Massively Op

Look there! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a different comics franchise altogether that's spawned a popular online action RPG which is going through another leap in its evolution! Today on the podcast, hosts Bree and Justin are joined by the Marvel Heroes team to talk about the latest reinvention of the game. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Interview with Marvel Heroes 2016's Senior Social Media Manager Christopher Baker and Creative Designer & Community Manager Ryan Collins News: The Repopulation switches game engine, announces spin-off News: RIFT throws up a paywall News: Trove adjusts its business model News: The Secret World beefs up its subscription News: SWTOR's lockboxception News: The Division breaks its beta promise Other info: Podcast theme: "Army Base 1" from Marvel

The big news this week is Blade & Soul's long-awaited western release, and you can bet that Bree and Justin are going to be talking about jiggle physics, wuxia movement, and awesome character creators on today's show. Does this mark the beginning of a promising 2016? It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Diablo III, FFXIV News: Blade & Soul launches News: Black Desert makes its character creator available News: John Smedley reveals Hero's Song News: City of Steam shuts down News: Analyst has dire predictions for WildStar Mailbag: Global chat jerks Other info: Podcast theme: "Silverfrost Mountain (main theme)" from Blade & Soul Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowe

You can't take the skies from these podcasters! Today's show will see Bree and Justin plowing through the big MMO news of the past week, including the welcome addition of gliding in Tyria, an unfortunate producer's letter, and a name reservation controversy. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Diablo III, FFXIV News: Gliding is coming to Guild Wars 2's core world News: Blade & Soul's name reservation controversy News: Elder Scrolls Online looks ahead at 2016 News: TERA newsletter causes forum riot, devs apologize News: Lord of the Rings Online's new datacenter causes problems Mailbag: LOTRO reboot Mailbag: Volunteer worlds Other info: Podcast theme: "Auric Wilds" from Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitch

Would Bree or Justin spend $600 on an Oculus Rift? Probably not in this universe, but it certainly won't stop them from talking about this new VR platform and its implications for MMOs. Is virtual reality the future of the online RPG genre or merely a fad? It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, Project Gorgon, Guild Wars 2 News: Oculus Rift will cost $600 News: David Brevik leaves Gazillion, forms his own company News: Divergence Online starts early access News: John Smedley comments on emulators News: TUG gets new funding, delays a year to grow Mailbag: Touching stories Mailbag: MOBAs getting better? Mailbag: Skill trees in sandboxes Other info: Podcast theme: "Main Theme" from Dawntide Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podc

It's a brand new year for MMOs -- and who knows what it will bring? Today on the show, Bree and Justin welcome 2016 as they discuss the big news over the past couple of weeks, including a lot of industry drama and a ray of hope for one struggling MMO. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Final Fantasy XIV, Marvel Heroes News: Albion Online turns its back on free-to-play News: The Repopulation suspends development, issues with Hero Engine News: Firefall has payroll problems -- or does it? News: Crowfall reveals vessel system News: Pathfinder Online has possible investor Mailbag: EverQuest Next speculation Mailbag: ArcheAge's health Mailbag: What could replace WoW? Other info: Podcast theme: "Alpha Music 7" from Landmark Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast

For our final podcast of 2015, we have a special treat for you: a double-header of interviews! First up is a talk with ArenaNet's sound design team on the audio of Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, followed by a talk with Paul the Space Ace as he answers your astronomy and gaming questions. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Interview with ArenaNet Sound Designers Jerry Schroeder and Drew Cady How did you get into the industry? Making sounds with strange objects Why create unique sounds? How do you work with the other teams? Misconceptions and sound design Mixing sound and music The Revenant Getting started in sound design Interview with Paul the Space Ace Interstellar accuracy and Pluto Star fields Funded test on Jupiter moons Visible nebulae Star Citizen Other info: Podcast theme: "Battle in Tarir" f

As 2015 comes to a close, the Massively Overpowered team crams into the recording booth to share their own thoughts on the year and our annual awards. It's a rollicking good time with 450% of your RDA dose of outspoken personalities! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: What was the best gaming experience we had this year? Best MMO of the Year Underrated MMO of the Year Expansion of the Year Story of the Year Negative awards Most improved MMO What are we excited about or want to do in the new year? Other info: Download Episode 43 Podcast theme: "Matoya's Cave" from Final Fantasy XIV Your show hosts: Bree, Justin, Larry, MJ, and Eliot Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Twitch If y

As the podcast crew prepares to wrap up the year, there's still an avalanche of news with which to deal! On today's episode, Bree and Justin talk about Star Citizen's milestones, the MOP awards, Devilian's launch, the debate around multiboxing, and more. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: World of Warcraft, WildStar, what games would Bree play with a week of free time? News: Star Citizen raises $100M, launches alpha 2.0 News: Devilian launches News: Mytheon returns News: Landmark's holiday patch News: Cube World is back! Sort of! Mailbag: Multiboxing Mailbag: Dipping into MMOs vs. monogamy Other info: Podcast theme: "Speed Activated" from Star Citizen Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Ma

How do you add PvP to an MMO after its launched as a strictly PvE game? That's the fascinating question we have for Trove's lead developer today on the podcast! Also on tap for discussion: the new SWTOR subscriber rewards, TSW's Issue 13, LOTRO's insta-95s, and more! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Path of Exile, RIFT, Guild Wars 2 News: SWTOR reveals subscription reward program News: The Secret World Issue 13 preview News: Marvel Heroes 2016 slips to... 2016 News: Advance to level 95 in LOTRO instantly Interview: Talking about Trove PvP and its newest class with Lead Developer Andrew Krausnick Mailbag: MMO censorship Other info: Podcast theme: "Hills of the Shire" from LOTRO Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn,

Stuffed with turkey, cleaning up from guests, and heady from holiday time off, the podcast team stumbles into the recording booth for its milestone 40th broadcast. And what a show this is: intrigue, mystery, revelations, Gnomes, and launch dates! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: WildStar, Guild Wars 2 News: Gnome Hunters coming to WoW News: The Repopulation hits a major snag News: Devilian launching on Dec. 10th News: Marvel Heroes adds Magik News: Dogma starts Kickstarter campaign Mailbag: More podcast recommendations Mailbag: Finding time to play Mailbag: Is EQNext vaporware? Other info: Podcast theme: "Sentience" from The Repopulation Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overp

With the holidays craziness beginning, Bree and Justin take a somber, dignified moment to give their thanks for MMO gaming. After which they complain about outta whack developers, speculate on the new year, and handle a whole bunch of listener emails. It's the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: What are we thankful for in MMOs? News: Pre-orders are up for Black Desert News: Blade and Soul gets NA and EU launch date News: The great SWTOR companion nerf of 2015 News: Funcom to announce three games in 2016, teases TSW update Mailbag: Podcast recommendations Mailbag: WTB real sandbox Mailbag: F2P account restrictions Mailbag: Create a race and culture Other info: Podcast theme: "Balenos Riding" from Black Desert Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneI

What did you expect? Of course we're going to be talking about BlizzCon on today's show. While there were no major surprises, there's certainly enough to chew on, especially in regard to Overwatch and World of Warcraft. Bree and Justin (but mostly Bree) have a lot to say about the convention and its reveals. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: BlizzCon, WildStar, Guild Wars 2 BlizzCon discussion News: WoW drops 100k subs and buys Candy Crush dev News: NCsoft Q3 is down across the board News: Funcom lives another year Mailbag: Cosmetic mounts Other info: Podcast theme: "Main Theme" from Heroes of the Storm Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

We finally body-tackled Guild Wars 2 expert Tina Lauro for a special half-hour podcast to talk about Heart of Thorns. She's got opinions, praise, criticism, and foresight coming out of the wazoo, so if you're at all interested in the expansion, check out this episode! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Raids Most enjoyable and most annoying aspect of the expansion Grinding Masteries Community tone and reaction Difficulty level MOP guild Revenant review What does ArenaNet need to do from here? Story Guild halls Other info: Download Heart of Thorns podcast special Podcast theme: "Main Theme" from Heart of Thorns Your show hosts: Justin and Tina Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, T

Bree is the world's biggest vampire and Star Trek fan! This and other dubious "facts" are what you'll discover on this week's show, as the podcast crew talks about CCP's White Wolf sale, several major game updates, and something called "post-purchase rationalization." It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: News: CCP sells White Wolf to Paradox News: Star Trek Online has a New Dawn News: LOTRO releases Update 17 News: Marvel Heroes adds Blade Mailbag: Minimum viable products Mailbag: Spaced out MMOs and social ecosystem Other info: Podcast theme: World of Darkness 2010 trailer theme Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Twitch If you’re having problems s

What happens when not one, but two major MMO expansions drop on the same week? The world goes insane and players freak out in a good way. Also, it gives the podcasters plenty to talk about! This week Larry and Justin discuss the launches of Heart of Thorns and Knights of the Fallen Empire with a dash of Halloween tossed in for flavor. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: WildStar, Star Trek Online, SWTOR News: Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns' launch News: SWTOR: Knights of the Fallen Empire early access News: MMO Halloween is here News: EVE Vegas 2015 News: ArcheAge nixes blockades Other info: Podcast theme: "Peace, The Jedi Consular" from SWTOR Your show hosts: Larry and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Ov

It was a largely upbeat week for the MMO industry, and the Massively OP podcasting team is back to bring you the good word. New games? More content? Massive rollbacks? Studio independence? We have it all this week! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: RuneScape, SWTOR, WildStar, Guild Wars 2, meet up with guildies News: Marvel Heroes 2016 rebranding and initiatives News: Black Desert Online confirms early 2016 launch News: Nexon and NCsoft part ways News: World of Warcraft brings back valor News: Wakfu's fubar Mailbag: Expensive expansion Mailbag: MMO accessibility Other info: Podcast theme: "Holey High Forest" from Wakfu Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twi

On today's show we have a very special guest: the creator of the upcoming Ascent: The Space Game, James Hicks. Hicks has been crafting an ambitious space sandbox and opens up to us on the show about the technical challenges and how this gives him insight into what else might be going on in the industry (Star Citizen, anyone?). It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: Wurm Online, Ultima Online, WildStar Interview with Ascent's James Hicks News: What's Daybreak working on? News: Elite's Xbox One, CQC launch News: RIFT updates to 3.4 News: Funcom continues financial struggle Other info: Podcast theme: "Main Theme" from Ascent Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts Follow Massively Overpowered: Website, Twitt

WildStar's free-to-play launch began this past week, and the podcasters are in the thick of this wild and wooly mess. On today's show, they talk about what could've been done different, the upcoming demise of an MMO that nobody played, and a controversial SWTOR feature that's coming with the expansion. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: SWTOR, Ultima Online, Project Gorgon News: WildStar's free-to-play launch stumbles hard News: SWTOR and level sync News: Dragon's Prophet closing in NA News: EverQuest and EverQuest II expansion info News: Camelot Unchained beta test incoming Mailbag: Quarterbacking development Mailbag: Crowfall and whale sales Other info: Podcast theme: "Granok Theme" from WildStar Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher

What is this madness? Just when the MMO industry appears to have turned its back on expansions in favor for a "faster release cadence" or what have you, studios are bringing them back with a vengeance. Today on the podcast, Bree and Justin talk expansions, patches that are pretty much expansions, and even more expansions! It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the "Tips" button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: SWTOR, Divilian, WildStar, Ultima Online News: Return of the expansion (EQ, EQII, EVE) News: RIFT previews Patch 3.4 News: Ultima Online's 18th birthday, expansion launch date News: Camelot Unchained will have 30 classes News: ArchLord 2 goes kaput News: Guild Wars 2 reveals trailer, Druid, Scrapper Mailbag: Guild Wars 2 and expansion worry Mailbag: Thoughts on gambling Other info: Podcast theme: "Buccaneer's Den" from Ultima On

This week Justin and Bree talk about the painful subject of when MMOs go dark for extended downtime and technical issues. Of course, there's a plenty that's going strong, such as Elite's great sales, Otherland's early access, and RIFT's brand-new calling. It’s the Massively OP Podcast, an action-packed hour of news, tales, opinions, and gamer emails! And remember, if you’d like to send in your own letter to the show, use the “Tips” button in the top-right corner of the site to do so. Show notes: Adventures in MMOs: SWTOR, WildStar, Ultima Online News: ArcheAge goes offline three days for 2.0 and server merges News: Asheron's Call returns after two-week absence News: Otherland starts early access News: Elite Dangerous sells a lot, preps Xbox release News: Guild Wars 2's event bombs News: RIFT previews Primalist calling Mailbag: Our thoughts on early access Other info: Podcast theme: "Andromeda" from Elite Dangerous Your show hosts: Bree and Justin Listen to Massively OP Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Player F