NCsoft
NCsoft business and news from across the web.
WoW's got the right to close private servers—but in this industry layoff hellscape, I also feel like I'm watching the MMO genre's future get snuffed outWhile Blizzard Entertainment has the legal right to shut down World of Warcraft private servers, the author laments the loss of innovation and creativity they represent, especially in an industry plagued by layoffs and a lack of new MMOs. The article suggests that these servers, despite their legal status, have influenced official game developments like World of Warcraft Classic and Season of Discovery, and their closure highlights broader issues within the game industry.
Aion 2 is an MMO for character creation enthusiasts, and it has the looks to back it upAion 2, the long-awaited sequel to the original MMO, is shaping up to be a sprawling game with a strong emphasis on character creation and customization. Developers at NCSoft highlighted the deep character customization tools, extensive cosmetic options for wings and pets, and a world 36 times larger than the first game. The game also features genuinely cooperative combat mechanics where player skills can synergize.- Throne and Liberty previews locations, gear updates, and the content roadmap for Frozen Divide NixNCsoft has released a detailed preview of the upcoming Throne and Liberty update, The Frozen Divide: Nix. The preview covers the new Nix region, gear progression changes, the Remnants of Nix PvPvE zone, new gauntlet weapons, and an extensive content roadmap extending through September.
- Aion 2 KR details July 1’s Chapter 1 content and condenses its multiple optional subscriptions into oneNCsoft is simplifying Aion 2's monetization in Korea by merging its multiple optional subscriptions into a single ₩25,000 ($17 USD) plan offering various benefits. Additionally, the game will receive its Chapter 1 content update on July 1st, introducing the Monk class, new areas, a level cap increase to 50, and a 100-player battle royale mode. Future updates will include sailing, fishing, and housing features.
- Massively Overthinking: Slightly chilled takes about the future of Guild WarsThe Massively OP staff and readers share their 'slightly chilled takes' on the upcoming Guild Wars 3, the future of Guild Wars 1 and 2, and ArenaNet's promises. While some are excited for the new MMO and its potential to innovate, others express caution due to a lack of concrete gameplay details and past experiences with Guild Wars 2's hype.
- The prologue test for NCsoft’s new multiplayer ARPG Limit Zero Breakers has begunNCsoft's new multiplayer ARPG, Limit Zero Breakers, has commenced its Prologue test, offering players a preview of the game's story and gameplay mechanics. The test is available on PC via Steam, as well as on Android and iOS devices. The full game will feature character switching, large monsters, and three-player co-op.
- Throne and Liberty’s upcoming gauntlet weapon promises ‘relentless chained combat’NCsoft is introducing a new weapon called gauntlets to the MMORPG Throne and Liberty with the upcoming The Frozen Divide: Nix update on June 25th. This weapon is designed to offer a blend of tanking and DPS capabilities, allowing players to switch between heavy-hitting strikes and flanking maneuvers. The gauntlets aim to provide an accessible yet high-skill ceiling combat experience.
- Massively OP Podcast Episode 568: Take me home, Tyrian roadsThe Massively OP Podcast episode 568 covers the official announcement of Guild Wars 3, release windows for Aion 2, Stars Reach, Loftia, Dune Awakening, and Valheim, and early access updates for Camelot Unchained and Eterspire. The hosts also discuss Star Wars: The Old Republic's Update 7.9 and The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 50.
The Guild Wars games have always been set in a world abandoned by the gods, in new MMO Guild Wars 3, you'll see why they leftArenaNet has announced that Guild Wars 3 will be set 1,200 years before the original game, during the time the gods abandoned the world of Tyria. Studio head Colin Johanson confirmed the MMO will not feature a subscription fee or battle pass, aiming to offer a different player experience. The game is planned to enter beta next year.
Guild Wars 3 won't have a 'battle pass fee buried in it', says studio head: 'We're not gonna…ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson stated that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a battle pass fee, aiming for a 'buy and play' model similar to previous titles. The studio is committed to respecting players' time and avoiding the 'modern version of the subscription' that battle passes can represent. This approach aims to differentiate Guild Wars 3 from other live service MMORPGs.- NETMARBLE’S SOLO LEVELING: KARMA TO TAKE THE STAGE AT ANIME EXPO 2026Netmarble will host a panel for its upcoming roguelite action RPG, Solo Leveling: KARMA, at Anime Expo 2026 on July 4. The panel, titled "Solo Leveling: KARMA - Expanding Universe," will feature English voice actor Aleks Le and the development team, showcasing new gameplay footage and insights into the game's original storyline. The game is currently in development for mobile and PC.
- Aion 2 welcomes ‘friendly competition’ with Guild Wars 3 as NCsoft talks up both MMOsNCsoft producers Merv Lee Kwai for Aion 2 and Seung-Uk Baek discuss the upcoming releases of Aion 2 and Guild Wars 3, framing their simultaneous announcements as 'friendly competition.' Baek highlights that Aion 2 will focus on large-scale RvR with massive player counts, while Guild Wars 3 will cater to smaller group-based gameplay. Both producers express pride in bringing new titles to the MMORPG genre during a challenging period.
- MMO Week in Review: Stop asking where the guild wars areArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, with beta testing planned for fall 2027, while confirming continued support for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged. NCsoft is also preparing for the western launch of Aion 2 in September and has the Horizon MMO in development. The article also touches on early access launches for Camelot Unchained and Reaper Actual, and the upcoming summer early access for Stars Reach.
- ‘We are not replacing your favorite games,’ says Guild Wars boss Colin Johanson. Here’s how.ArenaNet has confirmed Guild Wars 3 is in development, alongside continued support for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged. The studio assures players that existing games will not be replaced and will receive ongoing development. Guild Wars 3 will feature PC and PlayStation 5 functionality, with a beta planned for fall 2027.
Guild Wars 2 review (2012)This 2012 review praises Guild Wars 2 as an accomplished and rewarding MMORPG that reclaims the genre's promise by innovating on core design assumptions. It highlights the subscription-free model, lack of a holy trinity, and emphasis on cooperation. While acknowledging launch issues like server sharding, the review concludes that Guild Wars 2's generosity, variety, and respect for player time set a new standard for the genre.- Summer Game Fest 2026: ArenaNet announced Guild Wars 3, NCsoft sets Aion 2 for SeptemberDuring Summer Game Fest, ArenaNet officially announced Guild Wars 3, which will launch on PC and PlayStation 5 with a beta planned for Fall 2027. NCsoft also revealed that Aion 2 will be released in the West in September. Other announcements included a new season for Fortnite and a July 10th release date for Palworld.
- Everything we know about Guild Wars 3 – plus what’s happening to Guild Wars 2ArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, set over a thousand years before the original game in the Tyrian region of Orr. The game will feature a new combat system emphasizing movement and strategic skill use, extensive mount riding, and character customization. Guild Wars 3 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, with a beta scheduled for fall 2027. ArenaNet also stated that Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged will continue to be actively developed.
- NCsoft just announced Aion 2 is launching globally in SeptemberNCsoft has officially announced that its MMORPG Aion 2 will launch globally in September, following its initial release in Korea and Taiwan in November 2025. The game will feature full freedom of flight as a core combat mechanic, alongside traditional tab-targeting and a dynamic combat experience. Aion 2 will offer a range of PvE content, including solo and group dungeons, and eight-player raids, with servers planned for North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
- Betawatch: Early access launch for Camelot Unchained, early access plans for Stars ReachCamelot Unchained has launched into early access on Steam, while Stars Reach is also heading into early access this summer. The article rounds up various other games in testing phases, including Stormforge's playtest in July and Eterspire's surprise launch. It also provides a comprehensive list of MMOs currently in open or closed testing, detailing their status and development.
Guild Wars 3 announcedNCSOFT and ArenaNet have announced Guild Wars 3, the next installment in the MMORPG series, currently in development for Windows PC and PlayStation 5. Guild Wars 3 Game Director Colin Johanson stated the game aims to push the MMORPG genre forward with innovative experiences. Set over a thousand years before the original game, players will become Vaelwardens protecting the land of Orr and its spirits, featuring deep character customization and a combat system designed for both controller and keyboard.