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Massively Overthinking: Which MMOs are a lot more popular than most people realize?
This article discusses the phenomenon of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) that are significantly more popular than mainstream perception suggests. Games like Elder Scrolls Online, Albion Online, RuneScape, and Guild Wars 2 are highlighted for their substantial revenue and player bases, despite often being overlooked by general gaming media. The discussion also touches upon the separate fanbases of Eastern MMORPGs and the tendency for some players to underestimate the continued success of established titles like World of Warcraft.
MMO Business Roundup: CliffyB is back, a crackdown on Steam criming, and Palworld’s 30.5M sales
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Cliff Bleszinski's return with plans for a comeback after the failures of LawBreakers and Radical Heights. It also notes a temporary pause on the Warner Bros. buyout due to antitrust concerns, an indictment in Florida for malware injection into Steam games, and Palworld's continued sales success, reaching an estimated 30.5 million copies sold.
How MapleStory went from an RPG to a content creation platform
Nexon is evolving MapleStory beyond its traditional RPG roots with MapleStory Worlds, a platform empowering players to create their own games using existing assets. Senior Producer Dennis Bernardo explains that the platform offers both simple drag-and-drop tools for beginners and a more robust scripting mode for advanced developers, fostering a creator economy with monetization opportunities. The goal is to blur the lines between players and creators, making MapleStory a destination for interactive content.
"LawBreakers tripped so Concord could faceplant": Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski looks back on his career so far and struggle with alcoholism
Former Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski discusses his struggles with alcoholism, which impacted his career and led to the failure of his studio Boss Key Productions and the game LawBreakers. Now sober for four months, Bleszinski is considering a return to game development, focusing on PvE experiences rather than PvP.
Cliff Bleszinski says ego played a role in LawBreakers' failure: 'People are loyal to the game, but…
Cliff Bleszinski, co-founder of Boss Key Studios, attributes the commercial failure of LawBreakers to his own ego and a desire to make it 'his' show, rather than leveraging experienced collaborators like Rod Fergusson. He also cited issues with the publishing deal with Nexon, where the publisher lacked sufficient incentive due to favorable terms for Boss Key, and other contributing factors such as art direction, platform strategy, and personal struggles.
Will boss arrives July 23 as MapleStory N wraps its Hyper Summer season
MapleStory N's third Hyper Summer update, launching July 23, will introduce the Will boss and Cursed Spellbook equipment. This update concludes a season that added new classes, lands, and raised the level cap to 275. Some gear drops can be converted into NFTs and sold on the MapleStory Universe Marketplace, utilizing NESO and NXPC tokens on the Avalanche blockchain.
MapleStory Classic World opens sign-ups to August’s test, including MacOS support
Nexon has opened registration for the second closed beta test of MapleStory Classic World, a legacy version of the MMORPG, running from August 4th to 12th. The test will include new features like 3rd Job Advancement, controller support, and MacOS compatibility, with sign-ups closing on July 29th. The article also briefly touches on recent balance discussions for the retail version of MapleStory.
It'd be an exhausting lie to pretend I don't like SNK, so I won't
The author expresses concern over Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's acquisition of SNK and its influence on games like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, citing the controversial inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo. While acknowledging the necessity of funding in game development and the broad reach of Saudi investments across the industry, the author advocates for holding companies accountable for problematic decisions rather than boycotting entire entities.
MapleStory Classic World eyes August for more closed beta testing with sign-ups this week
Nexon announced that MapleStory Classic World will hold its second closed beta testing phase from August 4th to August 12th, with sign-ups beginning on July 16th. This legacy version of the MMO aims to transport players back to the 2005-2009 era of the game, incorporating both classic elements and new content with slower progression.
2-D pixelart MMO Soul’s Remnant dates August 13 for early access
Studio Chaomoon announced that the 2-D pixelart MMORPG Soul's Remnant will launch its early access on August 13th, a slight delay from the previously planned August 5th date. This adjustment was made to avoid overlapping with Nexon's MapleStory Classic World test runs, ensuring a smoother launch for Soul's Remnant. The developers are currently refining the game and preparing a Day One content patch.
MMO Week in Review: 213
Microsoft's significant layoffs have heavily impacted the Elder Scrolls Online live team, reducing its size to that of 2015-2018. This week also saw Warframe's TennoCon, Aion 2 previewing its monetization, Tencent acquiring the PlanetSide franchise, Star Trek Online launching Undiscovered, and Gamigo porting Fiesta Online to consoles.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
Business and Finance
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. will announce its first quarter fiscal year 2027 financial results on August 7, 2026. Additionally, Nexon will take over PC publishing duties for Overwatch in South Korea.
ARC Raiders begins next expedition and trials season, collabs with The Finals, and improves matchmaking
Embark Studios has launched Expedition 4 and Trials Season 5 for its PvPvE extraction shooter ARC Raiders, running until July 21st and September 30th respectively. The update also introduces individual matchmaking preferences for solo, duo, and trio play, and a collaboration with Nexon's The Finals where completing contracts in The Finals unlocks cosmetics for ARC Raiders. Additionally, the patch includes bug fixes and ongoing efforts to combat cheating.
Nexon to assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea
Nexon will assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea from Blizzard Entertainment starting August 12. Blizzard will continue to lead game development, while Nexon will manage live service and business operations for the Korean market. This partnership aims to provide a hyper-localized experience for players, with player migration scheduled to begin on the same day as the game's fourth season launch.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of Nexon
Blizzard Entertainment is transferring publishing duties for Overwatch in Korea to Nexon, with a new PC service set to launch on August 12. This move comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, including layoffs and studio divestitures. Nexon aims to enhance the Overwatch experience through hyperlocalization and advanced live operations.
Blizzard and Nexon announce a publishing collab for Overwatch in South Korea
Blizzard Entertainment and Nexon have announced that Nexon will take over the publishing of Overwatch in South Korea starting August 12. This transition will effectively launch a locally managed version of the PC game for players in the region, with registration and account linking now open. Nexon plans to offer various benefits, including potential Korea-exclusive content and events, to enhance the player experience.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
The First Descendant’s 2026 roadmap includes multiple new heroes, dungeons, and PvEvP content
Nexon has detailed its 2026 content roadmap for The First Descendant, including new heroes, dungeons, and game modes. Updates throughout the year will introduce features like a new Mega Dungeon, a transcendent weapon system, randomized dungeon content, and asymmetric PvEvP modes.
Analyzing the game industry's woes with Owen Mahoney
Former Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney discusses the game industry's challenges and his views on emerging technologies. After 25 years in the industry, he criticizes trends like the metaverse, VR, and NFTs but expresses optimism about generative AI's potential to revolutionize game development.
