MMO Updates

MMO Updates


The Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO

Posted: 25 May 2013 10:00 AM PDT

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The Road to Mordor The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt
It's important to get this straight right away: Floid is the horse and Dewitt is the human. And no, I'm not giving you the principle cast of a Saturday morning cartoon; this is one of the more interesting Easter eggs that inhabit Lord of the Rings Online.

Floid the Mighty Steed and Dewitt the Explorer are an adventuring duo in the process of touring all of Middle-earth. Their journeys take them to out-of-the-way places, but if you stumble upon them you'll be given a deed to find the pair in seven different locales. Do so and you'll earn the incredible, the awe-inspiring, the magnificent... title of "the Wanderer." OK, it's just a title, but it's a title and a "Where's Waldo?" hunt for two oddballs. I'll take some time off of plowing through Update 11 to do this, yes sir!

While I've been aware of Floid and Dewitt over the years, I have never taken the time to hunt them down and finish the deed. Well, that ends this week. Come with me as I search high and low until all is revealed!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    WRUP: Visiting the Department of Inevitable Arguments edition

    Posted: 25 May 2013 08:00 AM PDT

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    Leave a note saying you registered with the department about whose car was parked where and why it was necessary to ram the other car off the road.
    The Department of Inevitable Arguments is there when life happens, you know it's going to happen, and more than anything you just want it to get on with the happening so you can go to lunch. Filing at the department saves time and reduces stress for all participants. Do you know you'll disagree with your friends about a movie or game? Did you eat the last doughnut like a jerk when someone else wanted that doughnut? Put in for the argument in advance and avoid the hassle of having an argument crop up in the middle of an otherwise uneventful evening of amateur machete fights.

    All of our writers have already filed their gaming choices for your potential objection, but if you want to be sure about whether or not you object to what they play, just check out this week's WRUP. It tells you exactly what the staff is playing this week so you can argue about it in the comments. Or you can let us know what you'll be playing in the comments, same difference.

    Continue reading WRUP: Visiting the Department of Inevitable Arguments edition

    MassivelyWRUP: Visiting the Department of Inevitable Arguments edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Daily Grind: Should big guilds have a mechanical advantage over smaller ones?

      Posted: 25 May 2013 06:00 AM PDT

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      Defeating The Infernal One with the power of pure, unadulterated rock.
      No matter how hard you try, you cannot defeat large-group endgame bosses with an awesome guitar solo. Big guilds offer you the people needed to tackle this sort of content. In some games, though, big guilds get even more. World of Warcraft guilds level faster with more people, and Star Wars: The Old Republic will be adding a bonus to guilds based on their overall sizes (although you'll easily get the bonus so long as no original members of the guild have left). In some places, size matters.

      Should it matter? Organizing and maintaining a guild with 50 members is a lot more work than one with 15 members, so mechanical bonuses certainly give some incentive. Those bonuses also lead to guilds wanting to be bigger without necessarily getting any better; more live bodies, no matter the quality. And bigger guilds can already have advantages over smaller guilds. So should big guilds have a mechanical advantage over smaller ones? Or should the size be its own reward?

      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: Should big guilds have a mechanical advantage over smaller ones? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Pirate101 sets sail for Marleybone

        Posted: 24 May 2013 07:00 PM PDT

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        The game is 78% sharks by volume.
        One of the bonuses of having Pirate101 set in the same world as Wizard101 is that the former can benefit from some of the latter's layout. KingsIsle has launched a big expansion for the game that includes some old favorites for veteran players, starting by sending pirate captains to the familiar land of Marleybone. Players will be investigating a war zone they helped inadvertently create while working up through another 15 levels of experience.

        The update also adds the new region of Aquila, a new Bazaar system for players to trade goods, and a new tutorial to help players get accustomed to the game. There are also new bosses and transport systems to give players more to do while they sail across the oceans. Last but not least, new companions are scattered through the added regions, and old companions are learning some new tricks. Pirate101 players can log in and start enjoying the update immediately.

        MassivelyPirate101 sets sail for Marleybone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Betawatch: May 18 - 24, 2013

        Posted: 24 May 2013 06:00 PM PDT

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        Space troopers always look space trooper-y.
        This has been quite the week if you're interested in hearing about what's going on behind the curtain. Destiny offered everyone a new trailer, WildStar gave us plenty of information to chew on, The Elder Scrolls Online talked crafting, and Final Fantasy XIV announced a definite date for its relaunch with a new video. Tons of stuff behind the scenes.

        Meanwhile, Eldevin quietly moved into its second phase of closed beta. Oh, and Neverwinter's economy completely collapsed, which is either bad for the beta or bad for the game's launch depending on how you see the game's current state.

        How do we see it? Well, you can take a look at our testing list for an idea. In fact, you might want to take a look at the list anyway just to see what's out there. If you notice something erroneous on there, feel free to let us know so we can take a look ourselves.

        Continue reading Betawatch: May 18 - 24, 2013

        MassivelyBetawatch: May 18 - 24, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Hall conquers Everest, talks DayZ's ownership and loss

          Posted: 24 May 2013 05:00 PM PDT

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          Dean Hall on top of Mt. Everest
          Dean Hall has officially made it to the top of the world. The DayZ creator watched the sun rise from the summit of Mt. Everest on May 21st, according to a tweet released earlier today.

          Gamasutra recently asked Hall about his Arma zombie mod's phenomenal success, and he pointed to the design's ability to trigger psychological responses to both ownership and loss. "I think the big thing was that it was this finely-crafted mix of permadeath -- which gave you a sense of value, because you could lose something -- and ownership," Hall explained. "Because it's persistent, it means that it's going to be there tomorrow. I think those two things mixed together meant that you had these really valuable stories that came from it."

          MassivelyHall conquers Everest, talks DayZ's ownership and loss originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Face of Mankind releases development documentary

          Posted: 24 May 2013 04:00 PM PDT

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          Face of Mankind releases development documentary
          The scrappy little Kickstarter sandbox, Face of Mankind, sees its journey from conception to completion as an odyssey worth sharing. That's why the team has put together a talking head documentary video that chronicles the game's development since 2001.

          The video itself is long on developer and player anecdotes, although it is short on actual in-game footage (this is probably not surprising considering that the team is rebuilding the engine from scratch). If you have 15 minutes and want to see how an indie MMO is made, check out the documentary after the jump!

          Continue reading Face of Mankind releases development documentary

          MassivelyFace of Mankind releases development documentary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Lots of new content coming to SWTOR this summer

            Posted: 24 May 2013 03:00 PM PDT

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            This happened in a SWTOR flashpoint
            Star Wars: The Old Republic senior producer Bruce Maclean has posted a summer development roadmap on BioWare's official game forums. The update outlines the 2.2 and 2.3 patches, with the former tentatively scheduled for June 11th and the latter penciled in for August 6th.

            The first patch will feature additional guild XP bonuses based on membership numbers (up to a maximum 10% boost), the ability for crafters to make underworld gear, and Nightmare Mode for Terror From Beyond (along with new gear drops).

            The second patch will feature "significant graphical upgrades," a new daily area, a new recurring event, and new flashpoints.

            MassivelyLots of new content coming to SWTOR this summer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Marvel Heroes' Chronicles of Doom dives into episode 2

            Posted: 24 May 2013 02:00 PM PDT

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            Marvel Heroes' Chronicles of Doom dives into episode 2
            Were you hanging on the edge of your seat after watching the first episode of Marvel Heroes' Chronicles of Doom last week? Hope you haven't fallen to your doo...mise because the second installment is now available.

            The episode tracks the sinister Victor von Doom as he makes a devil's deal with Dorammu to gain power and YouTube likes. The Chronicles of Doom is a four-part motion comic series written by Marvel's Brian Michael Bendis, and it can be seen as the prequel to the game itself.

            Watch episode 2 after the jump!

            Continue reading Marvel Heroes' Chronicles of Doom dives into episode 2

            MassivelyMarvel Heroes' Chronicles of Doom dives into episode 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              RIFT removes currency-boosting effects for raids

              Posted: 24 May 2013 01:00 PM PDT

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              RIFT removes currency boosting effects for raids
              Trion Worlds Lead Game Designer Bill Fisher has announced that RIFT won't be allowing raiders to use item store tokens to boost ultra-rare currency gains.

              In a forum thread titled RIFT is officially pay-to-win, Fisher addressed the concern over the upcoming item shop's impact in the raiding game. The specific beef was with item store tokens that offered a substantial boost to all currency gained in the game over a period of time. Trion has since nerfed the token's potency (from 100% currency bonus to 80%) as well as removed the ability to gain extra Frozen Eclipse Stones from it.

              Fisher explained that he decided to remove the token effect because he felt it was crossing the line of what is and is not acceptable from a cash shop. "I don't want you to have the perception that to take part in that section of the game you are going to be forced into buying something," Fisher wrote. "RIFT doesn't win the race by trying to be exploitative of any given group -- yes, it has to make money to continue getting updates, and I know everyone out there understands that."

              MassivelyRIFT removes currency-boosting effects for raids originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              MMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important

              Posted: 24 May 2013 12:00 PM PDT

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              RuneScape 3 screenshot
              If you have heard the news about RuneScape 3, you fall into one of two camps. You're either really excited and cannot wait for this new version of one of your favorite games or you really don't see what the fuss is all about. It's possible there is a third category for those who are interested but have played the game only once or twice. I easily fall into the first category, and I think the announcement of RuneScape 3 isn't important because it represents a new version of a long-running and very successful browser-based title; it's important because it will represent a massive shift in mobile technology and in how people perceive MMO gaming on a mobile device.

              So many people seem to think that tablet or smartphone gaming is different from gaming on any other device. It is different in the way we interact with the game, in the way that we actually hold the tablet or touch the screen, but the device itself is just a smaller version of the ever-familiar PC, the personal computer. RuneScape 3 could prove that a tablet or smartphone is just as good as any other delivery system -- and in many ways, it might be superior.

              Continue reading MMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important

              MassivelyMMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Tamriel Infinium: Elder Scrolls elves are supposed to be ugly

                Posted: 24 May 2013 11:00 AM PDT

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                Tamriel Infinium Elder Scrolls Elves are supposed to be ugly
                I don't know if you noticed this, but in the fully rendered trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online, the Aldmeri Dominion elves looked nice. In traditional fantasy lore like Lord of the Rings, elves are some of the most beautiful creatures in the universe. However, I've always seen the Elder Scrolls elves as somewhat alien -- like the grey-men kind of aliens. In fact, the dark elves with their ashy skin really looked like grey men, especially if they were bald. Yet that particular MMO trailer presented a different kind of elf.

                Of course, that's just a CGI trailer, and CGI trailers rarely represent what we will see in the game. I can accept that. But more and more screenshots have popped up and more in-game videos have appeared on different websites, and in each of them, it appears to me that the elves -- the "mer" -- have received a makeover. And it's not just the elves; even the Argonians and Khajiit look different. I suspect there's a reason for this.

                Continue reading Tamriel Infinium: Elder Scrolls elves are supposed to be ugly

                MassivelyTamriel Infinium: Elder Scrolls elves are supposed to be ugly originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  MMORPG News

                  MMORPG News


                  General: Reviews and the Bell Curve

                  Posted: 24 May 2013 11:38 AM PDT

                  Reviews and the Bell Curve

                  Reviews are always a sticky wicket because of the subjectiveness of the process itself. In today's Devil's Advocate, we take a look at reviews from all angles. Read on and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

                  General: Becoming a F2P Convert

                  Posted: 23 May 2013 03:44 PM PDT

                  Becoming a F2P Convert

                  The MMO free to play market has exploded over the last year or two with decent high-quality games making it into the MMO space. In The Tourist today, we talk about how becoming a fan of F2P is a good thing. Read on to see if you agree.

                  Marvel Heroes: Chronicles of Doom Part 2

                  Posted: 24 May 2013 10:16 AM PDT

                  Chronicles of Doom Part 2

                  Gazillion Entertainment has released the first episode in a four-part motion comic that will usher in the release of Marvel Heroes Online. The comic lets players in on the backstory behind Dr. Doom's rise to power. Enjoy Part Two!

                  Neverwinter: Cryptic's Word on Catursday

                  Posted: 24 May 2013 06:12 AM PDT

                  Cryptic

                  Immediately after last weekend's Astral Diamonds / Zen exploit fix was implemented, we reached out to Cryptic Studios and Perfect World with questions about the issue. We have the answers from the proverbial horse's mouth. Check it out and then join the conversation in the comments.

                  Neverwinter: Beta Diary #4

                  Posted: 23 May 2013 11:14 AM PDT

                  Beta Diary #4

                  In our final beta diary, we take a look at Neverwinter's Crown Jewel, The Foundry. In addition, we examine the Catursday nightmare and offer a few random "etcetera" thoughts about the game that defy categorization. Read on and then leave us your thoughts in the comments.

                  Neverwinter: On the Duplication Debacle

                  Posted: 23 May 2013 03:25 PM PDT

                  On the Duplication Debacle

                  Last weekend was a rough one for Neverwinter developers and players alike as it was revealed that an exploit had essentially trashed the game's economy. In a new editorial, we take a look at the debacle and what it means for players. Read on and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

                  General: The Worst MMOs of 2013... So Far

                  Posted: 23 May 2013 03:13 PM PDT

                  The Worst MMOs of 2013... So Far

                  While 2013 has seen its share of "good things" in the MMO world (which we profiled in The List last week!), it's also seen some games that seem to represent the exact opposite side of the coin. Which MMOs are we speaking of? You'll have to read (and watch!) The List to find out. Do you agree or disagree with our choices? Let us know in the comments.

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