MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Infinite Crisis closed beta starts May 8

Posted: 01 May 2013 10:00 AM PDT

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infinite crisis beta
Wednesday, May 8th marks the start of Infinite Crisis' closed beta test. The new DC-centric MOBA is accepting signups now on its official website, and Turbine has released a bit of new art focusing on various multiverse Wonder Woman variants to celebrate the occasion.

Infinite Crisis will be free-to-play and feature "a deep roster of DC Comics characters clashing in fast-paced player-vs.-player battles," according to Turbine's PR machine. You can get a sneak peek at the game via's Massively's hands-on report from GDC 2013.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyInfinite Crisis closed beta starts May 8 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Name change unlock coming to SWTOR

    Posted: 01 May 2013 09:00 AM PDT

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    Name change service coming to SWTOR
    The customization options continue to grow in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Producer Cory Butler told The Old Republic Roleplay that besides the appearance designer and Cathar coming in Update 2.1, players will also be able to change their characters' names. Finally, Darth LordSnuffleFluff can change his name to Darth LordMegaSnuffleFluff like he always wanted.

    Butler explains that the name-change option will be available on the Cartel Market as an unlock. However, since it is an unlock and not a service through the official website, that means some players will be able to change names with in-game credits via the Galactic Trade Network.

    Congratulations, SWTOR players, you will now be able to change everything about your character except class and gender when GU 2.1 releases.

    MassivelyName change unlock coming to SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    MMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out?

    Posted: 01 May 2013 08:00 AM PDT

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    MMO Family  Are video games stressing kids out
    Video games get blamed for all sorts of societal problems, particularly for young children. Violence, obesity, and laziness are just the tip of the iceberg. And a recent article from Amanda Enayati adds one more potential problem: stress.

    Growing up is complicated enough, but are video games making it even harder to be a happy, relaxed kid? Enayati, CNN Health's stress columnist and the technology and stress correspondent for PBS MediaShift, says it's complicated but points to a few studies that argue the pros and cons. Let's take a look at the debate over whether video games might be too stressful for children.

    Continue reading MMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out?

    MassivelyMMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch

      Posted: 01 May 2013 07:00 AM PDT

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      Camelot Unchained concept art
      Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter odyssey is almost complete, and as of press time there's a little over a day remaining. City State's fantasy RvR sandbox stands at just over $1.82 million out of its $2 million goal, so Mark Jacobs has penned a dev diary designed to push the game's funding over the top.

      He outlines the many challenges inherent in managing both a Kickstarter campaign and an ambitious MMORPG project, and he hits the highlights of the former which include three faction RvR, Minecraft-style building options, and a custom engine that has easily handled hundreds of simultaneous players at well over 200 frames per second. Finally, Jacobs thanks CU's current backers, whom he says have given unprecedented support to the tune of a $160 average pledge.

      Jacobs' full diary is readable after the cut.

      Continue reading Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch

      MassivelyMassively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Daily Grind: Do you avoid 'evil' classes?

        Posted: 01 May 2013 06:00 AM PDT

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        The Daily Grind Do you avoid 'evil' classes
        Having started to play a Necromancer in Guild Wars 2 lately, I've been thinking about how odd it is that some MMO classes are kind of, well, evil. Or at least really, really gross, unless you think that playing with corpses is something a normal, well-adjusted citizen does. Summoning zombies, consorting with demons, even stealing from others -- sometimes our classes do unsavory activities. One could even call them... evil.

        Perhaps this depends on the morality of the beholder, but I know that I've spoken to players from time to time who just don't pick classes that can be construed as evil even if they're using their corpse-exploding habits for the greater good. Usually it just doesn't fit in with their perception of what a hero is, and that is that.

        What about you? Do you avoid "evil" classes, are you attracted to them, or do you not think about it one way or the other?

        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: Do you avoid 'evil' classes? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Wargaming.net offers special packages for National Veteran Appreciation Month

          Posted: 30 Apr 2013 06:00 PM PDT

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          Enjoy explaining to Grampa that he's not supposed to blow up the German tanks on his side.
          It's nearly May, and that means that World of Tanks developer Wargaming.net is keeping up a tradition that's run since the game first became playable. May is National Veteran Appreciation Month, and every year the studio offers package deals to players offering a variety of in-game benefits at a discounted price while donating some of the proceeds to veteran support groups.

