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[Webzen pops the cork on its third anniversary celebration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/webzen-pops-the-cork-on-its-third-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Webzen
Good things come in threes, they say, and nobody knows this better than Webzen. In 2009, Webzen came on the scene as a free-to-play publisher and set up an online portal to serve as a nexus for all of its games. Since then, the company has released three MMOs through its service and recently crossed the three-year mark. With all those threes, it's time to celebrate!

To celebrate its third anniversary, Webzen is throwing events in Archlord, MU Online, and Soul of the Ultimate Nation. By participating in these in-game events, players can win an assortment of prizes ranging from an Xbox 360 to in-game currency and items. The third anniversary events will start tomorrow and run through April 18th.

Webzen's Head of Global Publishing, Jihun Lee, reflected on the company's achievements: "With the start of MU Online, Webzen.com has received much support from our users. As a result, in three years we have been able to become one of the leading global game portals. With the service experience of free-to-play online games, we are making all efforts to meet the users' needs and provide better services."

[Source: Webzen press release]

MassivelyWebzen pops the cork on its third anniversary celebration originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-anniversaryanniversaryArchlordeventsf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventJihun-LeeMU-OnlinepromotionSoul-of-the-Ultimate-Nationthird-anniversaryweb-portalwebzenwebzen.comxboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-player/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PSO Blue Burst
After last week's foray into the colorful world of Phantasy Star Online, I knew I had to step it up for a great follow-through. That's why I got in touch with three excellent MMO bloggers who have long histories with PSO and were more than eager to share their perspective on this unique game world!

The Game Archaeologist: Who the heck are you and how did you first get into Phantasy Star Online? What class and race did you play?

David: I'm David Lambert, but many people know me better as Branick, host and producer of the LOTRO Academy podcast. I first got into Phantasy Star Online with the original Dreamcast release, which I picked up only about two weeks after it came out. I actually had eight different characters (I bought six VMUs in addition to the two I already had specifically for this purpose), but I definitely favored the HUcast. I wasn't big on using techniques, and the HUcast had the highest attack power in the game.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-burstchristmascity-of-heroesdavid-lambertdiablodiablo-clonediablo-iidreamcastdreamcast-web-browserexploitexploitingexploitsfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigamecubegamesharkhackinginterviewlotro-academymagmagspatrickPhantasy-Starphantasy-star-onlinephantasy-star-online-2phantasy-star-universePhantasy-Star-Zeropsopsuroguerogue-likessegasoexboxyeeboYeebo-Fernbottoms-MMO-Love-InTue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Phantasy Star Online
The Dreamcast was a brief but shining aberration in the gaming world. Coming along years after Sega had fallen out of its position as a top-runner in the console market, it represented the company's big attempt to reclaim its former glory. While it failed to succeed in that respect and ultimately closed up shop in 2001 (ending Sega's interest in the console market), the Dreamcast became a gaming cult favorite responsible for some of the most innovative titles ever made. Games like Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, and Shenmue have remained fan favorites long after the Dreamcast's demise, which shows the legacy that these dev teams left behind.

But perhaps the Dreamcast's greatest gift to the gaming world wasn't crazy taxis or space dancing but a surprisingly forward-looking approach to online gaming. In 2000, the Dreamcast took the first steps to bringing an online console RPG to market, and while it wasn't a true MMO, it certainly paved the way for titles like EverQuest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI.

It was bold, it was addictive, and it was gosh-darned gorgeous. Ladies and gentlemen: Phantasy Star Online.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblue-burstchuchu-rocketconsole-mmodiablodial-updialupdreamcasteqoaeverquest-online-adventuresfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigamecubeIsao-Okawajapan-game-awardjet-grind-radiomonster-hunterphantasy-star-onlinephantasy-star-online-2Phantasy-Star-Online-ver.2phantasy-star-universepsopso2psusegaShenmuesonicsonic-adventuressonic-teamsonic-the-hedgehogsonicteamspace-channel-5Takao-Miyoshithe-game-archaeologistthird-worldxboxyuki-nakaTue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 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[Why Microsoft is 'the MMO graveyard']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/#commentsFiled under: , ,

True Fantasy Live Online
Anyone who's been following MMOs for any length of time will have come to the astute conclusion that Microsoft is not a fertile ground for the growth of such projects. In fact, in an opinion piece over at CVG, the author labels the company and Xbox Live as an "MMO graveyard" where good titles go to wither and die.

Citing MMOs such as Mythica and True Fantasy Live Online as evidence, CVG says that Microsoft's "inflexibility" became the company's biggest obstacle to seeing a title through to launch. Instead, MMO after MMO was canceled, transferred to other companies, or promised and forgotten. CVG says that there is enough evidence to suggest that Microsoft is unsure and afraid of the MMO model, and instead of doing its best to be accommodating to such projects, the company made it all but impossible for original projects or PC ports to come to fruition.

The article is a fascinating overview of the games and issues involved in Microsoft's approach to the MMO market, and ends with a handful of "hopefuls" that will prove that console MMOs can be done, and done well.

MassivelyWhy Microsoft is 'the MMO graveyard' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmoconsolescvgmicrosoftmmo-graveyardmythicaopiniontrue-fantasy-live-onlinexboxxbox-liveWed, 21 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs art director talks about the heart of horror]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/undead-labs-art-director-talks-about-the-heart-of-horror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/undead-labs-art-director-talks-about-the-heart-of-horror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/undead-labs-art-director-talks-about-the-heart-of-horror/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Undead Labs - Class3 zombie concept art
So what is art direction and why is it important to video games in general and MMORPGs in particular? That's a good question, and sadly one that can't be answered in a brief news post. What we can do, though, is point you to some worthwhile reading on the subject. Today's lesson comes courtesy of Undead Labs and Doug Williams.

Williams serves as the art director on the firm's upcoming zombie apocalype Xbox Live Arcade MMO (currently codenamed Class3), and while you might expect him to spend time talking about gory effects or the best way to render blood and brains in a dark environment, Williams actually spends a good portion of the latest Undead Labs blog post talking about something called "Faded Americana."

"Faded Americana really resonates with me because there are many analogies between the style and a zombie apocalypse. In both cases, you see society hanging onto the ghosts of its past," Williams explains. The concept goes a long way towards explaining Undead Labs' decision to set the game primarily in a small town environment, and Williams has quite a few interesting anecdotes relating to influential games as well as the challenges inherent in separating the new game from the stack of zombie-themed entertainment products that have swarmed over the popular consciousness in recent years.

MassivelyUndead Labs art director talks about the heart of horror originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-directionclass3consoleconsolesdev-blogdev-diaryfaded-americanahorrorhorror-mmosmall-town-americaundead-labsxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadezombie-apocalypsezombiesMon, 15 Aug 2011 21:00:00 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[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[You are the navigator: China developing motion-sensing MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/you-are-the-navigator-china-developing-motion-sensing-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/you-are-the-navigator-china-developing-motion-sensing-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/you-are-the-navigator-china-developing-motion-sensing-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMO players are always looking for games that provide deeper, more immersive experiences to draw us into the game world and keep us there. China, one of the world's largest MMORPG markets, is attempting to forge ahead with the next evolution of immersive gameplay by combining online games with motion-sensing controls.

Jin Gang Network is developing Land of Lords Online, an MMO that promises to allow players to explore the world and control their characters via a Kinect-like device. Without touching a physical controller or keyboard, a person can instruct his avatar to move, kill and cast spells in the game. Although details on the project are scant at this point, the company says that it will be releasing a video next month to show how the game's technology works.

Whether motion-sensing controls are the next true gaming interface or just an odd fad, China isn't the only place where a marriage between MMOs and such devices is being explored. Students from the University of Southern California hacked a Kinect to interface with World of Warcraft while South Korea's GamePrix is bringing the Kinect-compatible Divine Souls to Xbox.

MassivelyYou are the navigator: China developing motion-sensing MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadivine-soulsgameprixhackhackedJin-Gang-Networkkinectland-of-lords-onlinemotion-sensing-controllermotion-sensing-controlsmotion-sensormotion-sensor-controlssouth-koreauniversity-of-southern-californiaworld-of-warcraftwowxboxTue, 22 Feb 2011 10:00:00 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[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[Blizzard asks console MMO questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/blizzard-asks-console-mmo-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/blizzard-asks-console-mmo-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/blizzard-asks-console-mmo-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blizzard may be monopolizing today's headlines on account of the juggernaut that is Cataclysm, but the MMORPG giant is also making news on a smaller scale (and on a different platform). In an interview with CVG, Blizzard's Greg Street and David Kosak drop a few hints regarding the company's stance towards console MMOs as well as the challenges inherent in developing for the platform.

"I think the control scheme is a part of it, the traditional MMO has always had a lot of typing and is dependent on the mouse and keyboard paradigm," Street says. He goes on to mention that conventional wisdom used to dictate that FPS titles couldn't work on consoles either, and Halo summarily proved a lot of folks wrong in that regard.

Along the same lines, Kosak addresses the differences in design from a PC monitor to a television. "On PC you're sitting right in front of a screen, you can have a lot of dense information displayed and very complex control schemes. If you're playing on a couch from a distance with a controller, it requires very different design," he says. Check out more of Blizzard's console questions at CVG.

MassivelyBlizzard asks console MMO questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentconsole-mmosconsolescvgdavid-kosakgreg-streetmmo-industryxboxxbox-liveTue, 07 Dec 2010 20:00:00 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[The Digital Continuum: Will console MMOs succeed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/the-digital-continuum-will-console-mmos-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/the-digital-continuum-will-console-mmos-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/the-digital-continuum-will-console-mmos-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been a long time since I first wrote about console MMOs here, and in that time we've seen several promising titles enter development. Titles such as Free Realms, Champions Online, The Agency and DC Universe Online all have potential to be worth playing on a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. But there are still questions as to whether MMOs can function on consoles and if there's enough interested players on any given platform to make the whole thing viable.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Will console MMOs succeed?

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Will console MMOs succeed? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecyrptic-studiosdc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfree-realmsjoystiqfeaturesmicrosoftplaystation-3ps3soesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-agencythe-digital-continuumxboxxbox-360Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The second season of the explosively popular online video series The Guild, which is a fictional story about the lives of a group of World of Warcraft players (and which was created by and stars Felicia Day, later of Doctor Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog fame), will be distributed by Microsoft. Each episode will appear first on Xbox Live, and will only be available through the show's website four weeks later.

The entirety of Season One is now available on Xbox Live, according to Felicia Day's personal blog. The first episode of Season Two will start airing via the service tomorrow, November 25th. The show will remain free to viewers through all venues, and ad supported -- including product placement by Sprint. Microsoft will have its hands in the ad revenue, but will give Day free creative reign. Also, the second season will be shot in HD to accommodate the Xbox 360.

Looks like the scrappy underdog TV series about MMO players has hit the big time, and we're cheering Day on. Next stop: movie deal, right? Fortunately, Microsoft's contract promises that Day will be free to shop around outside of the company for movie and TV deals.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyThe Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdealdistributionexclusivefelicia-daymicrosoftmsnthe-guildtvvideowebisodesworld-of-warcraftxboxxbox-360xbox-liveMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts looking for PC and console MMO testers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/lucasarts-looking-for-pc-and-console-mmo-testers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/lucasarts-looking-for-pc-and-console-mmo-testers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/lucasarts-looking-for-pc-and-console-mmo-testers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you somehow still weren't convinced -- or in denial -- about the reality of a KOTOR MMO, here's some further proof of the matter. It's very compelling evidence but what's most interesting about the job requirements is this bit, "Strong familiarity and experience with gaming consoles, and Windows based PC's." Should we be expecting to hear the eventual announcement of an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 KOTOR MMO? Seems like.

The good side of this news is you could meet the criteria LucasArts has set for a tester and be one of the first people to play the game. The bad news is that a new single-player KOTOR seems unlikely to be in anyone's current future. So if you're not initially sold on a massively multiplayer KOTOR, hopefully BioWare will actually own up to their claim of trying something different and change your mind in the long-run.

MassivelyLucasArts looking for PC and console MMO testers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingeaelectronic-artsknights-of-the-old-republickotorkotor-mmokotorolucas-artslucasartsmicrosoftplaystation-3ps3rumorsonystar-warsswtorxboxxbox-360Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your three E3 wishes?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-three-e3-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-three-e3-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-three-e3-wishes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hey, today's the first day of E3 and you know what that means boys and girls! Well, maybe you don't know what it means so let us explain: You get three completely nonsensical E3 MMO wishes! Yes you heard us right, we want to know what your three MMO fantasies are and the crazier the better. Although don't let that stop you from slipping us any hidden riddles if you know something. Then again, you could just throw us a tip through our tip line as well.

For our three wishes we'll have to go the obvious route: Bioware MMO is announced, whatever it may be -- we just want it out in the open. Square-Enix announces their next big MMO project that's hopefully set in Ivalice this time around. Finally -- and this is the biggun -- Bungie reveals that their next project is in fact an MMO being created exclusively for the Xbox 360. We know, it's insane! Looking back on our wishes, we just realized that our biggest mistake was making too many must-play MMOs known at once. Now our social lives must suffer the consequences.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your three E3 wishes? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mmobungiebungie-studiosbungiestudiose3-2008ivalicemicrosoftsquare-enixsquareenixxboxxbox-360Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't expect World of Warcraft on the PS3 or Xbox 360 ever]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/don-t-expect-world-of-warcraft-on-the-ps3-or-xbox-360-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/don-t-expect-world-of-warcraft-on-the-ps3-or-xbox-360-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/don-t-expect-world-of-warcraft-on-the-ps3-or-xbox-360-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Blizzard Entertainment's Rob Pardo is a bona fide Rockstar in the gaming industry. In his recent keynote speech at the Game Developer's Conference at the Paris GDC he continued to indirectly extinguish rumors that suggested World of Warcraft is coming to a Console, rumors that stretch back years. While not specifically talking about World of Warcraft, when Pardo was asked what kept MMOs from Consoles he responded:

"Lack of hard drive space, and difficulty in certifying patches. Basically just that.... another problem is that they want a piece of the subscriptions (laughs)."

That's a simplistic answer coming from the Executive VP of Design at Blizzard Entertainment, but there it is laid out in plain sight, a truth even if shared in a humorous fashion. Giving Microsoft or Sony residuals, most likely a big chunk is one thing keeping World of Warcraft off Consoles. Is that a bad thing? No, but Blizzard could be missing something here, and just maybe Rob Pardo is plain wrong about what's keeping MMOs away from Consoles. It's simple really...

Continue reading Don't expect World of Warcraft on the PS3 or Xbox 360 ever

MassivelyDon't expect World of Warcraft on the PS3 or Xbox 360 ever originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsolesddomicrosoftncsoftnintendoparis-gdcplaystationps3rob-pardoshadowbanesoethe-agencyturbinewiiworld-of-warcraftxboxxbox-360Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox out, Nintendo in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/xbox-out-nintendo-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/xbox-out-nintendo-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/xbox-out-nintendo-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Close to one year ago, we stumbled onto a new Microsoft island in Second Life, called Microsoft Xbox. The island was brand-new, and was still closed to the public, and there was a lot of speculation as to what it was for. This was fueled by talk of Microsoft having explored the idea of Second Life running on the Xbox platform, but the facilities specification for the system isn't adequate for running the virtual world, as-is.

Microsoft stayed mum on both topics, declining to comment on either the island or its Xbox investigations, and time dragged on. While the island eventually vanished without fanfare, it appears that Nintendo Island has just appeared on the Second Life grid. Still closed to the public, and with nothing built there yet, but with the likes of Atlus getting into the act, and an increasingly strong representation of Japanese industries in the virtual world, a Nintendo presence in Second Life makes a lot of sense.

MassivelyXbox out, Nintendo in originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusmicrosoftnintendonintendo-islandsecond-lifevirtual-worldsxboxWed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online and Cryptic Studios information bonanza]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-and-cryptic-studios-information-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-and-cryptic-studios-information-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-and-cryptic-studios-information-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When news broke about Champions Online, it was because Game Informer Online had revealed the cover to their newest issue. We've got our hands on that issue and after pouring over its contents several times over, we're prepared to imbue you -- our readers -- with as much information as possible. There's a lot to know and a lot to get excited about, not to mention something of a bombshell from Cryptic Studios about the outcome from the sale of the City of Heroes property.

Continue reading Champions Online and Cryptic Studios information bonanza

MassivelyChampions Online and Cryptic Studios information bonanza originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The massively-multiplayer real-time-strategy genre has never had a breakthrough title. There have been obscure, niche MMORTSes, but we'll bet most of you haven't even played one! Well, Korean companies Blueside and Phantagram intend to bring the genre into the mainstream with their sequel to the 2001 XBox title Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders.

This new game, like the original title, will feature a mesh of action and RTS gameplay elements. There will be a complete single-player campaign in addition to the MMO mode; that's starting to look like a trend now. Oh, and if you didn't notice ... it's beautiful. CVG has a few more screenshots for your pleasure, as well.

Expect Kingdom Under Fire II on PC and "consoles" -- presumably XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- next year.

MassivelyKingdom Under Fire MMO in the works originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360bluesidekingdom-under-firekingdom-under-fire-2kingdom-under-fire-iikingdom-under-fire-the-crusaderskufkuf-2kuf-iimmortsplaystation-3ps3rtsstrategyxboxxbox-360Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another rumor regarding Blizzard's love affair with consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/another-rumor-regarding-blizzards-love-affair-with-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/another-rumor-regarding-blizzards-love-affair-with-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/another-rumor-regarding-blizzards-love-affair-with-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Here we go again, another rumor that World of Warcraft is going to appear on a "next-gen" console near you. This is one of those rumors that have been brought up time and time again. This little buzzing rumor is like that one annoying fly you can't seem to kill for good. What brought it up this time was a comment made by Chris Ansell, Director of Product Globalisation for Radical Entertainment and came through the website Gameplayer.

Radical was recently giving a presentation on their upcoming title Prototype. After demonstrating the game's online co-operative features Chris was asked by Gameplayer if these features would even be available for off-line play. In short the answer was no, their focus is apparently online feature-specific and different types of new play in the online space. The quote responsible for the new rumor is this:

"...we have to make sure we support it. Because next-gen consoles demand it. We have to be online. Obviously it's gonna get more and more like what WoW are doing, with thousands of players on consoles, eventually. Which is pretty exciting. I can't wait for that. It'll be pretty fun."

All right, so someone could assume this means a version of WoW on consoles, except that Blizzard has denied this repeatedly. Even with this very new rumor, Vivendi Australia quickly contacted Gameplayer to inform them that the comment only meant the future of next-gen game development and how multiplayer was an ever-increasing aspect of it.

What we think this means is that it's not WoW that we can expect to show up on consoles, but whatever Blizzard is working on beyond Starcraft II. Hm, now there's something to speculate about -- World of (insert favorite IP here) coming to a PS3 and Xbox 360 near you?

MassivelyAnother rumor regarding Blizzard's love affair with consoles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardbreakingconsoleconsolesps3radical-entertainmentvivendiworld-of-warcraftwowxboxxbox-360Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Five potential Star Wars settings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/the-digital-continuum-five-potential-star-wars-settings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/the-digital-continuum-five-potential-star-wars-settings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/the-digital-continuum-five-potential-star-wars-settings/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This isn't a "Top Five" list, but rather a list of five possible settings for a Star Wars MMO that I've complied for your reading pleasure. With the rumors flying around about a Bioware Star Wars MMO, the topic of just where in the Star Wars timeline the game would even be set appears to be absent from discussion. Everyone is assuming that Bioware would just sit back and do another Knights of the Old Republic game because they've had previous success with that property. However, it is possible that if Bioware is indeed developing a Star Wars MMO they're placing it in an entirely different era altogether. I know that if I'd already made a fabulous game set in KOTOR I would probably want to explore other avenues of interest that have yet to truly be touched on.

Follow the jump for an overview on five of those places.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Five potential Star Wars settings

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Five potential Star Wars settings originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What is it with lists? I recently harped on a G4 writer's most Epic Gaming Failures list; at numero uno the writer picked every MMOG since WoW. IGN's list is also another huge disappointment. The only MMORPG that made the cut was of course, World of Warcraft -- it ranks 83. Forget any of the pioneer MMOs that made it all possible, not even Ultima Online is found, nor is EverQuest recognized, which was the first graphical Diku-based MMOG to hit 500k subscriptions. Even great non-MMOGs like Morrowind and Oblivion weren't invited to the party. At least Mario Kart made it, which is personally one of my all time favs...

With so many games to choose from picking the cream of the crop is going to stir up some controversy. But from what I gather from the list, very few editors at IGN even play MMOs beyond WoW, which is their loss. What I really guffaw at are the trolls, the haters, the dolts who truly accost MMOs as seen in this Digg thread. News flash: MMOGs aren't the only "waste-of-time." Anything entertainment based, or any hobby that isn't saving the real world from lava penguins (lolz) is considered as such, and can be a huge time sink if taken serious. Nick Yee, the research mastermind, has built-up quite a bit of empirical evidence that the average MMOG player spends 20 hours a week and the national average for television watching is 28 hours a week. Our hobbies are merely switched around and invested elsewhere.

Continue reading IGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list

MassivelyIGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-gamingdikueverquestignlistsmario-kartmmo-industrymorrowindoblivionultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftxboxSun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean devs get busy: MapleStory DS, Mabinogi XBox 360 port in '08]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/korean-devs-get-busy-maplestory-ds-mabinogi-xbox360-port-in-08/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/korean-devs-get-busy-maplestory-ds-mabinogi-xbox360-port-in-08/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/korean-devs-get-busy-maplestory-ds-mabinogi-xbox360-port-in-08/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Time for your dose of Korean MMO-ness.

Nexon, a publisher of MapleStory, talked to Gamasutra about the upcoming MapleStory port for the DS, and about an XBox 360 port of the thus-far-Korean-only PC MMO Mabinogi. MapleStory DS development is going well and should see a Korean release in mid-2008. It will probably come to the West some time after that. The game is similar to the PC version, but only supports four players via Wi-Fi.

Mabinogi is a traditional anime-style MMORPG. It's had some success in the Korean market but no exposure at all in North America or Europe. Nexon plans to port the game to the XBox 360. As Gamasutra points out, the Korean market for the XBox 360 is extremely small, so we may be able to assume this means the 360 version of Mabinogi will be arriving in Western markets somewhere down the line.

MassivelyKorean devs get busy: MapleStory DS, Mabinogi XBox 360 port in '08 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgamasutrakoreanmabinogimaple-storymaplestorymicrosoftnexonnintendonintendo-dsxboxxbox-360Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:42:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Don't Fear The Re: Console]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-digital-continum-dont-fear-the-re-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-digital-continum-dont-fear-the-re-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-digital-continum-dont-fear-the-re-console/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Massively Multiplayer Online Games have always been the slaves to their PC masters, rarely able to exist on anything other than the PC platform. That isn't to say there haven't been partial attempts in the past such as Final Fantasy XI, but since launch that game has been developed for three different platforms including the PC. Developers still have yet to create a console MMOG that becomes as financially successful as some of the more popular PC titles. In all reality, it still remains easier to make and maintain MMOGs for PCs. The reason MMOG developers find creating and sustaining their games on the PC easier is the very problem with a console exclusive.

When creating any Massively Multiplayer Online Game for the Xbox 360 or the Playstation 3 that problem happens to be that as advanced as those consoles are they do not offer the flexibility of a PC. A large part of Blizzard's longterm success with World of Warcraft comes from the depth of the community tools and game customization. It's the wonderful ability to alter your user interface and the incredibly addicting habit of alt-tabbing back and forth from game window, forum posts or online game guides. I'm personally unable count the number of times I've been playing City of Heroes windowed while listening to various albums, simultaneously browsing news, guild forum posts or maybe just checking my email. You may be able to get a browser onto your PS3 and you might manage custom music on both the 360/PS3 but in the end would it be as easy as a keystroke to flip back and forth between both of those functions?

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Don't Fear The Re: Console

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Don't Fear The Re: Console originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescohconsoleconsolescovDungeons-and-Dragons-OnlineEVE-OnlinefeaturedFFXIfinal-fantasy-XIhellgate-londonmassively-multiplayer-onlinemassively-multiplayer-online-gamemmoNCsoftpersonal-computerplaystationplaystation-3PS2PS3super-heroesTabula-Rasawarcraftworld-of-warcraftxboxxbox-360Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[On saving your game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/on-saving-your-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/on-saving-your-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/on-saving-your-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

So after being recommended it by a friend a long time ago, and being in a zombie mood, I finally rented Dead Rising last night for my Xbox 360, and while it was a lot of fun, I was really distraught to find that the save system is old school. To save, you had to go to a certain place, and press a button. Die before you saved, and all your progress was lost.

Why was this so shocking to me? For one, I've gotten used to the easy breezy, checkpoint saving system of most games nowadays-- hit a point in progress, and your game automatically saves for you, so that if you lose the game for any reason, you can simply load up the last checkpoint and keep going. But the other factor in my save-system shock was all those MMOs I've played. In persistent world online gaming, there is no longer such a thing as "saving" your game.

Is that good or bad?

Continue reading On saving your game

MassivelyOn saving your game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-risingdeath-penaltyeve-onlinefeaturedmmospreparationsavesave-gamessavingworld-of-warcraftxboxTue, 30 Oct 2007 13:38:00 EST