General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Driver Update Will Add DirectX 11.2 Support to AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series GPUs

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 12:21 PM PDT

DirectXBreathe a sigh of relief, Radeon 7000 Series owners

You may have heard that AMD graphics cards based on the company's first generation Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture -- namely, Radeon HD 7000 Series and OEM 8000 Series -- aren't compatible with Microsoft's upcoming DirectX 11.2 API. Well, you heard right, and unfortunately the current crop of HD 7000/8000 graphics will miss out on DX11.2 features when it launches with Windows 8.1, however there's good reason not to hang your head.

AMD engineer Laylah Mah said that the incompatibility isn't due to the hardware, which fully supports DX11.2, but is on the driver level. That's because Microsoft's final specification ended up being just a tad different than what AMD was expecting, so it's a solvable problem, and it will in fact be solved with a future driver update, according to German language website Heise.de.

AMD Radeon HD 7870

In addition, AMD issued a statement confirming as much.

"The Radeon HD 7000 series hardware architecture is fully DirectX 11.2-capable when used with a driver that enables this feature. AMD is planning to enable DirectX 11.2 with a driver update in the Windows 8.1 launch timeframe in October, when DirectX 11.2 ships," AMD said in a statement. "Today, AMD is the only GPU manufacturer to offer fully-compatible DirectX 11.1 support, and the only manufacturer to support Tiled Resources Tier-2 within a shipping product stack."

So there you have it, nothing to worry about if you took advantage of one of AMD's Never Settle bundles and picked up a 7000 Series card.

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Delta Gives Out Windows Phone 8 Handsets to 19,000 Flight Attendants

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 09:29 AM PDT

DeltaWell, that's one way to bolster Windows Phone 8 market share

Traveling around the country and enjoying free flights aren't the only perks of working for Delta Air Lines. In an effort to "push for technological innovation," Delta today equipped 19,000 flight attendants with Windows Phone 8 devices that are intended to streamline on-board purchasing. It's part of a broader effort to improve the customer experience by investing in technology, Delta says.

"Delta's 19,000 in-flight professionals are there for the safety and comfort of our customers, and equipping them with innovative solutions means they can better meet our customers' needs on board every flight," said Joanne Smith, senior vice president – In-Flight Service. "This is yet another way we're investing in technology to improve the customer experience."

Nokia Lumia 820

The Windows Phone 8 device that each of the 19,000 flight attendants received is a Nokia Lumia 820. With the device in hand, Delta can offer near real-time credit card processing for on-board purchases, issue eReceipts that can be emailed to customers, and a few other benefits. Sometime in the near future, Delta plans to be able to read coupons displayed on a customer's mobile device.

It's a joint solution developed by Microsoft, Avanade, and AT&T that was based on feedback from flight attendants. The agreement includes plans to expand the offering over the next three years to newer Nokia devices.

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Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Gaming Headset Brings Its Own Sound Card to the Party

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 08:58 AM PDT

Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 DigitalNot your ordinary headset

Roccat, a German manufacturer of gaming peripherals with an increasing presence in the U.S. market, unveiled its Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset for gamers at Gamescom. It's the successor to the original Kave 5.1 and incorporates new and improved features based on community and customer feedback, the company claims. One of those feature upgrades is the addition of a built-in sound card.

The Kave XTD 5.1 Digital comes with a gnarly looking desktop remote, which is where the "premium" 5.1 sound card resides. Also included in the remote is Roccat's Smart Link technology, which allows users to pair their smartphones to it using Bluetooth so that they can make and receive phone calls while gaming. You know, in case the urge to order a pizza during a frag fest takes hold, as opposed to fielding a phone call from your mother during an intense battle ("You dirty, cheating bitch! What?! No, not YOU mom! I'm playing League of Legends.").

On the rear of the remote are 5.1 speaker ports so that you can hook up your existing speaker system to it and toggle between the headset and speaker output. You'll also find headset and system audio controls on the remote.

As for the headset itself, there are three drivers in each earcup, all aligned at a 12-degree angle for a superior surround sound effect. It sports a completely reworked headband, and as a result, the unit weighs 25 percent less than the original Kave 5.1.

The Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Digital will be available in November for $170.

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McAfee Threat Report Highlights Rapid Rise of Android Malware

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 08:24 AM PDT

Sick AndroidBe careful what you download

For malware writers, everything's a numbers a game. So, the more popular a platform becomes, the more attention cybercriminals will pay to finding vulnerabilities they can exploit. It's really no wonder, then, that McAfee's Threat Report for the second quarter of 2013 noted a rebound in mobile threats, including a 35 percent growth rate in Android-based malware, the likes of which have not been seen since early 2012, the security firm reports.

"Backdoor Trojans and banking malware were the most popular mobile threats this quarter," McAfee stated in its report (PDF). "We counted more than 17,000 new Android samples during this period. The year is certain to establish another record. New malware of all types exceeded 18 million this quarter, pushing our all-time tally to more than 147 million binaries."

Cybercriminals are keeping themselves busy on multiple fronts. According to McAfee, AutoRun threats, which are often spread via USB drives, are still at record levels, and the same is true of password-stealing programs. Signed malware, which masquerade as legitimate software, jumped 50 percent this quarter and continues to set records.

Ransomware is also on the rise. McAfee added 320,000 more ransomware samples to its database in Q2, which is twice as many as the previous period.

"Not only do criminals make relatively safe money from this scheme, they often do not remove their malware -- leaving the poor victim's system as dead as before," McAfee says.

Our advice to mobile users is the same as it's always been, Pay particular attention to downloads, and to play it safe, only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play and Amazon's App Store. Even then, double check the app you're downloading to make sure it's not a malware infested spoof.

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Newegg Daily Deals: Cooler Master Storm Sniper, Thermaltake Tough Power 750W PSU, and More!

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:39 AM PDT

Cooler Master Scout Snipernewegg logo

Top Deal:

Suit up, soldier, enemy targets are all around us. You've stockpiled an impressive armory, we see -- is that Haswell? -- and all that's left is a suitable bunker for your parts before we dive into the thick of things. What's that, you don't have one? No problem! Today's top deal is for a Cooler Master Storm Sniper Black mid-tower computer case for $115 with free shipping (normally $140 - use coupon code AFNJ2433; additional $15 mail-in-rebate). One of our finest, the Sniper has 11 drive bays, top level security, and keeps its cool no matter what the situation.

Other Deals:

Thermaltake Tough Power 750W ATX 12V 2.3 & SSI EPS 12V 2.92 SLI/CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Active PFC Power Supply for $88 with free shipping (normally $110 - use coupon code: [TT20PAC2013])

Scosche Bluetooth Micro Portable Speaker Silver for $40 with free shipping (normally $50 - use coupon code: [0813BTS33])

Brother MFC-J870dw 6000 x 1200 dpi Color Print Wireless InkJet  All-In-One Color Printer for $75 with free shipping (normally $86 - use coupon code: [EMCXMWR53])

Zotac GeForce GTX 670 4GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card for $382 with free shipping (normally $410 - use coupon code: [HWIS358])

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


FFXIV: A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 10:00 AM PDT

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FFXIV A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime
Ready to do the Chocobo Shuffle? The Mog Twist? Some Limit Breakdancing? Then you'll need to hightail it to next week's PAX Prime, where the crew of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be throwing a two-day launch party.

The festivities start on Friday, August 30th and continue through the next day in the Seattle Ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel. The devs will show up to make their grand remarks, followed by autograph sessions, contests, raffle drawings, and hands-on gameplay sessions. It's here that you'll get to see FFXIV, not in the main PAX exhibit hall, so make plans accordingly if you want to be part of the celebration!

[Source: Square Enix press release]

MassivelyFFXIV: A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    The Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates

    Posted: 22 Aug 2013 09:00 AM PDT

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    The Guild Counsel  Why it's time to meet your fellow guildmates
    While game conventions are usually focused on video games, panels, and really cool fan-made costumes, one of the best parts of going to a con is meeting up with fellow players. And for guilds, an opportunity to finally put face to names is a major moment.

    While players might shy away from guild meet-and-greets, it's actually a terrific opportunity to strengthen ties and cut down on the potential for drama in the long run. More importantly, it's an important step toward making gaming seem less "weird" and more like any other "normal" group activity or shared interest. In today's Guild Counsel, let's take a look at why guild members should come out from behind the computer screen and attend a guild meet-and-greet.

    Continue reading The Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates

    MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      See Everquest Next Landmark building in action

      Posted: 22 Aug 2013 08:00 AM PDT

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      See Everquest Next Landmark building in action
      Looking forward to getting a copy of EverQuest Next Landmark later this year so that you can start molding the world in your fashion? Yeah, you and a couple of million other folks, we imagine. While the wait is hard, SOE is easing our suffering with a trio of timelapse videos showing off a few of the possibilities for terrain manipulation and structure creation.

      Check them out after the break and let us know what you think!

      [Thanks to Leendert for the tip!]

      Continue reading See Everquest Next Landmark building in action

      MassivelySee Everquest Next Landmark building in action originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Diablo III PvP mode a 'tricky question' for Blizzard

        Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:30 AM PDT

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        Diablo III PvP mode a 'tricky question' for Blizzard
        Diablo III's long-awaited PvP mode might require a great deal more patience on behalf of the playerbase -- perhaps eternal patience. At Gamescom, Game Director Josh Mosqueira was cagey about the mode ever seeing the light of day: "That's a really tricky question to answer. It's got to be Blizzard quality."

        Late last year, Blizzard scrapped its current plans for a PvP mode in favor of starting over. Mosqueira said this week that the team is still struggling to overcome several obstacles in creating a new PvP mode, including a limited number of team members for the project, a desire to see PvP at all levels, and a problem with converting the existing PvE gameplay to work for PvP.

        "In Diablo, the core mechanics are really built around one character fighting scores of monsters, right?" Mosqueira said. "There's a lot of control, a lot of AOE, and some of that stuff starts to not necessarily break down, but it starts to fray at the edges when you're actually now focused on two people, or four people."

        MassivelyDiablo III PvP mode a 'tricky question' for Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Neverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game

        Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:00 AM PDT

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        Neverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game
        It's been almost three months since Lead Producer Andy Velasquez last checked in with a State of the Game for Neverwinter, but yesterday's post touched on several new features leading up to Module 1: Fury of the Feywild.

        There's mention of the dedicated exploit team checking for cheaters, the NeverwinterPreview server, Module 1's new content across the board, The Foundry's uptime, and the live team. But possibly of the most interest in this article is talk of new classes and Paragon Paths, which Velasquez says will be coming by the end of the year.

        You can check out the full article over at the game's main site for more information.

        MassivelyNeverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Daily Grind: Which of these subscription games will be the most successful?

        Posted: 22 Aug 2013 06:00 AM PDT

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        WildStar girl is happy to pay a sub
        So the MMO subscription is alive and well, at least if we're using recent developments as any kind of barometer. There's The Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar, and Final Fantasy XIV, for starters. There's also Camelot Unchained and a little project called Star Citizen which is so financially stout that thousands of its backers are happily paying a monthly sub before laying hands on the actual game.

        For today's Daily Grind, though, let's focus on those first three since there's a good chance we'll be playing all of them in some form or fashion inside of a year. Which of these sub-based games do you think will see the most success?

        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: Which of these subscription games will be the most successful? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          ArenaNet reveals its PAX schedule, GW2 PvP invitational teams

          Posted: 21 Aug 2013 07:00 PM PDT

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          ArenaNet reveals its PAX schedule, GW2 PvP invitational teams
          Going to PAX Prime or PAX Dev? Love Guild Wars 2? Well, check out ArenaNet's schedule to see if any of the studio's panels or panelists tickle your fancy. There's a little something for everyone whether you're interested in video game story, content delivery, or breaking into gaming.

          In other Guild Wars 2 news, the game's official website has been updated with a look at the PvP Invitational Tournament teams.

          MassivelyArenaNet reveals its PAX schedule, GW2 PvP invitational teams originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Marvel Heroes game update 1.15 buffs XP, adds new costumes

          Posted: 21 Aug 2013 06:00 PM PDT

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          Marvel Heroes game update 115 buffs XP, adds new costumes
          Game Update 1.2 is just around the corner for Marvel Heroes players, but Gazillion isn't waiting until then to roll out a few much-needed tweaks and changes right now. The 1.15 update is out today and should provide a welcome boost to mid-tier levelers.

          The team has increased XP gain for levelers in Manhattan, although bigger adjustments are on the way next week. There will also be more cash from downed bosses to the tune of three times the number of credits than dropped previously.

          Other small changes include removing a few recovery animations to make powers faster and a buff to the Black Widow. Gazillion has also added a few new costumes as both drops and store purchases: the Black Panther Vibranium Armor, the Human Torch 2099 costume, and the Punisher Marvel NOW! costume.

          MassivelyMarvel Heroes game update 1.15 buffs XP, adds new costumes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott

          Posted: 21 Aug 2013 05:00 PM PDT

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          Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott
          It's been only a few weeks since DCUO's Sons of Trigon DLC was first announced, but it's already appeared on the test server, and the date it goes live is just around the corner. Yesterday, DCUO Creative Director Jens Andersen and Systems Designer Jesse Scott sat down with press to lead a livestream tour highlighting the new zone, new bounty missions, two Legends characters, and new Celestial powers. Read on for a look at what the heroes and villains of the DC Universe can anticipate!

          Continue reading Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott

          MassivelyTouring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            APB Reloaded offers more gun-borne pathogens to players

            Posted: 21 Aug 2013 04:00 PM PDT

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            I've got a fever, and the only cure is... guns.  More guns.  That makes sense.  It's a gun fever.
            A week ago, APB Reloaded introduced a new gun that had a unique trick to it: You could only get the gun if someone killed you with it. The Colby .45 AP was a hit, and killing several players offered a special title, so the team decided to go to the next level with new guns that travel like diseases. Players who rack up kills with the limited-time Colby .45 AP can unlock two new weapons based on the Argotech Close Engagement System (ACES) platform.

            The ACES SMG boasts a permanent modification that increases its rate of fire while degrading accuracy, making it ideal for taking down opponents in close quarters. The ACES rifle, on the other had, has an extra-long barrel for increased accuracy and damage, turning the same core weapon into a long-range killer. If you've already got the Colby, start racking up kills to unlock the SMG and then the rifle; if you don't, the handgun can be purchased from Armas or Joker Distribution. Start infecting people with bullets!

            MassivelyAPB Reloaded offers more gun-borne pathogens to players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            How one player helped to reform EVE Online's election system

            Posted: 21 Aug 2013 03:00 PM PDT

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            How one player helped to reform EVE Online's election system
            Last year EVE Online players were given the news that the standard method of voting in members of the Council of Stellar Management was on its way out, with a new voting system put in place that allowed players to rank 14 of their favorite candidates. The story behind that change is a fascinating one, relayed to us by the PA Report.

            In short, CSM official Trebor Daehdoow (just read that backwards) realized that the old system was proving too divisive and allowed middling personalities to get elected due to the stronger ones splitting the vote. He used his influence on the council to push for a new "Australian-style multi-seat election" to allow players to nominate several of their favorites instead. The end result was an election in which the candidates cooperated rather than competed and players had more of a say.

            Daehdoow is happy with the legacy that he's leaving behind: "It had exactly the results I had hoped. It elected a bunch of diverse and really hard-working, knowledgeable people. The strongest people got elected. We got the best blogger in the game, Ripard Teg. He couldn't even get elected a couple years ago. This year, because people didn't have to tactical vote, he came in second."

            MassivelyHow one player helped to reform EVE Online's election system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Gamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership

            Posted: 21 Aug 2013 02:30 PM PDT

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            Image
            MOBAs are great for the MMO gamer afflicted by that nasty distraction called life. They offer progression, PvP, and even some theorycrafting you can take to the water-cooler gatherings at work. In some cases, MOBAs even grant the player a variety of ways to play the game. SMITE is one of these gems.

            During our pre-Gamescom chat with Todd Harris, co-founder and COO of Hi-Rez Studios, we learned a few details about SMITE's coming additions of a new Match-of-the-Day game mode and the Chinese-themed god named Zhong Kui.

            Continue reading Gamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership

            MassivelyGamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              LotRO's new trait trees to 'stand out' from each other

              Posted: 21 Aug 2013 02:00 PM PDT

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              LotRO's devs open up on class overhaul
              It's safe to say that Lord of the Rings Online players have many, many questions concerning the upcoming class overhaul coming to the game with Helm's Deep. Turbine's devs took to Twitter and the forums to answer a few of these and give us a better idea what to expect when the expansion hits.

              Replacing the current trait system will be trait trees in much the same vein as the mounted combat trees. Players will get a point to spend every other level, although they will be able to get additional points through deeds. Early on, players will choose a specialization that will affect how points are spent, such as a Hunter's Bowmaster or Huntsman specializations, and by fully investing in a tree will a player be able to purchase a legendary skill. Players can save multiple builds; the studio is providing the first two saved build slots for free with additional ones available for purchase.

              So why the decision to overhaul the trait system? Turbine explains: "We wanted to design the trait trees in such a way that as soon as you leave the intro, your trait line starts to play as it was envisioned instead of later on down the road when you began to collect traits. We really wanted each trait line to sort of stand out from the rest and reduce some of the class homogenization that had slowly occurred over the years."

              MassivelyLotRO's new trait trees to 'stand out' from each other originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Gamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark

              Posted: 21 Aug 2013 01:00 PM PDT

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              EQ Next: Landmark
              SOE's David Georgeson walked Gamescom attendees through some of the finer points of both EverQuest Next and EverQuest Next: Landmark today, focusing on the emergent gameplay, destructible environments, and vast flexibility you'll potentially find in both halves of the game.

              Most of the information provided on EverQuest Next falls into the "things we already knew" category: The world is procedurally generated, destructible, tiered, and made of voxels. AI responds to your actions in lieu of sticking to specific spawn points; for example, Orcs will naturally search for areas with low guard patrols and high traffic so they can make the most of their thievery and will leave for greener pastures should you start making their work difficult by killing them or alerting guards.

              There were new details on Landmark, however (check out this great post from MJ to see what we knew before). You can choose between male and female heroes and will begin as an Adventurer class at one of the world's great landmarks. From there, you can adventure freely into the world, find a spot you like, and claim it as your own. Once your spot is claimed, you can build on it however you see fit or move on to claim other areas and link them all together.

              Continue reading Gamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark

              MassivelyGamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six

                Posted: 21 Aug 2013 12:00 PM PDT

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                Mabinogi screenshot
                It's time for another recap of the last three Mabinogi Saga Iria chapters. If you'd like a full recap of what exactly the Saga Iria is, check in on our previous coverage, but the short verions is that it's a grand, sweeping saga that is spread out over 12 episodes. In it, the player is cast into not only the role of the hero but the role of the villain. It's a complicated story, so you could also get caught up via the livestreams embedded past the cut (and the previous ones as well).

                Of course, the very best way to enjoy the chapters is to play through them yourself. But Mabinogi Community Manager Sabina won't be joining you as she joined me in the livestreams, will she? So, watch on for her take on the game! I found some familiar challenges in these chapters, challenges that pushed my abilities as a player. I wouldn't have been able to survive these chapters without the help of the community and the advice of fantastic players. Thanks to them, I have learned things about the game and its systems that I would have never experienced on my time budget. So let's get to the recap! (Just be very aware: This article contains many spoilers!)

                Continue reading Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six

                MassivelyFree for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  Leaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based

                  Posted: 21 Aug 2013 11:00 AM PDT

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                  Leaderboard - Class-based vs. skill-based
                  RuneScape recently added its 26th skill, Divination, which is old news now but sticks in my mind because for some odd reason I didn't think of RuneScape as being a skill-based MMO. That's probably because I only played it for about 15 minutes circa 2002, though.

                  In any case, skill-based MMOs are rarer in 2013 than they were in 2002. Pitting them against their class-based counterparts might make for an interesting Leaderboard, though. And if not, hey, you can still berate me for the lack of poll choices! Vote after the cut!

                  Continue reading Leaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based

                  MassivelyLeaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    MMORPG News

                    MMORPG News


                    Neverwinter: Latest State of the Game Published

                    Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:37 AM PDT

                    Latest State of the Game Published

                    Cryptic's Andy Velasquez has published the latest Neverwinter State of the Game letter on the official site. In it, Andy discusses some of the most recent activities on which the team has been working, including a new dedicated "bug squashing/exploits" team that has been formed and how excited everyone is for the imminent release of Module 1: Fury of the Feywild.

                    Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: New Video & PAX Launch Party

                    Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:29 AM PDT

                    New Video & PAX Launch Party

                    The Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn relaunch is moving into high gear. First off the bat, the team has released a new video that features some pretty impressive and frightening looking monsters. Additionally, PAX Prime will see a big launch-day gala from August 30-September 1st with game play sessions, developer autograph sessions and more.

                    EverQuest Next: Class Roles Are A Riot

                    Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:07 PM PDT

                    Class Roles Are A Riot

                    In most MMOs, player roles are fairly well defined. In EverQuest Next, however, players will be met with a fluid ability to choose what role will fit various situations they encounter. In our latest EQN column, we take a look at how that might look. See what we think before heading to the comments.

                    EverQuest Next: 'Landmark' Building Process Demoed in New Timelapse Videos

                    Posted: 20 Aug 2013 05:04 PM PDT

                    Sony Online Entertainment released a trio of timelapse videos for EverQuest Next Landmark today showing off the possible results of the game's impressive and powerful building tools.

                    DC Universe Online: Sons of Trigon DLC Tour

                    Posted: 21 Aug 2013 03:51 PM PDT

                    Sons of Trigon DLC Tour

                    We recently joined SOE's Jens Andersen (Sr. Creative Director, DCUO) and Jesse Scott (Systems Designer, DCUO) for a tour of DC Universe Online's upcoming eighth DLC pack, Sons of Trigon. Read on for details!

                    Black Gold: Snail Games Announces Monetization Model

                    Posted: 21 Aug 2013 12:00 PM PDT

                    Snail Games Announces Monetization Model

                    The Black Gold folks at Snail Games have pulled the cover off their monetization model for the upcoming steampunk MMORPG. Read on for exactly how it will work.

                    General: The Return of Subs: FFXIV, WildStar, and ESO

                    Posted: 21 Aug 2013 02:58 AM PDT

                    The Return of Subs: FFXIV, WildStar, and ESO

                    We've all seen the trend towards F2P in recent years, but with WildStar and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and ESO sticking to subscriptions, is the model truly on its deathbed?

                    WildStar: Subscriptions Are Alright By Me

                    Posted: 19 Aug 2013 06:07 PM PDT

                    Subscriptions Are Alright By Me

                    The recent news about WildStar's subscription model has sparked a fair bit of chatter on our forums and across the MMO social sphere. Today, Rob Lashley opines as to why the subscription model is alright by him.

                    Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls Opening Cinematic

                    Posted: 21 Aug 2013 08:43 AM PDT

                    Reaper of Souls Opening Cinematic

                    Diablo III's first expansion, Reaper of Souls, was unveiled today at this year's gamescom and we've got the opening cinematic trailer right here for you.

                    General: Bubbling Back Home Again

                    Posted: 19 Aug 2013 05:48 PM PDT

                    Bubbling Back Home Again

                    Blizzard's Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft may not be an MMO, but it certainly has the internet astir with its addictive and approachable card-battling action. Bill Murphy's been playing it for a week or so now, and has some initial impressions to share.

                    WildStar: New DevSpeak Video Focuses on Crowd Control

                    Posted: 19 Aug 2013 05:50 PM PDT

                    New DevSpeak Video Focuses on Crowd Control

                    The Carbine devs are at it again with a brand new devspeak video. This time the team is focusing on Crowd Control and how it works in WildStar's action-packed combat.

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