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[RIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
It wasn't but yesterday that we ran our feature on the gaming achievements of the Guinness Book of World Records: Gamer's Edition 2012, but between then and now, a new MMO-related record has been set. As many of you know, RIFT recently added marriage to its plethora of features, allowing players to make the ultimate commitment in Telara. Well, the ultimate commitment besides joining a raiding guild, at any rate.

A press release today announced that RIFT players banded together with the goal of setting the record for the most in-game marriages in a 24-hour span. We're not certain what the previous record was if there was one at all, but RIFT players managed to set the bar with a staggering 21,879 marriages performed between noon on February 14th and noon on February 15th. RIFT executive producer and Trion Worlds CCO Scott Hartsman is pleased with the outcome, stating in the press release that "Ascended Weddings were a great way to lift the veil on RIFT's new 'Gatherings' feature, social experiences that bring players together in new and interesting ways." He goes on to add that "[the studio] looks forward to expanding this great new gameplay element in the always-evolving world of Telara." So congratulations to all of the lucky couples. Enjoy your new ball-and-chain!

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyRIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegaming-cultureguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-book-of-world-records-gamers-editionin-game-marriagein-game-marriagesin-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesmmo-culturerecordrecordsriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsweddingweddingsworld-recordworld-recordsThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rift Wedding
Right now in RIFT, couples are donning their best attire, polishing up their rings, and practicing their vows as they participate in a Valentine's Day wedding challenge. From yesterday until today at noon, players will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for most in-game weddings in a single day. I decided to participate, so I bought the elegant wedding dress and veil from the marriage coordinator and said to my husband, "Will you marry me in-game?" His answer was, "Why?"

I can't say I'm surprised because we've been married for the better part of 17 years, and he's never really been into the social part of gaming as much as I have. But he's also a good sport, so he agreed to buy a tux and do the ceremony anyway. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll walk you through the process of tying the knot in game, from the pre-wedding prep to the lively celebrations afterwards.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enter-at-your-own-riftfantasyfeaturedguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-world-recordsin-game-marriagekaren-bryanmmo-weddingopinionriftrift-planes-of-telaratelaratriontrion-worldsweddingweddingsWed, 15 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion plans RIFT's 2012 attack strategy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/trion-plans-rifts-2012-attack-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
With 2011 locked in as a highly profitable year for Trion Worlds, the studio is eager to prove that it didn't pull off a one-trick-pony with RIFT by leaping into 2012 with guns blazing. Scott Hartsman emphasized that the studio's emphasis on having a responsive live team that quickly and decisively acts on player feedback is a key element in what makes RIFT special. "We want to make greater strides for 2012," he said.

Hartsman also opened up about Trion's plans for 2012, starting with the Return to Telara free play weekend that's currently active. The team is preparing to unveil plans about major improvements to the PvP system, including ways to lower PvP wait time, improve the PvP soul system, increase rewards, and perhaps have a form of open-world PvP that isn't limited to factional combat.

Other areas of improvement for the year he mentioned include giving players tools for social gatherings and tweaking the crafting system.

MassivelyTrion plans RIFT's 2012 attack strategy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7craftingpatch-1.7pvpreturn-to-telarariftscott-hartsmansocial-gatheringstelaratriontrion-worldsweddingsFri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever attended an in-game wedding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wedding
Last week Bree talked about in-game funerals, giving readers an opportunity to chat about those they'd attended. Several people mentioned in-game weddings, so in today's Daily Grind we're going to turn to that markedly more cheerful event.

It's not uncommon at all for people to meet that special someone in an MMO, so the concept of celebrating that relationship in the game where it started doesn't follow too far behind. Quite a few developers have acknowledged that by providing wedding attire and accessories for the happy couples, with some even going so far as to provide a wedding system with in-game perks for those who have tied the knot.

Whether it be a RP union between two characters or a ceremony for two players, have you attended an in-game wedding? Have you participated in one? Use that handy comment button below and tell us all about it!

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 you ever attended an in-game wedding? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesopinionrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindweddingweddingsTue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take to the skies with MapleStory Ascension]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/take-to-the-skies-with-maplestory-ascension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/take-to-the-skies-with-maplestory-ascension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/take-to-the-skies-with-maplestory-ascension/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- MapleStory
Rise up, MapleStory players! The new Ascension update is coming on September 28th, and it's bringing players a wealth of new features to enjoy. Warriors, Magicians, and Bowmen are all receiving class revamps that update the classes with "new strength and new looks."

Players can also band together to take on the challenges of Spiegelmann's Monster Park, which grants an extra 50% experience for parties as well as higher drop rates. For the lovebirds in the crowd, the team is implementing new wedding quests. Meanwhile, team players are being given three new party quests as well as six updated ones, and the rewards from party quests are "more lucrative than ever." To top it all off, a new event calendar has been added to the game, so players will always be up to date on current events.

To get in on all the Ascension action, head on over to the official site and register for an account.

MassivelyTake to the skies with MapleStory Ascension originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascensionclass-updateclassesf2pfree-to-playmaplestorymonster-parknexonnexon-americaparty-questsspiegelmanns-monster-parkwedding-questsweddingsThu, 22 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Final Fantasy XI wedding service is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It was announced some time ago that Square-Enix would make it easier for Final Fantasy XI players to get married in-game, with the vague insinuation that the feature would go live at around the same time as the version update. Sure enough, the new wedding system is now in place, and it makes the entire procedure so much easier that it's almost trivial. After all, you already get to avoid meddling in-laws, reams and reams of wedding invitations, and the joy of finding a caterer who won't server your guests microwaved dog food.

The official page offers all the details you could want on the wedding system, including the procedure for crafting all of the wedding items if you prefer that option to purchasing them. It also offers traditional Vana'diel wedding vows, a nice touch for a roleplaying event, especially one supported by the game's official systems. So go ahead and tie the knot in Final Fantasy XI, free and without the bulky and restrictive system of the past. No rumors yet of a messy and acrimonious divorce system being added into the game, but now that marriage is simpler, perhaps it's in the cards.

MassivelyNew Final Fantasy XI wedding service is live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasy-xiin-game-eventin-game-eventsmarriageroleplayingsquaresquare-enixweddingsThu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI expands wedding services]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/final-fantasy-xi-expands-wedding-services/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/final-fantasy-xi-expands-wedding-services/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/final-fantasy-xi-expands-wedding-services/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Weddings in MMOs are sort of an odd beast at best, but the setting and atmosphere found in Final Fantasy XI suited the feature even way back when it was first introduced. Unfortunately, actually going through the process in-game has always been something of a hassle, what with the additional fees, the scheduling problems, a convoluted registration feature and so forth. Considering your only reward was usually an in-game wedding ring, it didn't light many people on fire. However, even though the game is entering its twilight years (or possibly because of that), Square-Enix is rolling out a new and more straightforward system to make marriage less of an issue -- in-game, at least.

Rather than having an ornate application to fill out, the game will be instituting a page in which you can simply schedule a time, date, and place. The nation's wedding masters will be added in as NPCs, allowing you to talk with them at any time to retrieve a certificate as a house furnishing once you've gotten married. In addition to all of this, you'll no longer have to jump through hoops for most of the wedding items (presumably including the game's tuxedo and wedding dress), as they'll be purchasable by anyone who requires them. If you prefer having a more ornate wedding, however, there's an optional Player Event system in place allowing you to expand beyond the confines of the existing system. It's not exactly a Vana'dielian Vegas, but Final Fantasy XI's updates to the system should at least make it a bit easier to tie the knot.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI expands wedding services originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiin-game-eventsroleplayingsquaresquare-enixweddingsWed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOMO embraces same-sex marriage in game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/domo-embraces-same-sex-marriage-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/domo-embraces-same-sex-marriage-in-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/domo-embraces-same-sex-marriage-in-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While they're certainly not the first game to offer same-sex marriage, Aeria's Dream of Mirror Online announced today that they're embracing the once controversial topic with their new and improved dynamic in-game marriage system. The same-sex aspect of this marriage system is simply one of the many features, but it hasn't been added as just an afterthought. It's been a popular topic of discussion among DOMO players since the game's launch in Fall of 2007.

This marriage system allows couples to embark on a series of challenging quests where they can plan their in-game wedding, complete with dream locale, wedding outfit and even a perfect set of rings. Once married, the couple will be granted unique features which include the ability to summon their significant other to their location, as well as special healing abilities during battle.

MassivelyDOMO embraces same-sex marriage in game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesdomodream-of-mirror-onlinemarriagesame-sexsame-sex-marriageweddingsThu, 19 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory celebrating Valentine's Day with in-game event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/maplestory-celebrating-valentines-day-with-in-game-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/maplestory-celebrating-valentines-day-with-in-game-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/maplestory-celebrating-valentines-day-with-in-game-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Love is in the air in MapleStory, as they're joining other massively multiplayer online games in celebrating Valentine's Day. The festivities will run through February 24th, and will include a mix of unique in-game items and quests for the lovey-dovey crowd. On that note, players who want to tie the knot in-game also receive 15% off on their wedding tickets.

Nexon provided the run-down of what's in store for MapleStory players with this extended Valentine's Day event. You can check out the details after the jump:

Continue reading MapleStory celebrating Valentine's Day with in-game event

MassivelyMapleStory celebrating Valentine's Day with in-game event originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrationeventsf2pfree-to-playholiday-eventholiday-eventsmaplestorynexonquestsvalentines-dayweddingsFri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FOX cautions meetings between "cyber gaming" friends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/fox-cautions-meetings-between-cyber-gaming-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/fox-cautions-meetings-between-cyber-gaming-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/fox-cautions-meetings-between-cyber-gaming-friends/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though I'd like to think that I grew callous to the treatment of MMOs in the mainstream media a long time ago, there's this bitter little flame deep inside me that is stoked every time I read a piece in the newspaper or see a bit on TV that's sensationalist, ill-informed, or just plain stupid. In the latest article to raise my ire, Fox reports on how MMOs create a uniquely unsafe environment, that puts online predators and mentally unstable people at an advantage in stalking their prey. Specifically, they claim that while people tend to have their guard up when surfing other online portals like dating sites or MySpace, people let are more at ease and trusting when it comes to bonding with guildmates, and this leaves them open to exploitation.

The article seems to be a reaction to the recent "Baby Grace" case, which really had less to do with the fact that the couple met on World of Warcraft and everything to do with the fact that they were complete sociopaths. While there are some positive stories buried in the article -- including the 40 married couples who made the transition from guildmate to soulmate between Everquest and Anarchy Online, author Catherine Donaldson-Evans just can't rein in the hyperbole, concluding her article by referring to the internet as a modern-day pandora's box. (I can't seem to find the roll-eye emote here...)

[Via MMORPG.com]

MassivelyFOX cautions meetings between "cyber gaming" friends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-gracefox-newsinternetmainstream-mediapandora's-boxsociopathstupidweddingswowMon, 10 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST