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[Why I Play: Global Agenda]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda screenshot
Among the Massively staff, I'm known as the obsessive competitor who plays every game in a hardcore fashion. It's no surprise that I gravitate toward high-skill, difficult games that test skill instead of the typical MMO grinds. But it should be a bit of a surprise that I don't really like competitive shooters. Shooters take a lot of the elements I really love about competition such as mindgames and positioning and marginalize them in favor of raw aiming and twitch reflexes. I'm fond of saying "You must be this tall to ride this ride" when it comes to shooters that are very twitch-based.

Global Agenda is a different beast than other shooters, though. The competitive shooter market is saturated with class-based shooters whose emphasis is more on teamwork than on aiming, and Global Agenda really takes it to eleven. Aiming is still important, but it's hardly the most important skill in the game, and every class has a way of minimizing the need for aiming skill. In fact, most of the more effective builds in GA don't require aiming. The emphasis in GA is on teamwork, mobility, and good decision-making. Even though it's a shooter, I find it really easy to spend far too much of my time playing it. It's just great fun.

Continue reading Why I Play: Global Agenda

MassivelyWhy I Play: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitioncompetitive-gamingcompetitive-shootereditorialf2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgaglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosjetpacksjetpacks-are-awesomemassively-metametammofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionsci-fishooterspy-fithird-person-shootertpswho-doesnt-like-flyingwhy-i-playWed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 Hi-Rez Interview, Tribes release date
It's been a crazy week at GDC, and though I've already gotten the skinny on both PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514, there's more on the way when it comes to online shooter news. Yesterday morning I headed over to the Hi-Rez Studios booth on the main show floor, where COO Todd Harris had some exciting news to share with fans of the firm's Tribes: Ascend title.

The free-to-play shooter will officially launch on April 12th, and Hi-Rez has also released a new parody trailer that pays homage to Dead Island and shows off the perils of the dreaded "llama capture" (if you're a Tribes newb, just know that speed equals survival when it comes to flag-grabs).

Join me after the cut for some Tribes-related chit-chat as well news of new content on the way for Global Agenda.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondead-islande-sporte-sportsexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgagame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012global agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewmmofpsonline-shootersci-fishooterspy-fithe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extrathe-firing-line-interviewsthird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-dead-islandtribes-release-datetribes-videovideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously On MVTV: The week of February 25th]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/04/previously-on-mvtv-the-week-of-february-25th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On logo
So you missed out on some of Massively's wonderful livestreams, huh? You had to go out and hang out with actual human beings and missed some of the most exciting live game playing you could have imagined? Shame. Shame on you. Don't worry, though; I've taken the time to collect some of the very best moments from the previous week's shows and combine them into one easy, one-stop-shop for your viewing pleasure.

Really, it's no trouble. Do be a dear and bookmark our MassivelyTV Guide for future reference!

So what do we have this week? Some pretty awesome stuff, actually. Richie jumps back into some Guild Wars, Mike takes an explosive swing at EVE Online once again and then hops into RIFT, Psykopig slowly finds himself falling in love with Wizard101 despite his attempts at resistance, Karen and the team from Allods Online embark on a tour of high-level content and Astral ships, I get invited to a real wedding inside Luvinia Online, and Tboo does her usual best by shooting people in the face in APB: Reloaded.

Continue reading Previously On MVTV: The week of February 25th

MassivelyPreviously On MVTV: The week of February 25th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allods-onlineanetapb-reloadedArena-Netbeau-hindmanccpeve-onlineeventsfeaturedgpotatoguild-warsLiveStreamlivestreamingluvinia-onlinemassively-streamteammassively-tvmassivelytvmv-tvmvtvoutsparkpreviously-on-mv-tvriftround-uproundupstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideovideosSun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/the-firing-line-global-agenda-year-two-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Global Agenda turns two
You! Yeah, you! You still haven't played Global Agenda, have you? I know, I know, you're going to get around to it, it's on your list, blah blah and etc. While you've been dilly-dallying about, Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter has gone and turned two years old!

That's OK, though, because the game has more options, more content, and more pew-pew than at any time in its history, and thanks to a gaggle of anniversary events, now is the perfect time to saddle up.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryf2pfeaturedfiring-linefree-agentfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermmotpsopinionpatchesrecursive-colonyretrospectivesci-fithe-firing-linethird-person-shootertwo-year-anniversaryupdatesyes-it-is-an-mmoFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda celebrates its second birthday with free booster codes for Massively readers]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/global-agenda-celebrates-its-second-birthday-with-free-booster-c/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/global-agenda-celebrates-its-second-birthday-with-free-booster-c/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/global-agenda-celebrates-its-second-birthday-with-free-booster-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Global Agenda
We told you earlier today that Hi-Rez is handing out prizes in honor of Global Agenda's second anniversary, and while that's pretty awesome, we've got a little something extra for those players who have the good taste to also be Massively readers.

We've got some booster codes to give away: three days of extra experience, credits, and tokens, free for the taking. Picking one up for yourself is a snap: Go to our giveaway page to pick up your code, then log into game and type "/claimpromotion Promocode". Enter your code and that's it -- you've got your three-day booster!

Enjoy your booster code and join us in thanking Hi-Rez for the gift!

TO THE GIVEAWAY

MassivelyGlobal Agenda celebrates its second birthday with free booster codes for Massively readers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-codecontestcontestsgiveawaygiveawaysglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-stdioes-global-agendahi-rez-studiosthree-day-booster-codeMon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/hi-rez-handing-out-prizes-for-global-agendas-second-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda - Chloe's Burning Fashion
Time flies when you're fragging newbs, and Global Agenda fans have been doing just that for the better part of two years now. Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter launched on February 1st, 2010, and for this week's anniversary, the firm is offering up some exclusive prizes as well as trotting out a few old flair favorites.

Starting today, any Global Agenda player who wins an instanced PvE or PvP mission before February 6th will receive a mini Switchblade pet to parade around Dome City in between matches. Hi-Rez is also sponsoring a 6-on-6 PvP tourney that features a dragon helmet for all participants and an unnamed exclusive item and cash prize for the winning team.

But wait, there's more! Check out Chloe's Burning Fashion for an extensive back catalog of previously retired flair pieces. There are over 100 items available for purchase using Hi-Rez's cash shop currency, including some headgear from past holiday events.

Finally, check out this Friday's The Firing Line for more info on Global Agenda at the two-year mark.

[Source: Hi-Rez press release]

MassivelyHi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydome-cityf2pflairfree-agentfree-to-playglobal-agendaheadgearhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermmotpssci-fishooterthird-person-shootertournamenttwo-year-anniversaryMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
2011 was an odd duck of a year for MMO news. A huge chunk of the year felt devoid of significant releases, but that was mitigated somewhat by the major launches of RIFT and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Titles got shoved back to 2012 or beyond, MMOs that we thought never would go free-to-play did, and the industry continually surprised us with revelations, ideas, and controversy.

So in my last Perfect Ten of 2011, I put together the 10 most significant MMO stories of the year. Ten seems like an awfully small number for such a great big field, so I had the rest of the staff members chime in with their nominations just to make sure I wasn't too off-base with any of these.

It was a whopper of a year, and Massively was there for all of it -- the ups, the downs, the queues, and the QQs. It's time to wrap it up with a pretty bow and dedicate it to the history museum!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112012aionataribiowareccpccp-gameschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdc-universe-onlinedcuoeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iif2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playglobal-agendajagexkung-fu-pandaleague-of-legendslistlistslucasartsmists-of-pandariamonoclegatemythicpandaperfect-tenperfect-worldriftrunescapesoesonysony-hacksony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-agencythe-perfect-tentriontrion-worldswarhammer-onlineworld-of-darknessworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-heroesThu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - header with various shooter avatars
OK, so you've heard about this whole Global Agenda thing, and you've talked yourself into giving it a shot. It's completely free-to-play from start to finish these days, and the Unreal graphics, sci-fi setting, and strange mixture of hyper-competitive PvP and ultra-accessible PvE have always held a certain appeal.

You're not sure, but you think it's kind of an MMO, given that it has persistent territory control, lots of quests, and plenty of progression-based gameplay. Maybe you're a pro skillz baller, or maybe the extent of your shooter knowledge is which end of the gun gets pointed at the bad guys.

Either way, you'll likely have a good time in Hi-Rez's spy-fi action title, and you'll have an even better time if you understand a few key points about the game prior to diving in.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classescombat-ratingfeaturedfiring-lineglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmercmerc-pvpmicrosoft-trueskillmmo-shootermmotpsopinionplayer-skillpvpsci-fishooterskillskill-basedskillsspy-fithe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrueskilltutorialsFri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line header - various spiffy shooter avatars
Hello shooter fans, and welcome back to Massively's Firing Line. Last week's inaugural column hit the ground running with a visit to Hi-Rez Studios and a preview of the company's new Tribes: Ascend title. This week I'd like to pull back a little bit and lay the groundwork for some of the things we'll be talking about over time.

When I talk about MMO shooters with friends and colleagues, one of the first things mentioned is the definition of the term. Everyone knows what a shooter is (or at least what he thinks it is), and everyone knows what an MMO is (although thanks to MOBAs and the social networking explosion, the definition of the latter grows murkier by the day).

Can we all agree on the definition of an MMO shooter, though? Probably not, and to be honest, that's perfectly OK.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10v10agency-territorydefining-mmo-shootersdefining-mmosdefinitiondefinitionsdust-514featuredfirefallfiring-lineglobal-agendamagmassive-action-gamemmo-shootermmo-shooter-definitionmmofpsmmotpsopinionpersistenceplanetside-2shooterthe-firing-linetribestribes-ascendwhat-is-an-mmo-shooterzonesFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jump into Recursive Colony with a free booster code from Massively and Global Agenda! [Updated]]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/jump-into-recursive-colony-with-a-free-booster-code-from-massive/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/jump-into-recursive-colony-with-a-free-booster-code-from-massive/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/jump-into-recursive-colony-with-a-free-booster-code-from-massive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Global Agenda
Global Agenda's Recursive Colony expansion has been up and running for a few weeks now, and if you didn't get in right away, you might think it's too late to catch up.

In the spirit of "it's never too late," we've partnered with Hi-Rez Studios to offer you just the thing to bring you up to speed: booster codes! When applied to your account, booster codes give you double XP, tokens, and credits as well as apply 2,000 tokens to your account every day. Booster codes can be purchased in the Global Agenda store, but we've got some free three-day codes here.

[Update: To apply your code, type "/claimpromotion" in-game rather than applying the code on the Global Agenda site.]


TO THE GIVEAWAY

MassivelyJump into Recursive Colony with a free booster code from Massively and Global Agenda! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-codecontestcontestsf2pfree-to-playgiveawaygiveawaysglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosrecursive-colonyThu, 06 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda's Recursive Colony launches]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/21/global-agendas-recursive-colony-launches/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/21/global-agendas-recursive-colony-launches/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/21/global-agendas-recursive-colony-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda image
Fans of games that tread the line between MMORPG and FPS will be pleased at this news: Today brings the launch of Global Agenda's Recursive Colony expansion, a free update and the "largest content update in the history" of the game, according to Hi-Rez Studios' official website. Chief among the new additions is a new mid- to high-level open zone with a storyline and quests meant to provide an alternate leveling experience for more RPG-minded players. The expansion also includes new daily repeatable quests, a new PvP map called Push Dust, new tutorials, quality-of-life enhancements, crafting tweaks, and a slew of pets, dyes, and other fluff.

To kick off patch day and show off the highlights of the update, Hi-Rez has released a brand-new trailer with a satisfying blend of explosions, robots, and yellowy post-apocalyptic zones. Find it after the cut!

Continue reading Global Agenda's Recursive Colony launches

MassivelyGlobal Agenda's Recursive Colony launches originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionfluffgaglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinstancemapnewsopen-zonepatchpush-dustpvppvp-maprecursive-colonytrailertrailersupdatevideovideosWed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Points for originality]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/09/one-shots-points-for-originality/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/09/one-shots-points-for-originality/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/09/one-shots-points-for-originality/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Moo.
Today's One Shots comes from the high-tech world of Global Agenda. Reader Aeronca says:
I don't really go in for ugly armor, but I will say that Global Agenda offers some truly hideous dyes and garish "flair" head pieces that are always a hit with the silly crowd. Case in point is my minotaur helm here. I can't remember how or when I got it, but I think it might have been during one of those week-long special events that Hi-Rez likes to run.

They've also given out quite a bit of Christmas, New Year's, and other holiday-related headgear that can be mixed and matched with otherwise slick-looking sci-fi armor for some really atrocious fashion faux pas.
It's ugly armor week all week on One Shots, so whether you have an eye-searing color scheme, a set of armor pieces that clash like crazy, or something that you just put together for a laugh, we want to see.

Next week we'll be revisiting starting zones, so if you want to get a jump on things, grab a screenshot of your favorite starting zone and send it in to oneshots@massively.com and we'll feature it in next week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Points for originality originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgalleryglobal-agendahi-rezmooone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsFri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to PAX 2011]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/massivelys-guide-to-pax-2011/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/massivelys-guide-to-pax-2011/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/massivelys-guide-to-pax-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX 2011: Massively's guide
What can be said about PAX Prime in Seattle, Washington that hasn't been said already? Everyone knows that it is the largest public gaming event in North America. Attendance totaled 67,600 last year, not including press and exhibitors. And this year, even more gamers will descend on the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The latest and greatest games -- released and unreleased -- will be available for public consumption. Developers will mill around the showroom floor, answering your questions. Not to mention that no one will look at you funny because you play video games!

This year, MMORPGs really stand out in the crowd. Seattle native NCsoft has a huge presence at the convention, borrowing a theater just to showcase its games. BioWare comes armed with its heavy-hitter, Star Wars: The Old Republic. And free-to-play titles like Firefall, Lord of the Rings Online, and Wakfu promise to strut their stuff at this year's PAX.

Punch past the break as Massively outlines the must-see booths for MMO fans. And don't forget the panels, including a couple of MMO spotlights for PAX Dev, the gathering of fans and developers at Sheraton Seattle Hotel on the 24th and 25th.

Continue reading Massively's guide to PAX 2011

MassivelyMassively's guide to PAX 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareAnetantecarenanetBioWarecarbinecarbine-studiosccpCity-ofcity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomCity-of-VillainsCoHcoh-freedomCoVCoXdaniel-ericksondefiancedust-514EAElectronic-Artsend-of-nationsEVE-OnlinefeaturedFinal-FantasyfirefallfreedomFuncomglobal-agendaguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studiosleague-of-legendslogitechLoLlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelord-of-the-rings-rise-of-isengardlotroLucasArtsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosPAXpax-2011pax-primepax-prime-2011perfect-world-entertainmentred-5red-5-studiosred5Red5-StudiosRIFTriotriot-gamesrise-of-isengardrusty-heartssecret-worldsmiteSquare-EnixSquareEnixStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortribes-ascendTriontrion-worldsTSWTurbineTurbine-Entertainmentwakfuwargaming.netWildStarworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplanesThu, 25 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez prepping Global Agenda's largest expansion]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/hi-rez-prepping-global-agendas-largest-expansion/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/hi-rez-prepping-global-agendas-largest-expansion/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/25/hi-rez-prepping-global-agendas-largest-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda - mercenary PvP
Hi-Rez Studios has big plans for Global Agenda, and the autumn months will see the sci-fi shooter's largest expansion to date made available to everyone for free. The Recursive Colony patch (version 1.5 if you're counting at home) will include a new open zone with instanced missions, quest chains, social spaces, and mid- to high-level content. New enemies, daily repeatable quests, and further avatar customization options are also on the way.

"Players seeking a quest-driven, narrative experience post level 20 can now level up in the new open zone as an alternative to, or in addition to, our instanced missions," said Hi Rez's Todd Harris. "We've also included a new set of instanced PvE and PvP content for players at all levels."

Said PvP content takes the form of a new mercenary map (Push Dust) and a new acquisition map (Colony Caverns). Finally, if you're going to be at PAX Prime this weekend, stop by the Hi-Rez booth (number 252) and be the first to check out the new content.

MassivelyHi-Rez prepping Global Agenda's largest expansion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5-patchcolony-cavernexpansionf2pfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shooteropen-zonepaxpax-primepax-prime-2011press releasePressReleasepush-dustpverecursive-colonysci-fishootertodd-harrisThu, 25 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to Gamescom 2011]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/16/massivelys-guide-to-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gamescom 2011
If you've never been to Gamescom before, let's simply put it this way: It's big. Really, really big. Forget most any convention you've attended; this is likely to be even bigger. Billing itself as the world's largest games event, Gamescom sees well over a quarter-million fans, journalists and exhibitors crowd into the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany to check out hundreds of games and companies.

Due to its size and worldwide prominence, Gamescom is a significant event for anyone following the MMO genre (and video games in general). There are plenty of MMO studios gearing up to share first looks, exclusive reveals, detailed Q&A sessions, and exciting hands-on demos for attendees.

Naturally, Massively will be paying close attention to all of the news coming out of Gamescom this week. For those attending the convention or merely looking to keep abreast of all of the games, studios, and information forthcoming, we've compiled a guide to the hottest tickets at Gamescom as well as a comprehensive exhibitor list of MMO studios after the break.

Continue reading Massively's guide to Gamescom 2011

MassivelyMassively's guide to Gamescom 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizens of Dome City, we have a special public service announcement. Hi-Rez Studios announced today that Global Agenda players will have a very special opportunity at the upcoming Penny Arcade Expo. Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the new content that will be coming to Global Agenda.

We don't have much in the way of details insofar as what this new content includes, however. What we do know is that it will be part of the game's upcoming patch 1.5 Recursive Colony update, which includes new Open Zone quest content as well as new instanced co-op missions. Keep an eye on Massively, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the Global Agenda news from PAX when it happens.

MassivelyNew Global Agenda Recursive Colony content playable at PAX Prime originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgaglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosopen-zone-questingpatch-1.5pax-2011penny-arcade-expo-2011recursive-colonyMon, 15 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

CMA: No More Lightsabers!
As most of readers of my column realize, I love the Star Wars franchise, and I will pretty much play any game if it has that label on it. However, I am not just a Star Wars fan, I am also a big MMO fan. Well, at least I like the idea of MMOs. Ultima Online blew my mind when it came out over a decade ago. I had been glued to my TV and Nintendo until I saw that I could play a game that simulated living in the Ultima universe. Since then I have tried out nearly every major MMO to hit the web since then -- which brings us to today.

Choose My Adventure is a chance for Massively readers to guide one member of the writing staff on an adventure in a game of the readers' choosing. For the next six weeks, I want you to choose my adventure for me. As I mentioned, I have tried nearly every major title in the last decade, but I haven't necessarily spent a lot of time in all of them. After the break, I will describe some of the games that I believe will be great for this task, and you can choose one for me via poll. Then, as a special bonus, on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT I will introduce you to each of the games on Massively's Livestream channel.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: No more lightsabers! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamescom is just around the corner, and Hi-Rez Studios is gearing up to show off two new titles at the Cologne trade show on August 17th. The makers of Global Agenda are bringing a demo version of Tribes: Ascend to the event and will also be unveiling SMITE, a MOBA announced last April that features battles between gods from various mythologies.

Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris will also be talking up the future of Global Agenda, and senior designer Travis Brown will be answering SMITE-related questions as players get their hands on the initial demo version of the title. SMITE is built on the Unreal Engine 3, and Hi-Rez has released the first two screenshots of the game which we've got for you after the break.

Continue reading Not So Massively Extra: Hi-Rez talks Gamescom plans and shows off first SMITE screens

MassivelyNot So Massively Extra: Hi-Rez talks Gamescom plans and shows off first SMITE screens originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consconventionseventsfantasygamescomgamescom-2011global-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shootermobanot-so-massivelypress-releasereal-life-eventssci-fiShooterstodd-harristravis-browntribestribes-ascendWed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/16/global-agenda-1-5-video-teaser-hints-at-sonoran-desert-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda's 1.5 update is just around the corner, and Hi-Rez has released a teaser video to whet your appetite. The clip is pretty brief (under a minute's worth of footage to be precise) but it nonetheless sets an eerie stage for what looks to be some fun additions to the third-person shooter's Sonoran Desert PvE content.

As the teaser web page states, "Robotics agents are using drones to stream video to the domes. Is it safe for agents to enter this area of the desert?" You'll have to wait for 1.5 to find out, but in the meantime, fly your jetpack past the cut to get a look at the surveillance footage (and listen in on its creepy audio track) before heading to the official Global Agenda website for more details.

Continue reading Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content

MassivelyGlobal Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.51.5-patchf2pfree-to-playglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-shooterpvesci-fishootersonoran-desertteaserthird-person-shootertrailervideoSat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda gifting AP to booster account holders]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/15/global-agenda-gifting-ap-to-booster-account-holders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hi-Rez Studios is throwing a bone to Global Agenda veterans who raised concerns about the limitations on the title's Agenda Points. Agenda Points are Global Agenda's item shop currency and were introduced with the Free Agent patch as a way for players to spend real-life money on optional character items.

Agenda Points will now be distributed for free to active Booster supporters on a daily basis (to the tune of five AP per day plus an additional five for each level 50 character on an account). Theoretically players could walk away with 1,350 AP per month if they have eight max-level toons.

In other Global Agenda news, Hi-Rez's month-long player appreciation promotion is in full swing, and each successive week brings a 50% AP discount on all store items for one of the game's classes. Head to the official GA website to learn more, and don't forget to download the game!

MassivelyGlobal Agenda gifting AP to booster account holders originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agenda-pointsapboosterscash-shopclassesf2pfree-to-playitem-shopmmotpsplayer-appreciation-monthsci-fishooterthird-person-shootervanity-itemsFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST