| Wakfu releases Monk Island, new teaser Posted: 10 Apr 2012 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Sandbox, Dungeons Ankama is updating Wakfu today with a content drop called Monk Island. There's a dev diary on the game's official website that provides a bit of detail, including information about religious fanatics, a new dungeon, and all of the mystery you would expect from a secluded island. If you're not familiar with Wakfu, it's a fantasy sandbox title that makes up the MMORPG portion of a global cross-media IP. It's based in the same universe as Ankama's Dofus MMO, and it features many of the same classes and professions. Ankama has released a brief Monk Island teaser trailer which shows the Messaround Monastery as well as a bit of combat action. You'll find it after the cut. Continue reading Wakfu releases Monk Island, new teaser  Wakfu releases Monk Island, new teaser originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| KingsIsle releases more Wizard101 expansion details Posted: 10 Apr 2012 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Expansions, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Wizard101 Last night we brought you news of Wizard101's new Avalon expansion. Today we've got a few more details (as well as a new screenshot gallery) to illuminate what looks to be one of the game's more interesting content drops. As you might expect, Avalon is filled with knights, castles, goblins, dragons, and other assorted medieval tropes. The expansion also "plays heavily on the Arthurian and Celtic mythologies," according to KingsIsle. Additionally, Avalon will allow players to uncover the motivations of Wizard101's main characters (including Merle Ambrose and Morganthe). The expansion boasts six new zones, 15 new areas, a level cap increase (80), 28 new spells, new gear, pets, and mounts, and the ability to achieve rank 15 in gardening. [Source: KingsIsle press release] KingsIsle releases more Wizard101 expansion details originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Dark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system Posted: 10 Apr 2012 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Dark Age of Camelot, Previews, PvP, Dev Diaries Dark Age of Camelot's Relic system is under the dev team's magnifying glass this month, and it looks as though dedicated RvRers are going to have to adjust to a few significant changes to how Relic raids work in the near future. "We have learned over the years that being complex and being complicated are two very different things," Producer Stuart Zissu writes. "If players can't immediately grasp the situation and understand what is needed of them, then there is room for improvement." In a new producer's letter, Zissu spells out the changes to the Relic system. Relics Temples and Mile Gates will be eliminated, and Relics themselves will be moved to the inner keeps. These new Relic Keeps will be granted additional guards the more keeps a realm holds in their home territory. However, the more relics a faction claims, the weaker the guards will be. Relic runs will be made more challenging, as the game will notify everyone in the region where the Relic holder is and faster avenues of transportation will be cut off. Dark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Guild Wars 2 is now available for pre-purchase, still no launch date Posted: 10 Apr 2012 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Guild Wars 2 Saddle up, Tyrians, it's going to be one heck of a ride! As of this morning, Guild Wars 2 is available for pre-purchase from a variety of vendors. The digital versions of the standard and deluxe editions can be purchased on Guild Wars 2's website, although ArenaNet has also posted a list of retailers who are selling the game. It's only through these retailers that physical copies of the standard and collector's edition can be obtained. As of the time of this writing, many tipsters have reported that GW2 collector's editions have been sold out at several retailers. ArenaNet said it will have an update in a few hours on Twitter. By pre-purchasing Guild Wars 2, players not only get the game itself and any goodies that edition contains, but also will secure access into beta weekend events and the game's three-day headstart prior to launch. The standard edition is $59.99, the deluxe digital edition is $79.99, and the collector's edition is $149.99. Guild Wars 2 is now available for pre-purchase, still no launch date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Daily Grind: Should internet trolls be policed? Posted: 10 Apr 2012 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, MMO industry, News items, Opinion, The Daily Grind Arizona state lawmakers have introduced a piece of legislation that seeks to muzzle internet trolls. No, really. House bill 2549 aims to amend the state's anti-stalking law to include cyber-bullying, according to the LA Times. As you might expect, the wording of the bill is rather vague, so there's plenty of wiggle room for politicians and powerful officials to interpret it as they see fit. Due to the international nature of the internet, the law could conceivably have repercussions beyond Arizona's borders. What say you, Massively crew? Should internet trolls be policed, and should local, state, or federal government representatives do the policing?  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!The Daily Grind: Should internet trolls be policed? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Michael Hogan and Claudia Black head TERA's voice-acting cast Posted: 09 Apr 2012 08:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, MMO industry, New titles, News items, TERA Last week we told you about En Masse's casting of Colonel Tigh, er, Michael Hogan for voice-acting work in its new TERA MMO. Now the company brings word that Claudia Black will be joining Hogan in the recording studio to bring aspects of TERA's fantasy story to life. Hogan will lend his talents to the Valkyon Federation's formidable Commander Samael, while Black (best known for her role as Aeryn Sun in Farscape, as well as voice-acting stints in Dragon Age and the Uncharted series) brings her considerable charms to the role of Commander Freya of Allemantheia. If you want to see Hogan in action behind the mic, check out the clip after the break. Finally, En Masse says to keep your eyes and ears peeled for more TERA voice-acting reveals later this month. Continue reading Michael Hogan and Claudia Black head TERA's voice-acting cast Michael Hogan and Claudia Black head TERA's voice-acting cast originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Wizard101 prepares to send players to Avalon Posted: 09 Apr 2012 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Kids, Wizard101 Wizard101 always sends its players to fantastic new places with each expansion. Obviously the bar is set pretty high when the core game already features a magical setting, but each new zone seems to aim at a very different location. The upcoming new expansion Avalon is no exception; it's sending players into a realm filled with fallen knights, warrior queens, and other elements inspired by Arthurian and Celtic myths. It also gives players a chance to explore the pasts of several important lore characters, such as the villainous Morganthe. But lore alone doesn't make for a fun expansion. Avalon also offers players four new utility spells per school, new pets and mounts, and six new zones to explore as characters head to the new level cap of 80. There are also new gardening levels and new gardening spells, certain to bring a smile to the face of every burgeoning virtual botanist. So if you feel like you've seen all there is to see in Wizard101, don't worry -- that'll change soon enough. [Source: KingsIsle press release] Wizard101 prepares to send players to Avalon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter Posted: 09 Apr 2012 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, Previews, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively, MOBA, League of Legends, Diablo III With five weeks left until Diablo III launches, Blizzard started its pre-launch marketing campaign this week with a new series exploring each of the five classes. This week kicks off with a preview of the Demon Hunter. Meanwhile, Torchlight II revealed details of a new charge bar mechanic designed to keep a rapid pace of action, and dungeon crawler Path of Exile started gearing up for release with some tempting pre-order packages. Penny Arcade made a guest appearance in League of Legends this week with a special comic introducing upcoming champion Varus. Riot also revealed the next champion due for release, armoured spectral warrior Hecarim. Rise of Immortals got the Penny Arcade treatment this week too when joke character Karapyss the Crabomancer was actually released. Bloodline Champions launched an Easter egg painting contest this week and asked players whether grades should be reset for the current competitive season. Blacklight: Retribution officially launched this week and celebrated with the release of its first new gun, the heavy assault rifle. Finally, Wrath of heroes released its first hero spotlight video this week, introducing hybrid damage-dealer Nethys. Continue reading Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| APB: Reloaded dev blog introduces patch 1.7's new breed of contacts Posted: 09 Apr 2012 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Patches, News items, Free-to-play, All Points Bulletin, Crime  Criminals and Enforcers alike have plenty to look forward to in APB: Reloaded's upcoming patch 1.7.0, which has been given the name New Breeds Part One. The inspiration for this subtitle comes from the "new breed" of contacts being added to the game with the update, including the sociopathic Criminal Tiptoe (daughter of the Bloodrose Tyron Sennet) and former-military-sniper-turned-Enforcer DevilDog. These new contacts will provide players with a wealth of new progression options such as new weapons, weapon skins, modifications, shiny vehicles, and inventory space increases. On top of all those goodies, New Breed Part One will also introduce Fight Club Challenges, which are weekly events that allow players to compete in a number of unique challenges in order to earn prizes ranging from APB$ to unique weapons and vehicles. Each challenge will require players to play a particular gametype on a particular map, and each "will have three [reward] tiers, with the third and second prizes being straight up requirements, and the top prize requiring you to be in the top X% of players that have taken part in the challenge." The first week's challenges, along with a list of new weapons and modifications, can be found on the game's official blog post for anyone who wants to get a leg-up on the competition, so get out there and wreak some havoc. APB: Reloaded dev blog introduces patch 1.7's new breed of contacts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Woman on dating gameshow plays WoW, host is amazed Posted: 09 Apr 2012 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: World of Warcraft, Video, Culture, Miscellaneous We gamer nerds are often stereotyped as socially awkward and romantically challenged, perhaps due to the fact that we all very obviously spend our entire lives in our mothers' basements drinking Mountain Dew and consuming obscene quantities of Cheetos (amirite gaiz?), but a recent contestant on the UK dating gameshow World Series of Dating (yes, that's actually a thing) leveraged his World of Warcraft fandom to his advantage, proving that we're not all unlovable mouthbreathers. But then, we're also not all cute English boys with fabulously styled hair, so take that with a grain of salt. For those of you unfamiliar with the show's premise (like us), it's basically like this: A bunch of poor chumps go on a series of speed dates with four women who judge their performances at the end of the show, naming one of them the best dater. And we thought The Bachelor was insane. At any rate, the relevant clip can be seen after the cut. Go get 'em, tiger. [Thanks to Roger for the tip!] Continue reading Woman on dating gameshow plays WoW, host is amazed Woman on dating gameshow plays WoW, host is amazed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Wings Over Atreia: Clean up on aisle four Posted: 09 Apr 2012 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Business models, Economy, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia Careful where you step; there's a bit of a mess. After much ballyhoo about taking great pains to avoid the dreaded pay-to-win stigma as Aion converts to free-to-play (including screen time in the producers interview), NCsoft went ahead and began offering an eternal-grade weapon in the new BlackCloud Marketplace. Granted, it is for a limited time only, but the fact is that it's been offered at all has sparked a few tizzy-fits within the community. Of all the low-down, double-crossing... I know some players feel lied to and misled. A few profess they've been downright hornswoggled by that single announcement and have turned away from the game. Meanwhile, others are sitting back chortling "What did you expect?" or mouthing a big "I told you so." But was this really an underhanded trick? Did the devs really go back on what they said? You have to wonder why, right in the midst of generating excitement for Aion, the developers would spite the players they are trying to lure in. And maybe they didn't. Was this an innocent bonus or portent of things to come? Before we start stringing someone up in effigy, let's take a look at the details. Might just be all the fuss is much ado about nothing. Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Clean up on aisle four Wings Over Atreia: Clean up on aisle four originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz Posted: 09 Apr 2012 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage TERA isn't the only upcoming MMO to feature big-ass monsters and action combat. Perfect World Entertainment showed us a demo of Raiderz at last weekend's PAX East, and producer Mark Hill was pretty enthusiastic about the game's level of polish. He also made a point of highlighting the amount of free gameplay the company will be making available to fans later this year. "We really want to blow people away with how much free content they're getting out of a really top-notch game," he said. Join us after the cut to see what Raiderz has to offer. Continue reading PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Guild Wars 2 adds Best Buy to CE pre-purchase retailer list, releases new video [Updated] Posted: 09 Apr 2012 01:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Guild Wars 2 Preparing to run out and snag your Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition tomorrow? For avid fans in the US, you used to have only one option: Gamestop. However, now it appears that ArenaNet is shipping the coveted CEs to Best Buy as well. According to the ArenaNet-authored pre-purchase retailers list on the Guild Wars 2 wiki, Best Buy has joined Gamestop, which makes them the only two brick-and-mortar outlets in the US that are selling physical copies of the standard edition and Collector's Edition. US players also have the option of pre-purchasing a boxed standard edition through Amazon. ArenaNet will open the doors for Guild Wars 2's pre-purchases and pre-orders tomorrow, April 10th, and will post the pre-purchase list on the official website at that time. President Mike O'Brien recently clarified some of the finer points regarding the pre-purchase program. [Thanks to Ravious for the tip!] [Updated: ArenaNet has also released a Collector's Edition video to celebrate the impending pre-purchase date! We've embedded it after the cut.]Continue reading Guild Wars 2 adds Best Buy to CE pre-purchase retailer list, releases new video [Updated] Guild Wars 2 adds Best Buy to CE pre-purchase retailer list, releases new video [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Secret World's PAX recap video talks PvP, progression Posted: 09 Apr 2012 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Horror, Video, Events, real-world, MMO industry, New titles, PvP, News items, The Secret World If you couldn't make it to PAX on Easter sunday, you can at least catch up on the happenings around Funcom's The Secret World booth thanks to a new video that the firm recently uploaded to its YouTube portal. The clip is about six minutes long, and it splices together random con-goer interviews with gameplay footage of The Secret World's ability wheel and progression system. Also featured is Funcom community manager Glen " Famine" Swan, who says that he is excited about the game's "persistent PvP, because [it's] doing a lot of grass-roots stuff that [he] grew up with in the MMO genre." Famine also touches on the TSW's three-faction design as well as the fact that the PvP game is ever-changing and filled with progression-related rewards. If you're not so much into the PvP, don't fret, since you can still PvE with your friends regardless of which faction you choose. Check out the full clip after the break. Continue reading The Secret World's PAX recap video talks PvP, progression The Secret World's PAX recap video talks PvP, progression originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker Posted: 09 Apr 2012 12:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, PvE, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, TERA This all feels very familiar. The gorgeous Asian aesthetics, the sexed-up avatars, and the hordes of high school tykes runting and squealing in global chat take me back to September of 2009 and the opening gyrations of the themepark orgy that was Aion. Only this time, there are no angel wings, there's but one faction, and the game's called TERA. Continue reading Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three Posted: 09 Apr 2012 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Events, real-world, Interviews, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, Captain's Log Rivera and I picked up the conversation and talked briefly about the Why I Play STO column that I wrote several weeks ago. I informed him that because of that column, I had received a few emails from brand-new MMO players who expressed frustration over the fact that as new free-to-play players, they weren't immediately allowed into the parts of the game that would give them access to the community, especially fleets, right off the bat. Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat Posted: 09 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Polls, Game mechanics, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard  I've noticed that whenever a studio is developing an MMO that features action combat (i.e., faster-paced combat that's more dependent on positioning, reflexes, and mouse usage), it acts as though it's developing the savior of the genre -- even though action combat is nothing new (just ask Dungeons and Dragons Online or Age of Conan). Instead of seeing it as a revolution that will bring us out of the supposed dark ages, I look at it as a different style of play that some prefer while others shun.
Both have their pros and cons. Hotbar combat allows for quick access to a wide variety of skills, levels the playing field for those of us old fogeys who aren't so tight in the reflex department, and focuses more on strategic thinking. However, it's typically slower and not as visceral as many non-MMO video games tend to be. Action combat, on the other hand, is certainly more in-line with its non-MMO contemporaries, with exciting pitched battles at the expense of time to think and a more limited selection of input.
So for today's Leaderboard, we're going to tackle the grand ol' staple of MMOs, hotbar combat, vs. the action combat upstarts. Will reflexes or brains win the day? Cast your vote after the jump! Continue reading Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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