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[DDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/going-inside-dungeons-and-dragons-online-menace-of-the-underdar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/going-inside-dungeons-and-dragons-online-menace-of-the-underdar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/going-inside-dungeons-and-dragons-online-menace-of-the-underdar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DDO Menace of the Underdark
Speaking of Guinness World Records for video games, I wonder whether Dungeons and Dragons Online would be eligible for "Longest time between game release and launch of its first expansion?" Six years may just be the longest we've ever witnessed, as DDO released in 2006, and it wasn't until 2012 that Menace of the Underdark was revealed. The good news is that come June 25th, the drought will be over.

We asked Turbine why now seemed like a good time for an expansion. The devs said that Atari had made some noise back in the day about one, but it never came to fruition. With the success of free-to-play, Turbine wanted to see whether the expansion model was still viable, so Lord of the Rings Online was chosen as a test subject. When Rise of Isengard became the best-selling expansion for the company, the company felt secure letting DDO have a chance, although there was quite a lot of wrangling with Wizards of the Coast about the details and permissions.

Record or no, it's an exciting event for DDO players, and the today, Turbine has announced the two biggest details for the expansion's schedule. The first is that Menace of the Underdark has a release date, and the second is the opening of pre-orders. Read on to get all of the juicy infos.

Continue reading DDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders

MassivelyDDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gateddodruiddruid-classdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronepic-destiniesf2pfeaturedFernando-Paizforgotten-realmsfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarkneverwinter-nightspre-orderpreorderra-Salvatoretome-of-learningturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-12update-13update-14wizards-of-the-coastwotcMon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Engage your DDO groove in this Sorrowdusk Isle video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/engage-your-ddo-groove-in-this-sorrowdusk-isle-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/engage-your-ddo-groove-in-this-sorrowdusk-isle-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/engage-your-ddo-groove-in-this-sorrowdusk-isle-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Turbine's DDO: Unlimited is without a doubt a bold and creative move in the MMO industry, and so we like to pay attention to their content packs for the game -- especially since we know there are those of you out there who're gaming on a budget.

This video for Sorrowdusk Isle does a very good job of visually conveying what you'll get with your purchase, but somehow the music feels, um, well wrong. The techno-inspired beats aren't bad, it's just odd when watching warriors slay monsters feels a little too much like a rave from the early 90s. Then again, who're we to judge? Maybe that's the next Adventure Pack: The House of Trance Jungle.

Check out the video after the break, and feel your foot tap to the beat.

Continue reading Engage your DDO groove in this Sorrowdusk Isle video

MassivelyEngage your DDO groove in this Sorrowdusk Isle video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks like Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited won't be seeing another delay, as Turbine has announced that the revamped version of the game has gone gold. Of course, while such a concept doesn't really have the same meaning in the digital world, it's a good way of saying they're completely ready for prime time.

Current subscribers will be getting an early start with the game on Sept. 1st, instead of having to wait for the official North America launch on Sept. 9th. Turbine has always been exceedingly gracious towards their subscribers, so we wouldn't have expected anything less from the company.

If you're wondering what all this is about, you can check out Massively's previous coverage of the new additions through our features and image gallery.

Gallery: DDO Unlimited Tour

MassivelyDDO Unlimited solidifies its Sept. 9th launch originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-unlimiteddungeons-and-dragonsfree-to-playlaunchturbinewizards-of-the-coastwotcSun, 16 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDOcast brings the goods on MyDDO, full respecs and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/ddocast-brings-the-goods-on-myddo-full-respecs-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/ddocast-brings-the-goods-on-myddo-full-respecs-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/ddocast-brings-the-goods-on-myddo-full-respecs-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons: Online Unlimited (or already subscribe to the game) then this is a DDOcast that you absolutely shouldn't miss. It's packed to the rafters with information about upcoming additions such as MyDDO, the social website that we're sure will be as big a hit with players as MyLotRO.

Something of particular interest to us is the discussion of Half-Orcs, although we're certain most players are excited to hear talk of full character respecs. The only thing that could've got our geeky blood pumping faster would be Turbine talking 4th Edition and the brand new Eberron books -- specifically concerning Mournland and the newly revamped Artificer class. Then again, we're not even sure their license covers any of that, but it would make for an interesting podcast nonetheless.

Our plan? Boot up DDO sometime very soon and hit the play button on iTunes. There's nothing like a double-dose of Turbine goodness. Well okay, maybe some actual table-top D&D with old friends -- but what videogame can compete with something like that? It's practically inconceivable.

MassivelyDDOcast brings the goods on MyDDO, full respecs and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddocastdnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinemy-ddomy-lotromyddoturbinewizards-of-the-coastwotcTue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's DDO Unlimited developer tour, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massivelys-ddo-unlimited-developer-tour-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massivelys-ddo-unlimited-developer-tour-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massivelys-ddo-unlimited-developer-tour-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading Massively's DDO Unlimited developer tour, part 2

MassivelyMassively's DDO Unlimited developer tour, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, we can't say we exactly saw this one coming. Turbine has pulled back the curtain on some details for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited, namely the new class being added with the major business model shift. Although, we've also learned there'll be new combat updates and a return of Stormreach's marketplace, which was destroyed last year.

As for the new class, it's been revealed to be the Favored Soul. According to Turbine's press release, "Favored souls draw on divine magic to both heal and destroy. Like clerics, favored souls have access to powerful healing spells, but they are also more skilled with weapons than any other spell caster. Like sorcerers, they get a larger number of spell points than other spell casters and cannot freely switch spells at taverns or rest shrines." So it sounds like we're dealing with a cross between a Cleric and a Sorcerer, which is pretty awesome actually. What sorts of weapons -- and screens of the class itself -- remains to be seen, sadly.

Still, we should have even more details in the coming weeks and hopefully Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited will launch sometime this summer.

MassivelyDDO: Eberron Unlimited details surface, new class revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You, much like myself, may have had summer MMO plans a month or so ago. But like many things in life, circumstances changed and both Champions Online and Jumpgate Evolution were met with delays in their schedules -- making any plans to play them over the summer null.

It's a bummer, but not all is lost. Another thing I'm certain we all share is our love of gaming in general. I've been thinking of a list of games I plan to play through this summer in lieu of shiny new MMOs to delve into, with an emphasis on filling the void left by a lack Cryptic's and NetDevil's still forthcoming titles. I'm sure I'll play more than just three, but these are the ones I'll definitely play the most of overall.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribethesdabethesda-softworksbroken-steelchampions-onlinecodemasterscrypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsfallout-3featuredgazillion-entertainmentjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilopinionteam-fortress-2tf2the-digital-continuumvalvewizards-of-the-coastwotcMon, 01 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Four days with Dungeons & Dragons Online part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/the-digital-continuum-four-days-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlinep2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/the-digital-continuum-four-days-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlinep2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/the-digital-continuum-four-days-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlinep2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Four days with Dungeons & Dragons Online part 2

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Four days with Dungeons & Dragons Online part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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7:41pm Tuesday, April 7th

I just spent my first night with Dungeons and Dragons Online since it first launched in 2006, and came away from the experience pleasantly surprised. The trial client download was snappy, at around 45 minutes. The graphics have definitely seen an upgrade and overall my initial experience has been one of enjoyment. I was expecting to be left a little wanting and instead ended tonight's session quite begrudgingly. Why?

I needed to write this first entry. And oh yeah, I also required some food, too.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Four days with Dungeons & Dragons Online

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Four days with Dungeons & Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronfeaturedkorthospuzzlestormreachthe-digital-continuumturbinewizards-of-the-coastwotcSat, 11 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What MMOs can learn from D&D Fourth Edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/what-mmos-can-learn-from-dandd-fourth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/what-mmos-can-learn-from-dandd-fourth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/what-mmos-can-learn-from-dandd-fourth-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gamasutra is running a great article right now in the wake of the Dungeons and Dragons Fourth release, looking at what videogames can learn from the newest iteration of the tabletop classic. In a way, the possibility of games being informed by 4E is just the latest in the back-and-forth theft that has gone on between pen and paper gaming and the digital form.

The article waxes at length about some of the new mechanics in the game, including class powers, skill challenges, and the streamlined way that Wizards of the Coast has defined party roles. One of the most successful elements of Fourth Edition is the new way that encounters can be created -- something that should be kept in mind in every videogame as well, whether MMO or not: "Since most monsters are on-screen only long enough to take a few swings at the players and then die, that's what they should be designed to do. Unless it's the big boss, just give each monster two or three interesting attacks at most. Leave the non-combat design to the individual DM's world. Fourth edition really focuses on designing content to do what it needs to, and nothing else. Develop a clear vision for each piece of content, then cut away everything that doesn't serve that goal."

MassivelyWhat MMOs can learn from D&D Fourth Edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4edungeons-and-dragonsfourth-editiongame-designwizards-of-the-coastwotcWed, 18 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/the-daily-grind-dungeons-and-dragons-fourth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/the-daily-grind-dungeons-and-dragons-fourth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/the-daily-grind-dungeons-and-dragons-fourth-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today's the day, long anticipated by tabletop gamers of the d20 variety; Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition releases today, coming to a Friendly Local Gaming Store near you. If you aren't familiar with the new edition of the game, Eurogamer has a great rundown on the system's ins and outs. For a more hands-on technical approach, you can't beat the official Wizards of the Coast site and their lengthy series of preview articles. You might have also noticed Penny Arcade's recent discussion of 4E. Though it requires a site login to reach, their hands-on playtime with PvP's Scott Kurtz is hilariously listenable.

We ask, because we have to imagine some of you MMO fans out there also have occasion to 'roll the bones'. These games are ultimately all built on the foundation that the late, great Gary Gygax built, right? So, how about it: are you jumping to the newest edition?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d20dnddungeons-and-dragonsfantasyfourth-editionpen-and-paperrole-playingtdgthe-daily-grindwizards-of-the-coastwotcFri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's chat with Jess Lebow of Carbine Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/massivelys-chat-with-jess-lebow-of-carbine-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/massivelys-chat-with-jess-lebow-of-carbine-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/massivelys-chat-with-jess-lebow-of-carbine-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You may not be familiar with Carbine Studios, the new home of games industry veteran Jess Lebow. That's not too surprising as Carbine is still in stealth mode, working furiously on a project that we couldn't touch on at all in a recent discussion with the company's Lead Quest Designer. Mr. Lebow has had a storied past in the industry, just the same, and our discussion touched on a number of different issues.

Join us as we quiz Jess Lebow on his work with Dungeons and Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast, reflect on his time sailing with Flying Lab, and look ahead to what the future of the industry might hold. Plus, for Guild Wars fans, a few insights into what the granddaddy of the setting thinks about how his offspring is doing nowadays.

Continue reading Massively's chat with Jess Lebow of Carbine Studios

MassivelyMassively's chat with Jess Lebow of Carbine Studios originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Mythic has filled the top-spot in their community ranks by inviting Robert Mull to lead the way as their new Community Relations Director. Mull's new duties revolve around everything community, especially overseeing the Community Coordinators for Warhammer Online, Dark Age of Camelot, and the recently absorbed Ultima Online.

What grates on my nerves are community personnel that don't really play MMOs, which isn't as uncommon as one might think, any player can definitely tell when that big-head community rep replies on the forums doesn't even bother responding to important posts because they don't know jack about the game, and is instead jollying around in off-topic talking about the latest CSI episode.

Well, according to his personal welcoming address on the Warhammer Herald, Mull is a long-time MMOG player and his past roots include working for Wizards of the Coast supporting Avalon Hill, Axis & Allies, Dreamblade, Duel Masters, and other products. Nice, roots. We here at Massively, would like to extend a welcoming hand to our new EA Mythic community overlords. (I am attempting to gain faction for beta invites for our readers when the time comes - if it comes!) If you have been out of the Warhammer loop for the past week, please be sure to check out all our recent Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning coverage.

MassivelyEA Mythic picks up a new Director of Community Relations originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-reckoningcommunity-relationsdaocdark-age-of-cameloteamythicmythicrobert-mullultima-onlineuowarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewotcWed, 05 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST