Virtual World News
Vanguard removes class, race, coin, and housing restrictions for F2P today
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Classes, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Races, Dev Diaries, Housing
In his most recent producer's letter, Harvey Burgess outlined some pretty big improvements coming to the recently reinvigorated fantasy game; even better, the changes go live in today's update! All players can now roll any class and any race they desire, whether they are freemium or paid members. Everyone can also participate in Vanguard's expansive housing system, and anyone -- regardless of pay level -- can form guilds. Even the two plat coin limit has been removed. As a bonus, previously earned veteran rewards have also returned!
With these changes (and more) hitting the F2P model, what will make subscribing worthwhile? How about discounts on various in-game fees, increased XP and faction gains, and even the ability to purchase an additional housing plot for starters! A full listing of the new F2P model can be viewed on the official site.
Vanguard removes class, race, coin, and housing restrictions for F2P today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Producer's letter, Game update summary
- Via: Twitter
New video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, MMO industry, PvP, News items
Within each locale are sectors divided into PvP or PvE mission areas. Kartuga will start with nine different sectors for players to explore. Philipp Arlt, game designer, stated, "We want to show that the wonderful world of pirates can be more diverse than what is out there now. Players can expect a lot of visual variety from Kartuga." Check out the stylings of the three kingdoms in the clip after the cut.
[Source: InnoGames press release]
Continue reading New video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales
New video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Ask Massively: Counting the hits
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Lore, Opinion, Massively Meta, Humor, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous
I think Bree and Patrick are right on in a number of points. (Bree also did very well in last year's predictions too!)We are pretty awesome, aren't we? Well, except for the part where I also predicted City of Heroes 2. Soooooo maybe not so awesome after all.
In today's Ask Massively, let's take a peek back at our staff predictions from last year, the ones we made in 2011 for 2012. And let's count the hits and the misses. Did we get as much right as we got wrong? Come on -- it'll be fun(ny).
Continue reading Ask Massively: Counting the hits
Ask Massively: Counting the hits originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Image source
The Perfect Ten: Why MMO armor is completely ridiculous
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Culture, MMO industry, Opinion, Humor, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous
I get why tropes are depended on so much, but in my opinion, they rob these games of the potential to be more immersive and lifelike. Pretty much most elements of MMO games break down even when you apply the game's own internal logic (what little has been revealed) to it. Chief among these borked elements? Armor.
MMO armor just doesn't make sense, nor does it hold up to even a light level of scrutiny. Today we're going to cast aside the "it's just fantasy, go with it" excuses to investigate why your gear is completely ridiculous from a common sense standpoint. Heck, I wasn't even breathing hard by the time I counted to 10 on this one.
Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Why MMO armor is completely ridiculous
The Perfect Ten: Why MMO armor is completely ridiculous originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Diablo III's Jay Wilson steps down as game director
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, Diablo III
"While it's been one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life, I've reached a point creatively where I'm looking forward to working on something new," Wilson wrote in his farewell letter. "The powers that be at Blizzard have been gracious enough to give me that opportunity."
Wilson stressed that the ongoing development of Diablo III will "carry forward as normal" and that he'll remain available to th team for consultation and advice.
He discusses the creation, launch, and development of the action RPG, ending with a sentimental wave to fans: "You are the most passionate, dedicated group of gamers a designer could hope to have. I wish you all the best, and want to thank you for making this an amazing experience for me."
Diablo III's Jay Wilson steps down as game director originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Jay Wilson farewell letter
DayZ standalone version should arrive by April
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Betas, Horror, Launches, MMOFPS, Miscellaneous
Hall says that DayZ's standalone version should come out before April, although he allows for wiggle room if something comes up between now and then. The team is being cautious about pulling the trigger on testing, too: "Slowly we'll hand out the first keys and get a few servers running. Then we will reassess. It could go really well and we open up quickly, or it could go badly. Don't expect the tech test to be fun, or very pretty."
Past the release of the standalone version, Hall said that he has plans to create a new map that centers around a western city.
Hall also addressed his frustration at being confused with The War Z: "I am angry about The War Z. I'm very angry. I'm quite hurt personally because anyone can see how similar the words are, and while the average gamer knows the difference, individual people don't. I've had family members and close friends mistake the difference and confront me about what they believed was unethical behavior they thought I was making."
DayZ standalone version should arrive by April originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Funcom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, MMO industry, News items, The Secret World, Miscellaneous
Massively contacted Funcom for an official statement. Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen confirmed layoffs but assured us that Funcom's games will continue on: "We are currently in a restructuring process and the Montreal office is part of that process along with our other branches. This process unfortunately involves a reduction in staff, but the studio is not closing down. It will continue on, but in a different form and function than today. Anarchy Online, as well as The Secret World and Age of Conan, will definitely continue to operate and be an important part of the company's focus going forward." He said that the studio would provide more details when it had finished with the process.
Funcom previously stated that it was restructuring the company to make it more profitable. The Montreal office was established in 2009 and employed 110 people.
Funcom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Tanya Short Twitter
38 Studios debt to be partially repaid with bloody sock
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, real-world, MMO industry
The blood-stained sock worn by Schilling on that day is now stuff of Boston legend and had become quite an icon during the series. It seemed to be a piece of memorabilia that Schilling wouldn't dare part with, but his recent business dealings have forced his hand. And foot.
If you find yourself in need of a used bloody sock to frame in your sports den, you can start the bidding on February 4th. Schilling hopes to raise at least $100,000 through the auction.
38 Studios debt to be partially repaid with bloody sock originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Gamespot
Warface begins operation Closed Beta
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Betas, Free-to-play, MMOFPS
Warface. Warface never changes. Except when it does, such as how it's gone into closed beta today in anticipation of a spring launch.
Trion Worlds and Crytek announced that the online shooter has now progressed into the beta phase, where it'll stay for the time being. Crytek General Manager Publishing Dirk Metzger says that players should be drooling over this ridiculously good-looking title: "We look forward to making the experience even more engaging as waves of pre-registered players are invited to join the closed beta and play their part in shaping Warface ahead of its final launch."
The studio describes Warface as taking part in "a vast and frequently updated PvE universe." If you're interested in joining the beta test, you can apply on Warface's site.
[Source: Trion Worlds press release]
Warface begins operation Closed Beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
The Guild Counsel: Everyone's a critic
January 17, 2013
Filed under: Guilds, MMO industry, Opinion, The Guild Counsel, Miscellaneous
In a guild, the fine line between helpful advice and unwanted criticism can often lead to a tense atmosphere and the potential for plenty of drama. "L2p" gets tossed around on forums and in game, but what if someone really does want to get another player to improve? In today's Guild Counsel, let's take a look at some of the factors involved with criticism and explore why this is often a very sensitive subject.
Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Everyone's a critic
The Guild Counsel: Everyone's a critic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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