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[Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth
Two of the biggest cornerstones of Fallen Earth have always been crafting and PvP, and its these cornerstones that GamersFirst is enriching come patch 2.4. The patch, called Global Territory Control, is taking these elements and firing them up in ways that any PvPer or crafter should find exciting.

We hopped on the phone with Associate Producer Asa Reed, Director of Operations Joe Willmon, and Senior Game Designer Marie Croall to talk about why 2.4 will be the patch that will change the wasteland forever -- and why you should anticipate it, whether you're a crafter or a player-killer.

Gallery: Fallen Earth Black Box Gear

Continue reading Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP

MassivelyExclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4asa-reedcraftingf2pfaction-controlfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlharvesterharvestersharvestinginterviewinterviewsJoe-Willmonkeepkeepsmarie-croallpatch-2.4post-apocpost-apocalypticpreviewpvpresourcessandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spend a day as a Fallen Earth Premium Member on us!]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/spend-a-day-as-a-fallen-earth-premium-member-on-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Pitchblende
Fallen Earth is a post-apocalyptic MMO that always seems to be on that short list of games that everyone means to try out one day. And when people try it, positive praise usually follows.

To help celebrate the upcoming 2.4 patch, we're giving you a chance to play the game as a top-tier premium member for one day, complete with massive XP, crafting, and PvP currency buffs, the Commander's Aura stackable buff that allows you to spread the benefits among your party members, a 20% marketplace discount, and more. In addition, we're giving you the Light Slugthrower, an advanced version of the starter rifle, which features higher damage output than its little brother.

There's no giveaway page and no key codes on this one; if you want to grab this nifty one-day package for yourself, simply enter the promo code "MASSIVEEARTH" either in-game or by clicking the Redeem Code button on the Fallen Earth website. To access the Marketplace in-game, click on the "$" button on the bottom of your minimap. The code expires on June 1st.

Have fun!

MassivelySpend a day as a Fallen Earth Premium Member on us! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestsf2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstgiveawaygiveawayspatch-2.4post-apocpost-apocalypticpromo-codesandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth 2.4 patch to feature territory control, automated harvesting, and more]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/fallen-earth-2-4-patch-to-feature-territory-control-automated-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - Park City
GamersFirst has formally announced its next update for Fallen Earth. The Global Territory Control patch, or 2.4 if you're counting at home, will bring quite a bit of new functionality to denizens of the game's Grand Canyon wasteland.

As you might expect given the update name, territory control plays a big role. The devs are adding new outposts and settlements throughout the game world that can be conquered by each of Fallen Earth's six player factions. Capturing a settlement grants sole property rights to the controlling faction, which in turn provides valuable mineral extraction capabilities.

The 2.4 patch also features a new 50-plus PvP zone called the The Foothills, new player-crafted prospecting and harvesting technology, and various quality of life tweaks like bulk purchasing, merchant buyback, and faster mounting. Check in with Massively later this week for more exclusive info on the new patch as well as an interview with the devs.

[Source: GamersFirst press release]

MassivelyFallen Earth 2.4 patch to feature territory control, automated harvesting, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfallen-earth-2.4fallen-earth-gtcfallen-earth-harvestingfallen-earth-prospectingfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlpatchespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fithe-foothillswastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - Totem decay
Notorious Games is working overtime to highlight all of the changes it's made to its Xsyon sandbox. The company ran a 10-day welcome back promotion late last month, and it's doing so again starting this Friday. Previous subscribers will receive a free 10-day pass, while current players will get two additional weeks of game time on the house.

The dates for the 10-day passes vary, according to Notorious' latest press release. If you're a previous subscriber, check your email over the next few days to see where your game time falls within the larger five-week promotional window.

Also noteworthy for dedicated Xsyon players is the fact that the game's totem system will enter something called a decay phase once these trial periods are over. Totems represent land claimed by a particular guild, and those without any actively subscribed players will become abandoned in short order. Abandoned totems will then decay and free up the land for other players, while also leaving any buildings, resources, and containers free for the taking.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasynotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitotem-decayxsyonxsyon-totem-decayTue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Dark Legends

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatMUDbeau-hindmanBioWareccpdark-legendseve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudrise-and-shinyspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamswtortwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth trimming up the game experience for new players]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/fallen-earth-trimming-up-the-game-experience-for-new-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Bit of a fixer-upper.
Fallen Earth isn't a cumbersome game, but it can be hard to approach at first. The game has a lot of complicated systems playing off one another, and as a result, trying to jump in can leave a new player confused about what to do next. Luckily, the development team is well aware of the problem, and a recent development blog outlines the steps being taken in the next patch to help streamline and improve the experience for new players.

The change that will have the biggest impact on everyone in the game will be the consolidation of several gear slots, meaning that players will no longer have to scrounge for corresponding pieces when starting out. The addition of sector chat and a beacon leading toward the nearest garage will help players find others and receive aid as needed. And the team is looking ahead to future improvements as well, all in the hopes that your first moments in Fallen Earth are fun enough to convince you to stay.

MassivelyFallen Earth trimming up the game experience for new players originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstnew-playersplayer-aidplayer-assistanceplayer-experiencepost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[German studio SilentFuture resurrecting Earthrise]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/german-studio-silentfuture-resurrecting-earthrise/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/german-studio-silentfuture-resurrecting-earthrise/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/10/german-studio-silentfuture-resurrecting-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Earthrise
Fans of Masthead Studios' late sandbox MMO, Earthrise, have cause to rejoice today. The Wuppertal, Germany-based studio SilentFuture announced in a press release today that it will be taking over development and operation of the title, which was shut down in February earlier this year.

According to the press release, the studio is currently working on a complete overhaul of the game, from backstory to gameplay to technology. SilentFuture plans to have the game up and running again sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Earthrise will return as a free-to-play title in which players "no longer find themselves in a post-apocalyptic world" but rather are "part of the apocalypse itself." Sounds promising! Hopefully we can look forward to more details in the coming weeks, but at least we know one thing for sure: Earthrise is back!

[Source: SilentFuture press release]

MassivelyGerman studio SilentFuture resurrecting Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthrisef2pfantasyfree-to-playmastheadmasthead-studiosoverhaulrebootrelaunchrevampsci-fantasysci-fisilentfutureThu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's May State of the Game letter showcases new Foothills PvP zone]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/fallen-earths-may-state-of-the-game-letter-showcases-new-foothi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Fallen Earth
Roamers of Fallen Earth's post-apocalyptic Grand Canyon province have long been awaiting the final release of the game's Global Territory Control update. Thankfully, the wait is almost over. But meanwhile, today's GamersFirst dev blog post aims to shed some light on some of the latest additions to the system.

The spotlight of the post is set on the new PvP conflict area known as The Foothills. The zone is an abandoned settlement situated between Los Alamos and Citadel that "never quite made it." As a result, the various factions of Fallen Earth have taken to fighting for control of the area in order to further solidify their foothold in the region. The Global Territory Control patch is set to go live next Wednesday, so keep an eye on the official dev blog for more details as the update gets closer to launch.

MassivelyFallen Earth's May State of the Game letter showcases new Foothills PvP zone originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlgtcpatchpatchesplayer-vs-playerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fithe-foothillsupdateupdateswastelandsTue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/06/design-your-own-robots-with-upcoming-mmo-panzer-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customisationexplorationexploregamundokickstarterpanzerpanzer-petspetpet-robotspetspost-apocalypticprocedurally-generatedrobotrobotsSun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/grimlands-closed-beta-features-new-dungeons-crafting-revamp-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Grimlands - landscape shot
What's better than a post-apocalyptic online shooter? How about a post-apocalyptic online shooter that you don't have to pay for? Free-to-play publisher gamigo is hoping you'll feel that way about Grimlands, which heads to closed beta this week to focus test "technical details such as server stability, optimization of the network code, and new features."

The game's first beta build boasts a dozen new dungeons, dynamic weather effects, and vehicles that consume gasoline and feature both weapon and armor mounting capabilities. Oh yeah, there's crafting, too, and a player-run economy that includes weaponsmith, armorer, and engineer professions as well as various specializations. Sound interesting? If so, you can register for beta at the official site.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyGrimlands closed beta features new dungeons, crafting revamp, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsgrimlands-betagrimlands-closed-betammo-shooterpost-apocalypticpost-apocalyptic-shootershootertradeskillswasteland-shooterThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion Worlds explains how Defiance will 'co-evolve' in two mediums]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/trion-worlds-explains-how-defiance-will-co-evolve-in-two-mediu/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/trion-worlds-explains-how-defiance-will-co-evolve-in-two-mediu/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/trion-worlds-explains-how-defiance-will-co-evolve-in-two-mediu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Defiance
Wondering whether -- or if -- the joint venture of Syfy and Trion Worlds will work in tandem with Defiance? Then you may want to put aside a few minutes to watch the following video that attempts to explain how a TV show and an MMO will work together to create a blended experience for fans.

"In the past it's always been very difficult to connect television shows, which are always evolving, with video games, which are static," Trion Worlds CEO Lars Buttler states, going on to say that Trion has cracked that code. "In our unique setup, we can do things other people have never dared to try before."

Defiance the TV show and Defiance the MMO will, according to Buttler, "literally depend on each other and co-evolve."

It may not be heavy on specifics, but it's a fascinating watch nonetheless. Check it out after the jump!

Continue reading Trion Worlds explains how Defiance will 'co-evolve' in two mediums

MassivelyTrion Worlds explains how Defiance will 'co-evolve' in two mediums originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiancef2pfree-to-playinterviewlars-buttlersyfytelevisiontriontrion-worldstvvideoWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth dev blog details Haven revamp]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/fallen-earth-dev-blog-details-haven-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - new Haven Lightbearer building
It's been a month or so since we've heard from the folks working on Fallen Earth. Today, that news drought ends courtesy of a dev blog by one Ninjanomics.

The update is all about the changes in store for the town of Haven. Given the fact that the town is one of the more prominent features of the Northfields area, and given that it "had a confusing layout, was cruelly prohibitive to framerate, and didn't well reflect the serenity of the Lightbearers as a faction," the devs thought it was time for an extreme makeover.

Ninjanomics (also known as GamersFirst's art ninja) walks us through the rebuild process and details both the stylistic and the layout changes to the town. The original design had "no logical flow to speak of," which led G1 artists to divide Haven into two sections: the town proper and a grove area. As a result, the new Haven experience is markedly smoother for weary wasteland wanderers and fans of Fallen Earth's free-to-play sandpark ambiance.

MassivelyFallen Earth dev blog details Haven revamp originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryf2pfallen-earthfallen-earth-dev-blogfallen-earth-havenfallen-earth-haven-revampfefree-to-playg1gamersfirsthavenhaven-revampninjanomicspost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fiwastelandsFri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon screenshot
One year and counting. Crack open the waterskin and raise a toast to Xsyon: Today the post-apocalyptic sandbox by Notorious Games celebrates its first full year of launch. Well, the first year of the official launch of Prelude, a limited first release of the virtual world. Come to think of it, even that date seems a bit nebulous as the pre-order players in the first phase of Year Zero (basically beta) actually had their most significant change on March 11th, 2011 when the second phase launched and totems were introduced.

Semantics aside, Xsyon has come a long way from that official first day. Unlike many games where gameplay is neatly laid out, this indie title gives players only the canvas and a few tools before setting them loose to fashion their world. As the year continued, additional tools were provided and the world became more vibrant and dynamic. Initially barren without any critters (other than your surviving neighbors) to hunt, the world is now populated with large creatures that roam the land, threatening the lives of travelers and hunters alike. Even the lay of the land itself is different as players manipulate and alter the terrain, build settlements, and plant trees. Communities are forming; groups are supporting and even entertaining each other. Civilization is slowly rebuilding.

And that's only the beginning.

Continue reading Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

MassivelyXsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybuildingcraftingdynamic-AIfeaturedharvestingmutantsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprebuildingrebuilding-civilizationsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiterraformingxsyonThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wasteland box art
When I was 12 years old, my days mainly consisted of one thing: playing games on my Commodore 64. I would set my alarm early to get some gaming in before school, think about the games all day during school, then come home and play as much as I could before my parents made me stop and do homework or chores. Aside from TSR's Gold Box series, the two games that molded my childhood and my love for gaming were Wasteland and The Bard's Tale. Both of these games were made by Interplay Productions, a company founded by Brian Fargo in 1983.

Fargo has always been an iconic figure to me. I regularly name my MMO characters Faran Brygo (a name he used for an NPC in the original Wasteland). I'm certainly not alone in my love for Wasteland (which I have labeled for years as my all-time-favorite RPG), but I think it's safe to say that many gamers who enjoyed Wasteland always wondered why there was no sequel. Fallout 1 and 2 were "spiritual successors" to the game, but for copyright reasons, they were never actually labeled as true sequels. Fargo tried to make a true sequel for 20 years but was always met with brick walls from publishers who weren't interested in resurrecting such an old game.

Enter Kickstarter. After the wild success of Tim Schafer's Double Fine crowdfunding campaign, Fargo got the idea to try it out for himself. The timing was right with the current nostalgic gaming scene, the popularity of the post-apocalyptic genre, and the fact that most of Interplay's original fans are now in a position of making a tad more income than allowance money from childhood chores.

We sat down with Brian Fargo to discuss his views on the potential of Kickstarter, the future of Big Brother game publishers, and Wasteland 2.

Continue reading Kickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo

MassivelyKickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-fargofaran-brygointerplayinterviewinterviewskickstarterpublishersrpgtrailertrailersvideovideoswastelandwasteland-2yes-we-know-its-not-an-mmoThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's March state of the game gets territorial]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/09/fallen-earths-march-state-of-the-game-gets-territorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Fallen Earth
Another month is upon us, and Fallen Earth is bringing some changes to its Global Territory Control system. While players wait with bated breath for the new features to hit the PTS at the end of the month, GamersFirst has put out a new blog post outlining what players can expect from the next round of updates. We've covered the basics of Global Territory Control previously, so if you want to get up to speed, go on and have a read. Don't worry; we'll wait.

Caught up? Good. So what's new this month? The buffs granted by controlling territories have been changed. Now, each town and keep is worth a given number of points. The faction that has the most points will receive a buff that "improves crafting and harvesting speed as well as Random AP, Death Toll, Faction, and Experience gains." Meanwhile, the faction system is getting a revamp that "will see the elimination of shoulder factions." Completing tasks for your faction of choice "will only affect the specific faction you completed it for and its opposite on the faction wheel." This really only scratches the surface of the myriad changes coming to Fallen Earth, so to get the full details just head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyFallen Earth's March state of the game gets territorial originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfactionfactionsfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlgtcmarch-state-of-the-gameplayer-vs-playerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fistate-of-the-gameterritory-controlwastelandsFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Otherland
Do you prefer a post-apocalyptic world or Tad Williams' vision of the internet of the future? Luckily, you can have them both by the end of the year because Gamigo is working busy at work preparing to launch two new titles. Massively had a chance to talk with Anthony Guzzardo, Gamigo's North American Publicity Manager, as well as PR Manager Dennis Hartmann as they showed off Otherland, based on the works of Tad Williams, and Grimlands, a post-apocalyptic vision in the desert.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony-guzzardoconconferenceconventioncyberpunkdemodennis-hartmannf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamigogdcgdc-2012grimlandskaren-bryanotherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Creativity. It is expressed in so many ways in so many mediums. Art, literature, architecture, music, performance... I love it all, conventional and unconventional. Heck, I revel in it! Why do you think my work and recreation include gaming?

Wait, gaming?! You betcha!

Beyond the artistry of the developers, MMORPGs offer outlets for player creativity in a variety of ways. I am not ashamed to admit that the primary reason I delve into MMORPGs is not for the gameplay but to explore and experience the creative expression of others (and to express some of my own as well). In fact, finding and sharing that very creativity by championing and highlighting player-generated content is precisely what Some Assembly Required is about.

Between (or in lieu of) the hacking, the slashing, and the plundering, players seize proffered tools in myriad virtual realms to build works of art, pen masterpieces, construct edifices, compose melodies, and take the stage, all within the pixeled confines of a virtual world. Unfortunately, not all games have adequate tools for such creative expression. While inspired players can make do if they must, having supporting features exponentially enhances a game (and positively affects retention). Thankfully, some games provide a few standard-setting features that -- in my opinion -- should be included in every game on the market. Here are six of those must-have features.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearance-slotsbookbookscreativitydecoratingdungeon-makeremotesEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgame-mechanicshousingopinionperformancepgcplayer-booksplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingplayer-written-booksquest-builderroleplayRolePlayingrpsandboxsarSOEsome-assembly-requiredSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesswgterraformingvanguardwritingxsyonxsyon-preludeFri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/28/lay-waste-to-the-wasteland-in-new-grimlands-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Game publishers (and a few game news sites) have a funny habit of applying the term MMO to anything and everything under the sun. We've been keeping an eye on Grimlands for a while now, and while we're still not sure whether it's an MMO, it basically had us at post-apocalyptic.

Free-to-play publisher gamigo says its upcoming wasteland shooter comes complete with "a comprehensive crafting system, guild towns, vehicles, and PvP content." Regardless of whether it is or isn't a full-fledged MMO in every sense, it looks like a good time, particularly in light of the new trailer that shows off a bit of ambiance and a bit of gameplay footage.

Grimlands is a third-person shooter being developed by Drago Entertainment, and you can watch the full clip after the cut.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Lay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter

MassivelyLay waste to the wasteland in new Grimlands shooter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragodrago-entertainmentf2pfree-to-playgamigogrimlandsmmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishootersurvivalthird-person-shootertrailervideowastelandTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Performance tweaks coming to Fallen Earth]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/27/performance-tweaks-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/27/performance-tweaks-coming-to-fallen-earth/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/27/performance-tweaks-coming-to-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We announced just last week that popular post-apocalyptic sandbox title Fallen Earth had been released on Steam. Well, opening that can of worms seems to have taken its toll on many of the game's more populated areas, causing performance issues and crashes for some players. Needless to say, GamersFirst is not about to let that fly.

In fact, GamersFirst's Napalm stopped by the game's official forums earlier today in order to notify players of some small tweaks that are being made to the game in order to solve these performance issues. For starters, Embry Crossroads and all starter towns are being moved onto "much, much beefier hardware," which "will have an immediate impact, and should decrease the amount of lag that players are seeing in those areas." Improvements are also being made to server memory management, and the studio is even upgrading to a "more capable branch of the xScape engine" that should hopefully allow the game to handle a higher number of players in any given area. For the full details on the improvements, just click on over to the official announcement below.

MassivelyPerformance tweaks coming to Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfallen-earthfree-to-playg1gamersfirstoverpopulationperformanceperformance-issuespopulationserver-performanceserver-upgradestabilitysteamupgradeMon, 27 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth entices Marketplace shoppers with first-time purchase package]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/fallen-earth-entices-marketplace-shoppers-with-first-time-purcha/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/fallen-earth-entices-marketplace-shoppers-with-first-time-purcha/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/fallen-earth-entices-marketplace-shoppers-with-first-time-purcha/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fallen Earth
Studies have shown that if players make the big step to buying something -- anything -- in an online game's cash shop, then they're much more likely to do it again. Ergo, studios are coming up with all sorts of methods to sweeten that first deal, such as GamersFirst's new Fallen Earth "first time purchaser package."

The package is a bundle of 13 items, unlocks, and abilities that will be sent to the character of your choice once you make your first purchase in the Fallen Earth Marketplace. It's a very tempting deal, especially for free players, as it increases character slots to four, adds access to global chat, removes the chip limit, unlocks the core wardrobe slot, and tosses in a couple of mobile garage/stable managers for those too lazy to walk back to civilization after an accident.

It's not clear whether this package applies to players who have made a purchase in the Marketplace before today.

MassivelyFallen Earth entices Marketplace shoppers with first-time purchase package originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopdealf2pfallen-earthfallen-earth-marketplacefefirst-time-purchasers-packagefree-to-playgamersfirstitem-shoppromotionThu, 23 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST