Filed under: Massively Interviews

Massively Speaking Episode 108: Heroes of Three Kingdoms

by Shawn Schuster Jul 21st 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Betas, Podcasts, Culture, Interviews, Opinion, Humor, Massively Interviews, Massively Speaking

Massively Speaking Episode 108 returns this week with two segments: the news with Rubi and Shawn, and an interview with Perfect World Entertainment by Shawn and Sera. In that interview, PWE's Jason Varden and AJ Potter discuss their newest entry into the closed beta market: Heroes of Three Kingdoms.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn@massively.com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Still clicking: Our exclusive interview with the Mythos dev team

by Brianna Royce Jul 15th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, New titles, Mythos, Massively Interviews

Considering Mythos' stormy post-Flagship past and its relatively low profile over the past half year, we were pleased to see the team at Redbana unveil a website revamp last month, complete with a slew of vibrant new screenshots to tease the upcoming closed beta. The infrastructure revealed in the images suggests that the game has come a long way since we last checked in with the team; although many players might once have pigeon-holed Mythos as "just another Diablo clone," it's now maturing into a hybrid MMORPG that seems to have as much in common with Blizzard's other fantasy game as with the click-fests of yesteryear.

Curious, we commandeered the team at Redbana in order to ask about the progress of the game. Meet up with us after the break as we discuss the transition to Redbana, overcoming the Diablo stigma, camera perspectives, map travel, character customization, and the likelihood that Mythos will be free-to-play. Oh, and did I mention you can play satyrs and cyclopes?!

Massively interview: Elysean Council captures Divine Fortress

by MJ Guthrie Jul 10th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Interviews, Massively Interviews

Keeping our eyes on the Aionosphere, Massively applauds the accomplishments of fellow gamers. At the end of June, Daevas were introduced to the Elysean Council during an interview with NCsoft; this group from Trineil was heralded as the first to capture the Divine Fortress on any North American server in Aion. In their interview, leaders in the council chimed in to give their fellow Daevas a glimpse of this ground-breaking experience. Interested in diving more in-depth with the Council, Massively had the chance to speak with one of the leaders -- Nightroad -- about the siege, and what's been happening since.

Read about it after the cut.

Massively Speaking Episode 104: E3 2010 impressions

by Shawn Schuster Jun 23rd 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Podcasts, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Hands-on, Massively Interviews, Massively Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage, Massively Speaking

Massively Speaking Episode 104 is back after a bit of a break as we return from E3 with tales of MMOs from a faraway land. Or Los Angeles, CA at least. Join Shawn and Sera as they discuss their honest impressions of the games they saw at E3 2010.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

E3 2010: DC Universe Online takes it up a notch

by Dan O'Halloran Jun 17th 2010 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, Previews, PvP, Endgame, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online

We've seen SOE's superhero MMO DC Universe Online. We saw it two years ago at the San Diego Comic Con where its physics-based badassery allowed us to pick up cars, lampposts and anything else we could get our costumed hands on, and use them to knock our foes across three city blocks. Two years later we expected to see something substantially new and excited and we were not disappointed.

Creative Director Jens Anderson took us through a walkthrough of the latest build of the game and we saw boss fights, PvP gameplay and endgame armor sets themed to declare your allegiance to the most popular superheroes in the game. Read on for the latest details!

Gallery: E3 2010: DC Universe Online

E3 2010: Lord of the Rings Online Vol 3 Book 2 preview of Enedwaith [Updated]

by Dan O'Halloran Jun 16th 2010 at 7:30PM

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Interviews, Previews, Massively Interviews

Massively sat down today with the Turbine team at E3 in Los Angeles to take a look at the new Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play content that went into closed beta earlier today. Along with the new cash shop, we got a look at the new playable area Enedwaith that will go live with the Volume 2, Book 3 launch this Fall. The blurred version of the new land map is for those of you who don't like spoilers. Full map and all the details about the next patch after the jump!

E3 2010: Erez Goren talks to Massively about Global Agenda's future

by Brendan Drain Jun 16th 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Game mechanics, Interviews, Previews, PvP, PvE, Global Agenda, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage

Sci-fi MMOFPS Global Agenda took last year's E3 Expo by storm, securing awards and impressing attendees. Launching earlier this year, the game has been rapidly updated and evolved based on player feedback. The Sandstorm Phase 1 patch recently overhauled huge areas of gameplay and delivered a lot of new content. The Global Agenda team are back at E3 this year, hoping to impress with a look at their up-coming Sandstorm Phase 2 patch. We sent our very own E3 reporter Sera Brennan to get the details from Erez Goren, founder and CEO of Hi-Rez Studios.

In this bumper two-part feature, we get to grips with Global Agenda's new open zones, warzones and game-mode updates. We tackle the issues you asked for as we quiz Erez Goren on whether the game may be on its last legs, the game's shift in focus to PvE and what new game mechanics the team have up their sleeves.

Massively Exclusive: Our tour of the Fallen Earth studio

by Shawn Schuster Jun 11th 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Fallen Earth, Interviews, MMO industry, Hands-on, Massively Interviews, Massively Hands-on, Post-Apocalyptic

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the home of Fallen Earth: Icarus Studios in Cary, North Carolina. While the 8-hour drive through the mountains of North Carolina was certainly gorgeous, hanging out with the people who make Fallen Earth was a treat in itself. Rarely will you find a group of more down-to-earth, creative and passionate people as you'll find in an independent game studio.

So I brought my trusty camcorder to capture everything for the Massively readers. We talked about Patch 1.5, the new Assault PvP, the weather system, the companion app (as seen in a separate video), answered the questions you submitted and much more. Follow along after the jump for the complete video!

Massively Speaking Episode 103: Sword 2 with Gamersfirst

by Shawn Schuster Jun 9th 2010 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Podcasts, Culture, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, Sword of the New World, Opinion, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, Massively Speaking

Massively Speaking Episode 103 returns this week with another special interview episode. This time, Shawn and Sera are joined by Jon-Enee Merriex and Myra Widodo from Gamersfirst, the publishers of the newly-announced Sword 2. Is Sword 2 the sequel to Sword of the New World? How different is it? If you're a fan of SotNW or just looking to learn more about either game, this episode is a must-listen!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Exclusive: Aika's Ashes of Betrayal interview

by Brianna Royce Jun 8th 2010 at 1:30PM

Filed under: Betas, Expansions, Interviews, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, Aika

We're sure we're not alone in counting the days until Aika's impending expansion is finally upon us. The Ashes of Betrayal expansion is due out in North America on June 17th and promises to be packed with goodies like new class evolutions, new armor, new questing zones, new level caps, and new hotspots for relic wars. We were fortunate to land an interview with the Aika team at gPotato, who tackled such topics as Aika's perpetual beta status, the cash shop, the new Ashwood zone, the recently released Aitan Arena, the upcoming mega-dungeon, and the future of the adorably creepy fairy familiar Prans. The team even mentioned a few of their planned promotional contests -- do you want to win an iPad for playing Aika? Yes, yes you do.

Join Massively past the cut as gPotato previews what's in store for us in Ashes of Betrayal -- and beyond!

Fallen Earth mobile app goes live

by Jef Reahard Jun 8th 2010 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Fallen Earth, News items, Massively Interviews, Massively Hands-on, Post-Apocalyptic

Those hard-working wasteland crafters over at Icarus Studios are taking the wraps off their latest creation, as today not only brings the new Patch 1.5, but also marks the launch of the Fallen Earth Companion App for Android and iPhone mobile units. Developed in a partnership with AFK Interactive, the app allows real-time access to the Fallen Earth game server and gives players the ability to perform a number of in-game functions on the go.

While life for your post-apocalyptic clone characters couldn't be much tougher, the Companion App makes your out-of-game life a breeze by allowing you to:

View the world map
Examine character pages and gear
Check active crafting recipes
Browse auction house bids
Chat with clan members and online friends
Check in-game mail
View Achievements (iPhone version only)

"The degree of mobile interactivity is unparalleled. Players now have the ability to interact with the live game server in ways that, until now, weren't possible without a PC," said Icarus CEO Phil Hall. In addition to the launch day functionality, Icarus and AFK are already planning future upgrades, including the ability to buy and sell from the auction house, send in-game mail and attachments and craft new items.

You can pick up the Companion App via iTunes or the Android App Store for $1.99 (USD). The Blackberry version will be available in the coming weeks for $2.99.

Want to see it for yourself before buying? Check out our exclusive video presentation of the app on the iPhone, Android and Blackberry platforms right after the jump.

Exclusive: SOE talks Clone Wars Adventures

by Brianna Royce Jun 4th 2010 at 12:30PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, Previews, Browser, Trading card games, Casual, Virtual worlds, Massively Interviews, Kids, Family, Clone Wars Adventures

Last Tuesday, we gleefully reported on Sony Online Entertainment's brand-new, upcoming Star Wars game: Clone Wars Adventures. We'd heard the rumors, but confirmation sent us into pure fan-frenzy! This kid-friendly virtual world promises a free-to-play romp through the Clone Wars era, allowing players to jump into Star Wars minigames and join the storied heroes of the Republic in the fight against the Separatist armies. That's what we could dig up on the official site, anyway -- but don't you want to know more?

Well, Star Wars fans, you're in luck, because we've landed a juicy interview with the Lead Designer of CWA, Matt Higby. Join us after the break as Matt graciously answers all our eager questions about purple lightsabers and parental tools, cartoons and cash shops, and why adult fans (not just kids) will want to check it out!

The Tattered Notebook: Post-Halas Reborn interview with producer Dave Georgeson

by Seraphina Brennan Jun 3rd 2010 at 4:30PM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Culture, Events, in-game, Patches, Massively Interviews, The Tattered Notebook

Hello there, brave Norrathian adventurers! It is I, Seccia Ravenloft, back again from my recent excursion to track down "The One Final Truth." While I didn't find "The One Final Truth," I did run across Dave Georgeson again, and that made the whole excursion totally worth it.

Last week, I noticed a fair number of you had some problems with Shader 3.0 in EverQuest II. I'm sorry to hear that your pathetic non-Tier'dal computers cannot handle the wonderous onslaught, but I certainly brought that up with Dave in this interview, as well as the controversial decision to remove the starting areas of Freeport and Qeynos. Plus, I may have even weaseled a small detail or two on the next expansion out of him, thanks to my incredible interrogation techniques.

But why shall we delay the inevitable any longer? To the interview, quickly!

Massively Speaking Episode 101: The state of Fallen Earth with Wes Platt

by Shawn Schuster May 26th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Podcasts, Fallen Earth, Culture, Interviews, MMO industry, Opinion, Massively Interviews, Massively Speaking

Massively Speaking Episode 101 returns this week to focus on the Fallen Earth State of the Game announced last Thursday. Director of Content Development Wes Platt joins Shawn and Rubi to answer two dozen questions written by the Fallen Earth community on their forums.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Community Q&A: Send your questions in for the Fallen Earth devs!

by Seraphina Brennan May 21st 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fallen Earth, Events, real-world, Interviews, Massively Interviews, Community Q&A, Post-Apocalyptic

Well hey there Massively community! I hope you guys have enjoyed our Fallen Earth giveaway and corresponding in-game event, but we're not done with Fallen Earth yet!

We have received a chance to visit the secret Fallen Earth headquarters and we'd like you guys to throw some questions our way for the dev team! We're going to be videotaping all of the studio's secrets and transmitting them back to you guys, but we're also going to throw your questions at the development team while they're on video.

So if there's anything you ever wanted to know about the wasteland, or any questions you wanted to ask about the team's upcoming plans or patch schedule, then be sure to drop your questions off in the comments section of this post! We'll pick the best of the bunch and ask them during our video tour in two weeks, so be on the lookout for the upcoming post!

Massively Features

Events Calendar

Name	Date
GenCon Indy	Aug 5-8, 2010
SOE Fan Faire	Aug 5-8, 2010
Xsyon Prelude Launch	Aug 15, 2010
GamesCom Expo	Aug 18-22, 2010
Earthrise Launch	Q3 2010
Dragon*Con	Sep 3-6, 2010
PAX Prime	Sep 3-5, 2010
Final Fantasy XIV Launch	Sep 30, 2010
GDC Online	Oct 5-8, 2010
LEGO Universe Launch	Oct 26, 2010
DCUO Launch	Nov 2, 2010

Massively Staff

Name	Title
Shawn Schuster	Editor-in-Chief
Seraphina Brennan	Senior Editor
Brianna Royce	West Coast Editor
Dan O'Halloran	Features Coordinator
Brendan Drain	Contributing Editor
Eliot Lefebvre	Contributing Editor
Jef Reahard	Contributing Editor
Justin Olivetti	Contributing Editor
Krystalle Voecks	Contributing Editor
Rubi Bayer	Contributing Editor
Tateru Nino	Contributing Editor
Beau Hindman	Columnist
Edward Marshall	Columnist
Greg Waller	Columnist
Jeremy Stratton	Columnist
Larry Everett	Columnist
MJ Guthrie	Columnist
Patrick Mackey	Columnist
Ryan Greene	Columnist
Lisa Poisso	Columnist