Recently it seems there is a focus on massively multiplayer environments for girls. You can tell they are for girls because they are pink and they include shopping. I suppose that’s got to be less alienating than heroic women fighting in chainmail bikinis, so I really shouldn’t complain. But take a look at these, aren’t they a bit, well, spooky? If you have more info, then let me know. I have no intention of trying any of these out!

Barbie Girls and Ty Girlz

I wasn’t allowed Barbie dolls when I was growing up - my mother felt the peroxide blonde hair and boyfriend accessory were sending the wrong message. The message on these pre-teen competitors to Second Life is very clear: no boys allowed. Not even Ken. Last month the month the Washington Times reported that Barbie Girls have 10 million registered users - that’s a lot of grrl power! [More...]

Posted by Taymar on http://www.mmorpg-info.org.

The detailed preview of GU 43 gives a lot more information about the changes to come. I’m pleased to see new brokers and bankers being added, which will make some of the Freeport and Qeynos zones more comfortable. The new info still doesn’t help me understand the changes to shiny harvesting, though. The original preview says:

Have you ever harvested a “shiny” to only wish you hadn’t? That irresistible, sparkling glow that lured you to harvest it ends up being a collectible added to the other 5 of the same item in your inventory; an item that is too low of level to sell for a respectable amount to a vendor and so common that no one’s buying it from a broker. Upcoming with Game Update 43, you’ll be able to choose to keep it or leave it! “Shiny” collectables will soon work much like treasure chests, giving you the option of taking the item with you or even setting that “shiny harvest” to lotto with others within your current group!

I have visions of zones full of common shiny collectables after the cherry pickers go through. [More...]

Posted by Taymar on http://www.mmorpg-info.org.