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[Alter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week I'm actually going to detour slightly from the game and instead feature one of my favorite hacks for playing DC Universe Online. Well, OK, not a hack -- more like a fun project for the nerdily inclined. Part of the reason I've decided to detour is an email I received earlier this week from Rusty, who asked: "I am very interested in trying the controller on my PC and would welcome your opinion on the best way to accomplish this. I'm leery of downloading software to make this happen. Would you mind sharing your experience?"

As such, this week I'm dedicating my column to helping my fellow PC fiends get their controller on in DC Universe Online. Depending on your personal level of hardware nerditry, your extant pieces/parts, and your budget, this can range from incredibly inexpensive on up to ridiculously awesome. Hungry for more? Join me after the break!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoconsoleconsolescontrollercontrollersdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguidehow-tokludgemedia-center-pcpcsoesony-online-entertainmentusbwindows-7windows-xpwiredwirelessxbox-360Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar uses smoking as a metaphor for (online) gaming obsession]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/avatar-uses-smoking-as-a-metephor-for-online-gaming-obsession/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/avatar-uses-smoking-as-a-metephor-for-online-gaming-obsession/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/avatar-uses-smoking-as-a-metephor-for-online-gaming-obsession/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For all of you who saw Avatar (and we're pretty sure that's a lot of you) we imagine the analogy between James Cameron's sci-fi techno masterpiece and our beloved genre of gaming didn't fully escape many of you. So, when anti-smoking outfits began to boil over about Sigourney Weaver's character lighting up after "logging off" from her big blue cat woman for the evening, Cameron took to the defense.

According to the mastermind behind Avatar, the character of Grace was never meant to be a role model. "We were showing that Grace doesn't care about her human body, only her avatar body." Cameron continued by saying her destructive behavior "is a negative comment about people in our real world living too much in their avatars, meaning online and in video games." The message is clear, although not too overbearing. We love our online games, there's no doubt about that, but getting the occasional exercise routine or two in doesn't hurt, either.

It's all very interesting given the ending to Avatar, which we won't spoil for those of you who somehow haven't yet seen it. Still, regardless of whatever "anti" sentiment you think Cameron was sending, there's no doubt plenty more MMO metaphor to be found within Avatar -- a movie ostensibly about a real life fantasy world and avatars to play within it.

[via Wired]

MassivelyAvatar uses smoking as a metaphor for (online) gaming obsession originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-gaminganti-smokingavatargracegrace-augustinejames-cameronjames-camerons-avatarmmommo-industrysigourney-weaversmokingwiredWed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What is Blizzard planning for its next MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/what-is-blizzard-planning-for-its-next-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/what-is-blizzard-planning-for-its-next-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/what-is-blizzard-planning-for-its-next-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


According to a recent interview with Wired's GameLife, Blizzard's next MMO project will be "Significantly different" than what they have now with World of Warcraft. This alleviates most concern over self-competition, since they seem fairly confident that the new MMO will scratch a new itch. And seriously, even if it did take players away from WoW, would it be such a bad thing for Blizzard?

This interview with COO Paul Sams (by our own Tracey John) touches on much more than this next MMO, which Blizzard is understandably tight-lipped about. Sams discusses the future of WoW's expansions, the potential of Battle.net across multiple titles and even a bit on micro-transactions. So as we can only speculate at this point, what do you think will be Blizzard's next MMO?

MassivelyWhat is Blizzard planning for its next MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-mmogamelifepaul-samswiredworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devs spill the beans on LEGO Universe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/devs-spill-the-beans-on-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/devs-spill-the-beans-on-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/devs-spill-the-beans-on-lego-universe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Wired.com's GeekDad blogger Curtis Silver has taken some time to sit down with LEGO Universe's Producer, Ryan Seabury, and the games development team. The lengthy interview was posted earlier this week and really gets under the skin of this odd little MMO. Silver also snagged two new exclusive screenshots and states that "LEGO Universe will bridge the generational gap between geek parents and geek kids". After all, who doesn't love LEGO?

The interview itself is really quite in-depth. Silver asks, for example, if we will be able to play as Batman or other characters from the LEGO franchise videogames (no). Additionally, the piece also goes into what kind of gameplay and building we can expect and what sort of PC you're going to need to play it. The dev team seem to be aiming at a wide audience from geeks young and old to kids experiencing LEGO for the first and their parents. Indeed from the interview it certainly sounds awfully promising:

"Whether you're brand-new to LEGO construction or an expert brick builder, whether you like to follow the instructions or just go crazy making up your own creations, you'll be able to use bricks to build virtual LEGO models both on your own and with other players. You'll be helping to create and customize the worlds of LEGO Universe as you play. You'll be able to chat, team up for quests, build amazing LEGO creations together, and choose whether to cooperate or compete as you complete fun and creative challenges ... or adventure and build all on your own if that's your thing. How you play in LEGO Universe is up to you."

[Thanks Hector!]

MassivelyDevs spill the beans on LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geekdadinterviewlegolego-universelego-universe-interviewnewswiredwireddotcomFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online creators talk about S.T.A.R. Labs and game storylines]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dc-universe-online-creators-talk-about-s-t-a-r-labs-and-game-st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dc-universe-online-creators-talk-about-s-t-a-r-labs-and-game-st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dc-universe-online-creators-talk-about-s-t-a-r-labs-and-game-st/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Comic-Con International is underway in San Diego, and we're already hearing some news about the superhero MMO genre. The latest info about DC Universe Online comes from a Wired article by Frank Rose which focuses on S.T.A.R. Labs, the futuristic glass and steel location familiar to anyone who grew up reading DC comic books or watched the Superman animated TV series.

S.T.A.R. Labs, short for Scientific and Technical Advanced Research Laboratories, will be a hub of storyline activity in the MMO. It's fitting, as this is a place where great scientific advances are made, but also a place where things can go horribly wrong. This means it's perfect neutral ground to be incorporated into DC Universe Online, and the location will tie in with the respective storylines of the game's heroes and villains.

Continue reading DC Universe Online creators talk about S.T.A.R. Labs and game storylines

MassivelyDC Universe Online creators talk about S.T.A.R. Labs and game storylines originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-bookscomic-concomic-con-2009dc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuofrank-rosegamelifegeoff-johnsjim-leeloremarv-wolfmannew-titlesstar-labsstorylinestorytellingsuper-herosuper-heroeswiredThu, 23 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All Points Bulletin chaos to balance out with Criminal and Enforcer dynamic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/21/all-points-bulletin-chaos-to-balance-out-with-criminal-and-enfor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/21/all-points-bulletin-chaos-to-balance-out-with-criminal-and-enfor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/21/all-points-bulletin-chaos-to-balance-out-with-criminal-and-enfor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The upcoming criminals-vs.-vigilantes game All Points Bulletin holds the promise of being an absolutely chaotic rampage, where a hundred players lay waste to a sprawling urban environment. While that *seems* like it would be fun, for a while anyway, even the most destructive gamer incarnate of Jack Thompson's personal antichrist will ultimately grow tired of blowing stuff up. Fortunately, that's not what APB is going to be all about.

In fact, a closer look at this game can makes us wonder: Is it really possible to compare the unbridled carnage and hot coffee of Grand Theft Auto with the gameplay of ABP? Not really, according to Realtime Worlds creative director Dave Jones, who spoke about APB with Chris Kohler from Wired's GameLife blog. Jones told Wired, "There's nothing to compare it to, but that's kind of what we try to do with our games."

Continue reading All Points Bulletin chaos to balance out with Criminal and Enforcer dynamic

MassivelyAll Points Bulletin chaos to balance out with Criminal and Enforcer dynamic originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbchaoschris-kohlerconsolescrimecriminalsdave-jonesenforcersgamelifegrand-theft-autogtainterviewsmissionsnew-titlesquestsrealtime-worldsurban-crimewiredxbox-360Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe character creation a soulful experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If there's one thing that LEGO Universe has going for it over any other MMO on the market or coming anytime soon, it's creativity. When your game is based on a franchise that's seen countless boys, girls and men and women alike sitting on the floor snapping together little plastic bricks to make well, anything, you've got a powerful place to design a game on.

And as you would expect, Wired's latest preview of the game shows of plenty of soul and creativity. Our favorite quote from the whole preview is easily this, "Mini-figs are endowed with a creative spark, a "soul" that will never die. They're also fairly exuberant: They'll start mashing the 'randomize' button on their own if you take too long to begin the customization process." We certainly hope that feature stays with the game until release, and that many more like it are scattered throughout the game.

All that being said, LEGO Universe is still going to have all the MMO trappings such as story, conflict and combat. And that's just fine with us considering it'll let millions of people across the globe live our their LEGO ninjas versus pirates versus robots fantasies.

Gallery: LEGO Universe Main Gallery

MassivelyLEGO Universe character creation a soulful experience originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazillion-entertainmentlegolego-universenetdevilninjapiratepiratesrobotrobotswiredTue, 07 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott wants to get back into fantasy gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The impending closure and lack of expected success from Tabula Rasa is not going to deter Richard Garriott from giving the online gaming business another shot. In a recent interview with the BBC, Garriott expressed his intentions to get back into MMO business. "After 25 years at Origin, the last thing I wanted to make was yet another medieval fantasy game," he said. "Now, after a very interesting break, I'm keen to get back into the fray and work on a new game. Probably medieval fantasy and probably online; there's something very powerful about getting people together."

Also in this interview is a bit of insight from Warhammer Online's Paul Barnett into what 2009 may bring. "I expect to see some large studios go under and some big name titles fail," Barnett predicts. Whether this next year will see a fantasy MMO announcement from Garriott or Barnett's prediction of failure come true, you can't deny that it's an exciting time in the world of MMOs.

[Via Wired]

MassivelyRichard Garriott wants to get back into fantasy gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009fantasygenrencsoftpaul-barnettrichard-garriottwarhammer-onlinewiredWed, 31 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wired's vaporware column adds Hero's Journey next to Duke Nukem Forever]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wireds-vaporware-column-adds-heros-journey-next-to-duke-nukem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wireds-vaporware-column-adds-heros-journey-next-to-duke-nukem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wireds-vaporware-column-adds-heros-journey-next-to-duke-nukem/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


And everyone at the Massively offices scratched their heads at the same time and said, "Huh?" All right, so Hero's Journey has been in production for, well, forever, but just because the game isn't coming out anytime soon doesn't exactly warrant it on the vaporware list at position number 8.

Especially as the game's engine, the now well-known HeroEngine, has been licensed by BioWare for this Star Wars game you might have heard about. The HeroEngine development has caught on like wildfire, and even Simutronics's own Neil Harris has said to Massively that the game is on the back burner while the engine development is in the forefront.

But, they still haven't left the game entirely in the dust. They've said that the game still has a long way to come in terms of content and polishing, but they're still letting people log in and play -- even when they're not around. The website even features in-game footage and screenshots, a bit more than Duke blowing some smoke at the camera and uttering a classic Duke-ism.

With all that said, Hero's Journey hasn't been pressing for release or gaining undue hype. It's a game that has been sitting in the corner, lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike. Plus, with most vaporware, we're usually left hanging -- wondering what exactly those developers have been doing with their time when they should have been developing. With Simutronics, we know exactly what they've been doing -- making a great engine. So that leaves the question, is it still vaporware if we know we shouldn't expect it?

MassivelyWired's vaporware column adds Hero's Journey next to Duke Nukem Forever originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsdevelopmentduke-nukem-foreverheroengineheros-journeyhypesimutronicsteaservaporwarewiredTue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan makes 10 most disappointing list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/age-of-conan-makes-10-most-disappointing-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/age-of-conan-makes-10-most-disappointing-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/age-of-conan-makes-10-most-disappointing-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The end of the year is coming, which means that it's time for everyone to publish their best and worst of 2008. As such, we were interested to note that among many console near-misses like Mirror's Edge and Dead Space, only one MMO made it to the top ten on the Wired listing. That's right - clocking in at number 10, is Funcom's recent MMO offering, Age of Conan.

Though they give some love to the combat system, they say their primary reason for including it is because it seemed as if it were shipped before all bugs were ironed out, and with not quite enough content. We'd have to agree to a certain extent, but we'd be remiss to note that Funcom is far from the only company to roll out an MMO this year that couldn't have used just a wee bit more polish. At least we can say that they are finally getting it now. Whether or not its too late for those MMOs to build up more interest - including Age of Conan - only time will tell.

MassivelyAge of Conan makes 10 most disappointing list originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocend-of-yearfuncommost-disappointingtop-10wiredMon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Businesses not stampeding from Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/businesses-not-stampeding-from-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/businesses-not-stampeding-from-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/businesses-not-stampeding-from-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While the media focuses on a few high-profile business departures from Second Life, it isn't fair to assume (as many writers have) that businesses are stampeding out of Linden Lab's virtual environment. If anything, business use of Second Life continues to surge, but it isn't the same kind of usage. Indeed, the sort of usage that is in decline is the sort that can barely be called usage at all.

Much of the sort of business usage that you've heard about through the media are self-promotional usages. Sites intended to boost the image of businesses such as Comcast (mistargeted) or Wired (no target) have largely fallen flat. There are more enterprises using Second Life. They're just not the uses that you normally hear about.

Continue reading Businesses not stampeding from Second Life

MassivelyBusinesses not stampeding from Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastmass-mediaopinionsecond-lifevirtual-worldswiredSun, 07 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fortune and failure in real-money trading]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fortune-and-failure-in-real-money-trading/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fortune-and-failure-in-real-money-trading/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fortune-and-failure-in-real-money-trading/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Although many western MMO gamers profess a distaste for all things RMT, it's definitely become an aspect of these games and virtual worlds that we're all aware of to some degree. But it wasn't always that way. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that the notion of people working in virtual settings and earning real world wealth was, quite frankly, bizarre.

Julian Dibbell was one of the first journalists to expose the idea of RMT and the possible existence of 'virtual sweatshops' to mainstream readers years ago, before such ideas and practices became almost commonplace in virtual worlds and MMOs. Dibbell has continued on with this tradition since the days of writing about Black Snow Interactive, more recently in his book 'Play Money' and with a piece he's written for Wired, titled "The Decline and Fall of an Ultra Rich Online Gaming Empire."

Continue reading Fortune and failure in real-money trading

MassivelyFortune and failure in real-money trading originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-snow-interactivebrock-piercecontroversialcontroversyeconomyeverquestigeinternet-gaming-entertainmentjulian-dibbelllegalmmo-industryplay-moneyreal-money-tradereal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsrmtterra-novavirtual-worldswiredWed, 03 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: Next MMO won't be WoW 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/blizzard-next-mmo-wont-be-wow-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/blizzard-next-mmo-wont-be-wow-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/blizzard-next-mmo-wont-be-wow-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Go ahead a strike the possibility of a World of Warcraft 2 off your list of possible next-gen Blizzard MMOs because it's officially not happening. In an interview with Wired, Blizzard's recently talkative Mike Morhaime flat out said that their next MMO project isn't a sequel to their first. Of course, he wouldn't divulge exactly what it was either or this would be an entirely different sort of news post.

With this news, the odds for a StarCraft or Diablo MMO go up, but so do the odds for an entirely new IP as well. We're sure the guessing game will continue for quite some time before Blizzard tips their hand to everyone. At least the mystery will offer all of us something to do for the next few years while we wait for other unannounced super-secret games to be revealed in the meantime.

MassivelyBlizzard: Next MMO won't be WoW 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiabloeaelectronic-artsmike-morhaimenext-gennext-gen-mmostarcraftwiredworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 17 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fictional WoW terrorism plot detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/fictional-wow-terrorism-plot-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/fictional-wow-terrorism-plot-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/fictional-wow-terrorism-plot-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Just how would terrorists plan an attack through an online virtual world like World of Warcraft using actual game lingo to mask their true intents? This isn't the premise for an episode of 24, although the writers of that show may want to start taking notes. Pentagon researchers have been trying to answer this premise and recently revealed a possible scenario, which comes off as even more absurd. Apparently, terrorists could use character names such as "WAR_MONGER" and "TALON238". Their primary form of coded chatter would be in-game World of Warcraft lingo. These digital terrorists discuss the "Stonetalon Mountains" where the "White Castle" resides, which they plan to attack with a recently acquired "Dragon Fire" spell.

The entire idea is questionable at best and outright dumb at worst. What's even more stupifying is that most of the WoW terminology isn't even correct. So now we're dealing with wild-eyed, out of touch researchers who can't even do their jobs correctly. Besides, everyone knows the terrorists would just use Vent servers anyhow.

MassivelyFictional WoW terrorism plot detailed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddragon-firepentagonstonetalon-mountainsterrorterrorismwhite-castlewiredworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at EVE Online's combat basics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/a-look-at-eve-onlines-combat-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/a-look-at-eve-onlines-combat-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/a-look-at-eve-onlines-combat-basics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Jim Rossignol has become well-known in the game journalism scene, more recently as a regular contributor at RockPaperShotgun and the author of This Gaming Life. Along the way, he's become a veteran EVE Online player, and he's passing along some of that combat know-how to readers in a series of articles at Eurogamer. Rossignol is starting out slow with the first installment, easing readers into "the basic principles of killing people," but he'll progress to more advanced aspects of combat and conflict in EVE. Ultimately, he hopes to introduce players to the ambitions and tactics of New Eden's alliances, which can number well into the thousands of players.

In 'combat basics', Rossignol relates the basic principles of combat in EVE Online to the standard groupings of damage, tank, crowd-control, and healer that most MMO gamers are familiar with from other titles. He notes that these combat roles are quite different in EVE, as a given ship's module fittings give players a great deal of flexibility, but of course makes for a more complex PvP system. Rossignol touches on the idea that speed is king in EVE, and he's correct. Just keep in mind that the nano-era's days are numbered, a fact which Rossignol stresses as well. Have a look at Rossignol's combat basics, and his take on the ever-changing state of PvP in EVE Online.

[Via CrazyKinux]

MassivelyA look at EVE Online's combat basics originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescombateurogamereveeve-onlinefittinggame-mechanicshow-tojim-rossignolnanonano-fitnerfpvprockpapershotgunsci-fishipship-fittingspeedthis-gaming-lifewiredFri, 01 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/gaia-onlines-mmo-is-actually-called-zomg-and-its-in-beta-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The closed beta test of Gaia Online's much-anticipated MMO has officially begun. Here's the kicker: it has a name! And that name is zOMG!. No, really. The name of the MMO is actually zOMG!. Previously, it was called Gaia Battle. That was rather generic, so this is probably a step up.

The name was chosen out of hundreds of submissions from Gaia regulars. Said Senior Producer Dave Georgeson to Wired: "it captures the spirit of our users." Those users are mostly teens. Until now, Gaia Online has simply been a casual games portal and forum community. zOMG! is an MMO built on that foundation.

If you're not familiar with Gaia Battle -- err, we mean zOMG! -- it's a browser-based game that will run on any computer that plays nice with Flash. Gameplay involves combat -- which centers around upgradable magic ring items -- and minigames. Social networking type stuff is laced in as well.

Gallery: Gaia Online MMO

MassivelyGaia Online's MMO is actually called zOMG! (and it's in beta now) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedcasualclosed-betadave-georgesonflashgaia-battlegaia-onlinenameteenswiredzomgTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii need innovative MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/wii-need-innovative-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/wii-need-innovative-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/wii-need-innovative-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Let's get honest for a second here -- every MMO that seems to come out nowadays is the same game with a new paint job and one game design feature expressed above the rest. Currently, that game is Age of Conan, where larger breasts and the real-time combat system got the spotlight in this round of game making.

If game designers keep this up, we're going to watch the market dwindle as new gamers become jaded with new games just repeating the same content they've already been through over and over again. What we're looking for is an MMO that can break open the market like World of Warcraft did when it launched.

According to Earnest Cavalli at Wired, the Wii is the holy grail that MMO developers should chase after; a veritable icon of how to bring the market to a wider audience than just testosterone pumped adolescents.

Continue reading Wii need innovative MMOs

MassivelyWii need innovative MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocblizzardfuncomgame-mechanicsinnovationopinionwiiwiredwired.comworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 08 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Edward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

As you may recall, Edward Castronova, professor at Indiana University and researcher of virtual world economics, had been developing a Shakespeare-based MMO, only to close it down because, in his words, 'It's no fun. We failed to design a gripping experience.'

In the current issue of Wired, Castronova offers his '5 tips for making games that don't suck', based on his experience. To summarize:

Continue reading Edward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden

MassivelyEdward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-tipsadviceardenedward-castronovashakespearewiredSun, 23 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dwell On It: The pitch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/dwell-on-it-the-pitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/dwell-on-it-the-pitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/dwell-on-it-the-pitch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dwell on it - by Tateru Nino

Continue reading Dwell On It: The pitch

MassivelyDwell On It: The pitch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicdwell-on-itfeaturedjulian-dibbellsecond-lifewiredFri, 08 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2 Aion character classes video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/2-aion-character-classes-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/2-aion-character-classes-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/2-aion-character-classes-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NCsoft's upcoming MMO Aion sure looks nice, doesn't it? Wired has posted a mini-preview of two of its character classes, the Assassin and Sorcerer. There's nothing revolutionary about these videos, but it's amazing how the right soundtrack can add so much to a simple video. Try watching them for the first time without sound enabled, and see if they're still interesting.

Aion is scheduled to be released this year on an unannounced date.

Massively2 Aion character classes video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionassassinncsoftsorcerersoundtrackvideowiredFri, 11 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES keynote to demo cool new tech despite ridiculous name]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-keynote-to-demo-cool-new-tech-despite-ridiculous-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-keynote-to-demo-cool-new-tech-despite-ridiculous-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-keynote-to-demo-cool-new-tech-despite-ridiculous-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Monday's CES keynote will see Intel CEO Paul Otellini's presentation on what he's calling 'Third Life' -- a furthering of the concepts behind what has made Second Life so popular. The technology behind the keynote -- a virtual performance of 'Walkin' on the Sun' by actual Smash Mouth members -- will showcase the latest improvements in motion capture, streaming media, and multicore processors.

I'm glad Intel is taking such an interest in the future of online social environments, but Smash Mouth? Hey, I enjoyed that earworm as much as anyone when it debuted ... in 1997. Can we move on, please? And 'Third Life'? Does this mean we can expect next year's presentation to be called 'Fourth Life'? Will we see a 'Three-point-Five-point-Two Life' between now and then? Stick with hardware, Intel, and let Chiat-Day handle the promotional stuff.

[Update: Sister site Engadget has a liveblog of the keynote]

MassivelyCES keynote to demo cool new tech despite ridiculous name originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESchiat-dayearwormIntelsecond-lifesmash-mouththird-lifewalkin-on-the-sunwiredMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the 1337 King: seriously, wtf?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This Wired article put me onto a 'mockumentary' site advertising something called 'Wrath of the 1337 King', 'a movie about ATHENE best Paladin in the world' [sic]. Watching the trailer [NSFW language] the first time yields a mix of bemusement and humor. Watching it a second time makes me wonder if it's a complete bit of flummery from the top down: Is ATHENE for real, and he's just unaware that this documentary is being made to ridicule him, or is ATHENE an actor?

Honestly, I could make the case either way. It's well-known that World of Warcraft has the ability to make fools of otherwise rational beings, and the YouTube phenomenon has caused many such fools to seek the light regardless of, or perhaps because of the potential scorn this may bring upon them. And thanks to Borat, odd, vaguely Slavic accents are in!

Is it still fun to watch clueless people be exposed to outrageous behavior? Does the fact that ATHENE is a Paladin add to the joke? Did it need to be a movie, or is the trailer enough? My favorite line from the trailer: 'Flash Heal: Kaboom kaboom kaboom kaboom!' More bits from ATHENE here and here.

MassivelyWrath of the 1337 King: seriously, wtf? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atheneboratmockumentarypaladinwiredworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-1337-kingyoutubeSun, 06 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype and backlash cycle "missing the point" with regards to Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/hype-and-backlash-cycle-missing-the-point-with-regards-to-seco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

teaching in SLKeen followers of Second Life Insider, before we became Massively, will know we have, at various stages charted the reporting of Second Life in the media, as the media follows its own hype and backlash cycle. Now, MediaShift is reporting something we've been saying all along, although in their own way: the media cycle has missed the reality of the situation, virtual world and real world.

The whole article is well worth a read, as it contrasts various styles of (real world) reportage on Second Life, from Hamlet Linden as was, to Reuters, to Wired to CNN, and even has Wired's editor saying that both their hype and their over-the-top backlash were mistakes. The conclusion? A not very startling - it's better to, in the current terminology, embed your reporters or use local information than not, and particularly don't only listen to other journalists - but the steps along the way are well worth a read. They might be especially worth a read if you have to defend your engagement in Second Life to people that have only seen the backlash.

[Original lead via SLEd list]

MassivelyHype and backlash cycle "missing the point" with regards to Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backlashCNNHamlet-LindenhypemediaMediaShiftReutersSecond-LifeWiredThu, 06 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST