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[Starcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/starcraft-universe-mmo-mod-testable-through-october-30th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

StarCraft Universe - PvP screenshot
You may remember StarCraft Universe, the fan-made MMO mod that received an official Blizzard blessing earlier this year. Development on the project is moving right along, and the mod team has left fans with a nifty present as it gets ready to head to BlizzCon.

StarCraft Universe PvP is playable as of today via Battle.net, but you'd better hurry because the fun only lasts through October 30th. At that point, the game will be taken down "for further polishing since technically it isn't even ready for an open beta."

The playable portion features an arena called the Encephalon Grid, and testers will start at level 30 (fully geared). Every class is available, and players may also be able to unlock additional abilities by winning enough matches. Check out the full press blurb on the mod's official website, and get a load of the PvP video after the cut.

Continue reading Starcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th

MassivelyStarcraft Universe MMO mod testable through October 30th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netbetablizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentencephalon-gridmodspvpryan-winzensci-fiscifistarcraftstarcraft-universevideoworld-of-starcraftWed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard quashes speculation about a potential World of StarCraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/blizzard-quashes-speculation-about-a-potential-world-of-starcraf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/blizzard-quashes-speculation-about-a-potential-world-of-starcraf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/blizzard-quashes-speculation-about-a-potential-world-of-starcraf/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As the kids say, headshot.
There's a very good reason why the now-infamous World of StarCraft mod had so many people so excited -- it seems like a pretty obvious project. After all, Blizzard has certainly made a big impression on the MMO world with World of Warcraft, so it seems like a no-brainer that their science fiction RTS might follow a similar path. Unfortunately, those of you waiting for just such an announcement have been told the exact opposite -- Blizzard currently has no plans to adapt the StarCraft setting to an MMO.

According to senior VP Frank Pearce, it's not so much a case of not liking the idea as not having available staff and time to pursue the angle, with the company's teams currently occupied by Diablo III, the mysterious Titan project, further sequels to StarCraft II, and of course World of Warcraft. While the title remains in Blizzard's trademark arsenal, it doesn't look as if the company will be using it for a game any time in the near future. It's good news for players who want the series to remain as an RTS, but bad news for the many fans hoping to make their own mark on the galaxy.

MassivelyBlizzard quashes speculation about a potential World of StarCraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-activisionindustryopinionrumorsstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiworld-of-starcraftWed, 17 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starcraft Universe alpha gameplay video released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/starcraft-universe-alpha-gameplay-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/starcraft-universe-alpha-gameplay-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/starcraft-universe-alpha-gameplay-video-released/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What if the year's most noteworthy MMO release wasn't a mega-budget corporate themepark but a crazy-detailed mod produced by a tiny team of fans? A lot of gamers out there would love to see a StarCraft-flavored MMORPG, and modder Ryan Winzen is in the process of making that dream a reality with StarCraft Universe, a total conversion for Blizzard's StarCraft II that turns the strategy title into a full-blown massively multiplayer experience.

Eurogamer has published a four-minute video of the mod in action, and viewers will get a good look at the alpha-state UI, combat, and a glimpse of character creation before the clip is done. As to the legalities involved, we reported earlier this year on Winzen's amicable accord with Blizzard, and though the gaming giant invoked its right to block the distribution of videos promoting the mod, it allowed development on the project to continue.

MassivelyStarcraft Universe alpha gameplay video released originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-videoblizzardfan-projectsgameplaymodmodsryan-winzensci-fistarcraftstarcraft-iistarcraft-universetotal-conversiontrailerworld-of-starcraftMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard plays nice with World of StarCraft modder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gaming giant Blizzard Entertainment has officially weighed in on the World of StarCraft controversy, and the verdict is something of a happy ending for fans of the MMO-flavored mod and its mastermind Ryan Winzen. Gamasutra reports that Winzen has been invited to meet the StarCraft II development team, and his hard work won't be for naught despite the removal of his YouTube preview videos.

"It was never our intention to stop development on the mod or discourage the community from expressing their creativity through the StarCraft II editor. As always, we actively encourage development of custom maps and mods for StarCraft II, as we've done with our strategy games in the past," Blizzard said in a prepared statement.

The company went on to explain that issuing a take-down order for the offending videos is part of its standard procedure when dealing with fan mods and possible copyright infringement and that it is "looking forward to seeing development of the mod continue," according to Gamasutra.

MassivelyBlizzard plays nice with World of StarCraft modder originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentgamasutralegalmmo-industrymoddingmodsryan-winzenstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiworld-of-starcraftFri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: It's my birthday and I'll devote a column title to it if I want to edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/ask-massively-its-my-birthday-and-ill-devote-a-column-title-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/ask-massively-its-my-birthday-and-ill-devote-a-column-title-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/ask-massively-its-my-birthday-and-ill-devote-a-column-title-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Yes, 28 years ago, something very special (to me, anyway) happened. That means that while I'm going to spend the day on my usual cocktail of whatever the heck I do, I get the opportunity to make Ask Massively's opening even more of a non sequitor than it normally is. Here, have a screenshot from one of the worst-animated episodes in all of the original Transformers cartoon. I swear that looks bad even in a still frame.

It was either this shot or the one of Blaster and Ultra Magnus getting married. (That's what it looks like, anyway.)

Now that I've gotten that out of my system for another 10 minutes or so, we can move on to this week's column, which is sadly devoid of giant robots. It does have questions about DC Universe Online and the sad story of World of Starcraft's rise and subsequent fall, so I still get to indulge in things that I like. And birthday or not, questions can be left in the comment field or mailed along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: It's my birthday and I'll devote a column title to it if I want to edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: It's my birthday and I'll devote a column title to it if I want to edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-massivelybackstorydc-universe-onlinedcuofan-projectsfeaturedloreopinionq-and-aquestions-and-answersscsc2sciistarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiworld-of-starcraftwosThu, 20 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Starcraft MMO modder wins the internet with a job offer from Riot Games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/starcraft-mmo-modder-wins-the-internet-with-a-job-offer-from-rio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/starcraft-mmo-modder-wins-the-internet-with-a-job-offer-from-rio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/starcraft-mmo-modder-wins-the-internet-with-a-job-offer-from-rio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Modifying video games is nothing new. Most mods are overlooked by game developers because a good chunk of them are not malicious and the modders themselves aren't looking to break the game; they just want to improve it in some way. However, yesterday, we reported that a talented modder named Ryan created an MMO mod using the Starcraft II engine calling it World of Starcraft. Blizzard had the trailer for the mod pulled from YouTube citing copyright infringement, but no other contact was made. Ryan attempted to make contact with Blizzard regarding the issue, but was directed to another department leaving the issue unresolved for the moment.

There is, however, a silver lining in all of this. The popularity and quality of the mod caught the attention of Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends. A developer from Riot contacted Ryan via Pixelated Geek offering him a job. This was later confirmed as an actual offer on the League of Legends official forums. Lead Designer Tod "Zileas" Cadwell said this: "When I see a modder with a lot of drive that has done something cool, I tend to contact them. I shot him an email recently asking if he was interested in exploring an opportunity here. As to what comes of that, who knows -- that depends on the mutual fit and his own goals."

Cadwell believes the legal issues do not extend beyond the name of the mod, so it is very possible Ryan will be living out his dream as a game designer. Sometimes dreams do come true.

[Update: We want to clarify that Riot Games is only talking with Ryan at this point, and no actual job offer is pending (despite previous reports).]

Massively[Updated] Starcraft MMO modder wins the internet with a job offer from Riot Games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBlizzardleague-of-legendsmodmoddingmodsriot-gamesstarcraft-2starcraft-iiTod-cadwellworld-of-starcraftThu, 20 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft II turned into World of StarCraft by enterprising fan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/starcraft-ii-turned-into-world-of-starcraft-by-enterprising-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/starcraft-ii-turned-into-world-of-starcraft-by-enterprising-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/starcraft-ii-turned-into-world-of-starcraft-by-enterprising-fan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

World of StarCraft is, by all indications, high on the list of desirable games that have never been announced or even hinted at. It's certainly a universe ripe for development, and it's not as if Blizzard doesn't know anything about running an MMO. But why wait for an official release when you can put the game together yourself? That's what's behind the rather intuitively named project making the rounds today -- an effort to use the powerful map editor in StarCraft II to create a full MMO within the existing game's framework.

While development is still in the very early stages, and of course the project is wholly unofficial, it's a fascinating use of player-edited gameplay as well as a display of just how much people want to play in the world as an MMO. Take a look at the trailer past the cut to see the surprising amount of work that's been done on converting the RTS into a more familiar genre -- although bear in mind that the official forums have been getting rather hammered before you go nuts.

Continue reading StarCraft II turned into World of StarCraft by enterprising fan

MassivelyStarCraft II turned into World of StarCraft by enterprising fan originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfan-projectfan-worknewsscsc2sciistarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iivideoworld-of-starcraftwosTue, 18 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's "Next-Gen MMO" is not the project codenamed "Hydra"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzards-next-gen-mmo-is-not-the-project-codenamed-hydra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzards-next-gen-mmo-is-not-the-project-codenamed-hydra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzards-next-gen-mmo-is-not-the-project-codenamed-hydra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've been speculating about Blizzard's next MMO for quite a long time. We're not just talking about the splash screen from last week (which panned out to be Diablo III, a non-massive game). There have been job postings on the company's website advertising various positions in a team working on a "Next-Gen MMO," which is confirmed as a totally new title, not an expansion for World of Warcraft. There have also been murmurs of a project codenamed "Hydra." We've always wondered -- are Hydra and the Next-Gen MMO one and the same?

Now we have our answer: no. A reader of our sister site WoW Insider noticed a caption that read "Hydra" on an image (above) in Blizzard's Diablo III gallery. Yep, Diablo III is Hydra. So if your sole interest is Galaxy of Starcraft, move along now. Hydra is not the savior you've been waiting for. And as WoW Insider noted, Blizzard is working on three different projects at once. That's a lot on its plate. Now that Diablo III has been announced, we're not expecting any news about the Next-Gen MMO anytime soon.

[Via WoW Insider]

MassivelyBlizzard's "Next-Gen MMO" is not the project codenamed "Hydra" originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiablo-3diablo-iiigalaxy-of-starcrafthydraimageimagesnew-titlesnext-gen-mmorumorunannounceduniverse-of-starcraftworld-of-starcraftwow-insiderMon, 30 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amidst speculation, Blizzard VP implies completely new game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/amidst-speculation-blizzard-vp-implies-completely-new-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/amidst-speculation-blizzard-vp-implies-completely-new-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/amidst-speculation-blizzard-vp-implies-completely-new-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard fans all over the internet have worked themselves up into a frenzy over a vague splash screen at the company's website -- a melting wall of ice adorned with rune or sigil-like markings. Everyone's speculating. Is it Diablo 3? Maybe it's just a promo for Wrath of the Lich King. After all, the ice motif seems to fit, right?

Maybe not. During a Q&A session at GDC Paris 08, Blizzard VP Rob Pardo was asked to comment on "the new game." He replied saying, "So you want me to announce the game before the announcement?" That was a classic press conference or Q&A blunder; you're not supposed to accept the premise of an unwanted or hostile question!

Continue reading Amidst speculation, Blizzard VP implies completely new game

MassivelyAmidst speculation, Blizzard VP implies completely new game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementblizzardblizzard.comdiablo-3diablo-mmogdcgdc-parisgdc-paris-08gdc-paris-2008next-gen-mmoparis-gdcparis-gdc-2008qArob-pardorumorspeculationsplash-pagewebsiteworld-of-starcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 25 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard wins the prank wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/blizzard-wins-the-prank-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/blizzard-wins-the-prank-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/blizzard-wins-the-prank-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Well, what else would you expect from the company that brought you murlocs? April Fool's day is in full effect in Blizzardlandia, and World of Warcraft isn't the only game to get the treatment, but it's a good place to start!

Molten Core: for consoles
Heavily trading on fond gamer memories of Atari's Adventure, Blizzard brings us the console version of its popular 40-player raid dungeon Molten Core. The game's site features screenshots alongside concept art, and a trailer, even, with an 8-bit, pixelated version of the company's logo. We won't spoil the show for you, but the best bullet point for the game has to be 'Has sound'. Check it out and wait for your chance to pre-order!

Continue reading Blizzard wins the prank wars

MassivelyBlizzard wins the prank wars originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitactivisionadventureapril-fools-08ataribardblizzardforsakenfrostmourneghostsguitar-herokorhalmolten-coreprankrock-bandscvstarcraft-2tauren-marineworld-of-starcraftworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingzerglingTue, 01 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First official confirmation of new Blizzard MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/first-official-confirmation-of-new-blizzard-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/first-official-confirmation-of-new-blizzard-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/first-official-confirmation-of-new-blizzard-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blizzard has been recruiting on its website most of this year for team members to work on a "Next-Gen MMO" project, but it has never publicly confirmed that the mysterious title is in development. Some observers have pessimistically suggested that "Next-Gen MMO" is just a hyped-up way of saying "Wrath of the Lich King."

Thankfully, it turns out they were wrong! Official confirmation (of a sort) has come. A Blizzard employee who goes by the forum name of Drysc responded to forum posts speculating about the project. He (or she, maybe -- it's like a female Night Elf Hunter; you can never know) said, "it's an unannounced Next-Gen MMO. And that doesn't mean an expansion for World of Warcraft either."

So Drysc confirmed what most of us already suspected. Hey, better than nothing. So ... is it World of Starcraft? Do we want it to be World of Starcraft? Hmm.

MassivelyFirst official confirmation of new Blizzard MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardbreakingdryscforumsmmonew-titlesnext-genworld-of-starcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 07 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard job postings show progress on new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/blizzard-job-postings-show-progress-on-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/blizzard-job-postings-show-progress-on-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/blizzard-job-postings-show-progress-on-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Monolithic super-developer Blizzard has put out a casting call on their company website for a Lead 3D Character Artist and a Lead 3D Environment Artist to work on a "next-gen MMO." Is it World of Starcraft? Is it a Diablo MMO? Is it a completely new IP? Is it the mythical Hydra (which could be any one of the above)? We don't know.

Even though details are hidden behind the curtain, these job postings give outside observers a sense of the progress Blizzard has made on the mysterious project. This is probably the same project for which they hired a Lead Engine Programmer back in April or May, and it's safe to assume that they're about to move into the next phase of development -- building the game world (or worlds) and its inhabitants.

Now if only they'd clue us in on whether or not those inhabitants are Terran, Zerg and Protoss.

MassivelyBlizzard job postings show progress on new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbreakingdiablodiablo-mmohiringhydraindustrynext-genstarcraftwarcraftworld-of-starcraftworld-of-warcraftWed, 31 Oct 2007 11:53:00 EST