Massively http://www.massively.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://www.massively.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/mmobility-an-exclusive-look-at-the-runespan-in-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
Jagex, developer of the ever-popular browser-based game RuneScape, is known for its rapid development schedule. Heck, I fully expect that this article will be outdated by the time I finish its rough draft. Players of the Jagex flagship MMO can log in to find new items, places to explore, and quests to do almost weekly. I tend to poke my nose into the game several times a week, so I know that a more casual player has endless amounts of content to run through. I might level up my construction skill and then switch to something completely different. I just recently spent an afternoon playing with just the new bonfire skill.

Of course, those pesky developers are at it again: giving me more content to go through even though my highest skills hover around only the level 40 mark. This time it's the Runespan, a brand-new area that helps players level runecrafting by offering them a one-stop shop that is more casual and non-competitive than the normal runecraft experience.

I got the chance to call up some of the lead developers on the phone and ask not only about the Runespan but about the new FPS improvements, so be sure to check that out!

Continue reading MMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape

MassivelyMMObility: An exclusive look at the Runespan in RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjagexjagex-games-studiommobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepreviewpreviewsrsrunescapesandboxsmartphonethe-runespanFri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Figures sold separately.
Action figures are a great accessory for any video game. Sure, most of us have passed the point when we would use them to stage elaborate battles in the backyard, but it's nice to have something on hand to play with during load times. That's part of the reason that AdventureQuest Worlds is getting into the market with its first two figures, representing Artix and Sepulchure, available in Toys'R'Us stores nationwide starting on May 23rd.

Even if you're not normally the sort to buy action figures, Artix Entertainment has sweetened the deal by making sure that each figure comes with a special in-game house, special armor and weapons, and five playing cards for the game's tie-in card game. If you don't want to wait for them in stores, you can also purchase them directly from the company's online store starting May 18th. The team put together a small stop-motion animation piece as well to celebrate the upcoming figures because honestly, if you've spent this much time thinking about buying an action figure, don't you deserve a toy commercial to cap it off?

[Source: Artix Entertainment press release]

Continue reading AdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures

MassivelyAdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresadventurequestadventurequest-worldsartix-entertainmentcross-promotionsculturef2pfiguresfree-to-playmerchandisenewspromotionstrailertrailersupcoming-releasesvideovideosWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Dark Legends]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/13/rise-and-shiny-dark-legends/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/13/rise-and-shiny-dark-legends/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/13/rise-and-shiny-dark-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dark Legends screenshot
Dark Legends, the new title from mobile MMO king Spacetime Studios, is already creating a buzz with its liberal use of an energy pool that is sapped as players go through standard gameplay. If this mechanic were packaged any differently and inside a sandbox, it's possible that people would call it "realistic" or "hardcore." Unfortunately, problems set in as soon as players realized that playing the game for hours on end would require some infusion of real-life funds or the ability to kill pretty large chunks of time in non-combat areas.

I would argue that the gameplay does not have to be designed for marathon gaming sessions. It's very possible that the "casual" part of the game's description actually means "casual." I still had issues with the mechanic; don't get me wrong. But if I was bothered by anything it would be Dark Legends' lack of borrowing features from Pocket Legends, Spacetime's flagship mobile MMO, which offers actual persistent areas and other MMO staples.

Of course, it's possible that Spacetime is simply trying something new. Heaven forbid it should attempt a new design!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Dark Legends

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Dark Legends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatMUDbeau-hindmanBioWareccpdark-legendseve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudrise-and-shinyspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamswtortwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot
When Tiny Speck, maker of the wonderfully odd browser-based sandbox Glitch, announced that it would be taking the game back to a beta state in order to retool many of the game's most essential systems, I was skeptical. Heck, I've remained skeptical. I stopped streaming the game due to time constraints but continued to log in and enjoy it. More specifically, I didn't feel like continuing to stream it until the new releases were officially released. I tend to enjoy betas but want to hold back my opinions until games are actually open, and this return to beta made me feel the same way.

Lately, however, the changes being tested and implemented into the game have just been too cool to stay hushed about. Housing is receiving wonderful, wonderful updates that will allow for complete creative freedom that is rarely seen in MMO housing. The UI is transforming as well, and new skills and creatures are being introduced.

Beta or not, there is some crazy-cool stuff going on in the land of Ur. In fact, check out these brand new patch notes!

Continue reading MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations

MassivelyMMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabeau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playglitchhipsterhousing-changesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesandboxsmartphonetiny-specktinyspeckunlauncheningFri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

My Vanguard main
I felt a little nostalgic this week. Heck, at my age, I feel nostalgic every time I smell chimney smoke or hear Christmas music. I suspect it will only grow more common with age. MMOs have been such a huge part of my life for well over a decade now that I feel nostalgic about many of the things that happened during that time, and for many of the characters I have grown -- and lost.

I'm not overly sentimental about it, but it is interesting how we feel about the pixelated versions of ourselves, the ones we control while sitting at a keyboard or while touching a tablet. I don't want to downplay how important gaming can be for many of us, either. Once, years ago, I met a fellow player in a social game called There. She was a wonderful person who had over time lost the ability to walk. She loved the freedom that the avatar gave her. Needless to say, she was very connected to her character.

I made a short list of some of my favorite characters from the years. As I think about it, this list says a lot about me as a gamer and about the types of games I love.

Continue reading Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains

MassivelyFree for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbeau-turkeyChangyouf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumglitchjagexmilmoopinionrunescapeRyzomSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellborntheretiny-speckVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropezentiaWed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Triniate attempts to put an MMO on a Nintendo 3DS]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/project-triniate-attempts-to-put-an-mmo-on-a-nintendo-3ds/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/project-triniate-attempts-to-put-an-mmo-on-a-nintendo-3ds/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/project-triniate-attempts-to-put-an-mmo-on-a-nintendo-3ds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Project Triniate
There have been plenty of attempts at creating MMOs on mobile platforms, but so far those have been largely confined to smartphones, tablets, and iPod Touches. Enter Project Triniate, an MMO aiming to release on Nintendo's 3DS handheld platform by developer Robdeprop of 3DSPlaza.com.

Since the 3DS can't handle Java or Flash, the idea is that the player uses the system's browser to navigate to the official website and use the website to run the game instead. The title looks like a top-down 2-D game that relies on the stylus for any in-game conversations.

While interesting, it's certainly a long shot; even the developer says that it might not be released. Still, if you have a 3DS you can currently give the game a try -- for a buck, that is. Check out a demo video of Project Triniate after the jump.

Continue reading Project Triniate attempts to put an MMO on a Nintendo 3DS

MassivelyProject Triniate attempts to put an MMO on a Nintendo 3DS originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3dsplaza.combrowser-basedbrowser-mmodemohandheld-mmomobilemobile-mmonintendonintendo-3dsproject-triniateRobdeproptriniatevideoTue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Panzer Pets image
If you've been desperately hoping for a Pokémon MMO all these years but have been disappointed by Nintendo's unwillingness to release one or let anyone else develop one, you might be interested in upcoming MMO Panzer Pets. Panzer Pets is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which robots have taken over, but robot builders have found a way to build their own pets to fight back. In Panzer Pets, rather than capture creatures, you'll hunt for robot parts and design your own customisable 3-D pet robots.

The game focuses on the exploration opportunities that a post-apocalyptic setting delivers, with a world filled with randomly generated zones, dungeons and towns to explore, and robot parts to collect. Players will be able to trade parts with each other, challenge other players to battles, form guilds, and embark on quests together. As it uses the Unity 3-D engine, the game will be released on iOS, Android, and both PC and Mac web browsers.

New studio Gamundo has been working on Panzer Pets for free so far but now needs support to work on the game full-time and complete it. If you're interested in exploring a post-apocalyptic world with a customised pet robot in tow, you can help Gamundo finish the game by pledging money to its Kickstarter campaign, which launched last night. The estimated date for completion of the game is October 2012, and the team needs to raise $85,000 to make it that far without giving a publisher or investor a controlling interest in the game.

MassivelyDesign your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customisationexplorationexploregamundokickstarterpanzerpanzer-petspetpet-robotspetspost-apocalypticprocedurally-generatedrobotrobotsSun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/rise-and-shiny-looking-back-at-two-years-and-a-change-of-order/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/rise-and-shiny-looking-back-at-two-years-and-a-change-of-order/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/rise-and-shiny-looking-back-at-two-years-and-a-change-of-order/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mabinogi screenshot
This column will turn two years old on May 8th, 2012. I'm proud of not only the fact that I have been able keep up the column with a decent amount of content and writing that has slowly gotten better over that time but also the fact that I have introduced the readers of Massively to so many games that they wouldn't otherwise have known about. Recently, I have increased my efforts by streaming odd and indie games as well as writing about the relatively new world of mobile MMOs.

This might all seem like I am attempting to build some sort of indie hipster street cred, but the totally honest truth is that nothing thrills me more than exposing a new game to the world or giving an older game some much-needed sunlight. If someone posts, "This game is still around?" in the comments section, I call that a win.

From now on, I am going to tweak how I do things for Rise and Shiny in order to raise the quality of coverage. Let me explain how as well as give you a few figures to illustrate just how many titles I have covered.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onLiveStreammabinogimassively-tvmassivelytvmilmomvtvrise-and-shinystreamstreamingtwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvtwo-year-anniversaryvideozentiaSun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 28th]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-28th/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-28th/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
Ah, another fine week of streaming videos! Who needs television when you have such killer content right at your fingertips, for free? Well, we need Game of Thrones, but other than that, we'll stick by Massively TV! Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule page so that you won't miss any of the cool videos. Sign up, join in the chat room, and participate!

This week we had Mike back with his EVE Online and RIFT streams, followed by MJ with a ton of great stuff, including Aion, Lord of the Rings Online, TERA and City of Heroes! Woo! I finished up by showing viewers how to build clothing attachments in Second Life. So stop reading this and click past the cut. Check out the videos and let us know what you think in the comments section. Here, have some popcorn.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 28th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 28th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbeau-hindmaneve-onlineeverquest-iifeaturedlivestreaminglord-of-the-rings-onlinemassively-streamteammassively-tvmassivelytvmj-guthriemv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvriftround-uproundupsecond-lifestreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamteratwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideovideosSun, 06 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Clone Wars Adventures celebrates Star Wars Day with special deals]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/clone-wars-adventures-celebrates-star-wars-day-with-special-deal/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/clone-wars-adventures-celebrates-star-wars-day-with-special-deal/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/clone-wars-adventures-celebrates-star-wars-day-with-special-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Jar Jar Binks
Did you know that May 4th is Star Wars Day? Yeah, neither did I, which apparently means my failure as a Star Wars fan is complete.

Oh, wait, I get it. May the fourth be with you!

Anyway, Sony Online Entertainment is offering free booster points as well as a special code to unlock a rare double-bladed lightsaber, all for logging in to Clone Wars Adventures. And the game has a new introductory offer that includes first-month access to premium Jedi membership levels for only $1.99. More info is yours for the reading at the official CWA site.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyClone Wars Adventures celebrates Star Wars Day with special deals originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescwafamilyi-miss-star-wars-galaxieskid-friendlykidslobbyminigamesci-fantasysci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-dayFri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/mmobility-the-pros-and-cons-of-tibias-browser-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Tibia screenshot
Tibia is an MMO that has been hanging in there for many, many years. You have to give it respect for that alone. When you add on the fact that the game seems to be updated relatively frequently and boasts a pretty good-sized playerbase, it becomes even more intriguing. I've played it in the past and have enjoyed the simple graphics and slower-paced gameplay. I like how NPCs chat with you, old-school EverQuest-style, and how there seems to be a lot more to the game than meets the eye.

There are plenty of eyesores, however. The developers recently released Tibia in a beta browser form. While the client was always easy enough to download and run on my multitude of devices, I always prefer to just jump into my browser and load it up.

I found a lot of neat little systems but also quite a few bugs or odd design choices. Colors and layout can be a problem, and I am not the biggest fan of Flash-based MMOs. Still, I am enjoying myself so far and look forward to more. Let's talk about what I found over these last several hours with Tibia's browser-based version.

Continue reading MMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version

MassivelyMMObility: The pros and cons of Tibia's browser version originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedflash-basedfree-to-playfreemiumftpisometric-viewMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOld-schoolopinionphonesmartphonetibiaUltima-OnlineFri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch - No idea what this is to be honest
It's a happy day if you've been yearning to scratch that browser-based sandbox itch. Yes, Glitch has returned with an overhauled user interface and the new imagination system.

What the heck is imagination? Well, glitches now have imagination (iMG) instead of XP. You gain iMG by questing, crafting, and collecting (i.e., by playing the game), and you can spend it on upgrades and various other gizmos still in the works. In short, iMG allows you to "create, grow, and customize the world and your character." It also serves as a nifty way of explaining new game abilities as opposed to boring old XP.

TinySpeck has authored a FAQ on the imagination changeover. Give it a read-through before you log in, as both the level curve and your character's accumulated XP have undergone significant changes.

[Thanks to Halldorr for the tip!]

MassivelyGlitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playglitchglitch-imaginationglitch-imgglitch-uiglitch-xphipsterimaginationimgsandboxtinyspeckunlauncheningThu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/free-for-all-why-social-gaming-could-destroy-mmos-and-how-we-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

CastleVille screenshot
I am a huge fan of social media. Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus -- it all makes sense to me and has shown to be a very useful tool in not only communicating with friends but finding new games, developers, and websites. My Twitter feed provides enough news and information that I can skip any standard media. I haven't watched a local newscast for a long, long time. On top of that, I can communicate with readers in real time, sharing photos and tidbits of cool.

Has social media affected MMO gaming? It definitely has. Watch any smart developer's Twitter feed and you will see the community team interacting directly with players, answering questions, hosting contests, and helping players feel as though the developers are actual people. Social media has also changed how we connect to our games, MMO or not.

All of this means that everything is social now. Going to the dentist? Share it with your friends. Defeated a boss monster on your Xbox? Tweet it. Just picked up that epic sword in Dark Age of Camelot? Post it to your Facebook. Heck, many MMOs now have a Twitter or Facebook option built right into the client. All of this instant connectivity is nice, but it's possible that the "massively" part of MMO will soon apply to any game. What will this do to the genre?

Continue reading Free for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it

MassivelyFree for All: Why social gaming could destroy MMOs and how we can fight it originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancityvilledark-age-of-camelotf2pfacebookfarmvillefeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgoogle-plushero-academylord-of-the-rings-onlineopinionsocialsocial-gamingsocial-networkingtwittervelvet-ropeZyngaWed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week it has been in Massively's world of streaming games! We have a little bit of something for all types of viewers. Hardcores, roleplayers, explorers, crafters and lazy-bums like yours truly: We have something for all of you. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule page so that you can always see the schedule ahead of time. It's much easier to plan your life around our videos if you know the schedule early. Invite your friends... we love to hear from new people in the chat room!

This week, we had some EVE Online adventuring with Mike followed by his attempt at Drakensang Online, a browser-based action MMO. Adventure Mike took a spin in the way-back machine and streamed some EverQuest, and MJ scored some time in EverQuest II, a chunk of Vanguard, and Aion. She's been a very busy streamer! Lastly, I took a look at Gemstone IV, a fantastic MUD that almost brought tears to my eyes. Tears of frustration, but many tears of joy.

Let's get to watching!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 21st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionccpdrakensang-onlineeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgemstone-ivLiveStreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvround-uproundupstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvanguardvideovideosSun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Requiem: Momento Mori now streaming to your browser]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/requiem-momento-mori-now-streaming-to-your-browser/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/requiem-momento-mori-now-streaming-to-your-browser/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/requiem-momento-mori-now-streaming-to-your-browser/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Requiem: Momento Mori - BFG9000
Earlier this week we told you about Runes of Magic and its new client-free play option. Gravity Interactive's Requiem: Momento Mori title is following suit, as it's coming to a web browser near you. Like RoM, Requiem is making use of Kalydo's streaming service, which gives users full access to the same servers used by the traditional client application.

Requiem originally launched in 2008 and is best known for its mature setting and a monster-spawning mechanic that varies the challenge level based on the in-game time of day. The game also makes use of the Havok Physics Engine to power its "action-packed" 3-D combat. More info on the streaming service and the game proper can be found on the Requiem website.

[Source: Gravity Interactive press release]

MassivelyRequiem: Momento Mori now streaming to your browser originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-mmobrowser-streamingf2pfree-to-playgravity-interactivekalydorequiem-browserstreamingThu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games announces its new MMORTS, Dragon Crusade]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/aeria-games-announces-their-new-mmorts-dragon-crusade/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/aeria-games-announces-their-new-mmorts-dragon-crusade/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/aeria-games-announces-their-new-mmorts-dragon-crusade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not sure exactly where dragons enter in to all this.
While years have gone by without many entries into the MMORTS genre, the list of contenders is slowly but steadily expanding. Add Dragon Crusade to the list; it's an upcoming free-to-play browser title just announced by Aeria Games. The game will feature six different races, each with its own strengths and weaknesses as well as a unique racial capital. The core of the game, however, isn't meant to simply be your choice of race; it's building an actual kingdom over multiple cities.

Kingdoms are meant to add an important strategic resource to the game. Players are responsible for the defense of their cities, forcing a balance between gaining new ground and protecting what's already there. Players will also be granted a variety of different heroes, mounts, and pets, all of which have special development paths to give player forces a unique flair. There's no word yet on when the game will go into general release, but potential players can register for the upcoming closed beta on the official site.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

Gallery: Dragon Crusade

MassivelyAeria Games announces its new MMORTS, Dragon Crusade originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbrowserbrowser-gameclosed-betadragon-crusadef2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerymmortsnew-titlesrtsupcoming-betaThu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fiesta Social screenshot
I recently threw out a prediction that within five years, most of our MMO content will be coming through our browsers. To be more specific, I think that most players in the United States will be enjoying their favorite MMOs within a browser. That can mean several things but does not refer to games like Free Realms, a client-based game that is only signed-into at the browser level. As with any discussion about genres, mechanics or styles in the MMO world, I have to be very specific.

It's pretty likely that a very large percentage of the US playerbase is already playing browser-based games. Look at the American market for games like RuneScape, Battlestar Galactica Online, Club Penguin, Drakensang Online, Evony, and Ministry of War and you might just find millions of players.

Next we need to consider that there are more games coming into the browser market. This new batch is essentially a group of standard, client-based MMOs that are porting themselves to the browser. I tend to be a little skeptical about some of these in the short-term, for several reasons.

Continue reading Free for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues

MassivelyFree for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedclub-penguindrakensang-onlineevonyf2pfeaturedffafiesta-onlinefiesta-socialfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpillyriadjagexministry-of-waropinionrunes-of-magicrunescapetibiavelvet-ropeWed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Runes of Magic in your browser (if you're in Europe)]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/play-runes-of-magic-in-your-browser-if-youre-in-europe/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/play-runes-of-magic-in-your-browser-if-youre-in-europe/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/play-runes-of-magic-in-your-browser-if-youre-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Runes of Magic - spellcaster and pet
Want to play Runes of Magic in your browser? Now you can, thanks to the fruits of a partnership between Frogster and Kalydo. Frogster tells us that "game quality is not compromised in the new version, and Runes of Magic can now be played on any PC that meets the technical requirements without having to download the full client."

It usually takes about 30 seconds of streaming to reach RoM's main menu and character creation interface. Also of note is the fact that the browser version runs on the same servers as the client version, so you'll still have access to all of your friends and familiars.

The bad news is that the browser version is only available in Europe as of today. We'll update you as soon as we hear about Frogster's plans for additional markets.

[Source: Frogster press release]

MassivelyPlay Runes of Magic in your browser (if you're in Europe) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-runes-of-magicf2pfantasyfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivekalydoromrunes-of-magicrunes-of-magic-browser-basedrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmenttaboreaTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape's mad, mad, mad, Mad May approaches]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/runescapes-mad-mad-mad-mad-may-approaches/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/runescapes-mad-mad-mad-mad-may-approaches/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/runescapes-mad-mad-mad-mad-may-approaches/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RuneScape
With the virtual flowers in bloom and the birds and bees merging together to form a hybrid class (beerds), you should expect life and vitality springing forth out of your MMOs this spring. RuneScape is embracing the season by hosting an entire month of prizes called Mad May.

Taking place during the titular month, Mad May will dowse subscribers with bonuses and freebies. First up is an extra daily spin on the new Squeal of Fortune game, which offers players a chance to win a variety of prizes every day. Following that is a hefty 5,000 Loyalty Point boost for members. These points may be redeemed for a whole bunch of new items, including emotes and auras. Finally, Jagex will cap off the month by rewarding all subscribers with 250,000 XP on June 1st.

In addition to the Mad May bonuses, RuneScape will see the return of Wild Weekends during the month. Details about what the Wild Weekends will entail are forthcoming, as is a special behind-the-scenes look into the game's upcoming projects.

MassivelyRuneScape's mad, mad, mad, Mad May approaches originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbonus-loyalty-pointsbonus-spinsbonus-xpbonusesbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiomad-mayrsrunescapesandboxsqueal-of-fortunewild-weekendsMon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiesta Social - beach scene
It's beta time for Fiesta Social, a new Facebook RPG based on Outspark's Fiesta Online MMO. "With Fiesta Social, when you meet someone in-game, you're hanging out with them in real-time, laughing at their jokes and saving them in battle. It's highly addictive, soul-satisfying bonding you just can't get from the current 2-D turn-based social games," says Outspark CEO Philip Yun.

We're not sure about the soul-satisfying bit, but the trailer has a certain cute factor that you can see by clicking past the cut below.

Outspark says that Fiesta has nearly 10 million registered users and close to 600,000 Facebook fans, so there's always someone to share your personal information with... er, have fun with, day or night. Outspark is also giving away free dance emotes and free mounts. All you have to do is enter the code OTTERGONBEAT.

Continue reading Outspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook

MassivelyOutspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-gamescasualfiestafiesta-facebookfiesta-socialoutsparktrailervideoThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST