Massively http://www.massively.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.massively.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://www.massively.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Star Trek Online ship tactics, part 2]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/star-trek-online-ship-tactics-part-2/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/star-trek-online-ship-tactics-part-2/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/star-trek-online-ship-tactics-part-2/#comments
Part 2 of the Star Trek Online starship tactics video premiered over at IGN, and there are a couple concepts clarified over a few subjects -- but as with the last video, it's nothing really new. The gameplay footage that's attached to the explanation is quite compelling however, especially with the boarding parties where you can see the little shuttlecrafts head towards the Romulan ship. Let's take a closer look at each of the concepts the video covers.

Power management.

Power management is going to play a big role, which we known about for a while. You can see some detailed pictures of part of the power management UI in yesterday's article, located along the bottom of the screen with words like Defense, Attack, and Speed. Say you have 100 units of power, in STO you're going to be able to devote 25 of those units to the shields, 10 to auxiliary systems, 50 to weapons, and 15 to the engines. Power allocation will not be immediate, it will have some sort of delay associated with it. That means you'll have to think ahead about your strategic choices.

Continue reading Star Trek Online ship tactics, part 2

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Star Trek Online ship tactics, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crypticcryptic-studiosstar-trek-onlinestosto-betasto-beta-videosto-combatsto-gameplaysto-gameplay-videosto-shipssto-tactical-movessto-tacticssto-video Adam Holisky Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Fallen Earth screenshot contest winners announced]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/fallen-earth-screenshot-contest-winners-announced/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/fallen-earth-screenshot-contest-winners-announced/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/fallen-earth-screenshot-contest-winners-announced/#comments
It's a beautiful day in the badlands, with the sun shining down on you unprotected in the wilderness, surrounded by horrible creatures and with only a few dozen bullets left before you are completely defenseless. What's not to be thankful for? Fallen Earth might not seem like the most appropriate setting for a Thanksgiving celebration, but the game recently held a screenshot contest for either what the player's character is thankful for or a "traditional" celebration in the wasteland. Yesterday, the winners were announced, with the top entries all receiving special in-game food that offers buffs and the essential proper nutrition for surviving the hostile environment. The first-place winner also receives a Fallen Earth t-shirt.

A small gallery is also available, with the three winners and the honorable mention available for viewing. It's not every game where appropriate holiday celebration includes heavily-armed men standing on a farm surrounded by corpses, but it works for Fallen Earth and should provide the game's players with some appropriate chuckles. Or, given the context, perhaps "inappropriate" is more apt.

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Fallen Earth screenshot contest winners announced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> contestsculturefallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeholidayreal-world-eventsscreenshotscreenshotsthanksgiving-2009 Eliot Lefebvre Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: Happy scavenging!]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/one-shots-happy-scavenging/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/one-shots-happy-scavenging/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/one-shots-happy-scavenging/#comments Wake up, grab a quick bite of something that isn't too tainted, clean up a bit, toss on your gear and ride. It's another day in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallen Earth, where players have to work hard to survive. You can scavenge and find items to create things you need or want, trade others for things you've made, fight for whatever cause your character feels is right, or so much more. Today's great Fallen Earth screenshot comes to us from Shrike Song of The Older Gamers clan (or TOG as they're known) who writes in: My junkyard scavenger Shrike Song looking for the scrap lottery in every junk pile and scrapped car she can find. With the ruins of freeway overpasses in the background and a rusted T bird as a resting and scouting perch, no wonder that scavengers like her love their trusty horses so much. Hopefully that car netted you a bunch of fasteners!

Are you playing a niche game that you love and want to show off to the world? If so, why not take a moment and send us your image and thoughts! We'll be glad to post them. Email it to oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots


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One Shots: Happy scavenging! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcicarus-studiosone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsshrike-song Krystalle Voecks Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[MMOrigins: The only living boy in Vana'diel]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/mmorigins-the-only-living-boy-in-vanadiel/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/mmorigins-the-only-living-boy-in-vanadiel/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/mmorigins-the-only-living-boy-in-vanadiel/#comments
When I was still young, I was out on a walk with my father in the woods next to my great-aunt's house. The woods were an offshoot of the Devil's Hopyard state park, which meant that they were old and vast. As the family often congregated around the house, there were a number of paths we knew that wove their way through the forest, but I remember where we always stopped, and I remember the day when I asked what was further along.

My dad grinned, and we kept walking. It was about ten minutes from there to a beautiful, moss-covered waterfall that was right on the edge of the state park, with an alcove just large enough that I could squeeze underneath the falls. That sticks with me every time I start up a new game, because that was when I started to really wonder about where paths might lead. Everything leads somewhere. Finding things out is one of the things I love, probably what attracted me to video games in the first place.

Continue reading MMOrigins: The only living boy in Vana'diel

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MMOrigins: The only living boy in Vana'diel originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> culturemmoriginsopinionreal-life Eliot Lefebvre Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The challenges and rewards of espionage in EVE Online]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-challenges-and-rewards-of-espionage-in-eve-online/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-challenges-and-rewards-of-espionage-in-eve-online/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-challenges-and-rewards-of-espionage-in-eve-online/#comments
Goonswarm spymaster The Mittani took a different approach with his latest EVE Online column at Ten Ton Hammer, and conducted an interview with a corporate saboteur titled "The Most Dangerous Agent". While it should be stated that most players in EVE do not engage in espionage, it's a career path of sorts that any player could potentially engage in, provided they have the combination of intelligence, social skills, and dedication needed to succeed. It's that aspect of dedication which often goes unmentioned -- the challenge of maintaining long-term duplicity.

The Mittani's interview with a player anonymously referred to as "Darwin's Accelerator" explains how a player with destructive aims greater than simply engaging a few enemy ships at a time can use intel to devastating effect, wiping out entire fleets. Maintaining a persona that fits in with the target organization and thus won't arouse suspicion, however, can be difficult if the infiltrator genuinely dislikes the members that comprise the corporation or alliance.

Continue reading The challenges and rewards of espionage in EVE Online

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The challenges and rewards of espionage in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ccpccp-gamescorporate-espionagedarwins-acceleratordeceptionespionageeveeve-onlinegoonfleetgoonswarminterviewssandboxsci-fisins-of-a-solar-spymasterspiesspythe-mittani James Egan Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Blade & Soul > Aion]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/anti-aliased-blade-and-soul-aion/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/anti-aliased-blade-and-soul-aion/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/anti-aliased-blade-and-soul-aion/#comments
All right, now that the inflammatory title that makes you look at my column is out of the way, let's get down to business. This week we got to see a 30-second teaser trailer from the folks at NCsoft about Blade & Soul, a game from NCsoft that has been stealthing in the background, waiting for the right time to strike and jump in front of Aion.

Blade & Soul isn't a brand new game though. In fact, the game's artwork has already made a guest appearance on our website. (With subsequent comments on how that woman's back is going to break in half if she should walk forward.) Plus, if you really want to see what the game has to offer, a quick YouTube search will bring you to the Blade & Soul HD gameplay video which looks, well, simply stunning.

So why am I dedicating my opinion column to a game that's nowhere close to being released? Well, because I think it has potential, and because it's my opinion column. So come along after the break, and let's look at Blade & Soul.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Blade & Soul > Aion

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Anti-Aliased: Blade & Soul > Aion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aionanti-aliasedblade-and-soulcinematic-combatcombatcryengine-2dead-or-alivefantasyfightingmartial-artsncsoftopinionunreal-engine-3 Seraphina Brennan Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Why RMT won't go away]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/why-rmt-wont-go-away/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/why-rmt-wont-go-away/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/why-rmt-wont-go-away/#comments
"Companies should just stop gold farmers." It's a consistent complaint in many games, with "gold" replaced by your game's currency of choice. As complaints go, it's right around "somebody should do something about all the problems" in terms of overall utility, but heck, no one likes the practice and it should just be eliminated, right? Well, as Scott Jennings has pointed out recently, it's not quite that easy.

As Lum points out, there are several common misconceptions about the entire process. Among them are the idea that the game company doesn't step in because they're getting kickbacks, which is pointed out to fail the simple test of Occam's razor. When developers want to get more money from an existing game, there are usually better ways to run it, such as the Champions Online model or the Dungeons and Dragons Online approach. He also tackles the infamous statement that the farmers are paying customers and therefore the company has even less incentive to stop them.

So if everyone hates RMT, why is it still around? The article briefly touches upon it, but We Fly Spitfires had a recent post that articulates more specifically: more people buy gold than would necessarily admit it. Since no one will admit to it, no one ever asks, and as a result there's a large culture of silence that publicly despises it and privately takes part. In short? As long as there's a customer base, the farming will continue. Food for thought all around.

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Why RMT won't go away originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> business-modelschampions-onlinecocultureddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeconomyexploitsgold-farminglum-the-madmicrotransactionsrmtscott-jenningswe-fly-spitfires Eliot Lefebvre Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Market research company explores MMO gaming]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/market-research-company-explores-mmo-gaming/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/market-research-company-explores-mmo-gaming/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/market-research-company-explores-mmo-gaming/#comments Worlds in Motion reports that a recent poll from market research specialists TNS and Gamesindustry.com talked to over 13,000 gamers in North America and Europe about their favorite subject: gaming, what kind they do, and how much time they spend on it.

The survey addressed players as young as 8, and found that the largest group of players in the U.S. is comprised of 8-12 year olds. That may come as a surprise to many players whose idea of a console or PC game isn't really geared toward children, but makes sense when you consider games and virtual worlds such as Virtual Family Kingdom, Free Realms, and any console game with Mario in the title.

Delving further into the MMO side turned up some interesting information. Of the US players surveyed, 21% said that they play MMOs, and 45% of those players define themselves as paying customers -- presumably that includes both subscription models and gamers that take advantage of cash shops. In spite of the large percentage of paying players, a free-to-play model is one of the biggest factors for those considering a new game. The rising success of many games in the past year that use a free-to-play model seems to support this.

Worlds In Motion offers further number crunching, and if you're interested in seeing the full survey report, gamesindustry.com offers it for a fee.

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Market research company explores MMO gaming originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> free-realmsgamesindustry.compollssurveyvirtual-family-kingdomworlds-in-motion Rubi Bayer Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you like your references?]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-references/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-references/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/20/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-references/#comments We gamers do love our nods to other media. From the earliest days of gaming and software, the easter egg has been a staple, something hidden without mention in the recesses of code. These days, we're as likely as not to have entire areas devoted to a drawn-out reference, or in some cases an entire element of gameplay added mostly as a long-standing joke. Some games have elevated the art of reference almost to an art form, with major storyline characters introduced as a sort of extended cameo from their original media.

Of course, that's also the problem with references: it can sort of cheapen the game you're playing if it's subtle, and it destroys immersion if it's mind-shatteringly overt. So what do you think? Do you like little snuck-in references to books and movies, or do you like your world to be totally consistent? Do you prefer it when the inspiration is kept under the radar, or would you rather just have the whole thing out in the open? What's your favorite instance of a game calling back to something else?

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The Daily Grind: How do you like your references? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cultureeaster-eggshumoropinionreferencestdgthe-daily-grind Eliot Lefebvre Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Atlantica Online dev journal: Thanksgiving festivities]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/atlantica-online-dev-journal-thanksgiving-festivities/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/atlantica-online-dev-journal-thanksgiving-festivities/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/atlantica-online-dev-journal-thanksgiving-festivities/#comments It's time for this newest installment of NDoors Interactive's biweekly developer journal here at Massively. We've already covered the Stimulus Package event and the game's one-year anniversary, so now we turn to the upcoming Thanksgiving event. Here's what they had to say:

Thanksgiving time in Atlantica Online has never been so festive, as we are introducing two new in-game event items this year. Players will be introduced to an NPC who will offer them a special Thanksgiving quest. The rewards for fulfilling that quest are new additions to your formation, as well as a new clothing item for your avatar.

Continue reading Atlantica Online dev journal: Thanksgiving festivities

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Atlantica Online dev journal: Thanksgiving festivities originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> atlantica-onlinedev-diarydev-journalholiday-eventndoorsndoors-interactivethanksgiving-2009 Shawn Schuster Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Karos Online enters open beta Dec 4th]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/karos-online-enters-open-beta-dec-4th/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/karos-online-enters-open-beta-dec-4th/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/karos-online-enters-open-beta-dec-4th/#comments
Karos Online publisher NHN Corporation has announced that open beta for the fantasy MMO will kick off on Friday, December 4th. The official site's link for CBT sign-ups is still active, so this may be worth a shot. Those gamers already in the Karos Online closed beta will have some things to look forward to in the final CBT event running from November 27th - 28th. Characters will be given gear and items for high-level play with rapid experience gain. NHN says players will reach a level cap of 44 "almost immediately". There will also be new monsters, weapons, and Holy Creatures to tear into.

In addition, players in the CBT will be able to reserve their character names for when Karos Online's open beta doors swing wide to the masses. The English version of Karos Online is scheduled to launch in Q4 2009, with German and Turkish versions to follow in 2010.

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Karos Online enters open beta Dec 4th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betascbtclosed-betaf2pfantasyfree-to-playkaros-onlinemmo-industrynew-titlesnhnnhn-corporationopen-beta James Egan Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Star Trek Online open beta dates announced]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/star-trek-online-open-beta-dates-announced/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/star-trek-online-open-beta-dates-announced/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/star-trek-online-open-beta-dates-announced/#comments According to a press release put out today, Star Trek Online will hold its open beta from January 12th through January 26th. There are some preorder deals that will give you an open beta key, and there are bound to be numerous opportunities to win one at various spots around the net.

Star Trek Online is currently in closed beta, which began last month. Champions Online six-month and lifetime subscribers have been told that they'll be in the closed beta before the end of the year, so those folks should get at least a month of beta access before the game hits the retail shelves on February 2nd, 2010.

Once the open beta begins, you'll likely see a flood of information and guides about STO since the NDA will have been lifted. This will provide everyone with key information as to the finer details of the gameplay mechanics.

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Star Trek Online open beta dates announced originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betabreakingcrypticcryptic-betacryptic-studiosnews-itemopen-betaopen-beta-start-datestar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-ndastosto-betasto-beta-start-datesto-ndasto-open-beta Adam Holisky Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Story moments in new Siege of Mirkwood screens]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/story-moments-in-new-siege-of-mirkwood-screens/#comments Lord of the Rings Online is well known for its story, which it has Tolkien's works to thank for -- although Turbine does a great job of making it all come alive. These new Siege of Mirkwood screens depict a few of the new epic story moments players can expect come December 1st when the expansion is made available for purchase.

From giant spiders to cozy campfires, much about these new screens inspire. Whether thick with peril or cool and mellow, Siege of Mirkwood looks set to offer its community wonders unparalleled. Yes, we're kind of rhyming on purpose. We blame the poetic imagery seen in the gallery below; its vistas both terrible and cold.

Gallery: LotRO: Siege of Mirkwood - Epic story moments

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Story moments in new Siege of Mirkwood screens originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expansionexpansionsgalleryimagelord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromediascreensscreenshotscrenshotssiege-of-mirkwoodsomstorytolkienturbine Kyle Horner Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/code-of-everand-browser-mmo-teaches-kids-about-traffic-safety/#comments
The United Kingdom's Department for Transport has launched a free browser MMO, Code of Everand, that teaches traffic safety to children. It does so through a fantasy theme with direct parallels to real world dangers -- streets are Spirit Channels, glowing energy streams populated with many dangerous beasts. The Spirit Channels crisscross the map of Everand and make travel perilous. That's where the players come in as Pathfinders, explorers trained in the techniques that allow for safe passage across the Spirit Channels. Pathfinders learn important safety lessons along the way in their journey to discover the secrets of Everand.

Code of Everand was developed for the UK Department for Transport by NYC-based firm Area/Code over the course of two years, reports Game Set Watch. Area/Code has a long track record of creating cross-media games for advertising and media firms, television networks, and even major consumer brands. According to Area/Code's site, they've taken innovative approaches to games in the past -- "online games that respond to broadcast TV in real time, simulated characters and virtual worlds that occupy real-world geography" and "game events driven by real-world data". Interesting concepts. If you like the idea of games used as an effective educational tool, you can see the animated trailer for Code of Everand after the jump.

Continue reading Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety

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Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> areacodebrowserchildrencode-of-everanddepartment-for-transporteducationaledutainmentf2pfree-to-playgamesetwatchkidsmmo-industrynew-titlesnycpathfindersreal-lifesafetyspirit-channelsunited-kingdom James Egan Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[OGPlanet announces the launch of Lunia Chronicles]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/ogplanet-announces-the-launch-of-lunia-chronicles/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/ogplanet-announces-the-launch-of-lunia-chronicles/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/ogplanet-announces-the-launch-of-lunia-chronicles/#comments
OGPlanet is known for its free-to-play games, and as of this week, there's another one on the table.

OGPlanet announced the launch of Lunia Chronicles on Tuesday. Lunia Chronicles is the story of the different races on the continent of Rodesia and their conflicts. Players can download the game and explore several different characters including Lime the Fighting Slime, friend and companion to Eir the Healing Princess. The official site carries a nice overview of the game's story and character histories, as well as tutorials on combat strategy and keyboard controls.

To get people playing and help celebrate the launch of their newest game, OGPlanet is offering up a nice incentive for those who check the game out. They're holding a 30-day launch event to celebrate. Players need to download the game and play to level 50 by December 16th (Yes, THIS December 16th), and they'll be entered in a drawing for a Dell XPS gaming laptop.

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OGPlanet announces the launch of Lunia Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> contestfree-to-playlaunchlunia-onlineogplanet Rubi Bayer Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Siege of Mirkwood developer diary: character panel updates]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/siege-of-mirkwood-developer-diary-character-panel-updates/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/siege-of-mirkwood-developer-diary-character-panel-updates/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/siege-of-mirkwood-developer-diary-character-panel-updates/#comments The Lord of the Rings Online expansion Siege of Mirkwood is expected to bring about some big changes to go with all of the screenshots and video that we've been seeing, and the latest developer diary entries have been giving us lots of details to read over while we wait for launch. One of the more recent ones discussed some significant combat changes, and the latest entry covers a bit more in that vein, as well as some updates to your character panel.

It's not just a cosmetic makeover, either -- gameplay has gotten a lot of work from the Mirkwood team. Three new Critical Defence statistics are added, Vulnerability has been revamped, and the differences between incoming and outgoing healing got some work too. Healing Rank and Tactical rank statistics are new as well, allowing players to increase their effectiveness by spending points.

The new character panels will reflect all of these changes and you can take a look at the diary entry for a full description as well as some screenshots detailing how it works.

Siege of Mirkwood developer diary: character panel updates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> developer-diaryexpansionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrosiege-of-mirkwoodTurbine-Entertainment Rubi Bayer Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: Bark at the moon]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/one-shots-bark-at-the-moon/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/one-shots-bark-at-the-moon/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/one-shots-bark-at-the-moon/#comments With Halloween now giving way to Thanksgiving next week in the United States, we figured it was a great time to show this one last Halloween image we recieved from Guild Wars. Thorband caught this image of his character howling at the lunatic moon during the recent Mad King celebration. The other thing we really dig about this image is the lovely fall colors, like those of a roasting turkey -- and of course, tasty pumpkin pie. Mmm, pie.

We love holidays in MMOs almost as much as we love pie -- maybe even more, depending on the game! So if you have a chance to grab some holiday celebration screenshots while you're out and about, please send some our way! We love to see what's up in the different worlds out there. All you have to do is email them to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post them out here and give you the love.

Gallery: One Shots



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One Shots: Bark at the moon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> arenanetguild-warsgwncsoftone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsthorband Krystalle Voecks Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[LFG in Call of Duty?]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/lfg-in-call-of-duty/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/lfg-in-call-of-duty/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/lfg-in-call-of-duty/#comments Well, it's a possibility, at any rate. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, was officially released November 10th with what the LA Times described as a "Hollywood-scale launch". The launch expenses turned out to be money well spent, as the game had generated $550 million in sales as of last Saturday. Fans lined up days in advance to pick up their copy of Modern Warfare 2, complete with free night vision goggles.

While this was all very nice for Activision Blizzard, it was the end of the article that really got MMO fans interested: "One person close to the company said it also was considering adapting Call of Duty as a massively multi-player online world. The genre, in which Activision's Blizzard Entertainment subsidiary is a leader, requires huge upfront investments but can be very profitable as players pay a monthly subscription fee."

The possibility of a Call of Duty MMO is an exciting one for a very large group of gamers, and Blizzard is certain to be aware of that. We will definitely be keeping an eye out at Massively for more news on this possibility.

[Thanks Abel!]

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LFG in Call of Duty? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> activision-blizzardblizzardCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2infinity-wardlaunchmodern-warfare-2 Rubi Bayer Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Linden Lab to disband moribund mentor group]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/linden-lab-to-disband-moribund-mentor-group/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/linden-lab-to-disband-moribund-mentor-group/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/linden-lab-to-disband-moribund-mentor-group/#comments

Yesterday at the morning Second Life mentors' meeting, Linden Lab staff announced that Linden Lab's sponsored mentor group, which had been functionally closed (in all but name) for approximately a year now, would finally be disbanded in practice. The move doesn't really come as much of a surprise to observers of the Lab's sponsored volunteer programs over the last eighteen months.

Almost immediately more ex-mentor Second Life social groups than we could comfortably count sprang up, as people prepared to maintain their network of contacts without the overarching group umbrella. While there was surprisingly little actual yelling, some members of the organization feel the blame lies squarely at the feet of Linden Lab's CEO Mark Kingdon, though there's not a lot of apparent evidence to justify that.

Continue reading Linden Lab to disband moribund mentor group

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Linden Lab to disband moribund mentor group originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> linden-labm-lindenmark-kingdonmentorsopinionsecond-lifesecond-life-answerssecond-life-mentorssecond-life-volunteerssl-community-translationsl-policysl-resident-help-networkvolunteers Tateru Nino Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[New Final Fantasy XI wedding service is live]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-final-fantasy-xi-wedding-service-is-live/#comments It was announced some time ago that Square-Enix would make it easier for Final Fantasy XI players to get married in-game, with the vague insinuation that the feature would go live at around the same time as the version update. Sure enough, the new wedding system is now in place, and it makes the entire procedure so much easier that it's almost trivial. After all, you already get to avoid meddling in-laws, reams and reams of wedding invitations, and the joy of finding a caterer who won't server your guests microwaved dog food.

The official page offers all the details you could want on the wedding system, including the procedure for crafting all of the wedding items if you prefer that option to purchasing them. It also offers traditional Vana'diel wedding vows, a nice touch for a roleplaying event, especially one supported by the game's official systems. So go ahead and tie the knot in Final Fantasy XI, free and without the bulky and restrictive system of the past. No rumors yet of a messy and acrimonious divorce system being added into the game, but now that marriage is simpler, perhaps it's in the cards.

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New Final Fantasy XI wedding service is live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ffxifinal-fantasy-xiin-game-eventin-game-eventsmarriageroleplayingsquaresquare-enixweddings Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Darkfall's newest expansion to release next week]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/darkfalls-newest-expansion-to-release-next-week/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/darkfalls-newest-expansion-to-release-next-week/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/darkfalls-newest-expansion-to-release-next-week/#comments
Darkfall is among the most specialized niche titles available now, but like many niche titles it fills a void that just can't be simulated anywhere else. That void might be confined to a certain frequently-reviled but very vocal sort of player, but it's still there. And if the promise of bonuses for recruiting new meat for the grinder wasn't enticing enough, fans of the game have even more to be happy about now -- the game's next free expansion is slated to release late next week according to an official developer post.

Conquer the Seas was originally slated to be released a bit sooner, but as developer Tasos explains, the expansion contains a larger number of bug fixes and minor updates than they had originally intended. It's a good sign that Aventurine is willing to take the extra time for development to produce something better in the end, and Darkfall players certainly should enjoy the new update. If you don't play the game... well, did we mention that any friends you have that do play can get some extra cash if you sign up? Just try not to read too much into the look of glee on their face at the time.

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Darkfall's newest expansion to release next week originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aventurineconquer-the-seadarkfallexpansionslaunchesnews-itemspvp Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[New Star Trek Online video shows tactical combat, UI]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-star-trek-online-video-shows-tactical-combat-ui/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-star-trek-online-video-shows-tactical-combat-ui/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/new-star-trek-online-video-shows-tactical-combat-ui/#comments Cryptic has released the first part of a series looking at the tactical ship combat in Star Trek Online. It's definitely worth watching, especially if you've been following the progression of Star Trek Online's combat development; in this regards it's nice to finally see some in-game action as we'll experience it when STO releases in February.

There are a few points that STO Director of Production Craig Zinkievich, Game Designer Zeke Sparkes, and Producer Daniel Stahl make which are worth noting. We've already heard most of it, but the in-game footage demonstrates most of these concepts nicely.

You can watch the video above, or head over to our sister site Big Download to grab the hi res version. The hi res version of this video is worth it.

After the break we'll take a look at the major points, as well as talk about some of the high resolution screen grabs of the UI shown in the video.

Gallery: Star Trek Online Beta User Interface

Continue reading New Star Trek Online video shows tactical combat, UI

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New Star Trek Online video shows tactical combat, UI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> craig-zinkievichcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel-stahlfeaturedlcarsstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-uistar-trek-online-user-interfacestar-trek-online-videostosto-uisto-user-interfacesto-videouser-interfacezeke-sparkes Adam Holisky Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's a fair price for subscription fees?]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/the-daily-grind-whats-a-fair-price-for-subscription-fees/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/the-daily-grind-whats-a-fair-price-for-subscription-fees/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/19/the-daily-grind-whats-a-fair-price-for-subscription-fees/#comments
Subscription fees are a fact of life for us MMO players. Most of our favorite games come with one, and it's usually 14.99 nowadays. Ages ago, we could remember paying the 9.99 a month for our games, before that slowly rose to 12.95 a month and then became the current plateau of 14.95 a month.

Sure, we always have the option of playing more money up front to pay a reduced monthly cost, thanks to the miracle of multi-month subscription plans, but today's question isn't about that. It's about your thoughts on the subscription fees. What do you think is a fair price to charge?

Now don't be silly and say free, because we all know servers don't run themselves and bandwidth isn't free. While we're not all in the know about the cost to a blockbuster MMO, we do know how much we're willing to shell out for our games. What's the price you'd like to be able to shell out?

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The Daily Grind: What's a fair price for subscription fees? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> business-modelscultureopinionsubscription-feesthe-daily-grind Seraphina Brennan Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Champions Online previews Nemesis Confrontation]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/champions-online-previews-nemesis-confrontation/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/champions-online-previews-nemesis-confrontation/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/champions-online-previews-nemesis-confrontation/#comments
What's more dangerous than an interdimensional prison in which malevolent creatures of immense power plot the destruction of the entire Champions Online world? That same prison being taken over and used as a lair by your hero's Nemesis and the dangerous Shadow Destroyer. After hints and the surprise playtest event, the official site has unveiled a preview of the upcoming Nemesis Confrontation, which looks like an interesting jump forward in the content offered by the game.

Obviously, the Lair in question is the highlight of the update, which features combat against alien gladiators as well as a collection of powerful villains. There are other rewards to be earned as well, however -- ranging from a number of different hero enhancements to costume pieces in the vein of the enemies fought within the lair. If you can't wait to run the lair in order to get the costume pieces (perhaps you have a perfect character concept to start with), the preview promises that they will also be available in the C-Store. Champions Online isn't going to make players wait long for the event, either, as it's launching on the 24th. It should give players quite a bit to be thankful for -- when they're not battling extradimensional alien gladiators, at least.

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Champions Online previews Nemesis Confrontation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> champions-onlinecocostume-piecescrypticcryptic-studiosin-game-eventsmicrotransactionsnemesisnemesis-confrontationnews-itemspatchespreviews Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Linden Lab partners with Dragonfish for non-US payments processing]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/linden-lab-partners-with-dragonfish-for-non-us-payments-processi/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/linden-lab-partners-with-dragonfish-for-non-us-payments-processi/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/linden-lab-partners-with-dragonfish-for-non-us-payments-processi/#comments

Virtual environment operator Linden Lab has partnered up with 888 Holdings plc's Gisland/Dragonfish division to provide payment processing for non-US Second Life customers.

A spokesperson for Linden Lab told us, "We're working together with Gisland on a cashier interface and other tools that will give Residents more payment options and make it easier for Residents to pay in a wider range of native currencies than they can now. Gisland will also help Linden Lab implement appropriate anti-fraud measures as we expand these payment options. In addition, Gisland will assist Residents directly with payment-related issues, including failed transactions."

That last part is fascinating, as that would be something of a first insofar as Second Life payments processing goes, as is the tantalizing hint of expanded payment options - something that is of considerable interest to users outside North America.

Continue reading Linden Lab partners with Dragonfish for non-US payments processing

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Linden Lab partners with Dragonfish for non-US payments processing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 888-holdings-plcbusiness-modelsdragonfishgamblinggislandlinden-labm-lindenmark-kingdonmmo-industrysecond-lifevirtual-worlds Tateru Nino Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Lost Saga launches]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/lost-saga-launches/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/lost-saga-launches/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/lost-saga-launches/#comments
You've taken part in the endless debates online about pirates versus ninjas. Admit it, you have. Well, add cowboys, knights, wizards, and nurses into the mix, and you're nine-tenths of the way to Lost Saga, a new game launched by OGPlanet. Billed as a massively multiplayer online fighting game, it features a variety of different gameplay modes and "heroes" that combine for what looks like an entertaining and frantic experience. Character types run the gamut, from soldiers to assassins to (you guessed it) pirates and ninjas, each bringing a small collection of different abilities to the table.

It might sound a bit simplistic, but there are some interesting features such as the option to change heroes mid-battle -- in essence a quick class change whenever needed. The game also features some interesting battle modes beyond the prosaic Deathmatch style, such as Boss Raid, which allows one player to take the reins of an intensely powerful boss while the other players struggle to take said player down. And let's not forget that the game is also free-to-play, so you can satisfy your curiosity without commitment. Lost Saga won't revolutionize the industry, but it looks to be quite a bit of fun, so you might want to check out the official site for more information and to sign up.

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Lost Saga launches originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> business-modelsf2plauncheslost-saganew-titlesnews-itemsogplanet Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Grouping versus soloing as the genre evolves]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/grouping-versus-soloing-as-the-genre-evolves/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/grouping-versus-soloing-as-the-genre-evolves/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/grouping-versus-soloing-as-the-genre-evolves/#comments
Back in the day, there were two ways to play most MMOs -- you could form a group with other players, or you could stay inside the cities and wait. Those days are long gone, of course, and it's a rare game that doesn't allow a player to do quite a bit without the support framework of a group. But there's a point to be made about what's been lost in the process, and We Fly Spitfires has an interesting take on how we now have to be pushed and prodded into grouping. There was a time when people were expected to group to complete tasks, but players are increasingly opposed to the idea as more and more becomes possible to solo and we grow less and less patient for finding a group.

Unsurprisingly, Game by Night brings up the obvious counterpoint: that evolving game design has relegated forced grouping to the past. There are more MMO players now than there were back then, and the majority of them started on games such as World of Warcraft or City of Heroes where grouping was only occasionally necessary, and even then only for specific tasks. By removing the requirement, player expectations become different, and there's no longer a sense from most of the playerbase that soloing should be possible for a majority of tasks. It's a debate that's been had over and over through the years, but as the solo play model becomes more and more expansive, it no doubt will be revisted time and again -- and attitudes toward it will shift as the playerbase does.

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Grouping versus soloing as the genre evolves originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> academiccity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxculturegame-designgame-mechanicsgroup-playgroupingmmo-historyopinionsolo-playworld-of-warcraftwow Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV support page located]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/final-fantasy-xiv-support-page-located/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/final-fantasy-xiv-support-page-located/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/final-fantasy-xiv-support-page-located/#comments
Sometimes new information comes from the strangest sources. Apparently, when Square-Enix made their last update to the Final Fantasy XIV with two new jobs revealed, they added a little something unexpected. Not what would have been expected, either -- it was the support site for the game. Since the game is yet to be released or even have a finalized date published, said site contains only a handful of questions, which largely contain no new information... but there are at least two interesting pieces to be gleaned from the site, one minor and one slightly larger.

The smaller piece of information is the list of supported platforms for the game: Windows PC and Playstation 3. That isn't exactly new information, but it's confirmed. The slightly larger tidbit is the confirmation that Japanese releases of Final Fantasy XIII will contain a code to obtain an exclusive in-game item for Final Fantasy XIV. The answer specifies that plans to include said code in the North American or European releases have yet to be decided... which could mean anything. Will the item be exclusive to Japanese players to compensate for the game having a global launch instead of one in Japan first a la Final Fantasy XI? Will the item be cosmetic or have some game impact? Will there be different items based on region? No answers are yet forthcoming, but it should be an interesting tidbit for fans looking forward hungrily to the game's release some time in 2010.

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Final Fantasy XIV support page located originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ffffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xiiifinal-fantasy-xivnew-titlesrumorssquaresquare-enixsupport-site Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Turbine announces the winners of the Broctober contest]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/turbine-announces-the-winners-of-the-broctober-contest/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/turbine-announces-the-winners-of-the-broctober-contest/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/turbine-announces-the-winners-of-the-broctober-contest/#comments
Back in October, DDO Unlimited announced a fun little contest looking for responses to their (in)famous Broccoli vs. Beholder video. First prize was 5,000 Turbine points and the coveted title "Gweater Dwagonmark of Fwiends". (No, seriously. That's a great title.) Second and third place winners received Turbine points and a "Dwagonmark of Fwiends"title as well.

The results are in, with the winning "Broccoli vs. Wraith" video keeping the Turbine staff in stitches with the expressions on Broccoli's face and the farcical chase through the corridor and doorways. Congratulations also to second place winner Korin Geholtz for showing us Broccoli's attack on Stormreach, and Zac C.B./Sioyin Chua for Broccoli vs. Ham with bonus points for great music.

Korin Geholz also gave us an additional treat by giving Tasty Ham his very own Facebook page. Congratulations to all of you from Massively, and thanks for the laughs!

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Turbine announces the winners of the Broctober contest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> broccolicontestddoddo-unlimiteddungeons-and-dragons-onlineturbineturbine-points Rubi Bayer Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 77]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/massively-speaking-episode-77/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/massively-speaking-episode-77/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/massively-speaking-episode-77/#comments Massively Speaking Episode 77 is back with Rubi and Sera joining Shawn for discuss on the week's MMO news. Discussion includes: Funcom's beta promotion for The Secret World, Stargate World's new screens, Blade & Soul teaser and a ton of Star Trek Online news.

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

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 77

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Massively Speaking Episode 77 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featuredmassively-speakingpodcastingpodcasts Shawn Schuster Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST Massively Massively Speaking Episode 77 Massively.com Staff 39:23 podcasts <![CDATA[Nexon announces MapleStory news and events]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/nexon-announces-maplestory-news-and-events/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/nexon-announces-maplestory-news-and-events/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/nexon-announces-maplestory-news-and-events/#comments
Nexon is bringing plenty of news from the land of MapleStory lately, from new player perks to holiday events to pets.

For starters, those venturing into MapleStory for the first time will enjoy the First Job event. Players now have five classes to choose from (Thief, Pirate, Magician, Bowman, and Warrior), each with its own quest line and boss.

New players and experienced players alike will enjoy the cash back event, running from now until November 29th. Players will earn 10-15% back, depending on what they spend. Looking for something to spend all this cash on? If you're a pet lover, permanent pets will be available in the shop for a limited time -- you can choose from a Kino, a White Tiger, or a Mini Yeti.

Finally, Thanksgiving is approaching in MapleStory and the turkeys there aren't the kind that are served with stuffing and cranberry sauce. These turkeys come in the form of invading "turkey commandos" that you will attack in the hopes that they will drop their eyes. Turkey Commando Eyes can be given to Professor Foxwit in exchange for mesos, so happy hunting!

Check out the official site for all the information on the upcoming events.

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Nexon announces MapleStory news and events originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> eventsholidaymaplestorynexonpetsthanksgiving-2009 Rubi Bayer Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: Another day in DDO]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/one-shots-another-day-in-ddo/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/one-shots-another-day-in-ddo/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/one-shots-another-day-in-ddo/#comments
Know how we know you guys like Dungeons and Dragons Online? You picked it as the current adventure for our very own Shawn Schuster! He's currently working his way through the lands of Dungeons and Dragons Online, to both enlighten and amuse. Of course, if you just want regular everyday amusement, One Shots is glad to step in when players send us funny images -- like this one from Inspecta! He writes in to give us a visual pun: [This is] a screen shot of my friends and I hangin' around the marketplace in DDO. You can almost hear the drum/cymbal on that punch line, can't you?

Have you figured out a way to create your very own visual pun in your favorite game? Think you've got a groaner you'd like to unleash on the world? Don't be shy! Send those funny screenshots in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out here and let everyone in on the joke.

Gallery: One Shots

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One Shots: Another day in DDO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineinspectaone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsturbine Krystalle Voecks Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Allods Online's European closed beta starts November 19]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/allods-onlines-european-closed-beta-starts-november-19/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/allods-onlines-european-closed-beta-starts-november-19/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/allods-onlines-european-closed-beta-starts-november-19/#comments
Allods Online, the new free-to-play MMO from gPotato, has been getting some attention from the Massively staff lately, so we're excited to hear that European players are getting a shot at it too.

Phase one of the EU closed beta starts this Thursday. Beta testers can experience the game up to level 19, as opposed to the level ten cap that current US beta testers are experiencing. Both League and Empire factions are available for play, and there are no class or race restrictions. They'll be playing on the "Isa" server, named after the Gibberlings homeland.

While the beta is currently only available in English, upcoming beta phases will include French and German servers and clients as well. If you are interested in participating in any of the closed beta phases, there are a couple of ways to pursue a beta key. You can register on the official site, and beta keys will be made available on the Allods Online Facebook and Twitter pages.

Allods Online is scheduled for release in early 2010.

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Allods Online's European closed beta starts November 19 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> allods-onlinebetaclosed-betafree-to-playgpotato Rubi Bayer Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Choose my Adventure: Doing you a Favor]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/choose-my-adventure-doing-you-a-favor/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/choose-my-adventure-doing-you-a-favor/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/choose-my-adventure-doing-you-a-favor/#comments In this week's Dungeons and Dragons Online adventures, the Critical Mass guild came across a bit of a challenge, and not in the game. With last week's vote guiding our hero to spend his hard-earned Turbine Points on an adventure pack, not everyone in the group had those same points to spend. So we spent our playing time gaining favor, which can be turned into Turbine Points.

In lieu of an in-character story this week, I'm going to spend some time explaining Favor and the DDO store for anyone who is curious about how this all works. I'll also explain our next poll, as I'd like you to vote on the specific Adventure Pack in which our hard-earned points will be spent. Follow along after the jump for more!

Continue reading Choose my Adventure: Doing you a Favor

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Choose my Adventure: Doing you a Favor originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> choose-my-adventureddoddo-storedungeons-and-dragons-onlinefavorfeaturedpollsturbineturbine-pointsvoting Shawn Schuster Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Runes of Magic cracks open the Lair of the Demon Dragon]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/runes-of-magic-cracks-open-the-lair-of-the-demon-dragon/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/runes-of-magic-cracks-open-the-lair-of-the-demon-dragon/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/runes-of-magic-cracks-open-the-lair-of-the-demon-dragon/#comments
What's more threatening to the world of Taborea than a dragon? A demon dragon, obviously! Duh! The only thing more threatening than that would be a emo teen-vampire dragon, but it's good that the team at Runewaker didn't go that far. (Or did they?)

This Thursday, the wrath of the demon dragon will be unleashed upon all high level players in patch 2.1.3. The dungeon contained in Aotulia Volcano is the new hardest 12 man raid in the game -- a worthy challenge to players at the top of their endgame.

Even if you're not super high level, the patch will also be introducing a cleaned up crafting system with a new, intuitive UI, and the special "Autumn Harvest" festival. Players will be able to stuff their faces at banquet tables scattered across the land in addition to participating in special holiday themed daily quests. So don't be afraid to jump in and enjoy the new patch this Thursday!

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Runes of Magic cracks open the Lair of the Demon Dragon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> autumn-harvestdemon-dragonendgamefrogster-interactivelair-of-the-demon-dragonpatch-2.1.3raidrunes-of-magicrunewaker-entertainmentthanksgiving Seraphina Brennan Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/ccp-games-drops-more-details-on-eves-new-mission-arcs-for-pirat/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/ccp-games-drops-more-details-on-eves-new-mission-arcs-for-pirat/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/ccp-games-drops-more-details-on-eves-new-mission-arcs-for-pirat/#comments We recently wrote a bit about the new PvE content coming to EVE Online in the Dominion expansion -- Epic Mission Arcs for the Angel Cartel and Guristas pirate factions where your speed will help you survive. Now CCP Games has dropped more info on these branching pirate missions; the Guristas arc is called "Smash and Grab" while the Angel Cartel arc is "Angel Sound". A dev blog written by CCP Jasonitas walks readers through the standings requirements -- if your Angel Cartel standings are horrible but you have decent standings with either the Minmatar or Amarr, you can still run the Angel arc. Likewise with the Guristas, your Caldari or Gallente faction standings will let you embark on the Guristas pirate arc.

In some respects, these arcs will open up pirate faction mission running for many players, given that completion of an arc will impart a 30% standings gain towards that faction. Players have long wanted a way to repair their negative standings towards New Eden's pirate factions and this seems to be the first step towards that. Still, that standings gain won't benefit players who are particularly loathed by a given pirate faction unless the arcs can be repeated some months down the line as with standard Epic Mission Arcs.

Continue reading CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions

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CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amarrangel-cartelangel-soundcaldariccp-jasonitasdev-blogdominionepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlineexpansionsgallenteguristasinterceptorsminmatarmission-runningnew-edenpiratepirate-factionspirate-missionspvesmash-and-grabspeed-boat-missionsstandings James Egan Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Sell Darkfall to your friends, get paid and get more n00bs to shank]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/sell-darkfall-to-your-friends-get-paid-and-get-more-n00bs-to-sh/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/sell-darkfall-to-your-friends-get-paid-and-get-more-n00bs-to-sh/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/sell-darkfall-to-your-friends-get-paid-and-get-more-n00bs-to-sh/#comments
You ever wish that you could get paid for recommending games to your friends? Well, if you're a Darkfall fan with an active subscription, now you can with the Darkfall Community Publishing Program.

How does this new program work, you ask? Simple, my awkwardly insultingly named hardcore PvP friend! Go over to the Darkfall community forums (AKA, ForumFall), read the instructions, and sign up using the NA or EU server links. They'll give you a special link to the Darkfall store that will give you credit when a game is sold.

For each game client sold, you'll make 20% of the sale in commission. Right now, as the Darkfall box is still going for 50 dollars, so that means you'll get 10 dollars every time you sell a copy of Darkfall. High selling users will be offered better commission rates and may be invited to work with the Darkfall publishing team.

Is this anything new? Well, it is if you haven't seen EVE Online's affiliate program. However, it is certainly a smart use of the very passionate and eager Darkfall fan base.

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Sell Darkfall to your friends, get paid and get more n00bs to shank originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aventurinecommissiondarkfalldarkfall-community-publishing-programdarkfall-onlinehardcorehardcore-pvppvpsales Seraphina Brennan Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Windstorm Studios announces partnership with 226 Productions for an upcoming MMO]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/windstorm-studios-announces-partnership-with-226-productions-for/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/windstorm-studios-announces-partnership-with-226-productions-for/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/windstorm-studios-announces-partnership-with-226-productions-for/#comments
While Windstorm Studios has been very tight lipped regarding what they're currently working on, they certainly have been offering up a few glimpses into what looks to be a retro-future themed MMO they have in production.

The art of the game has recently been entrusted to 226 Productions, a Russian based art company that has done work on Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow, NBA '07, and TimeShift. 226 is no stranger to the IP that Windstorm has been brewing -- some of the pre-production artwork was completed by them.

As to what exactly Windstorm will bring to the MMO table remains to be seen, but if these pictures are any indication, it looks to be something fresh, exciting, and filled with laser shooting scooters.

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Windstorm Studios announces partnership with 226 Productions for an upcoming MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 226-productionsartworkmmo-industrymmo-newsnew-titlespartnershipretro-futureunannounced-mmowindstorm-studios Seraphina Brennan Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Attending the 1 vs. 100 season premiere?]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/the-daily-grind-attending-the-1-vs-100-season-premiere/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/the-daily-grind-attending-the-1-vs-100-season-premiere/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/18/the-daily-grind-attending-the-1-vs-100-season-premiere/#comments It's massive. It's multiplayer. And it's adding achievements! 1 vs. 100 is back again on Xbox Live, and the live version of the online game show where you can win real prizes is starting up again on November 19th.

While the game doesn't exactly generate a cash cow of news, it is a lot of fun to play. Plus, you know, it is free if you have yourself an Xbox Live gold account (which almost every Xbox 360 owner does, otherwise you're doing it wrong.) So we want to know are you going to be there? Will you be jumping in with your friends online, or are you assembling yourself a 1 vs. 100 premiere party? Are you going to be aiming for prizes, or are you going to be shooting for all of the achievements you can grab?

Dropping your thoughts in the comment box below and clicking send is way easier than pushing A, B, or X on your Xbox controller! (Ok, so maybe it isn't, but you should really do it anyway. It's fun!)

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The Daily Grind: Attending the 1 vs. 100 season premiere? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 1-vs-100opinionpremiereseason-2the-daily-grindtriviaxbox-live Seraphina Brennan Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online offers Welcome Back Week for EU players]]> http://www.massively.com/2009/11/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-offers-welcome-back-week-for-eu-players/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-offers-welcome-back-week-for-eu-players/ http://www.massively.com/2009/11/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-offers-welcome-back-week-for-eu-players/#comments Siege of Mirkwood is nearly here, and Codemasters is offering former European Lord of the Rings players a chance to jump back in and do some catching up before it arrives.

Welcome Back Week begins November 23rd and continues through the 30th -- any former LotRO player can return and enjoy a week of free play, courtesy of Codemasters. They're also offering a bonus: those taking advantage of Welcome Back Week will get a 25% XP boost that week.

Players interested in returning for the event need only download the game, or patch to the latest version. Codemasters has re-activated the accounts, so you'll find your characters ready and waiting to head back into Middle-Earth and prepare for the arrival of Siege of Mirkwood.

Codemasters is also using this week to remind players to get in on the Siege of Mirkwood pre-order deals. The expansion is set to launch in Europe on December 3rd.

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Lord of the Rings Online offers Welcome Back Week for EU players originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> codemasters-onlinefree-weeklord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrosiege-of-mirkwoodwelcome-back-week Rubi Bayer Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST Massively