MMO Updates

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• EverQuest I and II give free gold memberships during Heroic Character event
• RuneScape 3 launches player-designed conclusion to epic quest series
• The Think Tank: Let's play armchair developers
• Guild Wars 2 free trial and sale extended
• The Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see made into a movie?
• MMO Family: Highlights from ROBLOX's Virtual BLOXcon
• Leaderboard: What changes would bring you back to a previously played MMO?
• Star Trek Online challenges fleets to build better mines
• Hearthstone wipes beta progress and institutes patch
• Final Fantasy XIV world transfer services to 'begin soon'
• Carbine details WildStar abilities, questing, leveling updates
• EQ Next, Landmark to share combat systems
• A Mild-Mannered Reporter: A marvelous, titanic super-hero September

EverQuest I and II give free gold memberships during Heroic Character event Posted: 03 Oct 2013 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Free-to-Play, Giveaways, Promotions If jumping in to the latest content on a new level 85 Heroic Character isn't enough of an incentive to check out EverQuest II, SOE has sweetened the deal. During the free Heroic Character promotion running until October 15th, everyone in game will also have a free gold-level membership. And those who sign up to continue their gold membership on or before the 15th will receive an extra bonus of their choice of either a mount, a Thurgadin Grand hall prestige home, or a Windwalker robe armor set. EverQuest is also running a Welcome Back to Norrath promotion during the same time frame, offering free gold membership to all players as well as a large bag and potions. Signing up for a gold membership before the event ends will net the player his choice of either the Hero's Forge armor system, a mount, or a 36-slot bag. [Thanks to BabaGraPL for the tip] EverQuest I and II give free gold memberships during Heroic Character event originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: EQ Welcome back to Norrath event, EQII Welcome Back to Norrath event

RuneScape 3 launches player-designed conclusion to epic quest series Posted: 03 Oct 2013 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, News Items, RuneScape, Free-to-Play, Browser, Player-Generated Content RuneScape 3 is at the tail end of a long-running, episodic quest series and the conclusion is launching this week. Dubbed Birthright of the Dwarves, this grandmaster quest actually has many elements that were designed and voted on by the players themselves. Earlier this year, players participated in a competition to design two of the main NPCs as well as offered suggestions via the forums for other elements for the questline. The result: Birthright of the Dwarves will include both physical battles and mental challenges, and the fate of the Dwarven kingdom rests solely on the players. This questline is also available to all players through the game's new Bonds system that allows players to purchase membership with in-game gold. [Source: Jagex press release] RuneScape 3 launches player-designed conclusion to epic quest series originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Think Tank: Let's play armchair developers Posted: 03 Oct 2013 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Opinion, Miscellaneous, The Think Tank Sometimes it's fun to imagine what we might do if given the chance to take over an MMO's development or community management teams for a month. Sure, a month might not be long in the scope of a game's development, but it might be long enough to get the ball rolling on some new and innovative ideas -- especially with a limitless budget. Hey, we're dreaming here, folks! So I asked the Massively team what they would do to their favorite MMO(s) if given the keys for a month. Continue reading The Think Tank: Let's play armchair developers The Think Tank: Let's play armchair developers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Guild Wars 2 free trial and sale extended Posted: 03 Oct 2013 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, News Items, Guild Wars 2, Promotions, Buy-to-Play You know that free trial week for Guild Wars 2 that was ending today? Well, guess what -- it isn't! ArenaNet is extending the trial three more days to give new adventurers more time to experience the game. And for those North American and European players who were kicking themselves for missing the chance to jump into Tyria, that extra time affords a full weekend to give the world a whirl. To get started, just head over to the official site and register. But don't put it off too long, because this deal is ending for reals on Monday, October 7th at 2:59 a.m. EDT. Additionally, the $39.99 sale for the Digital Heroic Edition is also being extended; players can now grab their own copy of GW2 at this discounted price until Wednesday, October 8th at 3:59 a.m. EDT. A helpful hint: Unless you are a night owl, you may want to take advantage of the sale the night before to make sure you don't miss out on the deal. [Source: ArenaNet press release] Guild Wars 2 free trial and sale extended originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see made into a movie? Posted: 03 Oct 2013 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Culture, MMO Industry, Opinion, The Daily Grind So, that WoW movie has an official release date. It also has a skillful director, which is both good and bad. It's good because Duncan Jones may actually make a watchable film from video game source material. It's bad because I would've gotten a laugh out of Uwe Boll or one of his contemporaries soiling Blizzard's brand on the big screen. At any rate, assuming the WoW flick is financially successful, it could possibly pave the way for further MMO-to-film adaptations. Is there a particular massively multiplayer property you'd like to see made into a movie? 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! The Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see made into a movie? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

MMO Family: Highlights from ROBLOX's Virtual BLOXcon Posted: 02 Oct 2013 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Free-to-Play, Kids, MMO Family, Family MMO conventions are always a good opportunity for fans to meet each other and for developers to solicit input. ROBLOX held a series of BLOXcons over the summer in Chicago, London, and New York City, where thousands of fans were able to get together and celebrate the game. But of course, not everyone can make the trip to a convention, so the company decided to hold a virtual BLOXcon as well. The firm ran a five-hour livestream that included a state of the game speech, new feature announcements, Hall of Fame awards, and gameplay that showcased some of the best creations by ROBLOX fans. If you missed it, fear not, because this week's MMO Family has a rundown of all the highlights! Continue reading MMO Family: Highlights from ROBLOX's Virtual BLOXcon MMO Family: Highlights from ROBLOX's Virtual BLOXcon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Leaderboard: What changes would bring you back to a previously played MMO? Posted: 02 Oct 2013 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Polls, Age of Conan, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Opinion, Leaderboard I just realized something. The original concept for this Leaderboard column hinged on two competing MMO philosophies duking it out. In recent months, though, it's sort of expanded into a more general feature and an excuse to make sure our criminally underused polling software still works. Eh, whatever. Random thoughts of an MMO blogger, I guess. Anyway and on topic, I've been thinking about going back to Age of Conan lately. So far I've managed to talk myself out of it, but yesterday's dev letter and its crafting tidbits piqued my interest. It also got me wondering what exactly the criteria is for returning to a game you've cast aside before. I imagine it's different for everyone, so for today's Leaderboard, tell us what changes -- if any -- would bring you back to an MMO you've heretofore abandoned. Vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard! Continue reading Leaderboard: What changes would bring you back to a previously played MMO? Leaderboard: What changes would bring you back to a previously played MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Star Trek Online challenges fleets to build better mines Posted: 02 Oct 2013 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Events (In-Game), Star Trek Online, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries Star Trek Online has a new special project for fleets, but instead of taking place on starbases or embassies, this will be exclusive to dilithium mines. Starting Thursday, October 3rd, player fleets can (ahem) engage in constructing a better mine. The goal is to improve the efficiency of the mine, and players can construct enhancements to the outside of mines to boost their productivity -- not to mention add a few visual flairs. This is the final special project for fleet dilithium mines, and fleets will need to at least start on it by October 17th in order to have a shot at completion. Star Trek Online challenges fleets to build better mines originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Dev diary

Hearthstone wipes beta progress and institutes patch Posted: 02 Oct 2013 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: World of Warcraft, Betas, Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-Play, Trading Card Games The day long feared/anticipated is here: Hearthstone is performing its one and only beta wipe while at the same time plugging in a new patch that includes a wide range of fixes and a new crafting interface. Included in the patch notes are notifications that the level cap has gone up to 60, the chat system has been "rejiggered," and many of the classes have received balance tweaks. Hearthstone players will earn more gold and more cards now, and they can unlock heroes in any of the game's three modes. Blizzard previously said that the game should not wipe from here on out and that more players will be invited into the beta. Hearthstone wipes beta progress and institutes patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Closed beta patch notes

Final Fantasy XIV world transfer services to 'begin soon' Posted: 02 Oct 2013 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription Square has unveiled a bit of info regarding Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming world transfer service. Producer Naoki Yoshida says that character transfers will be freely available to everyone for five days as a way of thanking players for staying the course through the game's various launch issues. If you're planning on moving a character, keep in mind that you can't belong to a Free Company and you can't have any items up for sale on the market. The announcement post says that the service will "begin soon," though there's no official date as of yet. Final Fantasy XIV world transfer services to 'begin soon' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Announcement

Carbine details WildStar abilities, questing, leveling updates Posted: 02 Oct 2013 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Subscription It's Wednesday, which means there must be a WildStar news update around here somewhere. Ah, here it is. The latest WildStar Wednesday talks up the title's beta progress and touches on topics ranging from ability loadouts to the new questing system to leveling up. "By making what you've unlocked much clearer, leveling up feels much more like a celebration and less like a paralyzing choice of what to do or where to go next," Carbine says. Carbine details WildStar abilities, questing, leveling updates originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: WildStar Wednesday

EQ Next, Landmark to share combat systems Posted: 02 Oct 2013 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, EverQuest Next Although we knew that combat was going to be present in EverQuest Next Landmark in some capacity (Franchise Director Dave Georgeson mentioned getting leather for crafting way back at SOE Live), no actual details were known. Now, thanks to a Forbes interview with Georgeson we know that the combat system will have the same mechanics as EverQuest Next. The two games will also share the same emergent AI system, although Georgeson said that Landmark may not use it in the exact same way. So if the two games are sharing so many things, what is the point of having two separate full-fledged MMORPGs? Georgeson answered by stating, "EverQuest Next is more of a focused narrative with story arcs and rallying calls, [and] emergent AI pushing things around. Landmark is very much an exploration in creativity and making things that are cool to show off to other players." While combat won't be in Landmark right at launch, it will be implemented very soon afterwards. We guess the big question now is will you be playing EQ Next, Landmark, or both? EQ Next, Landmark to share combat systems originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Forbes interview

A Mild-Mannered Reporter: A marvelous, titanic super-hero September Posted: 02 Oct 2013 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Super-hero, Culture, MMO Industry, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Marvel Heroes, A Mild-Mannered Reporter I'm breaking up my usual format a bit for this month. Part of that is just out of necessity; DC Universe Online launched a big DLC pack that I talked about in the last column, which obviously was the focus for most of the past month. Champions Online just had an invasion event going that I didn't actually take part in; I've had enough invasion-style events to last the remainder of my natural life, even if the rewards for this one do look pretty awesome. Call me cynical. No, this month I'm focusing on two games, only one of which is actually out at the moment. One of these games has been firing on all cylinders and might force cynical old me to eat a bit of crow, which I'll happily do if it means that the game is better for everyone enjoying it. And the other... isn't. You can probably guess what I'm talking about, but you can also go ahead and jump past the cut to eliminate any possible doubt. I encourage it! Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: A marvelous, titanic super-hero September A Mild-Mannered Reporter: A marvelous, titanic super-hero September originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

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