MMO News

MMO News


Atlantica Online prepares for Atlantica Day

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 11:44 AM PST

January 29 is Atlantica Day in Atlantica Online, and this Sunday, players will have 24 hours worth of events to partake in.

On January 29, players will enjoy a 200% bonus to workload, experience, and crafting experience, plus 300% bonus experience while resting and from diary rewards.

Several League battles will take place throughout the day, and players who win at least one will be entered for a chance to win an Atlantica Day Jackpot Box. These boxes will also be given out to one player on each server every two hours, and auctioned off by the staff. They may contain Blessing License (30 or 365 day), Warrior’s Pack (30 or 365 day), +10 Lucky Weapon Box, Infernal Spirit Gems, or Henry Ford Venture’s 2x rate boxes.

Players who stay logged in for at least one hour and up to four can earn up to ten Atlantica Day coupons, which can be exchanged for weapons in Rome.

Atlantica Online is published by Nexon, which also publishes Combat Arms and Vindictus.

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Atlantica Online Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

Celebrate Atlantica Day!

Sunday, January 29th is Atlantica Day!

Atlantica day is returning and now it's better than ever! On top of all the awesome perks of Atlantica Day, you'll get to take advantage of more auction times and more bonus experience! Let's gather and rejoice being Atlantians! Join us on January 29th, 2012 for 24 hours of events and excitement!

Atlantica Day Bonus EXP!

24 hours of 200% Bonus to workload plus 200% Bonus EXP and crafting EXP! It's even better now, Atlantians will also enjoy 300% bonus to EXP while resting and from diary rewards!

Competition Jackpot Raffle!

Players who win at least one regularly scheduled Free League or Colosseum League match will be entered into an Atlantica Day Jackpot Box raffle. One user will be randomly selected from eligible users after each competition ends and will be rewarded with an Atlantica Day Jackpot Box!

Competition Schedule:

00:00 – Free League

03:00 – Colosseum

06:00 – Free League

09:00 – Free League

11:00 – Colosseum

12:00 – Free League

15:00 – Free League

18:00 – Colosseum

21:00 – Free League

Jackpot Giveaway!

Every two hours starting at the beginning of Atlantica Day, 1 lucky player on each server will win an Atlantica Day Jackpot Box! Here are some of the goodies you may have a chance to obtain:

Atlantica Day Jackpot Box:

Blessing License (30 Days/No Trade)

Blessing License (365 Days/No Trade)

Warrior’s Pack (30 Days)

Warrior’s Pack (365 Days)

+10 Lucky Weapon Box

Henry Ford’s Venture 2x rate box!

Infernal Spirit Gem

Insane Auctions!

Throughout the day, we will be auctioning off an Atlantica Day Jackpot Box. The bidding will start at one million gold. Simply outbid your fellow Atlantians to win!

Auction Schedule:

00:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

03:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

06:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

09:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

12:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

15:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

18:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

20:00 – 1x Atlantica Day Jackpot Box

Atlantacong’s Weapon Trade In!

Collect Atlantica Day coupons by staying logged in for 4 hours (earn up to 10 coupons) and trade them in for Awesome Weapons! Check in with Atlantacong Senior and Atlantacong Junior in Rome to see their armaments!

Ways to earn Atlantica Day Coupons:

Stay logged in for 1 hour and receive 1 coupon

Stay logged in for 2 hours and receive 2 coupons

Stay logged in for 3 hours and receive 3 coupons

Stay logged in for 4 hours and receive 4 coupons

Get ready for Atlantica Day! Get some NX today!

Looking for even more? Check out this FREE NX deal!

Rules

*Event-tagged items will be removed in the future.

*Atlantica Day Coupons will not be deleted.

Luvinia Online: Zendo Tour

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 11:21 AM PST

Last week, Luvinia Online released a major new update introducing Zendo, a new region designed for players above level 40. Offering over a hundred quests, a special reputation system, and more, Zendo promises plenty of hours for mid-to-high level players. MMOHut was offered the chance to get an up-close look at what the Zendo Hunting Grounds had to offer, with GM Refresh serving as the tour guide.

luvinia-zendo-campfire

We began our tour in the Zendo camp, reachable through the Hunting Altar in the Core of Aurora. This area has a tribal feel: a great bonfire sits in the center, surrounded by totems, roasted pigs, and plenty of hanging boar and rabbit just waiting to be cooked up for guests. Zendo is occupied by a lion-like people, who value the hunt of great, rare, and dangerous beasts – and this is where players can come to test their skills in the hunt. In exchange, players can earn “Zendo Hunter’s Fame,” reputation that can be exchanged for dozens of prizes – including a rare mount.

luvinia-normal-hunting-ques

Three types of hunting quests are available: Normal Hunting, Collection, and Special Hunting. Players may choose to begin with Normal Hunting quests, available from the NPC Radork Hunting Eagle. He offers hunting quests for players in five level groups, starting with levels 40-49, and ending for players level 80-89. Hunting down the monsters he requests will grant the player gold, SP, experience, and Hunter Fame. Radork also accepts Hunter Fame to reward the player with reputation points, which help players unlock certain areas and the ability to purchase certain reputation prizes.

luvinia-catalina

Collection Quests are available from the Old Hunter, Fuller Pharmicist. This NPC will send players to places like the Nusal Oasis, where they can gather special crafting materials. These materials, in exchange, may be used at the Hunting Tool Table or Grill Rack in camp, allowing players to create their own hunting tools or bait. The tools or food created here let players summon over twenty types of monsters. Once summoned – and killed – players can then visit Gold Hunter Catalina for rewards. Catalina can also guide players in how to attract and summon specific monsters, making it easy to hunt, collect, and kill these enemies for rewards. Players may also encounter world bosses during their daily hunts, which Catalina also offers rewards for defeating.

luvinia-two-headed-fenrir

Finally, players can also embark on special hunting missions, available through Angory and the Behemoth Blitz Board. Here, players can visit one of three “taboo” areas: Eguna Icy Cliff, Cave of Smelting Magma, and the Desert of Sand. Designed for groups, these areas can be challenged after level 60, and feature special bosses that drop rare materials when defeated. We were escorted privately to these areas, and introduced to such beasts as the Blood Drinker Hastex, the Two-Headed Fenrir, and the fierce Nakerence. Each of these bosses have their own tactics to use against players, and are pretty tough, so don’t expect to simply roll over them without any troubles.

luvinia-desert-panther

So what about rewards? Players can visit Rones Hotflame, the chief of the tribe, to check their reputation. The entourage of NPCs behind him, for a chance to exchange the fame they have earned for special rewards. One of the most coveted rewards here is the Desert Panther, a special armored panther that begins as a 7 day mount, but can be converted to a permanent mount with Planar Essence. Other rewards include high quality belts, cloaks, and masks. Weekly champions of the Zendo also will earn special rewards from Rones.

Zendo introduces about 130 new quests, and dozens of item rewards for players to find. With a wide level range, any player can quickly jump in and begin their work toward mastering the hunt, earning great gear and a unique mount. This alternate area is something new and gives players more to do than just quest and level, and is worth checking out even at veteran levels.

More Zendo Screenshots…

gPotato now offering Bigpoint browser games

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 10:16 AM PST

gPotato and Bigpoint have announced a partnership that allows gPotato to offer Bigpoint’s browser-based titles through gpotato.com.

The Bigpoint titles available include Battlestar Galactica Online, SeaFight, Skyrama, Dark Orbit, Deepolis, and Farmerama. Joining together will allow the game communities to grow.

gPotato is holding giveaways and contests in celebration of the new partnership, including $50 gPotato currency to ten Facebook fans who vote for their favorite browser game, and a SUMO beanbag and Razer mouse for a screenshot contest featuring the gPotato mascot.

gPotato publishes Luna Online, Allods Online, Rappelz Online, and more.

battlestar-galactica-online-fighters

Battlestar Galactica Online Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

gPotato Announces Partnership with Bigpoint

Six Top Browser MMOs Added to the gPotato Game Portal

Sunnyvale, Calif.  January 24 – The gPotato Game Portal became fully multi-platform with the addition of six top browser games from leading developer Bigpoint. Players of gPotato can now enjoy strategy and action MMOs right in their browsers and explore the worlds of Battlestar Galactica Online, Farmerama, and more! The partnership brings new opportunities for both companies to reach a different market.

"We're excited to partner with Bigpoint, a strong developer who shares our commitment to the free-to-play business model," said Kenny Yan, Director of Operations at gPotato. "With this collaboration we have successfully increased our portfolio's genre support, and more importantly, we have become a multi-platform gaming destination for our community thanks to Bigpoint's quality browser games."

"Key partnerships with leading game portals are vital to our continued global growth," said Ed Kim, Director of Business Development at Bigpoint Inc. "With gPotato, we have found a great partner and are confident they will generate positive results that further bolster our community of players."

To welcome the new browser games, gPotato will be giving away $900 worth of prizes to its players. Ten lucky Facebook fans will receive $50 worth of gPotato currency, which can be redeemed in any game on the portal, for explaining which browser game is their favorite. Five more players will win either a SUMO beanbag or a Razer mouse for editing a picture of the gPotato mascot into a screenshot from one of the browser games. More details can be found at the official rules.

The gPotato Game Portal has added many new games and features in recent months and is excited to create even more enjoyment for its community with Bigpoint as a partner. Every game on gPotato is always free-to-play, and the addition of great games from a like-minded partner brings rich new variety to the portal's 11 million users.

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Cryptic and Alienware giving away free Star Trek Online goodies

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST

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Star Trek Online - internet spaceship
Alienware has partnered with Cryptic Studios to create an interesting promotion designed to draw you back to Star Trek Online. The newly free-to-play sci-fi title is the focus of an item giveaway that features 10 days of subscription time, a 22nd century Enterprise-era uniform, an NX class starship, and an 8-hour XP boost.

What's the catch? Well, the deal is restricted to new accounts only and it also requires you to sign up on the Alienware Arena website. Once you've met those requirements, it's as easy as clicking on the big blue "get key" button and copy/pasting the digits to your Cryptic or Perfect World account.

As of press time, over 2,200 keys were still available.

MassivelyCryptic and Alienware giving away free Star Trek Online goodies originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE VP talks microtransactions and the future

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 08:00 AM PST

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EverQuest II - Kylong Plains flying mount
If you're a fan of Sony Online Entertainment and curious as to how free-to-play and RMT will affect its stable of MMOs in the future, ZAM's got a new interview that's worth a read.

The piece features Laura Naviaux, senior VP of global sales and marketing for SOE, and she shares an interesting nugget relating to digital currency and real-money player markets. "I think everybody gets excited about potentially being able to create user-generated content to sell it to their peers, etc. There are a lot of different ways to slice and dice that, and it's something that we're watching," Naviaux says.

She also speaks to the success of EverQuest II thanks to its free-to-play switch, as well as some of the more popular cash shop items (mounts currently account for approximately 25% of the game's revenue). Finally, Naviaux acknowledges the challenges inherent in the business model going forward, and how they stem in large part from knowing how much is too much. "I don't think that anybody wants a game where you can outright buy power that makes the game unfair and un-fun, and that is a line we don't want to cross. But there are a lot of shades of grey in there, and that's something we want the players to determine," she explains.

MassivelySOE VP talks microtransactions and the future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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League of Legends' Sivir draws second blood

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 07:00 AM PST

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League of Legends
With a nickname of "Battle Mistress," it's a safe bet that League of Legends' Sivir isn't the docile, domesticated type. Sporting heavy ranged damage and the ability to hit multiple targets at once, Sivir has been a popular champion over the past couple years. This week, Riot Games is turning the spotlight on Sivir with an informative six-minute video highlighting her abilities and strategies.

Sivir is a strong pusher and excels in fights with many combatants. She's a good pick for those who aren't as concerned with precision and one-on-one strength but instead love to rack up large numbers in the middle of chaos.

It's interesting to note that Sivir already enjoyed a Champion Spotlight on the LoL site, but since she got a makeover in 2010, Riot felt that it was important to give her another moment in the limelight. You can watch the full video after the jump!

Continue reading League of Legends' Sivir draws second blood

MassivelyLeague of Legends' Sivir draws second blood originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT available on EA's Origin today

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST

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RIFT - Chloromancer in battle
If you haven't purchased RIFT yet, or you're looking for an additional copy, it might interest you to know that Trion's fantasy MMORPG is now available on Electronic Arts' Origin digital delivery platform.

The game comes bundled with an assortment of limited-edition items including a screechling vanity pet and the Ascended gift pack. The latter contains stat-boosting items that increase dexterity, strength, intelligence, and wisdom, as well as small health and mana boosters. Trion is also throwing in a 10-slot bag in case you need somewhere to put all those newly acquired potions.

RIFT launched to critical acclaim in March of 2011, and Trion is currently working on the title's seventh major content patch.

[Source: Trion press release]

MassivelyRIFT available on EA's Origin today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    The Daily Grind: Which community managers do you love?

    Posted: 24 Jan 2012 05:00 AM PST

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    Thank you!
    Yesterday the world awoke to the grandest of holidays: Community Manager Appreciation Day. CMAD has a long and rich history dating all the way back to 2010, when the communities of games, websites, and forums decided they would stop bickering, trolling, flaming, squabbling, and misspelling long enough to mutter out a heartfelt "Thanks, I guess" to the community managers who swept their cages every morning.

    I knew that Monday was CMAD because our very own Community Manager Rubi kindly informed us of this fact. "Hey bozos!" she crowed to the Massively staff. "It's Community Manager Appreciation Day! APPRECIATE ME ALREADY!"

    Even though CMAD is over, today we'd like to give our MMO CMs a nod of gratitude and appreciation. Which community managers do you love the most and why?

    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!

    MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which community managers do you love? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      APB Reloaded finally comes to retail

      Posted: 23 Jan 2012 06:30 PM PST

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      APB Reloaded - mexican standoff
      Back in early December, GamersFirst announced the impending retail availability of APB Reloaded. As it turns out, the announcement was premature and the actual date has remained a mystery.

      Until today.

      The free-to-play shooter is now on sale at Best Buy, and the box features more than $50 worth of in-game items. Thirty days of premium access are part of the package, and you'll get faster rep and XP gains, more currency rewards, and a 20% discount in the game's cash shop for your trouble. You'll also take home 500 G1 credits, a faction-specific Z180 sports car, and a Magnum ACT-44 handgun available to all the characters on your account.

      Finally, GamersFirst says each retail edition comes with a "super-secret bonus permanent weapon."

      [Source: GamersFirst press release]

      MassivelyAPB Reloaded finally comes to retail originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Not So Massively: New hero edition

        Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:00 PM PST

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        Not So Massively title image
        League of Legends revealed this week that 5% of Taiwan is now playing even though the game only launched there six months ago. We also got an in-depth look at new jungling tank champion Sejuani with a new champion spotlight video. Heroes of Newerth released its own new hero this week with ranged intelligence hero Gravekeeper, and Bloodline Champions teased fans with upcoming bloodline Headhunter.

        The Diablo III beta saw some big changes this week to bring the gameplay back into the spirit of its predecessor, Diablo II. Wrath of Heroes began gearing up for its fifth beta session later this week, while Blacklight: Retribution explored the fine art of stealing your enemy's hardsuit in a new video release. Firefall announced its condemnation of the Stop Online Piracy Act this week, adding its name to the list of opposition to the proposed legislation. Finally, Rise of Immortals got a make-over this week with a brand-new logo, launcher and login screen.

        Continue reading Not So Massively: New hero edition

        MassivelyNot So Massively: New hero edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Champions Online looks back to look forward in January State of the Game

          Posted: 23 Jan 2012 04:00 PM PST

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          Screenshot -- Champions Online
          It's a new year, and many game studios are stating their revolutions for the coming months. Cryptic Studios is joining that club with Champions Online's first State of the Game post for 2012. Rob Overmeyer, the game's Executive Producer, takes some time to reminisce on CO's progress throughout 2011, which included the title's jump to a F2P business model as well as a number of content updates. After that little stroll down memory lane, Overmeyer gives players a glimpse of the future as he addresses the features of the game's next major update. These include an entirely overhauled itemization system, a new enhancement system, alerts, and more. For the complete details, click through the link below to Champions Online's January 2012 State of the Game.

          MassivelyChampions Online looks back to look forward in January State of the Game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Anime-style MMO Spirit Tales begins closed beta sign-ups

          Posted: 23 Jan 2012 03:00 PM PST

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          Screenshot -- Spirit Tales
          KoramGame Ltd., publisher of the upcoming anime-style F2P MMO Spirit Tales, has announced that players can now sign up for the title's closed beta test. Spirit Tales is described as taking place in "an earth-like fantasy world [that] is divided into two hemispheres: the dark and the light." Players can join one of three tribes as one of six classes (Archer, Sorcerer, Fighter, Warrior, Shaman, and Assassin) and capture and train pets, take part in 5v5 PvP battles, and of course, kill lots of critters for their shiny loot. To sign up for the game's closed beta, just click through the link below.

          MassivelyAnime-style MMO Spirit Tales begins closed beta sign-ups originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Make a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years

          Posted: 23 Jan 2012 02:00 PM PST

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          Vanguard
          In the midst of the cold winds of January, it's the warmth of the Winter Solstice that keeps Vanguard players alive and happy. With Vanguard's fifth anniversary here at last, SOE is blowing on the coals of this simmering MMO in the hopes of raising the flames of community interest.

          First up is the Winter Solstice in-game event, which started on January 21st. Players can participate by locating the event NPC in New Targonor. On next Sunday, the 29th, the Vanguard CMs will be throwing an anniversary bash and handing out gifts on the Telon server starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

          SOE's also throwing a Facebook contest to give away one of five in-game items. Interested parties are encouraged to head over to Vanguard's Facebook page for more information on how to enter.

          Massively will also be on the scene for Vanguard's fifth celebration this weekend with two special livestreams on Massively TV, so stay tuned!

          MassivelyMake a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives casting call

          Posted: 23 Jan 2012 01:00 PM PST

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          Wings Over Atreia header
          It's ironic: The topic I detest experiencing most in Aion is actually the most fun to write about. Whenever I think back to my favorite columns, the almost-too-surreal-to-believe antics of the drama-impaired (or should I say drama-addicted?) always rank near the top of the list. Perhaps chronicling these antics for the amusement of others is simply my choice form of therapy when I'm confronted with them. They say laughter is the best medicine, and who can't help but laugh when reading over the train-wreck that is drama? Seraphim Lords know that living through it is torture and avoidance truly is the best policy, but something about it can be simply fascinating... from a distance.

          Over the past couple of years, Wings Over Atreia has provided the opportunity to witness Aion's drama vicariously without the danger of involvement or having any splatter on you Gallagher-style. During this time, different episodes of Daevas of Our Lives have offered glimpses of the various cast members. But what about a deeper look into the psyche of these seemingly unreal -- yet based on reality -- characters? This week offers a more detailed introduction to the current members of the cast as well as a new addition.

          So whether you run away screaming at the first hint of impending drama in game or grab a giant bowl of popcorn and settle in for the show, this handy guide can help keep the who's-who straight for you when you're viewing future (or past) episodes. And if you're a perpetrator of said drama, don't be surprised if your antics are broadcast on the next episode of Daevas of Our Lives.

          Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives casting call

          MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Daevas of Our Lives casting call originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Jagex wins court case against RuneScape botters

            Posted: 23 Jan 2012 11:00 AM PST

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            RuneScape - dragon food
            Jagex Games Studio is trumpeting its legal victory against Mark and Eric Snellman. The brothers formed a company called Impulse Software, which now owes Jagex unspecified damages following a two-year legal battle concerning macro and botting tools for the company's RuneScape MMO.

            The brothers have been muzzled as a result of an injunction, and they are forbidden from discussing Jagex, RuneScape, or the lawsuit. Additionally, the pair must relinquish "all websites, domains, source code and customer details to Jagex along with all the details of all those individuals who have developed scripts for iBOT and sold or re-sold those scripts," according to a company press release.

            Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard vowed to protect RuneScape users from similar threats in the future. "We have spared no expense fighting this case, as demonstrated by the seven figure bill this action has cost, but the point of this and other cases of its kind is that we will continue bring to justice those who set out to harm the game or our beloved community. We are delighted to say that we have convincingly neutered them after a very long battle," he said.

            Jagex also says that its "Bot Nuke" operation, which began in October and includes a suite of code obfuscation tools, has rendered 98% of RuneScape bots obsolete.

            [Source: Jagex press release]

            MassivelyJagex wins court case against RuneScape botters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Leaderboard: Battle of the Bards

              Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

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              Leaderboard: World of Warcraft
              I have to say, I'm just always fascinated by Bards (and Bard-type classes) in MMOs. They seem so odd juxtaposed with steely warriors and mystic wizards that half the time I think they're a running joke that somewhere along the line people started taking seriously. I mean, pulling out a guitar in the middle of a gang gunfight in Chicago is a good way to ruin a perfectly good musical instrument, but in fantasy worlds this sort of thing happens and nobody even blinks. In some places, a fully decked-out hair metal band can wreck havoc on any raid boss.

