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[Latest EVE dev video talks ship balance and features coming this winter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/latest-eve-dev-video-talks-ship-balance-and-features-coming-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/latest-eve-dev-video-talks-ship-balance-and-features-coming-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/latest-eve-dev-video-talks-ship-balance-and-features-coming-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Stoffer yeoooo
Several weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Games restructured its company and announced a new laser focus on in-space features for EVE Online. Since then we've seen an absolute deluge of news updates and devblogs on features due for release in the winter expansion. In the first two of CCP's new In Development video series, CCP Guard explored the art department and showed off the new nebula effects, EVE's sharpened shadows and the new tier 3 battlecruisers.

In the latest In Development video, Guard talks to the EVE feature teams about the absolutely massive list of balance changes and features coming with the winter expansion. CCP Soundwave admits that developers have "probably done more rebalancing in the past month than we have in the past two years," before rattling off an impressive list of changes and new features.

Skip past the cut for a brief summary of the changes and to watch the video in HD.

Continue reading Latest EVE dev video talks ship balance and features coming this winter

MassivelyLatest EVE dev video talks ship balance and features coming this winter originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anomalybalancebalancingbattlecruiserbookmarkscapitalcapital-ship-rebalancecapital-shipsccp-soundwaveccp-tallestccp-ytterbiumcorp-bookmarksdestroyersdev-diarydramielexpansionfuel-pelletlogisticsnerfnewspatchposstarbasesupercapital-nerfsupercapitalsvideowormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSat, 05 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EON Magazine issue 24 looks back at EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/eon-magazine-issue-24-looks-back-at-eve-onlines-apocrypha-expan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/eon-magazine-issue-24-looks-back-at-eve-onlines-apocrypha-expan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/eon-magazine-issue-24-looks-back-at-eve-onlines-apocrypha-expan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Issue 24 of EVE Online's quarterly official magazine EON hit the shelves this month, bringing a fresh dose of internet spaceships to coffee tables and bathrooms everywhere. Produced by MMM Publishing and written by a growing cast of writers from within the EVE community, EON provides something solid for fans of EVE to hold on to and acts as a snapshot in time or record of the game as it evolves. Recent big news stories and nullsec wars are detailed in each issue, along with editorial pieces, fiction, interviews and guides.

The latest issue is a wormhole special, with a huge focus on 2009's incredibly successful Apocrypha expansion and the hidden wormhole systems it brought to EVE. In addition to the second part of Pottsey's background on the ancient Sleeper race locked away in wormhole systems, the magazine contains testflights of the four strategic cruisers produced from materials discovered in wormhole space. A fantastically insightful article on the making of Apocrypha also delves into the gritty details of how CCP put its entire weight behind one incredible expansion during a time of real world economic turmoil.

Skip past the cut for a breakdown of everything in EON Issue 24 and my impressions from reading through it.

Continue reading EON Magazine issue 24 looks back at EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion

MassivelyEON Magazine issue 24 looks back at EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamese-oneoneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedissue-24magmagazinenoah-wardreviewreviewsrichie-shoemakersleepersleepersstrategic-cruiserstech-3templar-onetony-gonzaleswormholeszapateroSat, 23 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the most common things I hear from people who don't play EVE Online is that they don't like the game itself but they absolutely love the stories that come out of it. There's something inherently brutal and visceral about the stories players act out every day in EVE's colossal sandbox. Tales of high-profile thefts and political intrigue occasionally creep into the media and grab our attention, but stories of that sort are a lot more common than you'd think. Last year, we told one such story of a player's descent into criminality and revenge taken too far. In last week's EVE Evolved, I began to tell the true tale of that same player in one of his biggest heists to date. If you haven't read the first part of this story yet, head back to last week's EVE Evolved before reading on.

A matter of time

Having discovered an opportunity for theft much greater than expected, Scott recognised that he would need help to pull off a successful heist. With the wormhole corporation's assets within Scott's reach, a sense of urgency began to overtake him. Based on discussions with his new corp members, he knew that the group's wormhole tenancy had just begun and that they were still in the process of clearing the starbase up following a frantic move-in. This explained the secure containers littering space -- a temporary measure to be used until an adequate hangar permission scheme could be created.

In this week's conclusion of the story of the great wormhole heist, Scott discovers allies in some unexpected places and finds out first-hand whether there really is no honour amongst thieves.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesCCP-Wranglercorpcorporatecorporate-infiltrationcorporationcrimecriminaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedheistjohnmilton-keynesoutlawOutlawsrichardscottspyspyingstevewormholewormhole-explorationwormhole-heistwormholesSun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Several years ago, EVE Online's Community Manager CCP Wrangler made a statement that I felt really crystalised the sentiment behind the game. He said that "EVE isn't designed to just look like a cold, dark and harsh world; it's designed to be a cold, dark and harsh world." Although most of us are content to indulge ourselves in PvP, market games and other traditional modes of gameplay, a criminal underworld runs beneath that innocuous surface. A significant few carve their own illicit destinies from the void, stealing and cheating their way to the top.

Whether these space-faring cyber-criminals are in it for fame and riches, political influence, or their own personal goals, the stories of their actions in EVE's colossal sandbox never fail to grip us. High-profile thefts like the Guiding Hand Social Club heist of 2005, the closure of EBank, and last year's Titans4U scandal have been made very public, and smaller-scale crimes occur every day in New Eden. Last year, we brought you the true tale of one player's revenge taken too far -- a story of corporate infiltration, social deception and utter destruction. Although this was Scott's first foray into criminality, it was most certainly not his last. The events in this week's story are true, but the names of the players and corporations involved have been changed.

In this week's EVE Evolved, Scott returns as I begin to tell the true story of his huge wormhole heist.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesCCP-Wranglercorpcorporatecorporate-infiltrationcorporationcrimecriminaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedheistmilton-keynesoutlawOutlawsrichardscottspyspyingwormholewormhole-explorationwormhole-heistwormholesSun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/eve-evolved-mining-101-advanced-mining/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Because it is stigmatised as a boring and inactive activity, mining is perhaps EVE Online's most overlooked profession. While it can be a repetitive and sedate affair, mining is a good way to make ISK during low points in your game time. A lot of miners use the profession to make a little ISK while they chat with friends in-game, read the forum or do some other activity. In the first two parts of this three-part guide to mining in EVE, I looked at some of the basics of solo or group mining and how to make the most ISK for your invested time.

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks and strategies for mining that have come in handy. If the local asteroid belts are stripmined clean and you need somewhere nearby to mine, for example, it's possible to use the mission system to spawn a practically endless supply of low-end ore. If setting up camp in high-security space isn't your thing, it can also be very profitable to run a nomadic mining expedition. Using a starbase as a base of operations, you can set up ore depots and refining stations in either normal space or wormhole space.

In this final part of the EVE Evolved guide to mining in EVE, I look at spawning asteroids using the mission system, using a starbase as a base of operations in outlying systems, and running a wormhole mining expedition for massive profit.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mining 101 -- Advanced mining originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgravimetrichighseclow-seclowsecminingmissionmission-miningpospverefineryrefiningrorqualsleepersleepersstarbasewormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Each of us has a different idea of the perfect game, whether it's an existing game with a few tweaks or something completely new. Game designers work tirelessly to make their own vision of the perfect game a reality, but there's no telling what players will think of a feature until it's finished. In the process of transforming a feature from a gleam in the game designer's eye to a finished product, something is unfortunately often lost in translation. Limitations in the technology being used or the manpower available can render the ideal implementation infeasible.

As players, we don't really see that full development process. That doesn't stop us from painting our perfect vision of an upcoming or potential feature and how awesome it could be. In the coming years, the EVE Online developers will be going through the process of making some of their most incredible visions a reality. Ideas like walking in stations and integrating the upcoming MMOFPS Dust 514 with EVE's planetary interaction feature will be put through a potentially brutal development process. We can only hope that as little as possible of those visions we've heard from EVE's developers gets lost in translation.

In this speculative opinion piece, I look at a few areas in which EVE is sure to be expanded in the coming years and discuss what I'd consider to be the ideal way they could be implemented or handled.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneoheoh-pokereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedincarnaiterationmini-gamesMinigamesopinionplanetplanetary-interactionpokersleepersovereigntyspreadsheets-in-spacestationstyranniswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Over the past two weeks, I've been giving an in-depth look at EVE Online's exploration profession. Exploration is one of the many PvE elements that players can get involved in right from their first week in EVE. By concentrating on astrometrics skills, a new player can be a more-than-competent prober within a week. Although some sites may require the help of an older player for the first few months, it's still one of the most fun PvE elements a new player can get into. In the first part of this three-part guide, I went over the basic equipment and techniques you'll need to scan down hidden complexes. In last week's second part, I went on to look at the different types of hidden site you can discover, what loot you can expect to find in each of them and what kind of challenge you'll face.

Since the exploration system was launched many years ago, I've picked up a few tricks and tips that can help any explorer. In this final part of the EVE Evolved guide to exploration, I run down my four top tips for budding explorers.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdotlaneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationexplorerfeaturednew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersnewbieprobesprofessionspvescan-probesscanningtipstips-and-trickswormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 18 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Loot and plunder!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/eve-evolved-exploration-loot-and-plunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/eve-evolved-exploration-loot-and-plunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/11/eve-evolved-exploration-loot-and-plunder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Exploration is one of EVE Online's most lucrative and enjoyable PvE professions, combining complex probe-scanning with mission-style combat. Through exploration, you'll find hidden sites across New Eden, packed full of NPCs to kill and loot to grab. Exploration is a casual PvE element that spans all skill levels, with new players able to get involved from their first week in the game. In last week's first part of this guide to exploration, I explained how new players can get into the lucrative profession and examined one of the most popular scanning techniques.

A wide range of hidden sites spawn across EVE, just waiting for a lucky traveller to scan them out. Tucked away in the depths of space, you'll find hidden asteroid belts, hacking database, archeological relics, salvaging fields and unstable wormholes. Those looking for riches will be pleased to find cosmic anomalies full of NPCs to kill and dungeon-like military complexes with a chance to drop rare and expensive loot.

In this guide, I look at the different types of site you can find via exploration, what loot you can expect to find in each of them and what kind of challenge you'll face.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Loot and plunder!

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Exploration -- Loot and plunder! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologyccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationexploreexploringfeaturedgravimetrichackinglootplunderproberadarsalvagingscanwormholewormholesSun, 11 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Sansha live event takes an interesting turn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/eves-sansha-live-event-takes-an-interesting-turn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/eves-sansha-live-event-takes-an-interesting-turn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/eves-sansha-live-event-takes-an-interesting-turn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

On the 11th of May, CCP announced that they'd be bringing live events back to EVE Online. Later that day, the first event was set in motion with the apparent leak of private CONCORD police documents into the hands of players. The documents hinted at a Sansha NPC military build-up, and suggested that Sansha's Nation was behind the reported abduction of a Ducia Foundry expedition team. Events rapidly escalated, with players breaking the news that Sansha fleets had begun attacking the populated worlds of the four empires and abducting citizens in the tens of thousands. The most worrying part was that the navies of the four empires were unable to respond in time as the Sansha fleets were using wormholes to enter their target systems.

During the first few days of the event, locator agent traces on key Sansha slave actors between attacks revealed their presence in a system named 3-CE1R. This was quickly written off by many EVE players as a roleplaying inconsistency as that system is within the Jove Empire. Jove space is currently unreachable as the mysterious and technologically advanced race decided long ago to cut the stargate connections between their empire and the rest of New Eden. When random wormholes through space began spawning after the Seylinn disaster, none appeared to connect to Jove space. This led players to believe that the Jove Directorate possessed some form of control over wormhole formation, able to at least block it from occurring in their systems.

Skip past the cut to read the startling revelations recently made in this epic storyline arc.

Continue reading EVE's Sansha live event takes an interesting turn

MassivelyEVE's Sansha live event takes an interesting turn originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeventeventsfeaturedjovejove-empirelive-eventlive-eventsrole-playingroleplayingsanshasanshas-nationwormholewormhole-explorationwormholesTue, 29 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: A pirate's life for me]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/one-shots-a-pirates-life-for-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/one-shots-a-pirates-life-for-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/one-shots-a-pirates-life-for-me/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Arguably one of the more popular things to do in EVE Online along with blowing people into smithereens, manipulating the markets, or good old-fashioned mining, is scanning down wormholes. With the chance at goodies -- whether via resources or making off with someone else's resources -- wormholes have also proven to be profitable. Today, we have a very short note, but a graphically pretty screenshot from Mal Iss of [Los Chupacabras]. With that said, he apparently wasn't content with just regular bragging rights, so he decided to capture a picture of his pirate expedition and email it in to us. The note attached read only "piracying a Chimera in a wormhole... YARRR!!!" Hope they had insurance.

From large to small, we love to see MMOs of all styles and sizes. If you'd like to show off your favorite game and give others a glimpse into one of the things that you think makes it cool, why not send in a One Shots image? All you have to do is email it to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're looking at. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: A pirate's life for me originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpCCP-Gameschimeieve-onlinelos-chupacabrasmal-issone-shotspiracyscreenshotswormholesSat, 19 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 2: High-end healing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-2-high-end-healing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-2-high-end-healing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-2-high-end-healing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

In the first of this two-part guide, I looked at some of the more affordable entry level ships and modules available to dedicated healers in EVE Online. I went on to examine an effective strategy for using medic ships as part of a PvE gang, whether you need some help on a particularly hard mission or you're trying to crack one of EVE's hardest exploration complexes. This week, I look at high-end healing as I explore capital ships and the role of medic ships in both PvP and wormhole operations.

Healing in missions and exploration sites is a largely passive affair, with the healer permanently locked to the main tank. NPCs in these sites never switch targets but the same can't be said for players or the advanced Sleeper AI that roam wormhole systems. Repairing your gang-mates in PvP or a wormhole operation is a completely different affair, made all the more complicated by the fact that the dedicated medic ship is sure to come under fire.

In this article, I look at capital ships and the remote assistance strategies players use in PvP or wormhole operations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 2: High-end healing

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 2: High-end healing originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capitalcarrierccpccp-eveccp-gamescruisereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedguardianguideguideshealhealerhealinglogisticsmedicmedic-shiponeirospvepvprorqualsleepersleeperstanktankingtipswormholewormholesSun, 28 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/eve-evolved-playing-casually-or-just-killing-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MMOs are a popular hobby for hardcore and casual players alike. While some people love getting firmly embedded in their favourite MMO every night, a growing number of players prefer to log in occasionally and just kill a few hours at a time. EVE Online is no exception, with a mix of both casual and hardcore players. Taking part in things like alliance warfare, starbase industry or corporate management may require that a player log in every night but most other avenues of gameplay don't. A lot of EVE's gameplay can be picked up for a few hours and set back down with no added responsibility. In fact, player demographic data shows that most players prefer to live in the more casual environment of high security space. So what kind of things can you do if you just fancy playing internet spaceships for a few hours?

In this opinion piece, I look at five of my favourite ways to kill a few hours in the name of EVE. What's your favourite way to spend a few hours?

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Playing casually or just killing time originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-gamercasual-gamescasual-gamingccpccp-eveccp-gamesefteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-fitting-tooleve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-radioexplorationfactional-warfarefeaturedgameplayhardcorehardcore-casualhardcore-gamerhardcore-vs-casuallevel-4-missionsmissionMissionsopinionpvpwormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For the last few weeks, EVE Online players have been getting excited about the up-coming Tyrannis expansion with its Planetary Interaction feature. We received our first taste of what Tyrannis will hold last month when the expansion was announced and since then we've speculated on how its planetary interaction feature might work. Although CCP haven't answered our interview questions on Tyrannis yet, we caught up with EVE Senior Producer Torfi Frans Olafsson at GDC 2010 to get the inside scoop. Torfi was keen to point out that a lot of what CCP are doing in Tyrannis is laying the foundation for future updates and expansions. He calls Tyrannis "a stepping stone toward something even bigger."

In addition to providing some inside info on the upcoming Tyrannis and Incarna expansions, Torfi revealed that there are more people working on EVE today than ever before. In contrast to MMOs that cut down their development team sizes once the game is out, CCP's ranks have been increasing at a huge rate in recent years. The ever-increasing revenue generated by EVE subscribers allows them to fund a large development team dedicated to making the game better for EVE players. "We've never had as many subscribers as we have today", says Torfi, "330,000 subscribers, like actual paying subscribers, not counting trials." It's thanks to all those subscribers that CCP are beginning to realise dreams they were never able to achieve when the game was less popular.

Skip past the cut to see what Torfi Frans Olafsson had to say about Tyrannis, Incarna and more.

Continue reading GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more

MassivelyGDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeveloperdeveloperseveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionExpansionsexplorationfeaturedgdc-2010incarnaindustrymanufacturingminingmmo-industrynew-edenplanetplanetssocialsocial-networksocial-networkingtorfi-frans-olafssontyranniswalking-in-stationswormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

When new EVE Online players give up and quit the game, their reasons are usually very similar. A lack of drive to play the game is common, with players logging in only to change skills. Similarly, people complain that the game is boring and isn't really taking them anywhere. Most of these reasons boil down to a basic lack of motivation, purpose and goals. As a sandbox game, EVE doesn't really lead the player anywhere after the tutorials and it can be easy to get lost. This is where the EVE community steps in by providing a whole host of player-run corporations to help pilots find their way in EVE.

As a very social game, I don't think EVE truly takes off until you get into a good corporation. In addition to help and advice, a good corp with some solid corporate goals will offer players a sense of purpose and direction that can be hard to find on your own. The opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself and accomplish goals you could never hope to on your own can be a great motivator. Whether your corporation's goal is to build a freighter from scratch, run a massive industrial complex, engage in PvP or even lay claim to a system, it stands a much better chance of being achieved when pilots cooperate.

In this opinion piece, I show how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts as I look at a few of the goals corporations commonly work toward as a team.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Player housing is one of those features we love to see in an MMO but every game that has it seems to implement it differently. Sometimes it's limited to instanced rooms the player can decorate and sometimes it's a little more functional like shared guild halls. In EVE Online, the closest thing to widely-available player housing would be anchorable starbases, which can be configured to serve a variety of functional roles. Originally, their primary purpose was to mine moon minerals and react them to produce advanced materials for Tech 2 production.

Starbases can be very useful as tactical staging points for PvP operations. With the right modules anchored around them, they can also be configured for use in other industries, from mining and manufacturing to research and deep space exploration. Until recently, they also played a critical role in EVE's alliance sovereignty warfare as the alliance with the most starbases in a system gained control of it. With that role now fulfilled by Outposts, Infrastructure Hubs and Territorial Claim Units, starbases have mostly returned to their former industrial and tactical uses.

In this article, I look at five different starbase configurations that can be very useful to organised corporations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The EVE Online-focused Planet Risk Show returned this week after a planned holiday hiatus. For those who've never heard of Planet Risk, it's a live weekly Split Infinity Radio program that's also released as a podcast. Planet Risk differs from most EVE podcasts in that it's largely focused on wormhole colonization, which only became possible after the Apocrypha expansion was released, allowing players to pull back the curtain of known space and head into uncharted expanses. Hosts Luminus Aardokay and Quivering Palm spend most of their EVE time in wormhole space, so they're fast becoming experts on the subject. Indeed, they broadcast The Planet Risk Show from within their colonized wormhole system, which is a rather unique one in the game.

Their home is one of the most hostile types of wormholes in New Eden -- a Class 6 -- where the Sleeper NPCs are especially deadly. The ship setups and tactics used against the Sleepers in such a solar system differ greatly from how it's done in lower class wormholes. They explain some of the tricks that allow them to overcome the Sleepers in their Class 6 wormhole this week in Episode 13 -- right around the 1 hour 11 second mark. It's a good listen, particularly as there isn't a great deal of information available on such high level encounters in the game.

Continue reading Planet Risk podcast explains tactics for EVE's high level wormholes

MassivelyPlanet Risk podcast explains tactics for EVE's high level wormholes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-gamesclass-5class-6eveeve-onlineexplorationgame-mechanicsluminus-aardokayplanet-riskpodcastspvequivering-palmsci-fisleepersthe-planet-risk-showtips-and-tricksw-spacewormholesFri, 29 Jan 2010 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintccpccp-gamesengineeringeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineguidelegionlokiprofitproteusreresearchreversereverse-engineeringskillssleepersstrategic-cruiserssubsystemtech-1tech-2tech-3tengutipstips-and-trickswormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

In the first two parts of this guide to Research in EVE Online, I covered the basics of Tech 1 blueprint research and the "Invention" system that allows players to make their own Tech 2 blueprint copies. The reverse engineering process used to make Tech 3 blueprints is a lot like invention except with a new set of materials, equipment and skills. Though the process used to create it will be familiar to inventors, the end product is a strange beast. Unlike Tech 2, Tech 3 isn't just a straight improvement over lower tech levels and doesn't use Tech 1 or 2 as a base. Instead, it's an entirely new technology used to make custom, modular ships. At the moment, the only Tech 3 products we have are the modular "Strategic Cruiser" class but more is planned for future patches. Tech 3 frigates are rumoured to be next on the development table and it's entirely possible that we'll see strange new Tech 3 modules thrown into the mix too at some point.

In today's part of this bumper guide to research, I look into EVE's newest addition to the researcher's repertoire as I examine Tech 3 and "Reverse Engineering". I'll look at how it all fits together to make a finished product, what's required to get involved and best practices for staying profitable in what has become a very competitive marketplace.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploration is one of the more rewarding mini-professions a player can have in EVE Online. With the right skills you can scan down all types of hidden content, such as harvestable gas clouds, hidden asteroid belts, and combat encounters that take advantage of an explorer's skills like Archaeology and Hacking. The new exploration system that became part of EVE with the Apocrypha expansion last winter also made it possible for players to discover wormholes leading to uncharted space. However, exploration is also something a number of new players feel daunted by. (Truth be told though, the drag and drop system of manually guiding probes on a map and adjusting scan ranges is *far* easier than what many of the older players will remember from exploration pre-Apocrypha.)

EVE Online currently has four different exploration tutorials in-game to help players get a handle on the profession, but sometimes it's easier to just sit back and watch how it's done. CCP has now released a video tutorial for exploration that teaches players how to scan down the hidden content. The EVE Online: Scanning Guide Tutorial is a tag team effort from EVE TV's CCP Charlie who goes through the steps while Stevie SG narrates. They show the viewer how it's possible to find a wormhole in just a few minutes. The video tutorial coincides with the free Zephyr exploration ship that players are receiving as a holiday gift from CCP Games. Stay with us after the jump for a video embed of the official Scanning Guide Tutorial for EVE Online.

Continue reading CCP releases first video tutorial for exploration in EVE Online

MassivelyCCP releases first video tutorial for exploration in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online players received some good news today, when CCP Games announced a free holiday gift for all active subscribers: the Zephyr, a pure exploration vessel that's unique among all ships of New Eden in both form and function. Beyond the pimp factor of this Intaki Syndicate ship, the Zephyr's primary use will be in the uncharted expanses of wormhole space. It's the only ship in EVE Online that has a probe launcher built in. This "Prototype Iris Probe Launcher"-equipped ship pairs minimal mass (and less likelihood of collapsing a wormhole) with a small sensor footprint, which makes it hard to scan down by hostiles. While the integrated exploration gear is nice, even better is that Sleeper NPCs -- the awakened and powerful guardians of wormhole space -- will not fire upon a Zephyr (EVE filmmakers take note!). What's even cooler is that it actually has sails; it's designed to soar through space on solar winds when not in warp.

The Zephyr exploration ship will be free to all players and available to be claimed between December 18th and January 6th, 2009. Redeeming the ship is easy, simply log in to the EVE client on or after December 18th and click "Redeem Items!" on the lower right of the client window. Remember it's one ship per active (non-trial) account, not per character, and this may very well be a one time offer. Have a look at CCP Wrangler's full description of the Zephyr for more on this rather unique addition to New Eden's array of ships.

MassivelyEVE Online giving players free holiday gift: the Zephyr originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"-- Smash the control images -- Smash the control machine --"
William S. Burroughs, The Soft Machine

The Dominion expansion for EVE Online is so-named for its heavy focus on the game mechanics of "Sovereignty" or control of territory in the New Eden galaxy. There's been no small amount of controversy surrounding CCP's proposed system, however, particularly as it's slated to go live on December 1st with the Dominion release. While some of the core game mechanics of control are still undergoing revision, CCP Games recently explained how ownership of solar systems will change hands in a dev blog titled "Storming the Gates."

EVE developer CCP Abathur lays out how new equipment will be used in claiming space and repelling invaders.

Continue reading CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion

MassivelyCCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A number of EVE Online fans who've needed their podcast fix have been tuning in to Planet Risk in recent months, a great mix of music and commentary from players who spend most of their EVE time exploring the uncharted expanses of wormhole space. Planet Risk is a live show that airs on Split Infinity Radio on Wednesdays; hosts Luminus Aardokay and Quivering Palm make Planet Risk available as a podcast afterwards and we recommend you check it out if you haven't already. Today's show should be interesting as they will host a debate between four candidates for EVE's next Council of Stellar Management, the player-elected body that represents the wishes of the subscribers when dealing with CCP and how EVE Online is evolving.

We mentioned last week that the 4th CSM candidates have been announced but not everyone in the running had their positions on issues fleshed out in time for the CCP announcement. Since that day, more info about the 49 candidates is becoming available (thanks for pointing this out Darth Sith). Today's debate on Planet Risk will have CSM candidates TeaDaze (known to many for his commentary during the Alliance Tournament), Song Li (from the Missions Collide podcast), Helen Highwater and Mike Azariah.

Continue reading EVE Online's CSM candidates debate live on today's Planet Risk radio show

MassivelyEVE Online's CSM candidates debate live on today's Planet Risk radio show originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcultureeveeve-onlineeventsgame-mechanicshelen-highwaterluminus-aardokaymike-azariahmissions-collideplanet-riskpodcastpodcastsquivering-palmsci-fisi-radiosong-lisplit-infinitysplit-infinity-radioteadazewormholesWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Just another week in the Sleeper's den]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/eve-evolved-just-another-week-in-the-sleepers-den/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/eve-evolved-just-another-week-in-the-sleepers-den/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/eve-evolved-just-another-week-in-the-sleepers-den/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Following last week's reassuringly popular article "Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers", our little expeditionary alliance has had an extremely action-packed week. In addition to several PvP encounters with roaming gangs, there's been a POS siege, a system invasion and a lot of drama. At the end of it all, I'm left with a renewed sense of awe for the unique experiences EVE Online can deliver if you're just willing to seek them out and actively involve yourself. At times I can truly immerse myself in EVE and feel like I'm taking an actor's part in a kind of intergalactic play scene, an experience I've never come close to in any other MMO. Taking part in these events is almost like being painted into an illustrative chapter of some historic record. In this article, I hope to solidify that record and share a glimpse of what it's like to immerse yourself in this part of EVE.

What follows is a storytold account of Total Comfort alliance's deadly week in the Sleeper's den.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Just another week in the Sleeper's den

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Just another week in the Sleeper's den originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion was released, details on how wormholes and the 2500 new systems that came with them worked were sketchy. The advanced Sleeper AI found protecting these systems were a force to be feared, unknown and mysterious. There were no guides, no stories of encounters on the forums and anyone that had mounted a successful expedition was keeping their closely guarded secrets to themselves and raking in the ISK.

My corporation (Pillowsoft) were among the first to launch their expedition, having previously prepared an Orca with a medium POS, fuel, equipment and everything else we thought we'd need. We set up in an unknown system and explored this new frontier with a cautious optimism. Over the months that followed, we learned a great deal about EVE's new wormhole systems and the Sleepers that lived in them. After striking gold many times and making each of our expedition members over a billion ISK richer, we began telling our story and giving up those secrets we had been so careful to protect. Today, a great deal is now known about the "unknown" wormhole systems and with ever more corporations launching their own expeditions, it's now more important than ever to research the Sleeper menace before venturing into the abyss.

Join me for this extensive three-page article where I dole out the fruits of my research on wormholes and begin to untangle the mystery of the Sleepers.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Untangling the mystery of the Sleepers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online patch Apocrypha 1.3 is slated for a Monday June 29 deployment. CCP Games is pushing ahead with their Need for Speed initiative, which aims to streamline the game's performance and provide a better play experience. They're making some database changes with the next Apocrypha patch that should improve what you experience in your game client with inventory management, but beyond addressing "The Jita Problem" there will be a fair number of changes in the next patch.

On that topic of speed, players should notice a huge change with starbase deployment (or hasty tear downs): players will be able to anchor, online, or unanchor offensive and defensive starbase structures in half the time it took previously. (Ninja POS deployment?) Perhaps more significant to some players than others, station reprocessing will be much faster -- apparently refining stacks of items will be up to 25 times faster than before. Also, some of those changes to Tech III production we've mentioned before are going into effect on Monday, and should ultimately be a boost for Tech III. Apocrypha 1.3's changes extend far beyond what is mentioned here; players heavily invested in wormhole exploration and the production it fuels should look closely at the patch notes to see how CCP's changes to the game might affect them.

Continue reading Apocrypha 1.3 improvements and Tech III changes coming to EVE on Monday June 29

MassivelyApocrypha 1.3 improvements and Tech III changes coming to EVE on Monday June 29 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been just over a week since the Apocrypha expansion went live and EVE Online is already starting to see the impact of the new content on gameplay. Wormholes in particular have revitalised gameplay for so many individuals that Apocrypha may just be the best EVE expansion to date. Everything from piracy to low security space, system ownership and exploration have been affected by the advent of unstable wormholes. But how could something as simple as unstable wormholes revitalise other areas of gameplay?

In this article, I examine the far-reaching effects of EVE's newest gameplay addition - wormholes.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Have wormholes revitalised EVE?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Have wormholes revitalised EVE? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's latest Apocrypha expansion has elevated the exploration profession to new heights. The addition of roughly 2500 new and uncharted solar systems, expanding the game's galaxy of New Eden to over 7500 solar systems in total, brings what can honestly be called 'true exploration' to the sci-fi MMO.

Territoriality is a major aspect of EVE and wormholes allow players to emerge in far flung regions of New Eden -- sometimes places they're not supposed to be -- leading to all sorts of unexpected near-death experiences. Players have already reported emerging from wormholes and finding themselves hunted by the local territorial powers (player alliances claiming those regions of the galaxy) or by the NPC authorities, in those cases where players are involved in factional warfare. Some pilots have found themselves deep within enemy faction territory, leading to all kinds of insane chases across the galaxy.

Continue reading Wormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days

MassivelyWormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Several years ago, CCP released a new upgrade for EVE Online's standard system scanner. Scanner probes were deployable tools that could be used to find ships, drones and a few hidden complexes lost in the vastness of space. The system was later expanded to provide an awesome exploration experience - combat encounters, dungeons and rich asteroid belts were strewn throughout space for some lucky explorer to find.

With EVE's latest expansion, the exploration system received a complete overhaul. A new scanning system was devised, complete with new probes and probe launchers. As if that wasn't enough, a new "True Exploration" mechanic was introduced with the appearance of wormholes all throughout space. Many wormholes lead to one of the 2500 new star systems that aren't on the main system map, each of which contains lucrative but dangerous sleeper NPCs that drop components for tech 3 ship production.

In this article, I delve into the new probing system with complete strategies that have been proven to work. Read on to get an edge on wormhole exploration.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: A guide to probing in Apocrypha

MassivelyEVE Evolved: A guide to probing in Apocrypha originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games just dropped the trailer for EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion, which sets the tone for the storyline players will soon experience. The trailer depicts a cataclysmic event which creates rifts in space-time throughout the New Eden galaxy, affecting all of the races.

We see fleets of ships investigating the anomalies and take their first journeys through wormholes, emerging in unknown space. There, the explorers find bizarre structures whose design is unknown to New Eden's races. These space stations house the technology behind Tech III, advanced modular ship designs, but seizing technology potentially thousands of years beyond that of the capsuleers awakens long-dormant defenses: the drones of the ancient Sleeper race.

We've got the YouTube embed of the Apocrypha trailer in HD for you below the cut.

Continue reading EVE Online Apocrypha expansion trailer kicks off storyline events

MassivelyEVE Online Apocrypha expansion trailer kicks off storyline events originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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True Exploration

For many EVE Online players, the Apocrypha expansion is the advent of true exploration. Exploration has been a mini-profession in EVE for some time now, and there are a number of dedicated explorers in the game. That said, the profession has been difficult to learn and players typically go through exploration probes like kleenex, in the hope that they'll find a hidden pocket of space to exploit. Critics of exploration have pointed out that they're not truly exploring new places, simply scanning down what's just hidden to most other players.

The Apocrypha expansion will bring true exploration to the game, allowing players to find and enter wormholes leading to uncharted regions of space. Roughly 2500 new solar systems await EVE's explorers willing to brave the challenges within this hostile space.

Continue reading Massively's Apocrypha expansion hands-on: True Exploration

MassivelyMassively's Apocrypha expansion hands-on: True Exploration originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the major new features to EVE Online's forthcoming Apocrypha expansion is the introduction of an ancient race of NPCs called the Sleepers. They're a breed apart from any NPCs ever seen in EVE, largely because of their AI. They react intelligently to threats, focusing fire on primary targets but diverting their attacks to counter whatever else they're faced with. They can 'spider tank' or protect and even repair one another as combat ensues. Added to their tactics is evasive maneuvering, making the Sleepers even deadlier.

We recently showed you video footage of the Sleepers in action and while taking them on will, in some cases, be a daunting experience, this is not to say that they can't be defeated. EVE developer CCP Incognito wrote on the forums, "If you try to use the same-old, same-old tactics against Sleepers then you will have problems. Think out of the box and you will win." CCP Incognito's comments were in the context of his dev blog on the new AI, which discusses the challenges that the Sleepers will pose for players seeking fragments of their advanced technology. More than anything, the AI revamp is designed to make PvE more like PvP. Anyone planning to venture through EVE's wormholes should abandon their mission-centric ship setups and be prepared for PvP; that's what fighting the Sleeper NPCs will be like -- fighting other players.

Continue reading EVE Online developer explains new AI for the Sleeper race

MassivelyEVE Online developer explains new AI for the Sleeper race originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In EVE Online, large alliances of corporations lay claim to the lucrative 0.0 security rating areas of the game and smaller corporate operations generally don't stand a chance against them. Corps who want to claim a little corner of space for themselves are forced to join an existing alliance or compete with them for space. With the recent news of 2500 new star systems coming to EVE with the release of wormholes in the march expansion, small corps may find themselves able to carve out their own little corner of space to live in without being squashed by the big alliances.

How will wormholes work?
The information we have so far suggests that wormholes into one of the 2500 new hidden star systems will open randomly in all security levels of system. Wormholes will have a diameter that restricts the maximum size of ship that can enter it and a mass limit that restricts the total mass of ships that can use the wormhole before it collapses. Once the wormhole collapses, the chances of finding another leading to the same system are astronomical so choosing which ships you bring in carefully is a must.

Read on as I describe how wormholes could allow corps to more safely own systems and go on to describe what equipment and ships you'll need to take up residence in your own system.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Gear up for wormhole exploration

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Gear up for wormhole exploration originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The sprawling setting of EVE Online is called New Eden, a galaxy with over 5000 known solar systems. This is a vast area for players to pursue their goals, but given how each of those solar systems is clearly mapped out, some of the feeling of being in such a deep setting is lost. There's not enough sense of the unknown. It's possible to be an explorer in the game, but the fact is that truly new places aren't discoverable, just hidden pockets within the known galaxy. That will change in the Apocrypha expansion this March, when a true exploration system based around wormholes is implemented.

In his latest dev blog, EVE developer CCP Whisper writes, "We are going to give you uncharted, unknown places to visit via paths that shift and slide through the fabric of space. We are going to give you thousands of new solar systems which will contain new NPCs, new exploration content and new pockets of resources to exploit. You will have the chance to venture into places that promise great rewards but also bring with them great risks."

Continue reading First details emerge about true exploration system in EVE Online

MassivelyFirst details emerge about true exploration system in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A little under five years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a new online game he was playing called EVE Online. A key part of his pitch was that the game was less than a year old and I should get in on the ground floor. My friend correctly anticipated the massive success that EVE would be and that it would be good to get involved as early as possible. Over the years, that decision to start playing EVE in early 2004 has afforded me a lot of opportunities, not least of all being able to contribute to EON magazine and finally become a columnist here at Massively.

Getting in on the ground floor:
Five years down the line from EVE day one, it's easy for new players or those that want to sign up to feel like they've missed the boat and can't achieve what the older players have. In the same way that my friend introduced me to EVE, it's my turn to try and convince people that they can still get in on the ground floor of something new and immense. With two major expansions coming soon, including the revolutionary "Walking in Stations" expansion, I firmly believe that right now could be the best time in five years to get in on the ground floor of the incredible on-going journey that is EVE Online.

In this article, I discuss the reasons why EVE will continue to endure for the foreseeable future and how getting involved now could be just as good as getting involved from day one.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Why EVE Online will be around for a long time.

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Why EVE Online will be around for a long time. originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games revealed some details on the as-yet unnamed EVE Online expansion, slated for release in March of 2009. "The unnamed expansion will introduce 'Tech 3' modular ship designs, branching epic mission arcs, further improvements to the new player experience, and exploration of uncharted space through unstable wormholes," writes Oli Welsh, reporting from EVE Fanfest 2008 for Eurogamer.

Welsh also reports that the exploration system of EVE Online will be revamped dramatically, now allowing for 'true exploration' where EVE's pilots will use "new skills and modules to travel through wormholes into all-new, unconnected space. There they will find unique stellar phenomena and the resources and artifacts that will lead to the third level of technology in the game universe, Tech 3 -- the first such update since Tech 2 was introduced back in 2004," Welsh adds.

Continue reading CCP reveals Tech 3 coming in EVE's March expansion

MassivelyCCP reveals Tech 3 coming in EVE's March expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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