warhammer posts

Warhammer Online's endless trial now available

by Kyle Horner Nov 6th 2009 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Warhammer Online, News items

The endless trial has arrived in the land of Warhammer Online, and it's quite the offer. Of course, we've reported on the actual trial before but as of today (post-maintenance) it's officially enacted within the game. So if you've been waiting to go back and check things out but didn't feel like re-subbing or somehow missed out on all the excitement of the game's launch last year, then now is the perfect time to get in and take a look. If you're not sure what the heck this whole "endless trial" thing is all about, here's a handy official FAQ to peruse.

We think it's a good if not bold concept, especially considering players only have to download 1gig of data before the game will dynamically stream the rest as they play. Hopefully it works out for Mythic, who've been putting much blood, sweat and tears in trying to improve perception since its heady launch days.

Tags: bioware, ea, electronic-arts, endless-trial, mythic, mythic-entertainment, trial, war, warhammer, warhammer-online

GameX 2009: 1.3.2 decision making, streaming client, and unlimited trials for Warhammer Online

by Seraphina Brennan Oct 30th 2009 at 5:30PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Business models, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, Warhammer Online, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage

We saw the Warhammer Online booth at GameX, and we wagggggghed ourselves right into a video interview with James Casey and Matt Shaw from Mythic Entertainment that pulled no punches. We wanted to know what was going on behind the scenes with their decision making in patch 1.3.2, shooting James and Matt the hard questions.

Why were fortresses pulled from the endgame? Why choose 1.3.2 for performance fixes and not fix these things earlier? While we interrogated, Matt and James were also happy to tell us about the new stuff for WAR, including the new-user experience added in 1.3.2, the awesome unlimited trial that starts today, and the new streaming client option that trial users will receive.

So for the answers to some burning WAR questions, jump with us after the break and check out our video interview!

Tags: 1.3.2, ea-mythic, fortresses, gamex, gamex-2009, james-casey, matt-shaw, mythic, mythic-entertainment, performance-fixes, streaming-client, unlimited-trial, war, warhammer, warhammer-online

Warhammer Online brings the scary with Daemon Moon Rising

by Rubi Bayer Oct 16th 2009 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, in-game, Warhammer Online

"The Moon Rises and Chaos Reigns" begins the announcement over on the Warhammer Online site. Warhammer Online is hosting an in-game event for Halloween from October 23rd until November 2nd.

Mythic Entertainment Executive Producer Jeff Hickman says "This is a terrifying time of year within the world of Warhammer and the Daemon Moon Rising live event is our way of fighting against the darkness that encompasses the land, We call on all players to rise up against the malevolent creatures that threaten the land and keep safe the Realms. But beware, for under the cold, dark madness of the Daemon Moon, anything can happen!"

Sounds good to us. Daemon Moon Rising offers treats throughout the empire, a new Realm vs. Realm scenario, a public quest with the intriguing title of Daemonball Rally, and an event quest that charges players with the task of collecting and defeating daemon-possessed carnival masks. Event participants are offered quite a few souveniers and rewards, so Warhammer fans will want to be sure they don't miss out. After all, who wouldn't want something called the Face-Eater's Mask?

Tags: daemon-moon-rising, halloween, halloween2009, mythic-entertainment, warhammer, warhammer-online

Mythic details plans for WAR at PAX 2009

by William Dobson Aug 30th 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, MMO industry, Warhammer Online, News items

Mythic will be representing Warhammer Online at Penny Arcade Expo in under a week's time, and to help attendees plan ahead, they've now given some details about their showing. Members of the development team will be hanging out waiting to talk to fans, and one of the biggest topics they'll be keen to discuss is the game's one-year anniversary and accompanying Wild Hunt event. By the time PAX starts (the 4th of September) the event will be halfway through so players will have had time to experience it before chatting with the devs. They will also be showing off other recent content updates.

Although not specifically related to Warhammer Online, it is worth noting that Mythic Entertainment Executive Producer Jeff Hickman will be taking part in a PAX panel session on Friday the 4th. Along with other members of the industry, Hickman "will re-examine the basics of game design and explore what it means to design in today's videogame industry." Catch the panel at the Unicorn Theatre from 10:30am to 11:30am. As usual, if you visit the WAR booth you won't come away empty handed. The swag is similar to what Mythic gave away at Games Day Chicago: the Empire Cherub shirt (limited in supply this time too), and in-game items Snorri's Spikes, Chompin' Teef, Shroud of Imrathepis and the Razored Skinning Knife.

Tags: chompin-teef, empire-cherub-shirt, game-design, game-design-101, jeff-hickman, mythic, mythic-entertainment, one-year-anniversary, pax, pax-2009, penny-arcade-expo-2009, razored-skinning-knife, shroud-of-imrathepis, snorris-spikes, unicorn-theatre, war, warhammer, warhammer-online, wild-hunt

Get squig caked on August 27th with the Ace of Cakes

by Seraphina Brennan Aug 19th 2009 at 3:00PM

Filed under: At a glance, Culture, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Warhammer Online, Humor

You! What are you doing next Thursday? Playing games? Well stop doing that and go watch some TV! It will be a rewarding experience, I promise.

If you were in tune with our coverage of Games Workshop's Games Day 2009, then you probably remember us going nuts over a certain cake of a certain large red squig. The cake was produced by the illustrious Charm City Cakes, the company better known as the "Ace of Cakes" on Food Network.

Well it's time for the story behind the squig to come out as the Ace of Cakes episode, "Big Red Squig" will be airing next week on Thursday at 10 PM. You'll get to see just how they made that awesome cake and you'll get to travel with Chef Duff to Games Day and meet Paul Barnett. Warhammer Online, meet cake. Mmmmm... cake....

Tags: ace-of-cakes, chef-duff, food-network, games-day-2009, games-day-baltimore, games-workshop, goblin, mythic, mythic-entertainment, squig-cake, squig-herder, warhammer, warhammer-online

Mythic to show off WAR's Land of the Dead at Games Day Chicago

by William Dobson Jul 17th 2009 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Warhammer Online, News items

The third and final Games Day for 2009 is right around the corner, taking place on July 25th in Chicago. We had a hands-on look at Warhammer Online's Land of the Dead zone at a Games Day in Baltimore earlier in the year, before it was released -- but just because the zone is out now doesn't mean that it's no longer on show. Mythic will still be displaying the completed area to attendees of Chicago's Games Day, with developers on hand to discuss the "making-of" side of things.

Stopping by Mythic's showcase will also net attendees some swag, including the exclusive "Empire Cherub" shirts pictured above (if they're quick enough -- those are going to be in limited supply). In-game giveaways include:

A White Dwarf Beard character customization item
Chompin Teef, a steel jaw customization for Orc Choppas
Snorri's Spikes, a customization item for Dwarf Slayers that makes the character have a "mohawk" of nails sticking out of their skull (ow)
Shroud of Imrathepis, used to "regenerate minor wounds and injuries"

[via IGN]

Tags: chompin-teef, games-day, games-day-2009, games-day-chicago, land-of-the-dead, mythic, mythic-entertainment, shroud-of-imrathepis, snorris-spikes, tomb-kings, warhammer, warhammer-online, white-dwarf-beard

New WAR producer's letter details patch 1.3.0b

by Kyle Horner Jul 16th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Patches, Warhammer Online, News items

Warhammer Online fans have gone through some troubled times recently but now they've also got some goods news to be happy about in Jess Skalski's first-ever producer's letter for the game.

A large portion of the letter devotes time to the upcoming -- as in this month, supposedly -- 1.3.0b patch. While it may only be a letter patch and not 1.4, there are a decent amount of changes along with a few big ones. For instance, with 1.3.0b the root, kockback and pull immunities are being rolled into one big "Movement Immunity" effect. This change is aimed at creating more tactical choices in combat and should stop players from being pulled, rooted and hammered on in post-patch battles.

Another large alteration comes in the form of a new renown purchase ability. Specifically, rank 40 players will be able to purchase a "CC Immunity" ability aimed at stopping complaints of people getting cc'd immediately in the beginning of a fight. There are a whole lot more changes than those two, so check out the whole letter for all the beefy details.

Tags: ea, electronic-arts, mythic, mythic-entertainment, war, war-patch-1.3.0b, warhammer, warhammer-online

BioWare says Mythic will help with Star Wars: The Old Republic

by Lesley Smith Jul 8th 2009 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Warhammer Online, News items, Star Wars: The Old Republic

We told you a couple of weeks ago about Mark Jacobs' departure from EA and the formation of a new (as yet unnamed) studio which will absorb BioWare and Mythic. Well, Eurogamer got the chance to talk to Greg Zeschuk, who has revealed Mythic will help out with Star Wars: The Old Republic but BioWare might not reciprocate on Warhammer Online:

"Ray (Muzyka) and I (have) both played Warhammer, and actually I've still been playing it on and off for a while, so I think for us it's not to much a popularity boost as just the fact that we can probably bring perspectives to the table that will be new and perhaps helpful to the guys from Mythic in the same way from an online perspective they can certainly share with us. To give credit to the Austin team [making Star Wars: The Old Republic], we have a number of serious MMO veterans on there, so it's certainly not neophytes, but there's absolutely opportunities to share and learn things back and forth."

Tags: bioware, bioware-austin, eurogamer, greg-zeschuk, mark-jacobs, mythic, mythic-entertainment, star-wars, star-wars-the-old-republic, warhammer, warhammer-online

WAR's summer celebration event has begun

by William Dobson Jun 27th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, in-game, Warhammer Online

Warhammer Online is celebrating the fourth of July and summer in general by offering some in-game bonuses, and providing some explosive incentives for participating in RvR. WAR's James Nichols announced the event's official opening yesterday, saying, "It's our way of saying thanks, have fun, and enjoy the start of summer with a BANG!" As part of the event, all players can now take advantage of a 10% bonus to experience and renown gain. On top of this, slain enemy players will drop fireworks that can be used to revel in your victory -- we imagine large skirmishes will end with a whole bunch of colorful explosions for the duration of the celebrations.

These bonuses will be in effect for about a week and a half, ending on the 7th of July.

Tags: 4th-of-july, ea, electronic-arts, experience-bonus, fireworks, fourth-of-july, james-nichols, mythic, mythic-entertainment, renown-bonus, summer, war, warhammer, warhammer-online

The dead rise as Warhammer Online patch 1.3 goes live

by Kyle Horner Jun 16th 2009 at 1:30PM

Filed under: Patches, Warhammer Online, News items

Today is patch day for Warhammer Online players -- huzzah! Bug and balance fixes are of course in full swing, but the big news is the Land of the Dead live event launch. Of course, before getting to any of those juicy new content areas, players will have to participate in the brand new live event: Rise of the Tomb Kings.

This event is the final chapter for Mythic's Call to Arms content expansion and functions as a good intermediary between those initial massive updates and these new ones. So while plenty of content is indeed being added today, there's a lot more on the way in the coming months, too.

We'll be giving you plenty of coverage on the ins and outs of patch 1.3, so keep your eyes peeled for more.

Tags: call-to-arms, ea, electronic-arts, games-workshop, land-of-the-dead, mythic, war, war-patch-1.3, warhammer, warhammer-online

Mythic's Carrie Gouskos on Warhammer's ToK and hints of patch 1.3

by Kyle Horner Mar 9th 2009 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Patches, Warhammer Online, News items, Rumors

The 1.2 patch for Warhammer Online is barely a week old, but Chaos Moon managed to speak with Mythic's Carrie Gouskos about many a things -- including some hints for the 1.3 patch. There was also some general discussion of future updates to the Tome of Knowledge and much love from Carrie concerning the Book of Grudges mod. We're pretty excited to hear stat tracking for Scenarios and oRvR battles are on their way.

Of course the big news concerns clues of what to expect in the next big patch. Following some of Carrie's comments, it sounds as though the Tome of Knowledge could be getting a new feature or two in the 1.3. update. Additionally, some further UI information and visual improvements are on the was as well -- although Carrie mentions the visual boost will be minor.

What sorts of UI improvements could be on the way? The added layer of information to the open party and world map systems in 1.2 have been very well received, but going from Carrie's comments it seems as though something much more exciting is on the way. Given the size of the first two live events, something tells us Mythic will be showing off whatever it is they're working on next in a big way.

Mythic has announced the first expansion to Warhammer Online! Check out the announcement itself, the two brand-new classes coming to the game, and the enormous new dungeon/zone slated for a few months away! Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Tags: carrie-gouskos, ea, electronic-arts, games-workshop, mods, mythic, mythic-entertainment, open-rvr, orvr, pvp, realm-vs-realm, rumor, scenarios, tome-of-knowledge, war, war-patch-1.2, war-patch-1.3, warhammer, warhammer-online

The Digital Continuum: Beyond Warhammer Online patch 1.2

by Kyle Horner Mar 7th 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Warhammer Online, Opinion, The Digital Continuum

Warhammer Online players are in the midst of the Bitter Rivals live event, plus another big new patch. I'm going to guess that it probably took a lot of development muscle to get the Black Guard, Knight of the Blazing Sun, Slayer and Choppa in a fun, playable shape. Not to mention the improvements to open RvR, Scenarios, PvE and general quality of life fixes.

I have no doubt that the east coast developer has the next several patches planned out to some degree. Nonetheless, Mythic, Warhammer Online and its community are at a development crossroads -- and so today I'm going to explore a few possibilities.

Tags: altdorf, bitter-rivals, black-guard, choppa, dark-elves, dwarves, ea, electronic-arts, featured, greenskins, high-elves, inevitable-city, joystiqfeatures, knight-of-the-blazing-sun, mythic, mythic-entertainment, pve, pvp, rvr, slayer, the-digital-continuum, war, war-patch-1.2, warhammer, warhammer-online

The Digital Continuum: Beyond Warhammer Online patch 1.2 (part 2)

by Kyle Horner Mar 7th 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Warhammer Online, Opinion, The Digital Continuum

Tags: city-of-heroes, ea, electronic-arts, mythic, mythic-entertainment, ncsoft, pve, pvp, rvr, war, war-patch-1.2, warhammer, warhammer-online

Massively re-arms for WAR: Slayer

by Kyle Horner Mar 3rd 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, Warhammer Online, Opinion, Massively Hands-on

Dwarf Slayers are just about ready to start hitting the live Warhammer Online servers for all their worth. With the orange tide imminent, I've been running around the test server for the past several days, looking to learn all I could about these wonders of Dwarven kind. Including -- but not limited to -- the underlying cogs of their special mechanic, how they handle PvP and PvE, and most importantly where they hide their booze -- here's a hint: it's underneath something.

Now, with many honorable deaths under my massive beard, I've come here to present you, our dear readers, with a neatly packed bundle of information.

Tags: call-to-arms, dwarf, dwarf-slayer, ea, electronic-arts, featured, games-workshop, joystiqfeatures, mythic, mythic-entertainment, slayer, war, war-patch-1.2, warhammer, warhammer-online

WAR Grab Bag No. 9: It's the CSRs time to shine

by William Dobson Jan 31st 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Exploits, Warhammer Online

In stark contrast to the extremely in-game-oriented Grab Bag No. 8, Grab Bag No. 9, the "CS Special", focuses on interactions with the game's CSRs. The Customer Service team put together a list of some of the questions they see on the job and then answered them in detail, so that maybe, just maybe, a handful of players will find out what they needed to know and not have to bother them.

Some of the answers are quite interesting. For example, did you know that you can't check whether a player you appealed for exploiting ended up getting banned, due to privacy policies? If you really hate them, perhaps you should send along some extra complaints to make sure your dirty work is carried out -- okay, that sort of goes against the spirit of the Grab Bag to make less work for the CSRs, so let's not do that. Only if you really really hate them.

In all seriousness, the Grab Bag does give some good insight into exactly what the CS team can do for you, and how to approach certain issues. Make sure to check it out before you file your next appeal.

Tags: cs-special, csr, customer-service, customer-service-representative, ea-mythic, electronic-arts, grab-bag, grab-bag-9, grab-bag-no-9, mythic, mythic-entertainment, war, war-grab-bag, warhammer, warhammer-online