MMO Updates |
- Digimon Masters open beta starts today
- Troy Online reveals update schedule
- ZT Online 2 open beta attracts 435K concurrent users
- Massively exclusive: Rusty Hearts prepares for the Awakening
- Vindictus European open beta begins tomorrow
- Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies
- Square Enix says FFXIV greatly damaged Final Fantasy brand
- BioWare's Doctors: 'We have an aggressive post-launch plan'
- The Daily Grind: Should stores pull game boxes for games that are no longer for sale?
- Flyff World Championship offering prizes to players as the tournament continues
- New Dragon Nest videos show off Saint's Haven, new abilities
- Not So Massively: Dominion launch edition
- Funcom's Craig Morrison on SWTOR and MMO industry advances
- Eden Eternal update bringing new class, player housing, and more
- SOE gearing up for PlanetSide 2 dev chats
- Wings Over Atreia: Coming soon -- Crucible III
- One Shots: Watch where you throw that!
- Flameseeker Chronicles: The clock is ticking
- Lost Pages of Taborea: Beating the economy
- Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard patch notes are up!
- Guild Wars 2 wins Eurogamer's Game of the Show
- Custom video content available in EVE's captain's quarters
| Digimon Masters open beta starts today Posted: 27 Sep 2011 10:30 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-fi, News items, Free-to-play  Di-Di-Di-Digimon, digital monsters, Digimon are the champions! Err... Ahem. Sorry. Joymax announced today that Digimon Masters, its newest MMO based on the popular monster-collecting franchise, has entered open beta. Players will be able to capture hundreds of Digimon from the first five anime series, and then pit them against one another in ruthless fights to the digi-death. The press release claims that players can expect "a deeper RPG experience, enhanced graphics, and adrenaline-pumping real-time combat." It's up to players to use their digital pets to save both the digital world and the real one from certain destruction. To get in on the action, head on over to the game's official site and register for an account. [Source: Joymax press release]
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| Troy Online reveals update schedule Posted: 27 Sep 2011 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, News items, Free-to-play  ALT1Games' Troy Online has been running steadily for just over a month now, and not long ago the devs dropped the news of a large-scale update coming to the game. A tentative schedule for this update was announced in a press release today, with portions of the update being carried out over the span of the next couple of weeks. The update of the week of September 22nd focused on fixing balance issues, while a new battlefield will be introduced on the 29th. October 6th will see convenience-centric updates, and October 13th's update will round things out with updates concerning the new battlefield system. For more details on these upcoming additions to the game, head on over to Troy Online's official site. [Source: ALT1Games press release]
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| ZT Online 2 open beta attracts 435K concurrent users Posted: 27 Sep 2011 09:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play  The game is a sequel to Giant Interactive's popular ZT Online martial arts title, and the recent open beta period featured an impressive 435,000 simultaneous players online. Gamasutra has the details, culled from a Giant press release, and the company also indicates that approximately 400 developers have worked on the title over the past three years.
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| Massively exclusive: Rusty Hearts prepares for the Awakening Posted: 27 Sep 2011 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-play  Perfect World promises that Awakening not only contains some ideas the developers thought would be good to get in the game, but several features that came as a result of player feedback. With a higher level cap, additional quests and dungeons, and weapons galore, Rusty Hearts players are going to have their plates full when the update hits on October 11th. For an exclusive sneak peek at all of the details of this exciting update, hit the jump and find out what's in store for a very rusty future! Continue reading Massively exclusive: Rusty Hearts prepares for the Awakening
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| Vindictus European open beta begins tomorrow Posted: 27 Sep 2011 08:30 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, News items, Free-to-play, Vindictus  European fans have been waiting quite some time to get their hands on Nexon's dungeon-crawling hack-'n'-slash title Vindictus, and after this month's closed beta, the wait is drawing to a close. An announcement on the game's Facebook page today proclaimed that Vindictus' pre-launch stage (read: open beta) begins tomorrow. So you've got one more night to hone your steel and reinforce your armor, European players. This time tomorrow, you're free to rampage through the lands of Vindictus, smashing skulls as you please. To sign up to participate in the festivities, just head on over to the game's official site.
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| Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies Posted: 27 Sep 2011 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Free-to-play  We'll be digging deep into Rise of Isengard this week on Massively, including broadcasting it on Massively TV and analysing the first few days of play in the next Road to Mordor column. To celebrate Rise of Isengard's arrival, Turbine is treating its fans to an inspirational launch trailer and several new screenshots demonstrating the fearsome might of Saruman's forces. You know the drill: screenshots below, trailer after the jump! Continue reading Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies
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| Square Enix says FFXIV greatly damaged Final Fantasy brand Posted: 27 Sep 2011 07:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Patches, Final Fantasy XIV  The game is still without a subscription fee, and the team is churning out continual fixes and updates as they strive to repair things and undo the damage. Patch 1.19 is the next round of fixes and additions planned by Square Enix.
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| BioWare's Doctors: 'We have an aggressive post-launch plan' Posted: 27 Sep 2011 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Interviews, Launches, Star Wars: The Old Republic  The conversation also included a probing question about the decision to limit initial sales of the game. Muzyka says that stability and service are high priorities in the company: "You have to build the infrastructure to support a certain size launch and we're also thinking really long term at Bioware EA for this, there are going to be many, many consumers coming to the game over time and we're going to be expanding it out." Other topics covered include the funny exploits that players have discovered in beta, the challenges and joys of working on the Star Wars IP, and the issue of free-to-play business models versus subscriptions. In regards to the latter, Zeschuck isn't worried that SWTOR decided to go the sub route. "The trend for free-to-play doesn't supplant great top quality premium games that support a subscription," he said, while going on to laud the flexibility of F2P formats.
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| The Daily Grind: Should stores pull game boxes for games that are no longer for sale? Posted: 27 Sep 2011 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous  Do stores have a certain responsibility to keep track of the status of these games and adjust their stock accordingly? I've heard both sides of the argument. On one hand, the retailer purchased those items for resale, and if the shop can sell them after the game has closed, changed hands, or gone free-to-play, more power to it. Maybe someone even wants to purchase one for nostalgia's sake. On the other hand, those shops are selling a nonfunctional product to potentially unsuspecting customers. Is the onus on the retailer to keep track, provide a warning to customers, and maybe even pull the items from the shelves? Or is it the customer's responsibility to make an informed purchase? Let us know what you think!  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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| Flyff World Championship offering prizes to players as the tournament continues Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Flyff, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Promotions  But maybe you don't consider yourself one of the best in the world and don't usually care about these sorts of events. That's all right -- you've still got reason to enjoy it. Players will receive a special item every day just for logging in, as well as another item for every level they gain, from September 28th until October 31st. It's an all-around excellent opportunity for Flyff fans to enjoy the game, whether struggling for the top spot or just leveling for fun. [Source: Press release]
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| New Dragon Nest videos show off Saint's Haven, new abilities Posted: 26 Sep 2011 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Video, Classes, Patches, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, Dragon Nest, Family  Nexon's dungeon-crawling beat-'em-up MMO Dragon Nest is gearing up for its launch in just a couple of days, and the company has released a pair of videos to help pump up some excitement for the official release. The first trailer welcomes players to Saint's Haven, the new city to which players will be able to venture once the game officially goes live. The city provides players with a whopping 10 new dungeons as well as over 500 new quests. But what good are all those dungeons if you don't have the mad skills to clear 'em out? Don't worry, Nexon has you covered. Video number two focuses on all the fancy new abilities players will be granted when the game launches on the 28th. So whether you're a nimble Acrobat, a brutal Mercenary, or a zealous Paladin, you'll have plenty of new tricks up your sleeve to help turn the tide of battle. But less babble, more bashing, am I right? Head on past the cut for the full videos. Continue reading New Dragon Nest videos show off Saint's Haven, new abilities
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| Not So Massively: Dominion launch edition Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Video, Expansions, Game mechanics, Patches, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively  League of Legends officially launched its new capture-point Dominion game mode today, following a short and successful beta and bringing fresh gameplay to a genre still largely dominated by standard DotA mechanics. And this week Heroes of Newerth released hilarious new tank hero Cthulhuphant, a highly mobile jungler with the ability to use enemy creeps as stunning projectiles. Diablo III has never really had a firm release date, but developers at Blizzard have been aiming for a 2011 release. This week we learned that release has been pushed back to a rough window of early 2012. Bloodline Champions also revealed details of a new avatar design contest this week, and Blacklight: Retribution released the first in a new series of dev diaries. Skip past the cut for details of this week's biggest news from the world of MOBAs and other online games that aren't quite MMOs. Continue reading Not So Massively: Dominion launch edition
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| Funcom's Craig Morrison on SWTOR and MMO industry advances Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Age of Conan, Culture, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Opinion, Free-to-play, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Miscellaneous  Morrison, who goes by the handle Silirrion on Funcom's various forums, touches on the freight train that is SWTOR as well as why MMO veterans have been getting the cold shoulder from development companies in recent years. Vets are "yearning for the next advance in technology at a time when the industry itself is still refining the experience offered by the first generation of games," he says. "The formula for an MMO is still pretty much the same, in terms of structure, as it was a decade ago, and that frustration at a perceived lack of progress is what fuels a deal of the complaints." Is there any hope for the future, though? Morrison seems to think so, but he's not holding his breath on a timeframe. "I also think that those advances the veterans yearn for will come, and the genre will become more dynamic and community focused again, but maybe not in the near future, and almost certainly not with the upcoming generation of games," he writes.
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| Eden Eternal update bringing new class, player housing, and more Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, News items, Free-to-play  Aeria Games announced in a press release today that Eden Eternal will be on the receiving end of a rather large content update sometime in early October. What gives this update such heft? Well, for starters there's the new Templar class, plus a level cap raise, and oh yeah, player housing. If five new levels, a new class, and houses aren't enough for you, get this: You can throw parties! In your house! House parties! Anyway, also included in the update are a variety of high-level areas, alpaca coins (which can be found in high-level zones and redeemed for various prizes), and a new pirate invasion event! Shiver me timbers and all that, matey. To get in on the swashbuckling, house-partying fun, just head on over to Eden Eternal's official site and sign up. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
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| SOE gearing up for PlanetSide 2 dev chats Posted: 26 Sep 2011 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, PlanetSide, MMO industry, New titles, News items, MMOFPS, PlanetSide 2  Tramell will be discussing "the original PlanetSide's legacy and influence on PlanetSide 2's art style, and how SOE's powerful ForgeLight engine will carry this vision forward." Thursday brings a PlanetSide 2 webcast (also with a focus on art direction). After that, fans can look forward to a Twitter chat on Friday, and the dev team will be fielding multiple questions relating to the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS.
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| Wings Over Atreia: Coming soon -- Crucible III Posted: 26 Sep 2011 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Aion, Patches, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia, Family  In the midst of Daevas gorging themselves on festivities and goodies galore, NCsoft tossed out another juicy bit of information that might have been lost in the frenzy: Patch 2.7 will release on October 19, 2011. "Wait a minute!" you say, with second-anniversary cake dribbling from your mouth. "Didn't Aion just have a recent patch?" Aye folks, that it did! This patch will actually be the third in only a five-month span. Color me hopeful, but it certainly looks like someone was listening when I requested more frequent content updates. And I have to say I am pleased! Giving players more options only helps stave off boredom and retain players. From new instances (3rd Crucible, Padmarashka's Cave) to reductions in DP costs and skill cooldown timers, there are enough little goodies to keep Daevas entertained until the -- dare I hope not too long in coming -- next update. So what does Aion have in store for us this time around? Join me past the cut for a look at the the upcoming changes. Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Coming soon -- Crucible III
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| One Shots: Watch where you throw that! Posted: 26 Sep 2011 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, EverQuest II, One Shots  I decided to try out EverQuest II last week (having a great time, by the way), and the other day I was greeted to a server-wide message from GM Euronyma about a racing event that was beginning. I zoned into the Thundering Steppes expecting some good-natured, wholesome competitive sportsmanship and instead received a giant GM Ratonga throwing cows at players. Arguably better.We're leaving the One Shots theme up to you this week! There's no theme and no requirement; just send us your favorite screenshots and tell us why you love them. Add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in this week's One Shots!
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| Flameseeker Chronicles: The clock is ticking Posted: 26 Sep 2011 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Flameseeker Chronicles  It's been well over a year since the Hall of Monuments was unveiled for Guild Wars 2, bringing with it a large and ongoing influx of new players. These are players who either tried Guild Wars 1 and it didn't stick for them, or players who never tried it in the first place but are here now to prepare for Guild Wars 2. New players are great -- a bigger community is often a win for everyone involved. But this new playerbase isn't exactly what we've been used to. Follow along after the jump and let's take a look. Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The clock is ticking
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| Lost Pages of Taborea: Beating the economy Posted: 26 Sep 2011 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Economy, Opinion, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic, Lost Pages of Taborea  This week in Lost Pages of Taborea, I want to look at a handful of ways that you can continue to enjoy RoM until the storm blows over (if it blows over). Even though prices seem out of hand, you can still get equipped well enough from new quests to start running dungeons. The minigames have been rejuvenated into farming grounds, thanks to the introduction of crimson stats. And even though it is often scoffed at, arena gear is an option for those willing to grind honor points or materials. Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Beating the economy
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| Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard patch notes are up! Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Patches, News items, Free-to-play  Denizens of Middle-earth, the big day is almost here! Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard goes live tomorrow, and Turbine has prepared a fresh, pipin'-hot batch of patch notes for your perusal. So what do players have to look forward to? Well, there are three new zones -- the Gap of Rohan, Dunland, and (duh) Isengard -- as well as 10 additional levels of content. Lore-fiends will be able to play through one of the largest Book questlines to date, while those of a more pugilistic persuasion can square off with the gargantuan Draigoch in a 24-player raid. All nine classes have received updates as well, so no matter what you play, there are plenty of goodies in store. Free players can now take part in monster play, which should hopefully bring a bit more conflict to the Ettenmoors. Crafters aren't getting left in the cold, either, as the update introduces tier 7 crafting and a "slew of new recipes." For the full, unabridged patch notes, head on over to the LotRO official site and take a gander. See you folks in Isengard!
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| Guild Wars 2 wins Eurogamer's Game of the Show Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Guild Wars 2, Massively Event Coverage  Competing against such high-profile titles like Battlefield 3 and Batman: Arkham City, Guild Wars 2 came out as the clear favorite of the editorial staff at Eurogamer. Guild Wars 2 was picked from a field of 10 nominees for its scope and ideas. Eurogamer's Tom Bramwell handed out the high praise: "It was almost impossible to choose between some of this year's nominees, but Guild Wars 2 eventually won us over with its incredible depth and intelligent new approach to MMO design." Eurogamer Expo 2011 attracted over 34,500 attendees, who made up what the show runners claim is the largest audience for the convention yet. [Source: Eurogamer Network press release]
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| Custom video content available in EVE's captain's quarters Posted: 26 Sep 2011 10:30 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Sandbox  Nevertheless, CCP has released a new dev blog detailing how you can go about customizing the infinite video loop that currently runs on your CQ's widescreen television. It involves converting your videos to the .BIK format and sticking them into the appropriate folder, and CCP Optimal outlines the technical details at the official EVE Online website.
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