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 Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO
You read that headline right: Star Trek Online will be introducing player starbases in its upcoming Season 6. For the first time in the game, fleets will be able to band together to build a virtual home in the icy blackness of space.

The project was spearheaded by Cryptic Lead Artist Jeremy Mattson, who was given the task of conceptualizing and designing this core feature of the path. Mattson sent us an exclusive developer diary to take us through this process, starting with his examination of starbases in Star Trek's canon all the way through the construction and finished product.

Continue reading Exclusive Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases

MassivelyExclusive Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldeath-starDenis-Osmanbogovicdev-blogdev-diaryearth-spacedockf2pfleetfleet-starbasefleet-starbasesfree-to-playhousingjeff-millerjeremy-mattsonk7Matt-JeffriesNick-Duguidperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-housingplayer-starbaseplayer-starbasespreviewpwesci-fiseason-6star-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO
Lately I've beginning to wonder whether the wait for Star Trek Online's Season Six has been as interminable for other players as it seems to have been for me. Although the past several weeks have been busy in the real-life side of things, those distractions really haven't been all that good at harboring my frustration about the wait for the new stuff as I would have liked.

Season Six is being readied for a move to STO's test server, Tribble, in the next couple of weeks, according to the most recent Ask Cryptic as answered by the game's Executive Producer, Dan Stahl. The new patch will contain fleet starbases and a new fleet advancement system but not much else in the way of story-based content.

That's not unexpected, however, as not one of the previous Season releases really ever contained story-based content; they've merely been game-technology pushes, and I understand that Season Six will be no different.

However a couple of things have come out to the game in the past few weeks that have ruffled some hard-core Trek-fan feathers: Caitian Carriers and Ferasans.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caitiancanoncanonitecaptains-logCBScbs-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedferasanfree-to-playian-richardsloreopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweracessci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online adds a new flavor of cat people]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yo dawg, I heard you like cats, so I put some cats next to your cats so you can fight cats with your cats.
Do you like cats? Hopefully you do, as Star Trek Online has just seen the felinoid Ferasan added to the C-Store. But wait, didn't the game already add Caitians? Yes, but the Caitians are a Federation race, while the Ferasan are exclusive to the KDF, thereby allowing you to play as a kitty on whichever faction you choose. The Ferasan are related to the Caitians but apparently are not quite the same species (presumably akin to the Romulans and Vulcans).

The Ferasan possess only one specific trait, Predatory Instincts, which increases jump height, melee damage, exploit damage, stealth, and perception. Unlocking the race costs 480 Cryptic Points and also unlocks new customization options for Caitian characters on the Federation side. On the other hand, if you just want to have one on the bridge, you can place a requisition for a Ferasan bridge officer for 400 Cryptic Points. So if you've felt that there's a distinct lack of feline members in the KDF, you've now got an option to rectify that situation.

MassivelyStar Trek Online adds a new flavor of cat people originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-officersc-storecaitiancatscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfelinoid-racesferasanfree-to-playkittiesmicrotransactionsnew-itemsnew-racesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online dev unconcerned with losing global playability for the sake of lock boxes [Updated]]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-dev-not-concerned-with-losing-global-playabilit/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-dev-not-concerned-with-losing-global-playabilit/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-dev-not-concerned-with-losing-global-playabilit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

STO image
Lock boxes in Star Trek Online -- love them or leave them, right? Well, now it may be more of an issue of Cryptic's leaving you if your country has an issue with them.

When a discussion on the Jupiter Force forums noted that certain countries may have legal issues with lock boxes in the game, STO developer @borticus chimed in that the "most likely course of action here, if any is taken, is that STO becomes unplayable" in that country. When the conversation turned toward the loss of revenue from losing said countries, @borticus replied that probably less revenue would be lost from losing a country than abandoning lock boxes.

Could lock boxes be making enough of a profit that losing an entire country's playerbase is a worthy trade off? It sounds like it. Anyone hoping that lock boxes were a temporary fad may want to stop holding his breath.

[Update: Borticus has a response for our low-standard website's reporting of something he said in public.]

[Thanks to "Some Guy" for the tip!]

MassivelyStar Trek Online dev unconcerned with losing global playability for the sake of lock boxes [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playlock-boxlock-boxeslockboxlockboxesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you miss PvP if it disappeared from your favorite MMO?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-daily-grind-would-you-miss-pvp-if-it-disappeared-from-your/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-daily-grind-would-you-miss-pvp-if-it-disappeared-from-your/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/the-daily-grind-would-you-miss-pvp-if-it-disappeared-from-your/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - Klingons fighting
Last weekend's dev post about the sorry state of PvP in Star Trek Online was a fascinating microcosm of everything that's controversial about one of the MMO industry most divisive topics. Cryptic's mea culpa regarding horribly flawed mechanics was news in and of itself, never mind the fact that Dan "Gozer" Griffis also went a step further and said that PvP could be excised from the game entirely because its usage and overall impact are insignificant.

PvPers bristled at that notion, and many responded with variations on "well of course we don't play it because the implementation sucks." This led us to wonder about the importance of PvP in MMORPGs as well as the percentage of players who care about its inclusion. For today's completely unscientific and anecdotal morning poll, we'd like to know your thoughts on the matter. Are you apathetic or opposed to PvP, or would you miss it if it disappeared from your favorite MMO?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you miss PvP if it disappeared from your favorite MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdaily-grindf2pfree-to-playno-one-cares-about-pvpopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotdgthe-daily-grindwould-you-miss-pvp-if-it-was-goneTue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO
For a veteran Star Trek Online player, it can be very easy to get mired in the game's seemingly soulless endgame. From restricted (time-gated) play to lackluster PvP to grinding strategic task force missions and dailies, sometimes it's difficult to find reason to log in at all, let alone on someone else's schedule.

There are always a few options, however. Of course, these ideas aren't going to be everyone's cup of raktajino, but they're a start, and I want to take some time to discuss two possibilities that may help to provide a distraction while we all wait for fleet starbases, Tholians, and Ferasan (the new cat-like species to be released for the Klingon faction).

Continue reading Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryMon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic developer: Star Trek Online PvP is 'fail']]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/12/cryptic-developer-star-trek-online-pvp-is-fail/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/12/cryptic-developer-star-trek-online-pvp-is-fail/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/12/cryptic-developer-star-trek-online-pvp-is-fail/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - This is not a PvP screenshot because no one PvPs in STO
How many times have you read a forum post that says insert-random-MMO's PvP sucks? Well, in Star Trek Online PvP actually does suck, and that's straight from the mouth of a developer. It's so bad, in fact, that Dan "Gozer" Griffis makes no bones about the fact that it could even be removed from Cryptic's sci-fi MMO.
"Right now because PVP is in such bad shape we (the developers) have to decide if we think we can turn this problem around. Participation in PVP-related activities is so low on an hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis that we could in fact just completely take it out of STO and it would not impact the overall number of people [who] log in to the game and play in any significant way."
Griffis goes on to say that he is the only developer currently working on PvP, and as such he has to make some hard choices. He has a plan, and though he hasn't shared specifics on it yet, he says there are huge changes in store over the next year.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

MassivelyCryptic developer: Star Trek Online PvP is 'fail' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-griffisf2pfree-to-playgozerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppvp-is-not-really-that-importantpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-pvpwould-you-miss-sto-pvpSat, 12 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Image
Recently Cryptic Studios' Star Trek Online team has pressed forward with a mix of new releases and old reruns in an effort to entertain the playerbase while we await the anticipated release of Season 6 in June.

Some of the recent releases, such as Spotlight on the Foundry, a new Klingon mission titled Alpha, the new Caitian Atrox carrier for the Federation faction, and a duty officer commendation XP bonus weekend, have all been fairly well-received. We have also seen the return of the Ask Cryptic blogs, and apparently we will also be seeing the return of the fan-favorite Engineering Reports at the end of this month.

The question remains, however, whether or not the those relative successes can overcome the controversies that seem to surround the game's other recent releases -- namely, the introduction of what is arguably a new currency and the infusion of yet another time-gated mission.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcash-shopcrypticcryptic-studioscurrencyf2pfeaturedfeatured-episodefree-to-playlobi-crystalsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwererunssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotime-gatedtime-gated-missiontime-gatingMon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Attacking DS9 is always something like content.
Converting a game from a subscription model is hard work. That's the theme throughout the latest installment of Star Trek Online's regular Ask Cryptic feature: The reason that the game has gone for so long without major batches of new content is that the team has been wholly focused on switching models. But there's more coming to the game in the near future, starting with the major Season 6 patch hitting the test server soon.

The coming patch will feature new ground and space missions similar to STFs without being quite the same sort of content. The update will also feature a new Fleet Advancement system, which will give player groups a chance to improve themselves and acquire new bonuses. Star Trek Online players will be well-served by taking a look at the full list of answers, which go into further detail about upcoming systems and planned additions for the next patch and beyond.

MassivelyStar Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdevelopmentf2pfleet-advancementfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmajor-patchmajor-patchesnew-contentpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-season-6Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online puts its featured episodes into reruns]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/star-trek-online-puts-its-featured-episodes-into-reruns/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/star-trek-online-puts-its-featured-episodes-into-reruns/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/star-trek-online-puts-its-featured-episodes-into-reruns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

But where's the holodeck arc? It's not really Star Trek until there's a holodeck arc.
Reruns are a staple of the Star Trek series, especially as it's been several years since the last television series ended. But reruns are a bit more exciting in Star Trek Online because they mean players have a chance to get the special rewards from featured episodes all over again. For the month of May, the game is putting all of its previous episodes into a rerun rotation, giving everyone who missed them the first time a chance to get the special bonuses.

May 3rd through the 9th will feature the Spectres series, followed by Cloaked Intentions from May 10th through the 16th, The 2800 from the 17th to the 23rd, and Cold War from the 24th until May 30th. All of the special rewards are still unique, so if you already have one, you can't get it again. But if you weren't playing the game at the time or just missed the chance, this month offers a chance to go back and catch up.

[Thanks to The_Grand_Nagus for the tip!]

MassivelyStar Trek Online puts its featured episodes into reruns originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeatured-episodesfree-to-playin-game-eventsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fispecial-contentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Cryptic Studios
This week brings to an end my series of interview with Cryptic Studios representatives. We conclude with the second half of my interview with Christine Thompson, lead writer for Star Trek Online.

Thompson confirmed that she essentially writes everything in STO. She admits that she gets some help, sometimes from developers who prefer to write their own work, but she says she writes 90% of everything in the game.

The conversation picked back up with a focus on The Foundry, the user-generated content tool available to players in STO. I asked her if she had any direct advice for authors who use the Foundry to create missions and maps and social zones in the game. She said, "Authors "shouldn't be afraid to tell the stories they want to tell. That's one of the joys of The Foundry. And they should also know not every story is going to work for everybody. Some things people will love, and some things people won't. Use Of Bajor for example. I really enjoyed that episode. We took a chance and did something completely different with that episode, and I liked telling a Bajoran story. But for every person who liked that episode, there was somebody saying" -- and here she dropped her voice to a hoarse whisper -- "oh dear god, why can't I just shoot something?!"

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsj-michael-straczynskiopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online announces junior officer appreciation weekend]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/27/star-trek-online-announces-junior-officer-appreciation-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online
We all know how the story goes: Starfleet captain goes out on an away mission, kills some of the locals, and comes back home to a hero's welcome. Bah! What about the little guys? What about the poor redshirts who were callously thrown to the lions so that their captains could sit and watch from the comfort of space, huh? Well thankfully, Cryptic Studios is not blind to the contributions of Star Trek Online's junior officers, and the studio has announced a junior officer appreciation weekend in their honor.

From today, April 27th, until Monday, April 30th, STO players will be able to give back to their valued junior officers in the form of up to 50% bonus commendation experience for all duty officer assignments. In addition, captains can receive a free purple-quality duty officer "with a unique active roster power," and any duty officer packs opened during the course of the event will each contain a free additional green-quality or better duty officer, so if you're looking to pad out your junior officer roster after the redshirt massacre that happened last mission, now's the perfect time to do so. Just head on over to the STO official site for the full details.

MassivelyStar Trek Online announces junior officer appreciation weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studioseventeventsexperience-bonusf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventin-game-eventsjuinor-officer-appreciation-weekendperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoxp-bonusFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic Studios issues security warning in response to database breach]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Cryptic
Cryptic Studios, purveyor of Champions Online, Star Trek Online, and the upcoming Neverwinter, has just posted an ominous security warning on its official site. Its new security procedures have recently detected that hackers gained unauthorized access to a user database back in December of 2010. According to the studio,
The unauthorized access included user account names, handles, and encrypted passwords for those accounts. Even though the passwords were encrypted, it is apparent that the intruder has been able to crack some portion of the passwords in this database. All accounts that we believe were present in the database have had the passwords reset, and customers registered to these accounts have been notified via e-mail of this incident.
While Cryptic does not believe additional information (like player names and credit card numbers) was taken, it advises vigilance all the same and warns against phishing scams. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

(Thanks to Geoff for the tip!)

MassivelyCryptic Studios issues security warning in response to database breach originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosdatabase-breachdatabase-intrusionemail-scamf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentphishingpwescamsci-fisecuritystar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroesWed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness!]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Massively Speaking Episode 198 is pumped up about open beta season, as games like Guild Wars 2, TERA, and Diablo III promote their wares through shameless stress test weekends. Does it whet the appetite or serve as a potent first dose of a drug that will drag us down into the gutters of addiction and achievement-hunting? Who cares! Jack us in to the Matrix, baby!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingmultiplayermythologyncsoftonline-multiplayeropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspweroguelikerpgsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswTue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 198Massively.com Staff56:47podcasts'; listPost['ItunesChannelHTML'] = 'Shawn Schuster and Rubi BayerMassively Speaking is your weekly look into the latest issues concerning MMOs. Join your hosts Shawn and Rubi, along with various members of the Massively staff and industry professionals, for insight and commentary involving all things massively, multiplayer and online<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Image
Today Captain's Log continues with the first of two installments of my interview with Christine Thompson, Star Trek Online's lead writer at Cryptic Studios!

I began the discussion by asking Thompson about her background as a writer and journalist before she began working for Cryptic. She stated that she had held positions as a reporter, editor, page designer, and wire editor for 13 years, after which she found herself in a position of "either having to move up into management or having to find something else to do."

Yet she spent a lot of her personal time playing MMOs, reading comic books and fantasy novels, and watching Star Trek. Since she had to find a new career anyway, she thought, "Why not find a career I actually enjoy?" That's when she began to look for writing positions in the gaming industry.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstostoryswtorwritingMon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively to co-host STO panel at the Official Star Trek Convention]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/massively-to-co-host-sto-panel-at-the-official-star-trek-convent/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/massively-to-co-host-sto-panel-at-the-official-star-trek-convent/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/massively-to-co-host-sto-panel-at-the-official-star-trek-convent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO
Hey MMO Trekkies, are you beaming down to Las Vegas for this year's Official Star Trek Convention? If so, we've got one event that you won't want to miss: a Q&A panel with Star Trek Online's developers co-hosted by Massively and TrekRadio.net!

We'll be on the scene as Cryptic Studios fields a wide variety of questions from ardent fans of the game. If getting that burning question you've had off your chest isn't enough of a reason to attend, the developers will also show a few trailers and sneak peeks of upcoming content.

The panel will take place on Saturday, August 11th, from 2:00 to 3:00 EDT (11:00 a.m. to noon PDT) at the Rio Suites Hotel in Las Vegas.

MassivelyMassively to co-host STO panel at the Official Star Trek Convention originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-q-and-aconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdev-panelf2pfree-to-playlas-vegasofficial-star-trek-conventionpanelperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweq-and-asci-fisneak-peekstar-trekstar-trek-conventionstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrekradio.netFri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Star Trek Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/why-i-play-star-trek-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/why-i-play-star-trek-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/why-i-play-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO
It was a cold, dreary Saturday morning in January 2010 when I told my wife that we had a quest to accomplish. It was absolutely imperative that we drive into unsafe areas of Detroit to locate one of the very few Del Tacos in the area in order to buy cups. On these cups, as I explained to my increasingly incredulous spouse, were codes for shuttle pets in the upcoming Star Trek Online. I had to get some, I insisted; Captain Kirk was depending on me.

An hour later, our mission was accomplished, and my wife had another tale of husband-geekery to share around the office. To her credit, the very next week she happened to be driving by another Del Taco and purchased me six additional cups to give away to fans who otherwise couldn't get one. That's how awesome she is.

I tell you this story because it is indicative of my relationship with Star Trek Online: silly yet passionate, excitable yet frivolous, and flawed yet fascinated. I've played this game off and on for the past couple of years and have become convinced that while it's clunky and lacking in areas, it's an MMO gem that deserves much better than the slander it's endured.

This is why I play it.

Continue reading Why I Play: Star Trek Online

MassivelyWhy I Play: Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studioseditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestowhy-i-playWed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Image
Next in this series of interviews conducted on my visit to Cryptic Studios in Los Gatos, California, last month is a chat with Daniel Stahl, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online.

I first asked Stahl to give me an overview of his responsibilities as Executive Producer, as there are many people who are either new to STO (or even to gaming overall) who may not have a clear understanding of his role entails.

He stated his job is "similar to making movies." He has several direct reports, the first being the software person or the person responsible for the team of people who actually create the code for the game. The second is the Content Lead, who is responsible for new missions, new features, and anything to with player experience. Finally, the Quality Assurance team also reports to him.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineTurbine-EntertainmentMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Internet spaceships]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/15/one-shots-internet-spaceships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

One Shots
EVE Online is one of those polarizing games that seems to spark debate at every mention, but even if you're not a fan of the game's mechanics, there's no denying that the game's visuals are breathtaking. Infamous EVE pirate Helicity Boson sent in today's highlighted screenshot with this note:
Today I come to you with an amazing screenshot taken during a joint operation with several of Shadow Cartel's friends who happened to have trapped an unsuspecting super capital pilot. The visuals were just... amazing. There are a few more on my site, machine9.net. I hope you'll share this with the world!
Helicity's screenshot and two more starship-themed pics are tucked behind the break!

Continue reading One Shots: Internet spaceships

MassivelyOne Shots: Internet spaceships originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsccpccp-gamescrypticcryptic-studioseveeve-onlinef2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryinternet-spaceshipsone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsspacespaceshipspaceshipsspreadsheets-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarshipstarshipsstouser-submissionsSun, 15 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online adds Ferengi lock boxes and in-game store]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/star-trek-online-adds-ferengi-lock-boxes-and-in-game-store/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/star-trek-online-adds-ferengi-lock-boxes-and-in-game-store/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/12/star-trek-online-adds-ferengi-lock-boxes-and-in-game-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO
Thought that the Cardassian lock boxes and those ever-present "So-and-so opened a lock box and got a Galor-class cruiser!" messages were the end of Star Trek Online's foray into pay-for-treasure items? Think again! As of today, STO players will begin to see Ferengi lock boxes dropping in the game.

As with the Cardassian boxes, the Ferengi boxes can only be unlocked with a special key that must be purchased in the C-Store. The contents of the boxes contain a mystery prize that ranges from the D'Kora Marauder Class starship to combat pets to Lobi Crystals. Gold lock boxes have a higher chance of delivering a better prize.

In addition to proliferating lock boxes across the galaxy, STO's Ferengi are opening a store on Drozana Station that will sell a variety of fun items in exchange for Lobi Crystals. The store will offer Ferengi shuttles, photonic tactical bridge officers, costume pieces, and pets.

MassivelyStar Trek Online adds Ferengi lock boxes and in-game store originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardassian-lock-boxescrypticcryptic-studiosDKoraDKora-Marauder-Classf2pferengiferengi-lock-boxesfree-to-playlobi-crystalslock-boxeslockboxlockboxesmystery-boxesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestostoreThu, 12 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST