evergreen
Massively Overthinking: Problematic faves in MMOs
A while back, a reader suggested that it was impossible for a fan who loves something to recognize its shortcomings, and I was taken...
Vague Patch Notes: How time distorted what ‘hardcore’ means for WoW Classic
There's a contingent of players looking forward to the launch of World of Warcraft: Classic next week that is vocally thrilled about one specific...
Perfect Ten: MMOs that flirted with permadeath
This month, Dungeons and Dragons Online will be venturing where many MMORPGs have feared to tread: into the realm of officially supported permadeath. The...
Flameseeker Chronicles: What would a mobile Guild Wars 2 look like?
Ever wished Tyria could fit in your pocket? That dream could one day become a reality. A couple of weeks ago, we heard rumblings...
Not So Massively: Comparing looter shooters, from Destiny 2 and Division 2 to Anthem and Warframe
Looter shooters -- online games with shooter gameplay and loot-based progression -- are all the rage these days. But maybe this trend has passed...
The Game Archaeologist: Dungeons & Dragons
Part of the holy mission of the Game Archaeologist is to ferret out the roots of history that ultimately led to MMORPGs as we...
Massively Overthinking: The first 10 minutes of an MMO
So here's the thing about Elder Scrolls games: Most of them start out with the same hook. From Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim, you...
Vague Patch Notes: Lazy MMO developers don’t exist (at least not the way you’re thinking)
The other night, I was reading the Final Fantasy XIV subreddit and came across that gem of all gems for people who love badly...
Perfect Ten: Creating the worst MMO ever
Here at Massively Overpowered, we learn about some games, folks. We learn a whole lot about a whole lot of games! We know MMOs....
Into the Super-verse: How Ship of Heroes is winning the superhero race
When it came to the explosion of spiritual successors to City of Heroes, there's definitely something to be said about being first on the...
Lawful Neutral: Money laundering and micro-laundering in the MMO industry
Previously on Lawful Neutral, we talked about currency and how video game companies try very hard to not be classified as a currency because...
Massively Overthinking: Morality and compelling choices in MMOs
The most recent episode of The Psychology of Video Games podcast touches on a subject we don't tackle very much: moral choices. It's an...
Vague Patch Notes: Random thoughts on randomness in MMOs
Here's a fun little trivia fact that you probably already know: Computers can't really do randomness. A random number is usually generated by pulling...
Perfect Ten: MMOs of the apocalypse
It's the end of the world as we know it -- and for some reason, we are still gaming. I guess that your investment...
Not So Massively: Why ARPGs, not MMOs, are where pet classes truly shine
I noticed something odd when I started playing Grim Dawn aways back: I went straight for the pet builds. This is interesting because this...
LOTRO Legendarium: A timeline of Lord of the Rings Online from 1994 to 2019
When I wrapped up writing my previous LOTRO column on the game's first year of live operation, I felt that I had left this...
Vague Patch Notes: Just stop pre-ordering video games
Look, you've probably heard this before, but it bears repeating now: Don't pre-order that game. Pre-ordering games is a bad idea. And this week,...
Perfect Ten: Why people create alts in MMOs
I have alts in Final Fantasy XIV. This is absurd for two reasons. First, the statement makes it clear that I have alternate characters...
Desert Oasis: A guide to open PvP and grindspot etiquette in the world of Black Desert
Back in my classic Guild Wars days, I was so happy to have the scrimmage system. It was a great way to solve arguments....
LOTRO Legendarium: The first year of LOTRO’s operation
It was April 24th, 2007. World of Warcraft players were deep into The Burning Crusade, SOE had just launched Vanguard, and the indie MMO...