MMO updates

MMO updates

Bluehole Studio - TERA development not affected

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 04:24 AM PDT


Hmn, this news came as a late addition to the day (it is evening now in most parts of Asia). Following the online uproar about former TERA development director/ producer Yong-Hyun Park's resignation (link), media from both East and West are all scuffling around for more information.


In this latest report, Bluehole Studio apparently clarified that Yong-Hyun Park no longer participated in TERA's development since April this year. The recent expansion in the Korea server is actually the work of Art Director, Huang Cher Un (below). According to the same report, an anonymous Bluehole staff confirmed these details. So in actual fact, development never stopped and there will be no impact as a result of Park's resignation. The next game content patch is expected to hit later this month.


If you missed it, the Community Manager for TERA North America left his position recently (link), making him the 2nd Community Manager to resign before the game even launch. Is there trouble in paradise or just  minor hiccup? We shall see.

TERA Japan - Observers report gloomy forecast

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 03:55 AM PDT


Following the resignation of TERA's top development staff (link), several foreign media posted their observations of the situations, with most predicting a gloomy forecast in the near future. Ironically, the Open Beta date for TERA Japan was announced within the same period, which will be happening on 8th August 2011 at 8:00am (888, a lucky Chinese number).


In the July anticipation chart, TERA Japan topped other titles including Continent of the Ninth (C9) and Phantasy Star Online 2 which is no easy feat. However, following the internal turmoil back at the Korea HQ, the announced pricing plan for TERA Japan for its commercial phase stunned part of the gamers as well. Do note that the client price is for the Premium Package only.


NHN Japan must have high hopes for TERA Japan to apparently announce this price plan. Also affected is the negotiations for finding a publisher in China. During ChinaJoy 2011, I was genuinely stunned when Shanda Games did not announce TERA for the region. With Blade & Soul bound to gain more momentum in Korea and China over the next few months, there is much to worry about indeed.


But to ease concerns, NHN Japan seems to be going all out in terms of marketing to lure gamers to play TERA (despite the hefty monthly fee). Around 1300 stores in Japan will be having TERA posters pasted on their shop fronts and DVDs on sale.

Infinite Worlds Online - Getting much attention

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 02:27 AM PDT


If you have followed by blog, you would have read about Infinite Worlds Online (link), an upcoming MMORPG from China. Is it a fantasy game? A sci-fi game? A martial arts game? Well, it is in fact all of these genres within one single game client. There are 4 different worlds each with its own class, meaning a clash of dimensions somewhere near the middle of the game. Here are some official information about the game.


As mentioned previously, a number of overseas publishers are already looking at Infinite Worlds Online. One of these reportedly include North American MMO publisher, Aeria Games. Below are 4 artwork displaying each of the 4 dimensions. If you have not read my previous posts (link), can you tell name all of them?


Here are some new environmental screenshots for Infinite Worlds Online. You can also refer to my ChinaJoy post (link) to have a look at the game's latest trailer. 

[gamescom 2011] Preview - Carbine to reveal new MMO

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 12:24 AM PDT


Hmn, I don't think there will be much interesting news from gamescom 2011 which will be held in 2 weeks' time, but I guess I will post anything I can dig up. Carbine Studios, one of NCsoft's subsidiary development studio (similar to ArenaNet), is reported to be revealing its maiden MMO title at the convention.


Nothing is announced so far with regards to this mysterious title, but we should see more of it soon with Carbine Studios attending PAX Prime as well later this month. I wonder what innovation will they bring to the table. Here are some older released artwork displaying 5 different environments which can be found in the game..

Eden Eternal (TW) - Bears and the Child

Posted: 01 Aug 2011 08:16 PM PDT


Also known as Finding Neverland Online in Taiwan, the native server saw a mega patch just a few days ago. Due to the massive ChinaJoy convention this year, I decided to postpone this post till now. Before I get to the Bear, I am surprised there is another new "race" available. The human kids! Well, they are smaller versions of the Human race and start off at the same location as well. Here are some game footage.



Next, the Bear race! Pardon me, but I was thinking this race is not designed properly. Looking at the graphics, you can see the costumes and weapons are just enlarged and not properly tailored to do away with the awkward edges, making the race look like a rushed job. Only the beginning area is different from the rest, as in the 2nd seaside town all other races will meet. You can find the other parts of the footage at my YouTube channel.



Here is a small creation footage showing off the Samurai class. Do note that the requirements for getting this class is stated here (link).


Along with this patch, the housing system, which I previewed (link), is also added. What are the requirements? Characters must be level 35 and there will be a weekly rent collected. Players will just have to proceed to the main town and talk to the housing NPC. If the rent is not paid on time, players will not be able to enter their houses. If the rent is not paid in 10 weeks, the house will be "deleted", along with all furniture and decorations.


How do players get the furniture? Well, cash shop, from mobs and boss drops, defeating the guild crystal and even the PvP coliseum. All these will raise the overall "beauty" of the house. Once a certain target is reached, players may opt to buy a party plan from the housing NPC and friends over to throw a party! It is not stated what benefits this feature will bring though. The game's English server can be found here (link).
Posted by Shri Krishna

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