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[Druids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DDO
On Thursday, Turbine will take the wraps off of Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark and commence with the closed beta. It's a heady time for both the team and playerbase, as this 2007 title steps into the big leagues of expansion-holding MMOs. And because we know you hate waiting for all the goods, we joined Turbine on the test server for an advance look at some of the hottest features coming with June's launch.

On the phone with us was Senior Producer Eric Boyer, Community Specialist Amanda Grove, and Design Director Ian Currie. "We want to show players how big the expansion pack is and how much it'll be changing the game," Boyer began, telling us that levels one through 20 were merely "heroic" -- now it'll be time to make the move into epic territory.

From a look at the much-anticipated Druid and the previously vague Epic Destinies to a lightning tour of your first day in the Forgotten Realms, the team was out to convince us that Menace of the Underdark is fully worthy of the "expansion" moniker. How's it looking so far? Take a look for yourself!

Continue reading Druids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour

MassivelyDruids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanda-grovebetacharacter-customizationddodnddrowdruiddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronepic-destiniesepic-destinyepic-destiny-systemeric-boyerEveningStarexpansionf2pfantasyfate-pointsforgotten-realmsfree-to-playhands-onian-currielevel-cap-increaselord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromenace-of-the-underdarkmoriapreviewthe-darkeningturbineturbine-entertainmenttwist-of-fateuiupdate-15wolf-packWed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar to support and encourage addons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WildStar
While some fledgling MMOs may act coy or hesitant about including user-created addons for their game, WildStar is going the opposite route and embracing them full-on. Lead Client Engineer Jon Wiesman penned a dev blog explaining why Carbine is enthusiastically supporting addons for the game from launch.

Wiesman previously worked at EverQuest's Verant and is currently the driving force behind WildStar's UI engine. He reports that not only will players be able to change the look and layout of the UI from the get-go, but WildStar will support Lua to allow for addons and mods.

He assures potential players that creating such addons won't be a frustrating experience devoid of proper instruction and support: "If you can program at all, I promise you'll be able to make an addon for our game. Our commitment is to make sure the process is documented, clear, and accessible. Promise."

[Thanks to Bill for the tip!]

MassivelyWildStar to support and encourage addons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onaddonapollo-enginecarbinecarbine-studioseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playjon-wiesmanmodncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentuiui-engineverantverant-interactivewildstarwsThu, 03 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Still arguably a bit less than visceral combat.
If you're playing EVE Online, you are going to lose a ship sooner or later. It's as inevitable as the tides. Sometimes you'll be outnumbered and outgunned, and while that can be frustrating, there's no real shame in it. But when you're having your ship locked in place by an attacker you can't see and you don't actually know what's happening, that is a different matter. It's particularly infuriating, and it's something that the game's next update is aiming to fix.

Starting with the next patch, the new Effects Bar will show a quick overview of all the effects currently in place on your ship as well as the source of same. So if there are two people attacking you, an icon will pop up, and you'll be able to target and counterattack appropriately rather than fumble through more clumsy interface methods. If the blog entry explaining the system isn't clear enough for you, check out the short preview video just past the break.

Continue reading EVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship

MassivelyEVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesescalationeveeve-onlinefunctionsgame-mechanicsgame-systemsinterfaceinternet-spaceshipssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinesystemsuiupdatesuser-interfacevideovideosWed, 18 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online releases Game Update 12 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DCUO
It's super-patch day for the folks over at DC Universe Online, as SOE is bringing Game Update 12 to the live servers. The patch's biggest addition to the game is an overhaul of the bank UI. Now the bank will be easier to use, be clearer to understand, and have a separate area for shared inventory.

Game Update 12 is definitely about convenience. SOE's adding the option to purchase additional character slots for those players whose altoholic nature has pushed the limits of the character select screen as far as it'll go. The update is also adding teleporters to give players an additional 15 seconds of leeway when trying to get into a Boss Alert after the door closes.

As expected with any big update, this patch has plenty of bug and balance fixes as well. SOE is anticipating a four-hour downtime to deploy GU12 to the servers.

[Update: SOE has revealed that it is postponing GU12 "due to a serious technical issue." The post states that the team hopes to release the patch tomorrow.']

MassivelyDC Universe Online releases Game Update 12 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalert-teleporterbank-uicharacter-slotconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playgame-update-12gu12patchpatch-notesplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesuiupdateupdate-notesWed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/the-repopulation-broadcasts-its-first-public-gameplay-footage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Repopulation
Drips and drabs of information about the sci-fi sandbox The Repopulation have been coming in, but as with any title in early development, it's never enough to satiate the masses who want the whole scoop. So consider today's bounty of the first gameplay footage and a lore piece as an appetizer to tide you over until the main course.

The gameplay video demonstrates one of the core features of The Repopulation: its city-building system. During the 12-and-a-half minutes the video runs, fans can check out how cities are put together piece by piece using a wide variety of tools and fellow player cooperation. The devs also take this opportunity to discuss the UI, controls, and how alliances work in the game.

The team also posted a lore piece called Leesa's Story on the site. The vignette introduces the titular character, a cook who also happens to be a cook, and her misguided adventures going duck hunting.

The Repopulation is currently accepting signups for its alpha testing, which begins in June. You can watch the full video after the break.

[Thanks to J.C. for the tip!]

Continue reading The Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage

MassivelyThe Repopulation broadcasts its first public gameplay footage originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesalphaalpha-testalpha-testingcity-buildingduck-huntduck-huntingleesas-storypre-alpharepopulationsandboxsci-fiscifishort-storystorythe-repopulationuiMon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Trion previews End of Nations' armory]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/massively-exclusive-trion-previews-end-of-nations-armory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/massively-exclusive-trion-previews-end-of-nations-armory/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/massively-exclusive-trion-previews-end-of-nations-armory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

End of Nations - armory
Trion's super-secret End of Nations is moving right along in its alpha cycle, and today Massively has an exclusive piece of news for you regarding the upcoming MMORTS.

The game differs from traditional real-time strategy titles because it doesn't have base-building, but what it does have is something called an armory. Trion tells us that players will "set their loadouts, create companies, modify units, customize skins, and more" inside the armory. The dev team has just revamped the armory mechanics, and you can get a good look at the armory window in the image after the cut (click on it to zoom in!).

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Trion previews End of Nations' armory

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Trion previews End of Nations' armory originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armoryend-of-nationsend-of-nations-armoryeonexclusivef2pfree-to-playmassively-exclusivemmortspetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesrtssci-fitriontrion-worldsuiuser-interfacewarThu, 05 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare shows off SWTOR's customizable UI in new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/bioware-shows-off-swtors-customizable-ui-in-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/bioware-shows-off-swtors-customizable-ui-in-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/bioware-shows-off-swtors-customizable-ui-in-new-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - UI layout mode
Custom user interfaces are an oft-requested feature in the MMOs that lack them at launch, and Star Wars: The Old Republic is adding the functionality in its 1.2 update.

BioWare lead interface artist Michael Voigt walks us through the particulars of TOR's HUD in a new video just posted to the game's official website. Players will be pleased to note that both the placement and size of each UI element can be adjusted, while accessing the layout mode is as easy as clicking the plus button on the top left of your hotbar.

BioWare has also included three pre-made layouts: the default mode, an extended quickbar setup, and a retro look that moves the target and map circle to the top of the screen (and the chat window to the bottom). Head past the break to watch the clip.

Continue reading BioWare shows off SWTOR's customizable UI in new video

MassivelyBioWare shows off SWTOR's customizable UI in new video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2-updatebiowarecustomizable-uieaelectronic-artslucasartsmichael-voigtsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-1.2the-old-republictoruiui-customizationuser-interfacevideoWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UFO Online abducts cows, starts second beta phase]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ufo-online-abducts-cows-starts-second-beta-phase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UFO Online
Remember kids: Just say no to alien probing! If you're like any of us on the Massively staff, then you're sick of being abducted by intergalactic bullies and dissected for kicks. That's why we're glad that gamigo's fighting back with UFO Online, which is one step closer to launch today.

The publisher announced that UFO Online is beginning its second beta phase following a period of reflection and development after the first. The game's studio, Funatics, has expanded the game to include two new aliens, a better loot system, more complex missions, and more strategic combat. Phase two of the aliens' diabolical plan, er, the studio's approach will also see a better tutorial, performance optimization, and UI improvements that all should make a significant difference for those testing the game.

If smacking down grey-skinned invaders appeals to you, you can apply for the beta on the website and read up on our first impressions of this turn-based tactical MMO.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyUFO Online abducts cows, starts second beta phase originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensbetabeta-testingclosed-betaclosed-beta-phase-twofunaticsgamigophase-twosecond-closed-betaufoufo-onlineuiThu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/making-the-jump-from-guild-wars-to-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Black Citadel Forest, Guild Wars 2
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

Guild Wars 2 is on the way (when it's ready), and classic Guild Wars players probably understand that soon they'll be competing with a younger sibling -- a smarter, more attractive one who's sure to get more of mom's attention. And while we're sure that some of the more stalwart Guild Wars 2 fans are also Guild Wars players, not all veterans of the first edition are dedicated to licking up every drop of sequel info squeezed out of blogs, conventions, and betas. Those veterans might just be wondering, what exactly can Guild Wars 2 offer them, other than Hall of Monuments tie-ins? What's changed? What's the same? What will they love, what will they hate, and what could possibly make them jump ship to the new hotness?

The first and most important thing you must know is that yes, you can jump in Guild Wars 2! Seriously, though, jumping is more than just a thing you do with your spacebar when you're bored; it's a symbol of boundlessness. Guild Wars 2 itself is trying to jump a lot higher than its elder brother, and probably the essential difference between the games is that feeling that the walls have come down and gravity is letting loose. That alone should urge classic players to take a peek, but if that's not enough for you, fire up your Jeremy Soule soundtracks (yes, he's onboard for an encore!) and read on...

Continue reading Making the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2

MassivelyMaking the 'jump' from Guild Wars to Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetauction-hallbetacash-shopcharacter-creationclosed-betaclosed-beta-3comparisondeathdeath-penaltydungeonsdynamic-contenteconomyendgameeye-of-the-northfantasyfeaturedgeargemsgroupgroupingguideguidesguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-guideguild-wars-2-previewguildsgvggwgw2hall-of-monumentshands-onhominterfacejumpjumpingloremap-travelncsoftpreviewpreviewspropheciespvpquestsrenown-heartrmtsidekickingskill-pointtrading-posttyriauiuser-interfaceworld-vs-worldworld-vs-world-vs-worldwvwwvwvwMon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Gooey GUI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/hyperspace-beacon-gooey-gui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/hyperspace-beacon-gooey-gui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/hyperspace-beacon-gooey-gui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Gooey GUI
As far back as my interview with Blaine Christine at PAX 2010, I have been concerned with the user interface of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Although the question did make it into that article way back when, I did ask him about the UI because at that time, it was mostly black and rather clunky. We knew that incarnation would not be the final product. Animations were being touted as innovative at the time; I had asked about the UI's drawing the player's attention to the center of the screen because that's where the action was happening. Of course, he answered that the ultimate goal with the UI was to enhance the player's overall experience. That's what all UIs should do, right?

One the sticking-points during my beta impressions centered around my having to stare at my UI as I waited for cooldowns. I know that it's not a new thing for MMOs. In fact, nearly every MMO I can think of has some sort of abilities that require cooldown. Generally speaking, I am OK with having to look at the UI for those cooldowns. However, the positioning of SWTOR's UI really drew my attention away from what was happening on the main part of the screen.

Exactly three months after release, I have become comfortable with how the Star Wars whack-a-mole works, but with the changes in Update 1.2, I can dream of something better...

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Gooey GUI

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Gooey GUI originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcustom-uieaelectronic-artsEmmanuel-LusinchifantasyfeaturedGUIhyperspace-beaconlucasartsopinionriftrift-planes-of-telarasci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortriontrion-worldsUIupdate-1.2user-interfacevideovideoswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
In the wee hours of this morning, the press NDA for World of Warcraft's Mists of Pandaria expansion came tumbling down, and our sister site WoW Insider has a bounty of coverage to share. The much anticipated -- and much debated -- expansion is slated for release this year and will include a new continent, the Monk hero class, the Pandaren race, pet battles, a level cap increase, and a massive overhaul of the game's talent system.

World of Warcraft players are undoubtedly fixated on the expansion, as January's 4.3 patch was announced to be the last major update to the game before MoP arrives. You can check out all of the juicy info squeezed from the press beta groves after the jump, including hands-on impressions and insights you won't find anywhere else!

Continue reading All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at

MassivelyAll the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlegroundsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentexpansionfantasyfirst-impressionsmedia-eventmists-of-pandariamists-of-pandaria-talentsmonkmonk-classndapandarenpet-battlespress-eventpress-ndapreviewpvpsiege-of-orgrimmartalenttalent-treetalent-tree-revamptalentsuiwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's latest devblog is on a big bunch of little updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eve-onlines-latest-devblog-is-on-a-big-bunch-of-little-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eve-onlines-latest-devblog-is-on-a-big-bunch-of-little-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eve-onlines-latest-devblog-is-on-a-big-bunch-of-little-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guys, you're really not helping shake the image of the game being an endless sea of spreadsheets.
Little things can make a big difference. That's the topic of the newest EVE Online developer blog by CCP karkur, which covers all of the little changes coming to the game's UI with the next point release. None of the updates is a matter of life or death, but each little change is meant to help improve the quality of life for players in little ways, leading to a better overall experience in the game. And who doesn't want that?

Among the more immediate changes are several additions to quickbar functionality as well as proper menus for the quickbar. There's also a revised blueprint folder, the ability to see at a glance what market stops are along your plotted route, a character display as you type an in-game mail... you get the idea. These aren't tools that will make it easier to undercut other players or blow up opposing ships; these are tools that make each step along that path just a little bit easier. It makes a big difference in the long run.

MassivelyEVE Online's latest devblog is on a big bunch of little updates originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-karkurdevblogdeveloper-blogeveeve-onlineinterface-elementsinterface-updatesinterfacesinternet-spaceshipsnewssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineuiuser-interfaceWed, 07 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line Extra: Tribes' Todd Harris on class customization and base gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-firing-line-extra-tribes-todd-harris-on-class-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-firing-line-extra-tribes-todd-harris-on-class-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-firing-line-extra-tribes-todd-harris-on-class-customizatio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tribes Ascend - Blood Eagle vs. Diamond Sword rock, paper, scissors
Today's a big day for fans of Tribes: Ascend, and it's also a big day for Hi-Rez Studios, the Atlanta-based indie firm behind the upcoming online shooter.

You see, today is patch day, and while that's not terribly unusual (Hi-Rez has updated the Tribes beta client early and often since the start of closed testing last November), the latest tweak is a bit of fan service that will likely bring smiles to the faces of franchise die-hards waiting in the wings to see what becomes of their baby.

Continue reading The Firing Line Extra: Tribes' Todd Harris on class customization and base gameplay

MassivelyThe Firing Line Extra: Tribes' Todd Harris on class customization and base gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-eagleclass-customizationclassesdiamond-swordexclusivefeaturedfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsgameplayhi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewloadoutsmmo-shooteronline-shootersci-fishazbotshooterskiingthe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extratodd-harristribestribes-ascenduiui-upgradeThu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online client update brings proximity voice chat, UI update, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Wurm Online
The latest client update to Code Club AB's construction-oriented sandbox title Wurm Online brings a cornucopia of new features to the game, but perhaps none so interesting as the addition of proximity voice chat. That's right, players will now be able to vocally communicate with any players in the immediate vicinity without the use of third-party applications like Ventrilo or Mumble. Have you ever wanted to gather up your village group, sit around a fire, and tell stories or just enjoy a bit of idle banter? Maybe typing "oh god help there's a rabid pachyderm devouring my face" just isn't expedient enough when there's a rabid pachyderm devouring your face. Either way, players now have access to proximity voice chat, an updated UI, and much more.

For the full details on the latest client update, just click on through the link below to Wurm Online's official site.

MassivelyWurm Online client update brings proximity voice chat, UI update, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>client-updateclient-update-3.1client-updatescode-clubcode-club-abf2pfree-to-playin-game-voice-chatproximity-chatproximity-voice-chatsandboxsandboxesuiupdateupdate-3.1updatesuser-interfacevoice-chatwurmwurm-onlineThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Gabe Amatangelo speaks on faction imbalance, UI customization, Ops, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/biowares-gabe-amantangelo-speaks-on-faction-imbalance-ui-custo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/biowares-gabe-amantangelo-speaks-on-faction-imbalance-ui-custo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/biowares-gabe-amantangelo-speaks-on-faction-imbalance-ui-custo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic has had a bit of a rocky time with some post-launch hiccups, and it's at that point in time when players begin to start picking on the game's flaws. Despite, or perhaps because of, this turbulence, one of the game's lead designers, Gabe Amatangelo, sat down with John Bain -- better known as Total Biscuit -- for an interview.

Throughout the course of the interview, the pair cover issues ranging from the obvious (what is BioWare doing to address faction imbalance?) to the more abstract (would BioWare ever consider causing skills to act differently in PvP than in PvE?), and Amatangelo has some rather interesting answers. Bain mentions the game's bracketless PvP and asks if the studio might consider further bracketing. Amatangelo replies that BioWare "would not go to further bracketing without opening up the pools of players, and I guess you can infer what you will from that," making a rather overt reference to cross-server PvP. For all this and more, listen to the full interview after the cut.

Continue reading BioWare's Gabe Amatangelo speaks on faction imbalance, UI customization, Ops, and more

MassivelyBioWare's Gabe Amatangelo speaks on faction imbalance, UI customization, Ops, and more originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onsbiowareeaelectronic-artsfaction-imbalancegabe-amatangelointerviewinterviewsjohn-bainstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortotal-biscuittotalbiscuituiui-customizationsvideovideosWed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic posts new video for future content updates [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/star-wars-the-old-republic-posts-new-video-for-future-content-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/star-wars-the-old-republic-posts-new-video-for-future-content-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/star-wars-the-old-republic-posts-new-video-for-future-content-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Maybe he's just a human Sith with sensitive eyes?
It's safe to say the past two days haven't been the best for the nascent Star Wars: The Old Republic, with its bugs, breaks, and bearish concerns. That doesn't mean that BioWare is packing it in and heading for the hills, however; the studio has just put out a new video detailing the content slated for the game in the coming months. Director James Ohlen lays out several new additions planned for the near future, several of which are features players had been asking for.

PvP will see the addition of a new Warzone as well as an overall ranking system for avid PvP players to track personal progress. UI customization is also coming, starting with a fully resizable and reconfigurable layout. And the Legacy system is being rolled out in full, complete with the promise of new races being available as Legacy rewards for the factions. So if you're a Star Wars: The Old Republic fan and have been feeling a bit down with recent news, this might help perk you back up.

[Update: A reader named Jon has tipped us off to an article on Gamesradar in which BioWare's Daniel Erickson confirms that the character in today's video is "definitely a Miraluka Sith," which suggests that the Miraluka may be ported cross-faction as part of the Legacy system rewards.]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic posts new video for future content updates [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>additionsbioware-mythiccoming-attractionscoming-sooneaea-biowareelectronic-artsimprovementsjames-ohlenpatchesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortrailertrailersuiupcoming-patchesvideovideoswarzonesThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online announces a new expansion called Awakening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All that brilliant architecture left no budget for paint.
Mortal Online has already launched one expansion, but the game's second expansion in its two years of operation will soon join the first. Awakening has just been announced and is set to bring a variety of improvements to the game. The centerpiece is the introduction of Tindrem, the eponymous Tindremic capital and the home of the Emperor. The sprawling city encompasses several districts, but there's more to the city than the orderly facade it presents to travelers.

The expansion will provide more than simply a new city, however. It offers improved artificial intelligence and a better user interface to players, along with new dungeons in which players can test their skills against improved enemy intelligence. There's also a new set of special Trade Brokers in the cities, dyes for clothing and armor, and several other improvements that should be cheered by every Mortal Online player.

[Thanks to James for the tip!]

MassivelyMortal Online announces a new expansion called Awakening originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiareasartificial-intelligenceawakeningcitiesexpansionsmomortal-onlinemortal-online-awakeningnew-areasnew-citiesnewspatchesstar-vaultuiupdatesuser-interfaceFri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shows off EVE neocom updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - new neocom
Remember that dev blog about a year ago that mentioned updates in store for EVE Online's neocom interface? Well, it hasn't been forgotten, but the New Eden poo-storm of 2011 kind of bumped it to the back of the line.

Today, the EVE website has been updated with a look at the new neocom's design, and CCP Optimal has plenty of pics as well as some insights into what's changing below the pretty exterior. Chief among the tweaks is the ability for pod pilots to pick and choose the features they use most and remove extraneous buttons from the interface.

The new neocom is slated to go live in the Crucible 1.1 patch coming later this month.

MassivelyCCP shows off EVE neocom updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-optimalcruciblecrucible-1.1customizable-neocomdev-blogeveeve-onlineinterfacenew-edenpoo-stormsandboxsci-fiuiuser-interfaceTue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: We do not make the games edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/ask-massively-we-do-not-make-the-games-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/ask-massively-we-do-not-make-the-games-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/ask-massively-we-do-not-make-the-games-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been entirely too long since I got to use a WildStar screenshot for a header.
Sometimes, I get questions for Ask Massively that I just can't use, and not because they're questions to which the answer is just "I don't know," although I try to steer away from those as frequently as possible because it's such an unsatisfying answer. No, sometimes we get questions for which we're not even the right people to answer, period. You can ask me to put a feature in EverQuest II or to consider developing it, but I don't work on EverQuest II. Heck, I don't even play it.

This week's installment of Ask Massively has been pared down to the questions that I can actually answer, including answers about the potential audience of the upcoming WildStar and the future of Star Wars: The Old Republic as it pertains to allowing user-coded addons. If you've got a question you would like answered in a future installment of the column, just send it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for length and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: We do not make the games edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: We do not make the games edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onsaddonsappealask-massivelycolumnfeaturedmarketingopinionstar-wars-the-old-republicswtoruiwildstarThu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: The twelve days of Solorius]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wings-over-atreia-the-twelve-days-of-solorius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wings-over-atreia-the-twelve-days-of-solorius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wings-over-atreia-the-twelve-days-of-solorius/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
Aren't I thoughtful? As my present to you, I am going to help banish those Solorius tunes that got stuck in your head a couple of weeks ago. How shall I accomplish this? No, not with a home-delivery amateur lobotomy or a plethora of psychotropics (though these could alternately be helpful I concede) but by replacing them of course! Yes, let's round out the season with a rousing rendition of The Twelve Days of Solorius.

Last year, I shared my first ever Aion holiday wish list. Although nothing from that hopeful list was granted in 2011, there is promise of at least two of those items being introduced to Atreia next year! So while some may have considered my brazen declarations of wants an exercise in futility, I shan't abandon hope! After all, what is a holiday season without hope?

Is there a little something special you'd like to see in Aion? Make your list then check mine twice past the cut.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The twelve days of Solorius

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: The twelve days of Solorius originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamealliancearena-ticketsemotesf2pf2p-conversionsfeaturedfree-to-playholidayhousingimmersionmanastonesncsoftncsoft-aionpetssoloriousuiuser-interfaceWings-Over-Atreiawish-listwishesMon, 26 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Display changes for graphics and levels in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/display-changes-for-graphics-and-levels-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/display-changes-for-graphics-and-levels-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/display-changes-for-graphics-and-levels-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The bad news is our shields are about to give, but the good news is that we've gotten a graphical upgrade and those lasers blowing us to bits look great.
As the free-to-play conversion for Star Trek Online continues to approach, the game's development team continues to make more last-minute polishes. As outlined in the most recent entry in the Path to F2P blog series, one improvement directly pertains to the game's graphics, putting in DirectX 11 support for players whose cards can support the display mode. While it won't offer a performance increase for every player, there are players who have reported big jumps in FPS with DirectX 11 on while testing on the Tribble server.

The other major improvement deployed to the test server is a change to the game's rank display. Previously, the game displayed levels by rank and grade -- a player would move from Commander 10 (level 29) to Captain 1 (level 30), which was evocative of the setting but a bit hard to process at a glance. So the display has been trimmed up and improved, with player level displaying as a rank followed by the level (the previous example would now display as Commander 29, then Captain 30). No actual levels have been lost -- it's just a change to ensure that new players have an easier time understanding the level differences.

MassivelyDisplay changes for graphics and levels in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdirectxdirectx-11displaynewspath-to-f2pperfect-world-entertainmentpwestar-trek-onlinestouiuser-interfaceThu, 22 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/massively-exclusive-the-force-ghosts-of-past-present-and-futu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fans have been sitting on pins and needles, waiting for their blessed early access emails for Star Wars: The Old Republic. What can you do while we wait to reserve your character names before the noobie rush on December 20th? You could check out the awesome guide Massively released on Monday to scout out which class you want to play before you play it. You could read the Hyperspace Beacon that came out yesterday; it may take the edge off the anticipation. Or maybe you could have a chat with SWTOR Creative Director James Ohlen about the current state of the game and what's coming down the bend.

We went with the last one.

After the break, find out what Ohlen had to say about SWTOR's legacy system, customizable ships, and other future content.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated]

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: The Force ghosts of past, present, and future with SWTOR's James Ohlen [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesBioWareEAearly-accessElectronic-ArtsfeaturedguildsinterviewinterviewsJames-Ohlenlaunchlegacy-systemLucasArtssci-fispaceStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTORuiuser-interfaceWed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic looks to the future [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-looks-to-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-looks-to-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-looks-to-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic
You may think that now that Star Wars: The Old Republic's early start underway and moving nicely, the developers over at BioWare are sitting back and enjoying a celebratory glass of champagne (or bottle of whiskey). You would be wrong, however, because a new post on the official site shows that BioWare is already looking toward the future. But what can players expect from the future of The Old Republic?
Guild functionality is high on the priority list, and players can expect everything from guild banks to guild capital ships in the future. UI customization is also "a very big priority" to BioWare. The studio also has "an entire team dedicated to adding content and features to [PvP]." The space system, the legacy system, and the galaxy as a whole are also on board for future updates. For the full details, just head on over to the official SWTOR site.

[Update: The team has also just posted an address to those who are not yet part of the early access pre-launch. We've included the contents of the message behind the break. Thanks to Onyx for the tip!]

Star Wars: The Old Republic is finally here, and the Force is with Massively! We've prepared a Hutt-sized feast of class introductions, gameplay guides, lore roundups, and hands-on previews to help you navigate the launch period and beyond. And don't forget our weekly SWTOR column, the Hyperspace Beacon!

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic looks to the future [Updated]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic looks to the future [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfuturefuture-updatesguildguild-bankguild-banksguild-functionalityguildslegacy-systemspace-systemstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictoruiui-customizationupdatesTue, 13 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 vehicle fitting screens examined]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/dust-514-vehicle-fitting-screens-examined/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DUST 514- vehicle fitting screen
If you haven't managed to snag a spot in the DUST 514 beta, you'll want to have a look at a fan site known as DUST 514 Base. The site posted a detailed look at the game's vehicle fitting interface over the weekend, and it gives a good rundown on many of the options in store for the planet-based mercenaries of New Eden.

If you're an EVE Online veteran, the fitting screens will seem somewhat familiar. If not, at least you can get a leg up on what is likely to be one of the more complex console FPS UIs in the business.

The blog entry contains a fair bit of speculation in terms of the numbers presented on the UI, and there are also plenty of high-quality images augmenting the text. Hit the links below for more info.

MassivelyDUST 514 vehicle fitting screens examined originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefitting-screenfpsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishooteruiuser-interfacevehicle-fittingvehiclesMon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom releases Age of Conan 3.1 update, Dreamworld tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Night on the Turan coast
In case you missed it (and we did, since it was 3:00 a.m. and we do occasionally sleep), Funcom posted the latest Age of Conan patch notes on the boards earlier today.

Yep, the 3.1 update is here, and while the bulk of the new code is devoted to Dreamworld engine tweaks, there are also quite a few class-related changes to peruse. Players have also been reporting various issues due to running custom user interfaces, and various fixes and workarounds have also begun showing up in the official 3.1 feedback thread. As always, more info is available at the official AoC website.

MassivelyFuncom releases Age of Conan 3.1 update, Dreamworld tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.13.1-patch3.1-updateage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-3.1aoc-unchainedcustom-uidreamworlddreamworld-enginedreamworld-upgradef2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncompatch-notesuiTue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 developer explains updated cinematic conversations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/guild-wars-2-developer-explains-updated-cinematic-conversations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/guild-wars-2-developer-explains-updated-cinematic-conversations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/guild-wars-2-developer-explains-updated-cinematic-conversations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 fans are starting their morning with an interesting update and some entertainment, thanks to ArenaNet's motion capture and cinematic guru Chuck Jackman. Chuck is the mind behind the newest ArenaNet blog entry, all about the recent improvements to Guild Wars 2's cinematic conversations.

The cinematic conversations in Guild Wars 2 are the brief cutscenes that take place between player characters and NPCs at significant points in the story line. Until now, players trying the demo have only seen the placeholder versions of these cinematics, which consisted of a lot of seemingly-random emotes and what Chuck describes as "some very basic lip-synch that resembled more of a duck's bill than a human's mouth."

The team has been hard at work on improvements, though, and today's blog entry unveiled two videos of the new cinematics. It's a fairly lengthy read, with plenty of explanation of everything from emotes to facial animations to voice work. If your eyes glaze over at even a hint of tech-speak, fear not. While we have our doubts about Chuck's claims of blotting out the sun and tearing code from the minds of ancient gods, it's definitely an entertaining and informative read for any gaming fan. Check out the full entry at the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 developer explains updated cinematic conversations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogcharacter-animationcharacter-designchuck-jackmancinematic-conversationscinematicsguild-wars-2gw2motion-capturencsoftuiFri, 11 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-eve-video-takes-you-behind-the-core-technology-curtain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - starmap
Holy cow, would you believe that CCP has put out another positive press blurb? We know, it shocks us too, and the unfailingly chipper Icelandic development firm is winding down a week full of dev blog updates with a behind-the-scenes look at EVE Online's core technology team.

Thankfully there's a video involved, as a text-based behind-the-scenes look would be almost as boring as a New Eden mining run. Also, flying-in-space fans, beware: There are some stretches of the clip that focus on full-body avatars and other "non-essential" gameplay elements. Aside from that, there are bits dealing with ship shadows, readability and usability issues with the star map, and some details on the new open source crash reporting system.

Click past the cut for the full clip.

Continue reading New EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain

MassivelyNew EVE video takes you behind the core technology curtain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarscore-technologies-teamcore-technologycrash-reporting-tooleveeve-onlinenew-edenpositivitysandboxsci-fistar-mapstarmapuivideoThu, 10 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guild Wars 2 demo build brings changes to UI, character creation, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-guild-wars-2-demo-build-brings-changes-to-ui-character-crea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-guild-wars-2-demo-build-brings-changes-to-ui-character-crea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/new-guild-wars-2-demo-build-brings-changes-to-ui-character-crea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet has had an exciting week -- the developer is in attendance at G-Star in Korea to show off the demo of Guild Wars 2. As with any game in development, GW2 is in a constant state of change as the team continues testing and improving. G-Star attendees were treated to the very latest build, and some of the ArenaNet developers put together some information about that build for those unable to attend the convention.

Eric Flannum, joined by Character Artist Team Lead Aaron Coberly and UI Artist Vicki Ebberts, ran down the changes in the newest ArenaNet blog entry. Character customization and creation got some improvements, and Aaron provides a detailed video to show them off. Vicki talked over the new "big beefy UI" as a response to feedback the team has received, and Eric wrapped up with some exciting details about changes to skill acquisition. Weapon skills will continue to be unlocked by using the weapon, but healing, utility, and elite skills will now be unlocked with skill points. "Skill points can be acquired by undertaking what we call a skill challenge. There are 200 skill challenges in the game, and they range from defeating tough opponents, to answering riddles, to drinking a particularly potent drink."

There are many more details -- and the promise of more to come tomorrow -- at the ArenaNet blog, so head there for the full blog entry!

MassivelyNew Guild Wars 2 demo build brings changes to UI, character creation, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-coberlyanetarenanetarenanet-blogcharacter-creationdeveloper-diaryeric-flannumg-stargstarguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftskill-acquisitionskillsuivicki-ebbertsThu, 10 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP talks EVE UI scaling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/ccp-talks-eve-ui-scaling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - UI scaling
Font size isn't the sexiest topic when it comes to MMO design, but when you're CCP and your flagship title has the most complicated and hard-to-read user interface in the genre, it's an issue worth talking about.

The latest EVE Online dev blog does just that, and CCP Punkturis says that while a full-scale UI revamp is quite difficult and time-consuming due to the original design, the dev team is nonetheless hard at work on the next best thing: UI scaling.

The feature is currently in testing and while there's no official date for its deployment to the live Tranquility server, Punkturis does provide a few nifty screenshots if you're curious to see how it looks.

MassivelyCCP talks EVE UI scaling originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-punkturiseveeve-onlinefontfont-sizenew-edensandboxsci-fiuiui-scalingTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape sings, gobbles, and slays its way through November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/runescape-sings-gobbles-and-slays-its-way-through-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/runescape-sings-gobbles-and-slays-its-way-through-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/runescape-sings-gobbles-and-slays-its-way-through-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape
RuneFest, Halloween, and Bot Nuking Day may be over, but the RuneScape team is far from taking time off for good behavior. If anything, the devs' eyes are as big as their stomachs as they detailed plans for the game leading up to Thanksgiving.

Speaking of the holiday, a turkey invasion led by the fearsome Captain Turkerton is imminent and only the players will be able to negotiate a truce before the gobblepocalypse arrives. As incentive for participating in the event, RuneScape is planning to award Thanksgiving crests and turkey pets for the diplomatically savvy.

Jagex has a lot more on its plate for November, including revamping elements of the interface, overhauling the website design, and introducing the Slayer-centric Polypore Dungeon. Additionally, the November quest, "One Piercing Note," is a first for the game: a fully voice-acted experience that will incorporate singing and dancing into the story!

Following Bot Nuking Day and the resulting dip in population, Jagex has consolidated several servers into new multi-country European worlds. The team is also hard at work addressing some current issues with players having problems logging in and experiencing lag. A fix is scheduled for later today.

MassivelyRuneScape sings, gobbles, and slays its way through November originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bot-nuking-daycaptain-turkertoneuropeeuropean-serversfully-voicedhalloweenholidayin-game-eventjagexnovembernovember-previewnovember-updatePolypore-Dungeonrsrunefestrunefest-2011runescapeslayerthanksgivingthanksgiving-2011turkeyturkey-invasionuivoicevoice-overwebsiteWed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Every day I'm tribbleing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/captains-log-every-day-i-m-tribbleing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/captains-log-every-day-i-m-tribbleing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/captains-log-every-day-i-m-tribbleing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot - Star Trek Online
Captain's Log, Stardate 65322.9...

Hello, computer (and players)! For the past several weeks, Star Trek Online players have been checking out the latest F2P beta builds on the Tribble test server. While there have been a few patches on other days, more for stability fixes and minor tweaking, Thursdays seem to be the designated day for us to receive the largest pushes of new content. The latest round of updates has brought further economy changes, new events and ships, and even more heated debates. Since we seem to be a ways out from the seeing the updates ported to the Holodeck live server, there is still plenty of time to check it all out and provide your feedback to the devs.

I would like to dedicate this entry to those who are helping test the changes. This week's Captain's Log serves as a checklist of sorts on what new content you can test and where you can provide feedback about it. As you read through, I suggest that you read a particular section, jump into game to check out the particular change, formulate an opinion, and head to the linked forum where you can leave your feedback. No matter what you think, it's important to let the devs know -- they will make changes based upon a collective opinion.

Ensign, warp 10! It's time to create our own party rock anthem...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Every day I'm tribbleing

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Every day I'm tribbleing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilityc-storeconsolecraftingcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaily-eventdevdev-blogdev-diarydeveloper-blogdeveloper-diarydevsdilithiumdoffduty-officerduty-officer-systemevent-calendarf2pfeature-testingfeaturedfeedbackforumforumsfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemsgeargozerhereticklingon-academylivestreamloglore-missionspatchespath-to-f2pperfect-world-entertainmentpowerpwesci-fishipsspecial-task-forcespecial-task-force-missionsspecial-testingstst-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarfleet-academystephen-dangelostfstf-updatesstostormshadetest-servertrek-onlineuiui-tweakupdatesThu, 27 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lifting the beta curtain: Larry's hands-on with SWTOR's beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/lifting-the-beta-curtain-larrys-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/lifting-the-beta-curtain-larrys-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/lifting-the-beta-curtain-larrys-hands-on-with-swtors-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hands-on: Lifting the SWTOR beta curtain
Many of my friends in gaming media have speculated as to why BioWare has allowed some media outlets to report on the heavily veiled Star Wars: The Old Republic beta, but frankly, I don't care. It doesn't matter to me that BlizzCon happens to be tomorrow or that there is a possible connection between the start of that event and the lift of this embargo. All I really care about is that I can finally tell you about actual gameplay for this new Star Wars MMO that I've been personally following for over three years now. However, it will be extremely difficult to contain all my experience of SWTOR within the confines of this one article. However, I will do my darnedest.

Over the past couple of weeks, BioWare allowed us access to the Republic side of this highly anticipated MMO and pretty much set us free. We can report on nearly every gameplay aspect within the first two planets. Two weeks -- that's enough time for me to run more than one class! And that's exactly what I did. Originally, I wanted to run through two classes that weren't going to affect me much when the game goes live. I accomplished this goal with the Jedi Consular. However, when I started to play the Smuggler class, I just could not stop. I was completely engaged in the story.

Jump past the break and I'll tell you all about that -- and more.

Continue reading Lifting the beta curtain: Larry's hands-on with SWTOR's beta

MassivelyLifting the beta curtain: Larry's hands-on with SWTOR's beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-previewBioWarecombat-mechanicscompanionsconsularcorso-riggscoruscantEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedfourth-pillarhands-onJedijedi-consularJedi-ShadowLucasArtsord-mantellqyzen-fessscoundrelsmugglerStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-hands-onthe-old-republictortythonUIThu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square-Enix announces end of Final Fantasy XIV's free play and roadmap for next year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Just the tip of the iceberg.
The latest patch for Final Fantasy XIV brought some major changes with it, but there are more coming. In a new series of announcements, Square-Enix announced that the unbilled period of the game will be coming to a close between late November and early December in recognition of the large-scale work done by Naoki Yoshida and the game's team. But the announcement was more far-reaching than that -- no, the entire game is going to undergo a major process of changes well through next year, including a graphical engine and UI overhaul as well as major changes to the game's maps.

Several design documents have been posted along with this update, making it clear that the changes will be observed and influenced by players taking part in content during this time period. And these changes will be massive -- the new UI will not only look much cleaner but also be able to support player add-ons. With a promised redesign of maps, changes to the landscape, the upcoming PlayStation 3 version, and major updates to the battle system and armoury system, it's going to be very busy over the next few months as Final Fantasy XIV moves toward version 2.0.

MassivelySquare-Enix announces end of Final Fantasy XIV's free play and roadmap for next year originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onsbreakingbreaking-newsfeesffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventsmajor-updatesmechanical-changesnewsplaystation-3ps3squaresquare-enixsubssubscription-feesuiui-changesupdatesversion-2.0version-changesFri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Testing out the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/captains-log-testing-out-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/captains-log-testing-out-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/captains-log-testing-out-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online wallpaper of a pile of Tribbles
Captain's Log, Stardate 65264.3...

Hello, computer (and players)! As you have must have seen by now, open beta testing of Star Trek Online's new F2P model is well underway; the developers have been posting dev diaries about the impending changes for the last couple of days. Because testers on the Tribble test server were required to start new characters, and because character transfers will not be an option for at least a few weeks, many players have begun a mad dash to level up their test characters in order to test out some of the retooled endgame content.

Since testing, especially in this manner, can be confusing, I have decided to dedicate this week's Captain's Log to those who are willing to take on the challenge. Past the jump, you will find a checklist of sorts that you can use while testing (or, ultimately, playing) the new content and updates. I suggest reading each section and then checking it out in-game. While some recommendations may seem less interesting than others, I suggest you give each a fair shot so you can provide feedback on what can make the game better.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's give our dedicated Tribbleites some structure to their testing time...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Testing out the future

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Testing out the future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogc-storecrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioscurrencycurrency-updatedan-griffisdeep-space-ninedev-blogdev-diarydeveloper-blogdeveloper-diaryduty-officerduty-officer-systemevent-calendarf2pfeature-testingfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemsgeoff-tuffligozerlivestreamlore-missionsmission-journalmission-windownew-systemspatchespath-to-f2pperfect-world-entertainmentpweremasteredsci-fispecial-testingstst-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostfstf-updatesstotest-servertesting-rewardstrek-onlinetutorialtutorial-updateuiui-tweakupdatesThu, 06 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online dev blog introduces new mission journal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/star-trek-online-dev-blog-introduces-new-mission-journal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/star-trek-online-dev-blog-introduces-new-mission-journal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/star-trek-online-dev-blog-introduces-new-mission-journal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - mission journal
The big news around Star Trek Online of late has been the game's free-to-play conversion. Today's new dev blog contains nary a mention of business models, though, and instead focuses on quality-of-life improvements like the new front page of the game's mission journal.

Executive producer Stephen D'Angelo does the honors with a lengthy look at a new update that has just been deployed to STO's Tribble test server. "One piece of feedback we frequently received from Star Trek Online players is that it was often hard [...] to answer the question 'what do I do next,'" D'Angelo explains.

The solution is a multifaceted UI tweak that puts a lot more info at the player's fingertips. You can read all about it, and check out a screenshot, at the official STO website.

MassivelyStar Trek Online dev blog introduces new mission journal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdev-blogdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playmission-journalmission-windowperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestouiui-tweakwhat-do-i-do-nowFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/reakktor-and-gamigo-release-black-prophecy-tutorial-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy - docking tutorial
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, Reakktor and gamigo have a series of new Black Prophecy tutorial videos that just might do the trick. OK, that's mean, but the producers could stand to work on the monotone voiceover that drones throughout the entirety of three separate clips.

Happily, the clips themselves are pretty informative, and they cover interface basics, advanced UI features, and basic game functions. If you're new to MMOs or new to the world of Black Prophecy, it's probably worth spending the 10 minutes required to check them out (and of course you can do so after the break). Just make sure you've got a Red Bull instead of a glass of warm milk.

Continue reading Reakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos

MassivelyReakktor and gamigo release Black Prophecy tutorial videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basic-game-functionsblack-prophecyf2f2pfree-to-playgamigointernet-spaceshipsreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHsci-fiscifispaceshipstutorialuiui-tutorialvideovideo-tutorialThu, 29 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV previewing beastman strongholds and UI improvements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/final-fantasy-xiv-previewing-beastman-strongholds-and-ui-improve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/final-fantasy-xiv-previewing-beastman-strongholds-and-ui-improve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/final-fantasy-xiv-previewing-beastman-strongholds-and-ui-improve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The amalj'aa have a culture of hospitality.
Fans of Final Fantasy XIV are eagerly anticipating the arrival of patch 1.19, which promises to bring no shortage of improvements to the game's mechanics and content. The previews of the patch are still ongoing, and the latest round covers both the changes coming to the game's UI and the upcoming strongholds for the beast tribes. Strongholds are described as challenging content for groups of adventurers, requiring a party to fight through guards to reach a central notorious monster, with the first preview covering the amalj'aa compound known as Zahar'ak.

The UI changes include the long-requested feature to make aetheryte, retainer bells, and similar environmental objects directly targetable. But that's the least of the improvements that include a UI lock feature, several adjustments to text colors to help indicate item quality and rank, and an auto-compare feature for equipment bought from vendors or retainers. While there's still no word on exactly when FFXIV players can look forward to the update going live, all signs point to "soon" for the latest major update.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV previewing beastman strongholds and UI improvements originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.19final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmajor-patchesmajor-updatespatchespreviewssquaresquare-enixuiupdatesuser-interfaceMon, 12 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Incoming messages from the devs... again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/captains-log-incoming-messages-from-the-devs-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/captains-log-incoming-messages-from-the-devs-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/captains-log-incoming-messages-from-the-devs-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Photo from the event
Captain's Log, Stardate 65131.6...

Hello, computer (and players)! I seem to mention this all the time, but I believe it to be true: The developers working on Star Trek Online are more transparent with their work than the devs of most other games. Whether or not this transparency has been always been a good thing is debatable, though. Still, no matter what one's thoughts on this are, I think we can all agree we like to be "in the know" when it comes to new things in development. This past weekend, a select group of STO players was able to attend another Dine with the Devs event, hosted by yours truly, where transparency was taken to the next level.

As I let you all know last week, the second-ever Dine with the STO Devs event coincided with some STO devs' visit to the Star Trek Las Vegas convention. Over 50 players gathered at a local Vegas restaurant to eat, drink and bombard Cryptic's developers with their most burning questions. Because 99.99% of the game's players were unable to attend, I captured the entire event on audio and would like to present you with a basic transcript of the evening's events. So make some food, grab a drink, and get ready to fire up the Holodeck for another edition of Captain's Log.

Ensign, warp 10! Auxiliary power to the Holodeck matrices and brace for impact...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Incoming messages from the devs... again

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Incoming messages from the devs... again originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andoriaBorgcrypticcryptic-gozercryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdevelopersdine-with-the-devsdinnerexplorationfeaturedfleetfleet-actionfleetsfoundryfoundry-missionfoundry-missionsgozericonianiconiansinto-the-hivejheiniglas-vegasMeetupnevadapokerpriority-onepvpq-and-ashipshipsst-onlinestastar-trekstar-trek-las-vegasstar-trek-las-vegas-conventionstar-trek-onlinestfstfstargtargstholiantholiansthomasthecrypticcattribbletribblestricorderUIzeroniusrexThu, 18 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the hardest learning curve?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chalkboard demonstrating mathematical complexity
MMOs come in all shapes and sizes, and with new titles launching every other day, there's bound to be one out there that caters to just about every skill level imaginable. While many of these games boast similar mechanics, occasionally a dev team will stray from the norm and create a head-scratchingly complex title (or in some cases, a title that is deliberately user-unfriendly).

Games like EVE Online and Second Life are renowned for their learning curve and the amount of research necessary to play at a high level, and we're curious to hear about others you may have experienced.

For this edition of The Daily Grind, share your thoughts on MMO complexity, and whether the term entails mechanics, the UI, gameplay options, or some combination of all three. While you've got your thinking cap on, which MMO has the hardest learning curve?

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: Which MMO has the hardest learning curve? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>complexitydifficultyeveeve-onlinegame-discussiongame-mechanicsgamer-discussionmechanicsmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicssandboxsecond-lifespreadsheets-in-spacetdgthe-daily-grinduiuser-interfaceTue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: And 2.6 came to pass...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/wings-over-atreia-and-2-6-came-to-pass/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/wings-over-atreia-and-2-6-came-to-pass/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/wings-over-atreia-and-2-6-came-to-pass/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Not as heralded as its companions that came before, Aion's patch 2.6 hit North American servers this past Wednesday. But just because it wasn't cool enough for its own name (like Assault on Balaurea or even Empyrean Calling) doesn't mean it is without some goodies of its own. Granted, the patch isn't an Atreia-shattering deluge of content, but as I have stated previously, adding small chunks of content more frequently is better for keeping players interested and engaged in the game. And besides, 2.6 is one step closer to 3.0!

This patch introduced a solo version of the Empyrean Crucible for your crucible-insignia-hording pleasure, a new auto-group feature, some UI changes, a new pet, skill tweaks, and other assorted tidbits. This past weekend I experienced as many aspects of the new patch as I could in order to bring you a peek at life after the patch.

Is Stormwing really easier to beat? Can you really get platinum medals from the pet? How challenging is the Challenge? For the answers to these and more, join me past the break.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: And 2.6 came to pass...

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: And 2.6 came to pass... originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.6-patchaionaion-crucibleaion-gameCrucible-Challengeempyrean-cruciblefeaturedgroupgroupingGrouping-mechanicsnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpatchpatch-2.6patchespetpetsplatinum-medalssolo-instancesolo-instancesStormwingUIupdateupdatesWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 08 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST