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[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diablo III
As 2012 rolls in, many gamers are rejoicing that they might make it to a year that Diablo III actually releases. Blizzard's action-RPG will certainly be a hit on the PC, although console fans may have more hope today that Diablo III could reach the shores of their platform.

According to a job posting on Gamasutra, Blizzard is hiring a "Senior Software Engineer Console Network" to work on the Diablo team. It's a full-time position that will be in charge of designing and working on network systems for a console title. One of the requirements for the job is that the person have worked on a major Xbox 360 or PS3 title and have a good amount of experience with PSN and Xbox Live.

While this is not the first indication that Blizzard is working on a console version of Diablo III, it certainly lends credence to the notion that the company is actively working on it. The studio previously said that the title "is probably coming to consoles."

MassivelyBlizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsole-mmodiablodiablo-3diablo-iiigamasutraplaystation-networkpsnsenior-software-engineer-console-networkxboxxbox-360xbox-liveThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you an achievement junkie?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/the-daily-grind-are-you-an-achievement-junkie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/the-daily-grind-are-you-an-achievement-junkie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/the-daily-grind-are-you-an-achievement-junkie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stinky, but adorable
If you're an Xbox Live player, you're well aware of the power of achievements. They help you show off your versatility, dedication, and overall badassery to your friends. In MMOs, these achievements can unlock certain skills, cosmetic items, or even content. We love our carrot-on-a-stick, but we love it even more if we can grab a bite every so often.

These achievements don't always mean everything to everyone. Many players couldn't care less about a gamer score or special unlocks; they just want to play the game and enjoy themselves. So we're curious to know how you feel. Do you live for achievements, or could you do without them altogether?

[Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes forums]

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are you an achievement junkie? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsawwwwwwgamer-scoreopinionpoopy-diapertdgthe-daily-grindxbox-360xbox-liveFri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint buys out sports game development firm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bigpoint logo
The Bigpoint browser monster has gobbled up another game development firm, and it's still hungry, according to a news blurb at Reuters.

49Games is Bigpoint's latest acquisition, and the former is best-known for its winter sports games on the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 consoles. 49Games is based in Germany (as is its new parent) and boasts around 40 developers. Bigpoint now features over 700 devs and says that it is the "world's largest browser-based online game provider" thanks to more than 200 million registered users.

Bigpoint is best known for its Battlestar Galactica MMO as well as its controversial stance on selling in-game advantages.

MassivelyBigpoint buys out sports game development firm originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>49-gamesacquisitionsbigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-gamescasualconsolesf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryps3sportswiixbox-360Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The dangers and allure of real money trading in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/the-dangers-and-allure-of-real-money-trading-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EverQuest
It's been one of the longest-running debates in the MMO industry: whether or not real money trading (RMT) helps or hurts players and the game worlds they inhabit. The Ottawa Citizen shed some light on the subject by showing how the games industry at large has dealt with the subject, from players dealing in grey market trades to studios overseeing RMT in the hopes of keeping players' bank accounts safe while lining the studios' pockets with additional income.

Two examples were given of players engaging in illicit -- and ill-advised (Massively disclaimer) -- RMT activities. One player said that he made $7,000 in 2001 by purchasing EverQuest characters from bored players and reselling them to others, even though this was against the game's EULA. He likened it to real-world corporate practices: "It was kind of like buying a company and breaking (it) down and selling off all its assets, and flipping it for more cash."

Another player admitted to spending $50 in hopes of gaining 2,000 gold in World of Warcraft, but the third-party company simply took his cash and never delivered the gold.

The article notes how games like Second Life and companies like Sony and Microsoft are embracing RMT even as the issue remains taboo in many MMOs.

MassivelyThe dangers and allure of real money trading in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeulaeverquestgrey-marketmicrosoftottawa-citizenplaystation-3real-money-tradingrmtsecond-lifesoesonySony-Online-Entertainmenttabooworld-of-warcraftwowXbox-360Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex CEO hints at why RuneScape hasn't come to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape - concept art
Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard is one of the more quotable head honchos in the gaming business, and he didn't disappoint at the recent Edinburgh Interactive conference. Gerhard spoke in no uncertain terms about the difficulties inherent in bringing Jagex's long-running RuneScape browser MMO to game consoles like the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

The problem according to Gerhard?

Microsoft and Sony. "They said 'we cannot let the Microsoft community play with the Sony community,''' he explained, before offering his response and an explanation as to why RuneScape has yet to appear on a console. "We're not going to frame our community into boxes just for a few million more customers. Of course I'd love a few million more customers, but I just wouldn't do it [...] you almost become the disease you're trying to solve."

MassivelyJagex CEO hints at why RuneScape hasn't come to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-mmoconferencesconsolesjagexmark-gerhardmicrosoftmmo-industryplaystation-3real-world-eventsrunescapesonyxbox-360Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Using a controller to play your favorite MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/free-for-all-using-a-controller-to-play-your-favorite-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/free-for-all-using-a-controller-to-play-your-favorite-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/free-for-all-using-a-controller-to-play-your-favorite-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Controller picture
In my constant pursuit to make my game playing sessions smoother and more pain-free, I decided to finally buy a controller to play with. Lately, I have been needing some relief pretty badly. The whole "pain" thing started many years ago, back when I worked on a PC most of the day back. Even though I had physical therapy and an employer who was understanding about the dangers of repetitive action, my pain continued. I've tried heat, cold, and even shock therapy, but after all these years of drumming, drawing, and playing games, the pain still comes more than goes. Click past the cut and I'll discuss how to use a controller with an MMO... and whether it helped my poor wrists.

Continue reading Free for All: Using a controller to play your favorite MMO

MassivelyFree for All: Using a controller to play your favorite MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowsercontrollerfeaturedfree-for-alljoytokeymilmovideoXbox-360Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs brings Class3 to (un)life with CryENGINE 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/undead-labs-brings-class3-to-un-life-with-cryengine-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/undead-labs-brings-class3-to-un-life-with-cryengine-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/undead-labs-brings-class3-to-un-life-with-cryengine-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Following last week's dev diary featuring Undead Labs' art director Doug Williams and his talk on the "heart of horror," the most recent dev diary from the studio shifts in a more technical direction. In particular, executive producer Jeff Strain focuses on the game's engine. Even more particularly, he announces that the tentatively named Class3 will be running on the powerful CryENGINE 3.

Of course, the devs over at Undead Labs are quite familiar with the traditions of the internet and anticipate shouts of "pics or it didn't happen" with a lovely screenshot from an early version of the game. But wait, there's more! Call now and you'll receive not just a single screenshot, but an entire video! Just click past the break and check out an early version of Undead Labs' Class3 in action, then skip on over to the dev blog to read the full entry.

Continue reading Undead Labs brings Class3 to (un)life with CryENGINE 3

MassivelyUndead Labs brings Class3 to (un)life with CryENGINE 3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class3consolecryenginecryengine-3cryengine3engineenginesjeff-strainundead-labsvideovideosxbox-360xbox-live-arcadezombiezombiesFri, 19 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New interview with Undead Labs' Jeff Strain covers technology and fun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/new-interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain-covers-technology-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/new-interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain-covers-technology-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/new-interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain-covers-technology-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Console MMO fans, rejoice. We have a new interview with Undead Labs' Jeff Strain on the studio's upcoming Xbox 360 titles. The two titles, code-named Class3 and Class4, are an Xbox Live Arcade title (which will allow the studio to test their technology and give players a taste of what's to come) and an open-world MMORPG, respectively.

Throughout the interview, Strain touches on a few important subjects, such as Class3 and how it is helping the team develop and prepare for Class4. He also mentions that the team's concern with Class4 is not with the fact that it's a server-hosted online world, but ensuring that said server-hosted online world is fun to play. Although it's a somewhat short interview, it's certainly worth the read for any zombie fan anticipating Undead Labs' upcoming titles.

MassivelyNew interview with Undead Labs' Jeff Strain covers technology and fun originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-3class-4class3class4consolefast-zombies-are-better-than-slow-zombiesinterviewjeff-straintechnologyundead-labsxboxxbox-360zombiezombiesThu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: True Fantasy Live Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-true-fantasy-live-onlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-true-fantasy-live-onlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-true-fantasy-live-onlin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As an extremely amateur historian -- and an extremely attractive archaeologist -- I've always been fascinated with the "what ifs" of gaming's timeline. What if Blizzard had pulled the plug on World of Warcraft during development as it did for Warcraft Adventures? What if Hellgate: London had a lot more time and resources before it launched? What if North America had embraced the free-to-play model much earlier instead of the subscription model? What if Shawn came to his senses before he hired me?

Life would've been a lot better. Or worse. That's the problem with counterfactual history: We can make educated guesses, but we'll never really know. While it's sad to see MMOs shut down due to underperformance, it's especially maddening to contemplate MMOs canceled before they even made it to the starting gate. In a new periodic series here at The Game Archaeologist, I'm going to look at a few of the "what ifs" of prematurely terminated MMORPGs.

And to kick us off, I'm tackling probably one of the most frustrating, painful subjects that still linger amongst potential fans. I'm talking, of course, of True Fantasy Live Online, the game that could've shown the true potential of console MMOs. Or, y'know, not.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: True Fantasy Live Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: True Fantasy Live Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akihiro-Hinoblizzardcel-shadedcounterfactual-historydreamcastdust-514eqeverquestevolutionfablefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xigamespothellgate-londonkiller-appkiller-applicationlevel-5microsoftmountsnesplayer-evolutionplayer-housingplaystationprofessor-laytonsegasuper-mario-brostflothe-game-archaeologisttokyo-game-showtrue-fantasy-live-onlineundead-labsvoice-chatvoice-communicationwarcraft-adventureswhat-ifwhat-ifsworld-of-warcraftwowxboxxbox-360xbox-liveTue, 14 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO console line-up just got a bit bigger thanks to the folks at Nexon and Softmax. The latter is porting the former's Dungeon Fighter Online beat-'em-up to the Xbox Live Arcade delivery platform, where the title will boast a freemium business model (meaning you download the client for free and pay for items and upgrades).

Nexon and Microsoft are splitting localization duties as the game will be released in eight languages worldwide. The console title -- Nexon's first -- will be exclusive to the 360. DFO features six character classes (with subclasses available at level 18) and further advancement possible at level 48 via an awakening quest.

[Thanks to Prime Synergy for the tip!]

MassivelyNexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmoconsolesdfodungeon-fighterdungeon-fighter-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmicrosoftnexonxblxblaxbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeThu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SyFy-Trion project revealed as Defiance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/syfy-trion-project-revealed-as-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/syfy-trion-project-revealed-as-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/syfy-trion-project-revealed-as-defiance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Trion Worlds may be big with its RIFT mojo these days, but the studio isn't looking to be a one-trick pony. We've known that it's had a number of other projects in the works, including an action science-fiction MMO created in conjunction with the Syfy channel.

Today we've learned the name of this project: Defiance. Described as a "new entertainment franchise that will seamlessly pair a primetime series with an online video game," Defiance is scheduled for release sometime later this year.

We first heard about this MMO a few years ago, although Trion's been fairly mum on the specifics. Video games and TV series working together offer a unique prospect for synergy and cross-promotion, something that hasn't escaped the attention of Trion CEO Lars Buttler. Defiance may also appear on the Xbox 360 if Trion's hiring practices are any indication.

MassivelySyFy-Trion project revealed as Defiance originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiancelars-buttlerriftrift-planes-of-telarasyfysyfy-channelsyfy-gamestriontrion-worldsxboxxbox-360Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoconsoleconsolescontrollercontrollersdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguidehow-tokludgemedia-center-pcpcsoesony-online-entertainmentusbwindows-7windows-xpwiredwirelessxbox-360Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Not so baggy edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-mmo-report-not-so-baggy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-mmo-report-not-so-baggy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-mmo-report-not-so-baggy-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's a short week this week on The MMO Report as Casey has some traveling to do and G4TV's writing cast of usual suspects is off doing something... perhaps hunting for Keyser Soze. Nonetheless, even with a shorter video than normal, this week's episode is jam-packed full of the interesting news, speculation, and snarkiness we've come to expect from The MMO Report.

First up, Casey takes a look at 5th Cell's upcoming Xbox Live Arcade game, Hybrid, and wonders if this console game actually might qualify as an MMO. Since nobody outside of the studio has gotten his mitts on Hybrid as yet, we'll have to wait and see. (If it is what he thinks it is, we totally agree with his ending comment.) From there, it's all eyes on Star Wars: The Old Republic as Casey talks about BioWare's flashpoint instance plans and how that will work with the different story choices available. Next up, it's a nod to our story about the recently announced zombie MMO by JetStream Studios, UnDead Online. Finally, it's the news that brings all the Guild Wars 2 fans to the yard: Guardians!

So, for all the news, all the snark, and 100% less Uncle Casey's mailbag than regular shows, pop behind the break and check out this week's edition of the MMO Report. You can also catch it every Thursday on G4TV.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Not so baggy edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Not so baggy edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellcasey-schreinerconsoleconsolesfifth-cellg4g4tvhybridthe-mmo-reportxbox-360xbox-live-arcadeFri, 04 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs reveals first release title, and it's not the zombie MMO [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back in November 2009, ArenaNet co-founder Jeff Strain left the company to create a new development studio named Undead Labs. His plans included the development of a zombie-survival console MMO, an idea that has had fans of zombie apocalypse games excited ever since. In August 2010, Undead Labs graced the news once again when four more of ArenaNet's developers left to join the new studio and work on the upcoming zombie MMO. It wasn't long until we began to see the first details released of the impending zombie apocalypse, with a huge section in EGM Magazine. Most notable was the revelation that the game would be a console-only open-world sandbox.

Undead Labs unveiled its first officially planned release title today, and fans of the upcoming zombie MMO won't be disappointed. While the company's first release won't be the zombie MMO we all want so badly, the studio plans to first release a smaller-scale online zombie survival game on XBox Live Arcade. This game, code-named "Class 3" for now, will showcase the gameplay, setting and technology that will be used to develop the as-yet untitled zombie MMO. The team at Undead Labs plans to then use the game as a kind of training ground to help develop better gameplay experiences for the MMO that will follow. Although that means we'll have to wait a while to get our hands on that zombie-survival sandbox world we've all been dreaming of, the result should be a game that appeals more to players.

Jeff Strain, founder of Undead Labs, released the following statement: "Our mission is to create original online games that truly feel at home on the console platform, and Xbox 360 is a fantastic platform for online console gaming. We plan to create an ambitious open world XBLA game and use its gameplay, setting, and technology as the foundation for a full online world game."

[Update: Jeff Strain's also released a tongue-in-cheek "Rude Q&A" on Undead Labs' blog. It discusses the team's plans and goals for the new game as well as aims to stave off any misconceptions about both upcoming titles.]

MassivelyUndead Labs reveals first release title, and it's not the zombie MMO [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmohorrorjeff-strainopen-worldsandboxundeadundead-labsxblaxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-Arcadezombiezombie-mmoThu, 03 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve's Gabe Newell recognizes the innovation of MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/valves-gabe-newell-recognizes-the-innovation-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/valves-gabe-newell-recognizes-the-innovation-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/valves-gabe-newell-recognizes-the-innovation-of-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Think the PC is losing its grip as the dominant platform when it comes to gaming innovation? Not so fast, says Valve's Gabe Newell. In fact, he even cites MMOs as a leading cause of the PC platform's continued innovation. And when Newell speaks, gamers and game makers listen, as his company is an industry heavyweight responsible for the likes of Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, and Counterstrike (not to mention the Steam digital distribution platform).

Yesterday, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Newell sung the praises of Intel's new GPU/CPU and also offered a counterpoint to those who feel that consoles like the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 have overtaken the PC as industry catalysts.

"We see [the PC] as the center of innovation of everything that's going on, whether it's microtransactions, MMOs, free-to-play, or something like CityVille which -- after its first month -- has 84 million people playing," Newell said. "To us, this is just an indication of why open platforms are where innovations are going to occur."

MassivelyValve's Gabe Newell recognizes the innovation of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscesces-las-vegasconsumer-electronics-showf2pfree-to-playgabe-newellinnovationMicrotransactionsopinionpcplaystation-3Playstation3steamvalvevalve-softwarexbox-360Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion hiring for untitled SyFy action MMO, looking for XBox 360 programmers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/trion-hiring-for-untitled-syfy-action-mmo-looking-for-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/trion-hiring-for-untitled-syfy-action-mmo-looking-for-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/trion-hiring-for-untitled-syfy-action-mmo-looking-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With RIFT launching in the very near future, Trion Worlds is resting on its laurels and doing absolutely nothing... by which we mean the exact opposite. The team is looking for new staff to help develop the yet-unnamed action MMO created in partnership with SyFy, currently just named the "SyFy Action MMO." This in and of itself is good news for those who had thought the project had been abandoned, but it gets even more interesting when you realize that two of the jobs are targeting XBox 360 programmers.

Assuming that the game is targeting the 360 -- which seems likely under the circumstances -- it would join Final Fantasy XI as one of the only MMO options on the console. That would be a significant boon from a marketing perspective, as would the show/game integration promised back when rumors first began surfacing. The 360 programmers are not explicitly linked to the long-dormant game, but neither are they linked to the two existing games in Trion's stable. Although the job listing alone doesn't promise a future for the game, it's a step in the right direction for what might be a very different take on MMOs after all.

MassivelyTrion hiring for untitled SyFy action MMO, looking for XBox 360 programmers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoconsoleconsole-mmodevelopmentjob-listingsjobsmmo-developmentmmo-industrysyfysyfy-channeltriontrion-worldsxboxxbox-360Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Move around in your favorite MMO with Kinect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/move-around-in-your-favorite-mmo-with-kinect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/move-around-in-your-favorite-mmo-with-kinect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/move-around-in-your-favorite-mmo-with-kinect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Isn't the Xbox Kinect only for crazy dancing games? No one would ever use that to play a real game like World of Warcraft, right? Well, the researchers at the Institute for Creative Technologies at USC have put an end to that notion. The university engineers have created a Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit or FAAST that associates keyboard events with body movements. This gives the Kinect device a new, wider range of possibilities because it can now be utilized on a standard PC. As Skip Rizzo of the Institute explains in a video presentation, "This opens up the doorway for building rehabilitation exercises after a stroke or traumatic brain injury and in a area that's getting a lot of attention: the area of childhood obesity and diabetes. This is a major area that people in the United States need to develop new ways to get kids up and moving around."

Now instead of sitting around for six hours fighting the Horde, you can get up out of your seat and punch an orc in the face. Although the technology is just in its infancy, it is still very possible to play your favorite MMO games with your body movements. Check out the video after the break to see all the (literal) action, then head to ICT's site to see more.

Continue reading Move around in your favorite MMO with Kinect

MassivelyMove around in your favorite MMO with Kinect originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>faastFlexible-Action-and-Articulated-Skeleton-ToolkitictInstitute-for-Creative-Technologieskinectuniversity-of-southern-californiauscWorld-of-WarcraftXbox-360Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/massively-talks-with-raptrs-dennis-fong/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Raptr is a pretty ambitious project, even if you think about what has been accomplished so far. Essentially, the service is connecting all of your gaming-related services under one profile, one messenger, and one new iPhone app. Think of it as your Trillian messenger for gamers. I have a short history with Raptr but never really warmed up to it until recently. I wanted a service that would allow all of my friends, across all of the different networks that I visit, to see what and how much I am playing.

Now that I have made a newer profile and have really started adding a few friends, I am sort of shocked at it's usefullness. Not only does it let me sign in to most of the major messaging services, game networks and social services like Facebook, but it allows me to see what my friends are doing as well, in some very specific ways.

I was excited to get a chance to talk to Raptr CEO Dennis Fong and was impressed by how such an ambitious idea has now turned into a real, working application.

Continue reading Massively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong

MassivelyMassively talks with Raptr's Dennis Fong originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimappbuddy-listchatdennis-fongfacebookfeaturedhands-onimIMSinstant-messengerinterviewInterviewsipadiphoneiphone-appmeta-industryPlayStationPlaystation3raptrsignaturesocialsocial-networkingtrillianway-too-many-gamesXbox-360Xbox-LiveTue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV not due for the Xbox 360 according to Hiromichi Tanaka]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI isn't just one of the only console MMOs in existence, it's also the most successful of the lot, due in part to the wide spread of available platforms. Since the game has long been playable on the Xbox, there were several Final Fantasy XIV fans (or Xbox 360 owners) hoping it would eventually come out on that console as well. But it's not happening, and according to a recently translated interview from 4players.de, the reason rests squarely with Microsoft.

When asked in an interview why Final Fantasy XIV wasn't appearing on Microsoft's console, Hiromichi Tanaka explained that Microsoft was unwilling to work with Square-Enix to deal with the Xbox Live setup. As he put it, it seemed the company made a one-time exception with Final Fantasy XI to get the console in people's minds as an online platform, but now that it's established the gates are closed. There are currently no plans to adapt the game for the console, but it will still be coming out for the PC in late September, with a Playstation 3 release due at some point after that. Check the interview here (if you can read German), and the translated highlights can be found here.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV not due for the Xbox 360 according to Hiromichi Tanaka originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsole-mmosconsolesdevelopmentffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhiromichi-tanakainterviewsmicrosoftplaystation-2playstation-3squaresquare-enixtranslationsxboxxbox-360xbox-liveMon, 12 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO tops Japan's sales charts on the Xbox 360]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/mmo-tops-japans-sales-charts-on-the-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/mmo-tops-japans-sales-charts-on-the-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/mmo-tops-japans-sales-charts-on-the-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In the world of console gaming, Japan tends to strongly support their hometown champions -- although whether or not the sprawling multinational corporate behemoths of Nintendo and Sony actually need that suppport is debatable. Microsoft's Xbox 360 has generally faced slow sales in the nation and a lack of popular games on the platform. But it's gotten a boost from the strong sales of Monster Hunter Frontier Online, an MMO exclusive to the platform that's made it to the top of the Japanese sale charts. Not out of all Xbox games -- out of the entire country.

