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[WildStar design director Tim Cain joins Obsidian Entertainment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wildstar-design-director-tim-cain-joins-obsidian-entertainment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wildstar-design-director-tim-cain-joins-obsidian-entertainment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wildstar-design-director-tim-cain-joins-obsidian-entertainment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tim Cain
It would appear that Carbine Studios is down one great talent, as the studio's former Design Director, Fallout designer Tim Cain, has departed for greener pastures. The news was discovered via Cain's Linkedin account, confirming rumors of his departure that abounded over the summer. Greener pastures, in this case, means Obsidian Entertainment, which is perhaps best-known for Neverwinter Nights 2, Knights of The Old Republic 2, and Fallout: New Vegas. The studio is currently working on a game based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time book series.

While it's unknown whether or not Cain will be returning to his old stomping grounds of the Fallout universe, it would be considerably apropos. As for Carbine, it remains to be seen who will replace Cain in the position of Design Director, but here's to hoping it's someone who can do justice to the promising sci-fi MMO.

MassivelyWildStar design director Tim Cain joins Obsidian Entertainment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdepartureobsidianobsidian-entertainmenttim-caintimothy-caintransferwildstarWed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamesCampus to take over 9Dragons in September]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- 9Dragons
Free-to-play MMO publisher GamesCampus announced today that it will be taking control of martial arts MMO 9Dragons' North American operation. The game is currently provided by GamersFirst, but GamesCampus will begin its run with the game on September 20th.

GamesCampus has stated that it will allow any player with an account in good standing to transfer his or her character, complete with any purchased items, as long as players opt-in by September 15th. The GamesCampus launch of 9Dragons will introduce the new region of Tibet, which will include additional content for each faction. So remember, 9Dragons players, if you want to keep your precious accounts intact, opt-in with GamesCampus prior to September 15th, and be ready to jump into Tibet on the 20th.

MassivelyGamesCampus to take over 9Dragons in September originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9dragonsf2pfree-to-playgamersfirstgamescampuskung-fumartial-artsserviceservice-transfertransfertransfer-serviceFri, 19 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Passing the torch: WAR's GOA-to-Mythic transfer explained]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/passing-the-torch-wars-goa-to-mythic-transfer-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/passing-the-torch-wars-goa-to-mythic-transfer-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/passing-the-torch-wars-goa-to-mythic-transfer-explained/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite what your grade school friends told you, there are take backs in life. Last week we brought you the breaking news that GOA was transferring Europe's Warhammer Online operations to Mythic Entertainment, a significant event considering that GOA's been handling WAR on the continent since 2006. Today Mythic posted a rather extensive "WAR EU Takeback FAQ" which is as informative as it is rhymey.

Fortunately, it does not appear as though the transfer will be too disruptive to current players. Characters, levels, gear, servers and friends lists will remain intact, and no new client download is required. Mythic will also be hosting German and French-specific servers for any wishing to play in a particular language environment. However, all players are asked to register for a new Mythic account, and will need to make sure that their payment plans and options are set up accordingly in it.

Mythic's also stated that they have long-term plans to allow players to transfer to and from North American servers, although no decision's been made regarding transferring to non-English speaking serves. The transfer begins tomorrow, June 29th, and will continue through July 7th. For the rest of the details, or just to settle your mind, read through the Takeback FAQ over at Warhammer Online's site.

MassivelyPassing the torch: WAR's GOA-to-Mythic transfer explained originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mythicfaqgoalocalizationmythicMythic-Entertainmentsquigs-for-equalitytakeback-faqtransferwarWarhammer-OnlineMon, 28 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion to offer free server transfers soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/aion-to-offer-free-server-transfers-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/aion-to-offer-free-server-transfers-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/aion-to-offer-free-server-transfers-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sunday we told you about the open letter to the Aion community from NCsoft West executive producer Lance Stites. Stites addressed the ongoing problem of seemingly endless queues for players trying to access the more popular servers. This has been a frustrating issue for everyone involved, with the crew at NCSoft West "engaged in multiple discussions each day" on the topic and players queueing for hours a day, attempting to play.

Unfortunately, rolling out new servers hasn't done the trick so far, as the problem does not stem from too few servers. Players continue to flock to the popular servers, leaving other servers nearly empty. "Sure, you rarely had to queue, but once you got into the game large areas of the world were devoid of fellow players. It's a hard balance to strike, and we need our servers full to ensure players experience Aion at its best," says Ryan James, PR director for NCsoft West.

Continue reading Aion to offer free server transfers soon

MassivelyAion to offer free server transfers soon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionfree-server-transferlance-stitesnc-westncsoftryan-jamestransferTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why PvE to PvP transfers are a good thing for World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/why-pve-to-pvp-transfers-are-a-good-thing-for-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/why-pve-to-pvp-transfers-are-a-good-thing-for-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/why-pve-to-pvp-transfers-are-a-good-thing-for-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lume the Mad has constructed a deep look at Blizzard's decision to allow transfers from PvE to PvP servers and why it's good for World of Warcraft players. For those who'd rather not read the whole thing, here's a summarized version: There are going to be some economic and social hiccups, yes, but the bonuses will far outweigh the minuses. The whole thing allows for bigger recruitment pool, more friends playing with friends and an overall improved ability for everyone to take risks.

We're inclined to agree with Mr. Mad's take on the whole situation. It'll be an interesting stretch into 2009 for World of Warcraft players between this change and the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion. At least everyone should be able to play with all their friends for Wrath and something like that is always a very good thing.

MassivelyWhy PvE to PvP transfers are a good thing for World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardlume-the-madpvepvptransfertransfersworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft opens PvE to PvP character transfers.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In a move that has stunned many people in the World of Warcraft community, Blizzard has reversed their earlier stance on no PvE to PvP server transfers. Per Bornakk on the official World of Warcraft forums, Blizzard has decided to open up transfers from PvE servers to PvP servers because "World of Warcraft has matured significantly since the inception of Paid Character Transfers, [they] don't feel that PvE-to-PvP transfers will have the negative impact on the game that [they] initially wanted to avoid when [they] started the service in 2006. This change will provide more mobility and freedom for players to experience the game with friends or play in the type of environment they're looking for."

Considering the furor that is now starting up on the official forums regarding this major change in dynamics, we can only wonder why after so many years Blizzard has reversed their decision. Previously, Blizz maintained that they wouldn't allow transfers from PvE to PvP because it would be unfair to players who leveled characters up in a PvP environment. They wanted to avoid PvPers having to deal with people who transferred into the harsher climates that PvP servers provide after having leveled up on PvE servers. With the largely guaranteed bank roll that is Wrath of the Lich King, one wonders just precisely Blizzard seeks to gain by changing a long-standing mechanic such as this. Do they really need more money? Or is this just, as one forum poster suggested, a way to allow players who started on PvE realms to finally 'rescue' their characters? Perhaps it has something to do with the smaller populations traditionally on PvP servers? Only Blizzard knows for sure as to the reasoning.

We recommend packing marshmellows if you go anywhere near the WoW forums for the next while; the flames are coming.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft opens PvE to PvP character transfers. originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbreakingcharacter-transfergame-mechanicspvepvpserver-transfertransferworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[AO designer says adieu, moves on to The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ao-designer-says-adieu-moves-on-to-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ao-designer-says-adieu-moves-on-to-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ao-designer-says-adieu-moves-on-to-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Anarchy Online content designer Nina "Aythem" Sund has been writing developer journal entries over at Ten Ton Hammer for several months, sharing game design wisdom and insider anecdotes with players. Her latest entry had a different tone, though. She used the medium to bid farewell to AO players as she moves on to work on Funcom's next MMO, The Secret World.

As a parting gift, she spent the rest of her entry telling fans how they too can become game designers. Hers is good advice if that's an aspiration for you. Unfortunately, she didn't slip out any news or information on The Secret World, which as so far been very, well ... secret. Ten Ton Hammer attached two bits of concept art, though, so savor that!

We hope Funcom will continue to support AO even though it now has Age of Conan and The Secret World to worry about, too. Sund was a popular quest designer at AO; we're glad she'll be adding her touch to TSW, but poor AO!

MassivelyAO designer says adieu, moves on to The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoaythemblogcontent-designercontent-writerdesignerdevblogfarewellfuncomgoodbyejournalnina-sundquestten-ton-hammerthe-secret-worldtransferwriterWed, 25 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST