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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[Orgia Romanus MMO looks to 'facilitate sexual interactions between players']]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/orgia-romanus-mmo-looks-to-facilitate-sexual-interactions-betwe/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/orgia-romanus-mmo-looks-to-facilitate-sexual-interactions-betwe/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/orgia-romanus-mmo-looks-to-facilitate-sexual-interactions-betwe/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items

Orgia Romanus - yep, really

Sex in MMOs isn't particularly new, especially given the titillating ad campaigns that accompany your average fantasy title. Orgia Romanus is new, and it's aiming higher (or lower) than scantily clad elven babes. One of its gameplay goals "is to facilitate sexual interactions between players," according to a FoxySoft Gaming press release.

FoxySoft is the brainchild of Alex Allen, a former artist and project director at Acclaim and Sony Online Entertainment. In mechanical terms, Orgia Romanus looks to marry traditional merchant-, politician-, and warrior-centric play with sexual content. Gamers will become "engaged emotionally as they are allowed to build relationships with other players that help them advance through the game," FoxySoft says.

Full development on Orgia Romanus will commence after a crowdfunding campaign scheduled for next month. A playable demo is expected this fall.

[Source: FoxySoft Games press release]

Orgia Romanus MMO looks to 'facilitate sexual interactions between players' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-mmoalex-allenfoxy-softfoxysoftfoxysoft-gamesfoxysoft-gaminggame-of-bonesmmo-orgyorgia-romanusorgyorgy-mmosexsex-in-mmosMon, 21 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones Facebook title in the works]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Casual

Joffrey golf-clapping

HBO's Game of Thrones is getting the online gaming treatment for the second time in the space of a calendar year. First it was Bigpoint's free-to-play browser MMO, and now it's a Facebook game called Game of Thrones Ascent, which is being developed by Disruptor Beam, a social gaming company headed by former GamerDNA CEO Jon Radoff.

The company says that players will "lead the life of a noble during the time of upheaval as portrayed in the books and the series thus experiencing a new type of game that unites both story and strategy."

Precious little info is given on the title, including a release date, but we'll bring you the latest as it becomes available.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

Game of Thrones Facebook title in the works originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disruptor-beamf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgreat-ideajon-radoffsocialsocial-gamesMon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games unveils new multiplayer shooter, Born to Fire]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/aeria-games-unveils-new-mmofps-born-to-fire/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Real life, Galleries, New titles, PvP, War

Born to Fire image

Aeria Games, with numerous free-to-play titles already under its belt, just unveiled a new multiplayer first-person shooter called Born to Fire. This character-driven game is set following the Cold War, when rules of engagement are thrown out the window and the world is a free-fire zone.

Director of Publishing Tom Nichols describes the game: "In Born to Fire, players step in the boots of five distinct classes of elite operatives engaged in a global firefight for domination. With the instant gratification of one-click matchmaking and the in-depth analysis provided by elaborate replay tools, Born to Fire represents a new class of character-driven, highly customizable MMOFPS that's easy to get into but nearly impossible to fully master."

The five classes available for play are Rifleman, Duelist, Ranger, Heavy-Hitter, or Warden; each comes with unique backstory, tactics, and a fully customizable arsenal.

Sign-ups for closed beta are going on now! Players can keep informed of the latest news, updates, and contests by "liking" Born To Fire's Facebook page. Also, be sure to check out the screenshots and artwork in the attached gallery.

Gallery: Born to Fire

Born to Fire

[Source: Areia Games press release]

Aeria Games unveils new multiplayer shooter, Born to Fire originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesBorn-to-Firefirst-person-shooterfpsgalleriesgallerynew-titlesscreenshotswarMon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Firor on The Elder Scrolls Online's '100% solo' personal story]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-onlines-matt-firor-talks-100-solo-personal/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Interviews, New titles, News items, The Elder Scrolls Online

Screenshot -- The Elder Scrolls Online

Games in the Elder Scrolls series have always been about giving players the opportunity to become the game's hero, and it looks like The Elder Scrolls Online will be no different. The title's game director, Matt Firor, has announced that each character's main storyline in the game will be "100% solo."

Firor points back to the previous entries in the series, stating that "in The Elder Scrolls games, you're always the hero... The last thing you want to do is have the final confrontation with Mehrunes Dagon as he's stomping across the Imperial City, and you see like 15 guys behind you waiting to kill him." While it's a good point, we can't help but wonder what kind of an impact this design will have on the social aspect of the MMO, but at this point all we can do is wait and see. Firor's full interview over on Game Informer has plenty of extra information as well, so if you're jonesing for more details, just head on over and check it out for yourself.

Matt Firor on The Elder Scrolls Online's '100% solo' personal story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinematt-firormorrowindoblivionpersonal-storypersonal-storylineplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimsolostorystorylinetamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Historical, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, War, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, World of Warplanes, The Firing Line

The Firing Line - World of Warplanes producer interview

Last week I talked a bit about a couple of flight sim shooters coming soon to a PC near you. One of them is World of Warplanes, the followup title to Wargaming.net's ubiquitous World of Tanks hit.

The World War II action MMO masters are slipping the surly bonds of earth with a new lobby-based battler that's currently flying through the early phases of its global alpha test. I had a few burning questions for the devs, including specifics on the matchmaking system, progression, and the possibility of historical scenarios. Producer Anton Sitnikau was gracious enough to answer those and more, so head past the break to see what he had to say.

Continue reading The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression

The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anton-sitnikauexclusivef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playhistoricalinterviewinterviewsmassively-exclusivematchmakingmmofpsopinionplaneplanespvptflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarwargaming.netwargaming.net-matchmakingwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-of-warplanes-interviewworld-of-warplanes-matchmakingworld-of-warplanes-producer-interviewwowpwowp-interviewwowp-matchmakingFri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it)]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Economy, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, PvP, News items, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox, Crafting

Some Assembly Required - Salem dev tour

I spent an hour romping through the woods of Salem last Friday with Seatribe head honcho Bjorn Johannessen. The tiny indie company (current dev population: two) is hard at work on its followup to Haven and Hearth, an acquired taste of a sandbox game notable for its no-holds barred approach that includes permadeath and the ability to summon (and kill) criminal characters -- even while their lulz-loving puppet-masters are offline.

Publisher Paradox bills Salem as "the crafting MMO," and boy it's not kidding. Over the course of this particular dev tour, I saw crazy amounts of tradeskill functionality, all kinds of cool world-building stuff, and ultimately, more than enough reasons to spend time with the game when it launches later this year.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it)

Some Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessenbodily-humorscraftingf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicshistoricalhumorsmetagamenew-englandopinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpgcplayer-contentplayer-created-contentplayer-generated-contentsalemsalem-skillssandboxsarseatribeskill-basedsome-assembly-requiredtradeskillinguser-generated-contentFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 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: Culture, New titles, Opinion, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous

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

Ask 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[PlanetSide 2 video features night ops, 23 minutes of alpha gameplay]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-fi, Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, PlanetSide 2, Sandbox

PlanetSide 2 - cockpit view

Curious about the current state of PlanetSide 2? TotalBiscuit recently traveled to Sony Online Entertainment's San Diego headquarters for some hands-on time with the upcoming MMOFPS. What he saw was pretty impressive (we know this because we saw it too, thanks to his video, which we've embedded after the break).

While the game is still in early alpha, we think there's plenty to be excited about, judging by the 23-minute clip. We get a good look at night-fighting, ground and air combat, and an interesting tank vs. foot-soldier matchup that doesn't turn out like you might expect.

Continue reading PlanetSide 2 video features night ops, 23 minutes of alpha gameplay

PlanetSide 2 video features night ops, 23 minutes of alpha gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmmo-shootermmofpsnight-fightingplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-night-fightingplanetside-2-night-opsps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentvideoThu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with The Secret World's mission system]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-mission-system/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-mission-system/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-mission-system/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Horror, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, PvE, Opinion, The Secret World, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Guides

The Secret World - Kingsmouth quest NPC

So The Secret World's mission system treads well off the beaten MMO path. It's pretty cool, actually, though portions of it may irritate quest-grinders who just want to blow through zones on their way to the game's equivalent of a max-level toon.

For the rest of us, there's a nifty interface, some challenging puzzles, and plenty of well-written quest text and dialogue to keep us entertained for weeks at a time.

Continue reading Hands-on with The Secret World's mission system

Hands-on with The Secret World's mission system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-gamesfactionfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorkingsmouthmythologypreviewpreviewsragnar-tornquistsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-impressionssecret-world-mission-guidesecret-world-missionsskill-basedsupply-runthe-kingsmouth-codethe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-mission-guidethe-secret-world-press-betatswtsw-guidestsw-quest-guidetsw-questingThu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Embers of Caerus website boasts extensive sandbox feature list]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/new-embers-of-caerus-website-boasts-extensive-sandbox-feature-li/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Sandbox

Embers of Caerus concept art

Forsaken Studios has taken the wraps off a new website for its Embers of Caerus MMORPG. The fantasy sandbox has quite an extensive feature list, which includes level- and class-free advancement, a seamless game world that measures 44,000 square kilometers, and player-controlled markets and political/legal systems.

Backstory is a big deal to the devs as well if the new site's lore section is anything to go by. There's plenty of reading material about the world, its factions, and a bit of story to pass the time while you're waiting for the game.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

New Embers of Caerus website boasts extensive sandbox feature list originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>embers-of-caerusfantasyfeatures-listforsakenforsaken-studiosfull-loot-pvpopen-pvpsandboxsandbox-featuressandbox-features-listskill-basedThu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Planet Cyrene adds to the high-stakes worlds of Entropia]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/free-for-all-planet-cyrene-adds-to-the-high-stakes-worlds-of-en/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/free-for-all-planet-cyrene-adds-to-the-high-stakes-worlds-of-en/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/free-for-all-planet-cyrene-adds-to-the-high-stakes-worlds-of-en/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Launches, New titles, Previews, PvP, Opinion, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Humor, Free for All

Planet Cyrene screenshot

I'm not much of a shooter fan and probably never will be. Sure, I have as much fun blasting my way through monsters as the next gamer, but I rarely have the patience or physical stamina to overcome the pains and frustrations of shooter PvP. After all, my first rule of PvP applies especially well to shooters: There is always someone better than you. Planet Cyrene, the new world being added to the impressive portfolio of Entropia Universe, tasks players tasks similar to those found in Planet Calypso and mixes in PvP arenas that promise to frustrate (or delight) players, depending on their skill level. I sat down with Ed Robles III, lead developer for Planet Cyrene, to see just how nasty and expensive things might get.

Remember, this is the Entropia Universe we are talking about, and that means players will spend real money on bullets, armor, and practically everything else. Fortunately, players can earn items that are worth real money as well. Call it gambling or whatever you want, but it still seems to be a pretty successful formula.

Continue reading Free for All: Planet Cyrene adds to the high-stakes worlds of Entropia

Free for All: Planet Cyrene adds to the high-stakes worlds of Entropia originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmaned-robles-IIIentropia-universef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummmofpsopinionplanet-calypsoplanet-cyrenereal-money-transactionsvelvet-ropeWed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 writers talk (at length) about MMO story]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 - Human concept art

What's it like to pen the narrative for one of the most anticipated MMORPGs, well, ever? It's quite different from writing a novel or a screenplay, according to ArenaNet's Angel McCoy. She joins Guild Wars 2 lead writer Bobby Stein and Peter "The Explorer" Fries for an MMO story-flavored sit-down with fan site Under the Pale Tree.

The interview is a lengthy one (who knew that writers could be so wordy?), and it covers a bunch of ground including the megalithic sprawl of GW2's narrative, the challenges inherent in writing particular races, and the differences between in-game dialogue and cutscene exposition. There's more to it, of course, but honestly the thing is so huge that we're going to go finish reading it after we've jotted down this here news post.

Guild Wars 2 writers talk (at length) about MMO story originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetangel-mccoyarenanetbobby-steinfantasyguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-interviewguild-wars-2-storyguild-wars-2-writersgw2gw2-storyinterviewmmo-storynarrativencsoftpeter-friesstoryWed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with The Secret World's combat system]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-combat-system/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-combat-system/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-combat-system/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Horror, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, PvE, Opinion, The Secret World, Massively Hands-on, Guides

The Secret World - Dead zombies

The Secret World's press beta hasn't been what I expected. To be frank, I'd say there are times I wish I didn't have to play it. See, my guild pals are on either the closed beta server or the public beta weekends server, both of which are quite crowded and therefore offer quite a different experience from the forlorn existence endured by my Massively Templar.

There's also the whole I-don't-get-to-keep-this-character thing, not to mention the wow-this-is-cool-and-I-don't-want-to-spoil-it-for-myself-post-launch thing.

On the other hand, I've had plenty of time to muck around with game systems and minutiae, something that my card-carrying membership in the crazy carebear immersionist secret society often precludes. For this week's press beta article, then, I thought I'd give you guys a primer on The Secret World's combat system.

Continue reading Hands-on with The Secret World's combat system

Hands-on with The Secret World's combat system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatfactionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologypreviewpreviewssci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-combatsecret-world-guidesskill-basedthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-combatthe-secret-world-guidesthe-secret-world-press-betatswtsw-combattsw-guidesWed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swashbucklers, ships, and high seas hijinks: KingsIsle talks Pirate101]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/swashbucklers-ships-and-high-seas-hijinks-kingsisle-talks-pir/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/swashbucklers-ships-and-high-seas-hijinks-kingsisle-talks-pir/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/swashbucklers-ships-and-high-seas-hijinks-kingsisle-talks-pir/#commentsFiled under: Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, Free-to-play, Family, Pirate101

Pirate101

Recently, KingsIsle announced that the world of the Spiral was going to branch out into the high seas in the studio's newest MMO, Pirate101. There are many things about Pirate101 that will feel familiar to Wizard101 fans, but the game has several features that definitely make it stand apart as more than just a sequel. Combat is not card-based; it's more like a tactical board game. Companions, rather than trading cards, play a key role in the pirate arsenal, and of course, players will be traveling (and fighting!) on their very own pirate ships.

Massively had a chance to talk with Pirate101's Lead Creative Designer Sam Johnson to hear more about what players will see from KingsIsle's upcoming MMO. So grab your cutlass, don your tricorne, and read on for more details!

Continue reading Swashbucklers, ships, and high seas hijinks: KingsIsle talks Pirate101

Swashbucklers, ships, and high seas hijinks: KingsIsle talks Pirate101 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentpirate101sam-johnsonthe-spiralwizard101Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-soapbox-translating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speak/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Opinion, The Soapbox, Sandbox, The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online - Giant orchid monster thing

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Language is a pretty fascinating thing, and studying a second one is something I've long intended to do. Aside from entertaining thoughts of learning Korean to play ArcheAge, though (seriously, I looked into it), I haven't gotten around to much beyond college-level Deutsch.

But as I watched last week's interview with The Elder Scrolls Online creative director Paul Sage, I realized that I already have some pretty good second-language skills. I'm fluent in both English and MMO dev-speak, so as a public service, I'm going to translate some of what Sage said into the former.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak

The Soapbox: Translating Elder Scrolls Online dev speak originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldev-speakdeveloper-speakeditorialelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefeaturedmehmorrowindoblivionop-edopinionpaul-sageplease-dont-suckpvprantrantssandboxskyrimsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-soapboxthemeparkthree-faction-pvptodd-howardtranslating-dev-speaktranslating-elder-scrolls-online-dev-speakzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Historical, Video, Classes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, War, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries, World of Warplanes

World of Warplanes - dev diary title screen

Looking for the latest World of Warplanes news? Wargaming.net has you covered with part two of its developer diary video series.

The clip introduces us to some of the dev personalities working on the game as well as the three main aircraft classes (fighters, heavy fighters, and ground attack planes). "Fighters top the food chain," according to historical consultant Yuri Pasholok. "They are the most widespread, versatile, and -- pound for pound -- the deadliest class in the game."

In comparison, ground attack birds are "slow, clumsy, and very heavy." Pasholok says, "To imagine what flying a ground attack plane is like, think of flying a tank." Why would you want to fly a tank? Well, for the ridiculous amounts of destructive firepower, of course. Finally, heavy fighters are something of a middle ground between the previous two classes. They can take a beating better than their light fighter counterparts, but their main objective is defense and interception. Click past the cut to view the full video, and be sure to check out The Firing Line this Friday for an exclusive World of Warplanes producer interview.

Continue reading World of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles

World of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diaryf2pfightersfree-to-playground-attack-planesheavy-fightershistoricalplaneplanespvptrailervideovideo-dev-diarywarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-of-warplanes-classeswowpwowp-classeswowp-dev-diarywowp-video-dev-diaryTue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard awarding Australian GAME customers free copy of Diablo III]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-awarding-australian-game-customers-free-copy-of-diablo/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-awarding-australian-game-customers-free-copy-of-diablo/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-awarding-australian-game-customers-free-copy-of-diablo/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Launches, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Diablo III

Diablo III - landscape

It's been a rollercoaster week for Australian Diablo III fans who pre-ordered their copies of Blizzard's long-awaited dungeon crawler at GAME. The troubled retailer went into administration yesterday, leaving customers in the lurch without their game or their refunds.

Blizzard has since stepped in and offered to make good with a free digital copy as long as fans have a valid pre-order receipt. Kotaku has all the details on how to submit your receipt and receive your credit. The site also notes that Blizzard didn't get a dime of the original GAME pre-order payments and is essentially taking one for the team by offering affected customers a free copy of Diablo III.

Blizzard awarding Australian GAME customers free copy of Diablo III originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-3-game-refundsdiablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgTue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III launch day roundup]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Culture, Game mechanics, Launches, New titles, News items, Diablo III

Diablo III title image

It's been a decade in the making, but today Diablo III finally arrived. The past few months have been filled with Diablo III news and more data than you can imagine, from speculation on the release date to details of gameplay and the different difficulty modes available. We've seen five epic class reveals on the Darkness Falls, Heroes Rise launch site and a series of unlocks that ended with the awesome animated Wrath of Angels short.

In this launch article, we pull together some of the top Diablo III news from the past few months. If you're playing the game today (or not!), be sure to check out our top five tips for making the most of your first few days in Diablo III.

Continue reading Diablo III launch day roundup

Diablo III launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgothic-fantasylaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-round-uplaunch-day-roundupmultiplayernewsonline-multiplayerrpgtrailervideowrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III launch and DreamHack Summer 2012]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launch-and-dreamhack-summer-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launch-and-dreamhack-summer-2012/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-launch-and-dreamhack-summer-2012/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively, MOBA, League of Legends, Diablo III

Not So Massively title image

Diablo III became potentially the most pre-ordered PC game in history this week, breaking both Blizzard's personal pre-order records and online retailer Amazon's. The game is set to launch at midnight tonight, unlocking physical copies and digital installers. Diablo-inspired free-to-play dungeon crawler Path of Exile approaches its own launch this week with the release of its penultimate version 0.9.9 patch.

League of Legends announced its upcoming MSI Beat IT tournament at DreamHack Summer 2012, with a prize fund of $40,000 US and a series of public online qualifiers. Bloodline Champions revealed its own $10,000 DreamHack tournament, with open in-game qualifiers scheduled for next weekend. Valve announced details of the second Dota 2 world championship, a series that started with last year's $1.6 million US tournament.

Blizzard settled its lawsuit with Valve this week, renaming Blizzard DOTA to Blizzard All-Stars but securing the continued non-commercial use of the DotA name for the fan community. Heroes of Newerth released its incredibly successful new Midwars game mode, and Rise of Immortals put forth its official immortal spotlight for new immortal Nauria.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III launch and DreamHack Summer 2012

Not So Massively: Diablo III launch and DreamHack Summer 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgactivisionbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championschampion-spotlightcompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiablo-iii-launchdotadota-2dreamhackdreamhack-2012dreamhack-summerdreamhack-summer-2012e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgameplaygothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonimmortal-spotlightlaunchleague-of-legendslolmid-warsmidwarsmobamsimsi-beat-itmultiplayernaurianewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesspotlightstunlockstunlock-studiosthe-internationaltournamentvalvevarusvideowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST