MMO Updates

MMO Updates

SOE explains PlanetSide 2 patch scheduling

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 10:00 AM PDT

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Have you ever wondered why MMO studios patch their games when and how they do? Well, wonder no more, at least in PlanetSide 2's case. SOE producer David Carey recently took to Reddit to explain why the MMOFPS' server downtime typically starts during European prime time.

PS2 is a worldwide game, Carey says, and so bringing the EU shards down independently isn't feasible. "We can't have multiple client or server versions out in the wild at the same time," he explains. "Another reason is that we update once a week or more on average," Carey continues. "We need people to run the patches, so we really can't just say 'hey you guys are working overnight tonight and maybe two other nights this week, we'll let you know.' I mean, they have families and that's just not fair. So that rules out some time slots like 2:00 a.m. local other than for emergencies."

MassivelySOE explains PlanetSide 2 patch scheduling originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bluehole's not developing a TERA sequel after all

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 09:00 AM PDT

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Korean MMO maker Bluehole Studio officially shot down long-circulating rumors about an in-development TERA sequel this week. While the firm is working on two new games -- currently codenamed Project W and Project EXA -- they "will only be similar to TERA in terms of western fantasy design," according to MMO Culture.

The studio is also developing a mobile TERA spin-off tentatively titled Elin Expedition which features turn-based combat and additional Arborean lore and backstory.

MassivelyBluehole's not developing a TERA sequel after all originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guild Wars 2 composer talks live orchestras and season two sounds

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 08:00 AM PDT

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If you're into MMO music, Guild Wars 2, or both, you'll want to have a look at the latest ArenaNet video that goes behind the scenes on the music production for season two of the game's "living world." The clip is hosted by composer Maclaine Diemer, who explains how working with a live orchestra enhances both the music and the gameplay experience.

"When you hear live music while you're playing, you feel it on a much more visceral level," Diemer says. "What we recorded matches the aesthetic already set in Guild Wars 2, and I also think that it stands on its own as something unique and fresh."

Click past the cut to watch the vid.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 composer talks live orchestras and season two sounds

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 composer talks live orchestras and season two sounds originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WildStar's Strain update promises something for everyone

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 07:00 AM PDT

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WildStar
There's something for everyone in the Strain ultra drop, promises the latest WildStar Devspeak video, "no matter how you love to play." Except if you love to play PvP; for that, you'll have to wait until the next drop.

The just-released video follows the exploits of an obsessive lorehound, a spazzy explorer, a creepy homebody, and a hardcore lootmonger as the narrator wisecracks about how each of their playstyles will benefit from the upcoming patch. Even if you don't fall neatly into one of those categories, you'll no doubt pick up some clues about the new content or at least be impressed by the visuals.

Enjoy the new vid below. Skinny-dipping sold separately.

Continue reading WildStar's Strain update promises something for everyone

MassivelyWildStar's Strain update promises something for everyone originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Are you a RuneScape vet?

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 06:00 AM PDT

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The other day Justin asked how many of you were playing TERA, based on the fact that it doesn't get a lot of press or MMO blog coverage. Today I'd like to pose a similar question about RuneScape. The game has been out forever but in my MMO travels I've talked to very few people who have played it.

Obviously someone's playing it, though, and probably a lot of someones judging by Jagex's consistent update pace and its fan conventions. So, how about it, Massively readers? Are you a RuneScape vet?

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: Are you a RuneScape vet? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    MMO Week in Review: Draenor drops

    Posted: 29 Jun 2014 06:00 PM PDT

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    WoW
    At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

    Blizzard has frustrated players with its penchant for wide content gaps between World of Warcraft expansions, but this week, the Warlords of Draenor closed beta finally got underway, suggesting it might make its December deadline after all. The studio also slashed prices on the current version of WoW, revealed new character models, previewed a new zone, and was helped along by a friendly Pandaren player.

    Read on for a look at the rest of this week's top MMO stories.

    Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Draenor drops

    MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Draenor drops originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Neojac is looking to put Atavism MMO creator on Steam

      Posted: 29 Jun 2014 02:00 PM PDT

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      Raise your hand if you've ever thought you could do better than a professional MMO dev. Good, now, all of you go and click the link at the bottom of this article that leads to something called Atavism Online. Atavism is billed as an "MMO creator" on its preliminary Steam Greenlight page, and it's essentially a Unity game development environment that handles all the pesky programming, networking, and server administration tasks while enabling creative types to jump in and start developing the actual game.

      You might recognize the company behind Atavism, as Neojac is also building an MMO called Neo's Land using this very toolset.

      [Thanks omedon666!]

      MassivelyNeojac is looking to put Atavism MMO creator on Steam originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      You could write the next Darkfall quest

      Posted: 29 Jun 2014 12:00 PM PDT

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      Yes, Darkfall has quests, smart-aleck, it's not all-gank-all-the-time. In fact, Agonian group PvE is some of the most enjoyable I've experienced in 15-plus years of MMO playing. In any case, Aventurine kicked off a quest-writing contest this week, and you can enter it by sending your stories to the firm's submission email address.

      The devs ask that you limit your stories to 1500 words or less and that you make sure they're based on "anything Agonian." Aventurine notes that it is currently crafting "some fairly long and epic stories" of its own, so the winning submissions will be used for sidequests in the world of Darkfall. The best story will net its author a unique in-game item, and the contest runs through July 20th, so you better get cracking!

      [Thanks Dengar!]

      MassivelyYou could write the next Darkfall quest originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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