MMO Updates

MMO Updates

Kill 100 players, win an APB pistol this weekend only

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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Feeling bloodthirsty this weekend? If so, GamersFirst has an APB Reloaded contest for you. The 1.5.2 patch is coming soon, and as a result the servers are in need of stress testing. If you can manage to kill 100 unique players between July 8th and July 11th, you'll be the proud new owner of a (virtual) Joker RFP-9 handgun.

Notice we said unique players, so banish all thoughts of grabbing a buddy and scoring yourselves a pair of pistols by killing one another over and over.

GamersFirst is also giving away a cowboy hat to the first 100 folks who manage to kill 100 unique players, so log in to San Paro and get busy on your murdering rampage before it's too late!

MassivelyKill 100 players, win an APB pistol this weekend only originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: Your house might be on fire edition

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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It's time to face the facts. Your house could be on fire right this moment, and you wouldn't even necessarily know it. Oh, sure, it might be a small part of your house, but once it reaches your oil-soaked rags lying next to your bonfire supplies and your surplus gunpowder kegs, all bets are off. Check the floor. Is it warm? That might be an indicator of fire. Just to be on the safe side, you should probably carry a squirt gun at all times. That'll fix it.

As long as you're reasonably confident that your house isn't on fire, you can probably take the time to read this week's WRUP, which is remarkably clear of anything remotely related to fire. We here at Massively will let you know about our plans for the weekend as well as our most memorable character deaths, and you can share your plans for the weekend in the comments as well. Sound good? It won't fix that house fire, but it should be fun.

Continue reading WRUP: Your house might be on fire edition

MassivelyWRUP: Your house might be on fire edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What's your favorite post-launch feature?

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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Single-player games can occasionally get major DLC or expansions to change the face of the game, but for the most part MMOs are the field where a game can change between two patches. Champions Online recently made a major change with the addition of hideouts, adding in a form of housing to the game that hadn't existed at all when the game launched. It's a recent example, but it's hardly the only time that a game or a expansion has gone live and later had a major addition to its features list.

Sometimes features are added in shortly after launch as promised features not quite ready at the time the game went gold, but far more frequently an entirely new feature is developed and added. So what's your favorite feature that was introduced after the game's launch? A player-generated content system a la City of Heroes or Star Trek Online? The addition of instanced PvP such as World of Warcraft's Battlegrounds? Let us know!

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: What's your favorite post-launch feature? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter announces the next patch date

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 07:00 PM PDT

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Naoki Yoshida is many things, but a man of brevity is not usually among his qualities. Most of his letters to the Final Fantasy XIV community are quite long, with a great deal of information contained therein. But the most recent producer's letter is a departure from form, with only one real substantial piece of information -- the release date for patch 1.18. However, considering that the patch will usher in new combat mechanics, new content, and large overhauls to the game's content development, it's the sort of thing that can speak for itself.

According to Yoshida, the patch is scheduled for July 21st, with only some testing on the upcoming instanced raids to be completed. (As he puts it, the team is opting for "raid" rather than "dungeon" just because you can raid something that isn't quite a dungeon in structure.) There may be a slight change in either direction by a couple days, but Final Fantasy XIV fans will be happy to have a target date for this large patch.

MassivelyNew Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter announces the next patch date originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Betawatch: July 8-14, 2011

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT

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Welcome to Betawatch, Massively's weekly report on the state of MMO betas. In each installment, we'll report everything from the latest open betas, closed betas and even alphas in one convenient place. Plus, we'll make sure to include as much info on each game's current status, including projected release dates (if known) and links to the sign-up forms to get yourself into that beta you've been seeking.

Bright Shadow Online joins the Betawatch list this week, and while beta testing is technically open to everyone, you're going to have to work for it a bit. The Bright Shadow team has created a memory game, and successfully completing it will award you a beta key. Good luck!

Luvinia Online began taking closed beta signups at the beginning of June, and the closed beta testing began today. Bug-finders, start your engines!

Head on past the cut for the full list of this week's betas!

Continue reading Betawatch: July 8-14, 2011

MassivelyBetawatch: July 8-14, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:30 PM PDT

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Welcome to this week's edition of The MMO Report.

The first order of business on The MMO Report this week is Age of Conan: Unchained. Funcom's bloody MMO went free-to-play last week, and also released their new Blood and Glory PvP servers yesterday.

Next up we have BioWare's latest class video for Star Wars: The Old Republic. It focuses on the Bounty Hunter class and details the progression options available to Boba Fett wannabes.

And then it's... Oh, not again. Monocle-gate, okay? Do we really need to say anything else?

Lastly, we come to the announcement that Blizzard's project Titan is going to be a casual MMO. Considering the fact that, as Casey puts it, many players consider World of Warcraft to be casual as it is, what this means for Titan is ambiguous at best.

For the full MMO Report, including (for the first time in a while) Uncle Casey's Mailbag, jump on past the cut.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamania announces fairy tale-inspired Dream Drops

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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Today's funky name award goes to Dream Drops, a newly announced free-to-play fantasy MMO from Gamania Digital Entertainment. Gamania's press release makes good use of the words surreal, warped, and unusual, so we're guessing that the company is looking to highlight Dream Drops' unique take on genre conventions and traditional fairy tales.

"Classic fairy tales are altered and well-known characters are transformed," the company says, and "the perverse personalities of familiar fairy tale characters [...] will amaze and delight players as they help the game's heroine on her mission." Who is that heroine? Her name is Sophie, and you can get a glimpse of her, as well as some Dream Drops atmosphere and gameplay footage, in the video after the cut.

Continue reading Gamania announces fairy tale-inspired Dream Drops

MassivelyGamania announces fairy tale-inspired Dream Drops originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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Last week we told you about an Aventurine blog entry that touted Darkfall's forthcoming update as a "new game." This week, producer Tasos Flambouras sheds a wee bit more light on the Darkfall 2.0 situation, but readers of his latest blog post will likely be left with more questions than answers.

To summarize, the new game is not a sequel but rather an iteration on all the lessons learned after two-plus years of operating and updating Darkfall. Aventurine now boasts a much larger dev team than the one that shipped the original game in 2009, and "no aspect of the game has been left untouched" when it comes to the revamp and relaunch.

Speaking of relaunches, Flambouras addresses the seemingly odd decision to incorporate Darkfall 2.0's extensive siege mechanic changes into the current game. As it turns out, Aventurine is planning some sort of epic end-of-1.0 event before transitioning to the new game, and sieges will play a part in the action. Finally, those of you who have already purchased Darkfall will not be charged again for the 2.0 client.

What about character transfers and/or wipes? That's a bit murkier, and though Flambouras says "it would not be necessary to wipe" in the new version, he also says that the topic is still under discussion. Head to the Darkfall Epic Blog to read this week's activity report.

MassivelyAventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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One of the probably-not-very-interesting things about me is that I'm somewhat of a video game soundtrack aficionado. Ever since MP3s became all the rage, I've been collecting my favorite tunes from console and computer games, often replacing the in-game score with my own personal soundtrack.

MMO soundtracks, as a whole, are hit or miss with me. While there are many incredible pieces out there, a bulk of what you find is low-key atmospheric stuff that isn't meant to be on anyone's Top 40 playlist. Lord of the Rings Online has its up and downs as a soundtrack, but overall it really does evoke the spirit of Middle-earth. It's hard to imagine playing the game, especially the early levels, without hearing these tracks.

I've collected both the soundtracks to Shadows of Angmar and Mines of Moria and have been saving them for a special occasion. Today is that special occasion. These were composed by Chance Thomas (who's scored many Lord of the Rings-related games) and Stephen DiGregorio. Ranging from bombastic to sinister to folksy, this score covers the gamut of themes and emotions related to the journey of the Ring. It's cool to listen to it independently of the game, as you can appreciate the score for what it is -- and see how the pieces evoke memories of your times in LotRO.

Instead of individually reviewing all 40 or so tracks, I'm simply going to pick my 10 most favorite to share with you!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Old Republic maps out success

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:30 PM PDT

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The BioWare developers have always talked about polish and immersion when designing Star Wars: The Old Republic. They have described some of the challenges of perfecting the game in their many developer blogs. Everything from art design to combat has been discussed. In the center of it all are the game testing metrics that everyone from Lead Combat Designer Georg Zoeller to Community Manager Stephen Reid have talked about. What do the metrics tell us is the most important part of the SWTOR user interface? Lead Systems Designer Damion Schubert tells us in the latest dev blog:
When Georg told the design team that maps were the most-opened part of the user interface in the game, our map specialists just nodded in understanding. They already knew that being able to find your way around the world was going to be hugely important to our success. Thanks largely to the enduring efforts of those on the map team who believe passionately in the importance of what they are doing, our maps system are a core, essential part of the adventuring experience in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Schubert tells us the details of making a proper map should not only be esthetically pleasing but dynamically help the player move about the complex environments of The Old Republic. Check out everything else Schubert has to say in the blog on the official site.

MassivelyThe Old Republic maps out success originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Storyboard: If it walks like a duck...

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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If you play Warhammer Online, my column here is probably pretty much useless to you. The game's last roleplaying server has been shut down for quite some time now, and to be honest, the environment was never spectacular for roleplaying. You don't even have a "walk" toggle or the ability to sit comfortably in chairs -- minimal functions that even World of Warcraft manages to pick up. None of this is news.

What might surprise some members of the non-Warhammer Online audience, though, is how much roleplaying is still going on.

Oh, it's not the large and elaborate character ensembles that I tend to wax poetic about in Storyboard, but it's still roleplaying. And the fact of the matter is that there's a lot of roleplaying that has virtually nothing to do with our regular topic of discussion here, some of it small and some of it elaborate, all with the purpose of immersing the player in the game world. And while I focus on the subject that I know, it's worth noting that there are more things out there than just creating a bunch of characters and playing them off one another. Heck, sometimes it doesn't even involve creating characters per se.

Continue reading Storyboard: If it walks like a duck...

MassivelyStoryboard: If it walks like a duck... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:30 PM PDT

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All right now, all you occultists, paranormal investigators, and conspiracy theorists, it's your turn to squeal with delight. Funcom has treated the world to a spankin'-new dev walkthrough of The Secret World's Savage Coast instance. You may remember we got our first look at the Savage Coast at the beginning of the month. Now, we get to go in for a first-hand look at just what makes this coast so savage.

The walkthrough -- which is so expansive it has to be presented in three parts -- begins with our dev tour-guides Martin Bruusgaard (Lead Designer) and Joel Bylos (Lead Content Designer) jumping into the dungeon linked to the Solomon Island zone, which they note is the first that players will encounter as they play through The Secret World. After a short preview of the quest-receiving experience (which includes voice acting that's rather good, especially for a game still in development), it descends into a rollercoaster ride into the mouth of madness.

The developers take on the Draugh (undead Norse warriors out for vengeance) and their masters throughout the course of the dungeon, which culminates in a scene straight out of Lovecraft's best. We'd hate to spoil the whole thing for you (and it's so long we really don't have the space!), but believe us, it's well worth the watch for any TSW fan. So head on past the cut for the full walkthrough videos!

Continue reading New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast

MassivelyNew Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Just hangin' out with my gigantic insect...

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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Star Wars Galaxies is center stage for today's One Shots. This is Tristik Deen hanging out with his pet, Adama:
Just a nice little shot of Imperial Pride as me and my pet kliknik take a break outside of an Imperial Base.
Now it's your turn! Large or small, deadly or purely decorative, we want to see your favorite pet companion. Just let us know your name, the name of the game, and a little about your pet and how you acquired it. Send it all to oneshots@massively.com and we'll feature you and your pet on One Shots this week.

It's time to start preparing for next week's One Shots theme as well. We've seen your gear, your mounts, and your pets; now it's time to see you! Snap a screenshot of your favorite character in your favorite MMO. Let us know about him or her, and we'll feature the character here on One Shots!

MassivelyOne Shots: Just hangin' out with my gigantic insect... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:30 PM PDT

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It's been a huge couple of weeks for Funcom and the Age of Conan community. Unchained brought a new freemium business model, thousands of new (and old) players, and new dungeon content to Hyboria. One week later, PvP fans were treated to the opening of the new Blood and Glory servers, with hardcore rule sets that included increased PvP XP, corpse looting, and a return to the game's unforgiving free-for-all roots.

AoC game director Craig "Silirrion" Morrison recently took the time to answer a few of our burning questions about Unchained and the game's immediate future. Head past the cut to see what Silirrion has to say about earning Funcom points in game, veteran point allotments, paying to skip the grind, and some spiffy new community-focused server tech.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exciting contests from gPotato celebrate launch of Uncharted Waters Online

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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The folks at gPotato want you to hit the high seas! Their newest game, Uncharted Waters Online, puts players in the role of a 15th century sailor under the flag of one of six nations -- England, the Dutch Republic, France, the Spanish Empire, Portugal, or the Republic of Venice -- and allows them to trade, explore, and battle to their hearts' content.

To promote the launch of this unique new game, gPotato is running a series of contests with some serious swag as the prize. The first is a race to level 80, with the first three players to do so receiving an iPad2. The second contest calls for players to write a review or guide on Uncharted Waters Online. The five best will received a Nintendo 3DS. So if you wanna put your MMO skills to good use, head on over to the official site to sign up!

MassivelyExciting contests from gPotato celebrate launch of Uncharted Waters Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bounty Bay Online prepping Raging Seas expansion

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:30 PM PDT

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Is your life lacking a little high seas adventure? Yearning to unleash your inner pirate, learn to be a naval captain, or possibly even score some booty? If so, you'll want to check out Bounty Bay Online's new Raging Seas expansion.

The update features a group instance called the Naval Battle of Gravelines, and players bold enough to brave the waters will be rewarded with a face-to-face encounter with the fearsome Spanish Armada.

According to a new Frogster press release, "a special points-based system will play a decisive role in whether you leave battle victorious or are cast down to Davy Jones' locker." You can learn more, as well as download the game, at the official Bounty Bay Online website.

MassivelyBounty Bay Online prepping Raging Seas expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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Sony Online Entertainment President John Smedley and members of the Planetside 2 development team sat down with press to talk more about the highly-anticipated sequel to the original Planetside. Joining Smedley were Creative Director Matt Higby, Senior Art Director Trammell Isaac, and Executive Producer Josh Hackney.

Smedley began by talking about how Planetside 2 is both an MMO and a FPS game, and that there are very few titles in that particular genre. He added that it will be a remarkable experience, and that he feels they can deliver in a way that no one else has. Read past the cut for more details.

Continue reading SOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby

MassivelySOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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GamesCampus has released some new screenshots and video of its Scarlet Legacy title and frankly my dear, we don't give a damn. Er, wait... it's not that Scarlett, so we do give a damn. The reveal concerns the game's mounts, and since closed beta testing is rapidly approaching (August 4th to be exact), players would do well to get their in-game transportation arrangements in order.

Scarlet Legacy is an action-oriented martial arts fantasy wherein players take on thousands of quests in an effort to save Princess Scarlet. A new GamesCampus press release highlights an "auto-pilot" fighting system that allows players to "jump straight into the fray alongside their friends" and dispenses with the need "to spend hours deciphering complex control combinations."

The game also does away with targeting according to GamesCampus, and whether you're fighting hordes of enemies or controlling one of Scarlet Legacy's numerous beast and vehicle mounts, you'll be having a grand old time. Hit up the game's website to learn more, and cozy up to the trailer after the cut.

Gallery: Scarlet Legacy

Continue reading Scarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video

MassivelyScarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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