| FFXIV: A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime Posted: 22 Aug 2013 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Launches, Events (Massively's Coverage), Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription Ready to do the Chocobo Shuffle? The Mog Twist? Some Limit Breakdancing? Then you'll need to hightail it to next week's PAX Prime, where the crew of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be throwing a two-day launch party. The festivities start on Friday, August 30th and continue through the next day in the Seattle Ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel. The devs will show up to make their grand remarks, followed by autograph sessions, contests, raffle drawings, and hands-on gameplay sessions. It's here that you'll get to see FFXIV, not in the main PAX exhibit hall, so make plans accordingly if you want to be part of the celebration! [Source: Square Enix press release]  FFXIV: A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates Posted: 22 Aug 2013 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Events (Real-World), Guilds, Opinion, The Guild Counsel, Miscellaneous While game conventions are usually focused on video games, panels, and really cool fan-made costumes, one of the best parts of going to a con is meeting up with fellow players. And for guilds, an opportunity to finally put face to names is a major moment. While players might shy away from guild meet-and-greets, it's actually a terrific opportunity to strengthen ties and cut down on the potential for drama in the long run. More importantly, it's an important step toward making gaming seem less "weird" and more like any other "normal" group activity or shared interest. In today's Guild Counsel, let's take a look at why guild members should come out from behind the computer screen and attend a guild meet-and-greet. Continue reading The Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates The Guild Counsel: It's time to meet your fellow guildmates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| See Everquest Next Landmark building in action Posted: 22 Aug 2013 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Previews, Free-to-Play, EverQuest Next, Sandbox Looking forward to getting a copy of EverQuest Next Landmark later this year so that you can start molding the world in your fashion? Yeah, you and a couple of million other folks, we imagine. While the wait is hard, SOE is easing our suffering with a trio of timelapse videos showing off a few of the possibilities for terrain manipulation and structure creation. Check them out after the break and let us know what you think! [Thanks to Leendert for the tip!] Continue reading See Everquest Next Landmark building in action See Everquest Next Landmark building in action originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Diablo III PvP mode a 'tricky question' for Blizzard Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Interviews, PvP, Diablo III Diablo III's long-awaited PvP mode might require a great deal more patience on behalf of the playerbase -- perhaps eternal patience. At Gamescom, Game Director Josh Mosqueira was cagey about the mode ever seeing the light of day: "That's a really tricky question to answer. It's got to be Blizzard quality." Late last year, Blizzard scrapped its current plans for a PvP mode in favor of starting over. Mosqueira said this week that the team is still struggling to overcome several obstacles in creating a new PvP mode, including a limited number of team members for the project, a desire to see PvP at all levels, and a problem with converting the existing PvE gameplay to work for PvP. "In Diablo, the core mechanics are really built around one character fighting scores of monsters, right?" Mosqueira said. "There's a lot of control, a lot of AOE, and some of that stuff starts to not necessarily break down, but it starts to fray at the edges when you're actually now focused on two people, or four people." Diablo III PvP mode a 'tricky question' for Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Neverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game Posted: 22 Aug 2013 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries, Neverwinter It's been almost three months since Lead Producer Andy Velasquez last checked in with a State of the Game for Neverwinter, but yesterday's post touched on several new features leading up to Module 1: Fury of the Feywild. There's mention of the dedicated exploit team checking for cheaters, the NeverwinterPreview server, Module 1's new content across the board, The Foundry's uptime, and the live team. But possibly of the most interest in this article is talk of new classes and Paragon Paths, which Velasquez says will be coming by the end of the year. You can check out the full article over at the game's main site for more information. Neverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Daily Grind: Which of these subscription games will be the most successful? Posted: 22 Aug 2013 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Business Models, The Daily Grind, Final Fantasy XIV, WildStar, The Elder Scrolls Online, Camelot Unchained, Subscription, Star Citizen So the MMO subscription is alive and well, at least if we're using recent developments as any kind of barometer. There's The Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar, and Final Fantasy XIV, for starters. There's also Camelot Unchained and a little project called Star Citizen which is so financially stout that thousands of its backers are happily paying a monthly sub before laying hands on the actual game. For today's Daily Grind, though, let's focus on those first three since there's a good chance we'll be playing all of them in some form or fashion inside of a year. Which of these sub-based games do you think will see the most success?  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: Which of these subscription games will be the most successful? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| ArenaNet reveals its PAX schedule, GW2 PvP invitational teams Posted: 21 Aug 2013 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), MMO Industry, News Items, Guild Wars 2, Buy-to-Play Going to PAX Prime or PAX Dev? Love Guild Wars 2? Well, check out ArenaNet's schedule to see if any of the studio's panels or panelists tickle your fancy. There's a little something for everyone whether you're interested in video game story, content delivery, or breaking into gaming. In other Guild Wars 2 news, the game's official website has been updated with a look at the PvP Invitational Tournament teams. ArenaNet reveals its PAX schedule, GW2 PvP invitational teams originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Marvel Heroes game update 1.15 buffs XP, adds new costumes Posted: 21 Aug 2013 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Patches, Free-to-Play, Marvel Heroes Game Update 1.2 is just around the corner for Marvel Heroes players, but Gazillion isn't waiting until then to roll out a few much-needed tweaks and changes right now. The 1.15 update is out today and should provide a welcome boost to mid-tier levelers. The team has increased XP gain for levelers in Manhattan, although bigger adjustments are on the way next week. There will also be more cash from downed bosses to the tune of three times the number of credits than dropped previously. Other small changes include removing a few recovery animations to make powers faster and a buff to the Black Widow. Gazillion has also added a few new costumes as both drops and store purchases: the Black Panther Vibranium Armor, the Human Torch 2099 costume, and the Punisher Marvel NOW! costume. Marvel Heroes game update 1.15 buffs XP, adds new costumes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott Posted: 21 Aug 2013 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Classes, Game Mechanics, Previews, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Events (Massively's Coverage), DC Universe Online It's been only a few weeks since DCUO's Sons of Trigon DLC was first announced, but it's already appeared on the test server, and the date it goes live is just around the corner. Yesterday, DCUO Creative Director Jens Andersen and Systems Designer Jesse Scott sat down with press to lead a livestream tour highlighting the new zone, new bounty missions, two Legends characters, and new Celestial powers. Read on for a look at what the heroes and villains of the DC Universe can anticipate! Continue reading Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott Touring DCUO's Sons of Trigon with SOE's Jens Andersen and Jesse Scott originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| APB Reloaded offers more gun-borne pathogens to players Posted: 21 Aug 2013 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Real-Life, Events (In-Game), Game Mechanics, News Items, Free-to-Play, All Points Bulletin, Crime, MMOFPS A week ago, APB Reloaded introduced a new gun that had a unique trick to it: You could only get the gun if someone killed you with it. The Colby .45 AP was a hit, and killing several players offered a special title, so the team decided to go to the next level with new guns that travel like diseases. Players who rack up kills with the limited-time Colby .45 AP can unlock two new weapons based on the Argotech Close Engagement System (ACES) platform. The ACES SMG boasts a permanent modification that increases its rate of fire while degrading accuracy, making it ideal for taking down opponents in close quarters. The ACES rifle, on the other had, has an extra-long barrel for increased accuracy and damage, turning the same core weapon into a long-range killer. If you've already got the Colby, start racking up kills to unlock the SMG and then the rifle; if you don't, the handgun can be purchased from Armas or Joker Distribution. Start infecting people with bullets! APB Reloaded offers more gun-borne pathogens to players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| How one player helped to reform EVE Online's election system Posted: 21 Aug 2013 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, EVE Online, Culture, MMO Industry, Sandbox, Subscription Last year EVE Online players were given the news that the standard method of voting in members of the Council of Stellar Management was on its way out, with a new voting system put in place that allowed players to rank 14 of their favorite candidates. The story behind that change is a fascinating one, relayed to us by the PA Report. In short, CSM official Trebor Daehdoow (just read that backwards) realized that the old system was proving too divisive and allowed middling personalities to get elected due to the stronger ones splitting the vote. He used his influence on the council to push for a new "Australian-style multi-seat election" to allow players to nominate several of their favorites instead. The end result was an election in which the candidates cooperated rather than competed and players had more of a say. Daehdoow is happy with the legacy that he's leaving behind: "It had exactly the results I had hoped. It elected a bunch of diverse and really hard-working, knowledgeable people. The strongest people got elected. We got the best blogger in the game, Ripard Teg. He couldn't even get elected a couple years ago. This year, because people didn't have to tactical vote, he came in second." How one player helped to reform EVE Online's election system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Gamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership Posted: 21 Aug 2013 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Historical, Classes, Game Mechanics, Interviews, MMO Industry, PvP, Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage), MOBA MOBAs are great for the MMO gamer afflicted by that nasty distraction called life. They offer progression, PvP, and even some theorycrafting you can take to the water-cooler gatherings at work. In some cases, MOBAs even grant the player a variety of ways to play the game. SMITE is one of these gems. During our pre- Gamescom chat with Todd Harris, co-founder and COO of Hi-Rez Studios, we learned a few details about SMITE's coming additions of a new Match-of-the-Day game