Andrew Ross – Massively Overpowered https://massivelyop.com MMORPG news and opinions Wed, 26 Apr 2023 18:26:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s May lineup embraces Niantic’s bugs https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436868 As I noted in my last Massively on the Go column, for the entire month of May, this column will not be covering Pokemon Go, as Niantic is continuing to refuse to address the ongoing trainwrecks in the community. My expectations are low, but I am hoping to use this break to at least help me reassess how […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet takes aim again with Ice Inteleon https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436864 First we had an archer Mightiest Mark ‘mon, but The Pokemon Company and Game Freak are turning things up by upgrading to Ineleon, the secret agent-themed pokemon with the (finger) gun for the next tera raid event in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Akin to the last Bond’s icy blue eyes, Inteleon’s gone Ice-type, but since […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/feed/ 0 Splatoon 3 Splatfest collab with Zelda has us fighting for Triforce pieces https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march-2/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march-2/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435958 Hot on the heels of Splatoon 3’s new (and slightly controversial) event, Eggstra Work, Nintendo dropped news of the next Splatfest, and it’s another crossover, this time with The Legend of Zelda, with the teams consisting of the three Triforce pieces: Power, Wisdom, and Courage. Nintendo’s going even bigger, though, as the Tricolor Turf War is getting […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march-2/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s Eggstra Work could be fun if it entailed less social work https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-eggstra-work-could-be-fun-if-it-entailed-less-social-work/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-eggstra-work-could-be-fun-if-it-entailed-less-social-work/#respond Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435675 Splatoon 3 players recently got to experience the first weekend of Eggstra Work, and it’s controversial to say the least. The very basics are that the mode is like Time Trials for Salmon Run, extended to five waves (up from three), but there is no online matchmaker. So for today’s Massively on the Go, we’ll go […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-eggstra-work-could-be-fun-if-it-entailed-less-social-work/feed/ 0 Why I Play: Pokemon Go (and why I shouldn’t) https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/why-i-play-pokemon-go-and-why-i-shouldnt/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/why-i-play-pokemon-go-and-why-i-shouldnt/#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=430063 I won’t lie: Many, many problems with Niantic often cause me to re-evaluate why I continue to play Pokemon GO, especially in recent weeks. Maybe it’s the sunk cost fallacy at work, but I think there’s more to it than that. In fact, at this point, I think it should be obvious that The Pokemon […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/why-i-play-pokemon-go-and-why-i-shouldnt/feed/ 4 Splatoon 3’s new Eggstra Work event has inklings working even longer https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/splatoon-3s-new-eggstra-work-event-has-inklings-working-even-longer/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/splatoon-3s-new-eggstra-work-event-has-inklings-working-even-longer/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435140 If you thought your Splatoon 3 inkling’s job already was rough, it’s about to get rougher in the upcoming event, and no, this isn’t another Big Run. Players already knew that the new event type, Eggstra Work, would be some kind of five-wave salmon run event (compared to past events’ three waves), with some kind of […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/splatoon-3s-new-eggstra-work-event-has-inklings-working-even-longer/feed/ 0 Pokemon Go pulls a Fortnite by opening its own store in some regions https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/pokemon-go-pulls-a-fortnite-by-opening-its-own-store-in-some-regions/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/pokemon-go-pulls-a-fortnite-by-opening-its-own-store-in-some-regions/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435124 As first reported by Pokemon GO Hub, Niantic has announced it’s opening separate out-of-game store for its MMOARPG Pokemon GO. Readers will recall that a similar issue saw Fortnite booted from Apple’s App store and resulted in a lengthy legal battle, but so far, Niantic has limited the news and the store to out-of-game advertising only. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/pokemon-go-pulls-a-fortnite-by-opening-its-own-store-in-some-regions/feed/ 3 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Typhlosion summons ghost of former self for raids https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/11/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-typhlosion/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/11/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-typhlosion/#respond Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=434959 Good news for players who enjoyed the Hisuian pokemon typings in Pokemon Legends: Arceus: The next tera raid event for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has been announced, and it will be the original Typhlosion with the Mightiest Mark, but with a Ghost tera typing, making it somewhat like its Hisuian version. The bad news, though, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/11/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-typhlosion/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: It’s Pokemon NO time again for Pokemon Go players https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/05/massively-on-the-go-its-pokemon-no-time-again-for-pokemon-go-players/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/05/massively-on-the-go-its-pokemon-no-time-again-for-pokemon-go-players/#comments Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=434185 Niantic is the master of drip information, and most of it is both poor and incomplete, which is why we relegate most Pokemon GO news to monthly event roundups here in Massively on the Go. Those who have been following our April guide or social media won’t be terribly surprised by this, but Niantic once again […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/05/massively-on-the-go-its-pokemon-no-time-again-for-pokemon-go-players/feed/ 6 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s April schedule is hopefully a joke https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/30/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-april-2023/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/30/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-april-2023/#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=432922 While there’s always hope for a good April Fools’ Day prank, Pokemon Go’s April Schedule doesn’t have one listed, at least not yet. Unfortunately, Niantic’s made it kind of hard to get excited about April this year; very little information has been released. There’s no new Mega ‘mon this month, and the few potential new […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/30/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-april-2023/feed/ 2 Nothing’s otter than a Bug Samurott in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/28/nothings-otter-than-a-bug-samurott-in-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/28/nothings-otter-than-a-bug-samurott-in-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=432739 You better watch out, you better prep Fly, you better not doubt it’ll make a Pika cry, Samurott is comin’ to town. Well, specifically, to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in the next Mightiest Mark raids, that is. For the most part, studio Game Freak has been pretty generous with these raids so far, as each […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/28/nothings-otter-than-a-bug-samurott-in-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/feed/ 0 Splatoon 3 announces paranormal science Splatfest for end of March https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/17/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/17/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march/#comments Fri, 17 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=431208 Perhaps Nintendo agrees that Splatoon 3’s new events, Big Run, just can’t replace a good old Splatfest, as the event is now set to return at the end of March. While players once saw Splatfest followed by a Big Run for one major event nearly every month, the newly announced paranormal creatures Splatfest takes place March 31st […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/17/splatoon-3-announces-paranormal-science-splatfest-for-end-of-march/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Why Pokemon Go elite raids fail while Scarlet/Violet tera raids fly https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/14/massively-on-the-go-why-pokemon-go-elite-raids-fail-while-scarlet-violet-tera-raids-fly/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/14/massively-on-the-go-why-pokemon-go-elite-raids-fail-while-scarlet-violet-tera-raids-fly/#comments Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=430351 As we recently noted while updating our March Pokemon Go event round-up, Niantic has somehow made the already hated Elite Raids even worse. The single-day, highly specific raids were unevenly distributed by time this round, as Niantic primarily funneled availability to the 11 a.m. hours, and were impacted by bugs preventing people from raiding, making […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/14/massively-on-the-go-why-pokemon-go-elite-raids-fail-while-scarlet-violet-tera-raids-fly/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet takes aim with Decidueye raids https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/10/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-with-decidueye-raids/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/10/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-with-decidueye-raids/#comments Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=430209 Decidueye is the next tera raid event for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and this one may be the easiest to plan for thus far. That doesn’t mean it’ll be the easiest, but unlike the past few targets, this owl doesn’t have an answer for all its enemies, lacking any counter for Electric-type pokemon. That’s important […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/10/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-with-decidueye-raids/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s new season and paid DLC creatively blast the past https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/02/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-new-season-and-paid-dlc-creatively-blast-the-past/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/02/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-new-season-and-paid-dlc-creatively-blast-the-past/#respond Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=428901 Splatoon 3 has entered March with a big update, new three-month Fresh season, the first wave of paid DLC, a big trip down memory lane, and an event this weekend. Kicking things off will be another Big Run, and Season 3 is turning things up by giving us a brand new King Salmonid: Horrorboros. The […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/02/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-new-season-and-paid-dlc-creatively-blast-the-past/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go kicks off Rising Heroes by lurking in shadows https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/01/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-kicks-off-rising-heroes-by-lurking-in-shadows/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/01/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-kicks-off-rising-heroes-by-lurking-in-shadows/#respond Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=428715 Pokemon Go players know better than anyone that Niantic’s really not great at communicating. Not only did the new season, Rising Heroes, launch in some territories with absolutely no notes beyond an unofficial Discord leak that’s proving to be true and dataminers’ summary of what to expect, but we’ve officially had no new dev diaries since November 2nd, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/01/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-kicks-off-rising-heroes-by-lurking-in-shadows/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: Pokemon GO’s Hoenn Tours had the lowest value of all tours to date https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/28/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tours-had-the-lowest-value-of-all-tours-to-date/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/28/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tours-had-the-lowest-value-of-all-tours-to-date/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=428354 While I thought Pokemon Go’s Las Vegas Hoenn Tour was bad, the Global one was somehow worse. Now, to be clear, there is a difference between “services rendered” and “fun.” No doubt, I had fun during the event. Large events are what bring my communities together, and the Hoenn Tour did that. However, in what’s […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/28/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tours-had-the-lowest-value-of-all-tours-to-date/feed/ 0 Pokemon Day 2023 sees big Pokemon and Pokemon Go announcements, including Pokemon Sleep https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/27/pokemon-day-2023-sees-big-pokemon-and-pokemon-go-announcements-including-pokemon-sleep/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/27/pokemon-day-2023-sees-big-pokemon-and-pokemon-go-announcements-including-pokemon-sleep/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=428659 February 27th marks Pokemon Day, and The Pokemon Company usually doesn’t sleep on it… except when it comes to a sleep game, we suppose. Pokemon Sleep, an app that tracks your “sleep style” and visually shows you which pokemon your sleep style resembles, is finally being released sometime in summer 2023, though the game itself […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/27/pokemon-day-2023-sees-big-pokemon-and-pokemon-go-announcements-including-pokemon-sleep/feed/ 3 Massively on the Go: Preparing for Pokemon Go’s Global Hoenn Tour https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/23/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-global-hoenn-tour/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/23/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-global-hoenn-tour/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=425081 Pokemon GO’s Hoenn Tour is swiftly approaching, and as usual for the POGO regional tours, we have a nice little checklist for you global players out there. While, as usual, Niantic is still poor at providing details, we can make some inferences from the Vegas Tour. Those who read that guide will notice some overlap, but this is […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/23/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-global-hoenn-tour/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s Vegas Hoenn Tour was Absol-utely bad https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/22/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-vegas-hoenn-tour-was-absol-utely-bad/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/22/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-vegas-hoenn-tour-was-absol-utely-bad/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=427739 Prior to Pokemon GO’s recent in-person Las Vegas Hoenn Tour, a few people in my community joked about what could go wrong. Obviously lag and login issues were on the list, as were borked rewards, broken features, the need for a make-up, and compensation. Turns out, my friends were right: All of that happened and more. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/22/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-vegas-hoenn-tour-was-absol-utely-bad/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s Niantic seems to care more about data collection than public safety https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/12/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tour-is-another-reminder-that-niantic-cares-more-about-data-collection-than-public-safety/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/12/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tour-is-another-reminder-that-niantic-cares-more-about-data-collection-than-public-safety/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=426348 I was hoping to be more positive as Pokemon GO’s Las Vegas Hoenn Tour is fast approaching, but ever consistent in disappointment, Niantic has given the playerbase another reminder as to why so many people stopped giving it money in 2022. In a new support tweet, the company claims that players who submit “low quality […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/12/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-hoenn-tour-is-another-reminder-that-niantic-cares-more-about-data-collection-than-public-safety/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: Preparing for Pokemon Go’s Las Vegas Hoenn Tour https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/07/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-las-vegas-hoenn-tour/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/07/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-las-vegas-hoenn-tour/#respond Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=425532 Pokemon GO’s Hoenn Tour is swiftly approaching, but the event is a little different than usual. While GO Fest often has had Niantic sponsored events, the first two Tour events didn’t. Moreover, the tours are usually a single day and have a paid ticket component, while this year it’ll be two days and mostly free (aside from the […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/07/massively-on-the-go-preparing-for-pokemon-gos-las-vegas-hoenn-tour/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: A guide to Pokemon Go’s February events https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/massively-on-the-go-a-guide-to-pokemon-gos-february-events/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/massively-on-the-go-a-guide-to-pokemon-gos-february-events/#respond Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=424471 Ah, February: the season of chocolate. Even Splatoon 3 is fighting over it. But remember, the more chocolate you eat, the more calories that you gotta burn off later, and Pokemon GO is… well, not exactly helping at the start of the month with a Rocket Takeover, which is invading the last of January’s Crackling Voltage event, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/massively-on-the-go-a-guide-to-pokemon-gos-february-events/feed/ 0 Orna developers are working on Hero of Aethric, a pixel-art open-world mobile MMO https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/orna-developers-are-working-on-hero-of-aethric-a-pixel-art-open-world-mobile-mmo/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/orna-developers-are-working-on-hero-of-aethric-a-pixel-art-open-world-mobile-mmo/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=424467 Have you ever enjoyed the lore and systems of a game but thought it might be even better if it were a different genre? Well, Northern Forge Studios, the studio behind location-based mobile MMO Orna: The GPS RPG, may have done just that with Hero of Aethric, a mobile MMO that’s more like a pixel-art […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/01/orna-developers-are-working-on-hero-of-aethric-a-pixel-art-open-world-mobile-mmo/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet celebrates Valentine’s Day, releases frog https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/20/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-celebrates-valentines-day-releases-frog/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/20/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-celebrates-valentines-day-releases-frog/#respond Fri, 20 Jan 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=422934 We’ve got a slew of new, upcoming Tera Raid events approaching in multiplayer Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, though from the header, you can probably see that you’ve got a frog to kiss. Let’s dig in to what players can expect from the game’s event roadmap, plus some advice for how to handle it. For us […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/20/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-celebrates-valentines-day-releases-frog/feed/ 0 Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3 begins 2023 with its best Tricolor Battle iteration yet https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/10/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-begins-2023-with-its-best-tricolor-battle-iteration-yet/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/10/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-begins-2023-with-its-best-tricolor-battle-iteration-yet/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=421605 Well, the latest Splatfest has come and gone, and while my personal win streak is over, I think the event was a sweet victory for the playerbase overall. As we’ve mentioned in previous coverage of Splatoon 3 events, Splatfest in particular is a big hit, not only because of it being the sole source of Super […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/10/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-begins-2023-with-its-best-tricolor-battle-iteration-yet/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s January events start cold, but the raids are hot https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/27/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-january-events-start-cold-but-the-raids-are-hot/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=420243 The new year won’t be starting strong for Pokemon GO players, as Niantic has outlined a rather recycled-sounding New Year’s event starting at 8 p.m. on December 31st and ending on January 4th. Party hat pokemon and previous New Year’s ‘mon (minus Slowpoke’s family) are being trotted out, though last year’s Hoothoot with hat will become […]]]> Pokemon Scarlet and Violet raids to get Deli Bird and Mightiest Mark Cinderace https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/20/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-raids-to-get-deli-bird-and-mightiest-mark-cinderace/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=419657 We just got done with a Fire-Starter pokemon, but the Pokemon Company seems to want to give us ways to keep warm this winter in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: We now know that Delibird will be featured in 1- to 5-star raids in the game from December 23rd to 25th, hopefully with bonus rewards, as […]]]> Pokemon Go datamining group slashes engagement and output over Niantic’s poor management https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/16/pokemon-go-datamining-group-slashes-engagement-and-output-over-niantics-poor-management/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/16/pokemon-go-datamining-group-slashes-engagement-and-output-over-niantics-poor-management/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=418916 Pokemon GO players could use a win right about now, but Niantic’s antics have made it harder and harder for the community to support the game and the company. Case in point: Popular POGO datamining group Pokeminers has announced that it’s stepping back from its work as a result of Niantic’s behavior. “This has been […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/16/pokemon-go-datamining-group-slashes-engagement-and-output-over-niantics-poor-management/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s Big Run is fun, but it’s no Splatfest replacement https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/15/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-big-run-is-fun-but-its-no-splatfest-replacement/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=418448 Big Run has run its course in Splatoon 3, and while it was enjoyable, it was no Splatfest. In fact, it felt more like a long, promotional Salmon Run. That in and of itself isn’t terrible until you realize that unless Nintendo has a last-minute announcement to make, Big Runs replace Splatfests on occasion, perhaps every other […]]]> Players caught Niantic’s Campfire app broadcasting private data in spite of security settings https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/players-have-caught-niantics-campfire-app-broadcasting-private-data-in-spite-of-security-settings/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/players-have-caught-niantics-campfire-app-broadcasting-private-data-in-spite-of-security-settings/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=417646 This won’t surprise many readers, but Campfire, the social media messenger app built by Niantic for its games, is not working as promised and in fact is leaking gamers’ data against their explicit instructions. According to Pokemon GO datamining group PokeMiners, players who instruct the app to share the new Catch Cards made in Pokemon […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/players-have-caught-niantics-campfire-app-broadcasting-private-data-in-spite-of-security-settings/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: Tips on beating Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s 5-star+ raids https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/massively-on-the-go-tips-on-beating-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-5-star-raids/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/massively-on-the-go-tips-on-beating-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-5-star-raids/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=416696 Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is quite playable as a solo experience aside from some visual bugs. However, online play is buggy, to the point that even Nintendo apologized (take note, Niantic). It’s a problem since the game’s technically inched forward in the multiplayer department, but bugs are preventing people from enjoying it; the bugs range from players […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/07/massively-on-the-go-tips-on-beating-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-5-star-raids/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: How Pokemon Go’s Niantic sabotaged player trust with the Ultra Beast raid event https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/01/massively-on-the-go-how-pokemon-gos-niantic-sabotaged-player-trust-with-the-ultra-beast-raid-event/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/01/massively-on-the-go-how-pokemon-gos-niantic-sabotaged-player-trust-with-the-ultra-beast-raid-event/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=416106 Not only did Pokemon Go players once again vote with their feet against Niantic for Sunday’s Ultra Beast raid event (and possibly the Saturday event, based on the thin crowd during the cringeworthy LA Livestream), but the company once again gave players a reason not to trust it. In a series of tweets, datamining group […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/01/massively-on-the-go-how-pokemon-gos-niantic-sabotaged-player-trust-with-the-ultra-beast-raid-event/feed/ 1 Pokemon GO’s Hoenn Tour ups events to two days, adds hosted event in Vegas https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/30/pokemon-gos-hoenn-tour-ups-events-to-two-days-adds-hosted-event-in-vegas/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=416621 It’s still not a December event announcement, but Pokemon Go has announced some Pokemon Go Tour: Hoenn event details, and they are actually not bad. The official page is quite low on details, but the press information we got has some stuff to be excited about. The biggest one is that the event is two days, up […]]]> Massively on the Go: Pokemon GO’s Mythical Wishes season needs to win players back https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/29/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-mythical-wishes-season-needs-to-win-players-back/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/29/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-mythical-wishes-season-needs-to-win-players-back/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=416113 Without a doubt, Pokemon Go’s Season of Light has been the roughest season yet, plagued with not only miscommunications the company is practically known for at this point but also lies, bugs, and what sure seems like fewer players. It’s not a strong end for the year, especially since, as of this writing, Niantic has […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/29/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-mythical-wishes-season-needs-to-win-players-back/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: A dozen Splatoon 3 Salmon Run tips from the EVPs https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/25/massively-on-the-go-a-dozen-splatoon-3-salmon-run-tips-from-the-evps/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/25/massively-on-the-go-a-dozen-splatoon-3-salmon-run-tips-from-the-evps/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=415470 With Big Run coming to Splatoon 3 any day now, I’ve realized it’s awakened a kind of dread. Regular Salmon Run can be hell, like any MMO pug, except imagine your instance runs all being gear agnostic. That’s literally it. Pure skill PvE. I have deranked so many times the past month as it feels many […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/25/massively-on-the-go-a-dozen-splatoon-3-salmon-run-tips-from-the-evps/feed/ 1 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet inches franchise closer to Monster Hunter multiplayer status https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/23/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-inches-franchise-closer-to-monster-hunter-multiplayer-status/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/23/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-inches-franchise-closer-to-monster-hunter-multiplayer-status/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=415041 Let me start off by saying I am thoroughly enjoying Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for what they are: an open world Pokemon game with more multiplayer than Sword and Shield, which I also enjoyed. But I am slightly disappointed. No, it’s not because of all the glitches you’ve seen reported, the lack of a national pokedex, the soft-gating mechanisms that […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/23/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-inches-franchise-closer-to-monster-hunter-multiplayer-status/feed/ 4 Massively on the Go: How Pokemon GO players can prepare for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/20/massively-on-the-go-how-pokemon-go-players-can-prepare-for-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/ Sun, 20 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=414595 I know what you may be thinking: Pokemon GO preparing for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet this early? I mean, will the game even still be out? Well, we’ll probably get a tease soon at the very least, historically speaking, plus Niantic officially announced starter clothing from the game going in on launch day. But those two things seem small, […]]]> Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go players are voting against Niantic with their feet https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/16/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-players-are-voting-against-niantic-with-their-feet/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/16/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-players-are-voting-against-niantic-with-their-feet/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=414168 I hate being negative. I really do. But at the same time, because Niantic continually lands major IPs to make poorly designed games (if they manage to launch), I feel it’s necessary to be quite public about how and why this company needs to go through a major makeover, at least at the top of the pyramid. And it seems […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/16/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-players-are-voting-against-niantic-with-their-feet/feed/ 7 Splatoon 3 announces Chill Season and Big Run coming December 1 https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/15/splatoon-3-announces-chill-season-and-big-run-coming-december-1/ Tue, 15 Nov 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=414419 Since we were recently back in Splatoon 3 to witness the glory of Water Pokemon Power, Nintendo decided to start the day off by announcing Big Run right after we were guessing about its use. Last night’s pun-filled announcement heralds 10 returning weapon sets, three new ones, new catalog items, a new stage, a returning Splatoon […]]]> Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s Pokemon Collab was fun, but skipping Halloween wasn’t https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/14/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-pokemon-collab-was-fun-but-skipping-halloween-wasnt/ Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=414102 I want to be upfront first: I am loving Splatoon 3. Building a bit on my post-release opinion of the game, I think there’s a lot that’s still good. I’ve met many players who do only the PvE Salmon Run, which I find much more difficult and frustrating than the PvP modes since it’s gear agnostic and people […]]]> Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go is just not keeping its community promises https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/03/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-is-just-not-keeping-its-community-promises/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/03/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-is-just-not-keeping-its-community-promises/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=412865 For those who haven’t been keeping score, I have. Niantic has now missed two Pokemon Go dev diary months: one in August, which was the first year anniversary of the #HearUsNiantic/#PokemonNO movement that showed Niantic needed to really learn to communicate with its playerbase, and one in October, which was the first year of these bi-monthly […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/03/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-go-is-just-not-keeping-its-community-promises/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: The Pokemon Go outlook for November 2022 https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/01/massively-on-the-go-the-pokemon-go-outlook-for-november-2022/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/01/massively-on-the-go-the-pokemon-go-outlook-for-november-2022/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2022 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=412456 After several several, constant event failures, Niantic still hasn’t offered up a November blog for Pokemon GO. But it did release another homemade infographic and sent press the details after posting it. You’ll have to forgive the sour notes here, as anyone who followed our October updates saw constant warnings of broken features, including the […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/01/massively-on-the-go-the-pokemon-go-outlook-for-november-2022/feed/ 4 Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go’s Elite Raids entry event was yet another disappointment https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/19/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-elite-raids-entry-event-was-yet-another-disappointment/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/19/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-elite-raids-entry-event-was-yet-another-disappointment/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=410038 Once again, Pokemon GO developer Niantic has proven it’s more than capable of delivering disappointment with the game’s events. The company’s infamously poor communication was the first big hint at how bad the Elite Raids entry event would go; Niantic announced the feature and the event at 3 p.m. on a Friday for an event […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/19/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-elite-raids-entry-event-was-yet-another-disappointment/feed/ 4 Massively on the Go: Comms failures exacerbated Pokemon Go’s underwhelming raid day https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/10/massively-on-the-go-comms-failures-exacerbated-pokemon-gos-underwhelming-raid-day/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/10/massively-on-the-go-comms-failures-exacerbated-pokemon-gos-underwhelming-raid-day/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=408945 Almost one year ago, the Pokemon GO community rallied around #PokemonNO, a movement spawned from players who knew #HearUsNiantic would fall on deaf ears. Well, not totally deaf, as Niantic did cave into concerns about how badly the spin radius nerf hurt the entire community. But Niantic’s overall response to the boycott proved that it’s willing […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/10/massively-on-the-go-comms-failures-exacerbated-pokemon-gos-underwhelming-raid-day/feed/ 5 Splatoon players will settle an age-old Pokemon question in November’s Splatfest https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/07/splatoon-players-will-settle-an-age-old-pokemon-question-in-novembers-splatfest/ Fri, 07 Oct 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=408834 We recently talked about Splatoon 3‘s first Splatfest, calling it a bit rocky but fun. And while we don’t know anything about October’s Splatfest (aside from hoping the tradition of a Halloween-themed one continues), we do know that November’s is centered on a Pokemon collab that asks, “When choosing your partner Pokemon, which type would […]]]> Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s Splatfest was a rocky start https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/28/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-splatfest-was-a-rocky-start/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/28/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-splatfest-was-a-rocky-start/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=406906 So we’ve finally had Splatoon 3‘s first real Splatfest. While the pre-launch demo gave me plenty to look forward to, it was also obvious there were other factors: three factions instead of two, Salmon Run always being up, and new content types possibly distracting some players participating at all, not just in Splatfest but in […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/28/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-splatfest-was-a-rocky-start/feed/ 2 Massively on the Go: October brings new treats to Pokemon Go https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/27/massively-on-the-go-october-brings-new-treats-to-pokemon-go/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=407111 Pokemon GO’s Season of Light continues into October, and while a lot of the announced content looks as familiar as that candy corn you still have, there are some juicy new treats. We already know October 15th’s Community Day will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (evolution bonuses ending at 10 p.m.) and will […]]]> Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3 is dividing players in fantastic ways https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-is-dividing-players-in-fantastic-ways/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-is-dividing-players-in-fantastic-ways/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=404592 I feel like Splatoon 3‘s release has been oddly quiet, though it’s doing quite well in Japan. Selling over 3.45 million copies in 3 days puts it at nearly double Animal Crossing: New Horizons. That shouldn’t be surprising, as we’ve previously mentioned many of the Splat team members came from Animal Crossing. The title’s certainly not been ignored. In […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/18/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3-is-dividing-players-in-fantastic-ways/feed/ 3 Massively on the Go: Splatoon 3’s Tricolor demo makes double trouble https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/07/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-tricolor-demo-makes-double-trouble/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/07/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-tricolor-demo-makes-double-trouble/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=402916 As Splatoon 3‘s release swims ever closer, I keep thinking back to the recent Splatfest demo we had. Splatfests aren’t new to veterans of the series: Nintendo picks a fun “Which is better? A or B?” and then lets people pick a side to fight for in terrain painting wars. Winners get bragging rights and […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/07/massively-on-the-go-splatoon-3s-tricolor-demo-makes-double-trouble/feed/ 7