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[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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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)

MassivelySome 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[Some Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
If I were to start describing a game where players have zipped about one persistent universe as one of three factions in customizable ships vying for wealth and territory by mining, dodging hostiles, fulfilling missions, blasting one another to bits, docking at stations, blazing trade routes, and pirating for the past 10 years, you would say... Vendetta Online, of course! Perhaps the longest-running epic space-based sandbox MMORPG, the game hit a milestone last week that few others can boast: It turned 10!

Although its major retail distribution was in 2004, Vendetta Online marks its anniversary as the day it was spotlighted in Penny Arcade during the game's completely open and public alpha (which means it basically launched since everyone could dive in and play) and the population exploded! A truly multi-platform MMORPG, Guild Software's game can be played on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android, giving pilots the freedom to log in when and where they may, even to surreptitiously check the markets or maybe sneak an event in while at work via a smartphone. After all, who wants to miss an event just because employment gets in the way?

Luckily for those of us without an Android, Vendetta Online celebrated its decennial anniversary with some developer-run in-game events over the weekend. Always willing to join the party, Some Assembly Required strapped into a shiny new ship and blasted right into the thick of things in order to share in the festivities.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-eventanniversary-eventsfactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguild-softwareguild-software-incindependentopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredspace-tradinguser-generated-contentvendettavendetta-10-year-anniversaryvendetta-anniversaryVendetta-Onlinevendetta-ten-year-anniversaryFri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Catching up with Darkfall and The Repopulation
It's not often that we use this space for news recaps. Generally MJ and I have a particular topic (or game) in mind for Some Assembly Required's biweekly rotation. This time, though, I figured we should highlight some of the recent goings-on with a couple of pertinent sandbox titles simply because Massively news posts don't offer enough space to expound on anything other than the basics.

Join me after the break, then, for a rundown on what's new with Darkfall and The Repopulation.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesagonaventurinecity-buildingcraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-craftingdffantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsnation-buildingopen-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvprepopulationsandboxsarsci-fisome-assembly-requiredthe-repopulationtradeskillinguser-contentuser-generated-contentFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
Many moons ago when the air just started to cool from summer's heat (aka, last September), Some Assembly Required had the opportunity to talk shop with a new outfit that is developing a promising new sandbox MMORPG, Origins of Malu. And you know me: Sandbox is the magic word! As skeptical as I knew I should be, I still came away from that interview with renewed hope that a game with some of the features for player-generated content could exist again.

Back then, Burning Dog Media made the bold statement that it would absolutely release its flagship game in 2012, with a target of early 2012 to boot. But as the first quarter of the year quickly drew to a close with scant information available, it became pretty clear the game is still a ways off. In the realm of games, no news is not necessarily good news... and we definitely hit a drought in news.

Now that drought has ended. In our second exclusive interview, we spoke with Michael Dunham, Producer, Jason Mitchell, Senior Developer, and Dave Cruikshank, Art Director, to learn what's been going on behind the scenes and get the scoop on more details about those very features that have sandbox lovers salivating.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning-dog-mediaconstructioncraftingDave-Cruikshankeconomyexclusiveexclusive-interviewfaction-warfarefactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguildsinterviewinterviewsJason-Mitchellmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamopinionorigins-of-malupgcplayer-contentplayer-economyplayer-generated-contentPvEPvPsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Is The Secret World a sandbox?
I'm more excited than I thought I would be for The Secret World. After playing it at last week's Game Developer's Conference and getting a preview of the game's crafting system, I think it's safe to say my anticipation went up a few notches.

The real-world setting and horror-fantasy elements have always been appealing, but a general lack of info throughout 2011 -- coupled with Funcom's decision to add a cash shop to a subscription game -- conspired to knock The Secret World down a few pegs. Now I'm almost willing to forgive the business model faux pas because it seems like the game will feature significant sandbox elements.

Is it a sandbox, though?

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracycraftingfactionfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-mechanicshorroris-the-secret-world-a-sandboxjoel-bylosmartin-bruusgaardmmo-storymythologyopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsome-assembly-requiredstorythe-secret-worldthemeparktradeskillingtradeskillstswuser-generated-contentFri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 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[Some Assembly Required: A look at Vendetta Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/17/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-vendetta-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/17/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-vendetta-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/17/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-vendetta-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembley Required - architectural plans banner
The setup is pretty familiar.

It's an MMO, it takes place entirely in outer space, and your avatar is your spaceship. There's a lot of trading, a lot of missioning, and PvP if you want it -- possibly even if you don't. Crucially, there's freedom to go your own way and precious little hand-holding. It's clearly inspired by Elite, and there's a fair bit of the X series in there as well.

Nope, I'm not talking about EVE Online but rather Vendetta Online, an indie sandbox MMORPG that actually has more in common with classic space-trading sims than it does with CCP's New Eden.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A look at Vendetta Online

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A look at Vendetta Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitefeaturedfreelancerguildguild-softwareimpressionsopinionplayer-contentplayer-contribution-corpsplayer-generated-contentplayer-owned-capital-shipsandboxsome-assembly-requiredspace-simspace-tradingtwitch-based-combattwitch-combatuser-generated-contentvendettavendetta-onlinexFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/some-assembly-required-salem-dev-talks-permadeath-griefing-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architecture banner
Hello, sandbox faithful, and welcome to a special interview edition of Some Assembly Required. We recently had a chance to pitch some questions to the team behind Seatribe's upcoming Salem title, and creative director Björn Johannessen was kind enough to answer them.

Salem is being advertised by publisher Paradox as "the crafting MMO," but it's also rife with throw-back mechanics including a huge amount of player freedom and a permadeath/punishment system similar to the one in Johannessen's Haven & Hearth.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Salem dev talks permadeath, griefing, and skill-based gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessencash-shopcraftingemergent-gameplayexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgriefinghaven-and-hearthinterviewitem-shopno-tradeparadoxParadox-Interactivepermadeathpermadeath-prevents-griefingplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsalemsandboxseatribeskill-systemsome-assembly-requiredsoul-boundtradeskillsFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Last year, I had the opportunity to meander around Xsyon for Choose My Adventure. Then, the game was still at the end of its beta phase. Now, with some time under its belt since release, the game continues to grow. And January has seen quite the growth spurt.

I won't complain if the momentum that Xsyon has shown in the last month keeps up. Announcing multiple events and an architecture contest? Not to mention introducing new goodies? You go, game! Though it's small and indie, I am totally rooting for this title to succeed. Why? The main reason is that the game is reliant on player generated content: Instead of developers designing every aspect of the game, they built the world as a foundation and gave players the tools to go from there. This game is one of the few out there that offers many avenues for players to generate their own content and have a visible and lasting impact on the world around them.

And just how is post-apocalyptic Earth shaping up with the players at the helm? This week, Some Assembly Required explores the once-ravaged land to highlight some of that generated content, from events (both player-run and developer sponsored) to small- and large-scale construction.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-xsyonCMAcontestcontestseventsevents-in-gamefeaturedin-game-eventsnew-featuresnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treesplayer-generated-contentplayer-run-eventssandboxsandbox-experienceSARsome-assembly-requiredterraformingXsyonxsyon-earth-2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A Mortal Online interview]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/27/some-assembly-required-a-mortal-online-interview/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/27/some-assembly-required-a-mortal-online-interview/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/27/some-assembly-required-a-mortal-online-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - blueprint header
I recently had the opportunity to fire off a few questions to Henrik Nystrom, and the Star Vault CEO was kind enough to provide some interesting insights into the firm's Mortal Online fantasy sandbox.

Though Mortal is thus far renowned for its full-loot PvP ruleset, it's also got a number of nifty features that you may be unaware of, with more on the way. Join me after the cut for a lengthy discussion of the new Awakening expansion as well as a glimpse into Nave's future.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A Mortal Online interview

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A Mortal Online interview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningawakening-expansionexclusiveexpansionfeaturedfluffhenrik-nystromimmersioninterviewmapmortalmortal-onlinemortal-online-awakeningnavenon-combat-gameplayplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-mapsplayer-mapspvpsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredstar-vaultuser-generated-contentFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A look at EQII's dungeon maker]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/20/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-eqiis-dungeon-maker/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/20/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-eqiis-dungeon-maker/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/20/some-assembly-required-a-look-at-eqiis-dungeon-maker/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architectural banner
So you're an armchair game designer, eh? Well, EverQuest II invites you to put your money where your mouth is -- at least as it relates to dungeon creation.

While Sony Online Entertainment's venerable fantasy title is no stranger to player-generated content given its spectacular player- and guild-housing mechanics, this winter's Age of Discovery expansion upped the ante a little bit in the form of the new dungeon maker toolset. The system is a bit rough around the edges, but it's nonetheless a fantastic first iteration that adds a lot of fun and replay value to an MMO that was already chock-full of both.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A look at EQII's dungeon maker

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A look at EQII's dungeon maker originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryarmchair-designarmchair-developerdesigndungeon-makerdungeonseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgrindnon-combat-gameplaynorrathopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentroleplayroleplayingsandboxsandparksome-assembly-requiredxp-grindFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required - architectural banner
To say that I feel strongly about player-created stories and the MMOs that support them is an understatement of epic proportions, and as such I was disheartened after reading one of Eliot's recent Storyboard columns that pooh-poohed player creativity in favor of dev-driven narrative.

I feel that a dissenting viewpoint needs equal time in the Massively spotlight, so join me after the cut for a few reasons why there's no substitute for player-driven stories.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: In defense of player-driven story

MassivelySome Assembly Required: In defense of player-driven story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars Galaxies - Tatooine twin sunset
Eulogizing Star Wars Galaxies is difficult. In fact, I've written some 2,200 articles since signing on with Massively a couple of years ago, and none of them has come close to being as painful as this particular wall o' text.

The fact that I even used the word eulogy in reference to a video game says it all, really. Join me after the cut for as brief a remembrance as I can manage.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: One last jump to lightspeed

MassivelySome Assembly Required: One last jump to lightspeed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingcraftingeconomyeuologyfeaturedgame-closinghousingopinionplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiserver-closingserver-shutdownshutdownsoesome-assembly-requiredSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmosunsetswgtradeskillingwe-will-miss-you-swgFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/09/some-assembly-required-swg-housing-extravaganza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
The sunsetting of Star Wars Galaxies. Beyond the obvious, that statement holds more meaning for me, something deeper and more personal. See, throughout my years in SWG, I would often stop whatever I was doing just to sit and watch the Tatooine suns set. Honestly. Just a simple act of sitting upon the plateau -- sometimes alone, sometimes with friends -- quietly watching one of the universe's greatest pleasures inside an MMO. It was amazing to me how vibrant this galaxy was, filled with so many little details that breathed life into it in a way that I think is still unmatched. Details such as sunsets made the world real, but what really made it "home" was the housing.

Few, if any, games can claim the mastery of housing that Galaxies attained. Quite frankly, it is still the standard by which I measure housing. And there is almost no way to sum it up and do it justice in one short article. Despite this challenge, Some Assembly Required dedicates this 12th issue to immortalizing (and hopefully prodding future developers to emulate) one of the greatest housing systems ever and highlighting the very thing that made this great feature phenomenal: incredible player ingenuity and creativity.

But don't just take my word for it. A number of readers joined in and sent in screenshots of and waypoints to these expressions of creativity. So step on over the threshold for our tribute in word and image to SWG housing and the player creativity it engendered.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza

MassivelySome Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome back to Some Assembly Required, dear readers. This week marks something of a milestone for Perpetuum, the sci-fi sandbox set in the distant future on a far-flung planet known as Nia. Yes, the mech-based MMORPG has survived its first year (without a free-to-play conversion crutch!), and more than that, it's even grown a little bit. That's no small feat for an indie title in today's overcrowded MMO marketplace, never mind a niche sandbox that's been called a ground-based EVE Online.

Join me after the break for a recap of Perpetuum's first 12 months.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Happy birthday Perpetuum!

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Happy birthday Perpetuum! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-year-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-retrospectiveavataravatar-creationsccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsintrusionintrusion-2.0niaone-year-anniversaryopinionperpetuumplayer-contentplayer-economyplayer-generated-contentretrospectivesandboxsarsci-fisome-assembly-requiredterra-incognitaFri, 25 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: EQII's Festival of Discord]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/some-assembly-required-eqiis-festival-of-discord/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/some-assembly-required-eqiis-festival-of-discord/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/11/some-assembly-required-eqiis-festival-of-discord/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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Over the last few months, Some Assembly Required has covered features within games (such as quest-building tools, music, and housing) as well as overviews of full games themselves, not to mention some existential ranting on the life and times of the sandbox genre. This week, we focus on another aspect: player events.

Most player-created events range from RP tavern nights to full-blown tests of skill to races and scavenger hunts. These events are smaller affairs involving either a group of close friends, a guild, or perhaps even a mixture of a few guilds. However, there are occasions when events can grow larger... much larger. Such is the case with EverQuest II's Festival of Discord. Not only is this a server-wide festival designed and hosted by players, but it is fully supported by Sony Online Entertainment. And let me tell you, SOE has pulled out all the stops!

Want to see what this festival is all about or (better yet) make some of these events on EQII's Antonia Bayle server in person? Grab your cloak and join me past the break for a rundown of the festival, its history, and even events yet to come!

Gallery: EQII's Festival of Discord

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: EQII's Festival of Discord

MassivelySome Assembly Required: EQII's Festival of Discord originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq-2eq-iieventever-quest-2ever-quest-iieverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedlive-eventlive-eventsplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentrole-playRolePlayersRolePlayingSandboxSARsoe-eq-2soe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-2sony-eq-iiFri, 11 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Hey folks, and welcome back to Some Assembly Required. The column's been around for a little bit now, and we've done everything from developer interviews to opinionated rants to sandbox and player-generated content feature spotlights. One thing we haven't done is an impressions piece on new sandbox titles, and I aim to fill that void today with an early look at Dawntide.

The title is an open-world fantasy sandbox under development by Working as Intended, an indie outfit that calls Copenhagen, Denmark home. Dawntide has been under construction for quite a while now (we first spoke with the devs way back in the summer of 2009), and after a series of funding and development challenges, the end of the long beta journey is in sight.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide

MassivelySome Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attributesbetacombatcraftingdawntidefeaturedfirst-impressionsgame-mechanicsgatheringhands-onharvestingimpressionsindieindie-sandboxopen-betaopinionpreviewssandboxskill-basedskillssome-assembly-requiredstatstheorycraftingtradeskillingwaiworking-as-intendedFri, 28 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Quest building with SWG's Chronicles]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/14/some-assembly-required-quest-building-with-swgs-chronicles/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/14/some-assembly-required-quest-building-with-swgs-chronicles/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/14/some-assembly-required-quest-building-with-swgs-chronicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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What? A tease you say? No I'm... OK, maybe just a little. But that's really not to be helped. If you wonder why we are seeming to delve into Star Wars Galaxies a bit more than other games right now, it is because we have to cover it before the lights go out, else how would you have a chance to go in and explore it for yourself? And the fact that the suns are going to permanently set over Tatooine in a couple of months does not negate the fact that there are some impressive features in the game worth highlighting! Hopefully, by doing so, not only will players be able to take some time to enjoy them while they can, but other developers will get the hint and start incorporating more into their titles.

What feature is the focal point of this eighth edition of Some Assembly Required? In case you missed it hidden so sneakily in the title, it's SWG's Chronicles system. You can't define player-generated content any better than with sharable quests created by the players themselves. Sure, other games have quest builders (the question is why don't more?!), but Galaxies has some unique elements.

If you have been gone from the game so long that you have no idea what I am talking about, take heart: Today's guide will explore this feature and walk you through exactly how to get started. If you have an active subscription to take advantage of the final months of this epic sandbox, you can hop into game and tinker with Chronicles before it is gone for good. Trust me, it is worth it.

Hop a landrover and zoom past the cut for a look at SWG's version of build-a-quest.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Quest building with SWG's Chronicles

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Quest building with SWG's Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chronicle-Masterchroniclesfeaturedplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsprofessionquest-creationquest-makerQuestssandboxsandbox-gamesSARsoesome-assembly-requiredsony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmosubmission-requestFri, 14 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architectural blueprints
Between bouts of Global Agenda, Age of Conan, and a stack of single-player games, I've been taking my own advice lately and looking for a new sandbox. The end of Star Wars Galaxies is forcing my hand, and I figured I'd better start now if I don't want to be stuck with nothing to play on December 16th.

While there is a veritable ton of different sandboxes to choose from, I must admit to being a bit frustrated with nearly all of them. If it's not one thing, it's another, and most are such glaring deficiencies that I can't help but wonder what was going through the minds of the development teams during the construction process. Join me after the cut for a few things you should consider if you're making an MMORPG sandbox.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox

MassivelySome Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bind-on-equipbind-on-pickupboebopcraftingcross-faction-chatcross-faction-communicationdesignfacepalmfeaturedffa-pvpgame-designgame-mechanicsgame-systemshow-to-screw-up-your-sandboxitem-decaylocal-bankinglocal-banksmmo-industrymmo-item-decaynanny-stateopinionpvpsandboxsandbox-designsandbox-mechanicssandbox-pvpsandparkschadenfreudescrewed-up-sandboxessome-assembly-requiredsystemstradeskillingtradeskillsFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST