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WildStar's newest video takes aim at... well, aiming
There's an element of fire-and-forget in a large number of MMOs, a sense that all of the hard work of targeting is done for you by the game. You click on your target, you activate your ability, and that's all the thought you need to put into aiming. But WildStar is looking to change that, as outlined in the newest Dev Speak video. Aiming your abilities correctly is a big part of playing the game, and failing to do so means missing your target about all of the time. Lead class designer Hugh Shelton and lead combat systems designer Chris Lynch took the time to talk a little more about the particulars of aiming with several media outlets because this is something that takes a large amount of consideration. So head past the cut not only for the video, but also for more valuable details on the art of making abilities go where you want.
Take a tour through the new daily hub of Star Wars: The Old Republic
The Czerka Corporation in Star Wars: The Old Republic isn't evil, just amoral and motivated by ill-considered greed. And sometimes, yes, that does mean that a facility goes completely rogue and outside help needs to be called in to try and salvage the situation. That's what happened on CZ-198, and if you're wondering what sort of daily tasks will be necessary to retake the facility, you can take a gander at the full rundown of the daily quests for the zone right now. The zone has four daily quests as well as a weekly component that includes both of the new flashpoints run on any difficulty. If the promise of earning credits isn't enough to get you into the daily routine, you've also got the requisite selection of rewards, including two new sets of adaptive armor and a new customization for HK-51. Even when its facilities get overrun and require large-scale intervention by paramilitary strike teams, Czerka Corporation makes your life better.
World of Warcraft is definitely getting an in-game store
It's not that big of a change, if you think about it. World of Warcraft has been playing around with microtransactions for quite some time, starting with the infamous sparkle pony, so it seemed only a matter of time until Blizzard moved past the rather archaic web interface. Community manager Bashiok has now confirmed that there is an in-game store coming, although the company is still determining exactly what will be introduced in the store. Bashiok went on to state that several of the items being introduced at the outset will be introduced in Asian regions and that it will take some time to retrofit the existing web store items to in-game system. He also clarified that the additions to the store will be taking player feedback into account and focused upon selling convenience items rather than actual power. Either way, the day is quickly approaching when World of Warcraft will have a cash shop like so many other games.
Gloria Victis releases its first pre-alpha trailer
Gloria Victis has been slowly unveiling new bits of information to fans, mostly focusing on screenshots. But screenshots don't show the world in motion, which is kind of a big deal -- a game can look wonderful in stills but move stiffly, or it can look nice in motion and be boring in static pictures. So fans should be quite happy to see the first trailer from the game showing off four minutes of gameplay, UI, and animations. If you haven't been interested in Gloria Victis before now, you still might want to take a look at the trailer, since it's narrated with an explanation of the game's design principles and overall goals. It's definitely meant to be more on the low fantasy end of the scale, focusing on freeform attacks and player skill over gear progression and the like. If that sounds like your thing, take a look past the break and check out the full trailer. [Thanks to Liting for the tip!]
Massively's video preview of Guild Wars 2's Bazaar of the Four Winds
The Bazaar of the Four Winds content update for Guild Wars 2 will hit live servers tomorrow, and players will have a plethora of new activities and areas to explore. In addition to wandering through a new area called the Labyrinthine Cliffs, the denizens of Tyria can engage in a competitive obstacle course race, the aptly named Belcher's Bluff drinking game, a crystalline scavenger hunt, and Skyhammer, an asura-themed PvP map. The achievement system is also undergoing a major overhaul with a flashy new UI and a brand-spanking-new reward system, which will shower gifts upon the game's most dedicated players. Take a hop past the cut to witness all of the changes in our video preview of the Bazaar of the Four Winds.
The Daily Grind: What game has the brightest future?
It's easy to be cynical and pessimistic about MMOs. At Massively, we know that very well, since hardly a week goes by without some bit of bad news coming out of a major studio. But there's also a time and a place to be optimistic, to look over the horizon and say that a game is doing well -- that what's around the corner is a good omen, not just another harbinger of doom. Today's question is simple. What game, in your opinion, has the brightest future? Are you psyched about the options in EVE Online? Thrilled at the thought of Final Fantasy XIV's re-release? Even just excited to keep playing World of Warcraft? There's no reason to disparage anything else. Today, we just want to know what game you think has the brightest future and why. Let's be optimists for a little while. 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!
Blizzard 'exploring' microtransactions in World of Warcraft
Microtransactions are nothing new for World of Warcraft, but the game has never had an actual in-game store. You've had pets and mounts that toe the line, but the line still existed. Then a bit of datamining turned up an experience boosting item that looked as if it might be tied to an in-game store. But datamining isn't the same as actual confirmation, and thus much nervous hand-wringing ensued... until community representative Zarhym confirmed that yep, this is a thing that is happening. Zarhym's posts specifically state that Blizzard is "exploring the possibility" rather than definitely adding a microtransaction store, but it seems the most likely outcome. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but sooner rather than later. No word on what this means for the future of the game's business model or how much will change from the game's current system with an online storefront, but it's certainly surprising to see one of the last games without an in-game store taking steps toward adding one.
'Everything in the world is fair game': Chris Whiteside on Guild Wars 2's living world
Someday playing MMOs will be like visiting that virtual-reality club in Minority Report or stepping onto a holodeck that conveniently sits between your fridge and bathroom. Today, however, we're still playing on screens and in worlds that don't quite feel alive. That goat-herding NPC you once helped do his job? Yeah, he's still there doing the same thing he was last week. ArenaNet has tried to push Guild Wars 2 in the right direction with its "living world" philosophy -- the idea that events can come and go, experiences can change year to year, and perhaps players can even change the landscape of Tyria itself. Last week, Chris Whiteside, Studio Design Director at ArenaNet, chatted with us about how this living world, even in its infancy, is already starting to change what it means to be an MMO.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is looking for corporate troubleshooters on the test server
Sometimes, being a corporate troubleshooter means that your job is identifying weak points in a company and strengthening infrastructure. Other times, such as in the Star Wars: The Old Republic update available on the test server, it means that your job is shooting trouble. Seems that Czerka Corporation has sort of lost control of an important test moon, and that means that player characters will need to visit a new daily hub as well as two new level 55 Flashpoints. These Flashpoints aren't the usual fare; they feature both a Hard Mode and a Story Mode, with the latter allowing any combination of roles to clear the flashpoint for shorter queue times and a more relaxed experience. You've also got two new reputations to explore, one for the daily hub and one for the upcoming Bounty Broker event. If you've done all there is to do on Makeb, the patch means you'll have plenty more to do soon. There's also a new Companions 101 piece on Corso Riggs, but really, a new patch is a bit more interesting.
Dungeons & Dragons Online screenshots show off new monsters
Just like its source material, Dungeons & Dragons Online is largely a game about killing new and interesting monsters across new and interesting landscapes. So the upcoming expansion Shadowfell Conspiracy really needs to have both. We've seen the landscapes, but now we're also getting a look at the monsters, some of which seem downright personable if you can get past the fact that they'll be trying to kill you. And if you look past the gore-soaked weapons. Maybe they're not all that personable after all. The shots in the gallery below include some general gaming staples (griffons), some specific Dungeons & Dragons staples (beholders), and some things that look like nothing even vaguely familiar. And rest assured, you'll be finding ways to kill every single one of them. So take a look at the gallery if you can't wait until August 19th to see the new face of your enemy. [Source: Turbine Entertainment press release] %Gallery-190160%
EverQuest II shares details about update 67, Darkness Dawns
Are you ready for another update to EverQuest II? Especially one that dusts off some old content, offers some new ways to access existing content, and streamlines the benefits from clearing all of the new content? All of the above is coming in the next major update, Darkness Dawns, slated for release on July 30th. The update will be updating four dungeons from the very first expansion with high-level items and challenges, letting veterans experience old favorites and new players take on a whole new challenge. The update will also add three new Contested Avatars and the Arena of the Gods, which allows players to pit themselves against Avatars at will for slightly weaker rewards. Players can also start enjoying the new Character Advancement Templates, allowing characters to select pre-built templates for Alternate Advancement and Prestige Abilities or save custom layouts, with the added advantage that these can be swapped without any respec fees. July 30th probably seems like a far-away date, but considering the size of the patch, we're betting it'll be worth it. [Thanks to Timmy for the tip!]
Massively's video preview of Guild Wars 2's Sky Pirates of Tyria Patch [Updated]
It's a new week, and that must mean we're ready for new content in Guild Wars 2. ArenaNet continues to pump out content quicker than a long-tailed Charr in a room full of rocking chairs, and tomorrow players will experience the Sky Pirates of Tyria game update. The main feature of this patch is the new five-player dungeon, Aetherblade Retreat. This limited-time dungeon pits players against the lightning-wielding aerial pirates known as the Aetherblades. Two unique boss encounters await players to test their skills, and new rewards, such as an infinite tonic recipe and a monocle, can be earned by those who succeed. The third Guild Wars 2 novel, Sea of Sorrows by Ree Soesbee, also releases tomorrow; players can partake in an in-game scavenger hunt that ties into important locations from the book. Finding the 12 marriners' plaques scattered around Lion's Arch (and Orr) won't be easy, but players tenacious enough to uncover them all will be rewarded with a consumable worth five skill points. There are many other exciting additions going into this patch, so check out the video preview past the cut for more details. (Minor spoiler warning to anyone who hasn't yet done the effigy lighting ceremony and subsequent investigation yet.) [Update]: In the video, I mention killing Horrik first during the end boss fight of the Aetherblade Retreat dungeon. It should have said kill Mai Trin first as that is the correct tactic. My apologies!
Age of Wushu getting new factions and character trading in China
While you can't be certain about the future of a game in your country based on what happens in its native country, that's certainly the way to bet. So the good news is that Age of Wushu players can look forward to some neat stuff in the future, including new factions and schools. A recent preview highlights the Villa of the Beasts, a school deep in the wilds that focuses on hand-to-hand combat in nature. There are even rumors that the school will eventually allow for pet companions. The game is experimenting with a character trading service, allowing you to directly list characters for sale without having to sell your entire account and risk hacking. Whether or not the service on a whole is a good thing for the health of the game is an exercise for the reader. There's no timetable for any of this coming over to the game in the West, but in all likelihood it's just a matter of time. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
E3 2013: World of Tanks is blasting its way to the 360
Good news, tank fans! World of Tanks is heading to the Xbox 360 soon. Wargaming.net's partnership with Microsoft has been a huge milestone for both companies, as there hasn't been a large library of F2P games to grace the console's life. Although it's particularly late in the game's life to see World of Tanks hit the console market, transition to a controller-based system has actually been a good thing for the game. At this year's E3, Massively talked with Wargaming's Jeremy Monroe a bit about the company's growth, World of Tanks on the 360, and future plans for game releases.
E3 2013: Warframe is coming to a PS4 near you
Nestled deep within the Sony booth at E3 amongst a horde of gamewatchers was the Warframe demo. It's a PC title from Digital Extremes that will be released on the PS4 platform at launch. Free for anyone subscribing to PSN, Warframe is a third-person shooter that is definitely undertaking some experimentation in the graphics and control departments. The PS4 demo was graphically superior to plenty of titles, running in full 1080P without a hitch or glitch in performance. Controls were responsive (although they took some getting used to), and playing with a handful of players was exhilarating at the Sony booth. I'm used to more of a keyboard-and-mouse control setup, but console fraggers will feel right at home.
E3 2013: DUST 514 and EVE's virtual reality demo
To an outsider, CCP Games' focus on EVE Online's player panel, comics, incoming television series about player adventures, and museum induction show just how much the company works to earn its players' respect, which might sound weird for studio running a cutthroat PvP sandbox. But I've always felt as if I made stronger personal attachments through high-stakes PvP than through most other gaming activities. I don't play EVE or its console cousin DUST 514, but after stopping by the CCP booth for my interview and hands-on at E3 yesterday, I feel as if I should be doing more than reading and writing about it.
E3 2013: Taking another look at HEX
HEX. It's a difficult concept to grasp: a massively multiplayer online trading card game, combining elements of roleplaying goodness and the thrill of building a deck of powerful cards to combat the next evil underlord monster. At this year's E3, Massively sat down with Cory Jones, president of Cryptozoic Studios, to get the skinny on what HEX is all about.
E3 2013: Stealing cabbages in The Elder Scrolls Online
I eagerly consumed about 45 minutes of The Elder Scrolls Online during E3 this week. I stayed glued to my keyboard and headphones until the expo hall closed and I was told to clear out. Part of this time was spent interviewing the nearest willing Bethesda employee, and every other second was hauling Orc butt around ESO. My character of choice, an Orc Dragonknight, loaded into the game on the other side of a polygon-rich bridge from an equally polygon-rich town. The Bethesda employee standing nearby mentioned I could go into the town for some guided content the team had prepared. I made a sharp right turn into the stream and killed a deer instead.
E3 2013: The Division, Ubisoft's MMO shooter
Ubisoft's claim that its new MMO shooter The Division will have a "persistent world" piqued Massively's collective interest. At E3, we chatted briefly with Game Director Ryan Bernard, who has previously worked on EverQuest, EverQuest 2, and Warhammer Online. I asked what about the game and its persistent nature would appeal to MMO players and was told that actually, the team doesn't plan to make it "too persistent" at all. Each player will have his own little chunk of the world. Everything in that part of the world is persistent for him, and his friends can come over and help him out, kind of like Animal Crossing without the talking tanuki. The developers believe this will allow for a strong single-player experience while still having a visible impact on the player's slice of the world. There are places in the world that are persistent for everyone: the PvP areas. You won't want to travel around them without friends, but unfortunately, Bernard couldn't reveal more. The game is being released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but Ubisoft hasn't ruled out other platforms or cross-platform play just yet. Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 10-13, bringing you all the best news from E3 2013. We're covering everything from WildStar and Elder Scrolls Online and ArcheAge to FFXIV's inbound revamp and TERA's latest update, so stay tuned!
E3 2013: Chatting with Team WildStar
Massively returned to the WildStar demos at E3 on Thursday to chat one last time with the team from Carbine. As we noted in yesterday's Q&A article, Carbine had already declared it wasn't making any big announcements at E3. It always intended a low-key presence, sharing a booth hosted by Alienware and offering the same demo gamers are at PAX East, just brought to the west coast. Why Alienware? WildStar runs really great on a laptop. Good news, though: Carbine plans to have a big WildStar presence at Gamescom and PAX, and the team is working on demos that will show new content, new races, and new classes.
