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
EverQuest Next opens up the Qeynos Foundation Museum contest
EverQuest Next is getting ready to lay the groundwork for the city of Qeynos, and the design team is turning to Landmark to make...
EVE Fanfest 2015: CCP opens VR Labs, unveils four new side projects
The story of how virtual reality dogfighter EVE: Valkyrie was born is a great indicator of shifts within the games industry. While the big...
Trion says it ‘missed the mark’ with ArcheAge promotion
Yesterday's revelation that Trion was handing out significant gifts to former ArcheAge players to entice them to return to the game -- gifts in...
Massively Overthinking: Making MMOs ‘sticky’ without vertical progression
Today's Massively Overthinking question comes to us from Kickstarter backer Jersey C, who asks,
If you were asked to design an MMORPG without vertical progression...
Elite: Dangerous starts Mac beta test on March 31st
Mac Elite: Dangerous fans who are feeling grounded while their PC brothers and sisters are cruising the stars will soon have their own chance...
Das Tal is considering a buy-to-play model
After a careful consideration of the pros and cons of various business models, including those of Crowfall, Guild Wars 2 and ArcheAge, the Das...
EVE Fanfest 2015: EVE is getting customisable structures and player-built stargates
It's often said that EVE Online is ultimately built by its players and that the developer's job is to produce the tools for players...
EverQuesting: Celebrating EQ’s 16th year
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen! That's the song going through the air this week as EverQuest celebrates its latest claim to fame: membership in an...
The Stream Team: Getting spacey in Landmark
If you think everything about Landmark is fantasy, think again! We've seen planes, trains, and even some automobiles in this sandbox. Now MassivelyOP's MJ wants...
ArcheAge patrons perturbed at Trion’s gift to former players
When's the last time we had a good ArcheAge controversy? Actually who cares, because Trion has stepped up to the plate with a new...
CCP releases new EVE: Valkyrie trailer at Fanfest
Space combat fans, you'll want to have a look at the new Valkyrie trailer released at EVE Fanfest 2015 this week. It was captured...
EVE Fanfest 2015 begins, promises new VR tech and huge EVE reveal
It's the time of year again when EVE Online fans and developers from around the world make the annual pilgrimage to a frozen volcanic...
EVE Online adds buddy invites to trial accounts
EVE Online, like many MMOs, is best enjoyed with a friend, if for no other reason than to have at least one other person...
Origins of Malu begins early access on March 20th with PvP only
Origins of Malu will be launching its early access program this Friday, March 20th, with a buy-to-play hybrid model. The indie sandbox will initially...
There are lots of combat changes in Darkfall’s latest patch
Darkfall's latest set of patch notes details quite a few combat changes for the FFA PvP fantasy sandbox. Aventurine has tweaked player movement and...
Elite: Dangerous names space station after Terry Pratchett
Fantasy comedy writer Terry Pratchett, who passed away last week at the age of 66, will be honored with a place among the stars...
Working As Intended: Six things I expect from serious MMO PvP
With PvP-encrusted MMORPGs like Camelot Unchained, Crowfall, and even Revival on the genre's horizon, I have a glimmer of hope that the future of MMO...
Landmark is abolishing claim upkeep
Landmark landowners who are weary of mining copper to keep their claims will soon earn a reprieve. While today's hotfix disables the ability to...
Pathfinder Online adding leadership ranks and vaults with version 6
Next week, Pathfinder Online will continue its alpha rollout with the early enrollment version 6 patch. The team posted a features overview yesterday to...
Landmark will have just one more character wipe
Ever since players learned Landmark will definitely have another character wipe, we've all been very eager to know all the details. Those details are now in:...