          This year features two bundles. The first offers 2,000 gold and 2 million credits for $23.39; the second offers 10,000 gold, 1.2 million credits, 90 days of premium account status, and a special T-34 tank and garage slot for $115.99. 10% of each sale will be donated to Homes For Our Troops, AMVETS, and the Military Families Fund. So if you want to trundle along in a semi-historical military playground while supporting the brave individuals that made that possible, you can pick yourself up some nice toys in the process.

          [Source: Wargaming.net press release]

          MassivelyWargaming.net offers special packages for National Veteran Appreciation Month originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant

          Posted: 30 Apr 2013 05:00 PM PDT

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          Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant
          I was asked last week why I chose The Ebon Hawk as the server on which to run my Star Wars: The Old Republic free-to-play experiment, especially since it's my home server. Some people believed that the experiment would be flawed because I would have many people to call on to help me out in different areas. This is only partially true. I do have some people to call on if I absolutely need it, but remember that I play on the Imperial side normally; this test character is Republic-side. My guildies and friends do not play Republic characters on a regular basis. And I have already said that I will not take gifts from other characters. The only thing that they can offer me is a partner for leveling, and currently, no one that I know is the same level as my Smuggler. I won't catch up to any of them until I hit level 35.

          Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant

          MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Amazon's payment systems go kaput, taking Kickstarter with it

            Posted: 30 Apr 2013 04:30 PM PDT

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            Well, darn.
            Were you planning to be the brave soul to bring Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter project to its goal? You might have missed your chance. Amazon Payments, the system which Kickstarter uses to accept pledges from browsers, started having trouble earlier today, meaning that several Kickstarter projects have run into trouble attracting more pledges or processing pledges for otherwise successful funding. That's bad news for anyone looking to make the last few dollars on a project before the project ticks over the last deadline.

            There's currently no ETA on service restoration; quite notably, the payment service is currently the only Amazon service listed as having difficulties. Camelot Unchained is put into a particular pickle with this development, as the project is still more than $200,000 away from its goal with less than two days remaining. Hopefully the service errors will be cleared up before several projects start to feel the sting.

            [Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

            MassivelyAmazon's payment systems go kaput, taking Kickstarter with it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Star Trek Online showcases Romulan uniforms

            Posted: 30 Apr 2013 04:00 PM PDT

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            Star Trek Online showcases Romulan uniforms
            No expansion is complete without its own fashion spread. Star Trek Online is covering its bases with the most recent Legacy of Romulus dev blog, which goes into the process of designing the Romulan Republic uniforms.

            Romulans have a long history of fabulous fashion in Star Trek. The design team was able to draw on the go-go boots, metal skull caps, and eighties-tastic shoulder pads that defined the Romulans we've all come to know and love. Those design inspirations were mixed in with cues of the current state of Romulans. The Romulan Republic, as we know it in the game, is made up of scattered refugees.

            Check out all the glamour shots on the official post.

            MassivelyStar Trek Online showcases Romulan uniforms originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Age of Conan game director talks about server tech, tradeskills, and more

            Posted: 30 Apr 2013 03:30 PM PDT

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            Age of Conan game director talks about server tech, tradeskills, and more
            Joel Bylos, the game director for Age of Conan, has put out this month's game director letter. In it, he addresses his team's plan for addressing "most of the concerns and requests" that players have.

            Through a three-phase process, Age of Conan will come closer to having the same server functionality as The Secret World. Servers will be moved to the same physical place, then servers with the same ruleset will be merged, and then cross-server queues and functionality will be implemented. The tradeskill system is getting a massive revamp. Key changes there include the near removal of quests from tradeskill progression. Dragon's Spine and Unchained content is starting to get scheduled, bit by bit, for release.

            You can read the full dev letter on the official site.

            MassivelyAge of Conan game director talks about server tech, tradeskills, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            ArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost: Retribution

            Posted: 30 Apr 2013 03:00 PM PDT

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            ArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost Retribution
            If you're excited about Guild Wars 2's Flame & Frost: Retribution, ArenaNet is one step ahead of you with a new guide they've provided on the game's site.

            This spoiler-free mini-guide covers today's Living Story release (with a spoiler-rific version toward the end) and provides a schedule of events for the Flame & Frost epilogue, starting May 12.

            Be sure to also read through today's patch notes for more details on Flame & Frost: Retribution.

            MassivelyArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost: Retribution originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Marvel Heroes gets an open beta weekend in honor of Iron Man 3

            Posted: 30 Apr 2013 02:00 PM PDT

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            Marvel Heroes gets open beta weekend in honor of Iron Man 3
            Gazillion Entertainment is celebrating the upcoming release of the Iron Man 3 movie by throwing the doors of Marvel Heroes open for a beta weekend. From Friday, May 3rd, until Monday the 6th, players will be able to hop into the game and give it a test. As a special bonus, new players will be able to choose from some of the iconic Avengers as their starting hero. That perk will only last for the weekend.

            You can take a look at the game in the villains trailer that we've conveniently tucked under the cut.

            [Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

            Continue reading Marvel Heroes gets an open beta weekend in honor of Iron Man 3

            MassivelyMarvel Heroes gets an open beta weekend in honor of Iron Man 3 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart

              Posted: 30 Apr 2013 01:00 PM PDT

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              Pantsless First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta
              Neverwinter's launch into open beta began last week, and through the grace of my press account, my Great Weapon Fighter was lucky enough to begin her digital life alongside players who forked over $199.99 for the Hero of the North Founder's Pack. I lack any of the Founders Pack bonuses, so off my plucky human character went, surrounded on her first day almost exclusively by panther-having Drow.

              Justin's been serving up a delicious helping of launch diary goodness, but he's relaxing on a cruise ship this week, so you're stuck with me! Join me as we sally forth into my launch-but-not-really-launch-it's-open-beta-okay-guys-but-we-aren't-deleting-characters-anymore-no-really-it's-still-open-beta-look-it-says-so-in-this-blog-post impressions! The first section is about thighs.

              Continue reading Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart

              MassivelyPantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Pirate101 prepping 'largest expansion to date'

                Posted: 30 Apr 2013 12:00 PM PDT

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                Pirate101 prepping 'largest expansion to date'
                Two new world expansions are on the horizon for Pirate101. KingsIsle is prepping Books 13 and 14, which feature the war-torn skyway of Marleybone and the "legendary beauty and danger found throughout Aquila," according to the studio.

                The updates comprise the free-to-play fantasy title's largest expansion to date. KingsIsle says that these new worlds are coming to the Members Only Test Realm in short order, with deployment on the live servers soon to follow. Sail past the cut for a bit of lore and some exclusive screenshots.

                [Source: KingsIsle press release]

                Continue reading Pirate101 prepping 'largest expansion to date'

                MassivelyPirate101 prepping 'largest expansion to date' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007

                  Posted: 30 Apr 2013 11:00 AM PDT

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                  The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007
                  April's Game Director letter for The Secret World is hot off the presses, and in it Joel Bylos shared some juicy morsels about the next issue in store for the horror and conspiracy-laced game. He revealed that whereas Issue #6 was spiced with an Indiana Jones flavor, Issue #7 will be sprinkled with a distinct 007 zest. Yes, Bond. James Bond.

                  Set in Transylvania, Issue #7 directs players to investigate the presence of the werewolves in the area, which ultimately leads them to an Orochi facility secreted away below a glacier in the Carpathian Fangs. Along the way, players get to experience adventures as a secret agent, complete with daring chases (a snowmobile one at that!), dare-devil jumps from exploding bridges, and close shaves with laser beams near sensitive areas. There's also a new auxiliary weapon to brandish -- the flamethrower.

                  But the new goodies don't stop there. Bylos introduced a new feature that allows for custom streaming of radio stations or playlists directly into the client as well as a some PvP changes including tweaks to the matchmaking system. He concluded with some teasers about Black Ops and Issue #8. For all the details, check out the full letter.

                  MassivelyThe Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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