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[Layoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

That this image is at all appropriate speaks well of no one.
If last week's Project Copernicus flythrough had been a hopeful note, the latest news out of 38 Studios is another downturn. Following a meeting today, the Rhode Island EDC board decided to take no action to help the ailing company at this time. Governor Lincoln Chafee said following the meeting that the financial situation of the studio remains unchanged from last week, but did note that the company has seen some layoffs and underwent unspecified internal shifts.

Founder Curt Schilling did not directly respond to press inquiries, stating that he would answer questions when he is able to do so. He did, however, state that he was not taking further taxpayer money. Whether or not there will be a company there to take any money in the near future is still very much in doubt, however, and while Chafee has been a bit more diplomatic about aiding the studio, he has stressed that any assistance would be far on the conservative side.

MassivelyLayoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinancesfinancialfinancial-troubleslayofflayoffsmmo-industrynewsproject-copernicusrhode-islandstate-of-rhode-islandMon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Permadeath
Permadeath is one of those game mechanics that seems destined to forever be nibbling away at the fringe of the MMO genre than invited to the cool kids' table. Many players find themselves aghast at the notion of losing all their hard-earned progress with one untimely demise, and it seems like game developers agree with them: Very few MMOs have any sort of permadeath option.

However, this most-severest-of-severe death penalties does persist. Some players elect to form guilds and meta-groups to pursue a permadeath lifestyle in their games. A few upcoming titles, such as Salem and Wizardry Online, have permadeath as a core mechanic. Even the recently released Diablo III has a "hardcore" permadeath mode for the brave at heart.

The question we put before you today is yet another nibble that may never be noticed by the mainstream, but it's important to consider: Is permadeath worth including in MMO design, even as an optional mechanic or server, or should this brand of death penalty kick the bucket once and for all? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath

MassivelyLeaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattle-royalbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopd3ddodiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgothic-fantasyhistoricalleaderboardmultiplayernew-englandone-on-oneone-vs-oneonline-multiplayeropinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpollpollsroguelikerpgsalemsandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvswizardry-onlineMon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: May 21 - 27, 2012]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/mv-guide-may-21-27-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/mv-guide-may-21-27-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/mv-guide-may-21-27-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EverQuest II
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: May 21 - 27, 2012

MassivelyMV Guide: May 21 - 27, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredlivestreamlivestreamingmassively-metamassively-tvmetamv-guidemv-tvmvtvstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 21 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you wait for MMO cash-shop sales?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-mmo-cash-shop-sales/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-mmo-cash-shop-sales/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-wait-for-mmo-cash-shop-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Paragon Market, CoH
When Lord of the Rings Online first went free-to-play, Turbine put quest zones on sale for a song, and I missed it. There's never been as good a sale since, and I regret being slow on the draw. So I vowed to start watching sales across the F2P games I frequent very carefully. Sparklepony for 10 bucks? Woot. City of Heroes character slots 50% off? Heck yes. It's become a game in and of itself, and sometimes I admit that I plunk down a little money for a sale on something in a game I've drifted away from, knowing I'll use it later (like Guild Wars' storage panels, which I delayed buying for several years until they were half off).

This method had definitely ensured that I save money on stuff I would have bought at full price had I lacked the patience and planning to play the cash-shop sale game. What about you guys? Do you wait for MMO cash-shop sales for the stuff you want to buy, even if that means you must wait to have the latest and greatest power set or inventory slot? Or do you just let your whims dictate your purchases?

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 wait for MMO cash-shop sales? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgcash-shopcash-shop-salecity-of-heroescohdaily-grindguild-warslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionpatiencepatience-is-a-virtuetdgthe-daily-grindMon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Week in Review: Sanctuary]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/mmo-week-in-review-sanctuary/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/mmo-week-in-review-sanctuary/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/mmo-week-in-review-sanctuary/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Diablo III
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.

We got you started in Diablo III this week with our best tips, a guide for MMO players, details on the starter edition, videos, warm fuzzies, and friendly rivalries. Hopefully, that gave you plenty to read during all of the downtime. Ouch!

Meanwhile, gamers everywhere looked on as the 38 Studios ship continued to founder. Early in the week, we learned that the studio might default on its state loan, leaving the debt to Rhode Island taxpayers. A few emergency meetings later, 38 Studios' employees' paychecks are going unpaid and the state governor is throwing out release dates for the seemingly doomed MMO Project Copernicus. But hey, flythrough video, right?

More of the week's top MMO stories are prepped for your eyes after the cut.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Sanctuary

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjoystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 20 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Lone wolf]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One Shots
Long-time Massively follower but first-time One Shots contributor Ilix sent along today's highlighted screenshot of Fallen Earth, which we think is quite timely, given the PvP revamp soon headed to everyone's favorite post-apocalyptic sandbox. He writes in,
Fallen Earth is my top hard-RP MMO. Ilix, after three decades of isolation, attempted to fit in with a player-run town. But he was too rough-edged, too guarded, and still isolated in his mind, and he could not find joy among others. After several days trying to force himself back into what remains of humanity in the blasted terrain of the apocalypse, he admitted to himself that he could never return because he was too quick to anger, and he wandered off back into the desert. Irradiated scorpions haunt the land he wandered into, so he finds rest on the blade of a ruined helicopter's rotor, just out of reach of stingers. This shot defines the dual beauty and harshness of the life he resigns himself to.
Ilix's gorgeous sunset is tucked behind the break along with two other One Shots shots!

Continue reading One Shots: Lone wolf

MassivelyOne Shots: Lone wolf originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotscash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiien-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfallen-earthfantasyfefree-to-playg1galleriesgallerygamersfirstgothic-fantasymultiplayerone-shotsonline-multiplayerpics-or-it-didnt-happenpost-apocpost-apocalypticreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsroguelikerpgsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsterauser-submissionswastelandsSun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: BatMUD]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BatMUD UI screenshot
Here I am making myself crazy once again. Why? Why do I insist on visiting games that I know will provoke issues both physical and mental? I guess it's because lately I have been fascinated with MUDs, or multi-user-dungeons. They are better described as text-based MMOs or choose-your-own-adventure books written with thousands of other players. It's a fascinating concept, especially when you consider how dissimilar it is to today's modern, easy-to-play offerings. The ancient design of the MUD now feels fresh, so much so that I have decided to dedicate a future article about the possibility of MUDs' viability in today's three-dimensional world.

I have found some good and some very bad over the last several weeks. I've also stumbled across brand-new versions of the migraines that often bother me when I concentrate way, way too hard on PC text. I have to admit that my issues do not seem that common, but it is important to look at a game from all angles, even from the angle of someone who has specific issues. BatMUD has tested my patience over the last few weeks and several hours. It's also shown me some wonderful adventure and sparked my imagination.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: BatMUD

MassivelyRise and Shiny: BatMUD originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatMUDbeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudmulti-user-dungeonrise-and-shinystreamthreshold-rpgtwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week of livestreaming! We've got quite the variety and tons of hours of video to watch. What's that? You had to work and missed half of the cool streams we showed? Don't worry! I gather all of the best streams from the week's collection and list them for you right here. Still, you need to bookmark our livestream page so you can see which videos are going to be shown during the week, but if you miss any, you can check out the recap here. That's why we do it.

This week we had a lot to offer. First we had good old Mike jumping into EVE Online for some space action, then into TERA for some scantily clad combat! He then explores some of the great browser-based game Drakensang Online. MJ brought a ton of goodies to the streaming table, goodies like a run-through in EverQuest II, some base-jumping in City of Heroes, a bit of hardcore survival in Xsyon, and a flight around the beautiful lands of Aion. I rounded out the end by streaming some BatMUD, a cool MUD that has been around since many of you have been in diapers!

Click past the cut and grab some popcorn. Keep the butter light but add some salt. Thanks.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of May 12th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionBatMUDBigpointblueholebluehole-studiosbrowser-basedccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdrakensangdrakensang-onlineen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iiEQ2eqiieveeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedominternet-spaceshipslivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmudmv-tvmvtvnc-softncsoftnotoriousnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-studiospost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpround-uproundupsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiSOEsonySony-Online-Entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsuperherosuperheroesteratruly-freetwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosxsyonSun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How important is surprise to you?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/the-daily-grind-how-important-is-surprise-to-you/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/the-daily-grind-how-important-is-surprise-to-you/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/the-daily-grind-how-important-is-surprise-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Of course, the fifth time you see the sea serpent it doesn't really shock you.
For some players, MMOs are all about discovery. The game is at its most fun when you're just exploring the world, figuring out what you need to do as best you can. But to other players, wandering around without a clue isn't as fun as knowing what to do and enjoying that actual accomplishment.

Of course, surprises come in both big and small varieties. No matter how well you might know Star Wars: The Old Republic's quests, for example, you might avoid looking up all of the datacrons and thus get a pleasant surprise when you find one. Or maybe you don't like knowing about the bosses you'll fight in a dungeon until you get into the fight.

We all like discovering things, but what we like to discover varies. So what about you? How important is having surprises in a game for you? Do you like to walk in with as little foreknowledge as possible, or do you like to have a pretty good map in your head before you start playing?

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: How important is surprise to you? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily-grinddiscoveryexplorationexplorersopinionsurprisesurprisestdgthe-daily-grindSun, 20 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: How is this not fully funded edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/wrup-how-is-this-not-fully-funded-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/wrup-how-is-this-not-fully-funded-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/wrup-how-is-this-not-fully-funded-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

I need this game to exist. My past self would never forgive me otherwise.
For various terrible reasons, I only just found out about Panzer Pets (and yes, we did cover the announcement on Massively, but I still occasionally miss news we cover). Like many ambitious projects, it's on Kickstarter, but as of right now it's not even 10% funded, which raises the question of why we live in a world where a game that offers to let you build your own little robots and send them into battle was not funded about eight minutes after the page went live.

I think this should be rectified. My only regret is not having the full sum to just fill up the funding by my lonesome.

What's that? Oh, right, WRUP, in which the Massively staff members discuss what they'll be playing over the next two days. We also discuss our thoughts on open vs. instanced housing. Jump on past the break to see our weekend plans, and let us know what you're going to be doing in the comments!

Continue reading WRUP: How is this not fully funded edition

MassivelyWRUP: How is this not fully funded edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massively-metaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 19 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much character customization is too much?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/the-daily-grind-how-much-character-customization-is-too-much/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/the-daily-grind-how-much-character-customization-is-too-much/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/the-daily-grind-how-much-character-customization-is-too-much/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spirit Tales
Forty million. That's how many fashion combinations Spirit Tales is boasting. Forget, for a moment, whether you are a fan of Anime-inspired MMOs and cutesy fare and consider that staggering number on its merits.

I don't think players are really confused by a mind-numbing array of options. Heck, some of us live for cosmetic gear and could never get enough. But each one of these character tidbits was designed and modeled and textured and coded in by someone, and while we know that game development resources aren't wholly fungible, it's still true that money spent on pigtails and lollipop weapons and hats that look like snakes is money not spent on other features like housing and combat -- features more likely to be used by far more players than bunny ears.

How much character customization is too much?

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: How much character customization is too much? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgcharacter-customizationcosmetic-gearcustomizationdaily-grindfungibilityopinionresource-allocationsnakes-on-a-hatspirit-talestdgthe-daily-grindSat, 19 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: May 12 - 18, 2012]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/betawatch-may-12-18-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/betawatch-may-12-18-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/betawatch-may-12-18-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Betawatch - D3
This week on Betawatch, we say farewell to Diablo III, which (at least nominally) moved on from beta to official launch on Tuesday. Bizarrely enchanting new MOBA SmashMuck Champions takes its place, joining our list with a closed beta planned within the month. We've also added MechWarrior Online to the alpha list, as reader mblakeman2001 rightly pointed out the game is in a friends-and-family beta!

CCP has begun sending out DUST 514 beta keys and opened registration, and we've also learned that Blade & Soul will leave beta and launch in July... but only in Korea. Sadface.

Finally, The Secret World's second beta weekend kicked off earlier today, but if you're not in it, you can content yourself with our hands-on with the game's combat and mission system.

Enjoy the entirety of our Betawatch roundup post-cut!

Continue reading Betawatch: May 12 - 18, 2012

MassivelyBetawatch: May 12 - 18, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 18 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![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[Turbine is recruiting next week in (where else?) Rhode Island]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Turbine logo
If you're going to be anywhere near New England next week, and you're interested in breaking into the games business, you might want to stop by Turbine's latest recruiting event. The developer of Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online is hosting a meet-and-greet in Providence, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, May 22nd.

The shindig runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hotel Providence, and Turbine is looking to fill 50 job openings at its Needham studio location (and hey, they're probably even paid positions!). Check out a listing of current opportunities at the official Time Warner career website.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyTurbine is recruiting next week in (where else?) Rhode Island originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryturbineturbine-hiringturbine-job-fairturbine-jobsturbine-recruitingFri, 18 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The second anniversary of Storyboard]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/storyboard-the-second-anniversary-of-storyboard/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/storyboard-the-second-anniversary-of-storyboard/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/storyboard-the-second-anniversary-of-storyboard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, I plan to have something bizarre for this every anniversary.
Last year, I had planned to change up the focus of Storyboard a little. The "high and wide" format had been working, but I was worried that the column just wouldn't have legs if I didn't start going for more focused and narrow applications. So I spent several months working on just the right way to do more game-specific columns in here.

You don't remember them, of course, because none of them was ever posted. Those several months of work did not produce a single viable column.

At the capstone of the second year of Storyboard, I'm forced to basically eat crow about one of my major plans for the last year because it turns out that not only did it not work but it didn't need to work in the first place. I managed to fill up another year of columns just fine without going into great detail about one game over another, and as it turns out, I'm a lot happier with this year as a whole anyway.

Continue reading Storyboard: The second anniversary of Storyboard

MassivelyStoryboard: The second anniversary of Storyboard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycolumncolumnsfeaturedlooking-backopinionretrospectiveroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardFri, 18 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What is the unofficial soundtrack to your favorite MMO?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-daily-grind-what-is-the-unofficial-soundtrack-to-your-favor/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-daily-grind-what-is-the-unofficial-soundtrack-to-your-favor/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-daily-grind-what-is-the-unofficial-soundtrack-to-your-favor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Testament
Official soundtracks are great; don't get me wrong. But sometimes I like to just throw on some of my own music to better mimic my mood at the time of playing. There are still albums from the late '80s that remind me of Wasteland or Pool of Radiance every time I listen to them -- almost 25 years later!

As talented as our favorite game theme composers are, we don't always want to listen to the default soundtrack every time. So what gets you through your game of choice? Do you enjoy some metal? Classical? Country? Oldies? Dubstep... or whatever the kids listen to these days? Let us know!

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: What is the unofficial soundtrack to your favorite MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindmusicopinionsoundtrackstdgtestamentthe-daily-grindthemeFri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-guild-counsel-surviving-the-deaded-plateau/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
One of the challenges of running a guild is avoiding the emotional peaks and valleys that tend to come up. In fact, one of the scariest times for a guild is when it's just accomplished something big because once the cheers stop, there's a void left and people begin to wonder what's next. It's not uncommon for a guild that's just hit an amazing goal to lose some members shortly after, and in some cases, it can actually lead to a guild withering and drying up because there's a letdown and apathy sets in.

How do you survive the dreaded plateau? Let's look at a few ways in this week's Guild Counsel!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Surviving the dreaded plateau originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-moraleguild-partyguildskaren-bryanleadershipmmo-plateausopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Overwhelming changes edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/ask-massively-overwhelming-changes-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This would actually have been pretty useful in DS9.
I have to be honest, the Caitian Carrier for Star Trek Online kind of makes me want to give the game a shot again. I liked it when I played it before, but I just had no time to play it on top of everything else. But then I think about all the work I'd need to do just to get caught up to normal, and... yeah, that's about the point when my gumption evaporates. Still, though. Carrier.

In other and far more relevant news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which talks about the cycle of game announcement and subsequent disappointment. (Apropos of the recent beta weekends for The Secret World, naturally.) If you've got a question you would like to see answered in a future installment of the column, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Overwhelming changes edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Overwhelming changes edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybeta-eventsbeta-testsbeta-weekendsfeaturedhands-onhumormassively-metametaopinionreleasereleasestestsThu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Because not paying your employees for a month always works out.
If you're familiar with the phrase "robbing Peter to pay Paul," you'll understand the latest episode in the ongoing 38 Studios financial crisis. Except replace "Paul" with "the state of Rhode Island" and "Peter" with "the company's employees." Yes, in order to make the most recent payment to the state that sparked this whole crisis, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has been informed that Curt Schilling's company is paying the state but not paying any of the company's employees. According to anonymous sources, all temporary employees and contractors have also been terminated.

While this measure might help forestall immediate action, the company is still on the hook for a $75 million loan, and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has made it clear that the company is looking for more assistance from the state in order to remain viable. 38 Studios continues to make no public statements at this time. We'll no doubt have more on this story in the coming days as it continues to develop.

Massively38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglegalloanmmo-industryproject-copernicusrepaymentrhode-islandThu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Call them lockboxes, lootboxes, super packs, gift packs, treasure boxes, mystic chests, or Chupacabra's lunchpails, but these virtual boxes of mystery, fame, and fortune are all the rage in MMOs these days. Few studios have resisted the siren's call of such easy money, much to the dismay of many-a-gamer.

The idea is that a game will dish out to players free locked treasure boxes that require purchased keys to open. The allure of the box's mystery prize is often too strong to resist, especially when there's the possibility of a huge reward inside. The result too often is strong buyer's remorse and studio glee.

There's been a lot of conversation around lockboxes here on Massively, so I wanted to dedicate this week's Perfect Ten to dissecting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of these items for you.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcasinoChupacabracity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgamblinggift-packsguild-wars-2gw2humorlockboxlockboxeslootboxlootboxeslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromystic-boxmystic-chestncsoftoddsopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereal-money-tradingrmtroundupsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuper-packsuper-packssuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtreasure-boxesturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST