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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[Spacetime Studios teases Arcane Legends]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/#commentsFiled under: New titles, Free-to-play, Mobile

Spacetime Studios

Pocket Legends. Star Legends. Dark Legends. And now... Arcane Legends?

Yes, it appears to be true! Spacetime Studios is working on a fourth title for its popular mobile MMO library, filing a trademark that has since been approved. The application for a U.S. federal trademark was submitted on April 5th and was given the thumbs up May 10th. As one of its categories is "electronic game software for cellular telephones," we can reasonably deduce that Arcane Legends will launch on mobile devices in the same manner of its older siblings.

Spacetime Studios told us that it will release an official announcement of the title later this week. The studio recently released the vampire-themed MMO Dark Legends on iOS and Android devices.

Spacetime Studios teases Arcane Legends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidannouncementarcanearcane-legendsdark-legendsf2pfree-to-playiosnew-titlepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstrademarkMon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Order and Chaos Online developer discusses server-linking and more]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/order-and-chaos-online-developer-interview/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/order-and-chaos-online-developer-interview/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/19/order-and-chaos-online-developer-interview/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Interviews, News items, Mobile, Community Q&A

Order and Chaos

In honor of the game's paper anniversary, Order & Chaos: Online producer Arnaud Bonnard took the time to do some Q&A with user-submitted questions about what is one of the biggest mobile MMOs available.

Arnaud shared some of the toughest parts of development, which were the pressure of creating a world vast enough to entertain players for months (and now years) and ensuring that everything was as stable and functional as possible from a technical point. He followed up by reliving the joy of a successful launch and the success that the game met with over time. He talked a bit about updates and DLC, which come out every one or two months and are generally still drawn from the original design document for Order & Chaos: Online, given that the world design was much bigger than could possibly fit into the game originally.

Bonnard also addressed the server separation between Android, iOS, and Mac devices: Not only would it be time-consuming to link all the operating systems, but such a system would mean that patches could only be deployed once every device was supported, which would be tricky and cause too many extra delays. As far as Order and Chaos' future is concerned, he's optimistic. There are new graphic features coming down the pipe as well as "lots of ideas for the game" as the company looks forward to another fantastic year thanks to fan support.

Catch all the intricacies of Bonnard's answers for yourself over at Gameloft.

Order and Chaos Online developer discusses server-linking and more originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnaud-bonnardGameloftmac-mmomobile-mmoorder-and-chaosorder-and-chaos-onlineSat, 19 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: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Interviews, Patches, News items, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Miscellaneous, MMObility, Crafting

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

MMObility: 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[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: Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Screenshots, Video, Game mechanics, Launches, New titles, Previews, PvE, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, Crime, Humor, Post-Apocalyptic, Rise and Shiny, Livestream, Miscellaneous

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

Rise 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[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: Fantasy, Video, New titles, Browser, Mobile

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

Project 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[Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Horror, Launches, Free-to-play, Mobile

Dark Legends

The tortured souls of the underworld Apple users have twiddled their thumbs and sharpened their canines for over a month now, a month that Android and Chrome users have played Dark Legends to their hearts' content. After that long wait, iOS owners can stop penning brooding poetry on Livejournal and start playing the game proper: Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends on the App Store.

Apple users can now joining the 500,000-plus Dark Legends community by simply downloading the game from the store and getting their vamp on. Edward-wannabes have a daunting task in front of them, however, as all of the darker fantasy forces are out to be a serious pain in their neck.

Dark Legends follows in the wake of Spacetime's enormously popular Pocket Legends and Star Legends. It's available as a free download with optional in-app purchases and can be played over wifi, edge, 3G, and 4G networks.

Our own Beau is livestreaming Dark Legends today on Massively TV, so be sure to see what he thinks of the game!

[Source: Spacetime Studios press release]

Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-app-storechromedark-legendsdraculaedwardf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchitouchlaunchmobilemobile-mmoobscure-livejournal-referencepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampireMon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 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: Screenshots, Video, Culture, New titles, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Humor, First Impressions, Rise and Shiny, Miscellaneous, Anniversary

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

Rise 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[Conquer Online expansion includes new pirate class]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/conquer-online-expansion-includes-new-pirate-class/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/conquer-online-expansion-includes-new-pirate-class/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/conquer-online-expansion-includes-new-pirate-class/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, Expansions, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Mobile

Conquer Online - pirate trailer

You might recall that Conquer Online made the jump from free-to-play PC MMO to iPad action RPG last December. Today NetDragon has announced the title's first expansion, called Invasion of Pirates. Unsurprisingly the content drop features a new Pirate class. You can see a video of it in action after the break.

The class wields pistols and rapiers, and NetDragon describes the resulting gameplay as the "most fiery, action-packed combat" in Conquer Online. The expansion pack is currently free if you download Conquer Online HD in the iPad App Store.

[Source: NetDragon press release]

Continue reading Conquer Online expansion includes new pirate class

Conquer Online expansion includes new pirate class originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquer-onlineconquer-online-expansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playinvasion-of-piratesipadmobilepirate-classtrailervideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Dark Legends' cash shop, Thinix, and Parallel Mafia's launch]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/mmobility-dark-legends-cash-shop-thinix-and-parallel-mafias/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/mmobility-dark-legends-cash-shop-thinix-and-parallel-mafias/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/mmobility-dark-legends-cash-shop-thinix-and-parallel-mafias/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Horror, Video, Game mechanics, Launches, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, Crime, Humor, Miscellaneous, MMObility

Dark Legends screenshot

I know this is not what you want to hear if you are a fan of Spacetime Studios and were really excited about it new title, Dark Legends, but here goes: The energy mechanic that seems to have so many players upset is really not that bad at all. See, at some point many games decided to use a limited amount of energy to fuel character actions, and once it runs out, it seems like game over. It has always been the case (ever since Farmville first made the mechanic so popular that misguided gamers thought Zynga had somehow invented it) that energy in these sorts of games refills naturally, over time, for free.

I played through Dark Legends on launch night and was able to complete an entire campaign with some energy left over. Sure, I had to pause once to refill a couple of bars (they take five minutes each to refill), but other than that, I had no issues with it. If the energy becomes an issue at later levels, I do not know.

Let's not confuse things here: The energy mechanic in Dark Legends is nothing new, it's not a scam, and it does not force players to do anything. Allow me to explain, then we're moving on to other mobile MMO news.

Continue reading MMObility: Dark Legends' cash shop, Thinix, and Parallel Mafia's launch

MMObility: Dark Legends' cash shop, Thinix, and Parallel Mafia's launch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmandark-legendsfeaturedinspiron-duoIOSiphoneMMObilitymobileparallel-mafiaperbluespacetime-studiosthinixvideoFri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends aims to make your vampire sparkle with a weapon giveaway]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Contests, New titles, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Giveaways, Promotions

Dark Legends

We posted yesterday that Dark Legends, the latest in a line of F2P mobile and browser-friendly MMOs from Spacetime Studios, is now officially up and running on Android systems and Chrome browsers. Today, Spacetime has a present for all you would-be vampires out there: a pair of rockin' weapons called Devastation Maces.

To grab yours, start up the game and either log into your existing account or create a new one. Make sure you're playing the character whom you want to receive the weapons because you can only grab these once per account! Zip through the tutorial missions and then head to the Spacetime Nexus from the main lobby screen. There, on the bottom right of your screen, you'll see a button for enterting a promo code. Enter the code massively20120410 and find your maces waiting for you in your character's inventory.

The code has unlimited uses, so everyone who wants one can use it, but do note that it will expire eventually, so snag that gift sooner rather than later. Many thanks to Spacetime Studios -- have fun!

Dark Legends aims to make your vampire sparkle with a weapon giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchromecontestcontestsdark-legendsgiveawaygiveawayshorrormobile-mmospacetimespacetime-studiosvampiresThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Launches, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile

He bit her right in her main catsup artery.

So you like vampires? It's kind of a thing these days. Maybe you like vampires so much that you really want to play around with some vampiric content on your mobile device. That's for the best, as Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends today. Building off the success of the studio's previous mobile/browser titles (Pocket Legends and Star Legends), the newest game allows players to take on the role of a bloodsucking monster of the night.

The game is currently available in the the Google Play Store and the Chrome app store; it won't be available in the iOS app store for a few more weeks. Like previous offerings, it's free-to-play, and you can log in from separate devices to play both on the road and at home. Unlike previous games, this one is definitely not aiming for the family market, being a fair bit more overtly violent and bloody. Still, if you feel the urge to rampage through dark alleys while you are walking through said alleys in real life, Dark Legends has you covered.

[Update: We've clarified that the game is not yet available for Apple users. Sorry for the confusion!]

Dark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-mmodark-legendsf2pfree-to-playmobilenew-gamesnew-titlespocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampiresWed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Real-life location games for your daily walks]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/mmobility-real-life-location-games-for-your-daily-walks/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/mmobility-real-life-location-games-for-your-daily-walks/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/mmobility-real-life-location-games-for-your-daily-walks/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Game mechanics, Previews, PvP, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Miscellaneous, MMObility

Parallel Kingdom artwork

I've been having a lot of fun with Parallel Kingdom lately. It's a location-based MMO brought to us by PerBlue, one that offers a layer of reality thanks to the fact that it is built on top of the real-world map. You can claim your real-life block, help other members of your city, and trade with other players from all over the world. It's actually a pretty simple design, but it helps to give the game a sense of realism.

Parallel Kingdom isn't the only location-based game out there, though. I thought it might be cool to take a look at some of the other titles to see what the competition has to offer. So far I have only found a few that are stepping up in quality. Read on to see what I think of the rest!

Continue reading MMObility: Real-life location games for your daily walks

MMObility: Real-life location games for your daily walks originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfeaturedgrey-areaLife-is-Crimelocation-basedmassive-damagemerchant-kingdommmobilitmobileparallel-kingdomperblueplease-stay-calmshadow-citiesFri, 30 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ngmoco exec: Free-to-play is not exploitative]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/ngmoco-exec-free-to-play-is-not-exploitative/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/ngmoco-exec-free-to-play-is-not-exploitative/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/ngmoco-exec-free-to-play-is-not-exploitative/#commentsFiled under: Business models, MMO industry, Free-to-play, Mobile, Massively Event Coverage

F2P Summit

Delivering the keynote address at the current Free to Play Summit in London, Ngmoco Sweden General Manager Ben Cousins came out in strong support of the business model. He said that his response to people asking if F2P takes advantage of players is always the same: "Any business model where 95 percent of people who don't pay cannot be exploitative."

As most F2P players never spend money in such games and tend to play the most, Cousins thinks that the model works in favor of the gamer. He also stated that freemium games are not set up to trick people into paying, saying that it's "ineffective" if that is the case as a vast majority resists doing so.

Cousins addressed the news stories of people who dangerously splurge on in-game purchases as a rarity: "I've never come across a big spender on a free-to-play game who has maxed out their credit cards. The big spenders I've met generally know what they're doing. Even the $5,000 spenders are not being exploited, they are just people who have found their big hobby."

Ngmoco publishes freemium titles on the iOS and Android platforms, including games like We Rule and We City.

Ngmoco exec: Free-to-play is not exploitative originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-cousinsbusiness-modelbusiness-modelsf2pf2p-summitfree-to-playfree-to-play-summitfreemiumin-app-purchaseskeynote-addressngmocongmoco-swedenwe-citywe-ruleWed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/#commentsFiled under: Business models, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Crime, Miscellaneous, MMObility

If you have played Parallel Kingdom by PerBlue before, then a lot of what I am going to describe might sound familiar. If not, then it might sound very unique and exciting. The truth is that I have been attempting to get into Parallel Kingdom for a while but always found myself a bit overwhelmed, so I was excited to be invited to check out PerBlue's new title Parallel Mafia. I hoped that I might squeeze in some questions about Parallel Kingdom while I had the team on the line. Sure enough, I not only got introduced to the new title but left the interview knowing a lot more about Parallel Kingdom. I have been playing heavily since then. As I compare the two titles, I can see a lot of similarities, but there are some nice differences as well.

Both titles are location-based MMORPGs. I have always wanted more options in the genre, but I imagine it's a tough one to develop in. What's the point of the real-life connection? Why would players want to play in a game that is basically spawned on top of Google Maps?

Continue reading MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game

MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedgoogle-mapsiOSiphonelocation-basedmafia-warsmmobilitymobileperbluepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsUltima-OnlineZyngaFri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XLGAMES' Jake Song not interested in consoles]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/#commentsFiled under: Business models, MMO industry, News items, Mobile, Consoles, Miscellaneous

XLGAMES founder Jake Song

ArcheAge guru Jake Song weighed in on the future of console games at Seoul's SoGang University yesterday. The XLGAMES founder and Lineage creator was part of a public discussion called "Get All the Game Maniacs Together," and he responded with an emphatic "no" when asked if he plans to develop for consoles.

"[The Korean gaming industry] was able to set up such [a] wonderful environment for online games 15 years ago. So why should we go into the outdated market while so many overseas developers are suffering from learning our online games development experience," he said.

Song explained that the console business model relies on selling third-party software, and he also hinted at the fact that mobile software is both cheaper and comparable to its console counterpart in terms of quality.

XLGAMES' Jake Song not interested in consoles originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeagebusiness-modelsconsoleconsolesget-all-the-game-maniacs-togetherjake-songmmo-industrymobilexlxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Horror, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, Previews, Free-to-play, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage, Miscellaneous

Dark Legends

Life, death, and a return from the grave: That sums up the life of a vampire, but it also sums up the journey of Spacetime Studios. What do the two have in common? The studio's upcoming title called Dark Legends. At GDC 2012 this week, Massively had a chance to talk with Gary Gattis, CEO of Spacetime Studios, and we got a first-hand look at how the company successfully created a game in which people can play together on laptops, tablets, phones, and virtually any mobile device available.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios

GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondark-legendsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gary-gattisgdcgdc-2012interviewinterviewskaren-bryanmobilemobile-mmospocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 Vita version is companion app, not full game]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/05/dust-514-vita-version-is-companion-app-not-full-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/05/dust-514-vita-version-is-companion-app-not-full-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/05/dust-514-vita-version-is-companion-app-not-full-game/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Mobile, MMOFPS, DUST 514, Sandbox

DUST 514 - Concept art

If you were hoping to play a mobile version of CCP's upcoming DUST 514 shooter, you might want to adjust your expectations just a bit. The EVE Online-inspired MMOFPS will be making an appearance on Sony's PlayStation Vita device... but as a companion app rather than a full-blown game.

CCP's Brandon Laurino explained the details to Eurogamer in an interview over the weekend. "At the most basic level, you can do transactions on the market, equip and customize your character, your vehicles, set up strategies with your friends and corporation members -- all of these sort of companion functions on the go," he says.

Laurino also says that the DUST Vita launch date has yet to be determined but that gamers should keep an eye out for further iterations of the app after its initial release. "As we continue to explore what the possibilities are between Vita and PS3, of which there are many, we'll keep updating the app with stuff like that over time," he explained.

DUST 514 Vita version is companion app, not full game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-laurinoccpccp-gamescompanion-appconsoledustdust-514dust-514-companion-appeveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsmobilenew-edenplaystationplaystation-3playstation-vitaps3shootervitaMon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/#commentsFiled under: Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, MMORTS, Miscellaneous, MMObility

HTC Inspire picture

I have a smartphone that is pretty much filled to the brim with actual, functional, persistent MMORPGs. Some of them are three-dimensional romps through massive worlds filled with dungeons and dragons; others are representational browser-based games that work through the phone's native browser; and the rest are hardly nothing more than a few dots on the screen and impressionistic gameplay.

Still, they are MMOs. I love having access to them, and over the last year I have actually grown to love simple, clever design and basic artwork over almost anything else. Forget Guild Wars 2; we'll hear enough about that to make us choke. Sure, it might be a fun game, but I'm a tech guy from the Bizarro universe. I prefer to see how little tech I need to game with. I want to push the limits even lower.

Anyway, it's springtime here in Texas, so it's time to clean out all sorts of crap from my life. I organize all of my hundreds of songs, films, movies and art pieces and get my digital life in order as well. This process includes tweaking my current line-up of basic technology and downloading any updates for the games that exist on those devices. It's time to cull the weak and glorify the wonderful.

Continue reading MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket

MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsdie2niteelemental-knights-online-the-worldempire-onlinefeaturedglitchHTC-inspireillyriadillyriad-gamesIOSiphoneMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOnLiveopinionorder-and-chaos-onlineparallel-kingdomperbluephonepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstewart-butterfieldthe-infinite-blacktibiaMEtiny-specktraviantraviansVendetta-Onlinewarspear-onlineworld-of-midgardFri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games unveils Aeria Mobile, inaugural titles]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/#commentsFiled under: MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Mobile

Aeria Games, publisher of popular free-to-play titles such as Eden Eternal, announced in a press release today that it has established Aeria Mobile in order to deliver quality games to "the underserved mobile core gaming arena." The division is coming into the world with three inaugural mobile games. The first of these is Eden Eternal: Monster Arena. The game is (obviously) set in the world of Eden Eternal and "brings the beloved anime-style gameplay of the popular franchise to an innovative accelerometer-based shooter RPG."

Next up on the list is Tuff Tanks, a "turn-based artillery shooter set in a colorful world of monsters and tanks." The turn-based title will be familiar to fans of the Worms series, and it will allow players to face off against computer opponents or against one another. The third and final release title for Aeria Mobile is known as Armygeddon, "a turn-based military strategy game set in a near-future setting that features episodic single-player content and asynchronous multiplayer combat." So if you need to get your gaming fix on the go, Aeria Games has you covered. To check out the library and find out how to get your hands on the games for yourselves, just click on through the link below to the official Aeria Mobile site.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

Aeria Games unveils Aeria Mobile, inaugural titles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesaeria-mobilearmygeddoneden-eternal-monster-arenaf2pfree-to-playindustrymmo-industrymobilemobile-gamingtuff-tanksFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Tanks iOS app rolls off the factory line]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/21/world-of-tanks-ios-app-rolls-off-the-factory-line/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/21/world-of-tanks-ios-app-rolls-off-the-factory-line/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/21/world-of-tanks-ios-app-rolls-off-the-factory-line/#commentsFiled under: Historical, War, Free-to-play, Mobile, World of Tanks

World of Tanks Assistant

Wargaming.net is making it easier than ever to stay in touch with your friends and goals in World of Tanks, as the studio released its first mobile app that's integrated with the online game. Called World of Tanks Assistant, this free app can be found in the iTunes Store, although an Android version is coming soon.

The World of Tanks Assistant is designed to give players access to in-game information while they're on the go. Players can access their profiles, read up on the latest news, check out combat stats and global ratings, and stay in touch with friends.

Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi hopes that this will be a useful tool for WoT fans: "What I like about the Assistant most is its convenience. Even if you're away from your computer, there's always an app at hand that will give you everything you need to know at any given time."

World of Tanks iOS app rolls off the factory line originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleapple-appapple-storef2pfree-to-playintegrated-appios-appitunes-storemobile-appVictor-Kislyiwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-tanks-assistantwotTue, 21 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST