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[Golf MMO Pangya United celebrates three years with item giveaway]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/golf-mmo-pangya-united-celebrates-three-years-with-item-giveaway/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/golf-mmo-pangya-united-celebrates-three-years-with-item-giveaway/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/golf-mmo-pangya-united-celebrates-three-years-with-item-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pangya United
SG Interactive is celebrating the third anniversary of popular golf MMO Pangya United today with giveaways galore, including daily prizes, a scavenger hunt, a golf tournament, store discounts, and double XP bonus weekends.

Players who do nothing more than log in to the game from now until April 25th will receive daily chances to win special gear and outfits that are exclusive to this third anniversary. The double XP weekends will take place from April 14th to 15th and from April 21st to 22nd from 11 a.m. EDT until 5 p.m. EDT each day.

In addition, we've been given a few item codes of our own for 25 interested readers. These codes will unlock a special golf ball in game called the Comet. We have redemption instructions and 10 codes included after the cut, but we'll be giving out the other 15 throughout the rest of the week on our Twitter and Facebook pages, so stay tuned!

Continue reading Golf MMO Pangya United celebrates three years with item giveaway

MassivelyGolf MMO Pangya United celebrates three years with item giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrationcontestcontestsgiveawaygiveawaysgolfgolf-mmopangya-unitedsg-interactivethe-cometthird-anniversarythird-birthdayThu, 12 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New 17-hole course coming to Pangya United]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/25/new-17-hole-course-coming-to-pangya-united/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/25/new-17-hole-course-coming-to-pangya-united/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/25/new-17-hole-course-coming-to-pangya-united/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Pangya United
Popular anime-style golfing MMO Pangya United has a new update coming its way, SG Interactive announced in a press release today. The update will bring with it a brand-new golf course known as Wiz City, which -- as you may have divined -- is home to Pangya United's witch and wizard population. The 17-hole course is the largest update to hit the quirky MMO title in over a year.

If you want to get in on the golfing action (wait, isn't that an oxymoron?), head on over to the game's official site to sign up. If you do so between now and November 9th, you'll receive in-game bonuses such as Gacha Coins and Time Boosts.

[Source: SG Interactive press release]

MassivelyNew 17-hole course coming to Pangya United originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentf2pfree-to-playgolfgolfingpangyapangya-unitedpatchpatchessg-interactiveupdateupdateswiz-cityTue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix invites Championship Manager into the MMO club]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/square-enix-invites-championship-manager-into-the-mmo-club/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/square-enix-invites-championship-manager-into-the-mmo-club/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/square-enix-invites-championship-manager-into-the-mmo-club/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The incredibly popular football (read: soccer) video game franchise Championship Manager is about ready to take the jump into MMO-space -- and Square Enix will be there to hold its hand all the way.

The studio announced today that it will be publishing Championship Manager: World of Football, a free-to-play browser-based title for sports fanatics. Developed by Beautiful Game Studios and Shanda Games, Championship Manager will initially launch in China with a possible international release later down the road. A beta for the title is to be announced shortly.

This is a further indication of the shape of the partnership between Square Enix and Shanda Games, which we reported on last year. The Championship Manager franchise dates back to 1992, with recent versions created by Beautiful Game Studios.

MassivelySquare Enix invites Championship Manager into the MMO club originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful-game-studiosbetachampionship-managerchampionship-manager-world-of-footballchinafootballpartnershipseshanda-gamessoccersportssquare-enixworld-of-footballTue, 19 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Community Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/14/community-detective-issue-24-need-for-speed-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Thus far, Community Detective has stayed on the straight and narrow course of fantasy MMORPGs during its brief existence. Sure, I've taken the occasional detour into sci-fi, superhero, and quasi-historical territory, but the majority of the column's first 23 issues were -- like the genre itself -- largely concerned with sorcerers, scantily-clad he-men, and sword-related violence.

This week I'd like to break out of that mold for a bit and examine a title based in the real world (or more accurately, Electronic Arts' approximation of the real world). To borrow a quote from dear old '80s cinema: I feel the need, the Need for Speed World.

Continue reading Community Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World

MassivelyCommunity Detective Issue #24: Need for Speed World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscommunity-detectivecommunity-pollingcsrcustomer-servicedrivingeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhelphelp-ticketneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldnfswopinionracingracing-mmosportsTue, 14 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World laps five million registered users]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/02/need-for-speed-world-laps-five-million-registered-users/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/02/need-for-speed-world-laps-five-million-registered-users/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/02/need-for-speed-world-laps-five-million-registered-users/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Another day, another creatively defined user record shattered. This time around, Need for Speed World does the honors by surpassing five million registered users. The free-to-play racing MMO from Electronic Arts most recently made metrics-related headlines last December when it topped three million registered users.

Gamasutra has the details on the latest milestone and also notes that NFSW is offering motorsport fans a chance to check out virtual versions of actual automobiles from Audi, including the new A1 ClubSport Quattro that was unveiled yesterday.

Need for Speed World is the 15th iteration of EA's venerable racing franchise and the first to feature MMORPG stylings. You can read all about it and download the free client at the game's official web destination.

MassivelyNeed for Speed World laps five million registered users originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-million-registered-userseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryneed-for-speed-worldnfswreal-liferegistered-userssportssports-carsstatisticsusersThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[gamigo's Golfstar MMO tees off]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/24/gamigos-golfstar-mmo-tees-off/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/24/gamigos-golfstar-mmo-tees-off/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/24/gamigos-golfstar-mmo-tees-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free-to-play publisher gamigo has added a sports title to its MMO roster in the form of Golfstar, a new title that officially teed off earlier today. Golfstar features five game modes (stroke, match, skins, tournament, and team tournament) and allows for up to 30 players to compete simultaneously on a single course.

The game also features a progression element in the form of outfit and accessory collecting, and your virtual golfer can procure clubs, clothing, and a variety of "practical accessories that will make playing easier" according to a gamigo press release. Head to the official Golfstar website for further details, and check out the gameplay video we've got for you after the cut.

Continue reading gamigo's Golfstar MMO tees off

Massivelygamigo's Golfstar MMO tees off originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgamigogolfgolf-coursegolfstarmatch-playskins-gamesportsteam-tournamenttournament-playtrailervideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fourth season begins for 2 Out Rally baseball MMO]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/17/fourth-season-begins-for-2-out-rally-baseball-mmo/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/17/fourth-season-begins-for-2-out-rally-baseball-mmo/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/17/fourth-season-begins-for-2-out-rally-baseball-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Despite the scorn that sports MMOs receive in some quarters, there are a few of them out there. One of those rare beasts is 2 Out Rally, a free-to-play baseball sim that gives players the opportunity to micro-manage a team of major leaguers as both a top-ranked talent scout and a team owner. Gameplay involves creating, training, and developing ballplayers, as well as negotiating with other 2 Out Rally gamers to fill out your roster.

2 Out Rally's fourth season begins Friday, February 18th, and brings with it an increase in team ownership opportunities as well as higher levels of challenge. Season four will continue with a tradition established in season three by allowing players to write for The Scoop, the league's fictional newspaper that adds a layer of immersion and atmosphere to the game.

You can learn more about the game, and start planning your pursuit of the pennant, at the 2 Out Rally website.

MassivelyFourth season begins for 2 Out Rally baseball MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-out-rallybaseballbaseball-mmof2pfree-to-playmajor-leaguemanagermicro-managepress-releasescoutsseason-4season-foursports-mmothe-scooptwo-out-rallyThu, 17 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari starts Test Drive Unlimited 2's engines]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/09/atari-starts-test-drive-unlimited-2s-engines/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/09/atari-starts-test-drive-unlimited-2s-engines/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/09/atari-starts-test-drive-unlimited-2s-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

MMO racers are an interesting breed, seemingly rarer than a '68 GT40. Whether it's due to EA's relatively under-the-radar Need For Speed World or the gone-but-not-forgotten Motor City Online, car enthusiasts with a shared passion for MMOs have endured slim pickings in recent years. Happily, Atari and Eden Games are looking to change all that with this week's release of Test Drive Unlimited 2, an ambitious new racing title for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 platforms.

TDU2 lives up to its MMO billing (and its "beyond racing" tagline) by delivering a non-linear experience that is as much about collecting and progression as it is about driving. Also in the mix are a variety of social options such as avatar, housing, and furniture customization as well as the requisite car tuning and parts tweaking minigames. TDU2 also aims to out-MMO many current MMOs by delivering large playfields and emphasizing shared social spaces (including gambling hubs, player-run clubs, and cooperative races).

TDU2 can be played sans a sub fee after you purchase the digital download or retail box, and Atari plans to offer DLC in the form of car, clothing, and furniture packs to monetize the game over time. Check out our exclusive in-game gallery below and head to the game's official website for more info.

Gallery: Test Drive Unlimited 2

MassivelyAtari starts Test Drive Unlimited 2's engines originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariavatar-customizationclothingdlcedeneden-gamesf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgamblinghousinglaunchesnon-linear-progressionopen-worldopen-world-racersandboxscreenshotstdu2test-drivetest-drive-unlimited-2Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews the Bloodline Champions crew]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/10/25/massively-interviews-the-bloodline-champions-crew/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/25/massively-interviews-the-bloodline-champions-crew/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/25/massively-interviews-the-bloodline-champions-crew/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Bloodline Champions is an exciting arena-based PvP game brought to us by Stunlock Studios -- pretty darned impressive stuff for such new developers, if we do say so ourselves! We took a quick look at it a while back, if you want to catch up first. While our abilities were nowhere near up-to-snuff, it was still obvious that many players were already enjoying the heck out of the game. In fact, if you look at the game's Facebook page, it's obvious that many gamers are enjoying it.

But we wanted to know more, so we fired off some questions to the team. Luckily, they decided to answer our questions before hacking us to pieces. Read on!

Continue reading Massively interviews the Bloodline Champions crew

MassivelyMassively interviews the Bloodline Champions crew originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenabeau-hindmanbloodline-championscompetitione-sportsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftppvpstunlock-studiosMon, 25 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Put the pedal to the metal with a beta key for Test Drive Unlimited 2's beta event this weekend]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/10/22/put-the-pedal-to-the-metal-with-a-beta-key-for-test-drive-unlimi/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/22/put-the-pedal-to-the-metal-with-a-beta-key-for-test-drive-unlimi/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/22/put-the-pedal-to-the-metal-with-a-beta-key-for-test-drive-unlimi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You know, we don't get many racing games around these parts. Need For Speed World was one of the first games, for sure, but there was another game before that -- Test Drive Unlimited.

Test Drive Unlimited is back with a sequel, and this time it's coming to the PC crowd in addition to the consoles. TDU2 will be taking place on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Ibiza. Just like before, your single-player and multiplayer experiences are blended together in TDU's "always online" M.O.O.R state (Massively Open Online Racing), so you'll pass/meet other players, even if you're choosing to play the single-player mode.

This version of TDU also finally allows you to get outside your car and walk around as an avatar, buying clothing and customizing your look. And, if you missed not being able to form your own social cliques in the last game, no worries! This sequel features the ability to create "clubs" -- groups of drivers racing for power and profit.

This weekend is a special beta event for the game, and we here at Massively are holding 1,500 keys to give away! Be the first to check out the new Test Drive Unlimited by jumping past the break for your key and the full instructions on how to get into the beta weekend!

Continue reading Put the pedal to the metal with a beta key for Test Drive Unlimited 2's beta event this weekend

MassivelyPut the pedal to the metal with a beta key for Test Drive Unlimited 2's beta event this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribeta-eventbeta-keybeta-key-giveawaybeta-weekendmassively-open-online-racingmoorracingtdutdu2tdu2-betatest-drive-unlimitedtest-drive-unlimited-2test-drive-unlimited-2-betaFri, 22 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: FreeJack]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/09/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-freejack/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-freejack/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-freejack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FreeJack is a new MMORPG brought to us by Gamerkraft. It's based on parkour, a sport that pits human against pavement -- a ballet performed upon rooftops and railways. Well, that's the theory, at least. In reality, parkour is sometimes very cumbersome to watch. If you are ever fortunate enough to catch a televised parkour competition, you'll see that there is almost no fluidity involved at all. Instead, players perform flips and spins on a perfectly laid-out track. It feels clunky, especially when the runner pauses to set up a killer move.

FreeJack, I had hoped, would give back some of that fluid movement to the sport. After all, a fall in a video game does not end your life -- greater risks can be taken. When we picture parkour in our heads, we see superhero-like movements, leaping between buildings, or balancing on wires. In most ways, FreeJack delivers this experience. It also features some really cool graphics, fantastic customization and great social systems.

But in the middle of all that fun, the game can just stop you and make you feel more human than ever.

Gallery: Freejack screenshots

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: FreeJack

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: FreeJack originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balletbeau-hindmanbetae-sportsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreejackfreejack-mmoftpgamerkraftmultiplayer-demoParkourRacingrise-and-shinysportsSun, 19 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Cars takes off with a full tank of gas]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not every day that you're invited to make an anthropomorphized vehicle that you're expected to both race and comfort its feelings. Leave it to Disney Pixar, then, to make the first move in that department, which is why they've launched World of Cars for the hot-rodding set.

Based on the 2006 hit animated film, World of Cars invites drivers of all ages to create their own personable car and go head-to-head with friends and strangers. There are even cameos from the movie, as Cheech Marin and Jennifer Lewis return to reprise their roles in the game. Players can explore the open world, upgrade their cars, and enter races for fame and money as they like.

Right now, World of Cars is free-to-play with optional microtransactions and subscriptions, and features a full set of parental controls so your mommy or daddy can tell you when you need to stop playing and go into work. Or school. It's okay, we won't tell anyone you're actually having fun with cartoon cars if you won't tell on us too.

MassivelyWorld of Cars takes off with a full tank of gas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscheech-marindisneydisney-pixarf2pfree-to-playftpjennifer-lewislaunchMicrotransactionsparental-controlspixarworld-of-carsFri, 13 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Need for rollercoasters]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/one-shots-need-for-rollercoasters/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/one-shots-need-for-rollercoasters/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/one-shots-need-for-rollercoasters/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to adrenaline junkies, there's no challenge that seems too crazy -- especially when it's in a video game and you won't really suffer any broken bones from those insane stunts! Today's One Shots contributor, Jeroen V., is not content to simply zoom around in Need For Speed World at high rates of speed, racing against other players. Instead, he's dreamed up a crazy driving stunt he wants to pull off... somehow. He writes in:

"I was just cruising the streets of whatever they called this town when I came across a roller coaster. Who doesnt want to race his car down a roller coaster track? I'm still searching for a way in!"

There are tons of interesting sights out there in the MMOGverse, but we need you to help make One Shots happen. If you'd like to contribute, grab a screenshot of something interesting from your favorite game for us! Then all you have to do is email it to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Need for rollercoasters originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjeroen-vneed-for-speed-worldnfswone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsTue, 03 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Bloodline Champions]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-bloodline-champions/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-bloodline-champions/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-bloodline-champions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Bloodline Champions, a new arena-based combat game from Stunlock Studios, asks only one thing of the player: to kill. Unfortunately for me, I am better at balancing bicycles on my nose than I am at pwning noobs, so I was a little hesitant in trying the game. I decided to puff out my chest and hit the download button. What I found was about what I expected, but made with care. The game is "tailored for esport," meaning that it is made to allow players to repeatedly knock the crud out of each other while racking up kills and stats. If you ever ran the World of Warcraft arena over and over in the hopes of filling out your wardrobe with "welfare epics," then you have experienced a game much like Bloodline.

There are several "bloodlines" to pick from, each with its own set of unique abilities, spells and looks. Many of the bloodlines compliment each other, and forming an efficient team of killers requires communication and dedication. During my stint within the arena, I found myself (and my team) being murdered over and over again by much more tightly knit gangs of players. After a match or two, the pattern and strategy of the members of the opposing team quickly became apparent: they actually talked to each other and discussed tactics. What a strange concept to me. I tend to come to fights somewhat randomly.

Well -- very randomly.

Continue reading First Impressions: Bloodline Champions

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Bloodline Champions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenabeau-hindmanbloodline-championscompetitioncompetitive gamingCompetitiveGaminge-sporte-sportsesportsfeaturedstunlock-studioswelfare-epicsWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 03 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed World takes off July 27th]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-takes-off-july-27th/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-takes-off-july-27th/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-takes-off-july-27th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fast cars. Expensive gas. Gaudy spinners. Fuzzy dice. A lead foot. Radar detectors. EA is set to provide all of these and more when Need for Speed World launches next week. A release date of July 27 has been announced, and will be available via digital download for all hot rod enthusiasts.

Of course, if you can't wait to settle into the driver's seat, you can get into the game today by pre-ordering the Need for Speed World Starter Pack. Apart from the benefit of early access, pre-orders will get their hands on exclusive cars, be fueled with double XP, and have the ever-so-elite "VIP" tag added to their driver profile from now on. The Starter Pack also includes an allowance of NFSW's in-game currency for a shopping trip if one so desires.

A trial of the game will become available next week as well, offering a free sample of NFSW up through level 10 to any and all who mosey by. EA is obviously crossing its fingers that NFSW will go the distance and not break down on the side of the road like Motor City Online, but so far, things are looking up for this title.

MassivelyNeed For Speed World takes off July 27th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-xpeaearly-accesselectronic-artsfree-to-playfuzzy-dicehot-rodlaunchlaunch-datelead-footmcomotor-city-onlineneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldnfswreleaserelease-datestarter-packtrialvipzoom-zoomTue, 20 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed World races its last warm-up lap in a stress test]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/07/13/need-for-speed-world-races-its-last-warm-up-lap-in-a-stress-test/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/13/need-for-speed-world-races-its-last-warm-up-lap-in-a-stress-test/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/13/need-for-speed-world-races-its-last-warm-up-lap-in-a-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Need For Speed World is preparing for starting flag! Today and tomorrow, the developers of this highly anticipated action MMO are rounding the final lap with a stress test. And you are invited! This free-to-play action-racing persistent world closed its beta last week with high marks among fans, and, per the norm, developers need to test the server capacity.

The race to stress EA's servers begins July 13th at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT), and the checkered flag flies on July 14th at 5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT). To celebrate this special event, all rental restrictions have been lifted. That means even at level 1 you can rent any car you would like. This is your chance to test drive that Porsche that you could only ogle during beta testing. As an added bonus, each player will receive 8000 SpeedBoost power-ups. Also, if you are one of the top five racers in the Community Sprint Race Competition for car tiers 1, 2 and 3, the starter pack is yours for free. This packaged upgrade to your account sells for $19.95 in the EA Store and allows you to progress beyond level 10 and obtain a Toyota Corolla AE86.

Drive on over to world.needforspeed.com now for your last chance to feed your Need For Speed before the game's official launch!

MassivelyNeed For Speed World races its last warm-up lap in a stress test originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingEAea-storeElectronic-Artsf2pfinal-testingfree-to-playftpNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-worldnfswporscherace-carracingracing-competitionstress-teststress-testingtestingToyotaTue, 13 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom receives grant to create extreme sports MMO]]>http://www.massively.com/2009/11/04/funcom-receives-grant-to-create-extreme-sports-mmo/http://www.massively.com/2009/11/04/funcom-receives-grant-to-create-extreme-sports-mmo/http://www.massively.com/2009/11/04/funcom-receives-grant-to-create-extreme-sports-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In between navigating the sometimes-choppy waters of Age of Conan and working toward the launch of The Secret World, Funcom is having a busy year, but it looks like they are adding one more project to the pile as well.

Funcom has been given a grant worth NOK 1.5 million -- $262,000 US -- in order to create a new extreme sports MMO. Funcom's Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen says "Yes, I can confirm that Funcom is working on a new project called Board with the World. This will be a free-to-play social MMO focusing on the world of extreme sports. [...] First and foremost we will be focusing on snowboarding, with the possibility of adding different sports later. We also want this to be a social world rich with different types of media content and pop-cultural elements such as music, video and even fashion. It is definitely exciting, and we look forward to revealing more on this later."

Work on the project is expected to begin in January 2010, and we can expect more details as it progresses.

MassivelyFuncom receives grant to create extreme sports MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erling-ellingsenextreme-sportsfuncomgrantnew-titlessports-mmoWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega open to developing more niche MMOs]]>http://www.massively.com/2009/08/17/sega-open-to-developing-more-niche-mmos/http://www.massively.com/2009/08/17/sega-open-to-developing-more-niche-mmos/http://www.massively.com/2009/08/17/sega-open-to-developing-more-niche-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With the success of Football Manager Live in the U.K., Sega is open to the possibility of making other niche MMOs in the future.

During a Sega event in New York City last week, I spoke with Sega West president Mike Hayes about the MMO market. He said that the company's subscription-based sports MMO is doing well, and he discussed upcoming plans for the game.

"Football Manager Live was a very U.K.-specific launch, and our next task is localization to take it to other territories," he said. "So whether that be France, Korea, Brazil or wherever there's a good football fanbase. It's certainly a project we're quite pleased with in terms of the progress we've made. As for future projects... we're looking at things."

But if you're a soccer fan in the U.S., don't hold your breath if you're waiting for Football Manager Live to come Stateside.

Continue reading Sega open to developing more niche MMOs

MassivelySega open to developing more niche MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfootball-manager-livemike-hayesphantasy-star-universesegasportsMon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[News From the Wider MMO World: September 16, 2008]]>http://www.massively.com/2008/09/16/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-september-16-2008/http://www.massively.com/2008/09/16/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-september-16-2008/http://www.massively.com/2008/09/16/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-september-16-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.

World of Kung Fu opens screenshot contest
From September 15th to the 30th, VestGame Entertainment has partnered with zownder.com to create the first World of Kung Fu screenshot contest. "This contest really gives us the chance to showcase the awesome graphics and spectacular artwork that forms such an integral part of the game", says David Clarke, World of Kung Fu's North American Producer. The Grand Prize includes a permanent Xuan Wu mount and over a hundred rare items such as high level Forging Vouchers, Advanced Craftsman Charms, Sky Pearls, and much more. For more information, visit either founder's website.

Gaia Online brings Snoop Dogg and the Incredible Hulk to the virtual mall
Each month, residents of the virtual world Gaia Online have a chance to vote for their favorite real-world celebrities as part of the Celebrity Snare section of the website. As an example, the latest items to have been made available are Snoop Dogg's hairstyle, and the Hulk's torn-up purple pants. "Gaia Online is truly an extension of our users' real life interests and passions and Celebrity Snare is just another way we're enabling Gaians to customize their online persona and express themselves to the community," said Craig Sherman, CEO of Gaia Online. "The same way fans hang a poster on their bedroom wall or wear a t-shirt with their favorite band on it, we're enabling our users to establish a connection with the celebrities they admire." Further celebrities to go virtual will include Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Tila Tequila, Paris Hilton, Raven Symone and Marvel's She-Hulk.

Continue reading News From the Wider MMO World: September 16, 2008

MassivelyNews From the Wider MMO World: September 16, 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesalbatross18bittorrentcabal-onlinedream-of-mirror-onlinedreamlords-the-reawakeningea-mythicexpansionfeaturedfiestagaia-onlinejoystiqfeaturesla-talelast-chaosnewsnews-from-the-wider-mmo-worldogplanetoutsparkrumble-fightersecret-of-the-solsticeshaiastygian-abyssultima-onlinevestgame-entertainmentworld-of-kung-fuTue, 16 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogster will drown you in new MMOs ... if you live in Europe]]>http://www.massively.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/http://www.massively.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/http://www.massively.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Frogster, noted European and Asian MMO publisher, has released a flying voidship-load of information about their upcoming MMOs for the European market.

Long awaited fantasy MMO The Chronicles of Spellborn is still due out late this year, with open beta to begin in October. We've been following this game closely for some time, but it looks like the rumored US publisher (given their prior relationship, perhaps Aeria Games) is not yet ready to announce North American release dates for the game. The World of Warcraft-ish Asian Import Runes of Magic, newly rescored and tuned toward Western tastes, will enter closed beta in September, for a European release about two months later. Isometric pet-raising, caveman-themed MMO StoneAge 2, already in open beta in North America, will be entering European closed beta in August ahead of a fall release. Next week, Frogster will release more information on its latest MMO, soccer-themed Kickster (formerly Kick Off). And they want us to keep an eye out for an expansion to the Bounty Bay Online pirate MMO.

Assuming you live in Europe, which ones should you particularly keep your eye on? If you bought a Gameboy just to play Pokemon, you might really enjoy StoneAge 2. If a subscription fee is keeping you from playing World of Warcraft, Runes of Magic might just be different enough to get you interested, and it will be free to play. If you liked Age of Conan's innovative combat system but couldn't get into the world of Hyboria, Spellborn's unique setting and combat system combined with its lush visuals might sell you.

Check out screenshots from each of these games in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frogster Fall Releases

StoneAge 2The Chronicles of SpellbornRunes of MagicKicksterBounty Bay Online

MassivelyFrogster will drown you in new MMOs ... if you live in Europe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesage-of-conanbetabounty-bay-onlinecasualchronicles-of-spellbornexpansionsfree-to-playfrogstergalleryhistoricalnew-titlesnewspokemonreal-liferunes-of-magicsportsstone-age-2world-of-warcraftTue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST