MMO Updates |
- Allods Online expansion launches today, new trailer released
- Square-Enix releases second FFXIV 2.0 trailer
- Newest LotRO dev diary showcases customizable warsteeds
- New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover
- A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Hooray for the existence and removal of City of Heroes' Tweet Code Thursdays
- Felicia Day unboxes Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition
- NCsoft weathers $6M loss in Q2
- Star Trek: Infinite Space canned
- The Daily Grind: What ruins your immersion?
- Massively's video impressions of RaiderZ
- Fallen Earth previews its next big update
- Vanguard soft launches free-to-play a week early
- The Soapbox: The quest to save quests
- Lord of the Rings Online previews Guardian changes for Riders of Rohan
- Hyperspace Beacon: How to smoke your opponents in SWTOR's Huttball
- Massively Speaking Episode 211: Champions Online interview
- MechWarrior Online dev diary gives handy piloting tips
- SOEmote facial recognition tech live in EverQuest II today
- ArenaNet posts convention schedule
- Flameseeker Chronicles: A brief history of Guild Wars 2's Tyria
- City of Heroes' Issue 24: Resurgence features new stories, powers [Updated]
- Trion showing off RIFT expansion, Defiance PvP at Gamescom
- New Neverwinter content on display at Gamescom
- PWI: Reflections update coming August 8
- SWTOR lead writer hints at future content
- Wargaming acquires BigWorld for $45 million
| Allods Online expansion launches today, new trailer released Posted: 08 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Classes, Expansions, News items, Free-to-play, Allods Online, Housing  In addition, as part of the celebration of opening the new North American server Avilon, players who log into the game for at least one hour from August 8th through the 21st are entered into a raffle each day for a chance to win real prizes. Check out the official announcement for full details about the lottery and prizes. For more details about the expansion, read Massively's exclusive interview. And be sure to stay tuned for A Rise and Shiny revisit to the game later in the week. [Source: gPotato press release] Continue reading Allods Online expansion launches today, new trailer released
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| Square-Enix releases second FFXIV 2.0 trailer Posted: 08 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Final Fantasy XIV  Although there isn't a great deal of information out yet about Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming 2.0 patch dubbed A Realm Reborn, fans are being treated to CGI trailers to help build anticipation. Two weeks ago, Square-Enix revealed the first trailer; now, the studio has released a second trailer that sports a more traditional Final Fantasy feel. This trailer may be relatively short, but it packs in a variety of action clips as well as footage of Limsa Lominsa under fire. Watch fireballs rain down in the video after the break as excitement grows for the this next FFXIV update. Continue reading Square-Enix releases second FFXIV 2.0 trailer
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| Newest LotRO dev diary showcases customizable warsteeds Posted: 08 Aug 2012 08:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Video, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries  The studio also released a host of screenshots showcasing the epic story of the fellowship. In the expansion, players will be able to take part in the iconic moments that lead to the breaking of the Fellowship as well as take up arms to help the Lords of Rohan defend their lands. Players will witness Frodo Baggins wrestle with the decision of which path to take on his way to Mordor and experience the fall and then redemption of Boromir. Visit the familiar places of Middle-earth in the screenshots below and then watch the full video ofter the break. [Source: Turbine press release] Continue reading Newest LotRO dev diary showcases customizable warsteeds
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| New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover Posted: 08 Aug 2012 08:15 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Video, Classes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Firefall  "We wanted to make the game more competitive, more skill-based. We wanted to reward you for your level of mastery," Macauley explains. Core combat has been completely overhauled, and everything from run speed to jump height, jump jets, weapons, and abilities were tweaked. The dev team even added the new Biotech class. Player progression was also adjusted via the removal of traditional levels in favor of battleframe tiers. The changes are designed to put advancement choices in the hands of players rather than forcing everyone along the same pre-determined path. Firefall's extreme makeover also includes new crafting functionality and a 3-D battleframe garage instead of the old paperdoll loadout screen. More changes are detailed in the full dev diary video which you can view after the cut. [Thanks to Cory for the tip!] Continue reading New Red 5 dev diary details Firefall's extreme makeover
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| Posted: 08 Aug 2012 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, Opinion, Free-to-play, Humor, A Mild-Mannered Reporter  So when I have the opportunity to give the team behind City of Heroes props, I'll take it. And this week, I can give it props for a bad idea and then further props for apparently realizing that this was a bad idea. I'm talking about the Tweet Code Thursday giveaways that the community team had been running via social networking. It's an idea that deserves tons of respect for the attempt and tons more respect for the cessation of same.
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| Felicia Day unboxes Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition Posted: 08 Aug 2012 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Events, real-world, Launches, News items, Guild Wars 2  Want to play Guild Wars 2? Too bad, you've got another 17 days until the headstart. Want to at least look at the box? We can help with that. Felicia Day, who voices the iconic Asura Zojja in Guild Wars 2, received an extra early copy of the collector's edition box and put up a video of its unboxing for all the Internet to enjoy. Jelly? We are too! The collector's edition includes a physical copy of the game, a 10-inch figurine of Rytlock Brimstone, a making-of book, an art frame with five prints to put in it, and a soundtrack. Additionally, owners of both the collector's and digital deluxe editions will receive in-game perks: a miniature Rytlock, a golem banker, a chalice of glory, a tome of influence, and a unique elite skill to summon a Mistfire Wolf. Skip below the jump to watch Felicia unveil the CE box and contents. Continue reading Felicia Day unboxes Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition
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| NCsoft weathers $6M loss in Q2 Posted: 08 Aug 2012 06:45 AM PDT Filed under: Aion, Lineage, Lineage 2, MMO industry, Guild Wars 2, Blade & Soul, Miscellaneous  Revenues were down 12% from last year to $130 million, of which a vast majority came from NCsoft's online titles. The company stated that it dipped into the red due to rising labor costs, an increased marketing budget for Blade & Soul's Korean launch, and the acquisition of Ntreev. Aion was also blamed for the company's financial woes, as revenues in that title steeply decreased due to fewer microtransaction sales. Both Lineage titles comprised a great share of the company's revenues, with the first game producing 45% of sales and the sequel 13%. NCsoft said that it is banking on Guild Wars 2 to produce a profitable third quarter, however.
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| Star Trek: Infinite Space canned Posted: 08 Aug 2012 06:30 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, Browser  Gameforge explained the decision in a statement: "Since autumn 2011 we made many efforts to find a publishing and marketing partner for Star Trek: Infinite Space. Unfortunately, our efforts were not successful. So we have decided with a heavy heart to finally abandon the project Star Trek: Infinite Space." Infinite Space was to be a browser-based title set in the war-torn Deep Space Nine era of Star Trek. The publisher had obtained the assistance of Trek staples such as Nana Visitor, Denise and Michael Okuda, and René Auberjonois.
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| The Daily Grind: What ruins your immersion? Posted: 08 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous  OK, maybe it isn't that extreme, but I think we've all had moments in our games when someone does or says something to rip us right out of our immersion groove. Maybe it's an eye-rolling name, the game breaking the fourth wall to wink at us, or a streaker going through an RP wedding. Today we want to hear tales from your playtime: What ruins your immersion? What happened to shatter the veil of fiction that you wrap around yourself every day?  Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
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| Massively's video impressions of RaiderZ Posted: 07 Aug 2012 09:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Game mechanics, Previews, PvE, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions  Fighting big, bad boss monsters is the focus of this action-oriented game. North American publisher Perfect World Entertainment urges players to "hunt together or die alone." You'll need to time attacks and dodges to avoid getting smashed to smithereens by the denizens of Rendel. To aid you in your quest, you'll form hunting parties with 15 of your closest friends in order to slay the toughest monsters RaiderZ has to offer. If you're victorious, you can gather up bits of flesh and bone to craft new and more powerful weapons. Massively recently had the chance to adventure through RaiderZ's closed beta test, and we brought back a detailed video of our impressions of the game so far. We cover the core concepts of combat, skill progression, questing, and crafting in order to illustrate what this MMO is all about. It's just past the break! Continue reading Massively's video impressions of RaiderZ
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| Fallen Earth previews its next big update Posted: 07 Aug 2012 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fallen Earth, Bugs, Patches, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, Post-Apocalyptic  Of course, you can't expect for these new weapons to just drop into your lap. So it probably comes as no real surprise that the components needed for the powerful G.O.R.E. weapons can be found in an old GlobalTech dump site that now hosts a creeper den guarded by the massive Crabbahoak. Or that the Cult of the Dead has sprung up again to use the G.O.R.E. technology to further its own ends. In other words, it's going to be quite a struggle to get these new weapons -- and that's the way that most Fallen Earth players would prefer it to be.
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| Vanguard soft launches free-to-play a week early Posted: 07 Aug 2012 05:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Launches, Vanguard, Free-to-play  The good news is in today's update notes: "The free-to-play matrix is now in effect. Anyone should be able to download the game for free from our new site." Vanguard's latest update also marks the beginning of the in-game marketplace, freedom from race and class restrictions, and a massive sweep of re-itemization. [Thanks to MikeyMoo for the tip!]
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| The Soapbox: The quest to save quests Posted: 07 Aug 2012 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Lore, Opinion, The Soapbox, Miscellaneous  Semantic shift is a phrase I've recently acquired for whenever I want to sound insufferable at parties. It refers to the phenomenon of a word's usage changing over time, sometimes to the point that it's completely the opposite of whatever it originally meant. I believe that the word "quest" has undergone a semantic shift in the MMO community (and video games at large). What once had roots in the long, difficult journeys that take place in life and fiction has quickly become reduced to a trivial task of gathering, killing, or clicking in-game. The sheer volume of such quests and that meaninglessness of their charges has reduced the word to bargain basement kitsch. If we're supposed to be heroes, why then are so many of the quests we're given are no more exciting than going to the grocery store? "Quest" as a word has lost much respect in the community, almost completing its semantic shift such that it's almost pejorative. Yet there is a movement right now to reclaim the word and restore it to its proper meaning, and it's happening right in front of our eyes. Continue reading The Soapbox: The quest to save quests
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| Lord of the Rings Online previews Guardian changes for Riders of Rohan Posted: 07 Aug 2012 04:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Classes, Expansions, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play  The biggest change is the removal of Parry Stance and the addition of Overpower Stance, which grants all of the benefits of the old stance as well as increased damage and lowered damage mitigation. Several skills also have new or enhanced effects in Overpower Stance. Furthermore, Guardians will receive a new Legendary Trait to improve bleed effects and a few improvements to threat generation. Players anxious to see what new tricks are granted to the familiar tank-heavy class should look at the full blog for the details on the alterations.
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| Hyperspace Beacon: How to smoke your opponents in SWTOR's Huttball Posted: 07 Aug 2012 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, PvP, Opinion, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Guides, Hyperspace Beacon  Even if half of the team is pre-made in random 16-man groups, it's difficult to coordinate, and in a game like Huttball where strategy is extremely important, a few uneducated players can break the team. I guess that's why I'm making this tiny guide: I'm tired of losing at Huttball. Perhaps if I pass out some tips on the game, the teams will at least be more evenly matched. After losing so many matches, I've picked up on some things that fool unprepared teams every time, and today I'm outlining them right here. Next time you're in a match, you can either use my tips yourself or not be fooled when another team employs these tricks. Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: How to smoke your opponents in SWTOR's Huttball
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| Massively Speaking Episode 211: Champions Online interview Posted: 07 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: World of Warcraft, Podcasts, Interviews, MMO industry, News items, Massively Meta, Champions Online, Massively Speaking, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Miscellaneous  Today we welcome to the show Champions Online Executive Producer Brad Stokan, who's got the inside scoop on superheroes and their secret identities. Then we've got earth-shattering news to cover and an avalanche of listener emails. Prepare to have your eardrums blown, for this is Massively Speaking: Epic Edition! Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air! Get the podcast: [iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes. [RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly. Listen here on the page: Read below the cut for the full show notes. Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 211: Champions Online interview
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| MechWarrior Online dev diary gives handy piloting tips Posted: 07 Aug 2012 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Video, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online  For one thing, you need to consider that parts of the 'Mech work independently of each other. You can be going in one direction, have your torso twisted to face another, and have your arms moving in yet another. Plus, there is the issue of heat generation -- and shutdown -- to consider. So take a moment to brush up on these basics with a developer video on the subject after the jump. Your life may just depend on it. Continue reading MechWarrior Online dev diary gives handy piloting tips
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| SOEmote facial recognition tech live in EverQuest II today Posted: 07 Aug 2012 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Roleplaying  SOE has partnered with ImageMetrics to bring the new tech to end-users and their in-game avatars. It's not limited to facial expressions, though. New voice fonts allow players to sound like their characters, too. "For gamers, and especially roleplayers, the more immersive the experience, the better the game. SOE is using Live Driver in SOEmote to unlock levels of expression and interaction between EQII players that simply haven't been possible until now," said Robert Gehorsam, CEO of Image Metrics. SOE is also sponsoring a competition for the most creative SOEmote videos. Submit your 30-second clip for a chance to win a trip for two to SOE Live (formerly known as Fan Faire) in Las Vegas. [Source: SOE press release]
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| ArenaNet posts convention schedule Posted: 07 Aug 2012 01:15 PM PDT Filed under: Guild Wars, Events, real-world, Guild Wars 2, Massively Event Coverage, Miscellaneous  While ArenaNet will have a presence at Gamescom, it will be demo-free and far more casual in tone. The studio will also be making an appearance at the Gamestop Expo on August 29th for five hours. This appearance will feature several demo machines for those still on the fence about Guild Wars 2. Due to the launch, ArenaNet decided not to go to PAX but is instead hosting a party off-site on September 1st to celebrate the game's release. ArenaNet also commented on why it's sticking with DX9 for GW2 instead of DX11: "Our goal with GW2 has always been to provide a gorgeous fantasy world while at the same time running on a wide range of gaming PCs. Focusing on DX9 allows us to do this, as it's a much wider supported graphics API than DX11 is and we wanted our game to reach as many of our fans as possible. We will be evaluating supporting DX11 post launch."
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| Flameseeker Chronicles: A brief history of Guild Wars 2's Tyria Posted: 07 Aug 2012 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Lore, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Flameseeker Chronicles  I hope it goes without saying that there are lore spoilers ahead, as well as Guild Wars campaign spoilers. Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: A brief history of Guild Wars 2's Tyria
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| City of Heroes' Issue 24: Resurgence features new stories, powers [Updated] Posted: 07 Aug 2012 12:30 PM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, PvE, Free-to-play  CoH fans can also take part in three new story arcs that deal with the loss of iconic heroes Statesman and Sister Psyche. The update is free for everyone, but VIP players will have access to a new Incarnate story arc, new abilities, and a new tier nine Tech Knight costume. [Source: NCsoft press release] [Update: The team has also just released a dev blog on the upcoming Nature Affinity powerset.]
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| Trion showing off RIFT expansion, Defiance PvP at Gamescom Posted: 07 Aug 2012 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, MMORTS, RIFT, Defiance  Next week's convention will mark the "consumer debut" of RIFT's Storm Legion expansion, and MMORTS End of Nations will be playable on a massive 24-PC setup. Defiance is bringing "previously unseen PvP gameplay" to the table, while Warface will be presented inside a giant helicopter-themed display arena. [Source: Trion press release]
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| New Neverwinter content on display at Gamescom Posted: 07 Aug 2012 11:30 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Neverwinter  A company press release promises "an exclusive first-look at unseen content with new features being revealed." A public event set in the Black Dagger Ruins will be playable. The event, called Storming the Keep, requires players to join forces and reclaim a fortress that has been overrun by bandits. Neverwinter was originally designed as a five-player dungeon crawl. Perfect World has since expanded the concept into a full-fledged free-to-play MMO based in Dungeons and Dragons' Forgotten Realms campaign setting. [Source: Perfect World press release]
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| PWI: Reflections update coming August 8 Posted: 07 Aug 2012 11:15 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Perfect World International, Patches, News items, Free-to-play  Perfect World International players will have a whole new zone and oodles of features to explore when the Reflections update launches tomorrow. In addition to the new Realm of Reflections zone and new seasonal quests, new rewards have been added for the Nine Trials, and a weekly PvP event is now featured in the high-level Morai zone. But the new content update isn't just giving new toys to the big kids. Changes are also being made to mid-level quests, the newbie-level experience is being streamlined, and a new way to gain XP is getting tossed into the mix. Check out the gallery below for some previews of what awaits you in Reflections. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
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| SWTOR lead writer hints at future content Posted: 07 Aug 2012 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Lore, Rumors, Star Wars: The Old Republic  Speculation abounded from many of his followers and fans of the game; the biggest theory revolved around a possible live event. Unfortunately for SWTOR players who scoured planet after planet searching for new content, Hood later tweeted, "Just to clarify: I was only giving a little preview of future content. I would never announce an in-game event on Twitter." We are disappoint. However, Hood did give us a bit of joy when the tweeters proposed that it might be a new flashpoint. Hood answered that suggestion with, "Not exactly. You'll see very soon, I hope." Does that mean SWTOR will announce 1.4 content soon? We have our fingers crossed. Stay tuned for more SWTOR news, and be sure to catch our weekly Hyperspace Beacon column later today.
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| Wargaming acquires BigWorld for $45 million Posted: 07 Aug 2012 10:30 AM PDT Filed under: Real life, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, War, Free-to-play  Wargaming, which publishes the popular free-to-play World of Tanks along with the upcoming World of Warplanes and World of Warships (previously known as World of Battleships), has been using BigWorld nearly five years. The move will lower the production costs of the two new titles and adds new employees to the company. Kislyi assures that Wargaming will continue to support Bigworld's current customers and indicates that in the future, the studio may be in the position to offer technology of the combined companies to others wanting to develop an MMO.
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