sandbox

Sandboxes are a type of MMO that emphasize player freedom and expression. They frequently include mechanics for building, crafting, trading, character customization and development, roleplaying, destruction, and significant interaction with the world and other players. A sandbox that is dominated by an open-PvP or free-for-all ruleset is sometimes pejoratively called a gankbox. Contrast with the themepark.

The Daily Grind: Is the sandbox MMO resurgence the result of nostalgia?

Bree Royce - July 17, 2015 102

This morning's Daily Grind question arrives from Kickstarter donor n3v3r3nder, who wants to talk sandboxes. Do you think of the recent emergence of sandbox MMOs is...

Albion adds Deadlands content, touts summer alpha numbers

Jef Reahard - July 16, 2015 12

Albion's summer alpha is going swimmingly, according to an update posted today on the fantasy sandbox's website. So far, 15,400 players from 145 countries...

ArcheAge 2.0 is closing the version gap between the US and Korean versions

Eliot Lefebvre - July 16, 2015 43

It's an undeniable fact that ArcheAge took a little while to arrive here on western shores, which means that the game's big updates are all...

RuneFest tickets now on sale for real money or in-game bonds

Justin Olivetti - July 15, 2015 0

RuneScape's annual convention, RuneFest, is coming this fall to London. And while October 3rd is a ways away, you can purchase a ticket to...

EVE Online details the ins and outs of Sovereignty

Eliot Lefebvre - July 15, 2015 10

The big focus in EVE Online recently has been Sovereignty, the process of taking control of the valuable resources in nullsec space. But how...

Flameseeker Chronicles: Trinity dependence in Guild Wars 2 Heart of Thorns

Tina Lauro Pollock - July 15, 2015 136

I don't know about you lot, but I really enjoy ArenaNet's Points of Interest livestream that airs on its official Twitch channel. It contains a massive...

I'm still wondering why a game that's confident about its future would be engaged in a slapfight with Derek Smart.

The war of words between Derek Smart and Star Citizen continues

Eliot Lefebvre - July 15, 2015 395

If you're busy today, don't worry, we understand. We can assure you that this post does not contain a direct link to another 11,000...

Global Chat: How Marvel Heroes made a dad a hero

Justin Olivetti - July 14, 2015 10

I love a good customer service story, because it reminds me that a lot goes right behind-the-scenes at MMOs that's hardly ever reported. Braxwolf...

Shards’ pre-alpha server admins are now up and running

Jef Reahard - July 14, 2015 5

Shards Online has officially kicked off its second pre-alpha phase. Project lead Derek Brinkmann posted an update on the game's website today, saying that...

Face of Mankind is shutting down in August

Jef Reahard - July 14, 2015 18

Sci-fi sandbox MMO Face of Mankind is calling it a career. A Nexeon spokesperson confirmed the news on the game's official forum, saying that...

Massively OP Podcast: Episode 22

Justin Olivetti - July 14, 2015 33

Justin and Bree discuss Trove's launch, Skyforge's early access, Star Citizen criticism, RaiderZ's sunset, SWTOR's halt to raids, and The Secret World's big grouping push, with mailbag questions on player frustration with WoW's Draenor content drop-off.