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Recommended Reading: How baseball's tech team changed television
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. The Changeup by Ben Popper The Verge The streaming tech that powers HBO Now? It was built by Major League Baseball Advanced Media (BAM). Yes, the same outfit that handles MLB.tv and announced a partnership with the National Hockey League to handle its streaming services this week. The Verge takes a behind-the-scenes look at the department and what it's doing to build the future of television.
TERA introduces Kickstarter-esque BAM Killer event
Instead of asking for cash, TERA has taken to crowdfunding to solicit manpower. Using a fake Kickstarter page, En Masse invites players to help combat the out-of-control population explosion of BAMs -- or Big Ass monsters -- throughout TERA before they invade our world. How dire is the situation? Watch the video below to see! From now until September 16th, players can contribute to the BAM kill count and work toward the ultimate goal of 5 million BAMs dead in 21 days. Each day players log in during the event they will receive a special loot box that will contain five federation bills and a chance to drop bronze, silver, or gold BAM tokens -- tokens that can be exchanged for costumes, accessories, and even weapons exclusive to this event. For a look at all the possible rewards, check out the BAM Killer program. [Source: En Masse press release]
TERA's level cap to hit 65, new continent on its way
Bluehole Studio and En Masse Entertainment have announced today that their fantasy MMO TERA will be receiving a level cap increase and expand into a new continent later this year. The level cap will increase to 65, adding new skills and glyphs in the process. Along with this will come the Northern Arun continent and the world's fourth largest city, new instance dungeons, quest guide, enchanting system improvements, and more. Mention of a special competition for seasonal guild housing is also in the notes, and players are speculating in the forum thread about what this might mean. While Korea will get this new content in late July, En Masse says that the goal is to make it available for North American players by the end of the year. [Thanks to Leiloni for the tip!]
TERA pounds out patch improvements
Patch 18.10.08 may not be the biggest content update in the history of TERA, but its humble offerings are nothing but good news to the playerbase. The newly available patch includes a couple of highly useful drops as well as additional bonuses for inexperienced dungeon runners. Gamers can now fiddle with their gear's bonus options with semi-enigmatic scrolls, which are found as players defeat the big-ass monsters in various parts of the game. Those monsters also have a chance to drop complete crystalbind scrolls, which keep crystals from breaking due to death for a limited time. The team really wants players to invite new people into group runs, which is why a trio of additional rookie buffs have been added. These buffs protect crystals from breaking, allow for a one-time on-the-spot resurrection, and increase attack power by 12% for the entire group.
TERA's Chris Lee shares the trials and joys of transforming an MMO
What was En Masse VP of Publishing Chris Lee's favorite memory of working on TERA? According to a new dev diary, it was when Lee got his hands on the first English-translated build of the game: "At that time we were learning first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of each class, how a balanced party made a difference in the instances, and how much damn fun it was to kill a BAM." Saying that it was a "different game" when the studio first got involved with TERA's Westernization, Lee said that the team had to identify problem spots that would need changing in order to bring it to market in North America and Europe. One of the biggest changes was making the game far more solo-friendly after level 20. Lee shared a few anecdotes about life at En Masse, including a competition between team members to level as quickly as possible in beta and then again in live. He's excited to see the game gaining traction with a diverse community: "What's really interesting is the variety of people that TERA has drawn. In addition to our strong community, we have seen tweets from NFL players, Penny Arcade editors, and even Felicia Day about playing the game."
Beware of BAMs in TERA's Feral Valley
If you haven't ponied up for a TERA pre-order or scored an invite to the game's ongoing closed beta weekends, you might want to head to MMORPG.com and check out the newest zone preview video. Even if you are gearing up for another jaunt through Arborea this Friday, the clip is worth a look because it shows off more of the game's gorgeous environment, character, and mob visuals. Feral Valley is the setting, and lest you think the location is mislabeled, one of TERA's ubiquitous big-ass monsters calls the place home (and throws his weight around quite handily as wave after wave of player characters attempt to take him down). See for yourself after the break.
The Soapbox: The absurdity of the NDA
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column. So Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA dropped. Now the entire world (officially) knows the skinny on BioWare's new themepark, and I'm hard-pressed to think of a more anti-climactic NDA death. Even if you weren't following the game over the past few months, you knew exactly what to expect -- provided you weren't a Star Wars or a BioWare virgin. This complete lack of surprise is one reason why the whole MMORPG NDA thing is a joke, and TOR is just the latest in a long series of punchlines.
En Masse talks more on Creatures of Magnitudinous Derrieres
Mmmyes, quite. TERA's press onslaught continues in full-force (though still sans release date) as En Masse Entertainment has released some new information regarding -- you guessed it -- Big Ass Monsters. Of particular note in the article is the ovolith, an arachnid BAM that transforms into a cocoon and is capable of spraying players with a lethal venom. Players, of course, can't just rely on the random number generator to save them. They have to actively dodge the poison as well as the monster's quick pincer attacks. The game's Monster Concept Lead Artist, Junghyun Kim, says there are certain challenges that arise when designing new creatures. Kim states that "The monster's outer shape matters a lot in combat because TERA lets players aim their attacks naturally. Auto-targeting games only need a normal attack with different attack motions, but we have more aspects to consider because the player's character actually gets hit in TERA. But this extra challenge is one of the joys of creating monsters for TERA." Well, that's great, but can we get a release date please? Pretty please? [Source: En Masse Entertainment press release]
TERA exalts its game testing team
"You'll probably never see our names until you read the credits, but we have one of the most important jobs in game publishing," writes Scott James Magner. He heads up the "unsung heroes" of the TERA development team -- the game testers -- and he's written up a few fun insights into the behind-the-scenes process that is helping to refine this MMO as it heads to launch. According to Magner, the En Masse QA team's been flooded with requests to join the testing and feedback process as they continually poke and prod at all of TERA's systems and content. "At this point," he says, "we've played every class and race multiple times, but no one is tired of coming to work." The team is currently testing fights against "Big-Ass Monsters" in the Celestial Hills, and Magner says he's still learning new combos and techniques even after a full year of testing. While the testing team usually is far out of the spotlight, he says that its job is crucial to the game's success and that all of the testers are "you" at heart -- passionate gamers who want the best for this title. [Thanks to Joseph for the tip!]
Massively's exclusive TERA lore: A day in the life of a Naga Clawrider
Yesterday, we teamed up with En Masse Entertainment to unveil TERA's Naga Clawrider and Naga Bloodscale, two "big ass monsters" that players will face off against come the game's launch in the U.S. next year. Today, we'll give one of those baddies a bit more character with a tale spun by one of TERA's own writers. This exclusive day-in-the-life story is told from the perspective of Silvatuhr, a typical Naga Clawrider -- one of the elite Naga soldiers who do battle from the backs of massive crabs. Silvatuhr explains the extreme risks he took with his own offsprings' lives in order to become a Clawrider, and then he cavalierly outlines the penalties he doles out to those who disrespect his race and his order. Don't take our word for it -- skip past the cut and let Silvatuhr himself fill you in.
TERA unleashes serpentine BAMs
The Naga is more than just an awesome gaming mouse or a deity of the Indian subcontinent, although the latter likely inspired the En Masse devs responsible for today's reveal of yet another pair of TERA BAMs. Massively's scored a look at two "big ass monsters" of the Naga variety, both the Naga Clawrider and the Naga Bloodscale. Clawriders, you'll be unsurprised to learn, are proficient at riding enormous clawed crabs that spit steam and kick butt. Should his skills fail him, the Clawrider dies the same death as his mount. Bloodscales, on the other hand, trample each other's bloodied corpses in their quest to be chosen to undergo what has to be the worst skin graft operation of all time. Then again, wouldn't you let a priest scrape off all your skin to make you thrice as powerful? Yeah, maybe not. Check out the gallery below for the visuals, and head past the cut for the official descriptions of these two baddies.%Gallery-86517%
TERA shows off two new BAMs: the forestwalker vulcan and vulcan juggernaut
Raise your weapons, TERA fans, because today we've got another pair of BAMs for you to contend with. This month we're stepping away from the icy wendigos to the hulking vulcans, which act as servants to the mysterious cult of Lok. The spotlight shines first on the vulcan juggernaut, which -- as the name implies -- is a gargantuan creature more than capable of tearing your arms off and bludgeoning you to death with them, and more than willing to do just that. Between fireballs, foot-stomping earthquakes, and a general sense of unbridled malice, the vulcan juggernaut is a force to be reckoned with. Next is the juggernaut's distant cousin (twice-removed), the forestwalker vulcan. Though these vulcans aren't as large as their juggernaut counterparts, they make up for it with their enormous and deadly horns. Facing off with a forestwalker vulcan is a lot like the running of the bulls, only your chances of survival are even lower!
New TERA video takes players inside the Dark Cathedral
Our last look at TERA took us inside a day in the life of the wendigo Uchamba. Today, a new video from En Masse takes us inside the hallowed halls of the ominous Dark Cathedral instance. The short gameplay video features a group of adventurers taking on quite a few of the Cathedral's denizens, and its visuals are quite stunning to watch. It also gives players a look at TERA's "real action combat," which requires players to actively dodge and block in response to enemy attacks. If hot chicks, handsome men, and adorable panda creatures beating the ever-loving crap out of huge monsters sounds like your idea of a good time, head on past the cut for the full video.
Massively Exclusive TERA lore: Day in the life - Uchamba
TERA fans, it's time for another treat! A few days ago, we got our first look at the fearsome wendigos of TERA. Today, we delve even further into the culture of these clever creatures with a day in the life of Uchamba, the leader of the wendigo clan that guards the Thysrivvar -- known to the mortal races of TERA as the Azurice Shrine. Unlike the wendigos of many other MMORPGs, which are often portrayed as yetis or other abominable-snowman-esque creatures, TERA's wendigos are massive, crystalline creatures with a penchant for equally massive, crystalline weapons. Also unlike their traditionally savage and dim-witted counterparts, these wendigos seem to be presented as clever, honorable, and brave creatures fighting not for pleasure, but for their very survival. For the full story of Uchamba and his clan's struggle for survival against their mortal enemies, the giants, click on past the cut. %Gallery-88481%
Massively Exclusive: TERA shows off two new BAMs
Last month we brought you exclusive news of two new TERA BAMs (that's an En Masse acronym for big-ass monster, if you're wondering). This month we're moving on from the fimbrilisks and vampirs and cozying up to a pair of new cold-hearted killers that inhabit the icy wastes in the far reaches of Arborea. First up is our friend the wendigo, and what a clever, inventive, and unabashedly large friend he is. Despite being a BAM, the wendigo is known for his nuance, particularly when it comes to his unique vocalization techniques. Next we have the ice giant, and as his name implies, he's also quite massive. Unlike the wendigo, ice giants are about as lacking in subtlety as it's possible to be, and most examples of the species spend their days plotting the return of their glory days while trampling unwary adventurers who stray too close their domains. Read up on both new BAMs and check out the exclusive screens after the break.
Massively Exclusive TERA lore: Day in the Life - Ebonathis
Just a couple of days ago, we were treated to a new video of TERA's Pirate Grotto dungeon, along with a bevy of crafting information and confirmation of the game's presence at E3. Today, we have a new treat for all of you anticipating TERA's Western release: a bit of lore outlining a day in the life of the leader of the fimbrilisks -- and yet another BAM -- Ebonathis. "What the blazes is a fimbrilisk," you ask? We'd love to tell you, but they seem to be rather enigmatic creatures for the time being. What we do know is that they are large (read: holysweethellthatthingisbig), scaly creatures vaguely resembling balrogs with an affinity -- and appetite -- for arcane energy. Today's piece of lore puts you into the shoes... hooves... scaly-talon-foot-appendage-things of the leader of this formidable race for a rousing good time of devouring arcane energy like it's candy. So jump over the cut for the full story, and don't forget to check out the new additions to the TERA gallery below. %Gallery-88481%
Massively's Exclusive TERA lore: It's Good to be the (Slave) King
Yesterday's exclusive TERA screenshots shone the spotlight on the Red Lash pirates (both their swashbuckling foot soldiers and their fearsome Gula commanders). Today, Massively brings you the latest Day in the Life TERA lore snippet, and with it a deeper look into the world of one Bardragul. Bardragul, in addition to being grossly overweight and in need of a toothbrush, is also fond of trading slaves and playing with his food (which is usually sentient, alive, and aware of the fact that it's about to be a Gula's next meal). Head past the cut for more on this Red Lash brigand and the grotesque family of TERA AI monsters to which he belongs.
Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Day in the Life - Kumas
Yesterday we got a glimpse of two new BAMs courtesy of En Masse Entertainment. Intrepid explorers ranging far and wide across the vast reaches of Arborea will no doubt run across a Naga or a Kumas in their travels, and today En Masse brings us a new Day in the Life lore snippet focused on the latter. Penned by Stacey Jannsen, Day in the Life -- Kumas takes you inside the one-track mind of the titular creature as he attempts to make a meal out of a wayward Popori and finds himself face to face with another (equally hungry) BAM with a similar goal. Head past the cut for more, and don't forget the three new screenshots in our TERA gallery. %Gallery-88481%
En Masse talks more about TERA's BAMs and achievements
This year's GDC didn't bring us any revelations when it comes to TERA. Even though we got to roll through the Smuggler's Hideout and chat with producer Brian Knox, most of what we saw were refinements for the forthcoming fantasy MMO. We did learn that the devs at En Masse Entertainment are a fun bunch, though, and this sense of humor was on display as the team regaled us with footage of various BAMs -- company shorthand for Big Ass Monsters. Today En Masse has released a bit more information on these big bads, which it describes as "bigger than a house, tougher than an armored car, and meaner than a dentist with a grudge." You see, TERA's AI is smarter than that of your average MMO, and the game's BAMs will circle around players as well as recognize attacks and avoid them. Additionally, TERA's mobs bring their own unique and situational attacks to each battle. As players begin to wear down a BAM, the creatures will go through various phases that add further challenge and necessitate strategy adjustments. En Masse also offered a brief nugget pertaining to TERA's achievement system in a press release sent out this morning. "You'll earn achievements no matter which parts of the game you prefer. Story, monsters, player-vs-player combat, economics, and politics all earn you achievements to help you keep track of the great deeds you've done –- and to give you something to shoot for," says En Masse. %Gallery-88481%
One Shots: Heeding the call
The other day we asked which game you'd like to give a graphics overhaul to, and among the many answers we got was Asheron's Call, the subject of today's One Shots. While admittedly it doesn't have nearly the visual details of it's brethren, Dungeons & Dragons Online and Lord of the Rings Online, this bit of living Turbine history still has quite a bit of style. Here's regular Massively commenter Bam! to set up today's One Shots scene: This Asheron's Call shot was taken in the Darkened Halls, which is a normally very low level dungeon. It has a quest that introduces us to one of the most disturbing creatures in Asheron's Call, the Hollow Minion. Originally created because one of the nemesis races in Lore thought scarecrows were the coolest thing ever, the funny particles about their hands indicate that all the damage they do ignores magical protections both on items and natural armor. Fortunately for me my character has a very good dodge skill!If you're playing a game we don't see here often - or perhaps have never seen here - we definitely want to hear from you. There are tons of great MMOs out there that don't get nearly enough love, but we need you to send your screens in for them. Just email them to oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description. Yours could very well be the next one we feature! %Gallery-9798%
