Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NCSoft looking for apprentices in game testing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/ncsoft-looking-for-apprentices-in-game-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/ncsoft-looking-for-apprentices-in-game-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/ncsoft-looking-for-apprentices-in-game-testing/#commentsFiled under:

A GamesIndustry.biz report details a new endeavor by NCsoft to enrich its UK segment of the games industry with trained game testers. In conjunction with City College Brighton, PartnerTrans and Skillset, the Guild Wars publisher is launching an apprenticeship program in the field of quality assurance. The Trump-less program is not only trumpeted as a means of enhancing a vital part of gaming development, it also acts as an entry-point for those aiming for a spot in game development.

Four trainees have already enrolled, with three joining NCsoft's Brighton-based QA department for year-long stints. They will be given regular training at City College, constant input from an "experienced practitioner" and, depending on the size of bugs encountered, a very large mallet. Perhaps other developers could gain some insight by adopting a similar program.

JoystiqNCSoft looking for apprentices in game testing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game TestingGameTestingGuild WarsGuildWarsNCSoftQAThu, 12 Apr 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 -- console bound free MMO decency or not?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/guild-wars-2-console-bound-free-mmo-decency-or-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/guild-wars-2-console-bound-free-mmo-decency-or-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/guild-wars-2-console-bound-free-mmo-decency-or-not/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, Guild Wars is sitting on my desktop currently and no, I'm not level 20 or anything. Why? Because my laptop doesn't like to load it... and every map needs such heavy updating I'm pretty sure I'll never play it again. But that's not the point! It was free! Aside from the initial purchase price. What did that yield? A pretty decent following, but coupled with at-most decent gameplay focused primarily on teamwork. Maybe things have changed, but those were my impressions from the first few months of release.

In any case, Guild Wars 2 is bound for beta testing in 2008 and they're releasing some other expansion pack later this year. An interview with Eurogamer brought up the question whether this sequel would come to consoles. Ben Miller responded to the question thus: "We are focused on PCs right now. I think consoles remain an interesting opportunity for Guild Wars in the future, but that's not something we've announced any plans for at this time." Basically, that means "Yeah, it's being tossed around."

It would make sense for Guild Wars 2 to come to the PlayStation 3 at the very least, since online is already free. Would they be able to throw the game up on the PS-Store at a cheaper price to get even more interest? I'd give it another shot, for sure, if it was easy to get to. And the PS3 certainly has more processing power than this aging dinosaur of a laptop. Thoughts?

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 -- console bound free MMO decency or not? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guild WarsGuildWarsPCPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTue, 10 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars expansion, sequel announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NCSoft subsidiary ArenaNet has announced two new Guild Wars titles: a full-blown sequel and an expansion for the original that serves to bridge the full games together. Guild Wars 2 will follow in its predecessor's footsteps by foregoing a subscription fee but feature a fully persistent world. Little else is known; the current planned release date is second half 2008.

An expansion for the original Guild Wars was also announced. Entitled Eye of the North, the expansion will unlock exclusive items and weapons in Guild Wars 2 for those who continue with the series. In the meantime, Eye of the North will feature more of everything, including weapons, titles, items, armor sets, 18 dungeons, 10 new heroes, and 150 new skills spread across the ten professions. The expansion is planned for a holiday 2007 release.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqGuild Wars expansion, sequel announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena netArenaNeteye of the northEyeOfTheNorthguild warsGuildWarsnc softNcSoftTue, 27 Mar 2007 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[NPR chats up older gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/npr-chats-up-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/npr-chats-up-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/npr-chats-up-older-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,

NPR's Alex Cohen spoke to some older gamers recently on Day to Day and she found out, courtesy of Nintendo's George Harrison, that seniors play games differently than the 18 to 34 year-old demographic. Well, duh. They cut his sound bite short however, because he starts going into his standard boilerplate speech about how games have gotten so complex with multiple joysticks and buttons, but they want to change all that with the Wii, etc etc. Cohen goes on to find out how arthritis keeps a 70 year old woman from playing Guitar Hero, but she manages to kick butt with her grandson in Final Fantasy XII. She has 13(!) grandkids and goes on to say that she thinks playing games keeps the mind active. Gamer grandma kicking your ass, FTW!

Here are some interesting facts from the piece:
  • 25% of all gamers are over the age of 50
  • A third of all Baby Boomers polled want a next-gen system for Christmas
  • That hot buxom blonde you play with in Guild Wars might be older than your mom
You can listen to the show here. Of course, if you're over the age of 50 and reading our site, you probably heard this show on NPR already, right after catching Matlock. We keed! We keed! Everyone knows that Murder, She Wrote is far superior.

JoystiqNPR chats up older gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex CohengeezersgrandmaGuild WarsGuitar HeroMatlockNPRoldOlder GamersPCradioWoWFri, 08 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in ChinaThe cola wars took an interesting turn today, and Chinese online gaming host The9 showed they have flexible loyalties when it comes to carbonated beverages. The Shanghai-based developer successfully partnered with Coca-Cola (and pop group S.H.E.) in 2005 to promote the launch of World of Warcraft, and now PepsiCo wants a piece of China's MMO action.

As part of a new marketing agreement, Pepsi and The9 will co-sponsor a national Guild Wars tournament and pimp over 10,000 Internet Cafes using decor based on NCsoft's popular fantasy setting. Cafe chaperones will now have to work twice as hard to keep sticky soft drinks away from the PCs. Beta testing for Guild Wars China begins in two days.

JoystiqPepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetchina gamingchinese gamerscola warscompetitive gamingGuild Warsmmommorpgncsoftonline gamingPCpepsiPepsiCothe9tyriaMon, 27 Nov 2006 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars beta testing to begin in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars beta testing to begin in ChinaAs if Chinese gamers didn't have enough online gaming to occupy their leisure (and work) time, The9 has announced Guild Wars China will begin closed beta testing on Nov. 29. One of the most anticipated games on the mainland, Guild Wars attracted 200,000 applicants on the first day of beta registration last week. Maybe an aspiring Chinese clan will unseat South Korea's reigning Guild Wars champs The Last Pride at the next world tournament.

The9 also hosts World of Warcraft and Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate Nation, but it is unknown if the Shanghai-based developer's Guild Wars deal with NCsoft also includes the Factions and Nightfall expansions.

See also: Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record

JoystiqGuild Wars beta testing to begin in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbeta testingchina gamingchinese gamersclosed betafactionsGuild WarsGuild Wars ChinammommorpgNCsoftnightfallPCpropheciesthe last prideThe9Mon, 20 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Metareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall
Nightfall represents the third entry in NCsoft's successful Guild Wars series, and provides the most compelling reason yet for fans of single-player RPGs to try out this subscription-free MMO. While developer ArenaNet continues to push the franchise forward with new professions and exotic locales, some critics expressed concerns over the aging graphics engine and the fact that party formation in the virtual towns remains needlessly difficult. However, there's still the addictive gameplay, and the flexibility of self-contained expansions means you can jump in (or jump out) at any time. How many of you plan on picking up Nightfall?
  • 1UP (90/100) thinks Nightfall will appeal to the NWN-Oblivion crowd: "The most noteworthy addition comes in the form of 14 new nonplayer hero characters who -- unlike the addlebrained henchmen of campaigns past -- offer complete customization options to players. It saves a lot of headaches, and makes Guild Wars feel more like a single-player RPG than ever before."

  • Gamespot (82/100) appreciates the enhanced enemy AI: "Nightfall introduces many impressive-looking, powerful new enemies to fight, and it also seems to have updated their artificial intelligence to make them even more ruthless -- they'll happily go after your party's soft targets, like your monks and elementalists, not just attack the frontline."

  • GameDaily (70/100) had some issues with Nightfall's pacing: "It takes a long time for the story to get started. Unlike previous games, players can't select a secondary profession until level 5. Even so, many players will have made it halfway to level 20 (the game's maximum level) before the story starts to pick up any real momentum. Of course, Guild Wars has never been a game that has put strong emphasis on levels, but it's the only marker players have to see if they've outgrown a particular area."

JoystiqMetareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetGuild WarsmmommorpgNCsoftNightfallPCFri, 10 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in ChinaAccording to new research from Chinese gaming portal 17173.com, Guangdong-based distributor Optisp (EVE Online) is home to the most anticipated online game in China, the Korean import Shaiya: Light and Darkness. WoW distributor The9 is hosting two of China's other highly anticipated Korean titles, Guild Wars and Soul of the Ultimate Nation.

The fever over Shaiya is reportedly due to some racy ads that prompted Chinese censors to request less suggestive promos. I'm sure the two half-naked women prominently featured in the game's propaganda had nothing to do with that. 17173 has collected some in-game screen shots and wallpapers of Shaiya's physical embodiments of "light" and "darkness" (can you guess who's who?).

See also: China online gaming trends

JoystiqShaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china gamingchinese gamersGuild WarsLight and DarknessmmommorpgncsoftPCShaiyaSoul of the Ultimate Nationthe9webzenMon, 06 Nov 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars recordNCsoft and ArenaNet have confirmed a franchise record attendance for the world premiere event of Guild Wars Nightfall. This past weekend, nearly 500,000 MMO enthusiasts spent an average of 8.5 hours trying out the new expansion pack, which officially launches Oct. 27. How many of you participated in this event?

If you've been thinking about trying out Guild Wars, the Factions expansion pack is on sale for $30 at Circuit City until tomorrow (and you don't need the original game to play).

See also: 3 million hours spent on Guild Wars Factions preview weekend

JoystiqNightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetCircuit CityFactionsGuild WarsmmommorpgNCsoftNightfallPCFri, 06 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Guild Wars expansion free ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The next expansion in the Guild Wars series, Nightfall, is just around the corner -- but for anyone who can't wait until October, NCsoft are running an open preview event on September 22-24. During that weekend, Nightfall will be free to play for just about anyone, regardless of whether you have Guild Wars already.

The previous expansion, Factions, had a very successful preview event, so it's no surprise the idea's being repeated. It makes sense for NCsoft to capitalise on Guild Wars' free nature by, well, making it even freer -- if only for a short while. Those of us already resigned to paying monthly for MMOs may find it a nice change to try a new one without cost, but as every hour spent on a free game is one that we have already paid for on another MMO, it's hard to drag us away.

JoystiqTry Guild Wars expansion free ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetdemofreeguild warsGuildWarsmmommogmmorpgncsoftPCpreviewrpgTue, 12 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27
NCsoft and ArenaNet have announced that both the standard and collector's editions of Guild Wars Nightfall will be available Oct. 27. If you can't wait that long to begin exploring the new continent of Elona, the pre-release bonus pack ships in three weeks.

Achtung! For those of you attending the Games Convention in Leipzig this weekend, be sure to check out the final rounds of the Guild Wars Factions Championships.

See also: New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer

JoystiqGuild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetdervishelonagames conventionGuild WarsGuild Wars NightfallleipzigmmommorpgNCsoftparagonPCThu, 24 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer
With Nightfall's pre-release bonus pack just one month away, NCsoft and ArenaNet have released a trailer for the next Guild Wars campaign. The video includes sweeping panoramas of the African-themed landscape where Nightfall takes place, as well as battle footage featuring the new paragon and dervish professions.

For some tips on what makes a successful guild, the game's official web site has posted interviews with top international teams from the Guild Wars Championships.

JoystiqNew Guild Wars Nightfall trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetfactionsguild warsncsoftnightfallPCpropheciesWed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Great PC games without hardcore hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/great-pc-games-for-any-hardware-budget/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/great-pc-games-for-any-hardware-budget/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/great-pc-games-for-any-hardware-budget/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Great PC games for any hardware budgetIf you've got more important things to spend your hard-earned cash on than PC hardware, GameSpot has compiled a list of ten best selling games that can co-exist comfortably with outdated rigs. Both Athlon test systems were equipped with only 256MB of memory, but one system used an AGP Radeon 9250 video card, while the other had a PCI Express GeForce 6200 installed.

Games that you would expect to see on a list of low-tech wonders (by today's standards) are here, such as StarCraft and Half-Life: Counter Strike. However, I was more than a little surprised to see resource hogs Heroes of Might and Magic V and Civilization IV included, even at lowered texture and shader settings. Indeed, the review team experienced framerate problems with Heroes V on the PCI Express system.

Still, each game performed admirably on at least one of GameSpot's test configurations, and with entries like Sid Meier's Pirates! and GTA: San Andreas included on the list, there's something for everyone. We'd like to hear which PC games (ancient and current) you've been enjoying on older setups.

JoystiqGreat PC games without hardcore hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agpathlonatiCivilization IVdirectxGalactic Civilizations II: Dread LordsGTA: San AndreasGuild WarsHalf-Life: Counter Strike 1.6Heroes of Might and Magic VnvidiaPCpci expressRome: Total WarSid Meier's Pirates!StarCraftWarCraft IIIMon, 14 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Nightfall pre-release bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall bonus pack announced
The exclusive PvP preview event for Guild Wars Nightfall just ended, but fans of the series won't have long to wait for the game's pre-release bonus pack. NCsoft has announced Sept. 15 as the launch date for the pack, and the bonus content is too numerous to list here, but we'll mention the exclusive weapons for the two new professions. Should you choose the Dervish profession, the Icy Soulbreaker of Enchanting is yours to wield, while the Paragon will master the Firey Sunspear of Shelter. I don't have a clue what these weapons do, but they sound neat.

How many Joystiqers have joined a guild?

JoystiqGuild Wars Nightfall pre-release bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsmmommorpgncsoftnightfallPCpvpTue, 01 Aug 2006 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars: Nightfall announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall announcedNCsoft has announced the third Guild Wars campaign, Nightfall, which will have an exclusive PvP preview for current members on July 28-30. Like its predecessors, Nightfall is a standalone module with a new continent to explore, and will only require the earlier games if you have characters to transfer. However, veterans might be tempted to start fresh with one of the two new professions -- the angelic Paragon or the scythe-wielding Dervish, both of which are previewed at GameSpot.

Visit the game's official web site for more details on the Nightfall preview event, as well as updates on the Guild Wars Factions Championship.

See also:

JoystiqGuild Wars: Nightfall announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetcanthadervishguild warsmmommorpgncsoftnightfallparagonPCWed, 19 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars hits 2 million mark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/guild-wars-hits-2-million-mark/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/guild-wars-hits-2-million-mark/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/guild-wars-hits-2-million-mark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Love it or hate it, Guild Wars -- you know that free MMO that is almost World of Warcraft's only competition -- has hit the 2 million units sold mark since its initial release in April 2005. It certainly hasn't reached the kind of astronomical numbers WoW has -- about 6.5 million active subscribers -- but, hey, it's a start. Piggybacking on NCsoft's announcement is the revelation that, according to a press release from the company, sales data from The NPD Group shows Guild Wars Factions as the number one selling PC game in North America for the month of May 2006. Pretty encouraging news, especially for future MMORPGs currently in development. Will developers continue to consider the subscription route or the successful freebie path that Guild Wars has chosen? I know MMOs aren't everyone's "thing," but considering the success of Guild Wars (not to mention the fact that it has no monthly fee), it seems like this is still the one to get initiated, so to speak.

JoystiqGuild Wars hits 2 million mark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guild WarsGuildWarsMMORPGPCMon, 19 Jun 2006 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Griefing and self-governance in online games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/griefing-and-self-governance-in-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/griefing-and-self-governance-in-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/griefing-and-self-governance-in-online-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Guardian has produced an excellent column that addresses the problem of "griefers", people that abuse, team-kill and cheat other players of online games, particularly MMOs. Griefing has always been a problem where real players compete against their peers, although with massively multiplayer online games the problem has become much more serious. Earning a battleship in Eve Online or crafting a special item in World of Warcraft can take weeks if not months of game time. On top of that, the recent trend for people to sell items on auction sites like eBay has meant that rare online items have a monetary value.

The article cites several high profile situations where griefers have bent moral codes with the Guiding Hand Social Club's ruination of Ubiqua Seraph in Eve Online and the funeral crash in WoW being the two main examples. Solutions that companies have come up with to limit these types of situations from happening are also looked at with the Xbox Live points system and strong community measures (like guilds and friend lists) being top on the list of letting players self-govern the problem. Effective community governance is essential if companies want to keep players inside the game and so that the owners don't have to resort to more drastic measures, like Blizzard does with its periodic account banning binges.

Update: fixed a couple of minor grammatical errors.

JoystiqGriefing and self-governance in online games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbuseAuctionsCheatingCheatseBayEve OnlineEveOnlineGriefingGuardianGuardian UnlimitedGuardianUnlimitedGuild WarsGuildWarsHackingLawsMMOMMORPGSOnline lawOnlineLawPunkbusterRulesteam killersteam killingTeamKillersTeamKillingtkWorld of WarcraftWorldOfWarcraftWoWThu, 15 Jun 2006 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA["RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/rpg-missing-from-mmorpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/rpg-missing-from-mmorpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/rpg-missing-from-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RPG elements missing in today's MMOs
Are you getting enough role-playing elements out of your MMO? Cari Davidson over at MMORPG.com thinks we could use a lot more, and feels that a true MMORPG with an engaging storyline has yet to be created. She refers to the current crop of online time sinks as "glorified chat rooms" that are big on player interaction, but void of entertaining narrative or character development. The type of experience Davidson longs for may not be possible in today's MMOs, and she acknowledges this, sort of. Initially, she claims "it's really not that hard" to create player interactions that blend well with role-playing, character development, and storytelling. But then she recants, "telling a story in a world populated by thousands of players is a big challenge."

I would subscribe to the latter train of thought, and I suspect Dungeons & Dragons Online developer Turbine would as well. DDO favors the "meet and greet" party formation, and the system creates an instance of each dungeon for you and your co-players. This type of controlled gameplay experience allows for the possibility of more immersive storytelling, but its execution has met with little success. As a result, Turbine has added solo play to DDO, and PvP is on the way. Which means more lifeless, formulaic quests for those gamers who prefer a little more depth to their adventures.

A happy medium has been around for the past four years in the form of Neverwinter Nights. It supports dozens of party members and, while not quite massive, is considerably larger than a typical Baldur's Gate or Diablo II session. Skilled modders have succeeded in prolonging NWN so successfully that BioWare has even hired some of them on -- maybe to work on the Canadian developer's new MMORPG.

What are your thoughts on the current state of MMORPGs?

Joystiq"RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city of heroesddoeve onlineguild warsmmommorpgPCrpgworld of warcraftMon, 12 Jun 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SUN is most anticipated game in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate NationAccording to the latest poll from Chinese gaming site, 17173.com, Korean developer Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate Nation is the most anticipated game in China. Other titles in the top ten include Guild Wars and Granado Espada (both will be operated by WoW host The9), as well as Kingdom of Warriors, Ragnarok Online 2, and Rohan.

Analysts are predicting China's online gaming market will approach $1 billion in annual revenue within the next year, surpassing Korea. In response to this gaming boom, major publishers such as Electronic Arts, NCsoft, Take-Two, and Ubisoft have opened development offices in Shanghai. Webzen is currently putting the finishing touches on MMO-shooter Huxley for the North American market, but has also opened an office in Shanghai to produce Kingdom of Warriors.

See also: Disney, Shanda bring online content to China
 

JoystiqSUN is most anticipated game in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>granado espadaguild warskingdom of warriorsmmommorpgPCragnarokrohansoul of the ultimate nationthe9webzenWed, 07 Jun 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars goings-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Factions updateThe Europeans are currently dominating the rest of the field, while the Americans struggle to hold ground, and the Japanese and Korean teams scarcely put up a fight. World Cup headlines? Nah, we still have another week to go for that. How about a Guild Wars Factions Championship update?

Europe's undefeated Esoteric Warriors won the latest qualifying round, and the European teams hold seven of the top ten spots. South Korea's The Last Pride, winners of the first Guild Wars World Championship, currently sit in fourth place hoping to add another US$50K to their earnings. Americans must be too busy playing World of Warcraft.

See also:

JoystiqGuild Wars goings-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsguild wars factionsncsoftPCWed, 31 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO players convene after E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Those of us heavily invested in massively multiplayer games are part of a community, just as FPS clans have a brotherhood borne out of hours of playing together. Events like BlizzCon provide an opportunity for MMO guilds and players to meet up -- for the unknown to meet the infamous.

E3 may have been over, but that didn't stop NCsoft arranging a player get-together last Saturday. Over 400 players signed up, some travelling from as far as Arizona for this one evening. While NCsoft had rented out a LAN centre for the event, players spent just as much time talking as they did playing, with a sizeable contingent of developers and community managers on hand to help the event along. NCsoft celebrities including Richard Garriott and Matt "Positron" Miller attended the event, showing a pleasing commitment to the player base.

Continue reading MMO players convene after E3

JoystiqMMO players convene after E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritiescity of heroesCityOfHeroese3e32006eventsfatal1tyguild warsGuildWarsLANmmommorpgncsoftpartiespmsTue, 16 May 2006 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spectator sports: competitive MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NCsoft is trying to establish Guild Wars as a competitive game as well as a more casual MMO, but appealing to such a diverse audience isn't easy. However, the crowds gathering at NCsoft's booth to watch two hardcore Guild Wars PvP teams duke it out seemed to enjoy the show.

At this particular event, Team EvIL and Team PnH were going head to head. The commentator did an excellent job of both explaining the game and getting enthusiastic about the action. We're somewhat familiar with the Guild Wars mechanics, but the action was incomprehensible -- while it's fun to watch the truly skilled ply their trade, it's hard to follow the intricacies of MMO as a spectator.

Guild Wars introduced an observer mode last December, but we'd have to spend a lot of time watching before tournaments like this became easily accessible. On the other hand, watching the pretty colours flash by is relaxing amidst the buzz of E3.

Continue reading Spectator sports: competitive MMOs

JoystiqSpectator sports: competitive MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaarenanetchampionshipse3e32006fightingfpsguild warsGuildWarsncsoftteam gamesTeamGamesThu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars: Character slots for cash coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Buying virtual goods with real money is becoming a trend these days, but this new Guild Wars announcement turns the game's small number of character slots (four) into a money-spinner: starting this summer, you'll be able to buy more slots for $9.99 each. The upcoming expansion, Factions, will also provide more slots, so the number of characters on a single Guild Wars account should be approaching that of other MMOs soon.

Other virtual services that cost real money include realm-to-realm character transfers (EverQuest) as well as approved real money transfer (Second Life) -- micropayments for a little bit of database juggling are on the rise, though Guild Wars at least has an excuse for charging for extra functionality, as it has no monthly fee.

JoystiqGuild Wars: Character slots for cash coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsGuildWarsmmommorpgncsoftPCrmtrpgFri, 21 Apr 2006 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars China to be operated by The9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/guild-wars-china-to-be-operated-by-the9/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/guild-wars-china-to-be-operated-by-the9/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/guild-wars-china-to-be-operated-by-the9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars China
Chinese online gaming powerhouse The9 can now add Guild Wars to its growing catalog of MMO offerings. Already the World of Warcraft host in China, The9 has reached an agreement with NCsoft to operate Guild Wars for three years on the mainland, although it doesn't specifically state if this includes the Guild Wars sequel, Factions. The9 also hosts Webzen's popular MU and will begin operating the Korean developer's Soul of the Ultimate Nation in Q4 of this year.

[Thanks, billsdue]

JoystiqGuild Wars China to be operated by The9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china gamingchinese gamingguild warsPCthe9Mon, 17 Apr 2006 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[I'm too sexy for my Guild Wars Factions armor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars Factions armorFirst, there was a World of Warcraft video featuring the trendy denizens of Azeroth dancing to the beat of Right Said Fred. Now, ArenaNet and NCsoft are playing dress up with the stars of Guild Wars Factions, or should we say, "Fashions"? The game's web site has 16 new screens of armor sets that will be available in the first sequel to the popular MMO.

For the most part, these fresh battle threads blend in nicely with the Asian-themed continent of Cantha, where Factions takes place. All that's missing on this catwalk is a phone-wielding Naomi Campbell character class.

[via GameBanshee]

JoystiqI'm too sexy for my Guild Wars Factions armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsncsoftPCFri, 14 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Third Guild Wars title to make E3 appearance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/third-guild-wars-title-to-make-e3-appearance/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/third-guild-wars-title-to-make-e3-appearance/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/third-guild-wars-title-to-make-e3-appearance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars third installmentNCsoft has announced they will be giving a sneak peek of the third installment of Guild Wars at E3 in May. According to ArenaNet co-founder Jeff Strain, this second sequel to the original game has been in development since November, and new campaigns are planned for release every six months. The first Guild Wars sequel, Factions, will be available April 28.

NCsoft is also planning to use E3 for showcasing updated previews of Dungeon Runners, Exteel, and Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa.

JoystiqThird Guild Wars title to make E3 appearance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3guild warsncsoftPCMon, 10 Apr 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Factions Championship details revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/07/guild-wars-factions-championship-details-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/07/guild-wars-factions-championship-details-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/07/guild-wars-factions-championship-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Factions championshipsIt's only been a few months since the first Guild Wars World Champions were declared, but NCsoft and ArenaNet are already preparing the next global event for the game's sequel, Factions. This second tournament will take place August 24-27 at the Games Convention in Leipzig, where rival guilds will again compete for over $100,000 in prizes.

The first of three qualifying seasons begins today, and the winners of this opening round will win a trip to E3, courtesy of ArenaNet. Follow the link for more details.

JoystiqGuild Wars Factions Championship details revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3guild warsguild wars factionsncsoftPCFri, 07 Apr 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[3 million hours spent on Guild Wars Factions preview weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/3-million-hours-spent-on-guild-wars-factions-preview-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/3-million-hours-spent-on-guild-wars-factions-preview-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/3-million-hours-spent-on-guild-wars-factions-preview-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Out ColdFor most of us, the weekend is just 48 hours - plus the fleeting time before midnight Friday night. But somehow, Guild Wars fanatics squeezed 3 million hours into the end of week celebration. Some 500,000 players logged into the invite-only Guild Wars Factions preview opportunity this past weekend, eager to get an early look at the upcoming PvP title.

Factions will be a stand-alone game, featuring the same great "no monthly fee" policy as its predecessor. Expect the 3 million hour tally to be trumped soon after Factions' release at the end of the month.

Joystiq3 million hours spent on Guild Wars Factions preview weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Apr 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guild WarsGuild Wars FactionsGuildWarsGuildWarsFactionsNCSoftPCPvPMon, 03 Apr 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Free preview of Guild Wars: Factions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/14/free-preview-of-guild-wars-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/14/free-preview-of-guild-wars-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/14/free-preview-of-guild-wars-factions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fancy slipping into the shoes of an Assassin for a weekend? Or perhaps you're more the Ritualist kind? These two new character classes are part of the upcoming Guild Wars expansion, Guild Wars: Factions, and ArenaNet are offering a free preview weekend for anyone (existing player or not) to try out some of the expansion's features.

The free weekend runs from midnight PST on January 20th to midnight PST on the 22nd, and a game key and downloadable client are available from the Guild Wars website. Guild Wars has frequently featured free trials, and this may be part of the reason it's attained such healthy growth; although it's still squarely in the shadow of a certain other MMO, the lack of a monthly fee and these trials make Guild Wars a lot more accessible to some gamers.

JoystiqFree preview of Guild Wars: Factions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guild warsGuildWarsmmoPCpvpSat, 14 Jan 2006 16:00:00 EST