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[The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Whenever you get really into a new hobby, it's natural to want to blab about it to anyone who drifts into your gravitational field. That's why we all talk about MMOs, right? It's also why any friends, family members, and coworkers have had to put up with excited rambling about my discovered love for Geocaching.

Some of you probably know Geocaching, as it's been around for over a decade now. For those of you who haven't, it's a worldwide treasure hunt that involves over a million and a half "caches" of various sizes that are hidden and then marked with GPS coordinates. Players head to the official site or one of the open-source projects to get the coordinates and go hunting for them. There's a useful two-minute introduction to this hobby on YouTube if you're curious.

I noted on our Massively Speaking podcast that Geocaching has a lot in common with MMOs: Both encourage questing and exploration, both have treasure to be found, and both plug you into a community of adventurers. Listener Terrence heard this and send in an email with an interesting revelation that ties these two hobbies even closer together, as a game developer brought his online world to a real-world location.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Richard Garriott's haunted cache.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britannia-manorcacheclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistgeocachegeocachinginternational-space-stationisslord-britishmudmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaocean-flooropinionrichard-garriottsecond-pass-mushthe-game-archaeologistthe-guardians-questthe-necropolis-of-britannia-manortitanictorilmudtrailertrailersultimaultima onlineuovideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not a farewell to arms, mind you. That would make the game kind of silly.
The team at Red 5 Studios has been working hard on making Firefall the best game it can be, and as it turns out, that happens to be a game without traditional levels. A new video blog featuring lead designer Scott Youngblood and development VP James Macauley drops the news that the level system is being discarded and replaced with a much more organic system for player growth.

Under the new system, players still earn EXP. That EXP will be spent on specific upgrades at a player's discretion rather than marking off specific levels, allowing you to unlock the upgrades that feel relevant in the order you want them. It also places less emphasis on levels in head-to-head matchups, something Macauley stresses is important to the team.

There's more than just the removal of levels at work, however; the development team is also overhauling crafting to be more complex and rewarding as well as developing a new system of equipment tiers to keep players advancing. The full diary just past the break only gives brief glimpses of several new systems, but Firefall fans should be quite happy with what's over the horizon.

Continue reading Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill

MassivelyFirefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-blogdevelopmentdevelopment-blogf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfuture-patchesfuture-updatesjames-macauleylevelsmmo-shootermmofpsnewsno-levelspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscott-youngbloodshootervideovideo-blogvideosvlogwarTue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screencap -- Marvel Heroes announcement trailer
After months and months of teasing us, Gazillion Entertainment has finally officially released new details about its upcoming new title, the free-to-play Marvel Heroes. The press release claims that the game will take "the MMO category to a completely new level of excitement and engagement" by combining "the energy of action role-playing games with the breadth and immersion of the MMO genre."

Players can now get their first look at Marvel Heroes with the title's first teaser trailer, which features gameplay footage interwoven with some rather menacing shots of a certain Victor Von Doom, who seems to have gotten his titanium-plated hands on what appears to be the Cosmic Cube, an artifact that gives its bearer the power to bend reality to his will. We're not sure what Doc Doom plans to do with the Cube, but we know that it can't possibly be anything good. Presumably it will be up to the players to put a stop to Doom's nefarious plans and return the Cube to its rightful place, but until we find out more, head on past the cut and enjoy the trailer in all of its super-goodness.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

[Update: IGN has a preview of the game that discusses in detail its Diablo roots.]

Continue reading Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]

MassivelyMarvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcosmic-cubedoctor-doomf2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuonew-titlenew-titlessecret-identitysuperherosuperheroestrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - incoming missiles
CCP is a pretty polarizing topic in MMO circles these days. Whether you love or hate the studio's flagship EVE Online title and the community that surrounds it, one thing you can't say is that the devs lack a work ethic. Today marks the release of EVE's 17th expansion, and when we say expansion, we don't mean a glorified content patch that's been dipped in PR sauce.

Inferno boasts a reworked war declaration system, substantial faction warfare updates, a new mercenary marketplace, enhanced graphics, new missile and launcher effects, and a host of other features focusing on everything from inventory to new modules and ship balancing.

CCP has also released a slick new Inferno trailer, which we have for you right after the cut.

[Source: CCP press release]

Continue reading EVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno

MassivelyEVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-expansioneve-onlineexpansionexpansionsinfernoinferno-trailerinferno-videointernet-spaceshipsmissile-launcerssandboxsci-fitrailervideowar-declarationTue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - one universe, one war
CCP has released a new DUST 514-focused developer video. The clip is titled Welcome to New Eden, so if you're looking for any new tidbits about the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS, you probably won't find them here.

If you're a DUST newb, on the other hand, this one's for you, as it gives you a rundown on what sets the game apart from its legions of FPS competitors. In a nutshell, the difference-maker is EVE Online and the way that DUST integrates with a pre-existing game, economy, and playerbase on a scale that is basically unheard of.

As producer Thomas Farrer puts it, "DUST is different pretty much by virtue of what it really is. DUST is a persistent FPS on PlayStation 3. Not only is it directly linked to EVE Online, a PC MMO, it's set directly within the EVE Online universe." Warp past the cut for a look at the full clip.

Continue reading CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514

MassivelyCCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterthomas-farrerwelcome-to-new-edenTue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Defiance - ATVs in SFO
Trion has released a new making-of featurette for Defiance, its "transmedia" property that includes a sci-fi shooter MMO and a Syfy television series.

Defiance the game takes place in the bombed out ruins of a post-alien-invasion San Francisco, while Defiance the TV show is set in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the location differences, Trion says that the events of the virtual world will affect those of the show and vice versa. How so (and how much)? That remains to be seen, but Shacknews has a game preview that sheds a little light on the subject.

In a nutshell, characters on the show might namedrop a gamer avatar who completes a particular mission or makes an impact on the game world in some way. Syfy president Dave Howe also told the website that he's hopeful that gameplay events will have a more significant impact on season two of the television series.

Head past the break to view the full video feature.

[Source: Trion press release]

Continue reading Trion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy

MassivelyTrion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-person-shooterdave-howedefiancemaking-ofmaking-of-defiancemmo-shootersci-fishooterthird-person-shootertrailertransmediatriontrion-worldsvideoTue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Well-known World of Warcraft guild Method secured a world first kill on Diablo III's Skeleton King in inferno mode just a few days after launch but was beaten to the game's completion by a single person. Players have been in outrage all week as server instabilities and login difficulties plagued the game's launch.

League of Legends revealed upcoming champion Darius this week and announced huge client updates that seem set to double the game's frame rate. Blacklight: Retribution released a new Netwar game mode, combining capture the flag and control point gameplay. Heroes of Newerth released its new support hero Riftwalker, Dota 2 released classic hero Treant, and Rise of Immortals took a close look at melee damage-dealer Tzai. Upcoming MOBA Smite will be entering closed beta at the end of the month, and Torchlight II's beta will soon end for the last time.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta

MassivelyNot So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgactivisionbattlenetblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingd3dariusdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhi-rehi-rezhi-rez-studioshoninfernoinferno-modeleague-of-legendslolmetacriticmethodmmofpsmobamultiplayernetwarnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessmitestress-testtreanttreetzaivalvevideowarcraftworld-firstworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 21 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative staff discuss the story setting of The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Right now, this pretty much qualifies as concept art.
MMOs in an existing franchise always present certain issues: You need enough conceptual space to advance a game's storyline, but you may not want to be locked in to never doing another title in the franchise. So The Elder Scrolls Online has to be set in just the right time period for the game to work. In a recent video interview, creative director Paul Sage and content designer Rich Lambert sat down to talk about the why behind the when.

Sage and Lambert explain that the real draw to this particular time period was the fact that there's neither a great deal of recorded in-game history nor a lot of huge events that might affect future titles -- it's a time when almost anything can happen without derailing future events in the universe. The duo also discusses keeping the game aligned with existing lore and ensuring that nothing gets thrown off by mistake. Those looking forward to the game will want to watch the full interview, which goes into more details regarding specifics of lore and setting.

MassivelyCreative staff discuss the story setting of The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorybethesdainterviewlorelore-detailsnewspaul-sagerich-lambertsettingstorytesothe-elder-scrolls-onlinevideovideo-interviewzenimaxzenimax-online-entertainmentMon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR
A long time ago on a server far, far away, the Imperial forces BioWare prepared a Star Wars: The Old Republic update to rule the online world: patch 1.3. Called Allies, patch 1.3 will usher in a group finder, character transfers, and legacy perks.

The group finder will aid in banding together interested adventurers to tackle operations and flashpoints. Lead Designer Daniel Erickson said that the time is ripe for the feature, as players are spread out in levels and are rolling plenty of alts. Saying that BioWare wants to "respect the communities" that have formed, Erickson reports that the group finder will not be cross-server.

He also revealed some of the other key features for patch 1.3. Additional perks to the Legacy system will allow players to customize their experience; we'll see new ports, earlier access to mounts, and bonus XP modifiers for PvP. The patch will also change social gear to fit the armor type of the class using it, server transfers, and the ability to add augments to any crafting items. Looking past 1.3, Erickson promises a "return to big content" with patch 1.4.

If you're a fan of the SWTOR novels, you'll also be delighted to hear that Drew Karpyshyn announced that his next novel, Annihilation, is scheduled for November 13th.

You can watch the patch 1.3 preview video after the jump!

Continue reading SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks

MassivelySWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.31.3-patch1.3-updateadaptive-gearalliesannihilationaugmentsbiowarecharacter-transfercharacter-transferscraftingdaniel-ericksonDrew-Karpyshyndungeon-findereaelectronic-artsgroup-finderinterviewlegacylegacy-perkslegacy-systemlucasartspatchpatch-1.3people-finderpreviewsci-fiserver-transferserver-transfersstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdate-1.3videoMon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape -- Queen Black Dragon concept art
RuneScape players, do you want a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes of Jagex's popular free-to-play title? If so, then you're in luck because today we've got the first in a series of weekly videos that take fans on a behind-the-scenes tour of the game's upcoming content.

This first video focuses on the upcoming Queen Black Dragon update, which is a members' update that will be coming in two parts. The first part of the update will bring a new questline and a "multi-level training dungeon," while part two will bring the Queen Black Dragon herself. The video promises that the fight will be one of the biggest that RuneScape has ever seen, and players who emerge victorious will have plenty of loot to look forward to. For the full, juicy details, check out the full behind-the-scenes video after the cut.

Continue reading RuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update

MassivelyRuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studioqueen-black-dragonrsrunescapesandboxtrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 21 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vindictus EU update features two new raid bosses]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vindictus - Glas Gobbledegook something or other
This must be the day for sexy MMO news. On the heels of one risque announcement, we have a trailer for the latest Vindictus EU update that features a scantily clad lass named Succubus and a demonic colossal called Glas Ghaibheleann. Succubus is, well, a succubus, and she's also a raid boss who will challenge players like no other.

Except for maybe Glas Ghaibheleann. He's also a raid boss. While he's not quite as attractive as his partner-in-crime, he's equally deadly. Nexon says that the pair will awe players with their appearance and unique abilities. Get a load of the latest Vindictus EU update in the video after the cut.

[Source: Nexon Europe press release]

Continue reading Vindictus EU update features two new raid bosses

MassivelyVindictus EU update features two new raid bosses originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playglas-ghaibheleannnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentnexon-europeraidraidingraidssuccubustrailervideovindictusvindictus-euvindictus-europevindictus-raid-bossvindictus-raid-bossesMon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Perpetuum robot duel
A couple of weeks ago, we told you about Perpetuum's new player-build settlements functionality and its new test server. Now, the devs at Avatar Creations have even more exciting news: an expansion!

It's called Gamma Frontier, and Avatar calls it the biggest expansion since the game went live over 18 months ago. Player corporations will be able to build home bases, launch industrial projects, and colonize the new Gamma islands (not to mention defend them from invasion-minded players).

The expansion also features extensive new terrain-shaping abilities. Avatar has given players full control over the land, including the ability to form hills, dig holes, and level the surrounding terrain as they see fit. Due to complications with pre-existing systems and landmasses, the terraforming capabilities are available only on the new Gamma islands (24 in total). Click past the cut to see a brief video of terraforming in action, then head to the Perpetuum website to read all the expansion details.

[Source: Perpetuum newsletter]

Continue reading Perpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses

MassivelyPerpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsexpansiongamma-frontiergamma-islandsniaperpetuumperpetuum-expansionplayer-built-settlementsplayer-citiesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiterraformingtrailertrailersuser-generated-contentvideovideosSun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: BatMUD]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/20/rise-and-shiny-batmud/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BatMUD UI screenshot
Here I am making myself crazy once again. Why? Why do I insist on visiting games that I know will provoke issues both physical and mental? I guess it's because lately I have been fascinated with MUDs, or multi-user-dungeons. They are better described as text-based MMOs or choose-your-own-adventure books written with thousands of other players. It's a fascinating concept, especially when you consider how dissimilar it is to today's modern, easy-to-play offerings. The ancient design of the MUD now feels fresh, so much so that I have decided to dedicate a future article about the possibility of MUDs' viability in today's three-dimensional world.

I have found some good and some very bad over the last several weeks. I've also stumbled across brand-new versions of the migraines that often bother me when I concentrate way, way too hard on PC text. I have to admit that my issues do not seem that common, but it is important to look at a game from all angles, even from the angle of someone who has specific issues. BatMUD has tested my patience over the last few weeks and several hours. It's also shown me some wonderful adventure and sparked my imagination.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: BatMUD

MassivelyRise and Shiny: BatMUD originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatMUDbeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudmulti-user-dungeonrise-and-shinystreamthreshold-rpgtwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New flythrough video previews Project Copernicus]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A pair of scales might be more apropos. Or dice.
In the wake of the Rhode Island governor's release announcement, all eyes are on 38 Studios and Project Copernicus. Up until now the title has been talked about only in hushed tones, but today we've gotten a little something more: a flythrough of some areas of the game, showing off what we can expect from the environments. And suddenly that announced release date seems just a touch more plausible because the environments certainly look gorgeous.

Players of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will no doubt recognize some of the environmental looks if not the exact locations, but everyone can appreciate the design that's gone into each region. Of course, it's a long road between showing a pretty place and making a playable game, and 38 Studios is still struggling to keep its head above water. But the MMO the studio has promised seems a bit more plausible now, and hopefully there's a light at the end of this particular tunnel.

[Thanks to all the tipsters who sent this in!]

Continue reading New flythrough video previews Project Copernicus

MassivelyNew flythrough video previews Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbreakingcopernicusearly-previewflythroughpreviewsproject-copernicustrailertrailersvideovideoszone-previewFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online - Druid wolf form
Turbine continues its Menace of the Underdark info blitz this morning with a new video centering on Dungeons and Dragons Online's maiden expansion. If you've been hiding in a troll cave for the last month, you may not be aware that the devs are taking players from Eberron to the Forgotten Realms starting on June 25th.

There's also a new Druid class, which is the focus of today's dev diary clip. Executive producer Fernando Paiz calls the Druid the single most requested feature by the DDO playerbase over the last six years. Click past the cut to learn more about the class and see if it measures up to your expectations.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading New DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class

MassivelyNew DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-videodnddruiddruid-videodungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarkmenace-of-the-underdark-videoturbineturbine-entertainmentvideoFri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar Thursday brings the Metal Maw action]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/wildstar-thursday-brings-the-metal-maw-action/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/wildstar-thursday-brings-the-metal-maw-action/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/wildstar-thursday-brings-the-metal-maw-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WildStar Metal Maw
Metal Maw, the brain child of a live drawing session conceived at last year's Gamescom, is featured once again in this week's WildStar "Wednesday" -- and this time he's not just some concept art or a 3-D model but a fully animated death-bringer! Along with a test video featuring the big guy in action, this week's blog post has some information about the team's considerations in bringing him to life.

This destructive blue hulk is designed for about 15 level 6 players to fight at once and should give them about a three-minute battle. His abilities are designed so that things get steadily more interesting as the fight progresses. Now that the team's happy with the way he fights, Metal Maw's been put in a crate and shipped on over to the animation and effects team to get his final beauty polish before being totally ready for players in-game.

Skip below the cut to see the big guy in action!

Continue reading WildStar Thursday brings the Metal Maw action

MassivelyWildStar Thursday brings the Metal Maw action originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdont-believe-the-liesmetal-mawncsoftpreviewsandparksci-fantasysci-fithis-was-SO-posted-on-thursdaytrailertrailersvideovideoswildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsThu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 video features night ops, 23 minutes of alpha gameplay]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/17/planetside-2-video-features-night-ops-23-minutes-of-alpha-gamep/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmmo-shootermmofpsnight-fightingplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-night-fightingplanetside-2-night-opsps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentvideoThu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/adventurequest-worlds-releases-its-first-two-action-figures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Figures sold separately.
Action figures are a great accessory for any video game. Sure, most of us have passed the point when we would use them to stage elaborate battles in the backyard, but it's nice to have something on hand to play with during load times. That's part of the reason that AdventureQuest Worlds is getting into the market with its first two figures, representing Artix and Sepulchure, available in Toys'R'Us stores nationwide starting on May 23rd.

Even if you're not normally the sort to buy action figures, Artix Entertainment has sweetened the deal by making sure that each figure comes with a special in-game house, special armor and weapons, and five playing cards for the game's tie-in card game. If you don't want to wait for them in stores, you can also purchase them directly from the company's online store starting May 18th. The team put together a small stop-motion animation piece as well to celebrate the upcoming figures because honestly, if you've spent this much time thinking about buying an action figure, don't you deserve a toy commercial to cap it off?

[Source: Artix Entertainment press release]

Continue reading AdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures

MassivelyAdventureQuest Worlds releases its first two action figures originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresadventurequestadventurequest-worldsartix-entertainmentcross-promotionsculturef2pfiguresfree-to-playmerchandisenewspromotionstrailertrailersupcoming-releasesvideovideosWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online kicks off a Kickstarter video series]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/pathfinder-online-kicks-off-a-kickstarter-video-series/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/pathfinder-online-kicks-off-a-kickstarter-video-series/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/pathfinder-online-kicks-off-a-kickstarter-video-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pathfinder Online Technology Demo
Pathfinder Online's Kickstarter page got a video update today: the start of a promised "behind the scenes" glimpse of the goings-on at Goblinworks. The video is all about Mark Kalmes, Goblinworks' Chief Technology Officer. Kalmes is introduced as something of an industry veteran, having his hands in the City of Heroes, Champions Online, and World of Darkness pots as he progressed through his career. It was during the WoD years that he met Goblinworks CEO Ryan Dancey, and... well, you can hear the story for yourself in the video.

Along with talking a little bit about himself and how he became part of the Pathfinder Online team, Kalmes says a bit about the company's goal (to "go into beta as quickly as possible, start getting a few people in the game, and then start building the game that they enjoy") as well as his hopes for the game and its development.

This video is the first in a series of introductions to team members and their roles within Goblinworks. Keep tabs on the project's Kickstarter page (where if you're especially passionate, you can still donate even though the team has reached its goal and then some) for further updates!

MassivelyPathfinder Online kicks off a Kickstarter video series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygoblinworkskickstarterkickstarter-videomark-kalmespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpryan-danceysandboxsandparktechnology-demoWed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard uses a video to explain what Diablo III is]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-uses-a-video-to-explain-what-diablo-iii-is/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-uses-a-video-to-explain-what-diablo-iii-is/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-uses-a-video-to-explain-what-diablo-iii-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The angels want YOU! Specifically, they want you to do their job.
So what is Diablo III? Certain members of our audience are likely shaking their heads at the question, but some potential players genuinely don't have any idea. After all, the first game was released back in 1996. For those of you who have heard the name but have no idea what in the world it refers to, you're in luck, as Blizzard has just put together a short video explaining exactly what Diablo III is for the uninitiated.

The short version? It's a game where you head through a lot of randomly generated dungeons, slaughter untold numbers of demons, and try to banish the forces of the Burning Hells from the mortal realm. It's not quite an MMO, but there are definitely tastes of such with the in-game worldwide auction house. But why are you relying on us to tell you? Click on past the break and find out for yourself.

Continue reading Blizzard uses a video to explain what Diablo III is

MassivelyBlizzard uses a video to explain what Diablo III is originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasyguideslaunch-videosmultiplayerofficial-guidesonline-multiplayerpreviewroguelikerpgtrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 15 May 2012 18:30:00 EST