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Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos
March 07, 2013

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With apologies to Dungeons of Dredmor
In the last few months, the Ask Massively inbox has received several letters about breaking into the games journalism industry and employment at Massively specifically. This first one came from a reader named Vernon:
I rarely see current journalists write or blog about their own experiences of getting into the industry. I always told myself I would try to figure out how to make a go of writing about games if the opera thing did not work out. So, how did you get there (Editor in Chief), and how do you get there now?
Short answer: the two skillsets rule.

Continue reading Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos

MassivelyAsk Massively: How I mine for games journos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team
    March 07, 2013

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    Massively Exclusive Bylos expounds on the centralized team for AO, AoC, and TSW
    By now, most MMO gamers are pretty familiar with the fact that Funcom underwent restructuring. But what does that mean; what exactly did it entail? The term "restructuring" in itself signifies changes but does nothing to actually enlighten folks on what the changes are. Other than the fact that Joel Bylos was named creative director for all three of Funcom's titles -- Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, and The Secret World -- and that the team will be in one centralized in location, we know little of the details.

    How many developers survived the restructuring and relocated to remain on the team? Is this move foreshadowing one or more games slipping into maintenance mode? How will the coveted dev attention be divvied up? What does the future hold? Devoid of facts, players are left left wondering about how these changes will impact their favorite games.

    While chatting with Joel Bylos in an exclusive interview, I was able to ask some of these very questions.

    Continue reading Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team

    MassivelyFuncom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Missing Ink kickstarts for tablet versions
      March 07, 2013

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      The Missing Ink kickstarts for tablet versions
      The Missing Ink is one of the most uniquely stylized MMOs that we've ever seen around these here parts, and our time with the game has made us crave it all the more. While the title is currently in open beta and preparing for a launch this year, RedBedlam has pulled the trigger on a Kickstarter fundraiser to bring The Missing Ink to iPad and Android tablets as well as help the studio self-publish the title.

      RedBedlam has a rough-working iPad version but could use the funds to help polish the user interface, advertise the game, and start work on an Android version. Past that, funds raised will be used for "content, content, content."

      At the least expensive sponsor level, players can not only contribute to the project but obtain a future copy of the iOS game at a discounted rate.

      [Thanks to Sounder for the tip!]

      MassivelyThe Missing Ink kickstarts for tablet versions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Summoner's Guidebook: The little stories League of Legends creates
      March 07, 2013

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      The Summoner's Guidebook The little stories League of Legends creates
      Recently, one of you guys asked to see more personal stories showcasing my experiences in League of Legends. Normally I'm not as fond of doing that sort of thing unless there's a moral in the story somewhere. I like teaching, so that is what the Guidebook does a lot of. The column's name is the Summoner's Guidebook for that reason, after all!

      However, I was thinking about it when I was playing last week, and I ended up playing a really great unranked, blind pick game. The outcome was very close, and the overall dynamics of the game were a firm reminder of why I play League of Legends. There was no "mid or feed." It began with good communication by our team and good sportsmanship by both teams at the end. In my mind, that makes this story one worth sharing with you.

      Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: The little stories League of Legends creates

      MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: The little stories League of Legends creates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Camelot Unchained is all about pride
        March 07, 2013

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        U2. And now the song is stuck in your head, too.
        When you play Camelot Unchained, Mark Jacobs wants you to be proud. Not just about your decision to play his game, but about every individual choice you made in playing that game. He wants you to have pride about your race, pride about your server, pride about your guild, possibly even pride about your choice of keyboard. That's the entire point of the latest development blog post: pride and the elements that build up to player pride.

        Jacobs argues that there are two sides to making every part of a character a source of pride. In many cases, such as with races and factions, it's important that the lore be appealing and resonant with players. In other cases, such as classes, it's more important that each feels powerful and unique while still feeling as if it needs something more. The entry goes into detail on several points about pride, ranging from factions to servers, and if you're eyeing the game in anticipation, it's worth looking through the points of pride.

        MassivelyCamelot Unchained is all about pride originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Star Wars: The Old Republic sets the stage for Makeb
        March 07, 2013

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        There's just more of him to shoot.
        The war between the Empire and the Republic in Star Wars: The Old Republic has been two-sided thus far. Sure, there have been some minor incursions by other powers, but it's fundamentally been a conflict between those two sides. Makeb in Rise of the Hutt Cartel represents a major departure from that dynamic, and the latest development blog focuses on the changing face of the galactic conflict. And it's more complex than just the addition of the Hutts.

        The Hutts certainly play a major role, of course, but part of the reason for their presence is that the ongoing war makes open conflict seem more appealing to groups like the Hutt Cartel. Meanwhile, the Republic is finally in a position where it's not on the back foot compared to the Empire, meaning that the people in charge have to balance fighting the Hutts and maintaining the advantage. And amidst all of that, there's the planet Makeb itself, which is in the throes of severe ecological disaster. There's a lot going on in the expansion planet, enough to turn what seems like a two-sided conflict into a multi-faceted melee.

        MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic sets the stage for Makeb originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Players, meet Albion Online. Albion, players.
        March 07, 2013

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        Players, meet Albion Online Albion, players
        Berlin-based Sandbox Games announced that it's working on a medieval sandbox MMO called Albion Online -- and it wants you to get to know the game a bit better. Albion Online is an isometric, stylized game that boasts a fully player-driven economy, a day/night system, PvP corpse looting, territory control, and make-your-own classes. The kicker? The studio says that this will be "the first true cross-platform" MMO of its type.

        Sandbox says that all items and buildings in the game will be player-created, with even the land up for sale or rent. The team stresses that it won't be pay-to-win nor will players be facing impossible zergs.

        The game will be made available for the iPad, Android tablets, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Albion Online is currently in alpha, will begin closed beta weekends this month, and hopes to release Q3 2013.

        MassivelyPlayers, meet Albion Online. Albion, players. originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Daily Grind: Is loot better with an RNG or token system?
        March 06, 2013

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        The Daily Grind Is loot better with a RNG or token system
        Oh the random number generator, how we love to hate thee. And yet you're so very addictive; with the roll of some virtual dice, we could win big-time on any given kill. Sure, you're often very stingy, but that makes the payoff so much more sweet. With MMOs, the house doesn't win if you play long enough -- you do.

        Then again, there's the "sure bet" of tokens. Maybe we won't have a shot at uber-loot for every kill, but slowly and surely we can collect enough currency to barter for what we do want. Token systems are the assurance of eventual payouts.

        Which do you prefer when it comes to acquiring gear in MMOs -- the random number generator or tokens?

        Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

        MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is loot better with an RNG or token system? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Massively Exclusive: WildStar's character creation music
          March 06, 2013

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          Massively Exclusive WildStar's character creation music
          Get ready to hear the theme that will be burned into your subconscious as you fine-tune your dozens of future WildStar avatars. Carbine Studios sent us a first look, er, listen to the character creation theme for the game.

          The seven-minute tune is was composed by Jeff Kurtenacker (Pirates of the Burning Sea) and gives you a thematic feel for your first minutes in WildStar. It's a little regal, a little sparkly sci-fi, and all yours to hear after the jump!

          Continue reading Massively Exclusive: WildStar's character creation music

          MassivelyMassively Exclusive: WildStar's character creation music originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Massively Exclusive: MapleStory adds samurai Hayato
            March 06, 2013

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            Exclusive video Maplestory adds the legendary samurai to the cast
            The pantheon of MapleStory characters has just admitted a newcomer to its ranks -- the legendary samurai Hayato. Having lost his clan to the evil forces of Oda Nobunga, Hayato seeks vengeance. Weakened by his mysterious appearance in the Maple World, he must regain the knowledge of his fast and powerful sword combos in order to fight off the invading forces of Oda.

            In this exclusive video, watch Hayato battle through ninjas and face Oda Nobunga himself in order to stop a dark ritual and save the princess.

            [Source: Nexon press release]

            Continue reading Massively Exclusive: MapleStory adds samurai Hayato

            MassivelyMassively Exclusive: MapleStory adds samurai Hayato originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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