Virtual World News
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Business models, Economy, Guild Wars 2
The browser version of the store, which is also available in the game itself, is only partially functional at the moment. While it does list the categories, items, and icons for its wares, it's lacking any prices, descriptions, or ability to purchase.
It's worth a look if you want a first-hand view of the goods that ArenaNet hopes will power Guild Wars 2's profitability, of course. The categories include style, consumable, support, account, boosts, and minis.
Guild Wars 2 gem store goes (partially) online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Gem Store
- Via: Gamebreaker
Filed under: Betas, Lore, Betawatch, Miscellaneous
We also say farewell to TERA this week as it's now out of beta and available in the West!
The full Betawatch roundup is tucked behind the break, ready and waiting to take over your weekend.
Continue reading Betawatch: April 28 - May 4, 2012
Betawatch: April 28 - May 4, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Cabal Online, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items
Among the tweaks are a new battle mode, new achievement and appearance-changing systems, and powerful new jewelry and gear. There's also a dungeon called Hazardous Valley. We're betting that you'll want some friends to tackle it if the name is anything to go by, and we're also quite sure that the rewards will be worth your time. More details are available at Cabal's official website.
[Source: Game-Masters.com press release]
Cabal's Third Awakening patch hits Monday, brings new battle mode originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online
Fans familiar with previous games in the MechWarrior franchise or the BattleTech board game will know the Catapault quite well. It's just barely into the heavier weight class. sporting jump jets and medium lasers to help it move out of dangerous engagements or disable lighter units. And, of course, there are its twin missile banks, effective as a direct-fire weapon or for use as artillery with an assisting spotter unit. The game's screenshots also show off the classic variant replacing the missile banks with PPCs, high-powered energy cannons designed to fry targets at extreme range.
[Source: Piranha Games press release]
MechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapault originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Previews, Dev Diaries, WildStar
Wiesman previously worked at EverQuest's Verant and is currently the driving force behind WildStar's UI engine. He reports that not only will players be able to change the look and layout of the UI from the get-go, but WildStar will support Lua to allow for addons and mods.
He assures that creating such addons won't be a frustrating experience devoid of proper instruction and support: "If you can program at all, I promise you'll be able to make an addon for our game. Our commitment is to make sure the process is documented, clear, and accessible. Promise."
[Thanks to Bill for the tip!]
WildStar to support and encourage addons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: WildStar Wednesday
Filed under: Fantasy, Age of Conan, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind
Morrison's response: "Not everyone wants a new player and a two-year veteran to be on equal footing. Many want that to count, aside from knowledge."
By "that," Morrison meant time spent playing the game and paying your character dues, as it were. This brings up an interesting debate, since MMOs have a reputation for rewarding geared players over skilled players in both PvP and PvE. What say you, Massively readers? Should veterans and newbs be on equal footing?
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!The Daily Grind: Should veterans and newbs be on equal footing? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, MMO industry, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Promotions
Players who rift into enemy territory will receive reward items, as will those who log at least one PvP kill. Three players per faction will be selected to receive a special Cirruspeed mount prize (though it's worth noting that said mount expires after 30 days).
Finally, the devs will be spawning legendary raid monsters on Sundays. Full details on the promo events are on the Aion website.
Aion offers rewards in new Broken Alliance PvP event originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: A Broken Alliance
Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Interviews, MMO industry, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Firefall
Kern said that the pressure that publishers put on studios are death to the industry, resulting in either "an indie game or... a massive AAA, IP-backed sequel with derivative gameplay." He thinks that there's no middle ground, and it disturbs him how many studios fire staff right after a game launches.
Instead, the man behind Firefall believes that the free-to-play model puts the power back in the hands of the developers who then can concentrate on making games without having to kowtow to the publishers and distributors. "Look at Riot Games and League of Legends. They have more users than World of Warcraft does. That's crazy. And they don't have a publisher," Kern said.
Citing the expense and sluggish reaction of console development, Kern also predicts that mobile and PC gaming are on their way to take over the field. "Something has to change," he concludes. "Consoles, I believe, are dead."
Red 5 Studios CEO denounces consoles and publishers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Eurogamer
Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online
Fans familiar with previous games in the MechWarrior franchise or the BattleTech board game will know the Catapult quite well. It's just barely into the heavier weight class. sporting jump jets and medium lasers to help it move out of dangerous engagements or disable lighter units. And, of course, there are its twin missile banks, effective as a direct-fire weapon or for use as artillery with an assisting spotter unit. The game's screenshots also show off the classic variant replacing the missile banks with PPCs, high-powered energy cannons designed to fry targets at extreme range.
[Source: Piranha Games press release]
MechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapult originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Xsyon, Sandbox
Players may also create quests for one another. Doing so rewards both the quester and the creator with XP upon successful quest completion. Overall experience gain has been adjusted to reward players per action and via quests, which should lead to a marked reduction in the grinding necessary to gain skills.
These are just a few of the improvements, too. Have a look at the patch notes for the full list.
Latest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Patch notes