MMO Updates |
- SOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet trailer, website released
- MMObility: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 2
- Turbine hires Rolston, game industry veterans for high-level positions
- Massively's Beau Hindman streaming 24 hours of gaming for Extra Life charity
- SOE Live 2012: Smedley says EQNext is the 'largest sandbox-style MMO ever designed'
- Storyboard: In praise of in-game stereotypes
- The Daily Grind: What's your most-hated MMO zone?
- SOE Live 2012: PlanetSide 2 launching November 20th, 2012
- SOE Live 2012: Keynote announcements
- SOE Live 2012: DC Universe Online's next DLC introduces player housing
- Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule
- Star Trek Online shows off the Azure Nebula event
- MMO Burnout: A weekend with Just Cause 2 multiplayer
- Initial 38 Studios auction brings in $180K
- RIFT Update 1.11 overhauls classes for Storm Legion
- The Summoner's Guidebook: Aftermath of the LoL World Championships
- Star Wars: The Old Republic transmits free-to-play video
- First Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds
- The Secret World unveils Cat God storyline for Halloween
- Star Citizen crowdsourcing moves to Kickstarter
- Ask Massively: Rules, sources, and buy-to-play MMOs
- Chaos Theory: Hitting a wall in The Secret World
| SOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet trailer, website released Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play  The class-based free-to-play fantasy MMO is a collaboration with Runes of Magic developer Runewaker, and it boasts some curious features like extensive player housing and frontier systems. The site says the housing system allows for the construction of "epic structures that defy imagination," while the frontier mechanics grant guild leaders the power to build a kingdom complete with citizens and a powerful military. Check out the gameplay trailer after the cut. Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet trailer, website released
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| MMObility: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 2 Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, Miscellaneous, MMObility, Sandbox  If I have anything to do with it, I will be playing these games ASAP. That means that you get to read what I think about them, and you get to play along as well! Continue reading MMObility: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 2
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| Turbine hires Rolston, game industry veterans for high-level positions Posted: 19 Oct 2012 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: MMO industry, News items, Miscellaneous  Mortal Kombat veteran Alan Villani is Turbine's new VP of Technology and responsible for driving "online engagement and monetization." Former Zynga manager Jai Singh has signed on to oversee Turbine's "online operations hosting and computing infrastructure, technical support, and network operations." Finally, Demetrius Comes, formerly of Petroglyph, is now Turbine's Executive Director of Engineering. [Source: Turbine press release]
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| Massively's Beau Hindman streaming 24 hours of gaming for Extra Life charity Posted: 19 Oct 2012 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Video, News items, Kids, Livestream, Miscellaneous  Starting at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, October 20th, I will begin broadcasting a list of approximately 24 games randomly chosen throughout the day. There's no real science to it, and if I happen to be having a ton of fun in one particular game then I might just continue playing it. Feel free to come suggest games in the chat room. I might even have another Massively staffer or two jump on the stream with me, or take over the stream when I need to fix a sandwich. The real reason I'll be there is to raise money for sick kids. Every cent goes to the charity, and so far Extra Life has raised millions! Wish me luck, and bring coffee!
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| SOE Live 2012: Smedley says EQNext is the 'largest sandbox-style MMO ever designed' Posted: 19 Oct 2012 07:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, MMO industry, New titles, News items, EverQuest Next, Sandbox  I have to be honest with you. We have completely blown up the design of EverQuest Next. For the last year and a half we have been working on something we are not ready to show. Why did we blow up the design? The design was evolutionary. It was EverQuest III. It was something that was slightly better than what had come before it. It was slightly better.Smedley went on to mention that veteran EQ devs Dave Georgeson and Terry Michaels are spearheading the project, and he promised that it would be playable at next year's SOE Live event.
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| Storyboard: In praise of in-game stereotypes Posted: 19 Oct 2012 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, Lore, Opinion, Roleplaying, Storyboard, Miscellaneous  Odds are decent that you've heard that joke before. It's especially funny from a roleplaying perspective because you can substitute all sorts of things for "unicorn" in that sentence. Vampires, for example. Or werewolves. Defectors from another faction. Magical offspring of major storyline characters. The rarest of all breeds is the character that seems to fit perfectly with the setting steretypes. Roleplayers tend to view stereotypes as one of the seven deadly sins, up there with naming your character after a major lore character and ERPing in public. (It's not the usual list.) This is unfortunate in the extreme because there's a lot to recommend stereotypes beyond the usual. So before you sit down and make a character directly playing against a stereotype, please, stop and keep a few things in mind. Not only are stereotypes not bad, but they actively verge on being good. Continue reading Storyboard: In praise of in-game stereotypes
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| The Daily Grind: What's your most-hated MMO zone? Posted: 19 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Star Wars Galaxies, Massively Meta, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous  It was also a no-build planet, meaning no homes or storyteller decorations (not that there would have been anywhere to put them anyway), so the whole location felt completely isolated from the rest of the game. And while the NGE version of the zone made it one of the few spots for quest-based, mid-tier leveling in the game, it was too difficult and scattershot for actual middlebies. Oh, and did I mention that vehicles and instant-transport ships mysteriously didn't work beneath the top jungle layer? Hope you enjoy running all the way back out again! All right, picking on sunsetted games is just mean, especially when I'd take SWG back in a heartbeat, flaws and all. So what about you -- what's your most-hated MMO zone?  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!
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| SOE Live 2012: PlanetSide 2 launching November 20th, 2012 Posted: 18 Oct 2012 09:33 PM PDT Filed under: Events, real-world, Launches, New titles, PvP, News items, MMOFPS, Massively Event Coverage, PlanetSide 2  During a press conference before the announcement, Creative Director Matt Higby addressed this concern by reminding players that an MMO will never be "finished" as in completed or done. As he put it, the game is "not finished because it's finished; it's finished when it's at a level [SOE] think[s] it should be." He further outlined the state of beta now, saying that the development team has turned the corner, moving from just implementing mechanics that were planned to reacting to beta players' feedback to improve and adjust the game. He emphasized, "Now we know what works better and what doesn't." Stay tuned as Massively brings you more details about PS2's beta, launch, and upcoming plans.  What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on PlanetSide 2, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's world-class roster.
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| SOE Live 2012: Keynote announcements Posted: 18 Oct 2012 09:10 PM PDT Filed under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online, EverQuest Next, Miscellaneous 
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on PlanetSide 2, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's world-class roster.
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| SOE Live 2012: DC Universe Online's next DLC introduces player housing Posted: 18 Oct 2012 09:03 PM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Patches, Free-to-play, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online, Housing  Currently, player heroes in DC Universe Online can experience the same world as the iconic comic book heroes. They walk the same streets, see the same sights, and even fight the same villains. Players even interact with the legendary heroes themselves. But there was always one part of the experience that was missing. What super-hero experience is complete without a Batcave to call your own? Now, with DCUO's next DLC, called Home Turf, Sony Online Entertainment is filling that void: Players will have personal secret lairs. What's better than having a your own place to get away from the rigors of crime fighting in Gotham or Metropolis? Having a place you can personalize to your own style and tastes! And while having a place to hang your cape is all well and good, DCUO is going to offer more than just a private space. Not only will players be able to decorate their lairs, but they will be able to engage in battles right within their own four walls. Friend or foe, you're having company over, super-hero style! Watch tomorrow for Massively's exclusive interview with Creative Director Jens Andersen for a more in-depth look at lairs and this unique PvP dueling feature. In the meantime, check out the official announcement! What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on PlanetSide 2, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's world-class roster.
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| Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule Posted: 18 Oct 2012 08:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Guild Wars, Events, in-game, Patches, News items, Guild Wars 2, Dev Diaries  The Mad King hasn't been seen in Tyria for 250 years, which means it's about time for a reappearance! Guild Wars 2 is on the verge of its first major content update, and ArenaNet just shared a schedule for the Halloween story. Act one will begin on October 22nd, with the subsequent acts following on the 26th, 28th, and 31st. To whet your appetite for this spooky update, there's also a new video with a content tease, so head on over to the content page or check it out past the break. If Guild Wars is more your speed, remember that traditional Halloween festivities will be commencing Friday, October 19th. Continue reading Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule
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| Star Trek Online shows off the Azure Nebula event Posted: 18 Oct 2012 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, News items, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play  The new event will be accessible via a queue system for players at Vice Admiral/Lieutenant General rank or higher. Several Tholian prisons have been set up through the nebula, and players will be tasked with freeing as many ships as possible within a time limit. Bigger ships mean greater rewards, but they're also guarded by more formidable Tholian warships. Success rewards players with both fleet commendations and new Romulan commendations, a fitting prize for making wayward ships feel a little less blue.
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| MMO Burnout: A weekend with Just Cause 2 multiplayer Posted: 18 Oct 2012 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Real life, Galleries, Screenshots, Game mechanics, PvP, Opinion, Sandbox, MMO Burnout  If you've been following the site for a while now, you've probably noticed us reaching into the realm of MOBAs, shooters, and mobile/browser titles. MMO Burnout, then, is our latest branching opinion column, and as the title suggests, it's largely concerned with what to play when you tire of gear resets, rep grinds, and being your shard's 3,721st incarnation of "the One." Don't worry, though; we're not delving into Call of Duty or Angry Birds. Burnout will turn its all-seeing eye on RPGs and open-world action games primarily, and we'll do our due diligence when it comes to the PC modding community, too. Speaking of, won't you join us after the cut for a look at the crazy fun to be had on Just Cause 2's multiplayer server? Continue reading MMO Burnout: A weekend with Just Cause 2 multiplayer
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| Initial 38 Studios auction brings in $180K Posted: 18 Oct 2012 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Miscellaneous  Why Maryland? Because up for bid were a bunch of items from former Maryland-based 38 subsidiary Big Huge Games. The highest-value item was an animation suit that fetched $9,500. The second auction is scheduled for next Tuesday at 38's former offices in Rhode Island. The third auction, which will feature the firm's intellectual property, will take place in approximately three months.
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| RIFT Update 1.11 overhauls classes for Storm Legion Posted: 18 Oct 2012 03:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, RIFT  Most classes have received a wide variety of changes to skills and soul trees, necessitating a reset for many builds. There are so many changes, in fact, that Trion Worlds had to list each of the callings' patch notes in separate forum threads. While players can't spend more than 51 points in any soul, they can now see the additional skills that will come with the expansion. Planar attunement is now shared between characters and has been simplified somewhat. Trion's also loosened restrictions on the wardrobe, allowing players to use clothing from any class for their cosmetic outfits. A world event called Tempest Rising and the unlocking of the Exodus of the Storm Queen dungeon for expansion pre-orders will be triggered in upcoming weeks.
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| The Summoner's Guidebook: Aftermath of the LoL World Championships Posted: 18 Oct 2012 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Opinion, Free-to-play, Massively Event Coverage, MOBA, League of Legends, The Summoner's Guidebook  The World Championships were a Cinderella story, and the Taipei Assassins became the unlikely champions in a decisive victory against Korean favorite Azubu Frost. The characteristic heavy aggression of the top Asian teams has already trickled down to the lower levels of play, and a few less common faces have come to new popularity in ranked and normal games all throughout the League. In the aftermath of the World Championships, what did the tournament mean for the rest of us, the less fortunate who aren't at the top? Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Aftermath of the LoL World Championships
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| Star Wars: The Old Republic transmits free-to-play video Posted: 18 Oct 2012 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Business models, Free-to-play, Star Wars: The Old Republic  While most of it is old news to those following the game, there are a few new tidbits worth noting here. One of these is clarification on character creation restrictions; BioWare revealed that the three free-to-play races are Human, Cyborg, and Zabrak. Previous subscribers are targeted for hugs and love with the F2P transition, as BioWare is not only granting them instant preferred status but also handing them currency to spend in the Cartel Market. Speaking of which, the market is briefly shown in the video with the following categories: featured, newly added, packs, cosmetic, unlocks, equipment, and consumables. Check out the video after the jump and let us know -- are you going back to SWTOR for F2P? Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic transmits free-to-play video
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| First Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds Posted: 18 Oct 2012 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Game mechanics, Previews, PvP, PvE, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, First Impressions, Miscellaneous  You play a WarMage, a caster-type who has been set into the world to defend and conquer other WarMages. Your weapons consist of a small army, creatures, and a hotbar filled with scrolls, artifacts, and spells, and you battle it out with other players and NPCs on sometimes large (but always manageable) maps. If you have played Pox Nora, a turn-based title from Sony Online Entertainment, then you will be familiar with WarMage Battlegrounds. But WarMage Battlegrounds does some things that are well ahead of Pox Nora, things that take strategy gaming to newer heights. Continue reading First Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds
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| The Secret World unveils Cat God storyline for Halloween Posted: 18 Oct 2012 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Trailers, Video, Events, in-game, News items, The Secret World  Autumn is finally upon us (unless you live in Florida like I do), and every MMO player knows what that means: Halloween events! But how do you celebrate Halloween in a game where every day is nothing but ghosts and ghouls? You add more ghosts and ghouls, obviously. At least that's The Secret World's strategy. Funcom's horror-centric MMO is going all-out for its Halloween bash by introducing a new storyline and villain. With some help from Kingsmouth's local medium, Madame Rogét, players will unravel the mystery of the enigmatic Cat God. But of course, what would Halloween be without trick-or-treating? During TSW's Halloween event, players who play through the new missions will be rewarded with goody bags that contain unique items such as "edible treats which give cool buffs, potions with unique and ominous effects and wondrous objects which can transform [players] into monstrous creatures." And for those of you who like turning innocent holidays about dead people into fervent competition, the event will also play host to a game-wide competition. The secret society with the most active members will win unique prizes. All players on the winning faction will receive the Jade Mouser cat non-combat pet, and the secret society will earn the "eternal gratitude of all catkind," which will add a new, permanent feature to that society's headquarters. To see more of what awaits you, check out the trailer after the cut, then go get in the game because the event is live today! Continue reading The Secret World unveils Cat God storyline for Halloween
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| Star Citizen crowdsourcing moves to Kickstarter Posted: 18 Oct 2012 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, MMO industry  The good news for interested parties is that the game is already halfway to its fundraising goal, as one out of two million dollars has been raised through pledges. The Star Citizen Kickstarter is attempting to pull in $500,000 by November 19th. For his part, Roberts is bowled over: "It's a testament to the will power of our amazing fans. At a time when most would have given up, some dedicated fans kept trying to log on and eventually were able to get through and make a pledge. We appreciate all those efforts, and now with Kickstarter, we believe we have an answer for everyone." [Source: Cloud Imperium press release]
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| Ask Massively: Rules, sources, and buy-to-play MMOs Posted: 18 Oct 2012 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Massively Meta, Ask Massively, Community Q&A, Miscellaneous  Gamers follow a set of rules, too, when it comes to judging games. Indie games are judged less harshly than blockbuster developers. Overhyped games are held to a higher standard. Games with subs are cut less slack than freemium titles. You might not have codified all these little rules into a 4,001-word document, but they're rattling around your brain making decisions for you all the same. So let's talk about rules and how they apply to Massively's sources and buy-to-play MMOs like Guild Wars 2. Continue reading Ask Massively: Rules, sources, and buy-to-play MMOs
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| Chaos Theory: Hitting a wall in The Secret World Posted: 18 Oct 2012 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Opinion, The Secret World, Chaos Theory  I've heard that some players hit a wall when they reach Blue Mountain, as it's the first zone that exposes poor builds and renders their users unable to progress through the waves of ak'abs and the quests that ramp up the challenge level from Kingsmouth or the Savage Coast. For whatever reason, though, I coasted through Blue Mountain. It's Egypt that has me wandering aimlessly about, scratching my head and wondering what now. It's not even Egypt itself. That's just the zone I happen to find myself in during this mid-game-life crisis. Join me as I attempt to use Chaos Theory to figure out what's wrong and what to do about it. Continue reading Chaos Theory: Hitting a wall in The Secret World
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