MMO Updates |
- LFM: Massively seeks a new columnist and freelancers
- Uncharted Waters makes port at new publisher OGPlanet this fall
- Exclusive: Aura Kingdom's final reveal showcases ranged classes
- The Repopulation's second alpha trailer bares it all
- Massively Speaking Episode 270: IN ALL CAPS
- RIFT merges away English EU servers, then adds another one
- Today's Guild Wars 2 update summons the Tower of Nightmares
- Dawn of the Hunter Rangers: Touring Neverwinter's Shadowmantle module
- The Daily Grind: What does it take to get you into a fantasy MMO?
- Not So Massively: Star Citizen expands alpha, D3's Mystic revealed, and Path of Exile launches
- Captain's Log: Solonae space zone in Star Trek Online
- RIFT previews updates in patch 2.5 and beyond
- Star Citizen surpasses $25 million, eyes next stretch goal
- LotRO holds leveling contest for lifetime membership
- Final Fantasy XIV world transfer service now live
- Diablo III dev diary delves into the history of Westmarch
- Sharks, skulls, and ships: One year of Pirate101
- A look at the PlanetSide 2 World Domination Series
- The Nexus Telegraph: Why WildStar's housing matters
- Prime World introduces two witchy heroes with new videos
| LFM: Massively seeks a new columnist and freelancers Posted: 29 Oct 2013 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Events (Real-World), News Items, Massively Meta, Miscellaneous, MMORPG  Here's the skinny on us: Massively is Joystiq's geeky MMO cousin. We're owned by AOL; we're all paid, remote contractors; and we uphold a strict set of ethical standards you won't find among our rivals. We focus on high-quality writing with fair sourcing and a mix of news and features. We employ actual copyediting and editorial oversight, so you won't see trainwreck English in every headline. In short, we are the MMO site the other sites use as an RSS feed. These positions would be an awesome chance to break into paid gaming journalism if you happen to have just the right blend of availability, excellent writing skills, and passion for the MMO genre. If that describes you, then read on and apply! Continue reading LFM: Massively seeks a new columnist and freelancers
|
| Uncharted Waters makes port at new publisher OGPlanet this fall Posted: 29 Oct 2013 09:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Historical, Trailers, Video, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play  In UWO, players can relive and rewrite the history of the 15th Century, sailing the world in authentic period ships (like The English Frigate, Baltic Galleon, Spanish Carrack, and Turkish Galley) and participating in strategic battles. Whether starting as an Adventurer, a Merchant, or a Soldier, players amass wealth and power, discover new worlds, and even claim unoccupied islands. Get a taste of the game in the cinematic trailer below. [Source: OGPlanet press release] Continue reading Uncharted Waters makes port at new publisher OGPlanet this fall
|
| Exclusive: Aura Kingdom's final reveal showcases ranged classes Posted: 29 Oct 2013 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Trailers, Video, Classes, Game Mechanics, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries  Just because you don't want to go toe-to-toe with your enemies doesn't mean you want to cast magic, and Aura Kingdom has you covered for non-magical ranged classes. The final classes revealed for the upcoming free-to-play fantasy game use gunpowder instead of incantations to inflict damage. Whether you prefer the dual pistols of the Gunslinger or the large cannon of the Grenadier, you can fire from afar and blast your opponents. Check out these final two classes in the gallery and get the full scoop on them in the exclusive dev blogs below. Then watch all seven classes strut their stuff in the trailer at the end. Continue reading Exclusive: Aura Kingdom's final reveal showcases ranged classes
|
| The Repopulation's second alpha trailer bares it all Posted: 29 Oct 2013 08:30 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, Game Mechanics, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Sandbox, Housing, The Repopulation, Player-Generated Content  The video walks players through the natural environments of the dynamic world filled with detailed flora and fauna, with detours to show off player-built housing as well. But lest you think this sandbox is all serene, the second half blasts into combat footage. Get a glimpse of just about every available feature from character customization to resource harvesting to building to sieges in the trailer below. [Thanks to J.C. for the tip!] Continue reading The Repopulation's second alpha trailer bares it all
|
| Massively Speaking Episode 270: IN ALL CAPS Posted: 29 Oct 2013 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Podcasts, MMO Industry, News Items, Massively Meta, Massively Speaking, Miscellaneous  Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air! Get the podcast: [RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly. [iTunes] Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. [Stitcher] Follow the podcast on Stitcher Radio. Listen here on the page: Read below the cut for the full show notes. Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 270: IN ALL CAPS
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| RIFT merges away English EU servers, then adds another one Posted: 29 Oct 2013 07:45 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, News Items, Free-to-Play, RIFT  .And then another English server was added to the mix. According to Trion Worlds the addition of the new server will help to reduce lag and stabilize the cluster in response to increased demand on the servers. Many fans are quite upset that the game removed the last roleplaying server and then simply opened a new one, although it's unclear whether or not the population on that server would have matched the population expected on the new non-roleplaying server. [Thanks to noit'snot for the tip!]
|
| Today's Guild Wars 2 update summons the Tower of Nightmares Posted: 29 Oct 2013 07:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Guild Wars 2, Buy-to-Play  Players will join up with NPCs Marjory Delaqua and Kasmeer Meade to investigate the newest threat to Kessex Hills: the toxic krait and their powerful new ally. In addition to this new questing content, this update will also introduce rewards such as the Antitoxin Spray, a universal healing skill that cleanses players and nearby allies of poison, toxins, and other nasty effects. You can find more information on the update, including screenshots, desktop wallpaper, and a video, at the official site and our own previous coverage. [Source: Arenanet press release]
|
| Dawn of the Hunter Rangers: Touring Neverwinter's Shadowmantle module Posted: 29 Oct 2013 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, Previews, Family, Neverwinter  With that said, there's plenty that Lead Designer Andy Velasquez had to reveal to us for this upcoming module. For starters, it's 100% free, just in case you were wondering. Sure, Cryptic will continue to run a robust store (and doesn't seem to have any inclination to rein in the lockbox invasion), but all of the content of Shadowmantle will be available to the entire playerbase on day one. It's shaping up to be an even meatier update than Fury of the Faewild, believe it or not. The big star of Shadowmantle is the first new post-launch class: the Hunter Ranger. But this flexible fighter won't be hogging the entire spotlight; Neverwinter will also be adding a new zone, additional paragon paths, and a spiffy artifact skill system. So read on and prepare for the stampede of players rushing to be the next online Legolas-slash-Dizzt. Continue reading Dawn of the Hunter Rangers: Touring Neverwinter's Shadowmantle module
|
| The Daily Grind: What does it take to get you into a fantasy MMO? Posted: 29 Oct 2013 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, Lore, Opinion, The Daily Grind  Some games manage to take the fantasy conventions and push them quite far afield, either by viewing them through a separate cultural lens (Final Fantasy XIV and TERA spring to mind) or by moving the basic conventions in another direction (Allods Online and Guild Wars 2, for instance). But what does it take to get you into a fantasy MMO? Do you need a game that's so interesting you don't care about the setting? A truly original take on the setting? Some combination of both? Or do you just flee fantasy 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!
|
| Not So Massively: Star Citizen expands alpha, D3's Mystic revealed, and Path of Exile launches Posted: 28 Oct 2013 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Video, Business Models, Expansions, Game Mechanics, Guilds, Launches, New Titles, Patches, PvP, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, Browser, Consoles, Dev Diaries, Miscellaneous, Not So Massively, Sandbox, MOBA, Diablo III, Crowdfunding, Star Citizen, Path of Exile  Blizzard may have run into yet another naming blunder with Heroes of the Storm, as this week it emerged that a Finnish RPG published in July bears the same name. Third-person MOBA SMITE re-introduced Chinese god Sun Wukong this week, compete with shapeshifting abilities, an extendable staff, and a flying cloud. Firefall developer Red 5 Studios revealed details of what players can expect to be released in the next few months, and its parent company The9 has signed a $24 million US investment deal that values the game at $100 million. And Arena of Heroes is offering fans the chance to win an Ouya console and controller in a competition that will end in just a few days.
|
| Captain's Log: Solonae space zone in Star Trek Online Posted: 28 Oct 2013 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Patches, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Captain's Log, Guides  A new sponsorship system will be added to STO's reputation system, which should benefit those of us who like to play multiple alts. I've also had a chance to peruse the new Voth Command reputation faction on the Tribble test server and learn it contains some interesting new passive skills. Finally, a lot more content has been released onto Tribble, including the new Solonae space adventure zone. There's also some great news for those who don't subscribe to STO but still want to test the new content: Tribble has been opened up to all players, not just subscribers! If you don't want to know anything about the new content, be warned: This column will have a few spoilers! Continue reading Captain's Log: Solonae space zone in Star Trek Online
|
| RIFT previews updates in patch 2.5 and beyond Posted: 28 Oct 2013 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Previews, News Items, Free-to-Play, RIFT  Among the highlights of 2.5 is a new sequence of underwater content that serves as a testbed for version 3.0, which will be making heavy use of underwater combat. A new raid and dungeon are also incoming; the new raid is meant to occupy the first tier of progression to help newer players catch up with the high end. There's also a promise of a new crafting profession for the game with 3.0, one that is not limited by the cash shop in any way. And that's only some of what's on the way, all of which should make RIFT players very happy to keep playing the game.
|
| Star Citizen surpasses $25 million, eyes next stretch goal Posted: 28 Oct 2013 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Star Citizen, Buy-to-Play  Star Citizen backers have once again propelled the space sim sandbox past a million dollar crowdfunding stretch goal barrier. The latest mark to fall is $25 million, and it will allow Cloud Imperium Games to greatly expand the title's upcoming alpha test.CIG founder Chris Roberts offers more details in his latest Letter from the Chairman, which also outlines the game's $27 million stretch goal. Much like the previously achieved $23 million goal, the $27 million target will allow the dev team to expand alien spacecraft, only this time it's the Banu instead of the Xi'an. "Even though we've fully funded the base game, every extra dollar helps to make the experience better," Roberts writes. "The content we talk about in these stretch goals isn't 'feature creep;' it's elements we've been building and planning that will be all that more impressive with additional resources. In essence, you're putting things we've already discussed for the future into development now."
|
| LotRO holds leveling contest for lifetime membership Posted: 28 Oct 2013 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Contests, Expansions, Free-to-Play  LotRO's new leveling contest could get you one of 16 rewards if you put in the effort during this next month. Players who have a character that reaches level 60 or higher by November 10th will be entered into a drawing to possibly win a lifetime membership, a premium edition of Helm's Deep, or 500 Turbine Points. Unless your character's at level 85 (which is an automatic contest entry right there), you'll have to advance at least one level between now and November 10th in the level 60-85 range to be entered into the drawing. The cool thing is that you will get a chance to win for every character on your account that achieves this.
|
| Final Fantasy XIV world transfer service now live Posted: 28 Oct 2013 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, News Items, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription  One thing to note is that while "multiple characters can be transferred from one world to another with a single use of this service, multiple characters from different worlds cannot be transferred to the same world, nor can multiple characters from a single world be transferred to separate worlds." Got all that? Good. More info is available via the links below.
|
| Diablo III dev diary delves into the history of Westmarch Posted: 28 Oct 2013 01:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, Lore, News Items, Dev Diaries, Diablo III, Buy-to-Play  Diablo III's upcoming Reaper of Souls expansion will take players to a number of new locales across the world of Sanctum, such as the kingdom of Westmarch, the subject of Blizzard's latest dev post on the game's official site. Long-time Diablo fans probably know Westmarch best as the home of the Knights of Westmarch, the order from which Diablo II's Paladin hails, but there is much more to the realm's deep lore. Westmarch's history is one -- as is expected in the Diablo universe -- steeped in blood and conquest. The kingdom was founded by the Zakarum zealot Rakkis after a crusade that drove him across the Twin Seas and over the bodies of legions of conquered foes, but there is a second, "secret" history to this place. Near Westmarch is a "sprawl of fetid marshes," littered with the ruins of an ancient Nephalem civilization said to hold the power to ward against angels and demons alike. It was to these ruins that the now-mortal Tyrael took the Black Soulstone, and it was there that the former archangel Malthael, at that point neither angel nor demon, stole the Black Soulstone from its hiding place. And that, of course, is where the tale of Reaper of Souls begins. If you're a lore junkie looking for all the details, check out the full post on Diablo III's official site.
|
| Sharks, skulls, and ships: One year of Pirate101 Posted: 28 Oct 2013 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Mac, Kids, Wizard101, Family, Anniversaries, Pirate101, MMORPG  Hidden underneath the silliness, however, is a relatively deep turn-based strategy game designed to engage younger gamers while ensuring their adult counterparts have a good time. KingsIsle Entertainment isn't in the business of making kids games; instead, the studio strives to create titles that kids and parents can play together. The success of Pirate101 in its first year demonstrates that KingsIsle might just be on to something. Let's take a little peek back on the last 12 months of Pirate101 to examine its major milestones. Continue reading Sharks, skulls, and ships: One year of Pirate101
|
| A look at the PlanetSide 2 World Domination Series Posted: 28 Oct 2013 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Events (In-Game), Game Mechanics, Interviews, Previews, PvP, War, Free-to-Play, MMOFPS, PlanetSide 2  The World Domination Series hands out points to factions that hold on to an area for longer periods of time and will eventually give out points to individual players. Even though it just finished a first wave of in-game testing Sunday night, it will soon be accessible through a handy scorecard in-game and lists the daily, weekly, and seasonal scores as well as each empire's server- and game-wide performance. Each territory is worth a certain number of points, but holding a territory for longer periods of time is worth even more points. At the end of each week, rewards will be handed out. During the testing, the rewards consisted of experience boosts, but it'll be expanded later. How does this new system affect the rest of the playerbase, and what's in store for it in the future? We asked Matt Higby, Creative Director for PlanetSide 2, to answer some these questions. Continue reading A look at the PlanetSide 2 World Domination Series
|
| The Nexus Telegraph: Why WildStar's housing matters Posted: 28 Oct 2013 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Opinion, WildStar, Housing, The Nexus Telegraph, Subscription, Buy-to-Play  Partway through typing a response, I realized that this was a response that deserved more than just a letter; it deserved center stage because L is both right and wrong. In the strictest sense, housing does take away from development time that could go toward other features. For some players it's just not that interesting or relevant. But at the same time it also opens up avenues of design and play that just don't exist without housing in place, which winds up making the game as a whole better even if you don't want to play housekeeper. Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Why WildStar's housing matters
|
| Prime World introduces two witchy heroes with new videos Posted: 28 Oct 2013 10:30 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA  How do these two enchantresses play? Watch these two gameplay videos for a look at each hero's various talents and skills in battle and to glean some hints and tips for playing these newest additions. [Source: Prime World press release] Continue reading Prime World introduces two witchy heroes with new videos
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Massively To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
