| Blizzard Arcade now free, custom StarCraft 2 maps accessible to all Posted: 22 Jan 2014 09:00 AM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, MMO Industry, News Items, Player-Generated Content Budding game developers and the modding community just got a big boost: Blizzard has made access to The Arcade in StarCraft 2 completely free for everyone. That means that customs maps and modes developed for StarCraft 2 (as well as Blizzard's other games: Starjeweled, Auir Chef, and Left 2 Die) can now be accessed by anyone, not just the players who already own the game and use the platform regularly. Blizzard is basically giving the community the tools to build their own games and enlarging the pool of potential players -- all for no fee whatsoever. Check out the details in the videos below, then grab the starter edition and let your creative juices flow. Continue reading Blizzard Arcade now free, custom StarCraft 2 maps accessible to all  Blizzard Arcade now free, custom StarCraft 2 maps accessible to all originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Star Citizen passes $37 million, Org system tops 4,900 in 12 hours Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:45 AM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Dev Diaries, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Star Citizen, Buy-to-Play Cloud Imperium has now collected over $37 million in crowdfunding for its Star Citizen space sim sandbox. CIG chairman Chris Roberts penned a thank-you letter for the latest milestone, during which he also calls attention to the game's new Organization system that launched earlier this week. Over 4,900 orgs were created in the first 12 hours of the system being online, and Roberts says it's another example of how "the Star Citizen community continues to astonish." The $37 million stretch goal unlocked the Tanga System, and there's a new poll on the SC website that will allow backers to choose the $39 million goal. Star Citizen passes $37 million, Org system tops 4,900 in 12 hours originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Age of Wushu teases the features of its next major update Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:30 AM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Historical, Game Mechanics, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Age of Wushu The next big patch for Age of Wushu is due out next month, which should be reason enough for players to be excited about it. But it's hard to get excited about an update with no idea what's in it. So it's a good thing that the official site has posted a small preview detailing the coming update, a patch that will give players even more reason to engage in epic duels of martial arts. For example, there's the new Dragon and Tiger Tournament, a series of one-on-one duels in which both combatants must fight without use of tricks like Hidden Weapon Skills and Ancient Manuals, with winners receiving manuals, skills, and pills. Or there's the chance for assassins to engage practitioners of Peerless Skills; successful defense is required for the practitioner to keep studying, while assassins who slay the practitioner will be rewarded handsomely. Throw in a fourth Internal Skill and new School Lessons, and there's plenty for players to be excited about when the patch goes live in February. Age of Wushu teases the features of its next major update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| New DCUO trailer highlights Rage powers available today Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST Filed under: Super-hero, Trailers, Video, Darkfall, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play The War of the Light has begun. This first installment of the multi-part DLC series is available to play today for subscribed members of DC Universe Online. War of the Light Part 1 introduces the crimson Red Light Rage powers set, the Blue Lantern Corps, new four-player operations, new Legends PvP characters, and the sentient planets Ranx and Mogo. Nonsubscribers can purchase War of the Light Part 1 starting January 28th, but everyone can get a preview of the Rage powers in action in the trailer below, and read up more on the DLC in Massively's interview with Creative Director Jens Andersen. [Source: SOE press release] Continue reading New DCUO trailer highlights Rage powers available today New DCUO trailer highlights Rage powers available today originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Infinite Crisis reveals the Man of Steel as a champion Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:30 AM PST Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, Trailers, Video, Game Mechanics, Previews, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA, Infinite Crisis Modeling Superman in any video game is kind of problematic, since his whole schtick is that he's faster than anything, invulnerable, and strong enough to fling the moon into the sun if he really wanted to. This already presents some problems when balancing for a single-player game, but in a game like Infinite Crisis, how can you make sure that the Man of Steel feels like himself without making him massively overpowered? The video past the cut shows off Turbine's take on the character. In essence, each of Superman's skills gives him a damage shield, with subsequent skills improving the shield, making him much harder to take down. His iconic abilities are all in place -- super-speed, strength, heat vision, and the like -- all adding up to a character that hits hard while being difficult to take down. Take a gander at the video to see just how the Last Son of Krypton will perform in the arena. [Source: Turbine press release] Continue reading Infinite Crisis reveals the Man of Steel as a champion Infinite Crisis reveals the Man of Steel as a champion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Elder Scrolls Online shows off group content in a new video Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:00 AM PST Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Previews, News Items, The Elder Scrolls Online, Subscription There are ways to interact with other players in MMOs other than via group content, but part of the fun is being able to gather up with your friends and go stomp some monsters for a bit. The Elder Scrolls Online has a new video out with the developers exploring just a fraction of the group content available in the game, ranging from bosses roaming the world to dark cultist rituals, while also offering commentary on the design goals of the various encounters. As the video states very early on, one of the major goals of the game is not to force players to group, but to provide positive incentives to encourage group play. Some of the game's quick-travel mechanisms work on this principle -- rather than simply allowing quick travel to waypoints, players can also teleport to their nearest party members, allowing a group to gather and get moving quickly. Take a look at the full video just past the break. Continue reading The Elder Scrolls Online shows off group content in a new video The Elder Scrolls Online shows off group content in a new video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Leaderboard: EQN vs. EQN Landmark Posted: 22 Jan 2014 06:00 AM PST |
| The Daily Grind: Do you hold crowdfunded MMOs to a lower standard? Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:00 AM PST Filed under: Culture, Opinion, One Shots, Miscellaneous, Crowdfunding Crowdfunding MMOs seems to be all the rage these days, with young folk tossing money about like it ain't no thing. I don't get this generation with all of its jams and swatch watches and Walkmens. Back in my day, crowdfunding took place in the form of a barn raising. Anyway, I've been wondering if an atmosphere of mutual investment and indie scrappiness has caused us to hold such MMOs to a lower standard than we would otherwise. Maybe you're just so happy that this particular title is being made that you don't mind that it's missing key features, such as avatar heads or hit boxes or localization to any known country on Earth. Are you willing to forgive blemishes and a less-than-complete games because it comes partially from your own pocketbook? And do you actually own a pocketbook? Do you even know what a pocketbook is? Kids these days, am I right?  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!The Daily Grind: Do you hold crowdfunded MMOs to a lower standard? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Stream Team: Soloing Skyshrine in EQII Posted: 21 Jan 2014 06:00 PM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Video, EverQuest II, Free-to-Play, Livestream, Dungeons, The Stream Team Last week, Massively's MJ traipsed about the contested areas of EverQuest II's Skyshrine, ultimately joining a group (after accidentally training them!). Now she's ready to dive into one of the solo dungeons of the region. In each of the three, she must venture into the past to try and save the future, facing one of the attacking commanders: Mirrakar, Yolth, or Tigloth. She's up to the task, but will her merc cooperate or create a new kind of havoc? Join us live at 9:00 p.m. to see. Game: EverQuest II Host: MJ Guthrie Date: Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 Time: 9:00 p.m. EST Enjoy our Steam Team video below. Continue reading The Stream Team: Soloing Skyshrine in EQII The Stream Team: Soloing Skyshrine in EQII originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Jukebox Heroes: Firefall's soundtrack Posted: 21 Jan 2014 05:00 PM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Opinion, Free-to-Play, MMOFPS, Firefall, Jukebox Heroes, Music There's something about militaristic science-fiction shooters that brings out the piano in the composer, isn't there? That's what I was thinking when I first heard one of the Firefall themes. Not that the track was bad, just that it made me wonder why these simple piano themes have been linked to such games. Oh, it's probably because of Halo, but I'd like to think that there are greater reasons than that. So this week we're going to be taking a crash course on the Firefall soundtrack. As far as I know, composers Michael Bross and Boon Sim's score isn't available to buy or download anywhere, so the avid video game score collector is going to have to do a little digital yoga to coax those files out of the library. I think it's worth hunting around for it, as Firefall's music is an obvious labor of love and a desire to create a quality product. "Initially, we experimented with something that was mostly synth-driven and atmospheric," Bross said in an interview, "but then there was a desire from the team to have something that leaned toward the orchestral. Over time, though, we settled into something that combined both orchestral and modern elements that lend very well to an epic but atmospheric feel." Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Firefall's soundtrack Jukebox Heroes: Firefall's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| World of Tanks sets new concurrency record of 1.1 million tanks tanking Posted: 21 Jan 2014 04:00 PM PST Filed under: Historical, Real-Life, MMO Industry, PvP, News Items, War, Free-to-Play, World of Tanks Wargaming.net's World of Tanks has again broken its own world record for player concurrency, hosting 1.1 million players simultaneously on the game's Russian cluster. This new total handily defeats the previously reported record of 190,541 online players set in March of 2013, though Wargaming.net did note in its press release that average concurrency has been hovering near the 900,000 mark "for the past few months." According to the studio, which now boasts offices in Chicago, Baltimore, Seattle, Austin, Paris, Kiev, Tokyo, and more, World of Tanks has over 75 million players. The press release was not specific on whether these are active players or simply registered accounts. [Source: Wargaming.net press release] World of Tanks sets new concurrency record of 1.1 million tanks tanking originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Hearthstone enters open beta testing Posted: 21 Jan 2014 03:30 PM PST Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, News Items, Free-to-Play, Trading Card Games, Casual, Hearthstone Blizzard die-hards and CCG fans alike have reason to celebrate today because the Hearthstone open beta is officially live. Plenty of players have been dabbling in the game since it entered closed beta testing in August of last year, but now anyone can jump right in and get started with Blizzard's latest money machine. As long as you've got an active Battle.net account, you can just head on over to the Hearthstone official site and join the fun. The official announcement post assures players that no further wipes are planned, so from here on out, you're playing for keeps. Hearthstone enters open beta testing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Here's a list of The Repopulation's weapon abilities Posted: 21 Jan 2014 03:00 PM PST Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, Lore, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, PvE, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, The Repopulation Guess what, Repopulation fans? It's time for another update, that's what. Above & Beyond has posted a list of alpha weapon abilities on the game's website. The post notes that "some weapon lines are still under construction and missing abilities," but it's nonetheless an extensive info dump that gives those of us outside of alpha testing a quick look at the sci-fi sandbox's combat particulars. The Repopulation's dev team has also released the sixth chapter of its Evening Star short story. You'll find both updates behind the links listed below. Here's a list of The Repopulation's weapon abilities originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Star Trek Online brings Undine up to par Posted: 21 Jan 2014 02:00 PM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Patches, Previews, Star Trek Online, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries Cryptic Systems Designer Jeff Hamilton is on tap for today's Star Trek Online dev blog, talking about the updates being made in Season 8.5 to one of the game's most fearsome foes: the Undine. Hamilton warns players to expect a more scrappy Undine race when the update lands on January 30th: "We felt that the Undine in Star Trek Online were not on par with the Borg in terms of their toughness and challenge rating -- so we've decided to go back and make them a little bit smarter, a little bit faster, and a little bit tougher." To accomplish this, the team has given Undine ships better AI, faster engines, more weapons, summonable reinforcements, and the preference for strafing attacks during combat. The Undine Vila-class battleship will even have a new ability to open rifts to fluidic space as part of its arsenal. Star Trek Online brings Undine up to par originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Hyperspace Beacon: How do I play my SWTOR class? Posted: 21 Jan 2014 01:30 PM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Classes, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Guides, Hyperspace Beacon, MMORPG I understand what some Star Wars: The Old Republic players are seeking when they ask how I play my class. They want to play the game better! If they ask me, specifically, then they want to play a Marauder better. I like these guys, and I welcome any questions they have. The other kind of SWTOR player who asks how I play my class looks for the faults in my playstyle. Well, there are many of them, but that doesn't mean that some of my choices are completely bad. And like most players, I didn't learn how to play my class completely on my own. I am, like most of you, an amalgam of several different teachers. Today, I'd like to take a moment not to look at the specific ways I play a Marauder (although I might use the Marauder as an example) but to examine methods for learning and elicit tips from players who are damn good at playing MMOs. Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: How do I play my SWTOR class? Hyperspace Beacon: How do I play my SWTOR class? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Discussing guild functionality with Star Citizen's Benoit Beausejour Posted: 21 Jan 2014 01:00 PM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, Guilds, Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Star Citizen, Buy-to-Play Today Cloud Imperium publicly unveiled Star Citizen's organization functionality, and Massively managed to snag a quick interview with developer Benoit Beausejour from Turbulent, a Montreal-based studio that is developing SC's web tech. Head past the break for the full organization press release as well as Beausejour's answers to our questions. Continue reading Discussing guild functionality with Star Citizen's Benoit Beausejour Discussing guild functionality with Star Citizen's Benoit Beausejour originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| A look at RIFT's 2.6 update additions Posted: 21 Jan 2014 12:30 PM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), Patches, Previews, News Items, Free-to-Play, RIFT, Subscription If you're a loyal subscriber to RIFT, you probably can't wait to see what's around the bend for patch 2.6. And you'll be rewarded for that loyalty with a variety of new features... and a brand-new loyalty tier. RIFT Junkies has put together an extensive preview of new features, achievements, and rewards currently available on the game's test server, as well as a look at what players can get for the new "black" loyalty tier. Among the major additions is the new Bloodfire event marking a major invasion from the Fire plane directly into Telara. The event also appears to tie into the new Air Saga achievements. There are also new squirrel mounts gained from Unstable Artifacts, allowing players to summon a variety of new elemental critters to serve as transportation. So you'd best head on over to the preview for all the details you can get about these new events before they go live. A look at RIFT's 2.6 update additions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Stream Team: Chaining guildhests in FFXIV Posted: 21 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Video, PvE, Dungeons, The Stream Team  For all of your teeny tiny dungeon needs, Final Fantasy XIV offers up a heaping pile of guildhests. Not quite full dungeons and not quite major boss fights, guildhests are quick, but just how quick? Join Massively's Jasmine Hruschak live at 3:00 p.m. EST as she takes on itty-bitty dungeon after itty-bitty dungeon, attempting to run as many as possible in one hour! Game: Final Fantasy XIV Host: Jasmine Hruschak Date: Tuesday, January 21th, 2014 Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Enjoy our Steam Team video below. Continue reading The Stream Team: Chaining guildhests in FFXIV The Stream Team: Chaining guildhests in FFXIV originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Blizzard sues Hearthstone copycat Posted: 21 Jan 2014 11:30 AM PST |
| The Stream Team: DC Universe Online anniversary interview Posted: 21 Jan 2014 11:00 AM PST Filed under: Sci-Fi, Super-hero, Video, Game Mechanics, Interviews, Patches, Previews, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, MMORTS, DC Universe Online, Livestream, The Stream Team Join Massively's Beau Hindman as he sits down with Jens Andersen from Sony Online Entertainment to discuss the upcoming DC Universe Online DLC, and the three-year anniversary (yes, three years!) that was celebrated earlier this month! This would be a great time to come out, ask questions, and watch Beau destroy everything with his mighty superheroicish powers! Game: DC Universe Online Host: Beau Hindman Date: Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 Time: 2:00 p.m. EST Enjoy our Steam Team video below. Continue reading The Stream Team: DC Universe Online anniversary interview The Stream Team: DC Universe Online anniversary interview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Flameseeker Chronicles: The calm before Guild Wars 2's next release Posted: 21 Jan 2014 10:30 AM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Lore, Patches, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Flameseeker Chronicles, Buy-to-Play It has come to my attention that the title of the latest Guild Wars 2 release is not GIANT KILLER LADY ROBOT. It's actually titled The Origins of Madness. "GIANT KILLER LADY ROBOT!" is just what I yelled after seeing the Twisted Marionette world boss because I can't think of many things cooler than that, and now we're going to have one right here in our very own GW2. Apart from the presence of the Twisted Marionette and jungle wurm world bosses, ArenaNet is keeping the content of this release tightly under wraps. Not that I blame it; with Scarlet Briar's story arc ramping up to a finish, it wouldn't do to let too many details slip. Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The calm before Guild Wars 2's next release Flameseeker Chronicles: The calm before Guild Wars 2's next release originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Tips and tricks for surviving WildStar's active combat Posted: 21 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Previews, Guides, WildStar, Subscription All gamers have areas of interest when going into an MMO beta test, the things that they want to see and the content that they want to preserve for launch. Personally I hate going through quests and spoiling the story while in beta, so if there's a way to skirt around that, I take it. That's why my time with WildStar has been so very combat-centric, as I've been happily grinding on both PvE mobs and PvP competitors during my sessions like the archaic dinosaur gamer that I am. Because of this, I've gotten very well acquainted with WildStar's combat system during these rough-and-tumble initial 15 levels. I'm no expert, mind you, but I definitely have a good feel for how these encounters work and what are the right and wrong ways to go about tackling them. So today I'd like to share with you some observations and lessons to help you survive your first few days on Nexus, whether as a beta tester or a player in live. Continue reading Tips and tricks for surviving WildStar's active combat Tips and tricks for surviving WildStar's active combat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| New class rises to join Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen Posted: 21 Jan 2014 09:30 AM PST Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Previews, News Items, Crowdfunding The first class revealed for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen isn't the hero that the world of Terminus needs, but it's the one the world deserves. The Dark Knight is exactly what it sounds like on the tin: Aside from striking fear into the cowardly and superstitious lot of Terminus' monsters, it's a fusion of melee abilities and destructive spellcasting that draws upon unholy might. It's a class with plenty of toys to mix with extensive martial training, and it serves nicely as a peek at the conceptual space of Pantheon's classes. Dark Knights have access to several choices of both weapon and armor, generally focusing on heavy plate armor along with two-handed swords, shield, and axes. They also possess the ability to drain life and strength from their foes, apply diseases, summon necromantic minions, and possibly hang upside-down from gargoyles. There's a bit more lore to be found in the official reveal; keep your ears open for more classes so that you'll be properly prepared. New class rises to join Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jan 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Power in a small package
Fast SSD takes aim at cost-conscious enthusiasts
New server chips starting at $377
A new beginning for OCZ
Wins in the console sector have paid off handsomely
Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's 
