Virtual World News
Filed under: Culture, Interviews, Humor, The Game Archaeologist, Miscellaneous
Even though it's been quite some time since we finished up our two-part series on the Kesmai company and its incredible (and little-remembered) role in powering up the MMO genre, I wanted to return to take the topic for one last spin. A fellow blogger, Wilhelm "The Ancient Gaming Noob" Arcturus, backs his nickname up by providing memories and stories from gaming eras well before many Massively readers' time. Since he actually played several Kesmai titles back in the day and lived to tell the tale, I wanted to pick his brain before we moved on to other titles.
So join me in welcoming Wilhelm and his magical clockwork nostalgia retrieval system!
Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai
The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Video, EverQuest II, Game mechanics, Interviews, Patches, Previews, Endgame, PvE, Free-to-play
Continue reading A land corrupted and a city under seige: A look at GU63 with the EQII team
A land corrupted and a city under seige: A look at GU63 with the EQII team originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Culture, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous
I have to wonder what we'll look back on in another 10 years with the same feeling of "wow, I can't believe anyone thought that was a good idea." Cash shops? Flying mounts? Faction-grinds? Classes? Skill bars? Questing? Tree-top cities without railings? (Seriously guys -- stop making those.) What game mechanic is so outdated and so abhorred that it should be retired from MMOs right now?
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your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!The Daily Grind: What outdated game mechanic should be retired from MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Image credit
Filed under: Previews, Opinion, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide
Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)
Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!
Continue reading MV Guide: April 16 - 22, 2012
MV Guide: April 16 - 22, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Events, in-game, Patches, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries, Anniversary
While the anniversary was perceived as a hap-hazard affair in previous years, Turbine's devs have fleshed it out to rival the other four annual festivals. The focus of the Anniversary Festival is on fireworks and lots of them. There are several new quests to discover, a new fireworks-themed mount to obtain, and beer battles to win.
Because reaching five years is a big deal for any MMO, Turbine's also showering players with free gifts if they log in during this period. The gifts range from fireworks to cloaks to a special mount that is reserved for five-year veterans of the game.
During the anniversary, monsters will drop special tokens that can be redeemed for a wide variety of prizes. There's also a double-XP weekend coming up which will run from April 24th through the 30th.
LotRO launches its Fifth Anniversary Festival originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Aion, Expansions, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia
Like Christmas for a five-year-old, this day seemed like it would never arrive for those of us who have been waiting for Aion's patch for what feels like forever. And ever. And then some. Aion: Ascension certainly took its jolly sweet time getting here, but now it finally has. Even better, you don't have to dodge creepy clowns or be sucked into a television screen to enjoy it.
Now the question is, is the product really worth the hype? I know I have certainly dished out a fair portion of hype in Wings Over Atreia over the past couple of months while sharing my excitement. Too many delectable features were on the menu, things that would breathe more life into the game, for me not to indulge a bit. But as with any hype, there is always a chance for things to not live up to expectations.
So is the new patch as grand and glorious as hoped? After my first few days in game, my answer is a definite...
Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!
Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, PlanetSide 2, Sandbox
A user named Nax has cut together a two-minute clip and posted it on both YouTube and the PlanetSide Universe forums. The short makes good use of the alpha video as well as some pre-existing teaser trailer footage in order to showcase PS2's frenetic action and large environments. We also get a stirring soundtrack compliments of Thomas Bergersen (one half of the prolific trailer-music duo known as Two Steps from Hell).
Check out the goods after the break.
Continue reading PlanetSide 2 fan trailer delivers fan service
PlanetSide 2 fan trailer delivers fan service originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: PlanetSide Universe
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, MMO industry, New titles, News items, TERA
The clip shows off all seven playable races and makes a great jumping-off point for delving into TERA's lore and backstory. It sets up the conflict between the Valkyon Federation and the soulless argon army that threatens it, and the clip also hints at why players are gathering on the game's newbie Island of Dawn. See for yourself after the cut.
Continue reading En Masse releases TERA launch cinematic
En Masse releases TERA launch cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Announcement
Filed under: Polls, Opinion, Races, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard
Yet out of all of the diminutive races in online games, two seem to stand out as the kingpins of the Shortie Empire. The first is Hobbits, the classic heroes of Tolkien's novels as well as Lord of the Rings Online. With their genial attitude, disregard for shoes, and fondness for multiple breakfasts, they've endeared themselves to millions and influenced the development of the RPG genre. The second is Gnomes, the tenacious inventors of the underworld that seem to pop up in every MMO that isn't afraid of a steampunk fringe.
So if a Hobbit and a Gnome fell into a pit together and there was only one breakfast to be had, which would go hungry and which would be satisfied? In other words, which race rules more than the other? Vote after the jump!
Continue reading Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes
Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, Captain's Log
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
Captain'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.