MMO Updates

MMO Updates

Star Trek Online posts the latest Engineering Report

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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With the launch of Season Four now behind the developers at Star Trek Online, the team is now focusing on what lies ahead for its Captains. The latest Engineering Report, a monthly forum post that is released and written by Executive Producer Dan Stahl, foreshadows some upcoming content that we will see soon[TM] and commits to the eradicating of bugs that recently came to life. There are even some new additions that are sure to bring some "healthy" discussions to the Cryptic forums.

Between now and Season Five, we will see the introduction of the Duty Officer system, STF revamps, new gear sets, more Klingon updates, and the advancement of the Borg into Federation space. While it has been said that Season Five will most likely not be released until 2012, players can look forward to seeing major updates for fleets, a rework of how exploration works, more in-game species, and the introduction of fleet starbases. Make sure to take a look at the full report, as well as this week's upcoming Captain's Log entry, to read about these and other updates coming to a starship near you.

MassivelyStar Trek Online posts the latest Engineering Report originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect World offers gamers a shot at a trip to PAX Prime

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

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Bummed because PAX Prime is sold out -- and your wallet's looking thin, anyway? Well, how would it sound if we told you that you had a chance to go to the mega-convention in Seattle next month for free, including round-trip airfare? Pretty good, huh?

As part of its efforts to promote Rusty Hearts, Perfect World Entertainment is giving away a convention package to one lucky winner (and his or her best friend). If you register for the Rusty Hearts beta by July 27th, you'll automatically be entered to win these two three-day PAX passes. To make a good deal even better, the winners will have the opportunity to have dinner with the producers and developers of the game!

Rusty Hearts Producer Mark Hill is flat-out psyched for the event: "This is a great year for Rusty Hearts to make its debut appearance at Penny Arcade Expo. We cannot wait to interact with Rusty Hearts fans on a personal level and we hope to get everyone as excited as we are by giving away these two passes to the otherwise sold out show. We have really been looking forward to bring Rusty Hearts to a gaming-centric consumer event, and I can't wait to see how the PAX crowd reacts to the game."

Massively still has a number of Rusty Hearts beta keys to give away, and each of these comes with a special Massively Pack(TM) of in-game items!

MassivelyPerfect World offers gamers a shot at a trip to PAX Prime originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Check out Webzen's full games lineup with our all-in-one giveaway

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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Everyone loves a good beta key giveaway -- checking out a new game before the general population and helping to improve said game is a tempting pairing. Here at Massively, we've got a beta key giveaway with a twist! Webzen, the company behind MU Online, R2 Online, Archlord, and S.U.N., has given us 1,000 all-in-one beta keys to share with our readers.

A single key will give you access to new content and more in each game. For Archlord, you'll be given a level 100 character, limitless free access to cash items, and access to the new Ascent From Hell expansion -- all on the beta server. In S.U.N., you'll have a special potion which will level your character to 30, a beta key mount and fast level-up, and the ability to create the new Episode 2 class. R2 Online players will be invited to the second user test and will be able to experience the currently-unreleased Siege and Spot Warfare content. Finally, the all-in-one key will give free access to MU Online's Rage Fighter Class.

To participate, all you have to do is pick up your key on our giveaway page, then head to Webzen's All-In-One event page. Create your Webzen account if you haven't already, redeem your key where indicated, and choose the game you want to access first. Enjoy your all-in-one access, and our thanks to Webzen for providing the keys!

GET YOUR KEY

MassivelyCheck out Webzen's full games lineup with our all-in-one giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Polish retailer leaks SWTOR pre-order info

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 07:30 AM PDT

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It's been a busy day for speculation recently, especially if you're a fan of the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic and happen to watch European retail sites closely. Most of the game's fans are aware that there will be some announcement made regarding the game once San Diego Comic-Con starts up on Thursday, but suspicions seem confirmed when Polish retailer Empik.com released what looked to be pre-order information complete with box art for the game.

Needless to say, the actual entry for the order was quickly pulled from the page, but the box art image remains available, including mention of a pre-order "colour stone to change your weapon effect." Plausible? Considering how many fans are waiting with bated breath to get a release date on the game, it's certainly believable that a release or pre-order is among the orders of business at the convention. It might seem like a bit of a thin framework for fans to pin their hopes on... but even so, Star Wars: The Old Republic fans should keep their eyes open during SDCC to see if it turns out to be an accurate forecast of coming announcements.

[Thanks to all of the tipsters on this one!]

MassivelyRumor: Polish retailer leaks SWTOR pre-order info originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 07:00 AM PDT

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Heatwave Interactive, makers of the new indie MMO Gods and Heroes, has been refreshingly upfront about their business lately. Recently, they talked about the need for even more players, despite having one of the top selling games on Steam for a while. It should be a sign of how payment models or pricing can seemingly make or break a game, especially at launch. Within even just a few years, the mainstream audience has gone from hating on free-to-play, treating it as though it was some sort of oddball political party, to snickering whenever a game actually asks for money upfront.

Will Heatwave's game pay the price for not releasing for free immediately? Well, that is yet to be seen. In a recent interview with Anthony Castoro, Executive Producer and CEO, he was very open and honest about all of these perceived issues, and seemed ready to continue using such open language with his audience.

Click past the cut and let's talk about the upcoming new price, a new class, and a little surprise for all of the players who paid for the game upfront.

Continue reading Gods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes

MassivelyGods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What in-game sounds drive you bonkers?

Posted: 19 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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Way back when I first started playing City of Heroes, I became enamored with the Defender archetype. I made Defender after Defender until all my slots were full, and then deleted some to make even more. But the one powerset I'd never choose, even on the pain of death, torture and Arby's, was Force Fields. Why? It's really quite simple: the sounds.

Oh, those high-pitched whiny sounds that set my teeth on edge! I hated grouping with anyone who had those turned on, and for years I deeply wished that NCsoft would allow us to disable some game sounds while retaining all of the others.

But I don't mean to pick on just City of Heroes here. Every game has sounds that annoy and grate on our ears, and today we want to hear about your most-hated in-game noises. Which sounds do you wish developers would change or eliminate altogether?

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 in-game sounds drive you bonkers? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: In the summer of 2.6

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 07:00 PM PDT

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Dear NCsoft,

You have missed me! Why else would you tempt me with the announcement a few days ago that patch 2.6 will be hitting Aion's live servers on August 3rd but to lure me back indoors? It is true that we haven't spent as much time together lately; I have strayed a bit, seduced by the sunshine, sunblock, and sand between my toes that goes with a summer outdoors. Can you really blame me? I certainly haven't wanted it to end, but a body simply needs more than the same old, same old to keep a long-term relationship fresh. And we are talking sunshine!

I am heartened that you seem more serious about combating staleness in our relationship. After all, you aren't leaving me hanging in anticipation for months on end as you did with your last update, Empyrean Calling. Truly, smaller and more frequent gestures are better appreciated than one large one once in a blue moon. And I am sure the events preceding the patch will offer some diversion as I await Aion's newest content.

Hmmm, heatstroke or heat wave? Alright, you have convinced me; I am willing to forgo the great outdoors and dedicate more time to us! However, as we renew this commitment, I feel I must be open with you -- even as I look forward to our new times together, I have a few questions I would be remiss not to ask.

Surely you can put my mind at ease past the cut?

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: In the summer of 2.6

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: In the summer of 2.6 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE dev blog hints at upcoming live events

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT

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MMO live events are a tricky business due to the fickle nature of playerbases as well as the inherent technical and logistical challenges that often arise. That hasn't stopped CCP from putting together the occasional shindig in EVE Online, and in the company's latest dev blog, CCP Headfirst tells us how the Sansha Reborn events that dovetailed with the Incursion expansion were the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Headfirst writes that there are "entirely new live event plot lines in the works," and he goes on to state that CCP's near-future plans will please both lore hounds and combat fiends alike. Cruise over to the official EVE website to read the full dev blog.

MassivelyEVE dev blog hints at upcoming live events originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lost Pages of Taborea: A history of Diamonds

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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It's been a long time since we've heard anything about Diamonds being reinstituted into Runes of Magic's auction house. Since that fateful day they were removed, a lot of new players have joined, veterans have left and some things that should not have been forgotten... were lost.

Having Diamonds in the auction house is an important feature that was planned from the get-go. It allows for seamless trading and player-controlled price fluctuations that keep all items obtainable for everyone. It's about having the freedom to play multiple ways. Options are more numerous than simply paying and having everything opened up or not paying and being stuck. With RoM's cash-shop items being integrated into the title's gameplay, there's a grayscale that lets players have many more options in how they want to play.

It's not an overly complex issue, but one worth looking back on. Getting Diamonds back in the auction house isn't a lost cause, but the issue has dragged on to the point that long time players may have given up all hope. This edition of Lost Pages of Taborea is all about looking back at the beginning and bringing players up to speed on diamonds in (or not-in) the auction house.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: A history of Diamonds

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: A history of Diamonds originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online studio hit with layoffs

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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If you're a fan of Faxion Online, the last thing you want to hear about is members of the game's development team getting the axe. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened today -- UTV Ignition has reportedly cut staff from the division responsible for much of the game's programming and maintenance. Exact lists have varied, with Don Choi (vice-president of UTV's online division) claiming that only a small fraction of employees were let go while employees affected have claimed that the majority of the studio has now been cut.

The affected team members have claimed that the game's customer service and support are also being cut and outsourced, while Choi maintains that the game will still be running and receive updates and improvements. Which version of events is the honest one is a bit unclear at the moment, but we offer our condolences to Faxion Online development members affected by these layoffs.

MassivelyFaxion Online studio hit with layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA shows off two new BAMs: the forestwalker vulcan and vulcan juggernaut

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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Raise your weapons, TERA fans, because today we've got another pair of BAMs for you to contend with. This month we're stepping away from the icy wendigos to the hulking vulcans, which act as servants to the mysterious cult of Lok.

The spotlight shines first on the vulcan juggernaut, which -- as the name implies -- is a gargantuan creature more than capable of tearing your arms off and bludgeoning you to death with them, and more than willing to do just that. Between fireballs, foot-stomping earthquakes, and a general sense of unbridled malice, the vulcan juggernaut is a force to be reckoned with.

Next is the juggernaut's distant cousin (twice-removed), the forestwalker vulcan. Though these vulcans aren't as large as their juggernaut counterparts, they make up for it with their enormous and deadly horns. Facing off with a forestwalker vulcan is a lot like the running of the bulls, only your chances of survival are even lower!

Continue reading TERA shows off two new BAMs: the forestwalker vulcan and vulcan juggernaut

MassivelyTERA shows off two new BAMs: the forestwalker vulcan and vulcan juggernaut originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP publishes fourth DUST 514 fiction piece

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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New Eden is home to thousands of stories, and while most of them are a variation on "lulz, delicious carebear tears," occasionally an enjoyable piece of fiction arises from CCP's grand social experiment.

In the past, officially sanctioned EVE Online-based fiction has taken the form of novels and web-based short stories. Today we're here to tell you about the latest instance of the latter, only this time the prose centers around the upcoming shooter spin-off known as Dust 514.

Stranded, Part IV is the latest Dust chronicle, and in typical EVE fashion, it's a bleak, bone-crunching portrayal of life in the big black. If you missed Stranded parts one, two, and three, CCP has helpfully archived them on the official Dust 514 website.

MassivelyCCP publishes fourth DUST 514 fiction piece originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Sunsetting

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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Yavin IV was always one of my favorite planets to visit in Star Wars Galaxies. Especially when you would hit just the right time of day to see the gigantic planet of Yavin hovering in the sky. I caught this screenshot as I was on my way to the Jedi Temple on the jungle world. With the news of the Galaxies shutting down, this screenshot has become a bit mournful for me now. It reminds me of a sunset. It you'd like to celebrate the sunset of SWG with me, I'll be on the Starsider server on Aerron in the evenings EDT.

All this week, Massively writers are spotlighting some of our personal One Shots. What exciting stories revolve around our screenshots? Stay tuned to find out. Next week, after staff picks week, will be free-for-all week for you, our readers. Send any eye-catching, beautiful, scary, or generally epic screenshot to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll pick the best of the best for One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Sunsetting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike O'Brien discusses the business of ArenaNet

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 01:30 PM PDT

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It's hard to become invested in MMOs and video games without learning something about the industry at play -- an industry of repeated layoffs and mergers, acquisitions and shuffling ownership, and a whole lot of passion and drama over seemingly inconsequential subject matter. The acquisition of PopCap by Electronic Arts last week prompted The Seattle Times to conduct an interview with Mike O'Brien of ArenaNet, known for the highly anticipated Guild Wars 2 and the already quite successful Guild Wars, about acquisition, corporate oversight, and the life of a smaller studio moving into big waters.

As O'Brien puts it, the decision to seek outside funding from the start was a direct result of the scale and scope of the Guild Wars project. Rather than trying to scramble for resources to create a big project that could compete, the studio went for a company that seemed like it would appreciate their way of doing business. And O'Brien has nothing but positive things to say about the working relationship between his studio and NCsoft -- although he's very aware of what can happen when a small studio gets bought by a larger organization. The full interview should be of interest to anyone who follows the industry... and like we said, that's a good part of the MMO crowd.

MassivelyMike O'Brien discusses the business of ArenaNet originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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If there's one thing that came out of Fan Faire about EQ Next, it's that no one will talk about EQ Next. No matter who you talked to, any time the subject came up, the answer was always, "I can't talk about that." However, Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down with Massively during Fan Faire to talk more about EverQuest II, and during that interview, he did give a tiny glimpse into what that game would be like.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, Massively gets the scoop on Beastlords, the dungeon builder, Freeport's revamp, and much more.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Will the door open?': CCP opens up about the future of EVE's avatars

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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Tactical Gamers has a lot of nice things to say about EVE Online's latest expansion, Incarna, but more than just fawning over the truly revolutionary ability to make avatars who walk around in a room, the site roped in two of the game's leads, CCP Soundwave and CCP Flying Scotsman, to jaw about the latest and greatest in the game.

The first, and probably biggest, question for the devs was, "Will the captain's quarters doors ever open to allow avatars to interact with other players?" The devs confirmed that, yes, such a day is coming and will take place over a series of phases. The first stage is to include what CCP is calling "Establishments" in which players can mingle and take part in "various activities."

Interestingly enough, the topic of emotes is a divisive subject among the CCP staff, with some arguing for their inclusion and others fearful that emotes will turn EVE into World of Warcraft, what with the dancing Elves on mailboxes and all. Emotes will be eventually added, but they will have "meaning" behind them.

For more on Incarna, super-capitals and the future of the game, give this interview a listen!

Massively'Will the door open?': CCP opens up about the future of EVE's avatars originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not So Massively: Diabetic champions edition

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Monday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Rise of Immortals, Bloodline Champions and more.

Last week we brought you the exciting news that Valve's eagerly awaited MOBA Dota 2 would be demonstrated at August's Gamescom convention. League of Legends finally released its first female tank champion, Leona the Radiant Dawn, last week, leaving only Skarner to be released from the trio of champions revealed at E3. Aida Arenas had its closed beta unexpectedly postponed indefinitely, with no reason given or timeline for when the beta schedule might resume. Finally, we got some hands-on time in the Rise of Immortals open beta and delivered our first impressions of this promising new MOBA.

In this week's Not So Massively, we get a first look at League of Legends' mysterious upcoming champion Wukong the Monkey King and check out two more awesome LoL parody songs. S2 Games dropped the price of Heroes of Newerth to $10 this week, but inexplicably failed to state when the deal will end or if the price drop is permanent. We take a look at HoN's latest hero Revenant, revisit Realm of the Titans' unique Titan's Eye map, and check out some new Bloodline Champions tournament changes coming in the game's next competitive season. This week we also briefly introduce World of Battles: Morningstar, an innovative new take on MOBA gameplay using traditional RTS style unit control and huge armies.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diabetic champions edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diabetic champions edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starcraft Universe alpha gameplay video released

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 10:30 AM PDT

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What if the year's most noteworthy MMO release wasn't a mega-budget corporate themepark but a crazy-detailed mod produced by a tiny team of fans? A lot of gamers out there would love to see a StarCraft-flavored MMORPG, and modder Ryan Winzen is in the process of making that dream a reality with StarCraft Universe, a total conversion for Blizzard's StarCraft II that turns the strategy title into a full-blown massively multiplayer experience.

Eurogamer has published a four-minute video of the mod in action, and viewers will get a good look at the alpha-state UI, combat, and a glimpse of character creation before the clip is done. As to the legalities involved, we reported earlier this year on Winzen's amicable accord with Blizzard, and though the gaming giant invoked its right to block the distribution of videos promoting the mod, it allowed development on the project to continue.

MassivelyStarcraft Universe alpha gameplay video released originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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