mode and the Chinese-themed god named Zhong Kui. Continue reading Gamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership Gamescom 2013: SMITE's latest god, new game mode, and Tencent partnership originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| LotRO's new trait trees to 'stand out' from each other Posted: 21 Aug 2013 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Classes, Expansions, Previews, Free-to-Play, Community Q&A It's safe to say that Lord of the Rings Online players have many, many questions concerning the upcoming class overhaul coming to the game with Helm's Deep. Turbine's devs took to Twitter and the forums to answer a few of these and give us a better idea what to expect when the expansion hits. Replacing the current trait system will be trait trees in much the same vein as the mounted combat trees. Players will get a point to spend every other level, although they will be able to get additional points through deeds. Early on, players will choose a specialization that will affect how points are spent, such as a Hunter's Bowmaster or Huntsman specializations, and by fully investing in a tree will a player be able to purchase a legendary skill. Players can save multiple builds; the studio is providing the first two saved build slots for free with additional ones available for purchase. So why the decision to overhaul the trait system? Turbine explains: "We wanted to design the trait trees in such a way that as soon as you leave the intro, your trait line starts to play as it was envisioned instead of later on down the road when you began to collect traits. We really wanted each trait line to sort of stand out from the rest and reduce some of the class homogenization that had slowly occurred over the years." LotRO's new trait trees to 'stand out' from each other originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Gamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark Posted: 21 Aug 2013 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Events (Real-World), New Titles, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage), EverQuest Next, Sandbox, MMORPG SOE's David Georgeson walked Gamescom attendees through some of the finer points of both EverQuest Next and EverQuest Next: Landmark today, focusing on the emergent gameplay, destructible environments, and vast flexibility you'll potentially find in both halves of the game. Most of the information provided on EverQuest Next falls into the " things we already knew" category: The world is procedurally generated, destructible, tiered, and made of voxels. AI responds to your actions in lieu of sticking to specific spawn points; for example, Orcs will naturally search for areas with low guard patrols and high traffic so they can make the most of their thievery and will leave for greener pastures should you start making their work difficult by killing them or alerting guards. There were new details on Landmark, however (check out this great post from MJ to see what we knew before). You can choose between male and female heroes and will begin as an Adventurer class at one of the world's great landmarks. From there, you can adventure freely into the world, find a spot you like, and claim it as your own. Once your spot is claimed, you can build on it however you see fit or move on to claim other areas and link them all together. Continue reading Gamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark Gamescom 2013: In-depth looks at EverQuest Next and EQ Next: Landmark originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six Posted: 21 Aug 2013 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Events (In-Game), Game Mechanics, Lore, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Casual, Virtual Worlds, Humor, Mabinogi, Events (Massively's Coverage), Free for All, Livestream, Sandbox It's time for another recap of the last three Mabinogi Saga Iria chapters. If you'd like a full recap of what exactly the Saga Iria is, check in on our previous coverage, but the short verions is that it's a grand, sweeping saga that is spread out over 12 episodes. In it, the player is cast into not only the role of the hero but the role of the villain. It's a complicated story, so you could also get caught up via the livestreams embedded past the cut (and the previous ones as well). Of course, the very best way to enjoy the chapters is to play through them yourself. But Mabinogi Community Manager Sabina won't be joining you as she joined me in the livestreams, will she? So, watch on for her take on the game! I found some familiar challenges in these chapters, challenges that pushed my abilities as a player. I wouldn't have been able to survive these chapters without the help of the community and the advice of fantastic players. Thanks to them, I have learned things about the game and its systems that I would have never experienced on my time budget. So let's get to the recap! (Just be very aware: This article contains many spoilers!) Continue reading Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Leaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based Posted: 21 Aug 2013 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Classes, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Opinion, Leaderboard RuneScape recently added its 26th skill, Divination, which is old news now but sticks in my mind because for some odd reason I didn't think of RuneScape as being a skill-based MMO. That's probably because I only played it for about 15 minutes circa 2002, though. In any case, skill-based MMOs are rarer in 2013 than they were in 2002. Pitting them against their class-based counterparts might make for an interesting Leaderboard, though. And if not, hey, you can still berate me for the lack of poll choices! Vote after the cut! Continue reading Leaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based Leaderboard: Class-based vs. skill-based originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Breathe a sigh of relief, Radeon 7000 Series owners
Well, that's one way to bolster Windows Phone 8 market share
Not your ordinary headset
Be careful what you download
