BioWare responds to SWTOR Legacy system exploits and bans
Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 9:00 pm

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SWTOR - Innocent smuggler
BioWare has followed up on the recent Legacy system/crystal banning brouhaha that resulted in the temporary banning of some players from Star Wars: The Old Republic. Community manager Eric Musco says that less than 150 people were incorrectly flagged, and if you're one of those folks you should have already received a message from customer service.

"If you have not had your suspension reversed and you feel this was in error, please contact accountdisputes@swtor.com and they will be able to look into the issue further," Musco writes.

[Thanks Olorunsegun Adewumi!]

MassivelyBioWare responds to SWTOR Legacy system exploits and bans originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Champions' Forum Malvanum alert now live
Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 9:30 pm

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Champions' Forum Malvanun alert now live
Have you ever wanted to battle for galactic glory on the moon? Now you can thanks to Champions Online's Forum Malvanum alert. The new content just went live, and Cryptic says that player heroes will need to "defeat some of the the most dangerous monsters and gladiators from around the universe" in order to become champions of the Lunar Games.

"The Lunar Games include ten rounds of enemies, with some variation in each run," according to Cryptic's announcement post. "Heroes who complete the first five rounds are guaranteed a prize as worthy competitors. More rewards will be granted by Tateklys for defeating the time-limited sixth through tenth rounds, including a climactic final fight with Firewing himself, reigning champion of the Games. Rewards include costume pieces, resources and more."

[Thanks Matixzun!]

MassivelyChampions' Forum Malvanum alert now live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Summoner's Guidebook Why you shouldn't always buy Deathcap on LoL casters
Once upon a time (OK, a few weeks ago), I was playing an ARAM as Diana. I had a fairly bad score (I'm passive and don't chase kills), and we lost. One of my teammates blamed me, claiming my item build was awful. It was largely because I didn't build Rabadon's Deathcap.

Deathcap is one of the perennial caster items in League of Legends. Not only does it give an enormous amount of ability power, but it also increases all of your ability power (including what it grants) by a whopping 30%. This seems so ridiculously powerful! Even though it's expensive, 30% increase in AP is such a huge boost to damage that it can't be beaten.

Is this really the case, though? In Summoner's Rift, I completely agree that Deathcap is a great item. In Twisted Treeline, Wooglet's Witchcap (the replacement item for Deathcap) is also incredible. However, in Dominion and ARAM, the fast-paced action and frequent conflicts change the nature of the wizard hats considerably.

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Why you shouldn't always buy Deathcap on LoL casters

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Why you shouldn't always buy Deathcap on LoL casters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Ken Hartsook discusses Ultima Forever from behind the scenes
    Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 8:00 pm

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    It's already better than Ultima Occasionally, Ultima Every Once In A While, and Ultima Biweekly.
    Looking forward to having some nostalgic adventures with Ultima Forever when it releases this summer? Then you might enjoy a trip behind the scenes of development with Ken Hartsook, a software engineer working on the title at Mythic. Hartsook is the subject of a new video detailing some of the programming challenges associated with bringing Ultima Forever to the iOS family of devices as well as his favorite parts of the game as it approaches launch.

    According to Hartsook, one of the biggest challenges was finding a control scheme that worked for tablets and smartphones, which meant deviating substantially from classic control models. He also discusses the tilesets in the game and his experience playing a Fighter in the test version of the game. So if your iPad is ready and waiting for a chance to take the jump into Britannia, check out the full interview just past the break.

    Continue reading Ken Hartsook discusses Ultima Forever from behind the scenes

    MassivelyKen Hartsook discusses Ultima Forever from behind the scenes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Black Sheep Online gameplay detailed in new vids
    Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 6:00 pm

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    Black Sheep Online screenshot
    Neowiz is probably best known to western MMO fans as the publisher behind BLESS, one of those gorgeous big-budget Korean imports that seems to land on our shores once or twice per year. The firm is working on another title called Black Sheep Online, though, and if the gameplay vids and screenshots on display at Steparu.com are any indication, the new title might be worth watching.

    The game allows for different limb-focused hit boxes (so targeting arms and legs is a viable strategy), and it also features destructible environments including breakable dungeon walls. Steparu reports that Black Sheep boasts action-style combat and some sort of grappling system. You can check out a gameplay video after the cut, then head to Steparu.com for the full report.

    Continue reading Black Sheep Online gameplay detailed in new vids

    MassivelyBlack Sheep Online gameplay detailed in new vids originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Plastic Wax Studios targets MMO and mobile cinematics
    Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 7:00 pm

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    Plastic Wax Studios targets MMO and mobile cinematics
    If you found yourself impressed when you watched the four-minute cinematic opening for Neverwinter, then address all kudos and praise to Plastic Wax Studios. The company has previously focused on console titles, although it recently stated that it is branching out to provide cinematics for MMOs and mobile titles as well.

    Executive Vice President Dane Maddams touts the studio's high fidelity and skill when it comes to these trailers: "We aimed to really push technology and art to compelling and cutting edge realism with our recent release of the Director's Cut cinematic for Perfect World's Neverwinter. The cinematics were carefully designed to enhance the story in a never seen before narrative and build anticipation for the title to new heights."

    If you haven't watched the Neverwinter cinematic yet, you can do so after the jump.

    [Source: Plastic Wax Studios press release]

    Continue reading Plastic Wax Studios targets MMO and mobile cinematics

    MassivelyPlastic Wax Studios targets MMO and mobile cinematics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Ragnarok Online 2 releases in Europe
      Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 4:00 pm

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      Ragnarok Online 2 releases in Europe
      Ragnarok Online 2: Legend of the Second has been given the keys to Europe, as Gravity Europe announced that the free-to-play title is now available to play across the continent. The game comes with a new English translation, and promises to be "easier to dive into" than the original Ragnarok Online.

      Gravity Managing Director Yves Bléhaut said of the launch, "For us, Ragnarok Online 2 represents a major step in the life of a brand with as high a profile as Ragnarok. First and foremost, hosting so many players on two continents simultaneously represents a technical challenge for both us and our American partner, and it's also a major editorial step as two versions of Ragnarok will coexist: RO1 for purists, and one more accessible to the general public, RO2."

      Ragnarok Online 2 has been rolling out worldwide over the past few months. Gravity Europe is offering two different goodie packs through "specialized media" to promote the launch.

      [Source: Gravity Europe press release]

      MassivelyRagnarok Online 2 releases in Europe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Guild Counsel: Managing the peaks of success
        Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 5:00 pm

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        The Guild Counsel Managing the peaks of success
        I'm a Red Sox fan, and if there's ever a team that can exemplify the ups and downs of running a guild, it's the Red Sox. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the team, and yet they're near the top of the standings, only a game and a half behind the Team that Shall Not be Named. Managing a guild is also very often about handling the peaks and valleys of day to day life. It's as if the whole guild were manic depressive: You need to downplay the peaks and minimize the valleys.

        We've looked at the valleys quite a bit in this column because valleys represent a more urgent problem, but in this week's Guild Counsel, let's look at how to handle the peaks.

        Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Managing the peaks of success

        MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Managing the peaks of success originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Shazam gives Infinite Crisis lineup a jolt
          Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 1:30 pm

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          Shazam gives Infinite Crisis lineup a jolt
          Even as a mere mortal, Billy Bastion stood up to injustice. And now, thanks to the powers granted him by the ancient wizard Shazam, Billy can turn into a mighty lightning-infused warrior to fight against injustice, evil... and whatever opponents happen to queue against him! Joining the pool of available champions in Turbine's upcoming MOBA Infinite Crisis, the superhero formerly known as Captain Marvel (name officially changed to Shazam in 2010) hails from the Prime Universe and brings the power of lightning front-and-center as a melee enforcer.

          Want to catch of glimpse of Shazam's powers and abilities like Speed of Mercury, Power of Zeus, Lightning Field, and Mystic Power/Defense? Then watch the champion reveal video after the break.

          [Source: Turbine press release]

          Continue reading Shazam gives Infinite Crisis lineup a jolt

          MassivelyShazam gives Infinite Crisis lineup a jolt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas
            Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 2:00 pm

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            PRESS HAT
            It's a running joke on Massively that some readers believe our lives are glamorous and that we sleep in beds made out of free video game swag. The truth is that video game bloggers are working in this field because they love the job. At least that's how it is around here. Or maybe writing in our pajamas is too posh to pass up. But people still believe we are loaded with perks just because we get to wear fancy hats that say "PRESS." Just kidding. There are no hats.

            Here's a recent example from a reader named Will6:
            Lucky you, getting to test drive the game. Everyone knows the press get instant invites because they are a free way [for studios] to advertise their game and get the word out.
            It's time for "everyone" to be disabused of that notion.

            Continue reading Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas

            MassivelyAsk Massively: The irony of media and betas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Defiance demands your attention during Memorial Day weekend
              Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 2:30 pm

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              Defiance
              In spite of its recent layoffs (or maybe because of them), Trion Worlds is plunging ahead with its Defiance promotions. Not only will Syfy be showing a six-episode Defiance-the-show marathon and recap special on Monday (that's May 27th from 4 to 11 p.m.), but Defiance-the-game will be on sale on Steam and available freely from today through Sunday to brand-new players. Players will also nab a second crack at the game's early episodic content, which starred the series' lead characters. Quoth the press release,
              Gamers who have yet to explore the open world shooter can try it on PC for free on Steam from May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. PDT [1:00 p.m. EDT] to May 26th at 1:00 p.m. PDT [4:00 p.m. EDT]. Steam is also offering a weekend long sale on Defiance for those whose thirst for alien technology and open world action isn't satisfied by the trial. Both the Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition will be 30% off. In addition, Steam will also be running a sale on "Bits," the in-game currency for Defiance, during which customers will get more "Bits" for their money.
              The studio notes that other retailers will feature independent sales but did not specifically say which ones.

              [Source: Trion press release]

              MassivelyDefiance demands your attention during Memorial Day weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Watch Destiny's law of the jungle trailer
              Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 3:00 pm

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              Watch Destiny's law of the jungle trailer
              We hope you like metaphors because Bungie is bringing a whopper of one to you through the magic of a Destiny official trailer. The trailer is framed by a father reading to his son The Law of the Jungle at bedtime, mentioning wolves and packs in such a way that we totally aren't thinking of The Hangover whatsoever.

              Of course, there's a bit of the game setting in there too, with masked, cloaked soldiers pulling out big guns and showing the enemy the business. The trailer concludes by stating that there will be a worldwide gameplay reveal for Destiny at E3 on June 10th.

              Check out the savage trailer after the jump and let us know what jungle animal guides you in space!

              Continue reading Watch Destiny's law of the jungle trailer

              MassivelyWatch Destiny's law of the jungle trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              BioWare 'actively investigating' recent SWTOR bannings
              Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 12:00 pm

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              BioWare 'actively investigating' recent bannings
              If you follow Star Wars: The Old Republic at all (and judging by the response to our tip line, you do!), you've heard the hullabaloo involving crystals and account bans going on right now. It appears some players have found they can bypass the fee necessary to unlock crystals account-wide in the Collection UI by spawning multiple crystals and using the Legacy system to trade those crystals to alts. As a result, a number of accounts have received temporary bans for exploiting. However, a number of players also claim they were caught in the cross-fire just for having a large number of legitimate crystals in their inventory.

              BioWare has issued a statement that it is aware of the situation and is actively investigating, and that more information will be posted when it is available. In regards to the deleted and locked threads involving the issue, BioWare also reminded players that posts discussing exploits or action taken against accounts is not permitted on the forums.

              [Thanks to all who sent in tips!]

              MassivelyBioWare 'actively investigating' recent SWTOR bannings originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch set for August 27
              Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 12:30 pm

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              Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch set for August 27
              Square Enix has announced today that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is set for release on August 27, 2013 on both PC and PS3.

              According to previous reports, the third phase of the relaunched game's beta will begin some time next month. This phase will be the first time A Realm Reborn will be open to PS3 players during this beta.

              Click past the jump for complete details on pre-order bonuses and the Collector's Edition box contents.

              [Source: Square Enix press release]

              Continue reading Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch set for August 27

              MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV's relaunch set for August 27 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Neverwinter Days: The great economic collapse of 2013
                Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 1:00 pm

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                Neverwinter Days The great economic collapse of 2013
                So funny story: In planning out in advance what I wanted to talk about in this biweekly Neverwinter column, I had selected something that recently caught my eye about the game and made me happy. That something was the Neverwinter Gateway, a web portal that allows out-of-game players the ability to fiddle with their character sheets, auctions, professions, guilds, and mail. I thought -- and I still do -- that this was a nifty service that deserved a day in the sun.

                As I was getting set to write that column, Neverwinter's economy exploded and then imploded over the course of a weekend, thanks to a nasty exploit that involved, yup, the Gateway. Suddenly my topic had to shift from "isn't this a neat tool?" to "check out what the tools are doing with this tool." Seeing the economy effectively destroyed in a matter of hours and how Cryptic Studios dealt with this PR nightmare might be old news at this point, but it's definitely worthy of reflection, analysis, and speculation as to how trust can be rebuilt in this fledgling title.

                Let's get cracking -- we have a lot of ground to cover!

                Continue reading Neverwinter Days: The great economic collapse of 2013

                MassivelyNeverwinter Days: The great economic collapse of 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan
                  Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 10:00 am

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                  The Perfect Ten Movies for the MMO fan
                  You love movies? Sure, who doesn't? I certainly do; I've been reviewing them with friends since 1997. I'm always fascinated by how many out-of-the-way gems there are that go overlooked by the mainstream audience, and I love how films tie into our daily experiences in unexpected ways.

                  MMOs haven't quite gotten popular enough to spawn their own sub-genre of films, apart from the odd fan project or the long-rumored World of Warcraft flick. That doesn't mean that we're lacking good movie role models for our hobby, however. I think that there are plenty of films that are perfectly suited for the MMO fan, even if they've never been thought of as such.

                  So here are 10 films that speak to us as gamers. To make things interesting, I excluded any movie that shares the same IP as an MMO. Read this list and let me know what you would pick!

                  Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan

                  MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    Lost Continent: An ArcheAge community guide
                    Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 23 May 2013, 11:00 am

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                    Lost Continent - ArcheAge Adventures: Community guide
                    Is it me, or has ArcheAge been a long time coming? I don't think it's me because it was three years and thousands of posts ago that Massively introduced ArcheAge to western gamers. Heck, it was six years ago that Jake Song and company started building XLGAMES' upcoming sandpark.

                    And it's been two years -- two years! -- since I first got my hands on the game's seemingly endless closed beta. Now, though, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Trion recently and famously signed on to publish ArcheAge in the West, and despite the silence following the announcement, I'm still optimistic about a beta before the end of the year.

                    Even if it that doesn't happen, we've still got plenty to talk about, which is why I'm taking the wraps off Massively's newest game-specific column. Join me after the cut for the traditional first-issue community roundup.

                    Continue reading Lost Continent: An ArcheAge community guide

                    MassivelyLost Continent: An ArcheAge community guide originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      Superman arrestedI don't know if SOE has any plans to capitalize on the wave of Superman hype sweeping the nerdosphere on account of Zack Snyder's upcoming Man of Steel film. The firm's DC Universe Online title features the big blue boy scout rather prominently, of course, and the timing seems right if there aren't a bunch of legal stumbling blocks.

                      SOE has done movie tie-ins with an MMO before, way back in 2005 when its Rage of the Wookiees expansion added a bunch of Episode III-themed content to Star Wars Galaxies. Last summer, though, the firm didn't really acknowledge Christopher Nolan's final Batman film in DCUO, so it may not be in the cards for Supes either.

                      Regardless of what actually happens, would you like to see appropriate movie tie-in content in certain MMOs? Or do you prefer to keep the properties separate?

                      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 like appropriate movie tie-in content in your MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        38 Studios vs. State of Rhode Island court case begins
                        Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 7:30 pm

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                        Whoever wins, this whole thing was a pretty substantial loss.
                        We'll never see Project Copernicus come to light, and for some people that's the last that needs to be said about 38 Studios. For the state of Rhode Island, however, there's quite a bit more at stake, with the state alleging that 38 Studios tried to hide its financial condition and essentially defrauded the taxpayers of Rhode Island. Opening arguments have been heard today for the case, with the 14 individual defendants seeking to have the case dismissed as completely spurious.

                        When 38 Studios folded, that left Rhode Island in the hole for a $75 million loan. The lawsuit is seeking restitution from Curt Schilling and 13 other individuals, including former members of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp that originally supported the loan. According to the EDC's lawyers, substantial evidence exists that this loan was based upon intentional misdirection on the part of upper management, although the defense claims these allegations are ridiculous. At this point, it's up to the courts who's in the right.

                        Massively38 Studios vs. State of Rhode Island court case begins originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        Choose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall
                        Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 8:00 pm

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                        Choose My Adventure Building on the clan experience in Darkfall
                        Boy, MJ's Misadventureland is really coming along! Hiring a few more hands sure has sped things up; you wouldn't even recognize the project now compared to even just one week ago. But isn't that the whole point of Choose My Adventure -- to watch the adventure that you're building develop and unfold? Well, that and to snicker at your Massively guinea pigs... we know.

                        Having gone into this particular adventure knowing that Darkfall Unholy Wars was not a game meant for the solo soul, I knew that it was only a matter of time before I found myself in a clan to experience more of the heart of the game, which just so happens to be clan warfare. And trust me, the clan wasted no time throwing me into the thick of things once you put me in one.

                        Although I do think starting off solo was important to get the real experience Darkfall any new player would (after all, most find a clan after first logging in), this week really has shown me a whole new game. I'd just scratched the surface before, the skin if you will, and now I've peered into the heart and seen the seedy underbelly as well.

                        Gallery: Choose My Adventure: Darkfall Unholy Wars

                        Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall

                        MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                          Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman
                          Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 9:00 pm

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                          ThresholdRPG screenshot
                          The last time I explored ThresholdRPG, I had a blast. It was one of a batch of MUDs that I used to re-introduce myself to the ancient gaming genre, and I enjoyed its simplicity and friendly community. MUDs can seem to be very similar to each other, so in order to enjoy them, you must be able to pick out the finer details that separate them. In ThresholdRPG, I particularly enjoyed fishing, roleplay, customization, and a free-to-play model that was years ahead of its time when first released 17 years ago.

                          The game can be a bit odd, like any MUD. During MUD May I've discovered just how confusing many of these titles can be, but I have also grown to enjoy solving the "mystery" of each game's particular set of code-words that unlock actions. ThresholdRPG is like other MUDs and introduces players to basic commands, but once out in the world a player is on her own. The good news is that an out-of-character help chat is always available and sits right on top of the standard roleplay-enforced chat. That juxtaposition of both channels actually helps immerse me in the game, allowing me to see literally where and when I can use out-of-character speech.

                          I asked Michael Hartman, president and CEO of Frogdice, to talk about MUD development and branching out into other styles of gaming.

                          Continue reading Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman

                          MassivelyFree for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                            Hartsman 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken
                            A few days ago we reported on RIFT's impending free-to-play conversion, followed by the news that Trion was undergoing a second set of apparently unrelated layoffs. Former Trion studio GM and CCO Scott Hartsman responded to the layoffs on Twitter, intimating that aspects of the gaming industry are "fundamentally broken."

                            After we invited your thoughts on that same subject in a Daily Grind earlier this week, we contacted Hartsman in the hopes of getting him to elaborate. Join us after the cut for the resulting interview.

                            Continue reading Hartsman: 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken

                            MassivelyHartsman: 'The traditional AAA style of development and distribution' is broken originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                              Kings and Legends Global melds the TCG with the MMO
                              Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 6:00 pm

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                              Kings and Legends Global melds the CCG with the MMO
                              Watch out: It's an unholy fusion of addictive trading card games with addictive massively multiplayer online roleplaying games! The clinics will be overrun and crime will run rampant as police will be too captivated by the bleeps and bloops of their computer boxes to do anything about it.

                              That's the dire future that Kings and Legends Global could usher in. Or it could just be an interesting title that mixes CCGs with MMOs to create a novel experience. The cards themselves can be customized, crafted, and traded by players and then used to battle in PvP and PvE environments. Knights and Legends will have four classes, seven races, an auction house, guild halls, a crafting system, and plenty of deck building to keep folks interested.

                              GameFuse is tempting potential fans into registering by promising a free starter pack to those who sign up. You can do so on the website and then check out the game trailer after the break.

                              [Source: GameFuse press release]

                              Continue reading Kings and Legends Global melds the TCG with the MMO

                              MassivelyKings and Legends Global melds the TCG with the MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                TUG tackles sexiness and diversity
                                Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 6:30 pm

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                                TUG tackles sexiness and diversity
                                We're not getting into a real talk about diversity in gaming here. We are, however, talking about The Untitled Game's take on that sort of thing. The latest update on the TUG Kickstarter page is all about Seed diversity. The team is promising to do its best to make sure that players don't have to deal with armors that have a "drastically different appearance" based on gender. Female characters won't get overly sexualized animations, and you're just as likely to find a manly NPC in distress as a lady one. The team is working to avoid stereotypical representations of races and cultures, and wants to be sure that white males aren't portrayed as the default for Seeds.

                                Some servers will allow users only basic inputs on their Seed's appearance, like gender and skin color, and will automatically assign the rest. All Seed's appearances, regardless of initial input, will grow and change over time as they age. Players will also be able to directly affect their Seed's look with hairstyle changes, tattoos, and other mysterious alterations.

                                MassivelyTUG tackles sexiness and diversity originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                New video details the website changes for RuneScape 3
                                Posted by Massively [HTML][XML][PERM][FULL] on 22 May 2013, 7:00 pm

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                                I believe this man is named Scores.  Hi, Scores.
                                What's in a website? Quite a lot when your game is based in a browser client, as it happens. With RuneScape 3 around the corner, the team at Jagex is hard at work putting together a new and improved website, and a new video from the development team shows off just what players can expect. Which is quite a lot.

                                For example, one of the centerpieces of the revised design is a series of six buttons front-and-center on the page. The trick is that three of the buttons can be customized by you, allowing you to immediately jump to the most useful parts of the page for your particular playstyle. The team is also revamping the high score pages to incorporate weekly high scores, meaning that newer players can still have a shot at the top. There will even be rewards for people who do well in a given interval. For more details, check out the full video past the break.

                                Continue reading New video details the website changes for RuneScape 3

                                MassivelyNew video details the website changes for RuneScape 3 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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