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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mythic community manager bids a sorrowful farewell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Warhammer
It looks as if yesterday's EA layoffs are hitting MMO gamers closer to home than originally thought. In a post today on BioWare's Warhammer Online forums, Mythic's Timothy Chappell announced that he has been let go. Chappell was the community manager for Warhammer Online, Ultima Online, and Dark Age of Camelot.
I am very sorry to say that I was informed that my position was no longer needed. Though I had many titles I was handling for Mythic, I grew to love and appreciate all the communities and only wish I could have had more time or resources to get more involved with them. Though I had only been in the position for a little over a year, I will miss a great many of you and hope that you keep in touch.
The news is of particular concern for Warhammer, which also lost its lead developer earlier this week. Ultima Online, by contrast, assured players of its continuing operation in a producer's letter last week.

[Thanks to Fozee for the tip!]

MassivelyMythic community manager bids a sorrowful farewell originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylayoffslord-britishmythicMythic-Entertainmentpvptimothy-chappellultimaultima onlineuowarwarhammerWarhammer-OnlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Has an MMO ever implemented your idea?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-ever-implemented-your-idea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-ever-implemented-your-idea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-ever-implemented-your-idea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

City of Steam
Earlier this month, Massively's MJ sat down with the City of Steam devs and discovered that you, the Massively readers, had actually influenced one of the game mechanics. Wrote MJ,
There is one new feature that was put into game specifically because of Massively fans: jumping! That's right. You made it clear you wanted jumping in game, and the devs listened. Who says you don't have the power to change things?
Leaving aside the implication that we spent one of our precious wishes on jumping, I thought this was really cool, and I tried to think of other examples of players coming up with amazing (or not) design ideas that were subsequently implemented in a game. I can think of certain demands that were met in classic MMOs. World of Warcraft is infamous for implementing the most popular player mods as official features, and in more recent news, there are Guild Wars 2's efforts to split reset times for different continents after much player protest.

How about you? Has an MMO ever implemented your idea or the ideas of a fellow player?

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: Has an MMO ever implemented your idea? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgbring-back-precastingcity-of-steamdaily-grindgame-designGuild-Wars-2gw2ideaideasjumpingopinionplayer-ideastdgthe-daily-grindultima-onlineuoWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online producer's letter talks vendor search, vet rewards, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is a random UO screenshot
Ultima Online producer Bonnie Armstrong has penned a new producer's letter designed to do two things. One is to disseminate some of the ideas in the pipeline for 2013, and the other is to quell any community uncertainty stemming from the recent EA layoff announcement.

Some of the coming updates include a second house on Siege, more accessible veteran rewards, and vendor search functionality that should eliminate the need to use third-party script sites to find who's selling what. Read all about that stuff and more at the official UO website.

MassivelyUltima Online producer's letter talks vendor search, vet rewards, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineuouo-producers-letteruo-vendor-searchuo-vet-rewardsvet-rewardsTue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Soggy beginnings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Soggy beginnings
Dungeons and Dragons Online newcomers and veterans alike are quite familiar with the waterlogged Sahuagin and all of their wacky antics. Basically think "level 1 mermaids from hell" and you're right with the rest of us. It's a good thing that the game doesn't have smell-o-vision because the tutorial would be reeking of a fishery, that's all I'm saying.

Reader Sharvis photographed his initial journey through the game and delivered this familiar image of an odd cellar. "Oh great, the Wavecrest Tavern's basement has flooded," he writes. "And who let the Sahuagin in? They're making everything look tacky again!"

We'll get the sump pump working while you check out the rest of today's player-submitted screenshots!

Continue reading One Shots: Soggy beginnings

MassivelyOne Shots: Soggy beginnings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabiowarebring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedcasualconquestddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchhipsterlucasartsone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you still play your first MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With thanks to Brad for the classic Ultima Online pic
With Brad McQuaid's return to EverQuest in the news this week, nostalgia has invaded our comment section. The most veteran of our MMO commenters mused about the days of meditating into spellbooks, losing levels on death, embarking on corpse runs, and waiting on the boat. No one even mentioned camping for jboots, begging to be put on a list for a spot in a dungeon group, or having your raid planejumped right before your eyes!

I think old-schoolers know that the old days had more than their fair share of problems, which is why most of them are probably playing Guild Wars 2 or The Secret World and not Asheron's Call or Anarchy Online. Or are they? Are more people living in classic MMOs than they let on?

My first was Ultima Online, and yes, I do poke my nose in once or twice a year, but it hasn't been my "main game" in a truly long time. What about you guys? Do you still play your first MMO? And if you've ever gone back, was it as you remembered?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you still play your first MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaidbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmoclassic-mmosdaily-grindeqeverquestfirstfirst-mmonostalgiaopiniontdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Back in the day...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Back in the day
A few weeks ago I asked everyone to send me in screenshots of pre-2004 MMOs... and only Brad delivered. Seriously, people, you've been shown up by Brad. Brad gets the gold star. Brad gets the golden ticket and can come on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to see the fabled Massively word factory. Brad is my hero.

Brad (if you didn't catch his name) sent us in this shot of Ultima Online: "So much fun with vendors! This is a shot of Angelica's on the Chesapeake Server -- a popular shopping spot in Felucca to grab gear on the go. It was one of the few player-owned vendor spots in a protected zone near Lord British's Castle. This would have been taken around 2002. Notice the detail of the fish tank made from stacked cloth and the flowers made with an onion and two cooked eggs!"

Yes. Notice Brad's eggs, people. In them you can see the reflection of your failure. Aw, just kidding!

Continue reading One Shots: Back in the day...

MassivelyOne Shots: Back in the day... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetback-to-betabetabring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterlord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxscreenshotscreenshotstinyspeckturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 03 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott is up to... something]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/richard-garriott-is-up-to-something/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can we trust this man?
Oh, Lord British, you coy and rascally devil!

It seems as if Richard Garriott has unveiled a new website called LordBritishPresents.com that comes complete with its very own countdown timer. What waits on the other side? Is it another casino browser game, or could it be something of actual interest to the legions of Ultima Online fans the famed developer still trails in his spacefaring wake?

We'll know in just under a week, and in the meantime we'd recommend following Garriott's Twitter feed for further teases.

MassivelyRichard Garriott is up to... something originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-britishlord-british-presentslordbritishpresentsoh-nooh-yesrichard-garriottteaseteaserultimaultima-onlineuoFri, 01 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should player homes decay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

UO housing tiles
One of the issues plaguing player housing in MMOs is what to do with those houses after the player-owners have left the game or stopped paying for their subscriptions. In Ultima Online, the granddaddy of all MMO housing, your home drops to the ground if you haven't paid your sub in 90 days (and your shardmates can loot all your stuff in a grand free-for-all!). In Star Wars Galaxies, your house stayed standing until it ran out of pre-paid maintenance money, which worked pretty well to help the active players reclaim city space until maintenance was turned off for a few years in consideration for hurricane victims.

Even games with instanced housing feel the space crunch. In Lord of the Rings Online, failure to pay your maintenance fees in-game leads to the eventual return of your lot to the public pool and your having to buy back all your loot from an escrow NPC.

MMO developers are torn between the desire to lure back former players with the promise that their houses are still intact and the desire to keep the world, instanced or not, clear and open for paying or active players. So what do you guys think -- what should be the more dominant goal? If you step away from a game, should your character's home decay? And if it did, would you ever return to the game?

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: Should player homes decay? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grinddecayhomehomeshousehousinghousing-decaylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionplayer-housingstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

See Ultima X Odyssey in action
One of 2004's most anticipated MMOs, Ultima X: Odyssey, was struck down by parent studio EA near to its completion date. The strong interest in this title coupled with the advanced state of its development has always been one of the most maddening "what if?" scenarios in the industry.

While it is slightly outside of our power to restore the Ultima X project and push it out the door, the folks over at Ultima Codex unearthed a 34-minute gameplay video to at least show us how this title looked in action. Clear out a half-hour and check out what could have been with the following footage!

[Thanks to John for the tip!]

Continue reading See Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action

MassivelySee Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatareaelectronic-artsfootagegameplay-footagegameplay-videointelligent-itemslegendary-itemsodysseyorcsphodaspixiespvpultimaultima-2ultima-ixultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-xultima-x-odysseyunreal-engineuouxovideovirtue-itemswhat-ifMon, 25 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Forever wants you to learn about yourself]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ultima-forever-wants-you-to-learn-about-yourself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ultima-forever-wants-you-to-learn-about-yourself/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ultima-forever-wants-you-to-learn-about-yourself/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Forever wants you to learn about yourself
Mythic Lead Designer Kate Flack has an interesting interview up on Gamasutra about her experiences with developing MUDs and how she's rejecting the industry standard when it comes to crafting Ultima Forever (legal disclaimer: This online multiplayer title is not an MMO, but hey, it's online Ultima so shh.).

Flack says that because most MMOs are based on a DikuMUD standard, they all more or less play the same. She says that there's a freedom to starting from a different standard and developing from there: "It's a way of playing that doesn't necessarily have the same assumptions underlying them. It gives you a breadth of background and heritage that you can pull from. Just because it's always been done that way doesn't mean I have to do it the same way."

Part of this design shift is in asking "sophisticated questions about ethics" to players, which is a vital part of the Ultima franchise. Flack says that Ultima Forever will be more nuanced and involve tough choices that will make a personal impact on gamers: "I want to make you stop, think, and go, 'Huh!' and then learn about yourself, because games can do that."

MassivelyUltima Forever wants you to learn about yourself originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfantasygame-designkate-flacklord-britishmobilemudmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineultima-foreverultima-online-2UltimaOnlineuouo2Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/some-assembly-required-kick-start-ing-the-sandbox-genre-into-hi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/some-assembly-required-kick-start-ing-the-sandbox-genre-into-hi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/some-assembly-required-kick-start-ing-the-sandbox-genre-into-hi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Some Assembly Required Kickstarting the sandbox genre into higher gear
Sandbox aficionados are known to reminisce about the "good old days." You know, that time long lost in the past when the greats of open-world play like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies (pre-NGE of course) enjoyed their heyday. Many a lamentation has also been heard about how things have never been the same, or how nothing has filled that void.

Of course, the sandbox never died. In 2012 we started the year off with a guide to games sporting sandbox features to scratch a variety of virtual world itches and we ended with a look at some promising upcoming titles for 2013. With plenty of choices abounding, why are sandbox fans still decrying the lack of a home? It could be because they want one home for everyone to settle in together, basically one game to rule them all. But how realistic is that?

Even with the plethora of offerings now, many folks want to play their ideal sandbox, and everyone has their own idea of what the perfect one would be (and conversely, what would kill it). Perhaps the answer, then, is to forget about a single universal home that accommodates the masses and actually create a number of niche games where people find exactly what they are looking for. Wait, that's already happening? Enter Kickstarter.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologieschris-robertscitadel-of-sorceryclassic-mmocrowd-fundingcrowdfundingeaelectronic-artsembers-of-caerusfantasyfeaturedgalaxiesgame-mechanicsgoblinworksGreed-MongerKickstarterkickstarter-campaignKickstarter.comlord-britishmichael-dunhammythicmythic-entertainmentnotoriousnotorious-gamesopinionorigins-of-malupathfinderpathfinder-onlinepgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpnppost-apocpost-apocalypticPrison-Worldpvprepopulationsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysci-fishowing-supportsoesome-assembly-requiredsony-online-entertainmentspaceshipstar-citizenstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgothe-repopulationultimaultima onlineuoVendetta-OnlinexsyonFri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Memorable marketing campaigns
I took only a single marketing class in college, so by no means am I an instant expert in anything but being on the receiving end of marketers' nefarious experiments to manipulate me so that I buy their stuff. I did take away the lesson that all marketers are professional liars who have no shame or dignity. Pretty much the same as a blogger, so I guess I have a backup career.

Believe it or not, MMOs get off easy when it comes to notorious marketing campaigns. Anything on the following list, good or bad, is a pale shadow of what we've seen in the larger video game industry. Still, there have been plenty of attempts to promote MMOs in ways that make us either applaud or laugh at the studio (and sometimes both at once, which takes coordination).

After doing some staff polling and internal polling, here are 10 memorable marketing campaigns from the era of MMORPGs. Maybe they're all winners in that they got noticed by at least one person, even if they're the most foolish notions in history. Here we go!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadadsadvertisingadvertizingarcheagebiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studioscivonyclassic-mmoconquestcrypticcryptic-studioscypherseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iievonyf2pfantasyfeaturedflash-mobfpsfree-to-playgaglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorlord-britishlucasartsmarketingmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentnexonopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplay-me-my-lordpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorterathe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortpstriontrion-worldsultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online gives much love to housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Online gives much love to housing
Ultima Online is well-known for being a player housing paradise, and it looks like the ability to make a comfy nest for oneself will get even better with the next game update. Producer Bonnie Armstrong posted a preview of what players should expect in the near future.

The big news is that the UO team is considering allowing players to have houses on both Siege Perilous and standard shards, opening up the possibilities for multiple home ownership. Houses will also get a new theme pack that includes interactive gadgets. The art team continues to work on hi-res versions of house items, although this is "slow going" as it's a huge project.

The UO team is also working on revamps to weapons and armor, the ability for players to run for ambassadorships of towns, new instruments, and a new global arc.

MassivelyUltima Online gives much love to housing originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnie-armstrongclassic-mmodev-diaryeaelectronic-artsfantasyhousinglord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentplayer-housingproducers-lettersandboxultimaultima onlineuoSat, 19 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Interview: Dr. Lawrence Sanders on MMO loyalty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/massively-interview-dr-lawrence-sanders-on-mmo-loyalty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/massively-interview-dr-lawrence-sanders-on-mmo-loyalty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/massively-interview-dr-lawrence-sanders-on-mmo-loyalty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aion
Beyond amazing character design, compelling narratives, and the presence of dragons, there is one thing that all MMOs depend upon for success: player loyalty. Without returning subscribers, a loving community, or folks dropping a few dimes in the cash shop now and again, MMOs simply wouldn't be a feasible way for a games studio to do business. Smart development teams have player retention departments tasked specifically with tracking and analyzing the rise and fall of player allegiances and finding ways to leverage loyalty is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the creation process.

Even the non-gaming world is getting in on the fray. Back in November, researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Management published a study tracing the roots of player loyalties in a variety of MMO environments. The study outlined the mentalities of MMO gamers and the things that successfully encouraged them to keep coming back for more looting, more grinding, and more /hugging. Most importantly, the study declared that an MMO that increases loyalty by just 5% can increase profits by 25-95%.

We sat down with Dr. Lawrence Sanders, co-author of the study, to dive a little deeper into the researchers' methods, results, and plans for future MMO investigation.

Continue reading Massively Interview: Dr. Lawrence Sanders on MMO loyalty

MassivelyMassively Interview: Dr. Lawrence Sanders on MMO loyalty originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuaionccpccp-gameschinaclassic-mmoe-loyaltyeaelectronic-artseveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalaxiesgaming-studiesgvghistoricalinternet-spaceshipsinterviewinterviewsjet-lil1Lawrence-Sanderslineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iiloyaltyncsoftplayer-eventsplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestudiestanktankstruly-freeultimaultima onlineuniversity-at-buffalouowarwarcraftworld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowwushuWed, 09 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultima Online levies twoweek rollback for highpop server
It's not a good time to be a player on Ultima Online's Atlantic server, to put it lightly. Mythic was forced to rollback the game (and players' progress) yesterday on Atlantic to a backup from two weeks ago. Atlantic is the highest-populated shard in the Western hemisphere.

The official announcement cut straight to the point: "Due to issues beyond our control, I am sorry to have to inform all of Atlantic that we had to revert to a Dec 5th backup. We have tried to retrieve a more current backup but we have been unable to do so due to corruption issues."

Mythic said that it will be compensating affected players with a month of free game time, although that's undoubtedly small consolation to those who have lost progress and acquisitions during this period. Apart from the short announcement, there has been no additional communication from the studio on the issue.

[Thanks to Brad for the tip!]

MassivelyUltima Online levies two-week rollback for high-pop server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticbugclassic-mmocompensationeaelectronic-artsfantasylord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentroll-backrollbacksandboxserverultimaultima onlineuoTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Absolutely ridiculous cash shop sales
This past week, the Money Gnomes at Turbine tested the waters with the idea of selling a $50 horse in Lord of the Rings Online. Oh, not just any horse, mind you: It's a toy hobby horse. For $50.

The representative who asked for feedback on the item and price-point probably caused herself internal hemorrhaging by stating, "This is not a joke." The fans responded, "Of course, and the sky is made out of blue cheese." At the very least, it allowed the more creative players to come up with humorous expressions of incredulity. The fun finally came to an end when the studio announced that the "experimental" price point was a failure.

Of course, this is by far not the first time a game studio's attempted to sell a ridiculous item, an item with a ridiculous price point, or both combined. If you sell it, after all, the rubes will come.

So in the spirit of a $50 hobby horse that costs something like $20 in real life to acquire, here are 10 completely ridiculous items that we've seen in MMO cash shops.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionallodsallods-onlineanetarenanetastrum-nivalbackpackbackpack-backpackbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopccpccp-gamescelestial-steedchampionschampions-onlinechampscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmococohcovcow-finishercoxcrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfreeform-character-slotgala-netgpotatoguild-wars-2gw2hobby-horsehumorinner-armorinternet-spaceshipsitem-shopligerlord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmonoclemonoclegatemythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-wingspwequickbarquickbarsraised-garden-bedroundupsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsparkleponyspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtorturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuovindictuswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 06 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online patches in a significant number of bug fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

uo huge bug fixing update see team email, thank tipster
Get your scrollin' finger ready: Ultima Online just got a whole bucket of fixes and updates posted to the test server. If you're tired of your fish pies not being stackable, of mushrooms exploding under your house, or of gargoyles activating their stone form mid-flight, this is the patch for you! Lava Lobster fishing has been fixed, hats have stopped twitching, and gargoyle aprons have all been returned to their proper hue.

At long last, golems can no longer be used to exploit combat training, and vendors are seeing some big changes. Rather than increasing their fees once per day, vendors will charge incrementally over time. They'll also give players a grace period before heading out after running out of funds, and all vending penalties have been abolished. Hit up the official patch notes for the lengthy list, if only so you can learn that "Robin's Egg candy will no longer fill the tummy of the eater."
[Thanks to groovy webizen Derrick for the tip!]

MassivelyUltima Online patches in a significant number of bug fixes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsexploding-mushroomsfantasyfixesflying-gargoyleslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentpatchpatchesrobins-eggssandboxstackable-fish-piesultimaultima onlineuoupdateupdatesThu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest, Ultima Online, and World of Warcraft among Time's top 100 games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We used to make EverQuest players wear shirts to that effect, to make sure they weren't involved in any of our reindeer games.
We tend to think of MMOs as being different from other video games, but the genre has had a pretty major impact on all areas of gaming. As a result, it's no real surprise to see that three of the all-time most important MMOs show up on Time's recent list of the Top 100 Video Games of All Time. EverQuest, World of Warcraft, and Ultima Online are all included on a list that honors everything from Oregon Trail to Katamari Damacy and Pac-Man to Batman: Arkham City.

The entries on EverQuest and Ultima Online both make note of the longevity and long-term success of the older titles, while the World of Warcraft article homes in on the diverse audience attracted to MMORPGs (something arguably true of the former titles as well). While other MMOs didn't make the list, it's well worth taking a look at the full article if you want a walk down video game memory lane.

MassivelyEverQuest, Ultima Online, and World of Warcraft among Time's top 100 games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassic-mmocultural-impactcultureeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playimportant-gamesinfluential-gameslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentpop-culturesandboxsignificant-gamessoesonysony-online-entertainmenttimetop-gamesultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rumor Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion
If you have created an EA Origin account for any reason, such as for Star Wars: The Old Republic or Ultima Online, we advise you to change your password posthaste. Numerous sites are reporting that hackers have breached Origin's security and are potentially modifying account information and stealing it.

Allegedly affected players claim that the hackers are changing the log-in emails associated with their accounts and that the new email addresses have a Russian suffix.

In response to a question about whether any accounts were compromised by hacking, an EA spokesperson made the following statement: "At this point, we have no reason to believe there has been any intrusion into our Origin database."

EA has updated us with its full security statement:
Anytime a player has a question about the security of his or her account or personal data, we take it very seriously and take all possible steps to help. For any customer who cannot access their Origin account for any reason, we ask them to please contact Origin Help or EA's customer experience group at help.ea.com. The robust security measures in place to protect Origin users accounts are constantly being expanded and upgraded, and we also strongly recommend customers take the protective steps of using strong passwords and changing passwords often.

MassivelyRumor: Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreachclassic-mmoeaea-originelectronic-artsfantasyhackhackedhackersintrusionlord-britishlucasartsmythicmythic-entertainmentoriginsandboxsci-fisecurity-breachsecurity-intrusionstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorultimaultima onlineuoWed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: EverQuest's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/jukebox-heroes-everquests-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/jukebox-heroes-everquests-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/jukebox-heroes-everquests-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jukebox Heroes EverQuest's soundtrack
I've always felt that MIDI tunes were to computers what chiptunes were to 8-bit and 16-bit consoles. Before storage media expanded and technology increased to the level of using regular instruments, practically every PC game had a MIDI soundtrack at its back (as did quite a few early and misguided websites). MIDI wasn't a file format that stored recorded music; instead, it was a file full of instructions for your computer to assemble a tune on its end.

I never really liked MIDI songs the way that I enjoyed old console soundtracks. Songs done in MIDI have a distinct and somewhat unpleasant, flat tone to them, although sometimes composers were able to finagle toe-tapping tunes with it. It certainly is nostalgic to hear, however, to those of us who played games in this era.

Before MIDI faded out at the end of the 90s, some of the earliest MMOs released with their scores done in this format. Ultima Online (which we'll get to later on) and EverQuest were two such titles, and today we're going to listen to what EverQuest sounded like back in 1999. The original score was composed by Jay Barbeau, who has since released a remastered soundtrack called The Original, Opus I. But we're not going to go for that remastered stuff; let's listen to the sounds of the past, shall we?

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: EverQuest's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: EverQuest's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmocomposercomposerseaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-musicJay-Barbeaujukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-britishmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtracksultimaultima onlineuoTue, 30 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hailan Rising raises funds for 'love-child of DAoC and CoD']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/hailan-rising-raises-funds-for-love-child-of-daoc-and-cod/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/hailan-rising-raises-funds-for-love-child-of-daoc-and-cod/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/hailan-rising-raises-funds-for-love-child-of-daoc-and-cod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hailan Rising raises funds for 'lovechild of DAoC and CoD'
MMO Kickstarter projects are coming out of the woodwork now, and each one has to sell its concept to would-be donors or else face possible extinction. Today's scrappy contender is Hailan Rising, the "love-child of Dark Age of Camelot and Call of Duty," according to the devs.

Hailan Rising is a fantasy PvP MMO that ditches classes and levels for a more level (but not equal) playing field. It features instant action, strategic territory control, randomized loot, and over four billion possible character builds. The game is built on the Unity 3-D engine.

The project is being worked on by a couple of MMO studio vets: Adam Smith (Knight Online) and Jess Mulligan (Asheron's Call, Ultima Online). Mulligan said he was attracted to the title's unique PvP mechanic, adding that "this is the fastest and most competitive PvP environment I've ever seen in an MMO."

The team's Reloaded studio is looking to raise $275,000 to finish the game for a potential 2013 launch on Mac and PC. If the stretch goal is met, the developers are eyeing mobile platforms as well. Hailan Rising has been in development since 2010.

[Additional source: Reloaded press release]

MassivelyHailan Rising raises funds for 'love-child of DAoC and CoD' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acadam-smithasherons-callbiowarecall-of-dutycamelotclassic-mmocrowdsourcingdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfree-to-playfundraiserfundraisinghailanhailan-risingjess-mulligankickstarterlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypvpreloaded-productionsrvrsandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuoFri, 19 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ultima Online anniversary celebration screenshot
What can I say about Ultima Online that hasn't been said before? This week, the grandparent of MMOs turns 15 years old. In MMO terms, that's a long, long time. In fact, Ultima Online is the measuring stick for resilience. Think about it: Does any of us believe that many modern MMOs will last even half that long? While it's very possible, it's also very hard to imagine. For many different reasons, Ultima Online still maintains a playerbase, continues to be developed, and even attracts new players. It also runs on a subscription model and will likely continue to do so. If you read the transcript of my recent livestream with the UO devs that was so generously typed out by Ultima Codex, you know that I asked about a free-to-play or freemium Ultima Online and received this as an answer:
Actually, there's no use to do free-to-play. We have a good number of key players. So, at this time it's not really something we're looking at doing.
That was Producer Bonnie Armstrong. Oddly, I received some form of the free-to-play question from people who are not playing the game currently. The players inside the world seem just fine with the payment model. Has this old-school approach helped the game last this long? I'm not sure, but during this annual return to Britannia, I found the same great game I do every time I visit.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaea-mythicelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreamlord-britishmassively-tvmythicMythic-Entertainmentrise-and-shinysandboxstreamtwitchtwitch-tvultimaultima onlineUltima-OnlineuovideoSun, 30 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is farming ruined forever?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/the-daily-grind-is-farming-ruined-forever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/the-daily-grind-is-farming-ruined-forever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/the-daily-grind-is-farming-ruined-forever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mists of Pandaria farming pic, in honor of Shawn :)
One of my favorite things to do in games is farm. No, not the kind of farming that involves killing zillions of mobs for mats and money -- real (virtual) farming. Like when you buy seeds and plant them in the ground and wait for them to grow and then collect the literal fruits of your labor.

Think I'm talking about FarmVille? Nope. Lord of the Rings Online, actually. And Ultima Online and Glitch and hopefully, someday, ArcheAge. MMOs actually implement farming so much better than the social game that seems to have redefined it. In UO, I can grow decorative plants and buff petals; in LotRO, I can mass-produce crops that are used by cooks to make food; and in Glitch, I grow flowers and herbs used by tincturers. I suppose even in Star Wars Galaxies, I was farming up corn and tubers in my oversized industrial extractors.

But I have to wonder whether the FarmVille-induced stigma attached to farming as a gameplay concept has ruined it for MMO fans forever. Even when we discuss ArcheAge's amazing farming system, we can't help but crack jokes about tractors, jokes we wouldn't make about big, burly, angry Orcs practicing their fine tailoring skills in World of Warcraft. What do you think -- is farming in MMOs ruined forever?

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: Is farming ruined forever? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeagebecause-tractorsbrianna-royce-tdgcookingdaily-grindextractorsfarmfarmingfarmvilleflowersgardeningglitchherbslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionplantsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindtincturestractorsUltima-OnlineuoSat, 29 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/garriott-shares-ultima-online-anecdotes-for-15th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Garriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary
It's been a week of remembrances for past and present members of the Ultima Online dev team. The title's 15th anniversary has offered ample opportunity for stories from the early days, the latest of which come courtesy of Lord British himself (and no, it's not the one about his in-game death).

Richard Garriott tells of his run-in with a player thief bent on ruining the game experience for a new player. It's an amusing anecdote that illustrates how UO's early incarnation led to plenty of unexpected gameplay scenarios. "After [the incident], I began to think more carefully about the rules we ourselves put in the game, and the inevitable play styles that would come of it," Garriott writes.

MassivelyGarriott shares Ultima Online anecdotes for 15th anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversariesanniversaryclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasygriefinglord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentrichard-garriottsandboxthiefultimaultima onlineultima-thiefuoThu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster reminisces about Ultima Online 15 years later]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/raph-koster-reminisces-about-ultima-online-15-years-later/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/raph-koster-reminisces-about-ultima-online-15-years-later/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/raph-koster-reminisces-about-ultima-online-15-years-later/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Raph Koster reminisces about Ultima Online 15 years later
Fifteen years of any MMO is a legitimate enough excuse to wax nostalgic, so we can't blame original Ultima Online developer Raph Koster for writing down a few thoughts about the game's 15th anniversary.

His article is a collection of early behind-the-scenes vignettes, including how a player from one of his previous MUDs followed him to UO to sue the game, how the architecture presented challenges, and the pain of cutting unfinished content prior to launch.

Koster is bluntly honest about the middling reception of the game at the time of its launch, although he said he reveled in the positive press: "The EA lawyers were very unhappy with me over a quote from that newspaper article in the pic. I ended by saying Ultima Online was 'a grand experiment.' They said, 'Don't you realize that's the sort of thing they will use in court against us?' But it was. Grand."

MassivelyRaph Koster reminisces about Ultima Online 15 years later originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15th-anniversaryanniversaryclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentraph-kostersandboxultimaultima onlineuoTue, 25 Sep 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online celebrates 15 years with regicide [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Apropos of nothing, a garden.
Ultima Online has a big anniversary today, one that you can only really celebrate if you're the first graphical MMO on the market. This marks the game's 15th anniversary, and that's definitely the sort of thing that merits a celebration. So the staff has decided to celebrate by deposing the current ruler and ushering in a new king. (We admit that the plot may not actually involve regicide, but kings are not usually known for their calm and peaceful surrender of power.)

The changing of the king is the culmination of a seven-month plot arc, with the actual coronation of the new ruler sparking a major in-game event. If you're a former player, it's well worth jumping back in to check out what happens when power changes hands. You can also jump on past the break to see our own Beau Hindman livestreaming with the Ultima Online development team in celebration of the 15-year anniversary.

[Source: Electronic Arts press release]

[Update: UltimaCodex.com has a full transcript of the chat if you want to read it yourself!]

Continue reading Ultima Online celebrates 15 years with regicide [Updated]

MassivelyUltima Online celebrates 15 years with regicide [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-celebrationanniversary-eventclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseventfantasyin-game-eventlivestreamlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineuovideovideosMon, 24 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are live events due for a revival?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/the-daily-grind-are-live-events-due-for-a-revival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/the-daily-grind-are-live-events-due-for-a-revival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/the-daily-grind-are-live-events-due-for-a-revival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Ultima Online
Live MMO events have long since fallen by the development wayside in the pursuit of scripted "dynamic" events. It used to be that game studios would send paid GMs into the game to roleplay with players in a tabletop-like scenario, conducting large-scale storytelling events and spawning enemies, locations, and items. Ultima Online, which celebrates its 15th birthday this week, is particularly well-known for these sorts of events, but they've seldom been replicated in later generations of triple-A MMOs.

TERA, apparently, hopes to change that with the implementation of Flash events, "spontaneous events focused on small groups of users and run by staff." They might seem a little out of place in TERA, but they could be a niche worth resurrecting. Live, impromptu events might have the disadvantage of involving only small groups of people and not the entire population, but that's exactly what makes them so intriguing for the players who happen to be in the right zone at the right time when one of these events starts.

What do you think? Do you wish more studios would get over their crush on pseudo-dynamic events and return to live events?

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: Are live events due for a revival? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmodaily-grinddynamic-eventdynamic-eventseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteventeventsfantasyflash-eventlive-eventlive-eventslive-events-teamlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentopinionpseudo-dynamic-eventssandboxscripted-eventscripted-eventstdgterathe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineuoSat, 22 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Four years of WAR: An interview with Mythic's James Casey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/four-years-of-war-an-interview-with-producer-james-casey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/four-years-of-war-an-interview-with-producer-james-casey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/four-years-of-war-an-interview-with-producer-james-casey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Four years of WAR An interview with Producer James Casey
To celebrate Warhammer Online's fourth anniversary this week, we got in touch with EA Mythic Producer James Casey to talk about the past, present, and future of WAAAGH!

Massively: Four years is a sizable length of time in any MMO's life. How does it feel to hit that mark?

James Casey: It feels great to have been able to have support from the Warhammer and gaming community for the last four years. That support has allowed us to continue bringing them the thrilling Realm vs. Realm combat and engrossing worlds that they have come to expect from Mythic and Games Workshop.

To your point about four years being a sizable length of time for an MMO, I will say that as a studio, we actually have a stable of MMOs that have been around for a damn respectable amount of time. From Ultima Online hitting its amazing 15th anniversary this year to Dark Age of Camelot having already broken that fabled 10-year mark, we've had a remarkable run in the MMO space, and I think that I can speak for everyone who has come and gone or still remains in saying a heartfelt thanks to all of our fans and customers over all the years. We owe that track record to them, and we hope that as we continue to evolve and develop as a studio and across our products, we can provide more of that sense of community in all of our offerings.

Continue reading Four years of WAR: An interview with Mythic's James Casey

MassivelyFour years of WAR: An interview with Mythic's James Casey originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjames-caseymobamythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrultima-onlineuowarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesThu, 20 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have MMO standards changed for the better?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/the-daily-grind-have-mmo-standards-changed-for-the-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/the-daily-grind-have-mmo-standards-changed-for-the-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/the-daily-grind-have-mmo-standards-changed-for-the-better/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Instead of Star Wars Galaxies, they probably should have called it Planet Wars Servers. Bonus: No lightsabers.
When Ultima Online launched in 1997, most of us were happy just to walk from one end of the city to the other without crashing. EverQuest didn't actually offer any quests in those early days. Star Wars Galaxies launched without vehicles, let alone starships, and World of Warcraft issued forth without any sort of formal PvP at all.

But in 2012, our standards have changed. Now we complain when Star Wars: The Old Republic launches without a dungeon finder and when Guild Wars 2 dungeons feel a bit loose two weeks into the game. Our complaints are no longer about basic gameplay bugs and functionality, and so our discussions sound esoteric to all but the most die-hard MMO gamer.

Does this mean our MMO standards have changed as our games have grown up -- and have they changed for the better? Or do we expect more from games than they can reasonably provide?

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: Have MMO standards changed for the better? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grinddungeon-finderdungeonseqeverquestGuild-Wars-2gw2lagold-schoolopinionquestsstandardsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtortdgthe-daily-grindtorUltima-OnlineuoWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 15 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should MMOs embrace item decay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/the-daily-grind-should-mmos-include-item-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/the-daily-grind-should-mmos-include-item-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/the-daily-grind-should-mmos-include-item-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GW2
If you grew up on themeparks like World of Warcraft, the very idea of item decay is probably foreign to you. Just go to the vendor and click the repair button and everything's just as it was the day you looted it, right? Well, no. In older games and especially in sandboxes, you'd need a player to repair your gear, and sometimes not even that would help. Sometimes the gear was irreparable, meaning that once it ran out of juice, it was gone forever.

Decaying items are really not all that different from items with charges that deplete (consider Guild Wars 2's and Glitch's crafting tools), but modern gamers freak out at the idea that they might lose their gear to wear, and I don't blame them since many themeparks turn gear acquisition into a huge grind. But even sandboxes like Ultima Online have hedged their original item decay systems, allowing players to repair many artifacts indefinitely.

It might take a fundamental change in game design, but what do you think -- should MMOs bring back item decay?

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: Should MMOs embrace item decay? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgcrafting-tooldaily-grinddecayglitchGuild-Wars-2gw2item-decayopinionrepairsandboxtdgthe-daily-grindthemeparkultima-onlineuoWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 08 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect
When it comes to classic MMOs that have strong nostalgic pull with veterans, the topic does arise from time to time what a sequel to any given game would look like and how it would be received in the current gamer climate. We've already talked about updating graphics here in The Game Archaeologist, but I'm talking about more than a new coat of paint -- I'm talking about a new game entirely. A Star Trek: The Next Generation to the classic Star Trek. A One Direction to the New Kids on the Block. A Madden '13 to a Madden '12.

I'm stretching here.

In a recent franchise producer's letter, Mythic's Jeff Skalski gave fans of Ultima Online a teeny tiny glimmer of hope that Ultima Online 2 might one day be a reality. Depending on your read of it, it could've just been a "stop asking about UO2 already" plea, a shameless way to promote Ultima Forever, or one fan talking to another about something that could happen if both parties work toward a common goal.

Considering the troubled past of Ultima Online's sequels, we have to wonder: Is this more false hope than real hope? Is there any conceivable way that this 15-year-old MMO could one day be granted the same honor as EverQuest, Asheron's Call, Guild Wars, and PlanetSide by getting a sequel that actually launches? I have some thoughts on all this, which is good because otherwise there would be a whole lot of white space after the jump.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akalabethasherons-callclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artseverquestfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-britannianostalgiaopinionplanetsiderichard-garriottsandboxthe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineultima-foreverultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-x-odysseyultimate-rpguouo2Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/first-impressions-of-planetside-2-through-the-eyes-of-an-fps-noo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

First Impressions PlanetSide 2 from the eyes of an FPS noob
Rather than give anyone the wrong impression, let me begin by saying that first-person shooters are far from being my thing. I don't pant in anticipation for the latest Battlefield or Modern Warfare game. I do, however, like my share of third-person shooters. Global Agenda and the Mass Effect series come to mind immediately. So what in the world would make someone like me interested in Sony Online Entertainment's latest craze, PlanetSide 2?

RPGs are my thing, and I have always had respect for SOE as a developer. Despite some obvious mistakes the company's made when under the umbrella of large intellectual properties like DC Comics and Star Wars, SOE has handled its own IPs very well. It was also one of the first Western AAA studios to step into the world of free-to-play (with Free Realms, which continues to perform well). And now PlanetSide 2 proclaims that online FPS titles can not only provide exciting vehicle combat but do so in a persistent world.

So when SOE invited Massively to join Game Designer Margaret Krohn on a guided tour of PlanetSide 2, I thought, "Why not? At least I'll get to shoot some people in the face."

Continue reading First impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob

MassivelyFirst impressions of PlanetSide 2 through the eyes of an FPS noob originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeverquestf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfirst-person-shooterfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playgagalaxiesGame-Mechanicsglobalagendahands-onmargaret-krohnmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2previewpreviewspsps2sci-fisettingshootersoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtestingthird-person-shootertpsultimaultimaonlineuovisualsThu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online maps out remainder of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/ultima-online-maps-out-remainder-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/ultima-online-maps-out-remainder-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/ultima-online-maps-out-remainder-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ultima Online maps out remainder of 2012
If you don't mind being spoiled when it comes to your favorite isometric sandbox, then you might want to head over to Ultima Online's official site, where Producer Bonnie Armstrong has spilled the beans about the game's immediate and long-term future.

Armstrong begins by laying a foundation for the game's updates, starting with Publish 78 any day now, Publish 79 around Christmas-time, and Publish 80 for early next year. She also revealed a lengthy list of features that the team is thinking about implementing for UO, including high-res art, a better UI, new sea creatures and encounters, and a battleground shard. Specifics about each publish's contents are still up in the air, although Armstrong says the team will post them soon enough.

For Ultima Online's 15th anniversary, Armstrong says that Mythic is bringing back the Return to Britannia promotion for all of September. This means that any former UO subscribers will be welcome to come back and play free of charge. The team will be distributing anniversary rewards during the month as well.

MassivelyUltima Online maps out remainder of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15-years15th-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-eventanniversary-eventsbonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasyin-game-eventlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentproducers-letterpromotionpublish-78publish-79publish-80return-to-britanniasandboxultimaultima onlineuoWed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 214: Head start]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 214 Head start
It's been a long time coming for MMO fans, this day. Guild Wars 2's launch isn't just a special occasion in the community; it's the rebirth of civilization itself. It will usher in a golden era of peace, prosperity, and jumping. Bree and Justin are weeping with joy, their tears glistening with the hope of a bright future of gaming. Other games will fall at ArenaNet's feet in tribute, begging for mere permission to continue living.

Just warning you: We might be talking a bit about GW2 today. It is... unavoidable.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 214: Head start

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 214: Head start originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoage-of-wulinage-of-wushuanetarenanetasiabiowarebrantbrianna-roycecamelotchinachinesechinese-mmoclassic-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdndeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgpotatoguild-wars-2gw2humorjet-lijustin-olivettilord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromartial-artsmassively-speakingming-dynastymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwervrsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usaturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowushuwuxiaTue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 214Massively.com Staff01:11:22podcasts<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should PvE crowd-control work in PvP?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/the-daily-grind-should-pve-crowd-control-work-in-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/the-daily-grind-should-pve-crowd-control-work-in-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/the-daily-grind-should-pve-crowd-control-work-in-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Warhammer Online
One of my very biggest pet peeves about playing a Protection Warrior in World of Warcraft is the fact that taunt does not work in PvP. Some players argue that having platemail and a huge bar of health makes up for my losing a core class ability, but I say platemail and a huge bar of health is pretty useless when I can't force players to attack me.

World of Warcraft is hardly the only game that nerfs core skills for PvP. Ultima Online, for example, offers music skills like Peacemaking and Provocation that can't be used on other players, rendering Bards ineffective Felucca-side. But it needn't be that way. Warhammer Online was a breath of fresh air; at launch, I ran around on my Ironbreaker, gleefully taunting other players and forcing their attention to me. Hit me, fools! Muahaha!

Sure, I'd rather see more organic and tactical combat such that taunt as a mechanic isn't even necessary, and some players might say Guild Wars 2 does just that. But what about those games that can't just cut taunt from the skill roster? Do you think PvE crowd-controls like taunt should work in PvP?

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: Should PvE crowd-control work in PvP? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbrianna-royce-tdgcrowd-controldaily-grindopinionpeacemakingprovocationpvepvptaunttauntingtdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuowarwarhammerWarhammer-OnlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowMon, 27 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic: Help us convince execs to make Ultima Online 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/mythic-help-us-convince-execs-to-make-ultima-online-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/mythic-help-us-convince-execs-to-make-ultima-online-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/mythic-help-us-convince-execs-to-make-ultima-online-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mythic Help us convince execs to make Ultima Online 2
As Ultima Online turns the corner into its 15th anniversary next month, many fans have wondered why Mythic is focusing on its not-quite-an-MMO Ultima Forever instead of a proper sequel. Producer Jeff Skalski took to the podium to talk about Ultima's future and how fans might help the studio sell higher-ups on a return to the days of glory.

Skalski says that it's important to realize that Ultima Forever and Ultima Online are being worked on by separate teams, so there's no draining of resources from one into the other. "We have a phrase here in the office that every generation deserves an Ultima game," he said. "It's been far too long."

When the 15th anniversary hits, expect fun surprises, Skalski promised. He finished by making a plea for fans to support Ultima Forever, saying that it might lead to better things: "For those interested in seeing an UO2: No surprise announcements on that today, but what I will say by everyone continuing to support UO and Ultima Forever this is the kind of ammunition I need to convince the high level execs that the market is ready for more Ultima."

MassivelyMythic: Help us convince execs to make Ultima Online 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15th-anniversaryanniversarybiowareclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasyjeff-skalskilord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineultima-foreverultima-online-2uouo2Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How should MMOs handle character names?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmos-handle-character-names/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmos-handle-character-names/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmos-handle-character-names/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

How should MMOs handle character names
Names are a big deal in MMOs. I've struggled through many a horrible launch to score a good name and camp names for friends until they can log in because only rarely does a game allow unlimited copies of a name. Ultima Online is one such game, as is Champions Online, though your global handle there is yours alone. The Secret World requires a unique nickname; your "real" name can be a duplicate. But most games just code for one use of a name per realm. (After all, one Malcolm Reynolds per server is plenty.)

City of Heroes took a stand on the issue. Years before CoH's F2P conversion, Paragon Studios boldly adopted name-recycling. If your account was inactive for three months, your characters' names were put back into the pool for other players to use. You didn't lose your character, but you were forced to rename her the next time you logged in. It was wonderful for active players who could make more immediate use of names no one was actively using but not so great for encouraging former players to return.

So how do you think MMOs should handle character names?

[Thanks to Joel for inspiring this topic!]

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: How should MMOs handle character names? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgchampions-onlinecharacter-namescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscocohcovcoxdaily-grindf2pfree-to-playfreedomglobal-handlemalcolm-reynoldsnamename-policyname-recyclingnamesnaming-policyncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosrecyclingstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgtdgthe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldtswultima-onlineuoSat, 18 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Koster, Vogel, Long headline GDC Online Ultima panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/koster-vogel-long-headline-gdc-online-ultima-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/koster-vogel-long-headline-gdc-online-ultima-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/koster-vogel-long-headline-gdc-online-ultima-panel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ultima Online - Stop fooling around with social games and make Ultima 2 you silly devs
The 2012 edition of GDC Online is filling out its schedule, and one of the more interesting dev panels is a "classic game postmortem" concerning Ultima Online. While the term postmortem is a bit of a misnomer since the game is still very much alive, the panel features an eclectic mix of dev personalities who helped shape both UO and the industry itself.

Original UO team members Starr Long, Rich Vogel, and Raph Koster will discuss how a "combination of insane ambition and idealistic cluelessness can sometimes result in creating something that changes people's lives and the course of an industry," according to the GDC website.

If you'll be in Austin, Texas, from October 9th through the 11th, stop by and learn a thing or two about MMOs and the folks who make them.

MassivelyKoster, Vogel, Long headline GDC Online Ultima panel originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasygdcgdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdc-ultimaless-talk-more-uo2lord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentraph-kosterrich-vogelsandboxstarr-longultimaultima onlineultima-online-paneluoThu, 16 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST