Tuesday, September 9, 2014

MMO Updates

MMO Updates

Hyperspace Beacon: Five tips for making SWTOR conquests work for smaller guilds

Posted: 09 Sep 2014 10:00 AM PDT

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Hyperspace Beacon: Five tips for making SWTOR conquests work for smaller guilds
In my last column, I explained the shortcomings of the conquest system in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Despite the issues I have with the system, I still think it's a great way to encourage players to revisit older content, and most importantly, to build guild unity. I know there are some guilds on my server in which members don't even have to participate at all in conquests for that guild to appear on the top ten. But what about those guilds who don't have hundreds of members? What about those guilds who have maybe 20 or so members? Can they even compete?

My guild has about 20 people who log in on raid nights; when the raid is done, maybe five or six will stick around. Now, I'm not saying that this is a healthy state for a guild (we are looking for more members!), but the few dedicated members pulled us ahead. For the last two weeks, our guild was in the top 10, and not barely in the top 10 either. This week we hit number seven, and the week before we were six.

Here are my tips for how your small guild can get ahead in conquests, too.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Five tips for making SWTOR conquests work for smaller guilds

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Five tips for making SWTOR conquests work for smaller guilds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Albion Online's closed beta trailer promotes player cities and maps

    Posted: 09 Sep 2014 09:30 AM PDT

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    Albion Online
    Ahead of the opening of Albion Online's alpha doors on September 15th, Sandbox Interactive has released a new gameplay video detailing what's inbound for testers and new founders. Specifically, the team has been hard at work on mounts (horses for you and oxen for your stuff), guild alliances, fast-travel via ships, the housing system, improved maps (like the slick and shiny one above), castle sieges, and the player-governed cities that serve as the foundation of the game's political content.

    Enjoy the video after the break -- we're still oohing and aahing over that shiny skill web.

    Continue reading Albion Online's closed beta trailer promotes player cities and maps

    MassivelyAlbion Online's closed beta trailer promotes player cities and maps originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Repopulation's new alpha trailer features pets, housing, and the open world

      Posted: 09 Sep 2014 09:00 AM PDT

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      The Repopulation
      Above and Beyond has just released another alpha teaser video for upcoming sci-fi sandbox The Repopulation. The two-minute trailer sweeps through panoramas and highlights riding mounts, dual-wield electricity-sword combat, fishing, pet taming, dancing, and building and decorating houses in the open world, a set of activities no doubt intended to appeal to fans of a certain other sci-fi sandbox -- not that we're complaining.

      The team has also promised another live giveaway and question-and-answer session with fans on Twitch coming up this weekend on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

      The video is below.

      Continue reading The Repopulation's new alpha trailer features pets, housing, and the open world

      MassivelyThe Repopulation's new alpha trailer features pets, housing, and the open world originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Final Fantasy XI rolls out the September version update

      Posted: 09 Sep 2014 08:30 AM PDT

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      Dear Square-Enix: please start releasing screenshots in this game that are actually sized for people to use them for something. 300 pixels is shameful, and blowing it up makes your still-pretty game look horrible. Sincerely, everyone trying to use screenshots from this game in a professional capacity.
      Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to log in to Final Fantasy XI and start your weapons. Assuming they need to be started, anyway; they probably don't require a ripcord or anything. The point is that the game has just released its September version update, which brings with it several new forms of battle content. Obviously the addition of the Incursion battle is the biggest addition, but Surge Walks and Endowed Walks are now available in the Walk of Echoes, giving players that much more to tear through in battle.

      Rune fencers, dragoons, dancers, blue mages, and beastmasters have also undergone some job changes, while alter egos have been buffed with the inclusion of "killer" traits and some individual buffs. As always, there's a lot of other content in the patch and several quality-of-life adjustments; if you're enjoying your time in Vana'diel, it would make sense to check out the full patch notes to see all the details. While you're waiting for your weapon to start, maybe.

      MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI rolls out the September version update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Star Citizen answers a new round of subscriber questions

      Posted: 09 Sep 2014 08:00 AM PDT

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      Thanks for subscribing to an unfinished game concept!
      Ready for another round of answers about Star Citizen's mechanics? Because that's what you're going to get in the video just past the cut. Chris Roberts picks out 10 questions from the game's subscriber base, talks a bit about the community, and then answers all of them in as much detail as he can provide. Rather fittingly given recent events, he starts off with questions about electronic warfare, data hacking, and stealing data from ship databases and the like.

      Other questions ask about being able to take jobs on NPC ships, using rovers on different planets and for different purposes, and the encounter slider for ships crewed by players who prefer different sorts of content. There's also an in-depth discussion of some of the guiding principles used to make decisions and solve problems when crafting the game's fictional environment. Hop on past the break to watch the full video, although you may want to wait until later if you're pressed for time right now (it's nearly half an hour).

      Continue reading Star Citizen answers a new round of subscriber questions

      MassivelyStar Citizen answers a new round of subscriber questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Guild Wars 2's September Feature Pack goes live today

      Posted: 09 Sep 2014 07:00 AM PDT

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      ArenaNet has been hyping the heck out of Guild Wars 2's September Feature Pack, and today we get to see if it lives up to the advanced billing.

      The firm's press release states that the pack "focuses exclusively on in-game features" including a new trading post, wardrobe tweaks, collection achievements, and a revised newb experience.

      MassivelyGuild Wars 2's September Feature Pack goes live today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Daily Grind: Are day-one reviews of MMOs fair?

        Posted: 09 Sep 2014 06:00 AM PDT

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        This is pretty much how I feel during launch week
        We've discussed the issues associated with previewing and reviewing MMOs on Massively before (we don't do "reviews" at all, you'll recall), but Bungie has brought the topic to the surface of MMO discussion once again. Ahead of Destiny's launch this week, Bungie wrote a blog post echoing what most MMO developers have long known: Experience with a launch MMO, with its systems not fully formed and its players not swarming the zones, can't really produce a review that fully captures the feel of a game with millions of people fluttering around in it. And even in a game with only 20 levels, a day-one reviewer can't possibly have completed enough content to deliver more than a snapshot of the gameplay.

        Bungie didn't even mention the likelihood of the day-one MMO launch disasters that we're all so unfortunately familiar with, disasters that often make MMOs unplayable, never mind unreviewable. Still, if a game sucks at launch, isn't it fair to say so? A snapshot is useful for what it is, and there's no reason a developer should get a free pass on criticism at launch just because MMOs usually improve with age and warm bodies.

        What do you think -- are early MMO reviews fair? How do you weigh them when deciding whether to purchase a game?

        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 day-one reviews of MMOs fair? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Blade 9 closed beta starts September 9

          Posted: 08 Sep 2014 07:00 PM PDT

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          Are you looking for a new MMO? Blade 9 could be the one. Or it could be utter crap, who can say at this point. Either way, social gamemaker GBE is launching a closed beta of the free-to-play fantasy title on September 9th.

          GBE says that Blade 9 is an MMORPG with "no fixed classes" and "insanely powerful" ruin weapons that drop randomly and offer all players a chance to wield them. We've embedded the firm's full press release after the cut alongside a preview trailer, in case you're curious.

          [Source: GBE Games press release]

          Continue reading Blade 9 closed beta starts September 9

          MassivelyBlade 9 closed beta starts September 9 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Not So Massively: LoL's lore reboot, Destiny's launch, and Firefly Online's beta

            Posted: 08 Sep 2014 06:00 PM PDT

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            NSM - Destiny
            Welcome back to No So Massively, where every Monday we round up the highlights from the past week in the world of MOBAs, roguelikes, MMOTCGs, and other games that aren't quite MMOs.

            Continue reading Not So Massively: LoL's lore reboot, Destiny's launch, and Firefly Online's beta

            MassivelyNot So Massively: LoL's lore reboot, Destiny's launch, and Firefly Online's beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Yogventures gives Landmark keys as additional consolation gifts

              Posted: 08 Sep 2014 05:00 PM PDT

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              landmark
              Supporters of Yogventures have another consolation gift to go in take the edge off of the loss of their dream game: a key for Landmark.

              Massively readers might remember that Yogventures was a Kickstarter campaign that over-funded, was mismanaged, and then imploded, taking over almost $570,000 from 13,000 backers with it. Owner Yogcast then partnered itself with TUG, providing free TUG Steam keys for those backers and transferring all Yogventures assets to Nerd Kingdom.

              It looks as though Landmark has some sort of alliance with Yogcast, as the official site encourages gamers to play with the Yogcast crew. Further compensation for Yogventures backers may be forthcoming.

              MassivelyYogventures gives Landmark keys as additional consolation gifts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              EQII producer's letter talks Altar of Malice date, features

              Posted: 08 Sep 2014 04:00 PM PDT

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              SOE's Holly "Windstalker" Longdale has penned a new EverQuest II producer's letter and published it on the game's forums. It contains a general update schedule from now through the end of November as well as an overview of the content in the Altar of Malice expansion.

              Said expansion launches on November 25, with an open beta on October 14 and an All Access member beta on October 7.

              MassivelyEQII producer's letter talks Altar of Malice date, features originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Path of Exile preps new flame effect and Taiwan patches

              Posted: 08 Sep 2014 03:00 PM PDT

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              Do you want some ICE for that BURN? Ha ha! Seriously, that's got to hurt.
              Have you long wanted to summon demonic flame from your fingertips in Path of Exile? You'll get your chance in the game's 1.2.2 patch; it's being added as a new microtransaction spell effect. The developers are also rolling the game's latest mini-expansion, Forsaken Masters, out to the Taiwanese servers as well, launching it before the game's first mini-expansion. It's a more beginner-friendly update, so it makes more sense to launch it first. This all comes courtesy of the game's recent mini-news roundup, covering several small but relevant points of interest.

              Other updates include discussions being held on the game's next race event, which will probably be significantly different from prior events as the team wishes to clearly distinguish between races meant for hardcore or more casual players. Master/Grandmaster supporter art packs have also begun the process of shipping, with several more prepared for the mail now. Check out the full post for a few more details, or just check out that demonic flame effect in a video past the cut.

              Continue reading Path of Exile preps new flame effect and Taiwan patches

              MassivelyPath of Exile preps new flame effect and Taiwan patches originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Star Citizen updates backers on the status of Arena Commander V0.9

              Posted: 08 Sep 2014 02:00 PM PDT

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              HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE, TAKE A RIDE INTO THE DANGER ZONE AS WE RELEASE MODULES WHICH VAGUELY APPROXIMATE THE DANGER ZONE!
              Star Citizen's latest update to the Arena Commander module has not come out yet. Yes, V0.9 is being held back slightly, but there's a good reason for that. A recent dispatch from the development team explains that the update just had not been rigorously tested enough to release, especially with the overall goal of making fast progress from V0.9 to V1.0.

              Of course, the V0.9 update also offers a significant number of upgrades to the experience as a whole, which makes the change that much more understandable. Improvements include the addition of the Murray Cup Racing Mode and the Vanduul Swarm Co-op Mode, leaderboard functionality, and improvements to existing hangars. The update also includes the M50 and 350R ships for all modes and adjustments to make flight options more robust. So you'll have to wait a little longer for the update, but the hope is that it's more than worth the wait.

              [Thanks to Cardboard for the tip!]

              MassivelyStar Citizen updates backers on the status of Arena Commander V0.9 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Monday

              Posted: 08 Sep 2014 01:00 PM PDT

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              The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Monday
              It's Monday! Why celebrate? Because it's Marvel Heroes Monday, that's why. Of course, it's not as if Massively's MJ actually needs a reason to dive in and revel in the plethora of super powers, but it definitely makes Mondays better. This week the focus is on finishing up as much of the story line as possible on Storm because MJ knows as soon as Rogue is released, it's game over for all the other heroes in the line up! Can MJ power through the missions, or will she be distracted by all the shiny loot and XP from the latest Cosmic Chaos event? Join us live at 3:00 p.m. to see!

              Game: Marvel Heroes
              Host: MJ Guthrie
              Date: Monday, September 8th, 2014
              Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT

              Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

              Continue reading The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Monday

              MassivelyThe Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Monday originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                ESPN boss: E-sports aren't sports

                Posted: 08 Sep 2014 12:30 PM PDT

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                Sports journalism Death Star ESPN has weighed in on the argument about whether or not e-sports are sports. ESPN president John Skipper, speaking at the recent Code/Media Series: New York conference, was asked to comment on Amazon's $1 billion Twitch deal and associated e-sports programming.

                "It's not a sport, it's a competition," Skipper said. "Chess is a competition. Checkers is a competition. Mostly I'm interested in doing real sports." Which is probably why ESPN covers real sports like poker.

                MassivelyESPN boss: E-sports aren't sports originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Darkfall gives players a day to log in and purchase D.U.E.L.

                Posted: 08 Sep 2014 12:00 PM PDT

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                Come back for a day and buy a thing!
                What is D.U.E.L.? It's Darkfall Unholy Wars' equivalent to EVE Online's PLEX, a way to extend your subscription to the game while allowing you to trade for in-game currency. And if that's what's kept you away from the game, your inability to pay for your subscription by earning more currency in the game? You're in luck, as the game is offering a special one-day reactivation on September 11th for lapsed subscribers to log in, purchase D.U.E.L., and possibly get back into the game.

                Players have expressed some consternation over this decision, arguing that a single day in the middle of the week is an odd time to reinstall, log back in, and try to purchase an item. Official statements by Aventurine staff have clarified that this is only a single flash promotion, and it does not rule out the possibility of other similar promotions in the future.

                [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

                MassivelyDarkfall gives players a day to log in and purchase D.U.E.L. originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Skyforge trumpets Paladin class

                Posted: 08 Sep 2014 11:30 AM PDT

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                skyforge
                The mix of sci-fi and fantasy themes in Skyforge marches on, as the upcoming MMO announced its latest class: the Paladin. Heavy armor? Big sword? Giant shield? Divine backing? Yes on all counts.

                According to the reveal, Paladins "are the spiritual heirs of Aeli and a true weapon of good." As would be expected from this type of class, Paladins are tank characters with high health, fast regeneration, the ability to shield allies, and plenty of defensive skills. The Paladin builds up righteous anger to unleash in the form of special abilities and must pretty much always fight in melee range.

                We've got the Paladin trailer after the break, so give it a look-see and let us know what you think!

                Continue reading Skyforge trumpets Paladin class

                MassivelySkyforge trumpets Paladin class originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Elite: Dangerous explores the path of... exploring

                Posted: 08 Sep 2014 11:00 AM PDT

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                They traveled thousands of light-years to discover the terrifying secret: Space is stupid.
                So what do you want to do in Elite: Dangerous? Do you want to get into space dogfights? Build up a trade empire? Or do you really just want to accelerate to high speeds, jump out into the unexplored portions of space, and start seeing what's there? The latest newsletter for the game discusses precisely that with the exploration mechanics. Just exploring in the broadest sense is fairly simple, but being the first person to visited an unseen system won't count as exploring a heretofore unexplored location.

                To really explore a system, players need to determine how many major bodies there are in orbit around the star and scan the lot of them before returning home to tell about it. Having a full set of data and being the first to return with it will provide big rewards to the explorer, but if another ship comes across yours and it wants the prize of being the first to explore the system... let's just say there are no laws against loading weapons and opening fire.

                MassivelyElite: Dangerous explores the path of... exploring originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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