MMORPG Reviews

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• World of Tanks: Dev Diary Reveals New Visuals
• Exclusive Review on Forge of Empires
• New DLC-Pack for DCUO Announced: Amazon Fury Part I
• Free Item Pack Giveaway in Zombies Ate My Pizza

World of Tanks: Dev Diary Reveals New Visuals Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PDT Wargaming has just provided us with the newest Dev Diary video that explains the technology of 3D modelling. Some members of the development team speak about the introduction of advanced texture mapping and new material models, which will not only enhance the visual look of World of Tanks, but also add a tremendous amount of realism […] The post World of Tanks: Dev Diary Reveals New Visuals appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

Exclusive Review on Forge of Empires Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:25 AM PDT RATINGS: Graphics: 6 Gameplay: 7.5 Sound: 6 Overall: 7 Pros: Actual tactical combat will add a real strategic element to the game. Cons: Vraphics a bit dated and could do with an upgrade.                                                                                                                     We recently sat down for a while to try out the city management and battle strategy game Forge of Empires. Set […] The post Exclusive Review on Forge of Empires appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

New DLC-Pack for DCUO Announced: Amazon Fury Part I Posted: 21 Mar 2014 03:55 AM PDT Sony Online Entertainment has just announced the 10th DLC pack for DC Universe Online: Amazon Fury Part I is scheduled for release this spring and will introduce a new storyline featuring Wonder Woman, Circe, Hippolyta and the Amazons. The queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, is apperently going mad, allying herself with Circe and declaring war on […] The post New DLC-Pack for DCUO Announced: Amazon Fury Part I appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

Free Item Pack Giveaway in Zombies Ate My Pizza Posted: 21 Mar 2014 03:06 AM PDT In celebration of the Open Beta start of Zombies Ate My Pizza, FreeMMORPGlist.com and MMOReviews.com are teaming up with publisher R2Games to give away a total of 5,000 codes that grant you an exclusive gift pack full of useful items. Playable for free, Zombies Ate My Pizza is an action shooter MMO game set in […] The post Free Item Pack Giveaway in Zombies Ate My Pizza appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

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General Gaming Article

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• GDC 2014 Highlights: Virtual Reality Devices, Steam Machines, and More
• Newegg Daily Deals: SanDisk Extreme II 120GB SSD, Acer 23-inch LED Monitor, and More!
• Symantec in Search of a New Chief After Firing CEO Steve Bennett
• Acer's Compact H5380BD Projector Supports 3D Movies, Won't Drive Up Your Power Bill
• Microsoft Alters Outlook and Hotmail Policy After Snooping a Blogger's Inbox

GDC 2014 Highlights: Virtual Reality Devices, Steam Machines, and More Posted: 21 Mar 2014 02:39 PM PDT We go hands-on with the latest gaming gadgets at the 2014 Game Developers Conference We had the chance to check out GDC 2014 held in San Francisco, CA and this year was really about virtual reality. We had everything from the Oculus Rift development kit 2 to Sony's Project Morpheus and a bunch of VR accessories and peripherals thrown in for good measure. VR wasn't the only thing there, however, Valve was also on hand showing off its Steam Machine ecosystem which included its new controller and Stream streaming capabilities. Check out the highlights from the show below and let us know what you're most excited about in the comments section!

Newegg Daily Deals: SanDisk Extreme II 120GB SSD, Acer 23-inch LED Monitor, and More! Posted: 21 Mar 2014 10:20 AM PDT Top Deal: Does your PC putter along like it's on its last legs? Perhaps it's because you're sitting slow on a 5400 RPM hard drive from ancient times. This is what we would call a bottleneck in performance, and to solve that issue, a solid state drive (SSD) is the way to go. Which one should you get? One option that won't require you to refinance your home is today's top deal for a SanDisk Extreme II 120GB SSD for $87 with free shipping (normally $95 - use coupon code: [EMCPGHP25]). This 2.5-inch drive boasts up to 550MB/s read and 340MB/s write speeds, a SATA 6Gbps interface, and low power consumption. Other Deals: Acer 23-inch 5ms HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor for $130 with free shipping (normally $140 - use coupon code: [EMCPGHP47]) Corsair Hydro Series H105 Extreme Performance 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler for $105 with free shipping (normally $115 - use coupon code: [EMCPGHP44]) Intel Core i7-4930K Ivy Bridge-E 3.4GHz LGA 2011 130W 6-Core Desktop Processor for $550 with free shipping (normally $580 - use coupon code: [EMCPGHP27]) MSI R9 280X Gaming 6GB 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card for $430 with free shipping

Symantec in Search of a New Chief After Firing CEO Steve Bennett Posted: 21 Mar 2014 10:05 AM PDT Shares of Symantec tumble after security outfit shows its CEO the door Security firm Symantec announced that it has terminated Steve Bennett as the company's president and chief executive officer, as well as his resignation from Symantec's board of directors. A special committee has begun the search for a permanent replacement, during which time board member Michael Brown will serve as interim CEO. The decision to let Bennett go didn't sit well with investors, who were caught off guard by his surprise dismissal yesterday. Symantec's share price fell more than 9 percent in pre-market trading and is now down almost 13 percent. Though the move came as a surprise to most, Symantec said the decision wasn't precipitated by any event or impropriety. It seems Symantec simply felt Bennett wasn't the right person to drive the company's growth and to hit the goals it set out for itself. "We recognize Steve's contributions to Symantec, including developing and leading a series of successful initiatives focused on organizational realignment, cost reduction and process effectiveness. These changes have helped establish a solid foundation for Symantec's future, and we remain committed to our previously announced greater-than 5 percent organic revenue growth and better-than 30 percent non-GAAP operating margin targets by FY17," Symantec chairman Daniel Schulman said in a statement. "Our priority is now to identify a leader who can leverage our company's assets and leadership team to drive the next stage of Symantec's product innovation and growth." Symantec develops security software, including its popular Norton line of products. For a long time, Norton had a negative reputation among power users for its slow performance, bloat, and in some cases, ineffectiveness. However, Symantec completely rewrote the program in 2009 with a focus on speed and performance. Since then, Norton Internet Security has consistently scored high marks in Maximum PC's annual antivirus roundups. The turnaround effort makes Bennett's firing even more surprising and casts a shadow of uncertainty over future versions of Norton. However, interim CEO Michael Brown feels confident the company can continue on without skipping a beat. "With recent key hires, we have a leadership team in place that is capable of accelerating our growth and I look forward to working closely with them to help execute the next phase of the company's transformation plan," Brown said. "The need for protecting and managing your information has never been stronger, and we must act aggressively to capture a growing share of this market. By concentrating on product innovation and growth initiatives, we aim to leverage Symantec's tremendous assets across both consumer and enterprise applications to enhance our position as a market leader." Brown has been with Symantec ever since the company's merger with VERITAS Software in July 2005. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Quantum Corporation, where he grew revenues from $3 billion to $6 billion. Image Credit: Flickr (Kazuhisa OTSUBO) Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Acer's Compact H5380BD Projector Supports 3D Movies, Won't Drive Up Your Power Bill Posted: 21 Mar 2014 08:37 AM PDT Little projector beams big images up to 300 inches diagonally The next time you plan a movie night, you may want to stay inside. That's what Acer hopes, anyway -- the company just announced its H5380BD home entertainment projector for U.S. consumers. The company's projector displays 720p HD (1280x720) images in 16:9 widescreen format, while also offering up 144Hz 3D support at 3,000 lumens, prompting Acer to advertise "movie-quality projection." "Our newest projector was designed to provide consumers with an affordable option for showcasing HD movies and 3D entertainment," said Edward Chan, product manager for Acer America. "Outfitted with a long-lasting LED lamp and power saving options, it offers a low total cost of ownership. Small and lightweight, it's easy to move from room to room or to bring to a friend's house for a movie night." The H5380BD can display up to a 300-inch image with color saturation up to 95 to 130 percent NTSC. Other rated specs and features include a 13,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Acer ColorBoost II+ technology, a dust shield system, and power saving amenities that can extend lamp life up to 10,000 hours. Acer's newest projector is available now for $549 MSRP. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Microsoft Alters Outlook and Hotmail Policy After Snooping a Blogger's Inbox Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PDT Yes, Microsoft is within its rights to peek in your Hotmail A side story that got lost in yesterday's revelation that authorities arrested a former Microsoft employee for allegedly leaking Windows 8 trade secrets to a French blogger is how Microsoft was able to track down its suspect. Simply put, the blogger was using a Hotmail account, so Microsoft granted itself access to his inbox. Based on the emails it read, Microsoft had a culprit, but was this a breach of privacy? According to Microsoft, its terms of service make it clear that it has the right to look at a user's Hotmail or Outlook when circumstances dictate, and that's what it did in this instance. "In this case, we took extraordinary actions based on the specific circumstances. We received information that indicated an employee was providing stolen intellectual property, including code relating to our activation process, to a third party who, in turn, had a history of trafficking for profit in this type of material. In order to protect our customers and the security and integrity of our products, we conducted an investigation over many months with law enforcement agencies in multiple countries," Microsoft explained in a blog post. "This included the issuance of a court order for the search of a home relating to evidence of the criminal acts involved. The investigation repeatedly identified clear evidence that the third party involved intended to sell Microsoft IP and had done so in the past." However, Microsoft goes on to state that courts do not issue orders authorizing someone to search themselves. Therefore if Microsoft believes it has probable cause, there's no court process to follow to search through information on servers located on its own premises. Microsoft says it will only do this kind of thing "in the most exceptional circumstances," and in this particular case, there was a "rigorous process before reviewing" the blogger's content. That might not be enough to make Hotmail and Outlook users feel as though their privacy is being taken seriously, so Microsoft added some additional policies. The first new policy is that it will only conduct a search of customer email and other services if the circumstances would justify a court order, if one were available. Secondly, it will use a legal team separate from the internal investigating team to look at the evidence and determine if a crime would be sufficient to justify a court order. Third, in the event of a search, it will be confined to the matter under investigation. And finally, Microsoft will ensure transparency by revealing in its bi-annual transparency report the number of searches that have taken place. Image Credit: Flickr (opensource.com) Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

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MMO Updates

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• Ask Massively: Too many MMOs still lack serious LFG tools
• Black Desert ramping up beta testing
• Marvel: Avengers Alliance to shutdown on Playdom
• The Daily Grind: Is story more fun for you than game mechanics?
• SMITE brings out Ullr right before official release
• The Think Tank: The importance of auction halls in MMORPGs
• City of Titans to make use of Unreal 4
• Ultima Online patches in searchable player vendors
• A Tale in the Desert is under new management
• Destiny to use facial motion capture
• Amazons await in DC Universe Online's 10th DLC this spring
• Shadowrun Online heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st
• GDC 2014: Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida explains what tanked it and what saved it
• EverQuest Next Landmark going into closed beta next week [Updated]
• Meet Civilization Online's four civs
• WildStar reboots forums and prepares for weekend beta test
• Here are five videos for Diablo III's new level 61 skills
• Obsidian behind new Armored Warfare MMO

Ask Massively: Too many MMOs still lack serious LFG tools Posted: 21 Mar 2014 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Opinion, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous, Dungeons David is angry. No, David is pissed. And he's right to be. He wrote to Ask Massively with the following rant: Developers clearly see PvE instances as a key part of the MMO experience. So why do so many of them fail to ensure I can access this content with a solid group finder? I have been trying to play something other than World of Warcraft (which does have a group finder) for a number of years. But even my current pick, The Secret World, commits this sin. I usually end up annoyed at spending time in LFG channels trying to form a group, so I give up, first on grouping and then on the game. So why do they design games where they assume I am joining the game with four like-minded individuals who have the same gaming schedule as I do? Why do they assume I want to spend time in public channels showing how little I know about the game whilst trying to form a group? Don't make me go back to WoW. Unless I can access your content, there is no point in making the content! I have a theory, but you're not going to like it, and you might end up back in WoW when I'm done. Continue reading Ask Massively: Too many MMOs still lack serious LFG tools Ask Massively: Too many MMOs still lack serious LFG tools originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Desert ramping up beta testing Posted: 21 Mar 2014 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Black Desert Black Desert's upcoming closed beta test will run for three weeks, according to Korean publisher Daum. The firm seeks five to six times more testers than in the previous closed sessions, 2P reports. There are also some new Black Desert screenshots making the rounds, and Steparu has details on the beta system requirements. [Thanks buttle!] Black Desert ramping up beta testing originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: 2P

Marvel: Avengers Alliance to shutdown on Playdom Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Browser, Sunsets Playdom has announced that Marvel: Avengers Alliance will be shutting down for good on April 20, 2014. "Although it is a difficult decision to shut down a game," a note to the players states, "this decision will allow us to focus on building new, more engaging games." This shutdown will only affect the Playdom version of the game, not the Facebook version. Playdom says that it will offer no refunds or credits for "virtual goods, game currency or other items purchased" once the game stops being offered on Playdom's platform. Marvel: Avengers Alliance to shutdown on Playdom originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Playdom shutdown

The Daily Grind: Is story more fun for you than game mechanics? Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous, Player-Generated Content Yesterday Bree asked if MMOs need to be fun, a question that was based off the statements of Assassin's Creed devs at this week's GDC. As I was reading that particular panel recap, I couldn't help thinking that the AC dev duo got it wrong. From my perspective, games most definitely need to be fun. What they don't need is a screenwriter. Games are built on interactivity and interesting mechanics, and I'd not like to see more development money wasted on straight-jacket narratives that are better suited to books or filmed entertainment. Assassin's Creed, funnily enough, is the perfect example of gameplay trumping story. I've exhausted every title in the series, even the portables, and am currently enjoying the heck out of Black Flag. But I couldn't tell you a thing about the characters or the plot. The series' raison d'etre is open-world platforming, collection minigames, and in the case of IV, commanding a frickin' pirate ship! How about it, Massively readers? Agree? Disagree? Is story more fun for you than game mechanics? 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: Is story more fun for you than game mechanics? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

SMITE brings out Ullr right before official release Posted: 20 Mar 2014 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Launches, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA The official launch of SMITE is just a few days away -- March 25th, to be specific. But there's still time to work in one more deity to the game's overall lineup. The last pre-launch patch has added Ullr, the Glorious One, a hunter capable of working in both melee and ranged combat with equal damage. Using his ultimate ability swaps stances, letting him attack with greater speed from range or steal life with his melee hits. Swapping between ranged and melee stances also shifts how Ullr's abilities work. Ranged mode allows him to fire a column of damage or use a targeted AoE along with a buff to physical damage. Melee mode, however, swaps abilities to a ranged attack, a leap to a target location, and a movement speed buff. The patch has also updated the physical models of several gods, meaning that when the game goes live next week, it'll be in the best state possible... and with one more god to play. SMITE brings out Ullr right before official release originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Think Tank: The importance of auction halls in MMORPGs Posted: 20 Mar 2014 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Economy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Opinion, Miscellaneous, The Think Tank Diablo III's gold and RMT auction houses shut down this week. Final Fantasy XI is getting auction house upgrades. Ultima Online launched vendor searching today after 16.5 years of operation. This calls for an auction house-themed Think Tank! I polled the Massively staffers about whether or not MMORPGs should have auction houses, and specifically, whether they enhance or detract from the economic experience of a game. Chime in! Continue reading The Think Tank: The importance of auction halls in MMORPGs The Think Tank: The importance of auction halls in MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

City of Titans to make use of Unreal 4 Posted: 20 Mar 2014 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, News Items, Crowdfunding When a Kickstarted game clears its goals, you kind of expect to see more results from the team. But City of Titans has been quiet except for concept art. Why is that? Why haven't we seen more development shots? What's the Missing Worlds Media team doing? As it turns out, it's because the graphics of the game are going to get even better than what we've seen before -- the game is moving over in development to the Unreal 4 engine. The team has been under NDA regarding the engine, but development has been moving assets over from Unreal 3 to the current version. Unreal 4 will allow the team to put in animated costume parts, capes, hair, fluid, and so forth with greater ease and more flexibility. Missing Worlds Media promises that there will be more updates next week from the technology team, hopefully showing off more of what the game's new underlying graphics core is capable of. [Thanks to Byron and Celestial Lord for the tip!] City of Titans to make use of Unreal 4 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Official announcement

Ultima Online patches in searchable player vendors Posted: 20 Mar 2014 04:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Economy, Patches, News Items, Ultima Online, Sandbox, Player-Generated Content, Subscription, MMORPG Ultima Online's new developer Broadsword announced earlier today that the latest patch for the legendary sandbox has arrived. Chief among the new additions is the long-awaited vendor search feature, which allows players to search existing player-owned shop vendors across the shard for specific items and then pay to teleport directly to that vendor to make the purchase. The patch also kicked off the game's Easter gift period because nothing says Britannia like Easter bunnies and marshmallow ducklings. In six different colors, mind you. Ultima Online patches in searchable player vendors originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: UO patch announcement, Patch announcements

A Tale in the Desert is under new management Posted: 20 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: A Tale in the Desert, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play After years of inactivity on the A Tale in the Desert front, you might be forgiven from not noticing that the title changed hands last month. That's OK, we didn't see it before now either. Citing preoccupation with another project, eGenesis has handed over management and development of A Tale in the Desert to Pluribus Games. The upside to this transition for gamers is two-fold: The new owners have made the game free for the time being and are preparing to start up the next iteration of the story, Tale VII. "EGenesis has been overwhelmed with their newest project, Dragon's Tale, and has not been able to devote the time needed to ATitD. It is our belief that we will be able to greatly improve the game for you, our customers," Pluribus announced. [Thanks to Alan for the tip!] A Tale in the Desert is under new management originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Transition announcement

Destiny to use facial motion capture Posted: 20 Mar 2014 03:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, MMOFPS, Destiny It's time for Destiny's close-up! The upcoming MMO is paying attention to more than just scenery and armor models, as Bungie has hired Faceware Technologies to provide facial motion capture for the game's characters. Faceware Technologies uses a "markerless" motion capture system to quickly scan and analyze actors' faces and record those expressions. Destiny artists can then take those expressions and put them on the game's models. Bungie previously worked with Faceware on Halo: Reach. You can read the full press release after the break. Continue reading Destiny to use facial motion capture Destiny to use facial motion capture originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Amazons await in DC Universe Online's 10th DLC this spring Posted: 20 Mar 2014 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, Game Mechanics, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Consoles, DC Universe Online DC Universe Online's 10th DLC is coming this spring, and it will pack an Amazonian punch. Titled Amazon Fury Part I, this DLC begins a three-part series focused on Wonder Woman and the Amazons, including Queen Hippolyta. Aside from introducing the Amazon story arc, this pack opens up the Themyscira Palace District and seaside port for adventuring in the new alert and duos, introduces weapon mastery, allows players to relive moments as either Wonder Woman or Circe that led to the war, and brings a new alternative phase of Gotham City that's under siege by the Amazons. Amazon Fury Part I will be free to Legendary Members; free players will be able to purchase it. Get a sneak peak at what's in store in the gallery below, then peruse the full press release after the break. [Source: SOE press release] [Update: SOE contacted us to clarify that the DLC will be free to Legendary Members, not a pay purchase. Yay! We've adjusted the text accordingly.] Continue reading Amazons await in DC Universe Online's 10th DLC this spring Amazons await in DC Universe Online's 10th DLC this spring originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shadowrun Online heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, Free-to-Play, Community Q&A You might be able to play Shadowrun Online sooner than expected, as the title is heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st. In a new video, Managing Director Jan Wagner announced the Early Access release and answered several questions that the community has had for the game. He said that this version of the game will be a "prequel" with many of the core elements from Shadowrun Online, such as combat and PvP. Wagner explained why the game slipped from 2013 (they had to recode the game from scratch), promised a future DRM-free version, and assured the addition of "more building blocks" every four to six weeks as the development progresses. You can watch the full video after the break. [Thanks to Chris for the tip!] Continue reading Shadowrun Online heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st Shadowrun Online heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: YouTube

GDC 2014: Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida explains what tanked it and what saved it Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Interviews, MMO Industry, Patches, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription There are many theories about what contributed to the spectacular crash-and-burn of the original Final Fantasy XIV, but perhaps the most insightful is the one from current Executive Producer Naoki Yoshida, who pinpointed the critical flaws that proved Square Enix's undoing. At GDC this week, Yoshida said that the team had an "unhealthy obsession" with graphical fidelity above anything else and was stuck in the development mindset of Final Fantasy XI even as the genre had progressed. He said that A Realm Reborn's saving grace was the team's effort to establish an "optimal design flow" allowing for a rapid overhaul of the title. It's also notable that Final Fantasy XIV has a new dev diary out today covering new gear and visual customizations called glamours that are coming with Patch 2.2. GDC 2014: Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida explains what tanked it and what saved it originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: IGN, Dev diary

EverQuest Next Landmark going into closed beta next week [Updated] Posted: 20 Mar 2014 01:20 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-Play, EverQuest Next, Sandbox SOE announced today that EverQuest Next Landmark will be transitioning out of alpha next week and into closed beta on Wednesday, March 26th. During the transition, all progress on the alpha servers will be wiped except for saved templates, character names, and Founder's Pack purchases. Landmark also got an important update today, the biggest part of which is the addition of a party system. While there is no specific UI for it yet, players can invite friends to a group through slash commands, via a friends list, or by right-clicking on them in the world. Groups earn a 20% bonus to harvested loot. The update also added in-game email, social media integration, and the ability to teleport to the continent hub or to your friends. [Update: The Landmark team has also posted to explain the differences between time-limited beta keys and founder packs.] EverQuest Next Landmark going into closed beta next week [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Update notes, Closed beta notice

Meet Civilization Online's four civs Posted: 20 Mar 2014 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Historical, Classes, MMORTS XLGAMES announced its four civilizations from Civilization Online today, although sadly the Mole People were absent from this list. The four civilizations are China (led by Qin Shi Huang), Rome (led by Julius Caesar), Egypt (led by Hatshepsut), and Azteca (let by Montezuma). Civilization Online will be going into closed beta testing within the next few months and is slated to launch in Asia in 2014. Meet Civilization Online's four civs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: MMO Culture, ThisIsGame

WildStar reboots forums and prepares for weekend beta test Posted: 20 Mar 2014 12:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, WildStar, Subscription WildStar's ongoing beta forums have been wiped, but weep not for their loss: Carbine Studios has brought a new forum online for all to visit and use. The new forums contain topics such as community support, PvP, and housing, and come in English, German, and French varieties. The forums have come online not a moment too soon, as WildStar is preparing for a weekend beta test that includes those who have pre-ordered the title. The beta begins tomorrow, Friday, March 21st, at 10:00 a.m. EST and concludes on Sunday at midnight EST. The beta weekends following that begin on April 4th, April 18th, and May 2nd. WildStar reboots forums and prepares for weekend beta test originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: WildStar Forums

Here are five videos for Diablo III's new level 61 skills Posted: 20 Mar 2014 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, Expansions, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, PvE, Dungeons, Diablo III, Buy-to-Play Blizzard has released a quintet of post-60 skill videos for its forthcoming Diablo III expansion. Reaper of Souls, which launches on March 25th, grants each class a new skill at level 61. These skills are Avalanche (for Barbarians), Vengeance (for Demon Hunters), Epiphany (for Monks), Piranhas (for Witch Doctors), and Black Hole (for Wizards). Click past the cut to see all five vids. Continue reading Here are five videos for Diablo III's new level 61 skills Here are five videos for Diablo III's new level 61 skills originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Battle.net

Obsidian behind new Armored Warfare MMO Posted: 20 Mar 2014 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Real-Life, Trailers, Video, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, War, Free-to-Play From the here's-something-you-don't-see-everyday files, Obsidian -- known primarily for its roleplaying games -- is lending its name to a new MMO shooter thing called Armored Warfare. The game's website bills it as "a new free-to-play massively multiplayer online tactical military video game that puts you in control of some of the most incredible, modern destructive machines to grace a battlefield." Eurogamer speculates that Armored Warfare may be an extension of Obsidian's deal with Russian megapublisher Mail.Ru, which also includes the Skyforge partnership wherein the former company lent its name and its expertise to the Allods Team's latest sci-fantasy MMO project. In any case, you can watch the World of Tanks-style Armored Warfare announcement trailer after the cut. Continue reading Obsidian behind new Armored Warfare MMO Obsidian behind new Armored Warfare MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Eurogamer

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