent-gameplayexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgriefinghaven-and-hearthinterviewitem-shopno-tradeparadoxParadox-Interactivepermadeathpermadeath-prevents-griefingplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsalemsandboxseatribeskill-systemsome-assembly-requiredsoul-boundtradeskillsFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/xsyon-architecture-gallery-shows-off-unique-player-made-structur/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - player town
Xsyon's PR machine is shifting into high gear of late, and the post-apocalyptic sandbox title from Notorious Games has released another batch of screenshots. This isn't your typical 10-screenshot blast, either, but rather an entirely new gallery section on the official website devoted exclusively to user creations.

Notorious is intent on showing off what it calls player architecture, as Xsyon is one of the few games on the current MMO market that actually allows for unique creations in terms of buildings, structures, and even town layouts. You can see a few of the choice shots in our Xsyon gallery below, but you'll need to head to the game's official website to see them all.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

Gallery: Xsyon

MassivelyXsyon architecture gallery shows off unique player-made structures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online - Huge Strange likes to craft
It's patch day for DC Universe Online, and when the superhero title comes back up, denizens of Gotham and Metropolis will have a new research and development system to play with. The R&D mechanic is DCUO's answer to traditional MMO crafting, and characters at level 10 and above will want to head to either the Watchtower or the Hall of Doom for an introduction to the new mechanics.

The R&D system brings equipment mods and superior consumables to the game, and it's broken down into four major gameplay spheres: researching, gathering, salvaging, and collecting. Researching involves finding upgrade plans throughout the game world while gathering involves acquiring exobytes. Salvaging is all about turning items into crafting materials, and collecting hinges on getting drops from various boss mobs.

The new mechanics are free for all players via the game's eighth major update. The patch notes can be viewed on the official DCUO forums.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

MassivelyDC Universe Online crafting goes live today with Game Update 8 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playgame-update-8game-update-eightpatchesresearch-and-developmentsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentsuperherotradeskillsupdatesTue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boss around your minions with EverQuest II's tradeskill apprentice system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/boss-around-your-minions-with-everquest-iis-tradeskill-apprenti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/boss-around-your-minions-with-everquest-iis-tradeskill-apprenti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/boss-around-your-minions-with-everquest-iis-tradeskill-apprenti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - tradeskill apprentice
MMOs are great for escaping the real world on occasion, particularly if you're stuck working for the man. EverQuest II's new Age of Discovery expansion is turning those tables by introducing new tradeskill apprentices that will allow players throughout Norrath to become the man.

The new mechanics look to give you the opportunity to get more done when it comes to EQII's sprawling tradeskill game (to say nothing of the fact that you'll be able to cackle some variation on the phrase "my young apprentice" in your best Emperor Palpatine voice). Apprentices can discover nearly 100 unique recipes and they can also be customized in terms of name and appearance. Initially you'll be restricted to Coldain dwarves, but Sony Online Entertainment plans to make more races available in the future. Head to the official EQII website for all the details.

MassivelyBoss around your minions with EverQuest II's tradeskill apprentice system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverycraftingeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttradeskill-apprenticetradeskillsThu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary gets economic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-gets-economic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-gets-economic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-gets-economic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- WindSlayer 2
Now that we've gotten a look at the basics of WindSlayer 2's melee and ranged classes, it's time to delve into what makes the game's economy tick. So if you're a shrewd businessman, head on past the cut to the dev diary and find out how you can play the market in WindSlayer 2.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary gets economic

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary gets economic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdev-diaryeconomicseconomyf2pfree-to-playgatheringignited-gamesprofessionprofessionstradeskilltradeskillswindslayer-2Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Meet Alira]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/choose-my-adventure-meet-alira/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/choose-my-adventure-meet-alira/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/choose-my-adventure-meet-alira/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Meet Alira!
Everyone, I'd like you to give a warm welcome to my brand-new Final Fantasy XIV Choose My Adventure character, the Miqo'te Lancer Alira Zhyn. Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, let me go ahead and address the fact that yes, the top vote for gender was male, while the top vote for race was Miqo'te, and it's not possible to roll a male Miqo'te. I made an executive decision to allow race to override gender, as I feel race is a bit more of a deciding factor when creating a character than gender is.

Now that that's out of the way, head on past the cut to read about Alira's first few days of adventure in Eorzea!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Meet Alira

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Meet Alira originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliraalira-zhynchoose-my-adventurecmacombatcraftingfeaturedff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivpollpollsprofessionprofessionssquare-enixsquenixstorytradeskilltradeskillsWed, 26 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Path to F2P highlights crafting changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/star-trek-onlines-path-to-f2p-highlights-crafting-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/star-trek-onlines-path-to-f2p-highlights-crafting-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/star-trek-onlines-path-to-f2p-highlights-crafting-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online
The Path to F2P continues for Star Trek Online, and this episode focuses on the recent update to crafting, which is now available on the Tribble server. Crafting basics remain unchanged: Players scour the galaxy for anomalies in order to gather samples, and then return to Memory Alpha or Qo'noS to craft those samples into useable items.

Crafting is separated into tiers, with each tier composed of two (or in the case of tier five, three) levels of quality. For instance, tier one consists of Mark I and Mark II gear, while tier two consists of Mark III and Mark IV. As it stands, Marks I, III, V, and VII are crafted using samples only, while Marks II, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, and XI require Refined Dilithium on top of the samples. As such, the Marks that require Dilithium will be of considerably higher quality than those that do not. For the full details on the new crafting system, head on over to the full post at STO's official site.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Path to F2P highlights crafting changes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingcrypticcryptic-studiospath-to-f2pperfect-world-entertainmentpwestar-trek-onlinestotradeskillsThu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Wulin videos show life skills, combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/age-of-wulin-videos-show-life-skills-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/age-of-wulin-videos-show-life-skills-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/age-of-wulin-videos-show-life-skills-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Wulin - Clawed girl
More Age of Wulin beta news is on tap courtesy of MMO Culture, and more video footage is available as well. The free-to-play fantasy sandbox just opened its initial closed beta phase to the Chinese market, and as a result we're getting a first look at some of the game's unique features and skills.

While most MMOs focus completely on combat, Age of Wulin features some very intriguing non-combat aspects, many of which are found in the life skills tree. In addition to traditional gathering and crafting disciplines, there are also sewing, musician, artist, chess, fortune teller, and beggar skills, just to name a few.

Combat isn't forgotten, course, and you can view a basic combat tutorial video and some life skill clips after the break.

Continue reading Age of Wulin videos show life skills, combat

MassivelyAge of Wulin videos show life skills, combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinbeggingbetachesschinese-betaclosed-betacraftingf2pfantasyfishingfree-to-playgatheringmartial-artsnon-combatnon-combat-gameplaysandboxscholarsnail-gamestradeskillsvideoMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prime: Battle for Dominus gets professional with new crafting details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/prime-battle-for-dominus-gets-professional-with-new-crafting-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/prime-battle-for-dominus-gets-professional-with-new-crafting-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/prime-battle-for-dominus-gets-professional-with-new-crafting-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Prime: Battle for Dominus
A few months back, we got our first look at Prime: Battle for Dominus' profession and crafting system, but it was a bit scant on details. Thanks to the game's updated profession page, however, we're absolutely drowning in details. Drowning, I say! To recap, for those of you just joining us, the available professions are Armortech, Weapontech, Biotech, Chemist, Inventor, Harvester, and Soldier for Hire. Players can partake of any and all professions, but they can only choose to specialize in a single one.

In order to create an item, players require schematics, which can be acquired in one of a few ways. Schematics can be learned from trainers, or they can be gained by reverse-engineering an item to discover what makes it tick. If you're the sneaky, saboteur type, you can even steal schematics from other factions and turn the enemy's own tools against them.

The page features myriad details on all of the available professions, but perhaps most interesting is the new information about the oddball Soldier for Hire. The Soldier for Hire is not a crafting profession in the strictest sense but rather is more like a bounty hunter who can sell his services through an in-game interface. The new page reveals that players will have good reason to hire a Soldier for Hire over some random schmuck, as the Soldier will have access to gear and weapons exclusive to the profession.

For the full details on the game's various crafting professions, head on over to the Prime: Battle for Dominus official site and have a look.

MassivelyPrime: Battle for Dominus gets professional with new crafting details originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftcraftingcraftspitchblackpitchblack-gamesprimeprime-battle-for-dominusprofessionstradeskillsThu, 06 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Surviving the craftpocalypse]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/the-anvil-of-crom-surviving-the-craftpocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/the-anvil-of-crom-surviving-the-craftpocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/the-anvil-of-crom-surviving-the-craftpocalypse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Anvil of Crom header - big angry man with a battleaxe
So last week we started talking a bit about Age of Conan's 2012 crafting revamp. I laid out a few things that foul up the current system -- from a tradeskiller's point of view, naturally -- but I didn't quite get around to talking about solutions.

Though that's on the to-do list, I may not get around to it this week either, since a few mails and some forum discussions brought up a couple of interesting tangential points that I hadn't considered.

Surprisingly, I got email from folks who aren't really looking forward to the big tradeskill upheaval that Funcom game director Craig Morrison hinted at in the August development update. Even more mind-boggling was the fact that these folks aren't even crafters.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Surviving the craftpocalypse

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Surviving the craftpocalypse originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-craftingage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaocaoc-craftingaoc-ngeaoc-unchainedchill-pillschillaxcraftingcrafting-revampcraftpocalypseeconomyf2pfantasyfeaturedfeedbackfree-to-playfuncomin-game-economyngeopinionreader-feedbacksurviving-the-craftpocalypsethe-anvil-of-cromtradeskill-revamptradeskillingtradeskillsvirtual-worldsSun, 02 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architectural blueprints
Between bouts of Global Agenda, Age of Conan, and a stack of single-player games, I've been taking my own advice lately and looking for a new sandbox. The end of Star Wars Galaxies is forcing my hand, and I figured I'd better start now if I don't want to be stuck with nothing to play on December 16th.

While there is a veritable ton of different sandboxes to choose from, I must admit to being a bit frustrated with nearly all of them. If it's not one thing, it's another, and most are such glaring deficiencies that I can't help but wonder what was going through the minds of the development teams during the construction process. Join me after the cut for a few things you should consider if you're making an MMORPG sandbox.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox

MassivelySome Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bind-on-equipbind-on-pickupboebopcraftingcross-faction-chatcross-faction-communicationdesignfacepalmfeaturedffa-pvpgame-designgame-mechanicsgame-systemshow-to-screw-up-your-sandboxitem-decaylocal-bankinglocal-banksmmo-industrymmo-item-decaynanny-stateopinionpvpsandboxsandbox-designsandbox-mechanicssandbox-pvpsandparkschadenfreudescrewed-up-sandboxessome-assembly-requiredsystemstradeskillingtradeskillsFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: What's wrong with AoC's crafting?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/the-anvil-of-crom-whats-wrong-with-aocs-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/the-anvil-of-crom-whats-wrong-with-aocs-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/the-anvil-of-crom-whats-wrong-with-aocs-crafting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Anvil of Crom
In the wake of Funcom's glorious announcement that Age of Conan is due for an extreme tradeskill makeover in 2012, I thought it might be fun to brainstorm a few crafting-related design ideas.

To be frank, I think any change will be an improvement, as it's hard to fathom a more boring and ultimately worthless gameplay system than what currently passes for crafting in Hyboria. This is a pretty huge topic, of course, so join me after the cut for the first part of what will likely be an ongoing discussion over the next few months. Before we can talk about solutions, though, we've got to identify what's wrong with AoC's crafting.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: What's wrong with AoC's crafting?

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: What's wrong with AoC's crafting? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-craftingage-of-conan-crafting-sucksage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaocaoc-unchainedcraftingcrafting-revampdesignfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-designhyboriammo-designopinionthe-anvil-of-cromtradeskillswhats-wrong-with-craftingSun, 25 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO dev blog talks Rise of Isengard crafting changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/lotro-dev-blog-talks-rise-of-isengard-crafting-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/lotro-dev-blog-talks-rise-of-isengard-crafting-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/lotro-dev-blog-talks-rise-of-isengard-crafting-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - leatherworking
Hey look, crafting news! Yep, there is more to MMOs than combat, and Turbine has long fought the good fight in regard to giving tradeskill fans something to chew on.

The latest Lord of the Rings Online dev update shines the spotlight on crafting in the Westfold, which Turbine describes as an "all-new crafting tier [...] filled with valuable natural resources, sought-after ancient artifacts, rare recipes, and powerful crafted items."

Unlocking the new content happens by way of mastering your particular profession's supreme proficiency tier. The expansion also gives you more options in the form of a new reputation rank for the game's various crafting guilds. Furthermore, Turbine has eliminated component recipes in the new tier to "reduce the amount of time spent crafting intermediate ingredients." Finally, there are also a couple of changes to resource gathering, including yield tweaks and the ability for Farmers to produce crops individually or in bulk. That's not all, but you'll have to head to the official LotRO website for all the details.

MassivelyLotRO dev blog talks Rise of Isengard crafting changes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdev-blogdev-diaryexpansionfarmerlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchrecipesreputationrise-of-isengardtradeskillsturbineTurbine-EntertainmentwestfoldFri, 23 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Salem livestream set for September 27th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/salem-livestream-set-for-september-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/salem-livestream-set-for-september-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/salem-livestream-set-for-september-27th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Salem - concept art
Paradox Interactive is highlighting a new opportunity for fans of the upcoming Salem MMORPG to get a first-hand look at how game development is progressing. A live demo will be streamed over Paradox's Twitch.tv channel on Tuesday, September 27th, offering curious onlookers the first real glimpse of the game that bills itself as "the crafting MMO" while also featuring PvP and permadeath.

Salem is a free-to-play browser-based MMORPG that takes place in a fantastical New England, and though the game has its share of "light-hearted gothic" elements and "a charming and cute art style," it also has quite a dark side in terms of hardcore mechanics and dangerous creatures based on colonial folklore.

MassivelySalem livestream set for September 27th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcraftingdemof2pfantasyfree-to-playhardcorelive-demonew-englandparadoxParadox-InteractivepermadeathsalemsandboxtradeskillsThu, 22 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Evaluating the dev update - crafting edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/the-anvil-of-crom-evaluating-the-dev-update-crafting-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/the-anvil-of-crom-evaluating-the-dev-update-crafting-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/the-anvil-of-crom-evaluating-the-dev-update-crafting-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Anvil of Crom - banner
Hallelujah, amen, and by frickin' Crom! What's got me all excitable this week? Well, the latest dev update, for starters, and I apologize in advance for reneging on last week's promise to devote today's column to a deeper examination of the new Savage Coast of Turan content. The last time we met, I gave you a quick rundown on the Ardashir Coast, but with all due respect to Funcom's content designers, the most interesting bit of Age of Conan news from the last little while is the crafting revamp that Silirrion hinted at in the August 31st update letter.

But Jef, how interesting could it be if it's taken you over a week to write about it? Well, you got me there, and I could throw in some excuses about needing to get something Turan-related out last week, as well as the fact that I was doing the DragonCon shuffle, but I won't.

Anyhow, holy shitaki mushrooms! Funcom mentioned AoC's tradeskills! Join me after the cut and bring the smelling salts.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Evaluating the dev update - crafting edition

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Evaluating the dev update - crafting edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-craftinganvil-of-cromcraftingcrafting-revampcraig-morrisondev-diarydev-updatef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhouse-of-cromhyboriamonthly-dev-updatemonthly-development-updatemonthly-updatenew-contentnon-combat-gameplaysilirrionsingle-serversthe-anvil-of-cromtradeskill-revamptradeskillswelfare-epicsSun, 11 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eden Eternal announces new race, crafting system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/eden-eternal-announces-new-race-crafting-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/eden-eternal-announces-new-race-crafting-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/eden-eternal-announces-new-race-crafting-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Eden Eternal - Anuran
If you're looking for something new to do in Eden Eternal aside from killing monsters and stockpiling phat lewt, look no further than the mid-September content update. Aeria Games has just put out a press release detailing the patch, and the highlights include the new Anuran race along with a brand-new crafting system.

Racial special abilities will also be making an appearance in the new patch, and they're tied into the new tradeskill mechanics. Characters at level 30 and above can participate in Gemcrafting (for Humans), Engineering (for Zumi), and Alchemy (for Anurans) to create a multitude of useful items including gear, potions, and dyes.

The tradeskill goodness doesn't stop there, though, as players at level 20 and above are free to set up their own personal shops in the town of Aven. Finally, two new NPCs are being added to Eden Eternal, and Professor Koss gives timed XP boosts while Assistant Teren gifts players with different fortune bags throughout the day. Learn more about Eden Eternal, and grab the client, at the game's official website.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

MassivelyEden Eternal announces new race, crafting system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesalchemyanurancraftingcrafting-systemeden-eternalengineeringf2pfantasyfortune-bagsfree-to-playgemcraftinghumanpersonal-shopspress-releaseseptember-updatetradeskillsxp-boostzumiThu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted Waters Online adds shipbuilding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/uncharted-waters-online-adds-shipbuilding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/uncharted-waters-online-adds-shipbuilding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/uncharted-waters-online-adds-shipbuilding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Uncharted Waters Online - ships
MMO shipbuilding is a time-honored tradition that's shown up in titles as wide-ranging as Wurm Online, Vanguard, and even Star Wars Galaxies (hey, spaceships count!), to name but a few. The latest game to take the plunge is Uncharted Waters Online, and the free-to-play title from CJ E&M is looking to expand both building and customization options.

Players may choose materials for the hull, sails, and gunport, and how the ingredients are combined will determine how durable the ships are (and, of course, how they fare on subsequent expeditions). New mechanics like steering proficiency "give players more control while sailing," according to a new press release, and players can also work towards a high wave resistance stat that will enable a ship to power through a storm or blizzard. Check out all the details at the official UWO website.

MassivelyUncharted Waters Online adds shipbuilding originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cj-em-gamescraftingf2pfantasyfree-to-playpress-releasesailingshipbuildingshipstradeskillingtradeskillsuncharted-watersuncharted-waters-onlineWed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan dev update talks new content, crafting revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/age-of-conan-dev-update-talks-new-content-crafting-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/age-of-conan-dev-update-talks-new-content-crafting-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/age-of-conan-dev-update-talks-new-content-crafting-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Forgotten City entrance
Yeah, you read that right, Age of Conan fans. Funcom is planning on remaking the game's much-maligned tradeskill system. While the exact nature of the changes has not been revealed, and the deployment date is pretty far in the future (sometime in 2012), it's a big step for what has thus far been a squarely combat-focused game.

This month's AoC development update has the details, along with teasers for a new adventure pack in the early part of 2012, not to mention additional content before the end of 2011. That content includes the conclusion of tier four raid progression in Khitai as well as the long-awaited House of Crom dungeon. Funcom game director Craig "Silirrion" Morrison describes the space as part open dungeon (similar to the Onyx Chambers) and part team instance with dynamic opportunities for both cooperation and conflict.

Today also marks the deployment of the Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack to the live servers (though it's worth noting that you won't be able to access it until September 8th unless you ordered the early bird pack), and Funcom currently advises players of a six-hour down time on the AoC patcher. Finally, the devs have put together a community survey that is open to everyone, so be sure and fill it out to make your voice heard with regards to AoC's future development.

MassivelyAge of Conan dev update talks new content, crafting revamp originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedcraftingcrafting-updatecraig-morrisondev-diarydev-updatedungeonsf2pfantasyfree-to-playhouse-of-crommonthly-dev-updatenew-contentsilirrionsurveytradeskillstradeskills-updateWed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall blog talks crafting update, forthcoming relaunch timeline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Darkfall - crafted axe designs
There may be a little light at the end of the Darkfall 2.0 tunnel if the latest Aventurine blog update is any indication. The entry bills itself as a crafting system update, but it spends the first paragraph or so giving fans an update on the revamped siege system (which is now scheduled to be done in about a week). After that, producer Tasos Flambouras says, "We'll go into more detail about more relaunch features and the production schedule."

So anyway, crafting.

In a nutshell, the new Darkfall tradeskilling system places greater importance on rare ore, unique item appearance, more customization options, and "more opportunities to excel as a crafter." The new system will offer mastery skills as well as a choice between six distinctive base designs for each weapon type. You can read all about it at the game's official website, linked below.

MassivelyDarkfall blog talks crafting update, forthcoming relaunch timeline originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebase-designscraftingcrafting-revampecrafting-updatedarkfalldarkfall-2.0fantasymastery-skillsrare-oresandboxsiegesiege-systemsiegestasostasos-flambourastradeskillingtradeskillsMon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's crafting system detailed and demonstrated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/guild-wars-2s-crafting-system-detailed-and-demonstrated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/guild-wars-2s-crafting-system-detailed-and-demonstrated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/guild-wars-2s-crafting-system-detailed-and-demonstrated/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Guild Wars 2 crafting
Guild Wars 2 fans, it's time to get out your smithing hammers and fire up your forges. Freshly imported from Gamescom 2011 is a new video outlining Guild Wars 2's crafting system. The game offers eight different professions, and -- like many other MMOs -- you are granted your choice of two of those professions at any given time.

However, unlike many MMOs that give you a set list of recipes based on your crafting level and then limit you to crafting only those recipes, Guild Wars 2's system allows players to experiment with different combinations of materials to see if they form a new recipe. Only guy on the server who's figured out how to make that badass warhammer? Don't tell anyone and monopolize the market!

Also gone are the days of skill points. Rather than giving crafting recipes a somewhat random chance to give you a skill-up, Guild Wars 2's crafting system provides you with an experience bar for your tradeskill, with each completed recipe providing a set amount of experience toward the next level.

But what if you're not happy with your profession choices? While the game only allows you to have two active professions at any given time, you're able to freely swap one profession for another while retaining progress made in your former profession. So if you want to drop your level 50 profession to mess around with another, you can pick back up where you left off at a later time.

For the developer commentary and a whopping 20 minutes of hands-on time with two different professions, hop on past the cut for the full video.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip!]

Continue reading Guild Wars 2's crafting system detailed and demonstrated

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's crafting system detailed and demonstrated originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcraftcraftingforgegamescomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2ncsoftprofessionprofessionstradeskilltradeskillsworkstationSun, 21 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prime: Battle for Dominus shows off crafting and professions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-crafting-and-professions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-crafting-and-professions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-crafting-and-professions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pitchblack Games has been steadiy releasing new tidbits of information on its upcoming PvP-focused MMO Prime: Battle for Dominus, and today we've got some spanking new information on the game's crafting and professions systems. In addition to their main classes, players will be able to choose one of seven crafting professions. These professions are Harvester, Armortech, Weapontech, Chemist, Inventory, Biotech, and Soldier for Hire.

Most of these professions are fairly straightforward; Harvesters harvest crafting materials, Armortechs and Weapontechs craft armor and weaponry, Biotechs craft biological augmentations to enhance players' abilities, Chemists create "powerful enhancements that can turn the tide of any battle," and Inventors appear to invent new schematics that other crafters on their faction can use to create new and more powerful items.

But what about the black sheep of the bunch, the Soldier for Hire? That's where things get interesting. Perhaps you're the sort of player that would rather make a living destroying things than creating them. If so, the Soldier for Hire is right up your alley. You work as a mercenary, protecting other players, with your payment worked right into the game mechanics. The full details on the rather in-depth crafting system can be found on the game's official site.

MassivelyPrime: Battle for Dominus shows off crafting and professions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftercraftingpitchblackpitchblack-gamesprimeprime-battle-for-dominusprofessionprofessionssoldier-for-hiretradeskilltradeskillsWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double XP coming to EverQuest II this weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/double-xp-coming-to-everquest-ii-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/double-xp-coming-to-everquest-ii-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/double-xp-coming-to-everquest-ii-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Citizens of Norrath, mark your calendars! Bonus experience is coming to EverQuest II this weekend and you'll want to be sure to avail yourself of what the EQII website calls a "true double XP promotion (+100% XP)."

The bonus applies to adventure, tradeskill, and alternate advancement experience, so don't leave your crafter alts or level-locked and AA-starved characters out in the cold. Double XP starts at 12:01 a.m. PDT on Friday, July 29th and runs through 11:59 p.m. PDT on Sunday, July 31st. It's also good across all the game servers including the free-to-play EQII Extended shard and French, German, and Japanese realms.

MassivelyDouble XP coming to EverQuest II this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaadventuringalternate-advancementbonus-xpdouble-experiencedouble-xpdouble-xp-weekendeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgrindgrindinglevelsnorrathsoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttradeskillsWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan Faire videos show off new EverQuest II tradeskill goodies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/fan-faire-videos-show-off-new-everquest-ii-tradeskill-goodies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/fan-faire-videos-show-off-new-everquest-ii-tradeskill-goodies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/fan-faire-videos-show-off-new-everquest-ii-tradeskill-goodies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment's Fan Faire came and went a couple of weeks ago, but EverQuest II news coming out of the annual convention was so dense that various fan sites are still collating and publishing it.

EQ2Wire released its latest dev panel videos over the weekend, with a focus on tradeskills and housing as well as a lengthy question-and-answer session. The tradeskill and housing panel introduced a couple of upcoming prestige homes, the house rating system scheduled to go live with GU61, tradeskill apprentices, and a new Frostfell group crafting instance.

The Q&A panel covered a huge range of topics, and rather than try and summarize them all here, we'll direct you to the transcript at EQ2Wire as well as the videos embedded after the cut.

Continue reading Fan Faire videos show off new EverQuest II tradeskill goodies

MassivelyFan Faire videos show off new EverQuest II tradeskill goodies originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingeq2everquest-2everquest-iif2pfan-fairefan-faire-2011fantasyfree-to-playhousingquestion-and-answersoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttradeskillsvideoMon, 25 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Apocalypse DIY]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/wasteland-diaries-apocalypse-diy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/wasteland-diaries-apocalypse-diy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/wasteland-diaries-apocalypse-diy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A few weeks back I did a piece on crafting, covering the basics of Fallen Earth's crafting system. In this article I want to focus on the early part of a crafter's career. If you only play one clone, I strongly suggest you make that clone a crafter. If you are an altaholic like I am, you should have a dedicated crafter, and that dedicated crafter should have his Social skill maxed out (eventually). If you don't have a crafter and you have an empty character slot, you need to create one post-haste. It's a little extra work that will pay off a lot later. In Fallen Earth, if you put in the time, you can make everything.

If your crafter and your main happen to be the same, be sure to grab every resource within reach while you run missions. If you find a good spot, mark it with a waypoint (ALT+P) for future reference. Scavenging profusely will help keep you from being perpetually broke. If you have a dedicated crafter, don't bother running missions with him; just harvest and craft. He should level slowly but surely by simply harvesting and crafting. Send all of the materials that your other clone(s) harvest if you have the vault space. That covers the basics. The road to self-sufficiency continues after the cut.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Apocalypse DIY

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Apocalypse DIY originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ammunitionarmorcraftballisticsconstructioncookingcraftingfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedGasolinegeologygunpowdericarus-studiosmaterialsmatsmedicinemutagenicsnaturescavengingsciencetradeskillsweaponryFri, 27 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: So you want to be a crafter?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wasteland-diaries-so-you-want-to-be-a-crafter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wasteland-diaries-so-you-want-to-be-a-crafter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wasteland-diaries-so-you-want-to-be-a-crafter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fallen Earth has a complex, robust crafting system. The vast majority of the items in the game can be crafted from things you find lying on the ground. I am not exaggerating when I say "vast majority" because it's well over 90%. You can literally level your way to the cap simply by scavenging and crafting. It used to be much easier, but it is still possible. Tradeskills are different from other skills in Fallen Earth in that you raise them through use rather than spending AP on them. The system itself can be quite daunting when you are first starting out, but once you have a basic grasp of how it works, the rest is pretty intuitive.

In this post, I'll touch on the basics of crafting. I'm no expert, but I do have a completely maxed-out social/crafter that has most of the game's recipes in his repertoire. You may know what you are doing, but I think even the most learned of crafters might learn something from this piece. The novice crafter will learn a few simple tricks (tricks that I wished I had known when I was just starting out) that will make his life a little easier out there. It's tough when you just want to make something with your hands and there are legions of bloodthirsty miscreants trying to kill you. So grab your toolkits and click past the cut for more.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: So you want to be a crafter?

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: So you want to be a crafter? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-houseconflict-townscrafterscraftingcrafting-queuecrafting-systemfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedicarusicarus-studiosmaterialsmerchantsnodespvp-zonesrecipesresearchsalvagingscavengingscavenging-nodestradeskillsFri, 29 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Update 9 is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dungeons-and-dragons-update-9-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dungeons-and-dragons-update-9-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dungeons-and-dragons-update-9-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's update time in the world of Eberron, and Turbine has issued a press release that hits the highlights of Dungeons and Dragons Online's latest patch. Update 9 (subtitled Harbinger of Madness) brings a bevy of changes to the free-to-play fantasy title, including an extensive crafting overhaul, a new adventure pack, and new animations, spells, and prestige enhancement lines.

The Harbinger of Madness adventure pack is designed for levels 15 and above and brings a bit of detective work to the fantasy genre as players are tasked with tracking down the those responsible for a series of abductions and gruesome fleshcrafting experiments. In addition, Update 9 should make casters happy since they're now more powerful at lower levels thanks to a spell point re-balance, and epic difficulty dungeons have been "updated for more efficient game play." Head to the official website for more details.

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Update 9 is live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packscraftingddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfleshcraftingfree-to-playharbinger-of-madnessnew-adventure-packpatchespress-releasespell-balancetradeskillsturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdate-9Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW player makes her way to 85 without quest or kill experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/wow-player-makes-her-way-to-85-without-quest-or-kill-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/wow-player-makes-her-way-to-85-without-quest-or-kill-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/wow-player-makes-her-way-to-85-without-quest-or-kill-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tired of the same old same old in your favorite MMO? Looking for something else to do? Well, if you're one of a particular breed of players, you might try out setting some self-imposed limitations on your leveling. In World of Warcraft, several players have tried their hands at different methods. Gutrot from the EU leveled to 70 wearing only a loincloth. Gweryc decided to run his hunter as a melee-only character. Noor the Pacifist then decided to level his character to 70 by not killing any mobs at all, and he only did quests that involved non-violent criteria (like FedEx quests).

Now we hear that another player has upped the alternative-leveling ante by not questing at all. Everbloom, level 85 Night Elf Restoration Druid from the Feathermoon server, leveled all the way to 85 by grinding exploration and gathering experience! While Everbloom's armory profile shows that the character entered one five-man dungeon at some point, there is only one completed quest -- and Everbloom explained that one was a fluke. Apparently Blizzard blindsided her by granting a quest completion for simply reading an Argent Tournament invitation letter -- even without having a quest for it. Everbloom additionally managed to level to 85 while only dying 25 times in total (once to falling), making this crazy stunt an even more impressive feat.

If you'd like to read more about it directly from the source, head over to the World of Warcraft forums and check out Feathermoon's leveling thread. It's certainly worth a look if you've ever thought about trying some form of self-imposed limitation leveling in your MMO of choice.

MassivelyWoW player makes her way to 85 without quest or kill experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Grand Canyon Province is where Fallen Earth is set. It is a vast place, and the public transit system is completely obliterated. Most of the towns are separated by kilometers, so walking (or running) from place to place would be sheer folly. Luckily there are alternatives to walking. If you've played Fallen Earth for any length of time, you probably know what I'm getting at. Transportation in the Grand Canyon can cost next to nothing once you get it figured out.

The goal of this post will be to get a new player up and running in the wasteland. Actually, up and driving and/or riding, rather. Once you know what to do, getting around is practically free. There are a number of ways to get yourself a better ride. Some of them involve a bit of work in-game and a good deal of time (mostly while you are offline). But there are shortcuts if your goal is to be tearing up the highways of Fallen Earth on a motorcycle as soon as possible. After the cut, I'll give you a step-by-step method of providing yourself with better transportation right up until you have a bike.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Free ride

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Free ride originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvcraftingcrafting-vehiclesfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedhorsesicarusicarus-studiosmotorcyclemountmountsresearchscavengetradeskillsvehiclesFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA auction house video shows off UI, functionality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tera-auction-house-video-shows-off-ui-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tera-auction-house-video-shows-off-ui-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tera-auction-house-video-shows-off-ui-functionality/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While En Masse Entertainment and Bluehole Studio are marketing TERA as a combat-heavy action MMORPG, the new fantasy title isn't quite a one-trick pony. We recently got a look at some crafting and gathering videos and just yesterday stumbled across this new auction house video on YouTube.

How exciting is an auction house video? Granted it doesn't get the heart racing like some of the game's combat footage, nor does it boast the visual pizazz of the thousands of screenshots released thus far. That said, the interface and the functionality look quite clean and streamlined (do keep in mind that this is Korean beta footage, however). Turn the page to see the auction house in action as well as some helpful translation text from the video's author.

Continue reading TERA auction house video shows off UI, functionality

MassivelyTERA auction house video shows off UI, functionality originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-houseBlueHolebluehole-studiocraftingeconomyen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteratera-onlinetradeskillsSun, 19 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA crafting and gathering videos sighted]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tera-crafting-and-gathering-videos-sighted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tera-crafting-and-gathering-videos-sighted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tera-crafting-and-gathering-videos-sighted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


En Masse Entertainment and Bluehole Studio have made action combat the focus of TERA's marketing campaign, and for the most part, that's all we've heard about over the past several months (well, that and how much some people are turned off by bikini armor).

At long last, a bit of information about TERA's crafting and gathering mechanics (yes it has them!) has surfaced. The news takes the form of a player-written guide over at TERAfans, and it features a run-down on resources, professions, and raw materials. As it turns out, players can opt to pursue alchemy, armor and weaponsmithing, carpentry, or tailoring and leatherworking professions.

The article also features two in-game videos showing the mechanics in action. Jump the cut for some footage of a player gathering ore and crystal as well as the crafting of a low-level staff. Keep in mind that this info hails from the Korean beta client and so is subject to change.

Continue reading TERA crafting and gathering videos sighted

MassivelyTERA crafting and gathering videos sighted originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week, I decided it's time to dump the bag. My characters often accumulate items at such a rapid rate that my bags quickly resemble those of a typical teenager at the mall. Any time I resign myself to plunking down at the bank to sort my inventory, I end up shocked at some of the stuff I bring home. However, there are some items in EverQuest II that are lifesavers, and others that can really be handy in a pinch. Let's take a look at a few items that you should never leave home without.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Never leave home without it

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Never leave home without it originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingEQ2EQIIequipmenteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedguideitemsLegends-of-NorrathMinipetsopinionrelicsrepair-kitSOESony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebooktinkeringtotemstradeskillsMon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews BioWare on SWTOR's crafting and PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/massively-interviews-bioware-on-swtors-crafting-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/massively-interviews-bioware-on-swtors-crafting-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/massively-interviews-bioware-on-swtors-crafting-and-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to head down to LucasArts in San Francisco to check out the current build of Star Wars: The Old Republic and chat with some of the BioWare developers. While my hands-on with the game won't be out until next month, we can deliver a couple of smaller interviews on two of the recently revealed systems in the game. And I think you'll want to hear what the interviewees have to say!

Join me past the cut as I ask lead writer Daniel Erickson and lead PvP designer Gabe Amatangelo all about the Alderaan Warzone, the PvP reward system, avoiding battleground design pitfalls, companion tradeskilling, player-made gear, and hardcore crafting in SWTOR.

Continue reading Massively interviews BioWare on SWTOR's crafting and PvP

MassivelyMassively interviews BioWare on SWTOR's crafting and PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alderaan-warzonebattlegroundbattlegroundsBioWarebioware-eacompanioncompanionscraftingcrafting-systemdaniel-ericksonEAeconomyElectronic-Artsfeaturedgabe-amatangelogearinterviewInterviewsLucasArtspvpStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortradeskilltradeskillswarzonewarzonesFri, 12 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST