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[Hyperspace Beacon: Bucket list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/hyperspace-beacon-bucket-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/hyperspace-beacon-bucket-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/hyperspace-beacon-bucket-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Bucket list
Once we start Star Wars: The Old Republic, we will not be able to stop. After only playing the game twice, I have a hard time going back to other games because -- among other things -- voice-over dialogue is far superior to walls of text any day. Then, of course, we can't forget character choices. We will be able to tell the quest-giver what we think of fetching that item for him at the shop when he could just as easily get it himself if he decided to walk 10 feet to the building next to him. That leads me to the point of this article.

Despite all the incredible things we will be able to do in SWTOR, certain others will be missed once the game launches. Particular staples of MMO games, in general, will never be seen again. As someone who is placing his MMO future in TOR, I suggest creating a bucket list. Let's face it: When The Old Republic releases, we cannot look back to other MMOs. They will be dead to us. After the cut, I have complied a list of 10 items that we will never see again once we start playing TOR. Count them down with me.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Bucket list

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Bucket list originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AskAJediBioWareclown-armorcory-butlerdaniel-ericksonEAElectronic-ArtselfselvesfeaturedGalaxiesGamespothan-shot-firstholiday-eventsjames-ohlenkill-ten-ratslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroLucasArtsluteno-more-elvessitting-in-chairsStar-Warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicSWGswimmingswtorthe-old-republictorVentrilowall-of-textWorld-of-WarcraftWoWTue, 16 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So apparently, having a picture of a BattleMech as the header for Ask Massively makes everyone expect that there's some big news about a BattleTech MMO somewhere to be found. Sorry, folks -- I'd like it just as much as you would, although I'm not sure that it would necessarily turn out to be very good. (There's not a lot to do outside of a 'Mech and not much to do inside of one other than shoot things.) Luckily, I'm pretty sure that it will not be possible to misconstrue this week's image. I certainly hope not.

Today's discussion has absolutely nothing to do with the above picture, which is usually the case. Instead, we're talking about integrated voice chat in games and the apparent immortality of Ultima Online. If you've got a question you would like answered in a future edition of Ask Massively, just drop us a line at ask@massively.com or leave your question in the comment field.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbask-massivelyeaElectronic-Artsfeaturedintegrated-voice-chatmumblemythicncsoftold-gamesopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinetmoultima-onlineuoventrilovoice-chatThu, 26 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: To vent or not to vent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-guild-counsel-to-vent-or-not-to-vent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-guild-counsel-to-vent-or-not-to-vent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-guild-counsel-to-vent-or-not-to-vent/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As we've looked at the ins and outs of managing a guild, one issue that's often overlooked is whether to vent or not to vent. No, not the Minus 50 DKP type of vent -- I'm talking about Ventrilo and voice chat in general. Ten years ago, guild leaders didn't have to worry about this, because the choice was between typing text or hosting a LAN party. But today, with the rise of voice chat clients like Ventrilo and in-game voice services like Vivox, the culture has changed quite a bit.

In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll take a look at the benefits of type vs. voice chat, and we'll look at what role each plays in guild management. Whether you sleep with your headset on or cling to your keyboard, read on for a look at why both have their merits.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: To vent or not to vent

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: To vent or not to vent originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-chatguild-counselguild-managementmumblesleeperteamspeaktextventrilovivoxvoicevoice-chatThu, 31 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You know the feeling -- you learn about some upcoming goodness and you want it. Or do you crave it? You can fall anywhere along the spectrum of anticipation, provoked by things you just look forward to all the way to things that make you squeal in schoolgirl giddiness at the mere thought! It's a game in and of itself. Such is the way of Aion updates, which tantalize and tease players for quite some time before going live (and even longer if you can translate the original Korean patch notes yourself!). Not yet having a release date for updates is not dampening the anticipation of many Daevas but rather is fueling it instead.

So what brought about my musings on this topic? I squealed! More specifically, an announcement this week that put me right into the giddy mode: Winter is coming! George R.R. Martin's fifth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series will release in July. Now, while my fangirliness in its supreme is reserved for this outstanding literature, I also have things that I am looking forward to in game. However, there are those who have a virtual heart attack when new goodies for Aion are announced; I have one legionmate who will only re-sub when update 2.5 rolls around and brings with it all the little bells and whistles he is pining for. It is quite interesting to listen as he randomly pops into Ventrilo to trumpet the greatness of this upcoming gaming salvation, then disappears again into the night.

So what about 2.5 has my legionmate so excitable... and excited? Skip-to-my-lou past the cut to take a look at some of the upcoming features.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5aionaion-gameCasting-Speedcasting-speed-capemotesfeaturedgeorge-r-r-martingraphics-upgradehelper-systemincentiveincentivesnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnerfnerf-batnew-skillspatch-2.5patch-notesporgusskillsstealthupgradeupgradesventriloWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 07 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Till death do us part?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-guild-counsel-till-death-do-us-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-guild-counsel-till-death-do-us-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/the-guild-counsel-till-death-do-us-part/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, sometimes being part of a guild feels like being in a marriage -- there's lots of commitment, lots of responsibility, and all too often, lots of arguing and fighting. But this week, we're actually going to look at the issue of online romance and online relationships in MMOs. As games and communities increase in number, more and more players are developing lasting relationships, and some of those have even led to marriage.

Since the Valentine's Day roses are still fresh and there are still a few chocolates left in the heart-shaped box, this week's Guild Counsel will look at a few dos and don'ts of online romance. Joining me this week is Arithion, host of the Rift Podcast. She met her husband in game, and they've been married for four years. She'll share some valuable advice on what to do if you think you've found that special someone.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Till death do us part?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Till death do us part? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicearithionfeaturedguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsmarriageonline-relationshipsonline-romancerift-podcastromancesocial-tiesventriloThu, 17 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wake me up when chat is working.
The news earlier this week that DC Universe Online is now Sony Online Entertainment's best-selling game probably won't come as much of a surprise to anyone who has actually played it. There's an enormous amount of fun to be had in running through the game, and the storylines are incredibly well thought-out. However, for all that I personally love the game, there is one thing that I and many other people I've talked to find to be incredibly lacking, and in this case, it's something so integral to the MMOG experience as to essentially make or break parts of the game.

Essentially, what point is there to an MMO in which you can't really reliably interact with the other people you're playing with? It's also rather eye-opening just how much your enjoyment of a game like this can be impacted when you can't effectively talk to other people. As such, this week I'll look at several crucial problems with the DC Universe Online chat interface, as well as things that can be done to improve the overall experience.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Working together is hard to do originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egochatchat-problemscontrollerdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoissuesmmogmmorpgmmospgmumbleopinionrantskypesocial-interactionsocial-systemssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentteamspeakventrilovoice-chatvoipwhere-is-my-massively-multiplayerSat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: War is actually good for a remarkable number of things edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/wrup-war-is-actually-good-for-a-remarkable-number-of-things-edi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/wrup-war-is-actually-good-for-a-remarkable-number-of-things-edi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/wrup-war-is-actually-good-for-a-remarkable-number-of-things-edi/#commentsFiled under: ,

War kind of gets a bad rap, what with the whole causing widespread meaningless slaughter. But let's face it, despite what Edwin Starr may have said, war is actually good for a wide variety of things. For example, widespread slaughter? War is totally good at that. And if countless MMOs have proven anything, it's that war is a great way to provide quest objectives, assuming that you get to respawn if you lose. Also, there are snazzy uniforms and big explosions. It's basically good for the same things as Michael Bay's cinematography.

If this has you all excited, I'm sorry to say that this week's WRUP does not feature Massively or any of its staff members going to war, not counting Bree's war on "they" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun. It does, however, feature the staff explaining what we'll be doing over the weekend and what we like in terms of voice chat. So click on past the break to see what we'll be up to, and let us know what you'll be doing in the comments.

Continue reading WRUP: War is actually good for a remarkable number of things edition

MassivelyWRUP: War is actually good for a remarkable number of things edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatmassively-metamumbleteamspeakventriloVivoxweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 29 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you a chat Luddite?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-chat-luddite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So DC Universe Online's voice chat is broken, according to many of the commenters on this and other MMO-centric websites. Ironically, even if the game had no voice chat at all, it would be less broken than the abject disaster that serves as the superhero title's text chat interface.

While the game is enjoyable enough in most respects, I scratch my head as to how a development firm with SOE's considerable expertise could scrimp on something as vital as in-game text chat. The cynic in me says that it's because the PS3 version takes priority, but whatever the reason, DCUO's social tools (at least on the PC) are in dire need of someone who cares.

That brings up an interesting point regarding voice chat vs. text chat. While third-party programs such as Mumble and Ventrilo have been the norm for "serious" MMO guilds for years now, it's only recently that games have started incorporating voice chat (and players have started expecting it). Sure, voice can be vital for raids, PvP, and challenging endgame content, but is it really necessary (or desirable) for most of the things we do on our way to the level cap? Today's Daily Grind is all about your stance in the voice vs. text chat debate. Are you a chat Luddite? Do you refuse to play a game without voice chat? Inquiring Massively minds want to know.

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 you a chat Luddite? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenchatcommunicationcommunitydcDC Comicsdc-universe-onlineDcComicsdcuogame-discussiongamer-discussiongroupingmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsmumblesocialsocial-toolssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttdgteamspeaktext-chatthe-daily-grindventrilovoice-chatTue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/wings-over-atreia-daevas-of-our-lives-the-siege/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The battle was sore. The sound of wings beating the hot air of the Abyss filled the ears of all of us, soldier and commander alike. Singed feathers, both black and white, floated about, as fireballs flew between factions, pelting any who could not dodge fast enough. Shadowy forms dove, weaving between the raining arrows, looking for targets. Sounds of steel clashing rang out as spies tried to sneak past enemy lines in search of kisks. The battle was immense, a sea of red crashing against us, trying to claim what was rightfully ours! We knew we must give our all to repel the enemy onslaught.

In the heat of battle, immediate decisions had long-reaching consequences; the tide of battle could turn on a single kinah. All voices hushed as the Commander, MrAwesumPants, issued the order that would bring victory, that would bring us closer to eradicating this threat upon true Daeva. One force was dispatched to take the artifact and activate it. "Do it. Do it now. Do it. Do it. Do it now. Do it do it do it do it now do it do it do it now... now... now... now... get it. DO IT NOW... come ON! Are you paying attention? NOW NOW NOW!! DO IT DO IT DO IT! NOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOW!!! Do it. Don't do it. OMG you *expletive* I can't believe you just did that!"

Everyone could hear the spittle dripping from his mic, spraying against his monitor. The hush continued.

Have you ever sat in a faction Ventrilo server and heard the siege leader repeat an order like a rapid-fire machine gun for what seemed like five minutes straight, then right as it is being accomplished, immediately rescind the order, demand his followers stop, then totally berate whoever followed the order? No joke -- true story. If you thought drama was just for individuals or legions in Aion, think again! There is a seemingly endless supply of siege drama to keep Daevas entertained -- or disgusted.

Settle back and tune in past the cut for the latest episode of Daevas of Our Lives.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives -- The siege originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamecraftingdaevas-of-our-livesdramafeaturedfortressleaderleadersleadershipnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpvepvpRPschedulesiegesiege-warfaresiegessiegingventriloWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 01 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you been discriminated against in game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-discriminated-against-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-discriminated-against-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-discriminated-against-in-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the uglier aspects of gamer culture is the tendency to breed, shall we say, a lack of tolerance and respect for those who are "not us." The general anonymity of the online world can bring the worst out in some, with little to check these attitudes unless contrary peer pressure is summoned.

So at the risk of reopening old wounds, today we want to ask if you have ever been discriminated against in an MMO based on who you were, what you believed or what you represented. Maybe you felt the sting of ageism as you were shut out of a guild due to being "too young" for the group. Maybe your feminine voice on Vent changed how players treated you -- and not in a good way. Maybe your ethnicity, sexuality, faith, sense of humor, fashion style or cat/dog preference netted you a cold shoulder from the community. Or maybe -- and this is far-fetched -- you've been discriminated against solely because of your lackluster gear or less-than-optimal character build. Hey, it happens (or so the legend goes).

Have you been discriminated against in game? Pipe up, and let's sew those old wounds shut once and for all!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you been discriminated against in game? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ageismanonymitydiscriminationface-it-dogs-are-bettergear-discriminationone-of-these-is-not-like-the-othersopiniontdgthe-daily-grindventriloWed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: The ties that bind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/wings-over-atreia-the-ties-that-bind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/wings-over-atreia-the-ties-that-bind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/wings-over-atreia-the-ties-that-bind/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Flaws. Bugs. Annoyances -- like a level 45 slaughtering you while your little level 18 self is quietly going about gathering Lumesia. Moments that just make you want to find a dev and toss him off the nearest high rise; all games have them, no one denies this -- not even Aion players (although they usually don't feel the need to discuss them with those who don't play).

So why is it we stay in games that, at times, make us want to rip our hair out by the fistfuls? With such a plethora of games catering to a wide variety of play styles, how do we stay faithful to a particular one over the long haul, even when we know it isn't perfect? No, it isn't because we are all secretly masochistic. Or because we detest our barber/hairdresser. Looking around me in games both past and present, watching those who could be considered die-hards stay in (and enjoy) games long after the masses have fled, I found themes that mirrored some of my own reasons -- because, alternately, there are the moments that make it worth it. Not the art, the features, or the wittiness of the quest dialog. Rather, the ties that bind us: Friendships, epic memories, and just plain stubbornness.

Charge across the bridge and we'll delve into my top reasons for sticking with a title, even in the face of the raging malcontents.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The ties that bind

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: The ties that bind originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionatreiadaevadaevaseltnenepic-memoriesfeaturedfriendsfriendshipfriendshipsmemoriesmorheimncsoftpvpstubbornstubbornnesstiesventriloWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 28 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Push to blurt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/the-daily-grind-push-to-blurt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/the-daily-grind-push-to-blurt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/the-daily-grind-push-to-blurt/#commentsFiled under: ,

Voice chat in games -- XBox Live, Vent, TS or whatever poison you prefer -- is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers near-instantaneous communication between players, frees up the need to type out conversations, and adds tone and personality to unseen players. On the other hand, the phrase "speaking without thinking" comes to mind.

In the Massively offices, we were sharing tales of some of the odder Vent outbursts in our history. These included Rubi using her Mom Voice to break up a fight between her kids while not realizing she was accidentally chewing out her entire raid, a guy who was annoyed that his girlfriend went into labor in the middle of a heated play session, and the ever-popular "Holy crap, some idiot just drove their car through the side of my house!"

We've all been there on both sides of disturbing, bizarre, hilarious or just plain weird Vent outbursts -- and we want to hear yours today! When were you the sender or receiver of some crazy Vent outburst that stunned the voice chat room into silence... or sent them to the floor laughing? What string of unfortunate words have you ever heard blurted from a guildie?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Push to blurt originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurtopinionrubi-super-momtdgteamspeakthe-daily-grindtsventventrilovoice-chatxbox-liveMon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are you like in voice chat?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-like-in-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-like-in-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-like-in-voice-chat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Voice chat isn't a part of every facet of games, but it's usually de rigeur for communication in endgame activities. While some of us can type pretty quickly, we can still talk a bit faster, and if you're using the keyboard as anything other than an ornament time spent typing is time spent not pressing other buttons. The popularity and proliferation of Ventrilo is almost entirely based upon this need, and games have increasingly come to include built-in voice clients (including World of Warcraft, although its quality is rather widely debated).

Of course, hand-in-hand with the fact that we can talk faster than we can type, many of us have a clearer personality by voice than we do in text. We're more trained as human beings to react to audio cues anyway, as opposed to subtleties in sentence structure or the occasional "lol." So what do you act like when you get behind the microphone? Are you the one guy that won't stop making off-color jokes, or are you quiet and professional? Do you act the same way you usually do via text, or do you have a totally different side that only comes out over voice chat?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are you like in voice chat? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiochatcommunicationendgameheadsetstdgthe-daily-grindventrilovoicevoice-chatvoice-over-ipvoipworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New voice chat program Blabbelon launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/new-voice-chat-program-blabbelon-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/new-voice-chat-program-blabbelon-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/new-voice-chat-program-blabbelon-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Stop Venting" is the suggestion made by Blabbelon, the brand new, completely free voice chat service launching today. Blabbelon aims to revolutionize voice chat by offering a web-based client that will eliminate the problems and limitations of currently available setups.

"I come from a family of avid gamers, and we were all frustrated with our options for online voice chat." said Dr. Ed Ikeguchi, founder and CEO of Blabbelon. "I didn't understand why I couldn't just register once, click and talk and at the same time have the ability to easily invite people to join me, manage my various groups, and control my game through better quality communication. And so Blabbelon was born,"

We got a chance to sit down with Dr. Ikeguchi and talk about the issues that plague current voice chat programs -- like lag, complicated setup procedures and a lack of privacy and security -- and explore how Blabbelon aims to eliminate those issues. Read on to see what he had to say.

Continue reading New voice chat program Blabbelon launches today

MassivelyNew voice chat program Blabbelon launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blabbeloninterviewventrilovoice-chatVoIP phoneVoipPhoneTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daze of Darkfall Week 3: Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', yeah pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daze-of-darkfall-week-3-keep-rollin-rollin-rollin-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daze-of-darkfall-week-3-keep-rollin-rollin-rollin-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daze-of-darkfall-week-3-keep-rollin-rollin-rollin-pt2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Lucky for me one of my clanmates ran along and saw me, quickly reviving me. I jumped up, put on my polearm, and ran pretty aimlessly into combat. Two polearm swings later, I got shot in midair while jumping. I fell over dead (again) and was ganked this time. Awwww.

My game reloaded and I found myself back at the bindstone, but I was in quite a predicament. Remember the bloodwall? Yeah, well, our invaders had killed everyone on there pretty easily, as they were obviously AFK. Well, they too had respawned at the bindstone... and I spawned in the middle of them. You can't clip other people in Darkfall. You can't push them (except with certain weapons) either. I was trapped in a pile of AFK meat, unable to actually get out.

"Sera, where are you at, why aren't you defending?" one of my guild leaders asked. I took the moment to explain to him how I was unable to defend as I was stuck in a pile of AFK people. Really, really, stuck.

"If I could compare it to another MMO, I'd say it's like PlanetSide's combat crossed with EVE's rules."
"I'll be the judge of that," he gruffly responded, as if he didn't believe me. He walked over to the bindstone, found me jumping up and down in the middle of an AFK pile like an idiot, my purple hair barely making it over the heads of the many orks and mahirim (wolf people) and then lowly said over Ventrilo, "Sera's exempt from defense until we get her out..."

But not all is bad and stuck in a pile of corpses

After things had calmed down and I had been freed from the corpse pile, however, we were attacked three more times. Out of those three times we had won twice -- succeeding in driving the offenders off or killing them all. We were obviously getting better at this stuff, and it provided an interesting experience for someone like myself.

To be honest, it feels like a deathmatch, except without guns. The enemies invade and you pelt them with arrows and/or magic. They get close and you pull out two-handed weaponry or a one-handed weapon with a shield. You attempt to gang up on someone and kill them, while they attempt the same. Then, one side gets obviously defeated while the other side quickly overruns. It's all very predictable.

If I could compare it to another MMO, I'd say it's like PlanetSide's combat crossed with EVE's rules. Fighting is focused on cities (or bases) where you attack or defend to hold/steal what's there, except losing hurts and there's no fancy recall into combat. PlanetSide is snappy when it comes to combat because that's PlanetSide's focus -- Darkfall focuses on outcomes, like EVE does. Therefore, combat is not snappy in Darkfall, it's a brief experience punctuated with death and loss.

I did survive for one of the battles where we won, if that's what you're wondering. I did archery (I like archery) and even got down and dirty with my polearm. I didn't gank anyone, but perhaps I'll get that honor another time.

One more week

Well, we're winding down. There's only one more week left in The Daze of Darkfall. I can't speak too much on the clan's activities and plans, but I can say this: There will be raids. Lots and lots of raids. Perhaps now I get to see what it's like on the other side of this thing.

I know what you're looking for -- week 1 and week 2. Well, look no further than here!

MassivelyThe Daze of Darkfall Week 3: Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', yeah pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionarcherycity-defensecombatcorpsesdarkfalldarkfall-onlinegankna-1na-servernorth-americanplanetsidepvpraidrevivethe-daze-of-darkfallventriloWed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivox to offer cross-platform browser plugin for game VOIP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vivox, already firmly entrenched as the in-game voice over IP option for EVE Online, several of SOE's games, and Second Life, is now upping the ante by announcing that they intend to take their service cross-platform - and potentially cross-game, if the developers allow it. If they manage to do that, it means you could play EverQuest II and still hang out and talk smack with your friends flying through space in EVE Online, or checking out the latest in Second Life. Not only are those options interesting, but in releasing it as a browser plugin, they open up the option for guilds to potentially use it on their own sites; allowing people not logged in to still talk to those playing. Depending on cost and scalability, this could potentially take a bite out of the market Ventrilo and TeamSpeak are in, as we'd bet 99.9% of gamers already have browsers on their machines, and many run them while gaming anyway.

Add to that Vivox's plan to allow users to eventually call in to the chat from cell phones (late to the raid - call ahead) and you can see where this is definitely an interesting development to those playing MMOs. They'll be discussing the specifics at GDC, so hopefully we'll get more details on just how this will happen, if players will have to (or be able to) host their own servers, and the potential roll-out dates for this new service.

MassivelyVivox to offer cross-platform browser plugin for game VOIP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercross-platformpluginteamspeakventrilovivoxvoice-over-ipvoipFri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Issues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/issues-with-dc-universe-online-cross-play-not-entirely-technical/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Will cross-platform play be a part of DC Universe Online come launch day? In light of a recent interview between Tracey John of MTV Multiplayer and DCUO devs Wes Yanagi and Jens Andersen, it's not looking too good.

While the official answer was more of a "We'll see." the overall direction of the two developers' response to the cross-play question was to punctuate the social discrepancies between PC MMO players and console users. They cited the PC MMO ritual of getting to know someone in text chat before speaking via TeamSpeak or Ventrilo, then followed that with the console experience: Microphones, matchmaking and lots of subsequent smacktalking. A fair point.

Although, on the other hand, Playstation 3's don't come with a standard headset like Xbox 360's. In fact, many users seem to have been adjusting just fine to text in the recently launched Home service -- although there seems to be plenty of griefing. So while console and PC MMO players may not blend well as is, the PS3 is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to communique in the first place. So who knows?
Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!

MassivelyIssues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoheadsetjens-andersenmtv-multiplayerpcplaystation-3ps3socialsoesony-online-entertainmentteamspeaktracey-johnventrilovoice-chatwes-yanagixbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you use integrated voice chat?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-integrated-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-integrated-voice-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-integrated-voice-chat/#commentsFiled under: ,

Integrated voice chat is becoming a default feature of many newer MMOs, and it's even been retrofitted into our older games, like EverQuest II and World of Warcraft. It's like power steering on a new car; you almost can't remember a time before it was standard. Games like Dungeons and Dragons Online were among the first to offer the feature, while others soon followed suit.

Personally, I find myself sticking with programs like Ventrilo or TeamSpeak to run my voice chat. Even in Lord of the Rings Online, I find myself turning off the IVC to use TeamSpeak with my kinship. So the important question here is: What do you prefer? Does integrated voice chat cause your game to lag, or any other performance problems? Do you just prefer Vent or TS (or Skype, or Xfire, etc) because you're used to it from before it became integrated? Let us know!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you use integrated voice chat? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiointegrated-voice-chatskypeteamspeakthe-daily-grindventrilovoice-chatxfireFri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-time online community software, aka 'Voon' enters beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/real-time-online-community-software-aka-voon-enters-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/real-time-online-community-software-aka-voon-enters-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/real-time-online-community-software-aka-voon-enters-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just recently, Voon entered its beta for Windows and Mac users, which means almost anyone can download it and give it a go. Although, you may be wondering, "What the heck is Voon?" Simply put, Voon is a sort of online community system that can work like a chat room or like Ventrilo. You just download it and use it, no sever or vast knowledge of VoIP technology needed.

Its users can interact for the sake of argument or they can all discuss a event that's being broadcast through Voon itself. Eventually, Voon users may be able to talk between the Voon client and other Vivox in-game clients such as EVE Online or any Sony Online Entertainment title. Each company will be choosing how such a system might work.

For instance, right now Voon users can listen to daily re-airings of Massively Speaking and comment vocally or textually in real-time with one another as the podcast is being aired to them. It's all very cool and meta -- but in a good way that doesn't make everyone feel a bit uncomfortable. So check it out!

Update: Noted that communication between Voon and in-game clients is something companies get to decide for themselves.

MassivelyReal-time online community software, aka 'Voon' enters beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeve-onlinemassivelymassively-speakingsoesony-online-entertainmentventventrilovivoxvoonFri, 19 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: In-game or private VOIP?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/the-daily-grind-in-game-or-private-voip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/the-daily-grind-in-game-or-private-voip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/the-daily-grind-in-game-or-private-voip/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the best things for many gamers who play in team settings (in PvP, in raids, etc.) is voice over IP (VOIP) software. Need to give out raid instructions? No longer do you need to waste time typing things out or boring people with long macros full of information. Now you can toss on a headset and away you go. Of course, you have your pick -- games like EVE Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and even World of Warcraft have introduced VOIP. However, the interesting thing we keep finding is how few people actually use it.

This morning we thought we'd do something of an unscientific poll amongst the readers just to see where the unofficial Massively reader thoughts lie on this. Some of us are figuring it will be against public in-game VOIP, others are warning them that it's generally cheaper than running a server, so they may be in for a surprise. You let us know -- do you use public VOIP, or private servers? If you don't use the in-game systems, why? If you hate private servers, what turned you off from them?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: In-game or private VOIP? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communicationddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlineheadsetspvpraidingskypetdgteam-based-gamingteamspeakthe-daily-grindventrilovoipworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 02 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rogue Signal: The unwritten communication rules of EVE PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/rogue-signal-the-unwritten-communication-rules-of-eve-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/rogue-signal-the-unwritten-communication-rules-of-eve-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/rogue-signal-the-unwritten-communication-rules-of-eve-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Perhaps more than any other MMO, EVE Online's gameplay relies very heavily on communication between players. I have recently returned to World of Warcraft and gotten a character into Outlands. 62 levels after coming back, it still grates on me a bit that very few people utilize voice chat for both PvE and PvP content. Sure, WoW's in-game voice codec is terrible, but it certainly beats having nothing. I have come to realize that players coming from the opposite perspective are sometimes surprised and occasionally uncomfortable with the mentality of EVE players when it comes to text and voice communication. This guide aims to instruct a new player in the ways of communication in EVE.

Text communication is perhaps the easiest to grasp for a new player. The key difference between text chat in EVE and text chat in many other games is the sheer volume of available channels. By default, every player is in the channel for their local chat, their corporation, and their alliance (if applicable). In addition, there is an uncountable number of channels out there that you could be chatting in.

Continue reading Rogue Signal: The unwritten communication rules of EVE PvP

MassivelyRogue Signal: The unwritten communication rules of EVE PvP originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpcommseveeve-onlinefeaturedguidepvepvpteamspeakventrilovivoxvoice-commsvoice-communicationSun, 04 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ventrilo 3.0 hits the streets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/ventrilo-3-0-hits-the-streets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/ventrilo-3-0-hits-the-streets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/ventrilo-3-0-hits-the-streets/#commentsFiled under:

For you World of Warcraft players who are dealing with patch-related downtime and for others who find themselves with nothing to do, let me remind you of something. If you use Ventrilo for in-game voice chat for whatever game you play, and your Ventrilo host has made the upgrade to version 3.0 today, you'd better get into upgrading mode.

Although information seems to be sparse on the actual Ventrilo site (other than this changelog), I found a fair amount of information on the site of the Ventrilo provider that my guild uses.

From my understanding of the semi-cryptic explanation offered, version 2.3 clients will not communicate properly with version 3.0 servers, and version 3.0 clients will not communicate properly with version 2.3 servers. It would therefore be in your best interest to find out which version your host is running and act accordingly!

You can find the updated Windows client here, and the updated Mac client here.

MassivelyVentrilo 3.0 hits the streets originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ventriloventrilo-3.0voice-chatvoipWed, 14 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST