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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SyFy renews Defiance for a second season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/#comments The SyFy network has picked up Defiance for a second season. Production on the 13-episode season will begin in August in Toronto, and is expected to air in 2014.

The show also has a companion MMO of the same name by Trion Worlds. It's a popular one at that, as it recently saw its millionth user sign up to play. Plus, Defiance will receive five DLC releases this year, so things are looking up for fans of both the game and the show.

Continue reading SyFy renews Defiance for a second season

JoystiqSyFy renews Defiance for a second season originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiancemmommorpgseasonshootersyfytrion-worldsSat, 11 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam adds subscription plans, first is indie MMO Darkfall Unholy Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/steam-adds-subscription-plans-first-is-indie-mmo-darkfall-unhol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/steam-adds-subscription-plans-first-is-indie-mmo-darkfall-unhol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/steam-adds-subscription-plans-first-is-indie-mmo-darkfall-unhol/#comments Steam adds subscription plans, first is indie MMO Darkfall Unholy WarsSteam launched a subscription payment plan for MMO-style games today, starting off with Darkfall Unholy Wars, a sandbox MMORPG that made its way through community voting on Greenlight in November.

Darkfall Unholy Wars is available for the initial price of $40, and then an auto-renewed subscription of $15 every 30 days. Steam will email subscription plan users with billing details after each transaction, and players can cancel or renew subscriptions at any time. For more information about Steam's subscription plans, check out the FAQ, or dive right into Darkfall Unholy Wars and see where it takes you.

Continue reading Steam adds subscription plans, first is indie MMO Darkfall Unholy Wars

JoystiqSteam adds subscription plans, first is indie MMO Darkfall Unholy Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darkfall-unholy-warsmmommorpgpcSTEAMsubscriptionsubscription-plansThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter-based MMORPG accused of stealing artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/#comments Twitterbased MMORPG accused of stealing artworkTweeria is a web-based role-playing game that advertises itself as the "laziest MMORPG ever." It uses Twitter to passively power and level up a virtual character set in a fantasy-based world, and has now been accused of stealing art from the World of Warcraft collectible card game.

Mike Sacco, a columnist for WoW Insider who also happens to work at WoW CCG owner Cryptozoic Entertainment, points out that artwork uploaded by the Tweeria staff for the title is ripped right off from the cards.

Tweeria's creator, a Russian company called Twee Game, claims it's a "mostly experimental" project, and the game has since added a "copyright notice" at the bottom of its pages to try and attribute the artwork to its creators. For now, the game is still up and running, despite user feedback saying that it's unclear just how it all works anyway.

JoystiqTwitter-based MMORPG accused of stealing artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworkccgcollectible-card-gamemmorpgpcrpgstolentwee-gametweeriatwitterworld-of-warcraftwow-ccgFri, 28 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/#comments ImageEA has put Star Wars: The Old Republic on sale for Star Wars Day, which is today, May the fourth (as in, "be with you" -- geddit?). Bioware's massively multiplayer Jedi simulator has been discounted from from $59.99 to $34.44 for the standard edition, or $44.44 for the digital deluxe edition, which includes some in-game digital goodies.

The sale lasts until Sunday, May 6. If you need it longer than that, you should have had more midichlorians, people.

JoystiqSWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeammorpgold-republicpcsaleStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browserquest: an MMO tech demo made to work in browsers everywhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/#comments Browserquest is a game put together by Mozilla (the company behind the popular Firefox browser) and intended to show off WebSockets, a technology that allows constant communication between your browser and a server online. But outside of the tech, it's a nice little streamlined MMORPG. There's no story to speak of, but you can explore a beautiful world, meet NPCs, and kill creatures while upgrading your items.

Browserquest is also impressive because it's as cross-platform as these things get -- even just resizing your browser screen will change the way the HTML 5 game is displayed, so it works great on your big-screen monitor, mobile devices, or anything else you run it on. If you happen to be a coder, the full source is also available on Github, so you can see how it's all done, and even use that code to build your own games.

The graphics and gameplay are charming enough that you'll wish it was filled out more, but Browserquest already works as a template for what browser-based games might be like in the future.

JoystiqBrowserquest: an MMO tech demo made to work in browsers everywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>githubmmorpgmobilemozillapcrpgtech-demowebsocketsThu, 29 Mar 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott talking with EA about Ultima Online 2 [update: apparently not]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/garriott-talking-with-ea-about-ultima-online-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/garriott-talking-with-ea-about-ultima-online-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/garriott-talking-with-ea-about-ultima-online-2/#comments There's been a lot of talk lately about new and bold MMOs, ones which feature angel-people, Jedi and pandas. But what about games that feature real-ass gaming industry visionaries operating under a pseudonym? More specifically: What about Lord British? His reign may not have come to an end quite yet: In an interview with Eurogamer, Richard Garriott explained that he's currently talking to EA about publishing a new entry in the Ultima Online franchise.

"I would love to have access to the Ultima property," Garriott explained. "We've had discussions at very high levels with Electronic Arts about access to the property." He explained that "counter-forces" at the company have been hesitant about such an undertaking, adding, "So far we've not put a deal together, but of course, yeah, I would be very open to it." Check out the full interview for what Garriott has in mind besides medieval real estate and spaceships.

Update: EA head of corporate communications Jeff Brown recently contradicted Garriott's statements to IndustryGamers, explaining, "I'm not sure what Richard Garriott is referring to. But no one at EA is discussing partnership or licensing opportunities related to the Ultima Online franchise."

A spokesperson for Garriott further clarified, "Richard is not CURRENTLY having conversations at high levels with Electronic Arts regarding the Ultima franchise. He never said that he is. I can assure you, however, that those conversations have taken place in the past." This seemingly contradicts Garriott's sentiment that "We're in discussions with Electronic Arts even now about a possible marketing and distribution relationships and things of this nature," though we suppose he could have been talking about his Ultimate Collector project, the title of which does start with "Ultima."

JoystiqGarriott talking with EA about Ultima Online 2 [update: apparently not] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eammorpgpcrichard-garriottrpgultimaultima-onlineTue, 13 Dec 2011 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/#comments It's time to put your regimented dragon-killing schedule on hold for a while, replacing it completely with an all new Jedi-killing routine -- early access for Star Wars: The Old Republic opens up today. If you pre-ordered the game through a traditional retailer or virtually through Origin, you'll be able to hop into the game today; assuming you're lucky enough to be a part of one of the waves of entrants BioWare is letting in, periodically, until the game's official December 20 launch.

The game can't allow everyone in all at once, probably because it would crush the servers like the windpipe of a Death Star insubordinate. Persistence should win you your prize, though. Well, persistence, and a pre-order code, and a monthly subscription.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareearly-accessmmommorpgonlinepcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/#comments No, you and you internet browser haven't slipped backwards through time -- though EverQuest 2 already went free-to-play last year (with the somewhat confusing, browser-based EverQuest 2: Extended), the game is going really free-to-play starting December 6. A post on the game's official site clears things up: The offerings of Extended will be folded into the rest of the title, and membership will be broken down into three tiers: Free, Silver and Gold.

Free members get a handful of races, classes, character slots and other utilities, while Silver members ($5.00 or 500 Station Points per month) get ... well, a handful more. These two tiers also have the option to purchase some items (like races and classes) piecemeal. Gold members ($14.99/mo.) get unrestricted access to everything. Check out this handy rubric if you're still confused by all these precious, precious metals.

JoystiqEverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2free-to-playmmommorpgpcsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentstationWed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Patch 4.3 'Hour of Twilight' launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/#comments
If you've built up a thick layer of hatred for Deathwing every time his grim visage appears on the login screen for World of Warcraft, your hour of retribution has come. Or rather, your "Hour of Twilight" has come -- that's the name of WoW Patch 4.3, which launches today.

The update, and last major addition for WoW: Cataclysm, adds three new dungeons and a new raid to the title which see your hero traveling through time in an attempt to gather the tools required to take Deathwing down. There are also new, oft-requested features like Armor Transmogrification and Void Storage. Check out the trailer above for a taste of the action, and turn an eye towards WoW Insider for all the juicy patch notes therein.

JoystiqWoW Patch 4.3 'Hour of Twilight' launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmhour-of-twilightmmommorpgpatchpcupdateworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic 'Smuggler' trailer shows us the class we'll be playing as]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/#comments
We're sorry to break the news to such honorable professions as Jedi, Bounty Hunter and Trooper in such a public forum, but we will not be playing as you when Star Wars: The Old Republic launches. We will be playing as a Smuggler, because the trailer above makes that class seem hot like fire.

JoystiqThe Old Republic 'Smuggler' trailer shows us the class we'll be playing as originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmmommorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 12 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wildstar preview: Have it your way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/wildstar-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/wildstar-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/wildstar-preview/#comments If I were to ask you how you like to play your MMORPGs, you'd probably describe a perplexing predilection for one of the genre's cookie-cutter classes: "Oh, I'm a Mage-guy, definitely." Though NCSoft and Carbine's recently announced MMO Wildstar will allow you to fill that (or any other) professional archetype, they're taking a broader look at that question, not asking what type of character you prefer to be in-game but what type of player you prefer to be.

The PAX Prime demo of Wildstar showed off some interesting innovations on the MMO formula, like fast-paced combat and an active dodge system that rewards you with bonus XP for your deft avoidance. The most promising aspect of the game, however, is that very core tenet: Wildstar rewards you for playing the game how you choose to play it.

Gallery: WildStar

Continue reading Wildstar preview: Have it your way

JoystiqWildstar preview: Have it your way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbine-studiosmmommorpgncsoftpax-prime-2011pcwildstarWed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 preview: Common sense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/#comments Of the many -- so, so many -- MMOs represented on the PAX Prime 2011 show floor, ArenaNet's long-in-development Guild Wars 2 easily presents the most outside-the-box thinking. Where other entries in the genre tend to look at their contemporaries and attempt to iteratively repair their rough edges, Guild Wars 2 throws out baby, bathwater and tub, starting with a base that's altogether unprecedented.

Take, for instance, this core conceit: Why do other MMOs require you to stand still to use most of your character's abilities? Why not allow them to fire off powers while ducking and dodging through salvos of enemy attacks? Why not let heroes use their powers, regardless of whether or not they're targeting an enemy? Why not put some action in your MMO, or vice versa? ArenaNet seems to have noticed most developers' proclivity for sacrificing streamlined gameplay for staple MMO characteristics, and repeatedly asked that very question: Why?

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 preview: Common sense

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 preview: Common sense originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsGuild-Wars-2mmommorpgncsoftpax-prime-2011pcSat, 27 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic gets a somewhat lighthearted 'Huttball' Warzone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-old-republic-gets-a-somewhat-lighthearted-huttball-warzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-old-republic-gets-a-somewhat-lighthearted-huttball-warzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-old-republic-gets-a-somewhat-lighthearted-huttball-warzone/#comments
If you ever feel like taking a break from cutting through folks with laserswords, Star Wars: The Old Republic will include a somewhat wackier game mode that should suit your needs. It's called "Huttball" -- a neutral Player vs. Player Warzone which is likely the closest thing the MMO will have to an official sport. Unless, of course, they invent ligthsaber baseball, which seems unlikely for several obvious reasons.

The game tasks two teams with securing a neutral ball and running it into the opposing teams endzone. Just like football! Only with more Force-choking. Check out the trailer above to get a taste of space sports.

JoystiqThe Old Republic gets a somewhat lighthearted 'Huttball' Warzone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeahuttballlucasartsmmorpgpcpvpStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 19 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic supply artificially limited at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/#comments In an attempt to prevent its servers from collapsing under the weight of a million Force-hungry MMO-players, EA will artificially limit the number of copies -- both digital and retail -- of Star Wars: The Old Republic available at launch. An EA representative reportedly revealed the strategy at a Gamescom demo, but didn't divulge any details such as how many copies would be available, or how long it would take for more copies to be released once the quota is met.

We suppose this strategy makes sense, though we can't help but imagine the excuses BioWare and EA are going to have to come up with to explain why their downloads are sold out. "Bits? You want bits? Sorry friend. We're fresh out of those. Bytes too! Sorry about that. The drought's hitting us awful hard. The ... the technodrought."

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic supply artificially limited at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealaunchlucasartsmmommorpgpcreleasestar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's progression system doesn't subscribe to labels, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/#comments Though most other MMOs allow their players to use level ranking and class like some kind of shorthand calling card ("Oh, me? I'm a Lv. 43 Powermime!"), Funcom's The Secret World will ditch that system for a more versatile approach, according to a recent Rock, Paper, Shotgun preview. Instead of levels and classes, players will be able to pick and choose from 500 skills that they'll be able to swap between at certain points during a mission, making strategy and foresight far more powerful tools than patience and grinding.

Players will be able to specialize as one of the MMORPG genre's many archetypes, though this broad system won't lock them out of other job types should their interests shift. We appreciate any MMO that allows us to reenact our collegiate career, during which we double-majored in Animal Husbandry and Astronomy with a minor in Healthcare Management and another minor in Racquetball.

