MMO Updates

MMO Updates

Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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It's been only a short time since Faxion Online launched, and despite some issues with performance and balance, the game is already seeing a strong, dedicated playerbase. Perhaps the PvP-centric world, along with its open, skill-based class system, has encouraged this sort of dedication. UTV Ignition Games is fully aware of the issues that are in the game now and has promised that it's on top of them. The game was created with a smaller team, time frame, and budget than most games that we talk about here on Massively, so it's important to note the growing pains.

How do you divide your time between balance and performance? What do you do, as a developer, when the loudest wheels are squeaking about one issue, while others claim they have no issues at all? These are the quandaries of the smaller developer, especially a developer running a game that obviously offers something different.

We took some time to ask Mike Madden, Director of Product Management, and Frank Lucero, Studio Head, about their concerns as well as what they see happening in the future. So click past the cut to see what they had to say!

Continue reading Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

MassivelyMassively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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Color me surprised. With two days left to go, it looks like my Choose My Adventure poll is all but set, with Warhammer Online coming out as a real dark horse victor. Let this be a lesson to fans the world over: If you want something to win at a poll, posting a link on the official forums and saying "go vote for this" works remarkably well. It's really just that easy!

This week's edition of WRUP contains no further discussion of the game in question, however, instead being solely focused around what games the Massively staff will be playing over the next couple of days. It also details our opinions on flying mounts and how they affect the state of the game worlds we live play in. So read on past the break to see what we'll all be up to, and return the favor by letting us know your weekend activities in the comments.

Continue reading WRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition

MassivelyWRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: How welcoming should a game be?

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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In the old days, games started you out in a few tattered rags, and if you were very lucky, you had a weapon after character creation. The tutorial was "try not to die." You learned where things were by asking other players or blindly stumbling from place to place. In many ways, themepark games like RIFT can be seen as a direct counter to that playstyle, giving players a clear sense of purpose and a direction so reliable it can feel like handholding.

But there's another side to the discussion: the fact that how easy it is to figure things out at the start of a game contributes to how welcome you feel. There's a rush when you realize you're in a hostile world that won't hand you what you need to survive, but there's also a question of whether or not you want to carve out a niche in a world that doesn't seem to want you anyway. So how welcoming should a game be to new players? Should it be gently guiding at the risk of over-protectiveness, or should it throw you in the deep end and let you sink or swim?

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: How welcoming should a game be? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Allods Online reveals more about... Revelation

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 07:00 PM PDT

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Free-to-play favorite Allods Online marches ever closer to Patch 2.0.04. While we got a good look at the interesting Reincarnation system last week, today gPotato is highlighting two of the patch's new areas: Twilight Isle and the Cave of Tka-Rik.

Twilight Isle will be the latest end zone to hit the game, with a height requirement of 46 or above to go on this ride. It's no happy carnival, either; the Isle is populated by the Demonic Cult and its deathmetal decor. Players will be tasked with figuring out why the demons are starting to move through the Astral and to stop them posthaste. Among the many new quests to come with the zone is the ability to take out demons with a portable cannon, which automatically makes it the coolest feature we've heard of this week. So far.

Tka-Rik's Cave is another endgame challenge, wherein lie many deadly trials that are guarding the secret behind the Revelation.

We don't have a firm date for 2.0.04 yet, but the way Allods is promoting it, it shouldn't be too far off!

MassivelyAllods Online reveals more about... Revelation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Betawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011

Posted: 17 Jun 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.

Gods & Heroes, Eden Eternal, and Black Prophecy all move to open beta this week, so if you haven't had a chance to try one or all of those games, the doors are open to you now! Our closed beta list gets a little longer as well thanks to the addition of World of Planes and Dragon Nest.

Follow along after the cut for the latest Betawatch list!

Continue reading Betawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011

MassivelyBetawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ra's al Ghul's Revenge goes live for DC Universe Online

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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Are you ready to face off against a nearly immortal enemy? That's what DC Universe Online players will be up against starting today, as the latest game update throws Ra's al Ghul at the players. The eponymous terrorist and assassin is embarking on his latest scheme to wipe humans from the planet with biological weapons, forcing players to brave the League of Assassins' Stronghold with the possibility of earning several new rewards. But there's more to the latest update beyond just the new villain for players to oppose.

Poison Ivy is also hitting the scene in a big way, trying to strengthen her connection the mystical plant realm known only as the Green. That puts her at odds with the elemental Swamp Thing, forcing heroic and villainous players to team up with the faction-appropriate character and either aid or thwart Ivy's goals. DC Universe Online players can begin downloading and playing the update immediately, just in time to get some solid play in for the weekend.

MassivelyRa's al Ghul's Revenge goes live for DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR dev diary steps beyond story

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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Star Wars: The Old Republic separates itself from other MMORPGs by introducing the element of -- say it with me -- story. But how deep exactly is this wormhole? BioWare Writer Ian Ryan explains to us in the latest developer diary that a TOR writer's work is not done once the last word is penned. "Armed with [our] knowledge, we set out to provide feedback on each planet's art as it relates to story," Ryan reveals. The writers log into the game and play the levels they created story for. It is a collaborative effort. The writers attempt to give the environmental artist a clear picture of what best sets the scene for the stories they have created.

In the gallery below, we have some before-and-after renders of the Promenade on Nar Shaddaa and the Blastfield Shipyards on Corellia. Both of these areas received major overhauls after the writers witnessed the first incarnation of the environments.

Following the before-and-after pictures is a new piece of concept art of Corellia released for the fans. Lastly, we have featured some new pieces of art created by the SWTOR fans Micah_Vale, CuriousOne, and SkinRuder77. Enjoy.

Gallery: SWTOR Fan Friday

MassivelySWTOR dev diary steps beyond story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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Rock, scissors, paper. It's not quite that simple when referring to the three weapon classes in Fallen Earth. You have the two ranged disciplines: rifles and pistols. And then you have melee weapons. They all have distinct advantages in combat, and they are all viable in PvP and PvE when played properly. There is a lot of debate about weapon balance on the forums and in the game (gotta love global chat) about weapon balance.

I come from the school of thought that believes the weapons are currently as balanced as they have ever been. Many people will disagree with me on that point. But the vast majority of people who agree that the combat is well-balanced in Fallen Earth's current system are my contemporaries who have been PvPing since alpha, beta or launch. Many newer, less experienced players feel that certain weapon classes are overpowered or useless. I say that is not the case. Continue past the cut and I'll explain why I feel that way.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Weapon balance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get RIFT for $9.99 this weekend

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:30 PM PDT

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Trion's got a couple of weekend deals in store for all you last-minute Father's Day shopping slackers, provided of course that the gaming dad in your family plays RIFT.

First up is a $9.99 special that gives you the full game client. Gameplay time will cost you extra, though, so assuming you go with the standard monthly fee, you're looking at around 25 bucks for full access to Telara.

Next up is the trial upgrade collector's edition special, which will set you back $16.99. You get the full client per above as well as a tartagon mount, a collector's satchel, and a bogling wastrel pet. Both deals are digital only, so if your dad, husband, or baby's daddy wants a box, you'll need to check out the brick and mortar or online retailers listed on Trion's website.

MassivelyGet RIFT for $9.99 this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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Isengard. Isengard. ISENGARD. It's all I can think about since last week's E3 reveal, and I know I'm not the only one. For some reason, having a firm launch date for Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion feels like a starting pistol's gone off, and we're beginning the race to the expansion in earnest.

Of course, we're not in that much of a hurry at this point. We still have well over three months to go, the beta has yet to begin, and something tells me that Turbine's got a few more tricks to pull out of its top hat before all is said and done. Still, I'm officially in "Go!" mode, and I bet I'm not the only one.

While I can't make September 27th come any sooner, I can think of six ways that we can prepare for our upcoming journey into Dunland and beyond. Seven, if you include putting together the absolute perfect outfit to slay Saruman in, but that's a given.

Hit the jump and I'll walk you through everything you should be doing this summer to get ready for Rise of Isengard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gods & Heroes releases estate system screens

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:30 PM PDT

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Current-gen MMOs that ship with player housing options are seemingly a dying breed. Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, debuting next week courtesy of Heatwave Interactive, is bucking that trend by launching with something the devs are calling an estate system.

In a nutshell, your Roman hero will inherit his very own ancestral estate. Unfortunately you'll take possession of the place after it's been razed to the ground by the evil machinations of the Telchinist cult. Part of the Gods & Heroes progression experience involves rebuilding your home, which in turn affects the power and quality of your NPC minions as well as other as-yet unnamed benefits.

The rebuilding process takes the form of various quest lines throughout the game, and you'll get a glimpse of what's in store by checking out our new estate system gallery below.

Gallery: Gods and Heroes

MassivelyGods & Heroes releases estate system screens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Everyone has pants edition

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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Today's One Shots image comes from the APB community with a little twist: nobody in his or her underwear!
"Carnage is a criminal clan in All Points Bulletin: Reloaded. We think that we are the biggest French Canadian (Quebec) clan. We all play together to destroy those Enforcers, but we enjoy having fun with some events."
Are you ready to show off your guild? Gather up your best group shots of you and your guildmates. Whether you're hanging out, enjoying guild housing, taking out a huge enemy, or throwing a party, send a screenshot of your guild in action to oneshots@massively.com along with your name and the name of the game, and tell us about your guild!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Everyone has pants edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darkfall possibly headed to Asian market

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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Darkfall's brand of FFA PvP and sandbox-style fantasy elements may be headed to the Asian market, according to a new post on Aventurine's weekly dev blog. Tasos Flambouras reports that company staffers recently traveled to the Far East for discussions with "several of the Asian majors." What became of those discussions is still shrouded in secrecy, but Flambouras does hint at more news in this regard down the road.

"This will be good for the game overall since we'd be tapping into some vast development resources. Unfortunately I can't be more specific but there will be announcements when we can," he explains.

Today's Epic Blog entry also talks a bit about some new PvE dungeons in the works, and there are some interesting pieces of concept art as well as a screenshot or two of the new Cairn dungeon. Read all about it at the official Darkfall site.

MassivelyDarkfall possibly headed to Asian market originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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As Luvinia Online's heading toward closed beta testing here in the states, Outspark is trying to pump up interest in the title by highlighting the game's classes. Two of the revealed classes are the Berserker and Watchman, subsets of the Fighter and Scout roles.

The Berserker is your typical barbarian-who-unleashes-his-inner-Hulk character, utilizing rage to increase his damage, hit multiple targets, and pump up critical strikes. As Outspark says, "The heavens hath no fury like a Berserker scorned!"

On the flip side of rage is the Watchman's cool, collected poise. She uses ranged skills, traps and tricks to frustrate and kill enemies from afar, preferring the use of a bow over melee weapons. An interesting mechanic to the class is that the farther the Watchman is from her target, the more damage she does.

You can take a peek at the many classes of Luvinia Online, including the class grid, in the gallery below!

Gallery: Luvinia-Online

MassivelyA look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:30 AM PDT

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Using tongue-in-cheek stick puppets, the folks at Age of Empires Online have emerged to give us a quick overview of the gear system in a new dev diary. Yes, even empire-building titles rely on good ol' fashioned MMO gear to equip armies.

Once attached to an army, gear changes the appearance and stats of your troops. The more rare the gear, the tougher they become. Gear can be found, purchased, and crafted as you may expect. You have to purchase the civilization with real-world money in order to be able to equip the very best items, however.

And if you're curious about Age of Empires Online's pricing structure, ShackNews has the full skinny. Some of the purchases are merely cosmetic, although it looks like there's bad news for those looking to avoid a "pay to win" scenario: "Unfortunately, Microsoft's approach to monetising Age of Empires Online seems to be one of placing non-paying players at a significant disadvantage."

Age of Empires Online is slated for an August 16th launch. You can watch the dev diary on gear for a chuckle or two after the jump!

Continue reading Age of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods

MassivelyAge of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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Vampire: The Masquerade is gearing up to celebrate its 20th birthday (20 years!?), and while two decades may be a drop in the proverbial bucket to your average vampire, it's quite a chunk of time for mere mortals. White Wolf (which MMO aficionados probably know as a subsidiary of CCP) is celebrating the milestone with a limited-run anniversary edition of the RPG's core rulebook.

The tome is available via pre-order and will set you back a hefty $99.99. The book's release will coincide with The Grand Masquerade 2011, a fan event scheduled for September 15th to 18th in New Orleans that will feature, among other things, "the next look at the future of the World of Darkness MMO."

MassivelyCCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Tanks invades LA in new videos

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 10:30 AM PDT

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Get out of the way! Tanks are invading Los Angeles? Wait, what? That was at E3? Oh, OK. Well then, I suppose you're safe... for now! That's right, those wacky cads over at Wargaming.net took the opportunity during E3 to invade LA with some very large, very real tanks. In case you weren't at E3 to see the madness first-hand (the team even brought a tank into the convention center to guard its booth), the team was kind enough to post a few videos outlining the (completely and utterly insane) task of invading Los Angeles with three different kinds of tanks.

Having chronicled World of Tanks' ongoing plans for world domination at E3, we can think of no better way to celebrate but to bring out some real heavy artillery. So strap on your helmets and Kevlar and army-crawl past the cut for some tanks-on-the-road madness.

Continue reading World of Tanks invades LA in new videos

MassivelyWorld of Tanks invades LA in new videos originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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