              Bards appeal to the contrarian in us, with the attitude of "it's OK to be a jack of all trades, as long as you're rocking a sweet axe." In some MMOs their music is used to conjure up buffs, while in others their notes cause aural damage on the level of Ke$ha to monsters. Have family members who keep telling you to turn that racket down? Bards in games are constantly told to crank it up -- and play multiple songs simultaneously, if at all possible. Plus, Bards are not unknown to the ways of the sword, which always amuses group leaders who now have a squishy character charging into combat shouting, "Stab! Stabby stab!"

              Today is a first, as we're giving you more than one choice for Leaderboard voting. Please don't pass out. It's a Battle of the Bards, with most of the major MMOs reporting in for duty! Which Bard tops them all? Cast your vote after the jump!

              Continue reading Leaderboard: Battle of the Bards

              MassivelyLeaderboard: Battle of the Bards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Latest Gaming and MMORPG Updates


                Watch 1UP and IGN Cross Swords in Soulcalibur V

                Posted: 24 Jan 2012 05:48 AM PST

                For me, Mass Effect 3 happens to be a sort of déjà vu moment from nearly a decade ago. Specifically, this is the second time that BioWare has taken a consistent player character across three games. Back in 1998, I rolled a little half-elf ranger for Baldur’s Gate; by that game’s conclusion, I took special care to transfer the character save over to a 3.5-inch floppy. Holding onto said floppy proved handy for Baldur’s Gate II’s release in 2000, where I turned that scrappy half-elf into a ranger worthy of Strider/Aragon — able to lead a band of warriors, wizards, and animals into a victorious battle against a wizard who could bend time itself. And I rounded out this ranger’s tale with Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal in 2001 — where he became a sort of god-king that could call in elementals and beasts when he’s not slinking in the shadows like some sort of forest ninja. So the idea of taking a character that I have slavishly developed over three games to a grand conclusion again is what excites me about Mass Effect 3 the most.

                But what sort of Shepard am I playing for the conclusion to this crazy grand sci-fi saga? That ranger eventually retired to a quiet life in his cabin surrounded by wolves, rabbits, and other fauna. That was the last time I followed the “good” path in an RPG. Since then, I’ve generally played evil — I was the Devil in Fallout 3; and I grew horns and featured sickly skin in Fable 2. I reserved Jennifer Hale’s excellent acting for a proper heroic Paragon female Shepard, and in line with my “I play asshole fellows” mentality, I created a male Shepard. The result: while Jeremy played Yukiko Shepard with a healthy amount of meticulous thinking, Hobo Shepard (I also don’t take character names seriously) played fast and loose. For nearly every red dialog choice or Renegade interrupt, I promptly chose that option — with exceptions being in rare times where I personally didn’t want the result (more on that in a bit). Since Jeremy and I both played as Infiltrators, our general styles showed two sides of the sniper Shepard space coin.


                Posted by: admin in Gaming News
                Find related article at: http://www.1up.com/previews?cId=3186606

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                [PAX 2011] Guild Wars 2

                Posted: 24 Jan 2012 01:27 AM PST


                I was actually hoping for a new trailer from ArenaNet for PAX 2011, but seeing gamescom was just like… last week, I guess it is just right to stick with the old trailer. So, here is GameSpot’s footage for ArenaNet’s developer panel over at PAX 2011, the biggest information should be a brief teaser about how the guild system functions right at the end. And yes, still no release date, it will be out when ready… Wait, did I hear this somewhere before?


                Posted by: admin in Gaming News
                Find related article at: http://www.mmoculture.com/2011/08/pax-2011-guild-wars-2-developer-panel.html

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                OP-ED: Sony’s Spin on ModNation Racers Vita Lacking Online Multiplayer Comes Across Poorly

                Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:45 PM PST

                ModNation Racers

                ModNation Racers: Road Trip comes with a variety of online features, allowing you to compete and connect with friends and strangers in more ways than one. While many would presume the game includes online multiplayer, you can only go head-to-head against others through ad-hoc (local) multiplayer. This isn’t a new revelation, as Sony confirmed earlier this month that the only methods for race against other players is to connect locally or by exchanging ghosts. What is new is the puzzling rationale being used to describe why this decision was made.

                In a post on the PlayStation Blog today, SCE San Diego’s director of product development, Erich Waas, outlined Road Trip’s online features. Ghosts and localized leaderboards should provide a nice asynchronous experience for those seeking that kind of multiplayer. And of course, ModNation’s biggest allure is the ability to create and share tracks, a feature that not only makes it into the Vita version intact, but brings with it backwards compatibility for the tracks created in the PS3 game.

                The inclusion of those features make the absence of online multiplayer even more puzzling — this doesn’t feel like a quick, bare bones port or something of the sort. The PlayStation Portable version of the original ModNation Racers featured pretty solid integration of online multiplayer. Only six players could play together, half the number supported on PS3, but what’s important is that the feature was there. Vita is a more powerful and online-centric system, so it can’t be a technical reason holding it back. Even the last two handheld Mario Kart games were online, and Nintendo is not exactly known for pushing the envelope in the online space. So what gives?

                “I know there are some of you that are disappointed that ModNation Racers: Road Trip doesn’t let you play head-to-head online other than ad-hoc. But we really wanted to evolve online functionality and take advantage of the PlayStation Vita’s unique feature set in new ways,” Waas wrote. “If all we ever did as developers is rehash features that have been done in previous games, we’d still be entering passwords instead of using save files and you’d have to start the entire game over after you lost your three lives (extra 1-ups aside).

                ModNation Racers

                “While online head-to-head has been a mode used in many games in recent years, we focused on making a game that is crafted for how portable games are most often played-in quicker ‘pick up and play’ sessions multiple times in a day. Your online interaction, competition and socialization will always be when it’s convenient for you. I hope that all of you are as interested to check-out the robust online features that ModNation Racers: Road Trip has as we are to see you enjoy them!”

                I don’t find the decision to leave out online multiplayer to be a deal-breaker, personally; the ability to create tracks and play those designed by other players is the real hook here. However, with one of Vita’s two models featuring 3G support, it would make sense to allow online multiplayer to be enjoyed from wherever the player is located now that it’s something the system is capable of.

                Setting that aside, it’s the beginning of what Waas had to say that was truly dumbfounding. Online multiplayer in and of itself is not a feature that makes people think, “Again?” It’s in the actual execution that it can become boring; people might groan if all they can do online is partake in the same standard racing modes we’ve seen again and again, but offer something unique and your online multiplayer won’t feel like a “rehash.”

                Positioning a feature that’s been left out as being played out is reminiscent of Sony’s attitude towards controller rumble in the early days of the PlayStation 3. Former Worldwide Studios boss Phil Harrison famously described rumble as a “last generation feature” in 2007. In fact, there was pending litigation between Sony and Immersion that led to rumble being left out of the PlayStation 3′s Sixaxis controller until years after launch. Rumble would later make its return with the DualShock taking the place of the Sixaxis (though the latter’s motion control was added to the DualShock).

                Whether online multiplayer won’t be included because the game is being rushed for Vita’s launch or because San Diego Studio had to choose between implementing online multiplayer and the asynchronous features Road Trip has, the smart thing to do is be up front. Trying to spin this as a positive thing — especially when it’s so easy to detect, as evidenced by the comments on the PlayStation Blog — only makes the situation more frustrating for fans who feel like an obligatory feature has been left out for no good reason.


                Posted by: admin in Gaming News
                Find related article at: http://www.1up.com/news/modnation-racers-online-multiplayer-spin

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                F.E.A.R.: Origin Online (KR)

                Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:45 PM PST


                I always thought there is quite a huge fan base for this franchise, but apparently not many are getting excited about this upcoming online remake of the game. Perhaps it is because F.E.A.R.: Origin Online is currently slated for a Korean release only. Well, no matter what, the 2nd trailer for this horror shooter was just made public a couple of hours ago.

                The trailer above shows some PvP action between 2 groups of 4, including the usage of mecha-like EPA (Elite Powered Armor) during battles. Fighting through the zombies, players will also have to escape the infested hospital.


                For now, there are 3 modes announced: scenario (4 players co-op), fear (players begin as spirits, taking over NPCs and using them to fight against opposing team, unsure if opposing team will get this function as well) and finally, normal mode (maps such as team demolition and free-for-all).


                Posted by: admin in Gaming News
                Find related article at: http://www.mmoculture.com/2012/01/fear-origin-online-kr-2nd-trailer.html

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                Mortal Kombat is the Franchise’s "Most Successful Console Game"

                Posted: 23 Jan 2012 01:27 PM PST

                Mortal Kombat

                The newest game in the Mortal Kombat series has experienced a great deal of success at retail. Warner Bros. today announced that the game has sold 3 million units to date.

                That number makes it good enough to hold the title of best-selling fighting game of 2011 (at least thus far), according to WB. It’s also noted that it is “is the most successful console game” for the franchise.

                After debuting on April 19, the game was the top seller for the month in the United States with almost 900,000 units sold. It remained in the NPD top 10 list through July before finally falling off in August.

                Since release, there has been a fair amount of DLC released, including all of the pre-order exclusives and four additional characters — the last of which was Freddy Krueger. The PS3 version featured an exclusive with Kratos being a playable character; there was no equivalent in the game on 360. Both came with an online pass that needed to be redeemed (or purchased, if playing a used copy) in order to access online multiplayer, a restriction that temporarily prevented PS3 players from getting online.

                “All of us at NetherRealm Studios are very excited that players have embraced Mortal Kombat. The game was a labor of love for us and we could not be more pleased with its performance,” said NetherRealm Studios creative director and Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. “Fan reaction to this latest installment has made all of our hard work worth it.”


                Posted by: admin in Gaming News
                Find related article at: http://www.1up.com/news/mortal-kombat-franchise-most-successful-console-game

                Thank you for Visiting Gameforumer.com, Hope you enjoyed the stay with us.

                General gaming

                General gaming


                BioShock Infinite's 1999 Mode Tells Bad Players: "You're Playing The Game Wrong."

                Posted: 24 Jan 2012 06:51 AM PST

                In System Shock 2's beginning, you're cast as a new recruit in the Unified National Nominate. You're asked to walk down one of three hallways: one has you enlisting with the Marines, another puts you on the path of the Navy, and the last casts you as an operative within the OSA. Choosing these careers, and the decisions within said careers, ends up replacing the traditional character generation found in other RPGs. The Marine makes you a combat specialist; the Navy boosts your hacking and technical skills; and the OSA grants you psionic abilities to turn you into a super-spy. Besides making these specialized choices, you then spend the rest of the game refining your character, and with so few resources (due to its horror gameplay), you find yourself debating and agonizing over how you upgrade yourself.

                That's the feeling that design director Bill Gardner and the rest of Irrational Games wants to impart with the recently announced 1999 Mode for BioShock Infinite. Gardner confirmed that "1999" is mostly a callback to System Shock 2's release year (a particular piece of nostalgia, since SS2 was Irrational's first title), rather than any sort of hint into where the story might take you -- a fair point to elaborate on, since one of the few gameplay demonstrations prominently featured a detour into an alternate 1983. Gardner notes, "[I] look back fondly at the times when I was playing, and absolutely being terrified at seeing what's around the next corner. Or finding the next OS upgrade machine, and then sitting there, pulling my hair out and sweating, literally, over what upgrade to take. That's missing in modern games."

                Watch 1UP and IGN Cross Swords in Soulcalibur V

                Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:58 PM PST

                Since both 1UP and IGN have shared an office for the past six months, we decided it time to test the competitive waters and kick off the first in a series of future versus-style video game matchups. The first game to chronicle our friendly 1UP/IGN rivalry is Soulcalibur V, the latest installment in the highly-revered Namco Bandai fighting game series.

                Our editors competed in a best of five series on Friday to claim early bragging rights. Batting up for your friendly neighborhood Team 1UP: Jose Otero, Marty Sliva, James Hayes, Eric Sapp, and Ryan Winterhalter. Meanwhile, Team IGN consists of Mark Ryan Sallee, Destin Legaire, Steven Hopper, Jack DeVries, and Ryan Clements.

                OP-ED: Sony's Spin on ModNation Racers Vita Lacking Online Multiplayer Comes Across Poorly

                Posted: 23 Jan 2012 04:00 PM PST

                ModNation Racers

                ModNation Racers: Road Trip comes with a variety of online features, allowing you to compete and connect with friends and strangers in more ways than one. While many would presume the game includes online multiplayer, you can only go head-to-head against others through ad-hoc (local) multiplayer. This isn't a new revelation, as Sony confirmed earlier this month that the only methods for race against other players is to connect locally or by exchanging ghosts. What is new is the puzzling rationale being used to describe why this decision was made.

                In a post on the PlayStation Blog today, SCE San Diego's director of product development, Erich Waas, outlined Road Trip's online features. Ghosts and localized leaderboards should provide a nice asynchronous experience for those seeking that kind of multiplayer. And of course, ModNation's biggest allure is the ability to create and share tracks, a feature that not only makes it into the Vita version intact, but brings with it backwards compatibility for the tracks created in the PS3 game.

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