MMORPG Reviews

MMORPG Reviews

- Gamescom 2012 – Rising Force Online exclusive interview

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:23 AM PDT

We had the opportunity to interview OnNet Europe's Head of Marketing Björn Hornemann about the rewamp of Rising Force Online. Whilst many will be asking "is this the same game published by Codemasters in 2006?" the answer is yes and no. CCR International took the title back from Codemasters and have now placed it in [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Sevencore exclusive presentation

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:31 AM PDT

In the Gamescom, Galanet invited us to a private presentation of this new MMORPG Sevencore and we got a lot of information and media about how its development is going and how the game looks like. The game mount system is a mix of the standard mount system, pet system and companion system that you [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Interview for Tribes: Ascend at Gamescom 2012

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:01 AM PDT

Our team had the chance to interview Bart Koenigsberg, Hi-Rez Marketing Specialist, and take a look at what’s new in the MMOFPS Tribes: Ascend. The first thing revealed is a new game mode called "Blitz". Essentially this mode is the typical capture the flag but with a twist, each time an enemy flag is taken [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Exclusive presentation of Planetside 2

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:34 AM PDT

There was an exclusive presentation of Planetside 2, the new SOE's mmofps based on the known Planetside franchise, we have been driven through the basic lore and interesting features of the game while we played it and experienced its gameplay. Best point of the game is that it takes place in a persistent and huge [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – LMFAO performing at Wargaming private party

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:44 AM PDT

Wargaming has organized the party of all parties in a famous discotheque of Cologne (the BootsHaus), and our team was there.  The party has delighted the lucky participants with tantalizing go-go dancers, DJs spinning the latest hits, and best of all, live performances by Digitalism and directly from Los Angeles, LMFAO.

- Gamescom 2012 – SMITE has presented its next god, Cupid

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:40 AM PDT

The Hi-Rez Studios team has presented at the Gamescom the next god to make an appearance in SMITE, Cupid, the god of love. Our team had the chance to film this exclusive video from the booth of Hi-Rez Studios so you can get a firsthand look at Cupid himself. Since they released a new god [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Exclusive gameplay video of Neverwinter

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:40 AM PDT

Take a look to this exclusive gameplay video of the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons MMORPG Neverwinter directly taken from the booth of Perfect World Entertaintment. The video shows a Rogue fighting and exploring the universe of Neverwinter. The game that will feature a free to play model, stunning graphics and a deep player content creator [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Exclusive presentation of Neverwinter

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 02:55 AM PDT

Our team had the opportunity to film a presentation of the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons MMORPG Neverwinter on the booth of Perfect World Entertaintment. The game that will feature a free to play model, stunning graphics and a deep player content creator called "The Foundry", in which players will be able to create their very own [...]

- Gamescom 2012 – Exclusive gameplay videos of RaiderZ

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 02:08 AM PDT

Today we publish four exclusive videos from the booth of the monster-hunting MMORPG RaiderZ. This videos shows some gameplay, and three espectacular boss fights. Gameplay Showfloor Boss Diago Boss Zigneep Giant Frog Eluga
Posted by Shri Krishna


General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article

User Experience Expert Pans Windows 8

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:05 PM PDT

Windows 8's release is still more than two months away, but millions of people have already downloaded Windows 8 preview builds and realized that Windows 8's tile-based, touch-friendly "Modern-style" UI (or whatever they're calling it this week) is not for everyone. But is it simply because the typography-inspired interface is far too different for most people to accept readily, or is there something fundamentally wrong with the interface? We know most of you'd love to weigh in on this matter — despite having done it umpteen times already — but before that we'd like you to read what a leading usability expert feels about the whole Windows 8 experience.

Raluca Budiu, a User Experience Specialist at the Nielsen Norman Group, recently shared her views on Microsoft's two-interface approach in Windows 8 with the Laptop Magazine. She feels Windows 8 is not quite as user-friendly as previous Windows operating systems when it comes to content creation and multitasking, even though it makes it easier to "share a news story through email or with friends on Facebook."

"Users will need to remember two different interfaces. They will learn Windows 8, but won't be able to forget Windows 7," Raluca Budiu, who has also worked at Microsoft, told the Laptop Magazine in an interview last week. "And they will need to keep track of which app goes with each framework. [It's] definitely a cognitive burden, but not an insurmountable one."

But it's not just the two-interface strategy that she has a problem with. She also has an issue with the Modern UI: "Most important, while Windows 8 embraces some important mobile design principles (such as giving priority to content), not all these principles are well suited for the larger non-touch screen of most PCs or laptops. Many apps waste a lot of space for huge images and give little space to text. The idea of hiding the controls to give priority to content may make sense on mobile, where screen space is so limited, but it doesn't make that much sense on a large screen, especially if users have to work harder to access hidden features."

Asked for her opinion on Microsoft's decision to put the Start Menu out to pasture, Budiu justified the decision. She believes that it had to be done for the sake of consistency, even though the current setup, which requires the user to switch back and forth between the desktop and the start screen in order to launch a new desktop app, is cognitively burdensome.

Microsoft Dances Around Topic of Disallowing Nude Photo Uploads to SkyDrive

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:07 AM PDT

Microsoft recently overhauled its SkyDrive cloud service with a brand new look and fancy feature updates, but one policy that remains is that users are not allowed to upload full or partially nude photos or drawings, a restriction that applies to both public and private folders. It's unclear how actively Microsoft scans private folders for what it deems to be inappropriate content, but as far as the fine print is concerned, SkyDrive's upload policy is one of the most restrictive around.

VentureBeat donned its detective cap and dug up some pertinent parts of the Windows Live code of conduct related to nude photography. The restrictions are pretty vast, and it doesn't matter if the images are real photos, cartoons, or drawn images, nor does it matter if they're hidden in a private folder. You're not allowed to upload them to SkyDrive, plain and simple.

When pinged for clarification on why the policies are so restrictive, Microsoft offered VentureBeat a canned response that didn't really answer the question. One thing the Microsoft spokesperson did say, however, is that "Any content we find to be in violation of our Code of Conduct is subject to removal -- and in rare cases, can lead to temporary or permanent shutdown of an account."

SkyDrive isn't the only game in town, of course, and others like Box, DropBox, and SugarSync appear to be more flexible in what users are allowed to upload, so long as they don't run afoul of the law.

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ECS Unveils X79R-AX Stealth Motherboard Concept

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:15 AM PDT

Whether you're a fan of the stealth design or not, you have to hand it to ECS for thinking outside the box on this one. The company posted on Facebook a picture of its X79R-AX Stealth, currently a concept motherboard unique in the fact that the majority of the printed circuit board (PCB) is hidden beneath a shroud that protects all the digital bits from damage, dust, and everything else.

"Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but functional, as well," ECS posted on its Facebook page. "The motherboard housing or shroud protects against damage to the delicate components and parts while acting as an umbrella to cooling systems (heatsinks and heatpipes)."

ECS claims overheating isn't a concern because "exhaust vents allow air to escape and store unit fans, if necessary." The question, however, is whether you'd actually buy something like this or not. ECS is asking people to voice their opinions, and so far reactions to the stealth design are mixed.

What do you think of the stealth design?

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Early Intel Chip Engineer Victor Poor Dies at 79

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:59 AM PDT

Another pioneer in the field of PCs has passed away, adding to what seems like an unusually large number of deaths in the technology sector during the past year or so. This time it's Victor Poor, a mostly self-taught engineer who began working at Intel in 1969 and helped develop the chip maker's first single chip microprocessor later known as the 4004. A marvelous piece of silicon at the time, the 4004 was a 4-bit CPU that made use of new silicon gate technology.

Poor also had a hand in creating the 8008, which would later lead to the 8088 family of microprocessors. The original IBM PC was based on the 8088, which helped Intel forge a trail of dominance that continues to this day.

According to a report in The New York Times, Poor retired in 1984 and took a liking to sailing, a hobby that led to his development of a wireless communication system called Aplink, which was widely adopted by radio amateurs, the U.S. military, and state and local emergency teams. It was one of just a few communication systems that worked after Hurricane Katrina hit.

Poor, 79, died on August 17, 2012 of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Florence Ann Poor; a son, Meredith; daughters Noreen Poor and Shirley Jean Schmidt; and a sister, Dixie Lee Hagerth.

Image Credit: Intel

IDC: Microsoft is Planning to Build 3 Million Surface Tablets

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:14 AM PDT

If the choice is to go big or go home, Microsoft is opting for the former with its Surface tablet strategy. Much to the chagrin of Acer and other hardware partners who wish Microsoft would bow out of the tablet race completely, the Redmond software giant is reportedly gearing up to the splash the mobile market with more than 3 million Surface devices to be sold through its own retail store locations and other outlets.

"Probably a little over 3 million, both x86 and ARM," International Data Corporation (IDC) analyst, Bob O'Donnell, told CNet in a phone interview. "If they build a few million units there's no way they can sell it through Microsoft store only. So I think they'll sell through traditional retail also."

There's still the question of cost, to which O'Donnell also addressed with CNet. Estimates are all over the place, including a recent rumor suggesting Microsoft finalized plans to sell Surface starting at $199, but like many analysts, O'Donnell doesn't see that happening without some kind of subscription model attached.

Realistically, however, O'Donnell doesn't see Microsoft going in that direction, as he believes that type of pricing model would be difficult to pitch on the PC side.

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Confidential Memo Outlines Significant Changes Headed to Hulu

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:52 AM PDT

Several changes to the way Hulu operates could be in store for the streaming video service, according to a leaked internal memo deemed confidential. The three-page document indicates a desire by parent companies News Corp. and Disney to take control of how Hulu operates, and specifically in regards to freeing up current-season content from the shackles of exclusivity so that previously restricted programming could be licensed to third parties, such as YouTube.

According to Variety, which published portions of the leaked memo, there's a bit of uncertainty as to whether current Hulu CEO Jason Kilar is part of the streaming service's future plans or not. Based on the bullet points in the memo, it appears likely Kilar will be given a pink slip, though Hulu and its managing partners have declined to comment on the situation.

In addition to ending current-season content exclusivity, the memo reveals plans to end content parity.

"ABC.com and Fox.com will be able to hold back certain content to differentiate their own sites from Hulu, which was once entitled to everything on the networks' sites," the memo states.

You can also expect more ads if Fox is granted its wish to increase the number to four per commercial break on Hulu.com.

Synaptics ForcePad is the TrackPad Evolved for Windows 8

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:07 AM PDT

You can think of the Synaptics ForcePad as a highly sensitive pressure plate for Ultrabooks and other thin and light devices. Rather than rely on mouse clicks like the majority of standard trackpads, the ForcePad detects up to 1000 grams of pressure from all five fingers and responds accordingly. This type of force detection technology has benefits that go beneath the surface.

According to Synaptics, ForcePads are up to 40 percent thinner than traditional trackpads. Why does that matter? Well, they're cheaper to produce, for one. But more importantly, a reduction in thickness leaves more room for larger Ultrabook batteries underneath, or OEMs could simply build a thinner chassis.

There are no moving parts to wear out or break down, and on the usability side, force detection technology leads to some interesting use scenarios. One of the examples Synaptics shared was being able to fast forward a movie at different rates of speed by pressing harder or softer on the right side of the ForcePad. Simply lift up your finger and the movie starts playing again. In games, you would be able to control moving vehicles or aircraft by pressing on either side.

In addition to advancing trackpad technology, Synaptics is also working on a new kind of laptop keyboard called ThinTouch. The new keyboard reduces key presses from 3-6 millimeters to just 2.5 millimeters, resulting in thinner planks and, by extension, skinnier Ultrabooks. Synaptics is also adding a capacity touch sensor to the entire plank, opening up a world of possibilities for developers.

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Origin's EON17-SLX Laptop is Ready to Dance with Dual GPUs

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:37 AM PDT

Before anyone asks, the answer is yes, Origin's new EON17-SLX laptop with support for up to two discrete GPUs has enough horsepower to carry Crysis on its back while lugging around a sack of eye candy. Even without dual graphics cards, the EON17-SLX is, on paper, a pretty potent system with the requisite hardware to properly drive a 17.3-inch display with a Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) resolution.

Pricing starts at $1,882 and for that, the EON17-SLX comes equipped with an Intel Core i5 3320M dual-core processor, AMD Radeon HD 7970M graphics card, 4GB of DDR3-1333 memory, 320GB hard drive, 8X DVD burner, 7.1 channel audio with THX TruStudio Pro technology, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, media card reader, USB 3.0 ports, backlit keyboard, 2MP webcam, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

Upgrade options abound, depending on your budget. You could, for example, deck out the EON17-SLX with up to an overclocked Intel Core i7 3920XM quad-core processor, 32GB of RAM, dual hard drives or SSDs configured in RAID 0/1, a TV tuner, and of course up to two Radeon HD 7970M or GeForce GTX 680M graphics cards in Crossfire (AMD) or SLI (Nvidia).

Origin EON17-SLX Product Page

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Posted by Shri Krishna

MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com

MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com

OnLive Implodes, and is Re-Born On Life Support All In One Day

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT

As OnLive's 200 some odd employees gathered in the conference room for an all hands meeting on Friday, few expected the company to completely and utterly implode, but that's exactly what happened. We resisted the temptation to write this up … read more »
Posted by Shri Krishna

Latest Gaming and MMORPG Updates

Latest Gaming and MMORPG Updates

OnLive Implodes, and is Re-Born On Life Support All In One Day

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT

As OnLive's 200 some odd employees gathered in the conference room for an all hands meeting on Friday, few expected the company to completely and utterly implode, but that's exactly what happened. We resisted the temptation to write this up … read more »

Review: Neo Aquarium: King of Crustaceans

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Neo Aquarium is weird. That was all I knew about the game when I started it up. Well, that and the fact that it features crabs with lasers. No more needed to be known, I thought — this was going … read more »
Posted by Shri Krishna

MMO Updates

MMO Updates

Nexon CEO says consoles will F2P or die

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:30 AM PDT

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Nexon CEO says consoles need F2P or will die
Never one to mince words, Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim stated that the traditional game console's days are numbered -- if it doesn't adapt to the market. "Console developers are starting to realize that as well, that unless they make accommodations or think about changing their own business model they're going to quickly go the way of the dinosaurs," he said in a GamesIndustry.biz interview.

Kim predicts that there will be no way for the console market to grow without free-to-play. His perspective comes from Nexon's research in Korea, which indicates that market developments have shifted players away from the old way of doing things on consoles. He also said that F2P puts the onus on the developers to "earn the business" of players instead of taking their money up front and running.

"It's really hard to beat free-to-play as an offering," Kim said. "I know it's tough for [console developers] to just cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to say 'OK, we're going to go free-to-play and make our bed here,' because that's going to piss off a lot of people who they already have an existing business relationship with."

MassivelyNexon CEO says consoles will F2P or die originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 Neocom makes game functions portable via PS Vita app

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT

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DUST 514 Neocom makes game functions portable via PS Vita app
Although unable to participate in actual gameplay unless they are sitting at their consoles, DUST 514 players will be able to access a variety of features from anywhere on their mobile devices using a companion app to the PS3. Dubbed DUST 514 Neocom, this PS Vita app grants full access to the fittings system allowing players to adjust armor, weaponry, and vehicle configurations. The app also lets players peruse and purchase from the game's store; it even offers daily deals and special offers.

CCP Creative Director Atli Mar Sveinsson stated, "There are so many parts of DUST 514 that you can take with you and don't need a PS3 to enjoy, and this was the perfect way to exploit those features. The whole PlayStation ecosystem works really well, allowing these systems to connect and be a nice cohesive experience. It's MMO on the go."

MassivelyDUST 514 Neocom makes game functions portable via PS Vita app originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online hosts lore limerick contest

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:30 AM PDT

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The Elder Scrolls Online hosts lore limerick contest
There once was a High Elf from Tamriel / whose foppishness the villagers did tell / she had many fears / about bees flying in her ears / and thus plugged them with honey so well.

Think you can do better? Bethesda is hoping you can, which is why the studio is hosting a "lore limerick" contest for potential players of The Elder Scrolls Online. Fans can submit a single limerick about Elder Scrolls lore to the team by August 31st.

Winning warrior poets will receive several different TESO prizes, including canvased and signed concept art, t-shirts, and a mention on the official TESO Facebook page. The contest is restricted to US and European residents who are 18 or older.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online hosts lore limerick contest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamescom, GDC EU dates announced for 2013

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT

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Gamescom 2013 date announced
The more than 275,000 attendees of this year's Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, were the first to see the planned date for the 2013 convention -- if they noticed the large banner hanging overhead, that is. Folks wanting to get a headstart on planning for the event can mark their calendars: The fifth annual Gamescom will be held August 21st through the 25th, 2013. To get in on GDC Europe, plan to get to Cologne a few days earlier as this convention will run August 19th through the 21st, 2013.

The 2012 Gamescom saw the introduction of mobile and social titles to the usual line-up of console and PC gaming. Organizers noted that 83 different countries were represented between the exhibitors and trade visitors of the con. GDC EU 2012 broke previous attendance records with over 2,100 game industry professionals attending the event.

For more about this year's conventions that just wrapped up, check out Massively's 2012 Gamescom and 2012 GDC Europe coverage.

MassivelyGamescom, GDC EU dates announced for 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Guide: August 20 - 26, 2012

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:00 AM PDT

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Firefall
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively Stream Team logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises each week, so you'll find a variety of titles to watch. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, or simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule, and let us know if there's a specific game you'd like to see streamed next week!

Continue reading MV Guide: August 20 - 26, 2012

MassivelyMV Guide: August 20 - 26, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Massively's first impressions of Pirate101

    Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:00 AM PDT

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    Pirate101 screenshot
    If you've been following the MMO industry for a while, you've probably been watching in near astonishment as Texas-based developer KingsIsle Entertainment grew a little-known MMO called Wizard101 from the level of "just some kids game" all the way to a very successful world for all ages. So when we heard about a new title in the works, we wondered whether it was possible for the KingsIsle team to duplicate its earlier successes. Well, after trying out new kids on the block Pirate101, I can say that it might even dwarf the success of its predecessor.

    Why do I say that? Well, there are many reasons. The game is in only a beta stage, but it's aiming for a launch this year. And even though it's still in beta, the current Wizard101 fanbase is going nuts over the game. If that, combined with the unique selling points of the two titles, is any indication, KingsIsle can count Pirate101 as a huge step forward. One that will make a lot of money, I'm sure.

    Gallery: Pirate101 beta screenshots

    Continue reading Massively's first impressions of Pirate101

    MassivelyMassively's first impressions of Pirate101 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Gamescom 2012: SWTOR will sell statted gear, debating new planet monetization

      Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:30 AM PDT

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      SWTOR will sell statted gear, debating new planet monetization
      How do you take a subscription title like Star Wars: The Old Republic and turn it into a free-to-play MMO? According to Executive Producer Jeff Hickman, you do it as carefully as possible. "Give the story away," he explained. "Make the casual player understand what that is. Don't try to monetize that. Monetize all the things around that. I think, actually, as we looked through it, it is not as complex as you think it is. It is very difficult."

      While plans for SWTOR's cash shop are not finalized, Hickman did admit that players could use it to purchase gear to help them level up: "I don't want to unbalance the game by putting things out on the store that somebody can walk in on day one, buy and be the winner. Having said that, there will be some things that we put out in the store that do enhance power value in some way, but not at the top end."

      Hickman nibbled around the topic of the planet Makeb, which is still under construction. With more story and more systems, he hopes players will be pleased with the final result. However, Hickman could not confirm nor deny that it will expand the level cap, nor would he go into detail about whether BioWare is going to attempt to sell this to subscribers or not.

      [Thanks to Scott for the tip!]

      Every summer, the gaming industry descends on Cologne, Germany, for Gamescom, the world's largest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment. Massively's on the scene in 2012, bringing you all the best scoops, impressions, and interviews from the MMOs at the show!

      MassivelyGamescom 2012: SWTOR will sell statted gear, debating new planet monetization originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Daily Grind: Do you buy in to the MMO hype and hate cycle?

      Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT

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      Photo taken somewhere in Napa Valley (I forget) in 2011 by Bree Royce
      If you listened only to the more heated debates in Massively's comments and around the blogosphere, it'd be easy to get lost amid polarizing hyperbole and scathing vitriol about MMOs and the drama enveloping them. The way some people tell it, a game like Guild Wars 2 is either the second coming or a complete failure even before it's launched. World of Warcraft is tanking with "only" nine million subscriptions. Star Wars: The Old Republic's path to free-to-play is the last gasp of a dying game, never mind that it surpassed expectations for profitability long ago. It's a challenge indeed to find a nuanced middle ground and understand how real players (not just vocal commenters) perceive the games.

      So does a game have to be the best or worst ever to be worthy of discussion? Can't a game just be decent or good enough? How do you avoid being swept away by the latest MMO storm surge of hype and hate?

      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: Do you buy in to the MMO hype and hate cycle? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        MMO Week in Review: Gamescom 2012

        Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:00 PM PDT

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

        This week, we've been following the antics of our favorite MMO studios as they ply their wares at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Neverwinter? Check. Guild Wars 2? Check. RIFT's Storm Legion? Yup. World of Warcraft? All the pandas you can handle. PlanetSide 2? Smedleaks cannot be stopped! Heck, The Secret World went all the way to Germany to reveal the upcoming New York raid. And perhaps most intriguing of all is Final Fantasy XIV, whose devs announced that the game's servers will be shut down ahead of the impending A Realm Reborn relaunch.

        Enjoy the rest of the week's top MMO stories past the cut!

        Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Gamescom 2012

        MassivelyMMO Week in Review: Gamescom 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          EVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial

          Posted: 19 Aug 2012 04:00 PM PDT

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          EVE Evolved title image
          If you've ever tried EVE Online and couldn't make it through the cumbersome tutorial, you might want to revisit it. The new player experience received a huge update with the recent Inferno 1.2 patch, which visually updated the starter tutorial and revamped the rookie ships and free frigates players are given. The new tutorial is fully up to date, even introducing recent gameplay updates like the "loot all" button on cargo containers and the new interface for accessing agent missions while in space. A lot of effort has been put into the updated tutorial, but has it really made a difference? This week I gave it a try to find out.

          Last night at around 6 p.m. EVE time (GMT), there were over 38,000 players online, and only 1,200 were marked as trial accounts. I logged in to find 2,800 players in Rookie Help, a mandatory help channel exclusively for characters under 30 days old. That means just over 7% of characters logged in at the time were either rookies or veterans starting new alternate characters. With only 1,200 of those characters being on trial accounts, a healthy number of the remaining 1,600 must have been recent signups on fully subscribed accounts. Even the most cynical player has to admit that these are encouraging numbers of new players.

          In this week's EVE Evolved, I give the new EVE tutorial a spin to find out whether now is a good time for new players to sign up.

          Continue reading EVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial

          MassivelyEVE Evolved: EVE Online's new tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            SOE promises small Vanguard content update soon

            Posted: 19 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT

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            Vanguard promises small content release soon
            While the initial relaunch of Vanguard in its new free-to-play format seems to be going along swimmingly, players are understandably wondering what the next step for this fantasy title will be. Sony Online Entertainment came on its official forums and promised that, among other things, a small content release was on its way to the game.

            Due out within a week or so, this update includes a new overland raid and a mysterious new system that will tie into exploration somehow. The team is also preparing to introduce more items to the marketplace.

            In addition to this content update, SOE assures players that fixes for Vanguard's lag and bugs are a priority. The team's also hard at work on its 13-boss dungeon, City of Brass.

            MassivelySOE promises small Vanguard content update soon originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            One Shots: Counting blessings

            Posted: 19 Aug 2012 02:00 PM PDT

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            One Shots
            Massively reader Ralph "The Wonder Llama" (don't look at me!) delivered this spectacular TERA image to headline this week's One Shots. He wrote in:
            This is my Amani Berzerker, Sequoia. She's seen here showing off her brand-new crafted level 40 plate armor (proving once again that you don't have to show a lot of skin to look totally hot!). We took some time out from our busy schedule of monster slaying in TERA to admire the scenery in Blessing Basin, a beautiful forested zone full of strange and exotic creatures, most of whom want to kill you. This particular shot was taken at the Fountain of Shara, where Mystel, the goddess of fate, determines whether intrepid adventurers are are worthy of her assistance. I'm pleased to report that Sequoia passed the test with flying colors!
            Ralph's screenshots and a few others worthy of highlighting are tucked beyond the break.

            Continue reading One Shots: Counting blessings

            MassivelyOne Shots: Counting blessings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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