The newest installment of the long-running series is a port of a 2007 PC version, beating out several other strong contenders for the countrywide sales figures. Although the Monster Hunter series has been popular in Japan, there's no word on the MMO being released outside of the country. Still, it seems a good sign that you can sell good numbers for a ported game on an unpopular console -- something Square-Enix may well want to consider for the future.

MassivelyMMO tops Japan's sales charts on the Xbox 360 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomconsole-mmosfranchisesgame-salesmhfomicrosoftmonster-huntermonster-hunter-frontier-onlinenintendosales-chartssales-figuressonysquaresquare-enixxboxxbox-360Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioware: TOR not coming to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Itching to play BioWare's upcoming Star Wars opus on a console? You'd better buy some cream for that, as it likely won't be happening anytime soon. Daniel Erickson, lead designer and story writer on The Old Republic, recently told CVG that no one at the famed RPG-maker is working on a console port.

"There was not a question when we started Old Republic - or any of our games, for that matter - [what the lead format would be]. There's a reason the lead SKU for Dragon Age was PC as well. When we're developing an RPG, it's a natural place to be," Erickson said.

Unlike many developers who hint at console versions and rarely deliver, Erickson says BioWare hasn't even discussed the option. "There is nobody anywhere in BioWare laying the groundwork for that because we have a very large complicated game to ship first," he said.

MassivelyBioware: TOR not coming to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBioware-MMOconsole-mmodaniel-ericksonps3Star-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicXbox-360Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI's new stress relief in Moblin Maze Mongers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/final-fantasy-xis-new-stress-relief-in-moblin-maze-mongers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/final-fantasy-xis-new-stress-relief-in-moblin-maze-mongers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/final-fantasy-xis-new-stress-relief-in-moblin-maze-mongers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We don't yet know exactly when we'll see the anticipated June version update for Final Fantasy XI. We are, however, increasingly aware of what will be contained in said update, and thus far it's looking pretty good. The list of improvements has just been lengthened with an official announcement of an expansion to Moblin Maze Mongers. Although it's billed as the Revitalization Team, and it's meant to help ease the stress of adventuring, the newest iteration seems poised to generate even more stress, unless you find facing off against specially designed difficulty monsters to be relaxing.

Lying in wait in the new maze variant is the master known as Sadistiq, whose name alone should give adventurers a fair idea of what a charming fellow he is. He pits teams against a monster for fifteen minutes at a stretch, with rewards handed out based on how well the party does against said monster -- including the possibility of a reward if the party can't quite take down their opponent. While the official announcement doesn't go into details, it looks like fans of the maze system will be getting a new way to enjoy it in the coming version update -- and if killing monsters didn't burn off stress for the players, well, you wouldn't be playing Final Fantasy XI, right?

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI's new stress relief in Moblin Maze Mongers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xijune-version-updatemoblin-maze-mongersmoblinssquaresquare-enixxbox-360Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI starts its eight-year art contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/final-fantasy-xi-starts-its-eight-year-art-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/final-fantasy-xi-starts-its-eight-year-art-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/final-fantasy-xi-starts-its-eight-year-art-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

On May 16th, 2002, Final Fantasy XI was released in Japan, meaning that the game has marked a full eight years of service in its country of origin. (It didn't come stateside for another year and a half, so we're a bit behind.) The team at Square-Enix is understandably excited about how far the game has come since that day, and what better way to show it than letting the players strut their stuff? That means it's time for the Eighth Anniversary Art Contest, complete with requisite fabulous prizes -- which include the coveted Chocobo Beret.

Running until June 16th, the contest calls for players with an active Final Fantasy XI account to submit a picture of their finished artwork. As one might assume given the timing, the art is expected to have an anniversary theme, although how one wishes to tackle the subject is entirely up to the player. Only one submission is allowed per person, with all the winners receiving the Nomad Moogle Rod, and the two top winners also receiving the aforementioned Beret. Take a look at the official rules for all the details, and get ready to see what the game's worldwide community can come up with.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI starts its eight-year art contest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryartchocobochocobo-beretconsolescontestcontestsfan-artffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xinomad-moogle-rodofficial-contestprizessquaresquare-enixxbox-360Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Level 99 problems, of which a sub ain't one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/the-mog-log-level-99-problems-of-which-a-sub-aint-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/the-mog-log-level-99-problems-of-which-a-sub-aint-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/the-mog-log-level-99-problems-of-which-a-sub-aint-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Can you feel it? Do you wake up in the middle of the night, finding that you have scrawled the number 99 on your pillows and wall? Does each passing day grip you with a paralytic knowledge that soon, everything you know will be shattered? If so, you may want to see a doctor about that purple prose syndrome, but you're probably keenly aware that the level cap raise in Final Fantasy XI draws ever closer. With that comes chaos, madness, and the ruinous conclusion that you're going to need to do something about that there subjob.

In theory, anyway. Consider: with 24 more levels on your main job, your sub will be also flying up twelve levels to 47 -- enough for new abilities even if said job is on the lighter side for that level band. The obvious thought process here is that it's going to change the face of job combinations significantly. But like much of the knee-jerk reaction to the Vanafest 2010 announcements, in a lot of cases not much is actually changing. That having been said... there are a few jobs that produce an interesting thought process.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Level 99 problems, of which a sub ain't one

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Level 99 problems, of which a sub ain't one originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitieschangesfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xijobslevel-caplevel-cap-increaseskillssquare-enixsubjobsvanafest-2010xbox-360Sat, 08 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Assembling the gestalt of Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/the-mog-log-assembling-the-gestalt-of-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/the-mog-log-assembling-the-gestalt-of-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/the-mog-log-assembling-the-gestalt-of-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We've been treated to a veritable onslaught of new information about Final Fantasy XIV of late, and when I say "treated" I mean precisely that. After all, Square-Enix's information comes at a glacial pace, to the point where they're still releasing information about Final Fantasy VII to this day. (Or squeezing blood out of that stone for all it's worth, reader's choice. I think my way is funnier.)

Of course, the problem is that the information is released without a great deal of context. My hat goes off to the brave folks in the testing, scurrying about and trying to reveal as much as possible, but I know from experience what happens when your goal is "find things out" rather than "assemble a coherent picture." We know a lot of facts about Final Fantasy XIV, but we don't have a real idea of the scope of the game.

For some people, that's second nature. For others, it's a challenge. And for some people, they haven't seen the piece or two that would make everything fall into place. So today, The Mog Log is taking a tour back through what we've learned and trying to put it all into some sort of overarching framework.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Assembling the gestalt of Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Assembling the gestalt of Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesadjustmentsbalancebarschargechargingclassclassescosmeticsdisciplinesequipmentffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivgaugegearopinionspeculationsquare-enixstat-boostsstatsxbox-360Sat, 01 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI releases April newsletter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/final-fantasy-xi-releases-april-newsletter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/final-fantasy-xi-releases-april-newsletter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/final-fantasy-xi-releases-april-newsletter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The end of April is nearly upon us, so of course it's time for Square-Enix to release their most recent newsletter for Final Fantasy XI highlighting the still-fresh March update. Admittedly, the content doesn't quite have that new patch smell any longer, but the newsletter does its usual job of rounding up and pointing out some of the things that the players might otherwise miss. It also contains a cryptic hint from the development team in response to one of the biggest mysteries and frustrations for the update.

In the "good news" department, the newsletter highlights a current sale for the game, $11 for the Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection at Gamestop via download. It also mentions the somewhat baffling habit that the new Voidwalker Notorious Monsters have of not always granting a title to players who kill them, with the development team teasing that "you will all discover the answer soon enough." Last but not least, it reminds former players that the Character Reactivation Service is set up to work with characters from the now-merged servers -- a chance for lapsed Final Fantasy XI players to get back in on the action.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI releases April newsletter originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-reactivationcharacter-reactivation-servicecrsdevelopmentffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximarch-version-updatenewslettersalessquare-enixteasesxbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vana'diel's Feast of Swords returns to Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/vanadiels-feast-of-swords-returns-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/vanadiels-feast-of-swords-returns-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/vanadiels-feast-of-swords-returns-to-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Amidst all of the Final Fantasy XIV news, it would be understandable if players had a bit of a harder time remembering what holidays are coming up in the venerable Final Fantasy XI. But it would be very sad to miss out on this one, the time-honored Feast of Swords that gives everyone a chance to swing wooden blades at animated samurai armor. It might seem a bit odd to have such a holiday presented as foreign in a Japanese game, but that's always been one of the oddities of the setting.

Per the custom, there's a short fiction piece detailing the lead-in to the event, which continues the trend of Final Fantasy XI's moogles being portrayed as inscrutable meddlers. The holiday proper begins on April 27th, with the usual procedures. Talking to an event moogle gives you a special blade, and finding a moogle in one of several zones lets you enchant the blade to hunt the local armor. You won't be able to fight anything else, but it's all worth it when you slay the creature and get your ever-coveted cosmetic event rewards. In short, it promises to be fun times for adventurers of all levels, although possibly less fun for animated samurai armor.

MassivelyVana'diel's Feast of Swords returns to Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feast-of-swordsfeast-of-swords-2010ffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiholiday-eventholiday-eventssamuraisquaresquare-enixswordsxbox-360Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The people have spoken!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Actually, it's more like the people never stopped speaking. Because there's been quite a bit to talk about over the past few weeks, most of it circling around the enormous bursts of information coming out of the Final Fantasy XIV testing process. We've gotten our first few looks at what the game might look like, and compared to the lockstep class-and-level progression of Final Fantasy XI it's like the game's being developed by a whole other company. Or like it's some mixture of all the best parts of the games of yesteryear, which might not be that far from the truth.

If you haven't been in the mood to talk about the new hotness, of course, there's been plenty of other things to chat about, specifically the huge March update in Final Fantasy XI that added all sorts of new widgets. (An update I was lucky enough to take a tour of, if you missed it.) So jump on past the cut for the most interesting, though-provoking, or just most noteworthy threads over the past month around the web, as determined by reader mail and whatever caught my eye before my clicking hand got tired.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The people have spoken!

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The people have spoken! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycombatcommunityenemiesffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivloremonstersreligionroleplayingsquare-enixtestingxbox-360Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight years of Final Fantasy XI, another round of Mog Bonanza]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/eight-years-of-final-fantasy-xi-another-round-of-mog-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/eight-years-of-final-fantasy-xi-another-round-of-mog-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/eight-years-of-final-fantasy-xi-another-round-of-mog-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After one iteration at the start of the new year and another run that coincided with VanaFest 2010, you would think that Final Fantasy XI was done with the Mog Bonanza for a while. But you'd apparently be wrong, as the official site has just announced that it will be running once again. But it's kind of understandable when you realize it's to celebrate the momentous eight-year milestone the game is hitting. That's a fine reason for players to start up the number-guessing engine in their heads again, especially when the rewards are still more wonderful prizes for every adventurer.

Most of the rules from prior offerings still apply here -- a maximum of ten marbles per character, with prizes handed out in ascending ranks. Getting just the last digit right nets some small but pleasing prizes, while getting all five brings huge piles of gil or rare equipment. While it's not on par with the Relic and Mythic weapons offered at VanaFest, they're still desirable for almost any player. So mark your calendar foor May 16th, when marbles go on sale, and enjoy a solid eight years of Final Fantasy XI.

MassivelyEight years of Final Fantasy XI, another round of Mog Bonanza originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight years doesn't sound like a very long time unless you're talking about MMOs. Then it's the equivalent of dog years, only larger. But Final Fantasy XI has been running for all that time, and the game is still running strong -- and more to the point, bringing out a number of updates, improvements, and other positives for the game. Even as a veteran player, I haven't seen all of the content that's out there -- really, I'd be surprised if I've done much more than scratch the surface.

I was given the lucky opportunity to get a guided tour of all the improvements and new content that the game had added with the most recent update, and it's certainly one of the more impressive drops the game has seen. Two entirely new summons, a new quest type, the penultimate missions in Wings of the Goddess, new Notorious Monsters, new areas... it's dwarfing to even consider it. I only had a chance to hit the highlights, and even then it was a lot to cover. So jump on past the cut, and see what's there to be seen.

Continue reading Massively's tour of Final Fantasy XI's March update

MassivelyMassively's tour of Final Fantasy XI's March update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexanderbackstorybifronscount-bifronscutscenecutscenesdeveloper-tourfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiloremarch-updatemissionsodinsquare-enixsummonerssummonstourwings-of-the-goddesswotgxbox-360Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: How Final Fantasy XIV will crush our hopes and dreams]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/the-mog-log-how-final-fantasy-xiv-will-crush-our-hopes-and-drea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/the-mog-log-how-final-fantasy-xiv-will-crush-our-hopes-and-drea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/the-mog-log-how-final-fantasy-xiv-will-crush-our-hopes-and-drea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

It seems only appropriate after last week to continue turning things on their ear. Fans of the column (I could probably just write "fan" there) have probably noticed that I talk about Final Fantasy XIV in a way not entirely separated from a child discussing their idol. I seem to maintain faith that the game will include every wonderful system ever, that it will take story and gameplay to an unheard-of level of connection, that it will be beautiful and vibrant and living, that it will bring food and water and smite our enemies.

But I am not alone in this, and we are all so painfully wrong. If you have played Final Fantasy XI (and if you're reading this, odds are good), you know that Square-Enix uses hope in much the same way that Lucy uses a football. While I spent last week talking about how the old game deserves more love than we give it, this week I'm going to list five reasons why we'll be disappointed when Final Fantasy XIV arrives. (And tune in a few weeks from now when I am still not anywhere near getting into the beta. I'm a slow learner sometimes.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: How Final Fantasy XIV will crush our hopes and dreams

MassivelyThe Mog Log: How Final Fantasy XIV will crush our hopes and dreams originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Before you go any further in this column, I invite you to join us in today's listening: "Happy Together" by The Turtles. Stare at the above illustration while you listen, and I imagine you'll start laughing before long. But songs that can be turned unintentionally funny aren't the focus of today's column -- that's reserved for praise and adulation of Final Fantasy XI.

See, I got called out not too long ago on being very negative about the game recently. And it's a fair accusation. I was unhappy with the the announcements at VanaFest 2010, I had been a bit critical of the game's obstacles and future before... in short, despite having been writing this column for a couple months, I hadn't said a whole lot of nice things about the game. It's easy to take away the idea that I don't like it any longer. That's not true, of course -- if I'd stopped liking it, I would have stopped writing a column about it -- but I haven't praised the game so much as cranked about it like a hurricane. Thus, I'm taking the today for five unabashedly wonderful things. No caveats!

Continue reading The Mog Log: Unabashed adoration for Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Unabashed adoration for Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiimmersionquestssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logverisimilitudexbox-360Sat, 03 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[House decoration contest running for Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/house-decoration-contest-running-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/house-decoration-contest-running-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/house-decoration-contest-running-for-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Mog House has always been one of the venues for Final Fantasy XI players to show off their creativity and personal sense of style, even more so when it became possible at long last for other adventurers to step inside. Allakhazam knows that it's one of the most celebrated parts of the game as well, which is why they've launched the first Mog House decorating contest. Arrange your furniture carefully, mail in some images of your uniquely adorned home, and you could find your dwelling renowned for its taste (and potential Moghancement benefits).

Entries on the contest run until April 12th, with judging to conclude on April 20th via on-site poll. There are, of course, the usual requirements for all entries to be safe for work and not involve any hacking of the game client. Prizes include a signed copy of the Distant Worlds CD and a Japanese calligraphy set to help decorate the place you actually live, which is a nice touch. For full rules and submission guidelines, take a look at the contest page. Or you could just start by beautifying your home away from home, something most Final Fantasy XI players are inclined to do anyway.

MassivelyHouse decoration contest running for Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A lot of news has been coming out for Final Fantasy XIV lately, and we're quite happy to see it. Today we've got what appears to be (the first episode of what's sure to be recurring) in-game footage of players exploring one of Eorzea's cities on the game's official Japanese YouTube channel. There's a moment in the clip where the Japanese players speaking throughout are amazed to find a Chocobo and well, it's pretty entertaining to watch -- especially when the video gets to the part where it reveals that old Tarutaru emotes are fully intact. Panic!

We're also getting another tiny peek at the user interface for Final Fantasy XIV in the video. From what we can see here, Square Enix is keeping the memorable "Send/Receive" graphic, which blinks with a strange hypnotic rhythm. The mini-map and health/mana bars both look quite useful yet unobtrusive, too. Overall, everything about this game screams, "Final Fantasy XI, but newer and hopefully improved." We hope that proves to be wholly true in the coming months.

MassivelyFFXIV gameplay footage explores cities, chocobos and emotes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobocityemoteseorzeaffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivin-game-footagejapanjapanesesquare-enixtarutarutraileruiuser-interfacevideoxbox-360youtubeWed, 31 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese site updates on Final Fantasy XIV races]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/japanese-site-updates-on-final-fantasy-xiv-races/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/japanese-site-updates-on-final-fantasy-xiv-races/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/japanese-site-updates-on-final-fantasy-xiv-races/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When the races for Final Fantasy XIV were announced, the response was a little muted. After all, by all accounts they were just the same races we had seen in Final Fantasy XI with better models and new names. The slight differences revealed here and there via lore didn't amount to much more than speculative changes with no impact on gameplay. But that seems to be a bit further off the mark than expected, as the Japanese site for the game has updated with information about all ten races. Yes, ten. Fansites FFXIVCore and Eorzeapedia have translated the pages, showing that the different groups of a given race are more distinct than seemed possible.

Each of the five races appears to be split into two groups -- Hyurans, for instance, are divided into the large and muscular highlanders alongside the more communal and common midlander. While it's not said how much stats will differ, if at all, it's strongly implied that different subgroups will be balanced in different directions a la Final Fantasy XI. There's a full rundown of the translated information here, along with a gallery highlighting the differences. Final Fantasy XIV is quickly shaping up to be full of surprises, so we can only guess at what might be next.

[ Thanks to FusionX for the tip! ]

MassivelyJapanese site updates on Final Fantasy XIV races originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's a lot of information to keep track of in Final Fantasy XI, much of it not covered by the in-game interface. There's no easy way to access the all-important airship schedules or the often-loathed Race Specific Equipment quest eligibility. Since the game has been out for several years, there are naturally more than a few applications to track these events... but due to the game's issues with alt-tabbing, they require a bit of a workaround for the player. Now there's another option available to anyone with an iPhone or an iPod Touch -- a new app from Duodyne Studios.

Although not officially affiliated with Square-Enix, the application is aimed at giving players easy access to the most commonly needed timers. That includes a recast timer feature that allows players to simply tap the ability when they use it, followed by an alert on the phone when it becomes ready again. It's not as useful as simple macro checks for short abilities like Provoke, but longer abilities will benefit from having the timer feature. At $0.99 for players in the US and comparable prices for other markets, Final Fantasy XI players might want to take a look.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI players get a little help from their iPhone originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In this edition of the Mog Log, every question you have ever had will be answered completely accurately. (Disclaimer: these questions must pertain to either Final Fantasy XI or Final Fantasy XIV. And they must have been asked via e-mail or comments. And it must be noted that "I don't know" is an accurate answer to a question. Also, this aside is now longer then the introductory sentence.) Aren't you excited as possible? I know I am.

We'll start off with a question from Dormer:
"Why aren't we getting more information from the beta?"

We're not sure, but we can certainly speculate. The most logical reason is that the testing is closer to an alpha than anything and they're not letting people in that they can't trust implicitly. Square-Enix has a pretty good track record at keeping things quiet when they want to, and they're likely making sure that nothing leaks out from this phase. How much of an NDA further phases of Final Fantasy XIV's testing will have is a mystery. But there's another reason for the possible dearth of information. (Which we've intentionally put behind the cut to inspire you to keep reading.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: Answers (and disclaimers)

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Answers (and disclaimers) originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abysseaaddonsanswersfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivgroupingpartyparty-versus-partyq-and-aquestion-and-answerquestionssolosquare-enixuixbox-360Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[March update comes to Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/march-update-comes-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/march-update-comes-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/march-update-comes-to-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

According to the old saying, March should be shuffling out meekly like a lamb at the moment, but the March version update to Final Fantasy XI has just come roaring on to the live servers. Usually we get a bit more warning from Square-Enix before a patch goes live, but with all of the information we'd heard about the contents of the update from VanaFest 2010 it came with no warning other than an early rumor. That means that trivia contest winners and attendees of the festival will gain access to their special hats, and it means that everyone gets a huge load of content added to the game.

The latest patch's inclusion of Odin and Alexander as summons was well-known, as was the continuation of the Wings of the Goddess storyline as it nears its conclusion. Less sweeping but still significant is a number of boosts to Puppetmasters, including an upgrade in hand-to-hand skill to B+ level and the removal of range-based calculations from automaton ranged attacks. There are also new Notorious Monsters and new Campaign locations for players to enjoy, so if you're a Final Fantasy XI player you should probably get to downloading the update.

MassivelyMarch update comes to Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, gee, not much has happened since the last time we did a community spotlight in this column. Except maybe for that little VanaFest thing, and huge drops of new info on Final Fantasy XIV, and the beginning of the latter's beta testing. So, yeah, slow month all around. This should be a pretty short column, I might just start talking about my favorite beers toward the end.

All joking aside, a lot has been happening, and it has produced more than a few diverse opinions. The immediate response to the VanaFest announcements for Final Fantasy XI was covered a couple weeks ago, but there's still the specifics to be hammered out. After all, it's hard to take in server merges, level cap raises, massive content drops and new add-ons all in one go. Not to mention that we do still have another game coming in the not-so-distant future, one that's shaping up to have an interesting positional aspect to gameplay. So let's take a look at some of the noteworthy talk from Final Fantasy's webwide community.

Continue reading The Mog Log: A little more conversation

MassivelyThe Mog Log: A little more conversation originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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