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.
sandbox
Elite dev blog talks CQC, player factions, and more
Space sim Elite: Dangerous released a couple of beta builds focused on its close quarters combat (CQC) gameplay this week. Producer Michael Brookes says...
DUST 514 kicks off a new event in celebration of the Amarr
A big lore shake-up occurred in the EVE Online universe when Empress Jamyl Sarum was killed while traveling. That has an impact on one...
Project Dogmat aims to fill the World of Darkness void
Are you afraid? You should be, according to the website for Project Dogmat, which bills itself as a roleplay-friendly MMORPG with a "modern gothic...
Why I Play: Final Fantasy XIV
We used to do a column called Why I Play on Massively-that-was, and while I didn't originally plan on rezzing it here today, I did return...
ArcheAge patches in Heroes Awaken, reveals server merge compensation
As of the writing of this post, ArcheAge players are twiddling their thumbs during a two-day period of downtime during which several of the...
The Daily Grind: How might VR reshape the MMOscape?
Oculus Connect 2, a VR conference hosted by the folks behind Oculus, is set for just a few weeks from now. You probably didn't know...
Snag a Wild Terra early access key bundle from Massively OP [All gone now!]
Isometric sandbox Wild Terra recently roped off its ongoing testing behind an early access paywall because of a problem a lot of MMOs wish...
RPG MO whips up an indie free-to-play sandbox
Someone must not have spread the word that "Mo" is our thing, but that's OK; we're not jealous. Apparently there's a new indie MMO...
Perfect Ten: The top 10 craziest skills in Project Gorgon
It's no secret that many of us in the Massively OP office have a little bit of a game crush on Project Gorgon. Personally,...
Eco finishes its Kickstarter with over $200,000 raised
Survival sandbox and learning environment Eco finished out its successful Kickstarter run overnight, raising $202,760 and just reaching its epic justice system stretch goal. Strange Loop Games' John...
ArcheAge goes offline for two days for 2.0 and server merges
ArcheAge is beginning its great 48-hour blackout today as Trion Worlds rolls out Update 2.0 while simultaneously merging several servers in its "evolution" initiative. "It made...
Eco offers doomsday device Kickstarter tier, then pulls back from the brink
In the final hours of its successful Kickstarter campaign, the global survival sandbox Eco pulled out the big guns: a new tier that would allow...
The Stream Team: Walking through Wander’s latest patch
Wondering about Wander? The non-combat game recently had a decent-sized patch, and MassivelyOP's MJ wants to see what it is all about -- especially...
Star Citizen changes forum permissions to combat harassment
Star Citizen is cracking down on forum abuse by instituting a new set of restrictions that went into effect yesterday.
CIG changed permissions so that...
Global Chat: Money prison
What kind of prison charges you money to stay there? An MMO prison, obviously!
The Ancient Gaming Noob has a few insightful words to say...
RuneScape’s cash shop now accepts bonds
Jagex has announced that RuneScape's cash shop is now cash optional. As of today, RuneScape bonds may be used in lieu of meatspace money to...
Massively OP Podcast Episode 29: Pathfinder fading
Justin and Bree discuss WildStar, Ultima Online, Little Healer, Pathfinder, WildStar F2P, ESO's Imperial City, EQ Next's playtest, and the people in the magic box.
Eco details its hydrology, pollution, crafting, and food systems
Eco's Kickstarter drive ends this week, and though Strange Loop Games has already made its goal and then some, the developer is continuing to...
Albion introduces crafting shrines and treasure chests
Albion Online is currently focusing on preparations for its upcoming closed beta, but that didn't stop Sandbox Interactive from posting a dev blog that...
The Repopulation closes a test server to prepare for a hardcore shard
It's both an ending and a new beginning: The Repopulation is closing down one of its test servers today, but this is being done to...
