| Trion Worlds may go public following RIFT's success Posted: 25 Oct 2011 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, Legal, RIFT, Miscellaneous Want to own a piece of your favorite MMO studio? If you're a fan of Trion Worlds, then you may yet get your chance. The company announced that it is mulling over a decision to put the company on the market with an IPO. CEO Lars Buttler says that it's just a matter of time at this point: "As we build scale and become more profitable, [an IPO] is clearly on our horizon at some point. We've had a lot of bankers coming to us recently. We keep all of our options open at this point. We definitely have enough substance and enough skill to be a public company at the right time." Trion has been doing well for itself lately, as it's doubled its staff in 2011 and raised $100 million from investments since 2007. RIFT's success has helped to convince the company that an IPO is a solid move. " RIFT is vastly profitable. It is profitable every single week and every single month," Buttler said. RIFT isn't Trion's only project, as the company is working on End of Nations, Defiance, and the Red Door publishing platform.  Trion Worlds may go public following RIFT's success originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Appeals court affirms Richard Garriott's lawsuit win against NCsoft Posted: 25 Oct 2011 09:30 AM PDT Filed under: MMO industry, Legal, Miscellaneous Ever since Richard Garriott won his lawsuit against former employer NCsoft last year, the legal process has been grinding on ever since to hash out the details. Today we've learned that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the win of almost $32 million in favor of Garriott. The lawsuit came about after NCsoft fired Garriott in 2008 and then marked his departure as "voluntary," causing his stock options to expire instead of remaining intact through the end of his 2011 contract. In 2010 a court found NCsoft to have breached its contract, and ordered the company to pay $28 million plus interest and attorney fees to Garriott and his legal team. This recent ruling affirms that outcome and paves the path for Garriott to be compensated. In the ruling, the 5th Circuit Court writes, "It would be unjust to allow NCsoft to sit back during trial, observe Garriott's litigation strategy, and then demand a new trial on damages when it dislikes the verdict." [Source: Androvett Legal Media press release] Appeals court affirms Richard Garriott's lawsuit win against NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Secret World lures half a million potential beta testers into the underworld Posted: 25 Oct 2011 09:00 AM PDT |
| ArcheAge fills up its 2011 dance card with beta, events Posted: 25 Oct 2011 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Events, real-world, Massively Event Coverage, ArcheAge Things over in ArcheAge's neck of the woods may seem quiet these days, but rest assured that the XL Games crew is hard at work on making the game the best it can be while spreading the word about it. Over on the ArcheAge blog, news about the continuing beta process and upcoming conventions has been laid out in one convenient place. First up, XL Games is preparing a fourth closed beta test for sometime before the end of the year. Expectations are that this will happen in November, although no official announcement has been made. ArcheAge will be making an appearance at two upcoming events as well. At G-Star, XL Games is forgoing a public booth for a private one in an effort to court business support for the game. ArcheAge's Chinese publisher will be showing off a demo of the game's character creation, questing system, and PvP at the Tencent Game Carnival in November. ArcheAge fills up its 2011 dance card with beta, events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Blizzard's Metzen: Pandaren are as 'serious as a heart attack' Posted: 25 Oct 2011 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Expansions, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items OK, time for a show of hands. How many of you initially thought Mists of Pandaria was a joke? After all, there was the April Fools' Day Pandaren incident in Warcraft III, and there's the fact that giant panda bears are inherently cute and somewhat difficult to take seriously. World of Warcraft's latest expansion is no laughing matter, though, according to Blizzard's Chris Metzen. "These guys are not a joke. This is an idea that we've been thinking about for years. It's one of our favorite flavors of Warcraft. It's not ultimately really silly, it's just a little lighter," Metzen explained over the weekend. He went on to describe how WoW's senior art director Sam Didier has been doodling around with Pandaren subjects for years now and has produced some "crazy panda shamans" and other work that is off the proverbial hook. "This is not a throw-away silly silly haha funny expansion set," Metzen continued. "It is absolutely the next vital chapter and as things ratchet up, they're gonna get really gnarly." Blizzard's Metzen: Pandaren are as 'serious as a heart attack' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Daily Grind: Will you be participating in MMO Halloween festivities? Posted: 25 Oct 2011 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Events, in-game, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous Halloween is here! OK, it's not quite here yet, but the parties have started in a host of MMOs out there. Our Halloween round-up from yesterday includes over 20 celebrations, which brings up the question: Will you be attending any of them? Festivals might include special event quests, seasonal NPCs, spooky costumes for your characters, and of course Halloween-themed goodies dropping from monsters throughout the land. It's a once-a-year celebration that pulls focus pretty hard in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Is that focus a good thing to you? Do you indulge in the festivities, costumes, and piles of virtual candy, or do you wait anxiously for things to return to your regularly scheduled gaming?  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: Will you be participating in MMO Halloween festivities? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| SOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video Posted: 24 Oct 2011 08:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Video, EverQuest, Expansions, MMO industry, Patches, News items It's time for another EverQuest Veil of Alaris sneak peek video, this time featuring the Resplendent Temple. The structure is, well, sort of resplendent, and Sony Online Entertainment developers Julie Burness and Rob Cuenca narrate a two-minute trek through the new zone surrounding the majestic centerpiece. The content will be available with EQ's latest expansion, and Cuenca says that the zone pushes the limits of what's possible with EQ's technology. There are plenty of mobs to be found in, around, and under the temple, including a race of pig-people that live off the refuse generated by the temple above (yes, really, and eww). Check out the clip after the cut and head to the official EQ website to learn more about the expansion. Continue reading SOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video SOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Not So Massively: BlizzCon, beta keys, and game trailers Posted: 24 Oct 2011 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Trailers, Video, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, New titles, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Giveaways, Dev Diaries, Not So Massively Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Monday, the column covers games such as League of Legends , Heroes of Newerth , Rise of Immortals , Bloodline Champions and more. It's BlizzCon week, and that means a whole torrent of information has been released on Blizzard's upcoming action RPG Diablo III. Blizzard also showed off its official StarCraft mod Blizzard DOTA, which has the potential to be a fully fledged MOBA with characters from every Blizzard game. Heroes of Newerth's developer S2 Games threw together a series of developer-vs.-player matches this week and got thoroughly smashed to bits. Online FPS Hedone has started its U.S. closed beta, and we have 2,000 beta keys to give away. Readers who managed to get their hands on a Realm of the Titans beta key from our key giveaway during the first beta test will be glad to know the second beta stage will be starting soon and that their old login details will work. Rise of Immortals fans received a new immortal spotlight video on Balak this week, while Blacklight: Retribution developers released the game's second developer diary. 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 MMO Continue reading Not So Massively: BlizzCon, beta keys, and game trailers Not So Massively: BlizzCon, beta keys, and game trailers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Dive into SD Gundam Online's closed beta with a key from Massively! Posted: 24 Oct 2011 05:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Contests, Giveaways The development team at OGPlanet has been hard at work, not just with its current stable of games but also with its newest title: SD Gundam Online. The game, described as a fast-paced multiplayer third-person shooter game, is almost ready for its first round of closed beta testing, and we've got your key! If you're ready to become one of the game's first bug-hunters, head over to our giveaway page to snag a key, then create an OGPlanet account if you haven't yet. Enter your beta key code on the game's redemption page, and you're all set for beta testing! The first beta testing period will run from November 2nd to 6th. Don't worry about the date slipping your mind, as OGPlanet will send a reminder email to all beta testers. Grab your key and enjoy the beta! Dive into SD Gundam Online's closed beta with a key from Massively! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Final Fantasy XI gets an updated roadmap Posted: 24 Oct 2011 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Final Fantasy XI, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, News items, Consoles The promised day is coming to Final Fantasy XI. Specifically, the promised day on which the level cap finally reaches its long-awaited new limit of 99, something that players have been waiting for more or less since the game's launch. But that's not the only thing that's coming around the bend, as detailed in the game's new roadmap stretching from this month out until March of next year. While the dates listed are only for the rollout of features onto the game's test server, it still gives a good idea of what players can expect shortly thereafter. Updates to jobs and Merit Points are pretty easy to predict as the game rolls to its last update of the level cap, as are the addition of new Magian trials. Players can also expect updates to the Voidwatch battles, new Burning Circle battlefields, and a variety of quality-of-life improvements to several facets of gameplay. There's no hint on what might be coming after March, but it looks as if Final Fantasy XI will at least be starting the year off on the right foot. Final Fantasy XI gets an updated roadmap originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Wizard101 offers reimbursement for Sunday downtime Posted: 24 Oct 2011 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, News items, Free-to-play, Wizard101, Family  Wizard101 players may have noticed some unplanned downtime in their gameplay Sunday afternoon. J. Todd Coleman, aka Headmaster Ambrose, stopped by the forums today to clarify the issue. The technical problem that caused the downtime has since been fixed, but Coleman has said that some players may have experienced a loss of items acquired just prior to the downtime. But don't fret, Wizard101 players. The team keeps detailed logs of all acquired items, and any items acquired (or crowns spent) prior to the downtime will be reimbursed, even if the item was not actually lost. The team understands that erring on the side of caution such as this will result in some players receiving double the loot, but Coleman states that this outcome is "far preferable to running the risk of some players not recovering lost items. All items should be successfully reimbursed within the next 24 to 48 hours. For the full details on the problem and subsequent recovery, head on over to the game's official forums. Wizard101 offers reimbursement for Sunday downtime originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns Posted: 24 Oct 2011 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Opinion, Humor, Free Realms, Kids, Wizard101, Family, Leaderboard In honor of the recently revived MMO Family column here on Massively, I thought that this week we'd extend the brutal beatings, clobberings, and verbal beratings to family-friendly MMOs. In many ways, Free Realms and Wizard101 are almost like siblings with so many things in common, and this extends to the use of sickeningly cute unicorn pets. While I personally stopped paying attention to unicorns when Trapper Keepers went out of style, apparently they're still a "thing," especially with the younger market. You young 'uns, always keeping the unicorn union in business! Why don't you just let us harvest them for their magical horns which can be ground up and sprinkled on our Starbucks lattes? Ahem. Sorry. In any event, one such instance of ultra-cuteness is enough; two is completely unnecessary and unhealthy for the well-being of our universe. So today you must decide which game's unicorns will rule as lord supreme over the hearts of tweens everywhere, and which will be sold to the salt mines to haul loads while crying rainbow tears. Vote! And let it forever be on your conscience! [The unicorn on the left is from Wizard101; the one on the right is from Free Realms.]Continue reading Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods Posted: 24 Oct 2011 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia To Aion's housing we go! Oh, if only it were that simple! And quick. 'Cause I got my hiking boots on and am raring to go. Heck, I will even wade through rivers of enemy blood to get me some housing! Now you all know what kind of statement that is coming from PvP-challenged me. Sadly, there is still a long wait ahead as there is no real official word on the release of 3.0 and its accompanying features. To be honest, with my all-too-obvious love of housing, I am not entirely sure that the information that trickled out of Korea this past week was more exciting... or painful. TEASE!! Either way, there is no ignoring the fact that the tantalizing information has come, posted front and center on the Korean Powerwiki for all to see. Thanks to some kind translating, those of us not fluent in Korean can also get a glimpse at what NCsoft has in store for us. Truly, I think that it is only fitting that last week's focus on a major frustration is followed up by something many are actually looking forward to! In all, some of the information revealed is exciting, some is pleasantly surprising, and some is even disappointing, Excited about Aion's upcoming housing or maybe just curious? Cross the threshold past the cut and join Wings Over Atreia as we explore the impending housing opportunities in Atreia. Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Flameseeker Chronicles: Pumpkinhead edition Posted: 24 Oct 2011 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, Flameseeker Chronicles Halloween is here! Yes, yes, it's here in real life, but it's here in Tyria as well! Halloween is one of my favorite Guild Wars celebrations for a lot of silly reasons. I love tapping the "R" key and unleashing a string of Ghosts-in-the-Box, I love the costumes, I love the beleaguered citizens of Lion's Arch and Kamadan (they're so funny and mopey in their transformed states!), and most of all I love the Mad King Thorn and his stupid jokes. I know they're lame and I don't care. The pumpkin-on-head joke slays me every year. As of this writing, the new quests haven't dropped yet, but there's still plenty to do. Follow along after the jump and let's take a look at what's going on in Tyria! Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Pumpkinhead edition Flameseeker Chronicles: Pumpkinhead edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Priston Tale introduces the Ice Mine Posted: 24 Oct 2011 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, News items, Free-to-play Priston Tale, the long-running free-to-play MMORPG from SUBA Games, has announced its latest content update in a press release today. The update focuses on a cold, desolate land known as the Ice Mine, which only the most valiant of warriors could dare to brave. Of course, with great danger comes great reward, and the Ice Mine is no exception. Players who venture into the new territory will find all-new level 108 gear with which to increase their power. And they're going to need all the help they can get if they hope to face off against the Ice Mine's big baddy, Tulla. If you want to join the battle, head on over to Priston Tale's official site to sign up. [Source: SUBA Games press release] Priston Tale introduces the Ice Mine originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| First Impressions: Luvinia Online Posted: 24 Oct 2011 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions Welcome once again to another thrilling installment of first impressions. Today we venture into the sugary-sweet (and somewhat bizarre) world of Luvinia Online, a new F2P MMO from Outspark. The game launched late last month, and I decided to jump in (with the help of a lovely developer walkthrough, no less) and see what the new title had to offer. As readers of my other reviews will know, I'm very selective when it comes to free-to-play titles -- harsh, even. So does this quirky little MMO rise to the occasion, or does it flounder about at the bottom of the barrel? Follow me past the cut and I'll let you know. Continue reading First Impressions: Luvinia Online First Impressions: Luvinia Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| A haunted Halloween MMO tour [Update] Posted: 24 Oct 2011 10:30 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Culture, Events, in-game, Free-to-play, Massively meta, Miscellaneous While many real world holidays receive digital treatments in MMOs, it always seems like Halloween is the most popular. Perhaps it's because MMOs are already into the spirit of the season, with characters dressing up, "trick or treating" mobs for their candy, and tackling spooky, scary areas where doom is sure to lurk. Or perhaps developers just really like pumpkins and haunted houses. Who doesn't? With most MMOs sporting Halloween content, it's a safe bet that there's something for you in your favorite game. So hop on the hayride and get ready for a tour through the most terrifying, cute, and boo-tastic Halloween events in town! [Update: Added two more festivals... for justice!]Continue reading A haunted Halloween MMO tour [Update] A haunted Halloween MMO tour [Update] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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