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Yesterday on Massively: January 16, 2008
World of Warcraft: Shifting gears in WotLKAhhh, Wrath, how we await your presence -- well, okay, some do. Others just hope that it comes and goes away quietly. But for the rest of us, that means trading in purples for greens once again -- or does it? Is it time to get your Joystick on?A space MMO you can play with a joystick? Sign us up! Eli takes a good look at Jumpgate Evolution and brings us the scoop on some of the things in store for this upcoming MMO title. Building a Better MMOusetrap: PPOrnography in gamesWith games like Age of Conan coming soon, we wonder when developers are going to clue into the fact that a large portion of their audience is over 18. Where are our adult MMOs, and how do they differ from the Virtual World landscape? My loots, let me show you them Sick and tired of having people ninja items, or losing loot rolls to other people? How would you like it if everyone got their own individual loot window? Check out this story to find out what MMO innovations are being dreamed up even now to tackle this problem! Drawing the line between personal privacy and character information How much character information available outside of game is too much? With things like WoW's Armory, Xfire, and the like, it seems like nothing is really off the radar anymore. Is this a good or bad thing? We buzz around the blogosphere and see what the community at large has to say.
Yesterday on Massively: January 15, 2008
Avatar rights: A person chooses, a tool obeysJust what kind of digital rights does your avatar have when it comes to being a "resident" of Second Life? Does your avatar enjoy freedoms that you do not? Or is your avatar just a thing, with no rights at all, save the ones granted to you as the end user. Join the debate! New Age of Conan developer blog on MMORPGThe time is counting down, and the information is starting to flow more freely about Funcom's upcoming MMO, Age of Conan. Perfect for those of you who (like us) are still waiting on beta keys. Bring on the carnage already, Funcom! (Or some beta keys!) Become a professional MetaPlace guruEver thought about quitting your boring day job and going for a spot in the games industry? Ralph Koster (Of UO & SWG fame) is looking for some coders for MetaPlace. You never know until you try. Good luck to everyone who applies! The Escapist spends a day in the life of a WoW addict Yes, there are still people out there who haven't tried WoW, surprisingly enough. The Escapist found one such brave soul, and sent her into Azeroth. Did she love it? Has she become staunchly anti-WoW? Read on and find out. Cutting down the noise in online situations Do you think that it's feasible to expect game devs to keep the signal to noise ratio down? Inspired by XKCD, we pose the question of if cleaning up Barrens chat really would make more people have intelligent communication in game, or would it just mean less communication overall?
Yesterday on Massively: January 14, 2008
A CES Interview with SOE CEO John Smedley (pt. 1)A CES Interview with SOE CEO John Smedley (pt. 2)Michael Zenke got a chance to sit down with John Smedley during CES and get the scoop on the direction SOE is headed in. Be sure to check out all the details in this Massively exclusive interview! MMOGology: Leaving homeMarc Nottke returns this week to take a good long look at the worlds we spend so much time in. Are you one of the folks who don't get attached, or is it just as hard for you to move on? What makes the worlds so engaging? Linden Lab: No stated plans to improve verification outside USATateru takes a long hard look at the Age Verification process, and unfortunately is thwarted in getting any explanation by LL's PR team. We wonder if they'll ever get this worked out, or if it will remain like so many other things in Second Life -- half-broken and annoying. Star Trek Online is under new managementRumor: New STO developers being Cryptic A one-two punch when it came to Star Trek Online yesterday. First we got the news that Perpetual Entertainment had passed the IP for STO along to an unnamed bay-area developer, then we got word later in the evening from the folks at w00tstudios as to just who that mystery developer was. Curious? Read on! Calling all Exobiologists: Developer feedback wanted There was a veritable flood of great Tabula Rasa information yesterday. Just as one of the many, the TR devs want your help with the Exobiologist class! Isn't it nice when a dev actually reads the constructive criticism you write?
This Weekend on Massively: January 11-13, 2008
In Development: Square-Enix's Concerto GateThere's a new Square-Enix MMO named Concerto Gate out in Asia. Will it be hitting our shores anytime soon? Check out this story for all the details! NCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: development on Blackstar continuesDespite setbacks with NCsoft and layoffs, Blackstar's development continues. We certainly wish Spacetime Studios the best with their work, and look forward to seeing them get some investor attention. We love those sci-fi MMOs! Opinion: User-operated banksTateru Nino gives us an excellent op-ed piece on why unregulated banking in SL is a bad idea. For those who make their living via the grid -- or would like to -- this is a must-read story. Age of Conan Friday update with new screenshots Looking for an Age of Conan fix while you're waiting for your beta key? We are too! Luckily for us, Funcom has brought out another of their wildly popular Friday updates with new screenshots to keep you going. Another rumor regarding Blizzard's love affair with consoles There's no end to the speculation that World of Warcraft will come out for consoles. Of course, as soon as someone mentions it, Blizzard is quick to squash the suggestion by repeating their stance. With networking on next-gen consoles, we wonder why not? Archipelis' SL exporter allows 3d model importing into SL For those of you who have been too intimdated to build, or those who just want to enjoy more freedom in your building, this is a fantastic tool for you. Check out our writeup of the model importing capabilities! The Digital Continuum: Solo(ly) killing social As more developers try to make sure that their games are solo-friendly, are they risking killing off the entire reason for playing an MMO in the first place -- community? Is the solo game killing the social game, or is it just a case of Chicken Little? WAR, you and another interview Can't wait to get your WAAAAAGH on in Warhammer Online? Chomping at the bit for something new? Have no fear! We have a great writeup of the recent interview for you to check out. Exciting stuff!
Yesterday on Massively: December 10, 2008
Hooray, Friday! We've been waiting for this one. With PotBS now pre-boarding, we're looking forward to spending some time this weekend in the islands, as well as hanging out in some of the other worlds we play in. We hope you have a fantastic, relaxing weekend enjoying some good game time with friends and family too! Features The Daily Grind: Paying extra for age restrictions Cinemassively: Can't PUG KZ One Shots: Pirate's best friend Peering inside: changes coming to SL's group IM interfaces Behind the Curtain: More Plot Please Ask Massively: Babies, rings, and the Wild West General news Pirates of the Burning Sea giveaway Tabula Rasa clan punches their way to victory How to make ToonTown work with your router DOFUS's Livitinems Another look inside Mythos Jumpgate Evolution flight dynamics devlog BlizzCast hits the scene
Yesterday on Massively: January 9, 2008
Lots of great discussion yesterday from collecting items to how to safely have your kids playing with you in an MMO, to subscription models in MMOs. If RL smacked you around and left you wanting your fuzzy slippers and some cocoa at the end of the day, don't worry. We kept the news roasty toasty for you to enjoy. By the way, am I the only one who thinks the 38 Studios image to the right looks like Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "Don't Panic" logo and Fizzgig from The Dark Crystal had a very cute Love(craft) Child? Maybe i just need more coffee. Features The Daily Grind: Collecting thoughts Gamer Interrupted: Making MMOs safe for your children Cinemassively: Watch the World One Shots: Peace and love As the Worlds Turn: Ramblings of a mad man Building a Better MMOusetrap: Adventures in babysitting General news 38 Studios reveals: Copernicus Gametrailers' video developer walkthrough for The Agency Stargate fans launch an IRC chat room Requiem Bloodymare footage is not that horror-ific Anarchy Online free for another year More new screenies appear for Stargate Worlds Forum fun: does Tabula Rasa's cloning system cure alt-itis? Games Radar lists five things MMOs are doing wrong Common Sense on cell phone MMOs
Yesterday on Massively: December 7, 2008
Yesterday was the first day back to school for many college campuses for the spring term. Aside from that, it was also the opening day of Pirates of the Burning Sea pre-order boarding. Yarr! But no matter what your Monday was all about, we hope it was good. In either case, if you missed the news, have no worries -- we kept it warm for you. Dig in! Features The Daily Grind: Updates to your favorite game MMOGology: Keep it simple, stupid WolfKing Warrior Review Cinemassively: The Duran Duran 'Falling Down' Video Mashup Challenge One Shots: To stop a ticking bomb... General news Holic open beta coming up CES keynote to demo cool new tech despite ridiculous name CVG interviews Jeff Kaplan on Wrath of the Lich King Tabula Rasa Feedback Friday: Patch 1.4 MMOs for kids are just good business CES 2008: discussion panel on virtual worlds and the "MMO explosion" TTH guide to the Torden Mires Indian computer hardware sales driven with MMOs as "killer app" New screenshots from The Agency CES: Sandio's 3D mouse TTH talks with Funcom about Barbarians EA officially gobbles Bioware, Pandemic Analyst: More MMOs on cell phones in 2008
This Weekend on Massively: January 4-6, 2008
One week into 2008, and we hope the new year is looking good for you! News-wise, it was a good weekend -- no major blowups, at least. (We think everyone was just away playing all the new games they got over the holidays this year.) If you missed anything, here's your chance to get it all in one tasty recap! And don't forget, there's a bunch of news after the break. Features Dwell On It: Things to do The Daily Grind: How are we doing? First Impressions: Eternal Lands Cinemassively: F**k Me Pumps One Shots: Last stand Under The Hood: Free For Now WRUP: Baby 2008 edition The Daily Grind: The MMOs of the new year The Digital Continuum: Evolving past fantasy Pt. 2 One Shots: Retaking Weathertop The Daily Grind: Comedy MMOs? Behind the Curtain: Immediacy in PvP One Shots: Set sail! General news Hernandez drops HK IGE - Florida Economic Crimes Office investigates Korea Rising - the East goes West What's NCSoft Europe working on? The myth of the bloody Webkinz murders Next-Gen talks with Age of Conan's Gaute Godager Ten Ton drops the Hammer on 2008 CoX: player-written guide updates Ragnarok developer waking up to a Bloodymare Codemasters announce "Connect 2008", MMORPG event for Europeans SOE plans community meet-up in Vegas during CES Arr! Here be yer pre-order bonus item's stats Vana'diel and its RMT Special Task Force John Carmack to make a cell phone MMO
Yesterday on Massively: December 3, 2008
Yeah, it's a 4-day week, school is still out in many locations for break, but we're still glad it's Friday! You know, just on the principle of the thing. (Well, that and I'm personally slated for a raid this weekend in keeping with my new year's resolution to spend more time with my longstanding guild.) Whatever you're doing for your weekend, we hope you have an excellent and relaxing one! And remember -- when you're ready for news and views, we'll be here for you! Features The Daily Grind: Player vs Punk Cinemassively: It's great to be a super hero One Shots: Lord Recluse's tower Ask Massively: The beginning General news Pirates of the Caribbean's Blackjack contest Disney investing a cool $100M in virtual worlds Shiny new interview with Age of Conan devs Stargate Worlds' website gets a new look Second Life's PJIRA improvements The Nerfbat forums have returned! You down with OGDC? Sure, but ION sounds cooler TTH's guide to the Ojasa Colony Happy Birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien Tradeskill developer for EQII Emily "Domino" Taylor chats about her role Legends of Norrath promotion this weekend brings increased drop rates and two unique cards
Yesterday on Massively: January 2, 2008
We admit it. We're not really used to writing "2008" yet, but still, there it is. Despite the fact that the industry folks are still acting like they're on vacation, and will likely be for the rest of the week, we are still devotedly scouring for news and other interesting tidbits for you. Well, and we're patiently counting down until we get into those sweet new MMOs coming out this year! Features The Daily Grind: Guild-driven events As the Worlds Turn: Learning from the past Cinemassively: Illegal Danish - Escape from Orgrimmar One Shots: A bit too much to drink... Building a better MMOusetrap: Starting over General news IGG receives $4.5 mill in investment capital Predicting the MMO landscape in 2008 The 'high fidelity' nature of MMOs David Perry talks free MMOs in Gama interview An analysis of the quest formulae in MMOs TTH interviews April "CuppaJo" Burba - again How to beat WAR Ron Paul march in Azeroth Adventurers beware, mysterious rodents in FFXI Linden Lab warns of fraudulent currency exchanges
Yesterday on Massively: January 1, 2008
Ah, the holidays are finally over. We hope you've enjoyed your time off over the holidays like many of our folks enjoyed theirs! Sure, it means not too many more willy-nilly days off during the week, and back to school for the rest of us soon. However, it also means that the release of PotBS, WAR, AoC, and a bunch of other great games are now this year and not next year anymore! If that doesn't get you smiling, well, hopefully either the picture of lots of cats or some of the news below will. Features The Daily Grind: Your New Year MMO resolutions Cinemassively: Metaversatility - Orange Island One Shots: Meow? Peering inside - looking back at 2007 General news TR demolitionist shows how a novelty build goes boom Security researchers warn of dangers in online games Take a New Year's vacation in Guild Wars PvP for great Justice
Yesterday on Massively: December 31, 2007
Good morning, 2008! We hope that you all enjoyed a chance to sleep in this morning after celebrating well into the night. Of course, that is assuming you weren't watching the quite-possibly-animatronic Dick Clark on television last night and avoiding the drunken party crowds. While you were enjoying your New Year in your own way, we gathered up some news to go with that hangover remedy you've got going. By the way, if you haven't gotten a calendar yet, be sure to check past the jump for some nifty details on a lovely LotRO one, as well as the rest of the news. You just can't beat the price tag! Features The Daily Grind: MMOs at launch Cinemassively: Illegal Danish - Escape from Orgrimmar Trailer II One Shots: The Rikti Invasion Adventures from the Back Row: World of Warcraft priestly resources General news Dungeon Runners' Rotgut deciphered "Peace on earth goodwill to men" started with players this season The Empire of Sports NYTimes says children's virtual playgrounds are serious business The alien world of Eastern MMOs Mythic Worlds and FLS CEO on PotBS A New Year's quest log Watch the SGW trailer on Sci-Fi, become an NPC or something NCSoft do the time warp, again
This Weekend on Massively: December 29-30, 2007
Aside from a flurry of excitement over the Windlight/First Look viewers for Second Life having a great big potential exploit in the German-language version of the code, it has been a relatively quiet weekend overall. We suspect it's a combination of things; the last round of holiday parties and there are those undoubtedly off playing whatever new games they landed for the holidays. In either case, our weekend/holiday crew was around, looking for news for you. Enjoy! Features The Daily Grind: Revitalizing old content The Digital Continuum: Evolving past fantasy Pt.1 Cinemassively: 2007 ZOMG! That Sux! Award One Shots: Venturing onto Bloodmyst Isle Cinemassively: Illegal Danish - Escape from Orgrimmar Trailer I One Shots: Looking over Atraxia's Haven General news TTH resource gathering guide: Bree-Land Windlight and release-candidate viewers updated and available The problem with leveling up PotBS end of beta events to kick off today Mythos gets Crunched, levels 1-10 Fury still being sold in retail outlets, but who's buying it? TTH resource-gathering guide: Lone-Lands
Yesterday on Massively: December 28, 2007
Weekend again! We're kind of torn on them, really. Sure -- it means you get to sleep in late and get to game, but on the other hand, there's all that catching up on chores around your place that you didn't do during the week. They need to figure out some way to make grinding in MMOs tie into tedious house chores. Someone would make a fortune! Anyway, if you were too busy finishing up with work yesterday, or out getting your pre-NYE party (or raid) on, don't worry. The news was here waiting for you, all along. It's devoted like that. Features The Daily Grind: Making a good guild Dwell On It: Fluffy kittens First Impressions: Perfect World Cinemassively: Time to Start One Shots: Looking out on Wizard's Tower WRUP: Pre-New Year's Eve edition MMOG Podcast Roundup: Dec. 18th - Dec. 28th General news The good, the bad, the ugly - MMOs in 2007 WoW mud dolls attack the internet MMORPG.com's Eye of the North review highlights player discontent Logos Atlas sends a call for casual cryptologists Pirates of the Burning Sea server names revealed The Ace2 revolution in World of Warcraft mods Worst gaming hubby - ever Court awards real world money for seized virtual assets Intercepted missives from Pirates of the Burning Sea The 'proud nails' of City of Heroes design TTH resource gathering guide: Ered Luin Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day twelve Massively's Massive Giveaways: Turbine winners! Massively's Massive Giveaways winners!
Yesterday on Massively: December 27, 2007
Can you believe that it's almost another year down? It's been a truly amazing year for MMOs, and 2008 looms on the horizon, all bright and shiny with promise. We can't wait! But we've sworn to finish out this year in newsy style, so in case you missed any of the news from yesterday, here's the recap! Features The Daily Grind: Your favorite character Behind the Curtain: Learn 2 Play Cinemassively: A Big, Bad, Green Christmas One Shots: Meet Gargantua General news IAHGames changes Granado Espada model again - returning to free-play Gaming takes it in the shorts again from yet another ill-informed politician KillTenRats' Zubon on the state of the genre at WorldIV SWG's "Buddy Program" is a win-win-win-win situation Video of a character's first steps in Huxley Warrior Epic team launches community forum TTH features in-depth LotRO resource gathering guide for The Shire Exodus to the Virtual World review from the other virtual world Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day eleven
Yesterday on Massively: December 26, 2007
It's good to see the MMO news starting to filter back in now. Of course, this is one of those weeks when most people are just hanging out, playing with cool new holiday gifts, and otherwise biding their time until New Year's. There's nothing like industry lull time to get some gaming in! We'll still be hunting the news, so you don't have to. Features The Daily Grind: Favorite holiday "gifts" in your MMO Cinemassively: Ugly Goblin's Christmas One Shots: Wintersday tree Building a better MMOusetrap: Toys for toons General news Nexon counting down to Mabinogi English beta BlizzCast cometh The EverQuest II year in review A snapshot of today's gold-selling/power-leveling market Last LotRO dev chat of 2007 Official guide to new Star Wars Galaxies housing options Japanese version of Xbox Phantasy Star Online to close Pirates of the Burning Sea is ready to be boarded by all beta testers again Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day ten
Yesterday on Massively: December 25, 2007
Welcome back, everyone. We hope that you didn't score too many white elephants this year, but instead got to enjoy some down time with cool new stuff, good friends and good food. Despite yesterday being Christmas, A few of our intrepid souls still found news for you. That way you're not spending too much time staring into your coffee cup this morning... Features The Daily Grind: These are a few of my favorite things Cinemassively: Ultimate Snowdown One Shots: Celebrating Wintersday General news Spears getting the shaft Holidays of the MMOG universes, past and present Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Massively! What do SimCity Societies and Second Life have in common? Developing tensions SOE President crushes EQ2 / Live Gamer speculation Massively's Holiday Gallery - CoX Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day nine
Yesterday on Massively: December 24, 2007
For those of you who haven't figured it out, we've been running on a skeleton crew for the last few days, and we will most likely be until the new year. Nonetheless, from our family here at Massively to you and yours, we'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas, and the happiest of holidays! Features The Daily Grind: What do you want for Christmas? MMOGology: The sappy, holiday special edition Dwell On It: The most important thing Cinemassively: Oxhorn's Christmas Special One Shots: Hellgate's Stonehenge General news Tabula Rasa in an equipment bind once again Play Tiny Empires in Second Life It's a mod, mod world, says WoW's Drysc Guild Wars Wintersday 2007 Gallery Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day eight
This Weekend on Massively: December 22-23, 2007
After a weekend full of good food, good friends, and the occasional good drink, some of us are having to head into the office this morning. For those of you who were busy getting your party on but are now back at your desk, don't worry if you missed out. This roundup should give you something to read while you wait for the coffee to kick in. :) Features One Shots: Snow dwarf? Cinemassively: Night Prayers The Digital Continuum: Concerning superpowers The Daily Grind: In the wee small hours One Shots: Wintersday chaos! Cinemassively: Virtual Tribute Band - Depeche Mode General news Darkfall developer talks specifics about game SOE gives customer support a holiday break Holiday bonus XP weekends in EQ and EQII CoX Costume Contest winners announced Star Wars Galaxies announces 'galactic buddy' initiative John Smedley: Sony Online is not getting purchased by Zapak Bruce Ferguson on EQII's Epic Weapon quests Warcry's Vanguard developer interview chat-log available for perusing World of Warcraft comic #1 gets a second printing New pets for Everquest from LoN: Forsworn General British stirs the troops at AFS Memorial Service Contests Massively's holiday giveaways, day six Massively's holiday giveaways, day seven
Yesterday on Massively: December 21, 2007
Happy Holiday weekend all! Finally, a time to catch up on much-needed socializing, sleep, and gaming. We loves the precious weekends, we do. of course, when you combine holiday with weekend, the MMO industry seems to take a collective nap. Even though the news is slowing down to a crawl, our dedicated Holiday skeleton crew will be here scouring for news. Send pie. Features The Daily Grind: Promotions gone horribly awry Dwell On It: Origins Cinemassively: NooB - Episode 01 Under The Hood: Running Out Of Timev One Shots: An unusual statue WRUP: Season's greetings edition Contests Today is the last day to enter WoW Insider's Dell notebook giveaway! Massively's holiday giveaways, day five General News By popular demand: State of the NCsoft Union address Documentary shows our Second Skin Can't play your MMOs over the holidays? Watch 'em instead! CoX up for Reader's Choice nomination