JoystiqThe Secret World's progression system doesn't subscribe to labels, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classeseafuncommmommorpgpcskillsthe-secret-worldTue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom reveals Ixion Saga, plans limited alpha in Japan next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/capcom-reveals-ixion-saga-plans-limited-alpha-in-japan-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/capcom-reveals-ixion-saga-plans-limited-alpha-in-japan-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/capcom-reveals-ixion-saga-plans-limited-alpha-in-japan-next-mon/#comments According to Famitsu, Capcom has announced a new title called Ixion Saga, a PC-only multiplayer combat game where three classes (Strikers, Casters and Blasters) will do battle in eight versus eight online matches. There's also a PvE element, so players will be able to form "unions" with other players and take on other creatures.

There will be a limited alpha on July 28 in Japan, and the game is due for release there sometime next summer. Capcom has had some success with online titles already, releasing a Monster Hunter MMO in Japan, but this is the first we've heard of an original MMO IP.

JoystiqCapcom reveals Ixion Saga, plans limited alpha in Japan next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomclassesfamitsuixion-sagajapanjapanesemmommorpgonlinepcFri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift client temporarily marked down to $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/rift-client-temporarily-marked-down-to-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/rift-client-temporarily-marked-down-to-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/rift-client-temporarily-marked-down-to-5/#comments Rift appears to be one of the only recent title to take a modicum of wind out of World of Warcraft's sails. It makes sense, then, that Trion would respond to WoW's new free-to-play mode with an offer of its own: namely, the temporary markdown on the Rift client to a measly $4.99.

Continue reading Rift client temporarily marked down to $5

JoystiqRift client temporarily marked down to $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmommorpgpcrifttrion-worldsThu, 30 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/#comments We respect the tenacity of every human being left on the planet who hasn't played Blizzard's mind-bogglingly gripping MMORPG World of Warcraft -- but unfortunately, your teetotaling has come to an end. In the game's latest update, titled "Rage of the Firelands," WoW's free 14-day trial has been extended, allowing Azerothian adventurers to grind to their heart's content -- but their levels will remain capped at 20 until they upgrade to the full version.

It's a clever ploy that Blizzard's calling the World of Warcraft Starter Edition, which even includes some of the content from the game's first expansion, The Burning Crusade -- for instance, free players can create Draenei and Blood Elf characters, two races added in said expansion. Should you decide to upgrade, you can get the core game and Burning Crusade for a cool $19.99 as part of the digital World of Warcraft Battle Chest -- though you'll first have to wait for the site to stop getting Zerg rushed by newcomers. (Apologies for mixing our Blizzard metaphors.)

Already a hardened WoW veteran? There's plenty more in the update to slake your thirst -- check out WoW Insider's handy FAQ for a rundown.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardblizzardfree-to-playmmorpgpcWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-The-Burning-CrusadeWoWTue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic video visits Alderaan, fights lots of dudes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-video-visits-alderaan-fights-lots-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-video-visits-alderaan-fights-lots-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-video-visits-alderaan-fights-lots-o/#comments We were pretty upset when we saw Alderaan get totally blown to smithereens in A New Hope, but now that the Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer posted after the jump has shown us what type of unsavory characters lived there, we're not sure it's actually that great of a loss.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic video visits Alderaan, fights lots of dudes

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic video visits Alderaan, fights lots of dudes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alderaanbiowareeammorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 25 Jun 2011 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes going free-to-play later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/#comments Paragon Studios' superpowered flagship MMO City of Heroes is surfing the ever-growing trendwave of paid online titles moving into the free-to-play market. The developer has announced City of Heroes Freedom, a free version of the seven-year-old game which will launch later this year. The MMO will follow an increasingly popular model, giving free players access to a partial list of areas and features available to paid subscribers -- however, in an unusual twist, free users will be able to pick and choose exactly which features and areas they want to access.

Premium subscribers get access to the whole kit and caboodle, as well as special rewards they'll be able to choose from every month. These include new costumes, consumables and power sets, almost ensuring their supernatural superiority over their free-to-play counterparts. Basically, they'll be the Justice League to the free players' Alpha Flight.

Continue reading City of Heroes going free-to-play later this year

JoystiqCity of Heroes going free-to-play later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-Heroescity-of-heroes-freedomfree-to-playmmommorpgncsoftparagon-studiospcWed, 22 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 to avoid standalone MMO expansion model [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/#comments MMORPG developer ArenaNet is no stranger to implementing standalone additions to its subscription-free title Guild Wars, but it sounds like the studio won't follow the same strategy for the game's long-developed sequel. Speaking to Gamerzines, Guild Wars 2 lead designer Eric Flannum explained, "At this time we don't plan to continue with the standalone expansion model," adding that such add-ons "split our player base unnecessarily and also caused us to focus development effort on things that were redundant with the original release of the game such as tutorial areas and duplicates of already existing skills."

Update: An earlier version of this post misunderstood Flannum's message, which does not count out the possibility of traditional expansions -- only standalone add-ons which do not require the base game, such as Guild Wars: Factions and Nightfall. We apologize for the confusion, and thank the commenters who pointed out the error.

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 to avoid standalone MMO expansion model [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetexpansionGuild-Wars-2mmommorpgncsoftpcWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/#comments Cryptic and Atari's upcoming relaunch of the Neverwinter Nights franchise is a multiplayer online game with infinite content. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around what this means -- and I think its creators are, too.

The infinite-ness is provided by the Foundry system, a returning (and far more refined) feature which Cryptic implemented in one of its other flagship MMOs, Star Trek Online. Rather than patching in the campaign-crafting tools after launch, however, Cryptic is making the Foundry the keystone of the Neverwinter experience -- an appropriate callback to Nights' UGC-centric success.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticmmommorpgneverwinterpcFri, 10 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic intro cinematic is more like it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-intro-cinematic-is-more-like-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-intro-cinematic-is-more-like-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-intro-cinematic-is-more-like-it/#comments We may have spoken too soon when we posted this morning's decidedly un-cinematic Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer. BioWare has once again released what's sure to be one of E3's most striking promo videos: The MMORPG's opening cinematic, which you'll find posted after the jump.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic intro cinematic is more like it

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic intro cinematic is more like it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecinematicealucasartsmmommorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 06 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 trailer is just showing off now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-e3-trailer-is-just-showing-off-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-e3-trailer-is-just-showing-off-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-e3-trailer-is-just-showing-off-now/#comments Though past E3-timed trailers for Star Wars: The Old Republic overwhelmed us with gorgeous cinematics, this year's video instead attempts to drown us in a comprehensive features list. Check out the somewhat braggadocious trailer after the jump! Unless, of course, you don't like space fights.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 trailer is just showing off now

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic E3 trailer is just showing off now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3-2011ealucasartsmmorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 06 Jun 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft profits decline, limited marketing blamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/#comments MMORPG publisher NCSoft has reported a year-over-year decline in both revenue and profit during the first quarter of 2011. The company's revenues fell 7 percent from the same period a year ago to 155.4 billion Korean Won (about $143 million), despite increased sales from Lineage 2. Profits showed an even sharper decline, dropping 30 percent to 40.8 billion KRW ($37.5 million).

The company chalked up the losses to "soft sales promotions" of its other two key games, the original Lineage and Aion -- or, as we like to call them, "the one with all the castles" and "the one with all the angels." That's ... about all we know about the two games. You know, ahem, because of their limited marketing budgets.

JoystiqNCsoft profits decline, limited marketing blamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionearningsfinancialfy-2011korealineagelineage-2mmommorpgncsoftpcq1Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment services also coming back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has been an unfortunately named business these past two weeks, when its catalog of MMOs were taken offline following the PlayStation Network security breach. Fortunately, the servers of titles like Free Realms, EverQuest 2 and Clone Wars Adventures slowly but surely started to come back online this past weekend -- each including a little incentive to try and lure back their disconnected player bases.

These incentives include XP bonuses, free rare items and special events, all of which are laid out on this handy chart. If you're an SOE account holder in "good standing," you'll also get 45 days of in-game time on-the-house. If you're a lifetime subscriber, though, you'll get just the extra super special in-game bonuses. Also, everyone gets 500 Station Cash, a currency players can use to purchase even more in-game items. This outage might just be the best thing to ever happen to your online adventurer's lootsack.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment services also coming back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmommorpgpcplaystationps3psn-outage-2011sonySony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 16 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare reveals more info on The Old Republic class progression]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/bioware-reveals-more-info-on-the-old-republic-class-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/bioware-reveals-more-info-on-the-old-republic-class-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/bioware-reveals-more-info-on-the-old-republic-class-progression/#comments Jedi Knights don't just become Jedi Knights, you know -- if that were the case, The Empire Strikes Back would be way, way shorter. It takes tons of training for a Jedi (and every other class in The Old Republic, for that matter) to hone their abilities to a lightsaber-sharp point. Luckily for the MMO's potential players, BioWare has revealed a ton of information on how this progression will play out in-game.

Check out the latest post on the game's official blog for a quick rundown on class progression in The Old Republic, covering everything from advanced classes to skill trees. So, so many skill trees. No kidding, you guys. Like, a tropical rainforest of skill trees.

JoystiqBioWare reveals more info on The Old Republic class progression originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmmommorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSun, 10 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft has earned over $33 million, Notch reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/#comments Let that soak in: $33 million. All those dollars, slightly eroded by Paypal fees and taxes, come from around 800,000 alpha version adopters, who picked up the game at €9.95 ($14.26), and over one million beta version sales at €14.95 ($21.43). Currently, the Minecraft stats page lists 1,813,527 customers, pegging revenue at slightly above €23 million ($33 million).

The figures come from a Reddit thread, where Minecraft creator Markus Persson (AKA Notch) shared the figures -- a level of success he admitted he's somewhat uncomfortable with. "I've always had a tendency to feel like I'm just not quite keeping up with demands, even before starting work on Minecraft. It's not gotten better by having a runaway hit like this."

The latest update for the game, version 1.4, launched last week, adding a host of new features to the game. A documentary is also in the works.

JoystiqMinecraft has earned over $33 million, Notch reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>markus-perssonMinecraftmmorpgmojang-specificationspcsalesWed, 06 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-later/#comments One in six people in China have played Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online -- the free-to-play 2D action PC MMORPG claimed over 200 million registered users even before its launch in North America, at one point seeing 2.2 million concurrent users. And now Nexon is reaching out for another audience entirely: It's announced that DFO is coming to Xbox Live later in 2011, published by none other than Microsoft Games Studios.

The console version will be jointly developed by Nexon and Korean developer Softmax, and the game's original developer, Neople, will direct the project. There's no word on whether it will be free-to-play or microtransaction-based on Xbox Live Arcade or not -- the original game, like all of Nexon's titles, is supported by sales of in-game items, from gear and potions to XP boosts.

Joystiq has contacted Nexon to find out more, and we'll let you know what we hear. This announcement could be huge -- a free-to-play MMO hit on consoles, especially in the west, would have big ramifications for the gaming industry at large.

Update: "Nothing has been determined yet" about the model for this one, we're told. Nexon says it's too early in the process to talk about exactly how this version of the game will work.

Continue reading Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade later this year

JoystiqNexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdungeon-fighter-onlinemicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmmommorpgneoplenexonsoftmaxxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 24 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runic: No subscription for Torchlight MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/runic-no-subscription-for-torchlight-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/runic-no-subscription-for-torchlight-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/runic-no-subscription-for-torchlight-mmo/#comments It seems the MMO-ified version of Runic Games' mine-dwelling RPG Torchlight will attempt to avoid one of the genre's biggest pitfalls: trying to go head-to-head with Blizzard's gigantic, millions-of-players-strong monster. In a recent interview with Charge Shot, Runic CEO Max Schaefer explained, "I don't think really anyone can do [subscriptions] anymore because pretty much everyone that does subscriptions has one for World of Warcraft." Subsequently, the company will not pursue a subscription model for the Torchlight MMO.

We appreciate the sentiment, but we think Schaefer's underestimating how many of us MMO players are just fabulously wealthy. We can afford to subscribe to more than one thing, you know? As of right now, we're subscribed to WoW, EQ2, EVE Online, DC Universe Online, Final Fantasy XIV, Warhammer Online and the Potpourri of the Month Club.

... Let's just pretend that we didn't say that last one, okay?

JoystiqRunic: No subscription for Torchlight MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmommorpgpcrunic-gamessubscriptiontorchlighttorchlight-mmoTue, 22 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft brings WoW-like 'Order and Chaos Online' to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/gameloft-brings-wow-like-order-and-chaos-online-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/gameloft-brings-wow-like-order-and-chaos-online-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/gameloft-brings-wow-like-order-and-chaos-online-to-ios/#comments Earlier this week, Gameloft revealed a new MMORPG intended for distribution on the iOS App Store -- a first for the French copycat developer. Not a first, however, is the game's concept and art style, which more or less directly ape Blizzard's behemoth, World of Warcraft.

As seen in the game's first trailer, Order & Chaos Online pits the forces of Order against those of Chaos in a massive, multiplayer setting. The forces of both sides, it seems, are on vacation from Azeroth ... and they like vacationing somewhere very similar to home. Gameloft hasn't given its first mobile MMO a release date, but does say it's "coming soon" to the iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone.

Continue reading Gameloft brings WoW-like 'Order and Chaos Online' to iOS

JoystiqGameloft brings WoW-like 'Order and Chaos Online' to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentgameloftiosmmommorpgmobileorder-and-chaos-onlineworld-of-warcraftFri, 18 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon America's pre-paid card empire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/nexon-americas-pre-paid-card-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/nexon-americas-pre-paid-card-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/nexon-americas-pre-paid-card-empire/#comments Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim tells an interesting story about how his company created one of the biggest phenomena in gaming retail lately: The pre-paid card. Nowadays, you can find rows of pre-paid cards for Nexon's microtransaction-based games like MapleStory or Vindictus lining the shelves of any 7-11 or Target. But a few years ago, both Target and its customers had to be sold on the idea.

Kim and his company came up with a way to teach customers how it worked, right inside a browser-based MMO. "We had a quest in-game, to go to Target in-game, to the section where they had the game cards," Kim says. Target kept the cards not in the gaming section, but in the music section alongside iTunes gift cards. "So three months leading up to the actual release of the card, we actually had a quest in-game to go get allowance from an NPC, go to the Target store, go to the music section, go find a CD card."

The training worked. "Day one," says Kim, "the cards were released, they were sold out in so many stores. They called us and said, 'We gotta print more cards.'"

Continue reading Nexon America's pre-paid card empire

JoystiqNexon America's pre-paid card empire originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel-kimdragon-nestkoreamaplestorymin-kimmmommorpgnexonnexon-americapcpre-paid-cardsvindictusMon, 07 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Q Entertainment announces Ninety-Nine Nights Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/q-entertainment-announces-ninety-nine-nights-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/q-entertainment-announces-ninety-nine-nights-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/q-entertainment-announces-ninety-nine-nights-online/#comments
Ninety-Nine Nights was already a game featuring a great many dudes on-screen at any one time -- however, developer Q Entertainment has announced a move for the franchise that should exponentially bump up that number. The studio recently revealed Ninety-Nine Nights Online, an Action-MMO for the PC, which adds a number of persistent RPG elements (such as multiple job classes, parties and PvP) to the series' familiar strategy-hack-and-slash formula.

The game, which will follow the increasingly popular free-to-play, microtransaction-supported MMO business model, has yet to receive any firm release schedule details, nor has Q announced whether it would also drop in North America. Given the poor critical reception and even poorer sales garnered by the last installment in the series, we wouldn't be surprised if it passed us by.

JoystiqQ Entertainment announces Ninety-Nine Nights Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmorpgNinety-Nine NightsNinety-nineNightsninetynine-nights-onlinepcq-entertainmentTue, 18 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online goes free-to-play January 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/champions-online-goes-free-to-play-january-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/champions-online-goes-free-to-play-january-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/champions-online-goes-free-to-play-january-25/#comments Strap on your utility belts, friends -- it's almost crimefightin' time. Well, okay, it's been crimefightin' time for a while now, but on January 25, it's going to be complimentary crimefightin' time. That's the date when Cryptic Studios will flip the switch on Champions Online over to free-to-play, giving players access to the title at no cost with the option of purchasing additional "Adventure Packs" to expand your superheroic experience. If you'd rather have access to all these offerings from the start, you can continue to subscribe to the full game for $14.99.

Oh, the change in price also comes with a change in title -- when the game relaunches, it'll be named Champions Online: Free-for-All. We don't get it. Is there going to be a bunch of new player vs. player functionality? Some kind of gruesome, super-powered bloodsport? Could it be that the heroes are -- oh, they mean "free, for all." Man, Cryptic should really reevaluate its use of punctuation.

JoystiqChampions Online goes free-to-play January 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atarichampions-onlinecryptic-studiosfree-to-playmmommorpgpcTue, 11 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/#comments Though we're still confused how Star Wars: The Old Republic's non-lightsaber-swinging classes are supposed to best their lightsaber-swinging counterparts in combat, we're looking forward to checking out the objective-based, player vs. player "Warzones" previewed in the trailer posted below.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectronic-artsmmommorpgpcpvpStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online to incorporate player-made missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/#comments Cryptic Studios already enabled City of Heroes players to create their own missions from scratch successfully -- now it's planning on adding the feature to the rest of its MMO catalog. Star Trek Online players can now apply to beta test the "Foundry" toolset, which allows them to create entire Episodes, customizing mission objectives, characters and scenery, which other Captains will then be able to play through.

There's no telling how powerful the Foundry will be until we get a chance to check them out, but we've got our fingers crossed that our Captain Riker/Tribbles slash-fic masterpiece will be able to be realized using these new tools.

JoystiqStar Trek Online to incorporate player-made missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmorpgpcstar-trek-onlinethe-foundryuser-generated-contentFri, 29 Oct 2010 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockman Dash mod mixes Mega Man Legends and Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blockman-dash-mod-mixes-mega-man-legends-and-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blockman-dash-mod-mixes-mega-man-legends-and-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blockman-dash-mod-mixes-mega-man-legends-and-minecraft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In Minecraft, you can pretty much build anything, so some fans set out to ease the tension of waiting for Mega Man Legends 3 Project by creating a Mega Man Legends-based mod called Blockman Dash. Check out a tour of Apple Market past the break!

Continue reading Blockman Dash mod mixes Mega Man Legends and Minecraft

JoystiqBlockman Dash mod mixes Mega Man Legends and Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockman-dashcapcomMarkus-Perssonmega-man-legendsmega-man-legends-3mega-man-legends-3-projectMinecraftmmorpgpcTue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Universe is live for pre-orderers, full launch coming October 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/lego-universe-is-live-for-pre-orderers-full-launch-coming-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/lego-universe-is-live-for-pre-orderers-full-launch-coming-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/lego-universe-is-live-for-pre-orderers-full-launch-coming-octob/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you got on the Lego Universe bus early by pre-ordering the kid-friendly MMO from "Lego sales channels", you can now get busy with the bricklaying. NetDevil has launched the game for a special, two-week "Founders Release" for these early adopters, giving them access to the online DIY adventure before Lego Universe's proper October 26 U.S. launch.

Perhaps even more newsworthy than the game's early debut and launch window is that its launch trailer, posted after the jump, is so super hot. Not only does it do a great job of setting up the Lego Universe ... universe, it features the vocal talents of Patrick Stewart, who's beginning to reach Nolan North-esque levels of video game ubiquitousness. (Not that we're complaining!)

Continue reading Lego Universe is live for pre-orderers, full launch coming October 26

JoystiqLego Universe is live for pre-orderers, full launch coming October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lego-universemmorpgnetdevilpcrelease-dateFri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO industry sees increased market share, but less revenue per user]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/mmo-industry-sees-increased-market-share-but-less-revenue-per-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/mmo-industry-sees-increased-market-share-but-less-revenue-per-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/mmo-industry-sees-increased-market-share-but-less-revenue-per-u/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The online gaming industry analysts at Screen Digest recently shared some good news and bad news with Western MMO developers. The good? According to their report, the MMO market in Europe and the U.S. increased to $1.6 billion last year, up from $1.4 billion in 2008. However, the average revenue gained per MMO player declined 10 percent over the same time period, with recurring subscriptions pulling in around $13 million in 2009. (That's the bad news.)

This decline, of course, is a result of new business models in the MMO space, such as microtransactions and free-to-play online titles. These new models appear to be shaking things up a bit -- but we suppose as long as that first number keeps going up, the second one can do whatever it likes.

JoystiqMMO industry sees increased market share, but less revenue per user originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>industrymmommorpgonlinepcrevenueWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 26 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Control Final Fantasy XIV officially with this PC controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/control-final-fantasy-xiv-officially-with-this-pc-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/control-final-fantasy-xiv-officially-with-this-pc-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/control-final-fantasy-xiv-officially-with-this-pc-controller/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, you could play Final Fantasy XIV on PS3, if you like waiting. Or you could play it on PC with a (third-party PC controller based on a) PlayStation controller as soon as September 30. Sunflex, a third-party peripherals company, is releasing an officially licensed Final Fantasy XIV controller on that date, in Europe and the US, under its Snakebyte brand.

It bears a striking resemblance to the company's PS3 accessories, but in white -- and, more importantly, with the Final Fantasy XIV logo on it, so you know you're officially playing Final Fantasy XIV. Whether or not that officialness is an attractive enough quality to justify one of these is your call.

JoystiqControl Final Fantasy XIV officially with this PC controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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