Champions Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking Champions Online across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
Champions Online throws a major bash for its 17th anniversary
Champions Online is celebrating its 17th anniversary with a major in-game event running until September 29th. Players can claim a free character slot, earn the Retro Steelhead costume set and Vanguard archetype, and benefit from a double XP boost. The event also features returning activities like the Top Ten mission tour, Qularr Invasion simulation, scavenger hunt, and a virtual concert.
The Daily Grind: Does your MMO have a rivalry with another game?
This article discusses the phenomenon of rivalries between Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPGs), using examples like Destiny 2 and Marathon, and the long-standing perceived competition between World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Final Fantasy XIV. It questions the legitimacy and origins of these rivalries, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.
Champions Online’s Nightmare Invasion, Star Trek Online’s freebies, and Neverwinter’s borked patch
Cryptic Studios is running multiple in-game events across its titles in June. Champions Online features the Nightmare Invasion and Qliphothic Bonus Event, while Star Trek Online offers daily freebies during the Festival on Risa. Neverwinter received a patch on June 4th with adjustments to Dungeon Jotunskar and other fixes, though some changes were unintentionally not implemented correctly.
Massively Overthinking: What’s the next best thing to your favorite MMORPG?
The Massively OP staff discusses where players might migrate if their favorite MMORPGs were to shut down. Contributors share personal experiences of losing beloved games like City of Heroes and Star Wars Galaxies, and explore whether direct replacements are sought or if players move to different genres entirely. The consensus leans towards players finding games with familiar elements rather than exact replicas, or embracing a more transient gaming experience.
MMOs don't need 'to be 200 hours of unique content' at launch, says industry vet
MMO design veteran Jack Emmert argues that new Massively Multiplayer Online games do not need to launch with an excessive amount of unique content. He suggests that focusing on a strong core experience and a committed live team allows for organic growth based on player desires, contrasting this with the current industry trend of over-scoping.
"People want MMOs, and the sales of New World proved it" – Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert on why MMOs are ripe for reinvention
Cryptic Studios CEO Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG market is still strong, citing the sales of New World as proof, despite recent cancellations. He argues that successful MMOs should focus on a distinct vision and niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to diluted experiences. Emmert also emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and controlled scope for long-term success in the genre.
MMO Week in Review: The Only Way to the Cradle of War
This week's MMO news roundup covers major announcements from EVE Online's Cradle of War expansion and Star Citizen's alpha 4.8 Tactical Strike. Guild Wars 2 launched The Only Way update, while Amazon's Lord of the Rings MMORPG fate remains uncertain. NCsoft and Pearl Abyss reported strong financial quarters, and various other MMOs like Farever, EverQuest Legends, and Subnautica 2 were discussed.
Champions Online’s tiny community is in an uproar over the furious exit of top content creators
Champions Online is experiencing community turmoil following the return of a former lead developer and the subsequent departure of key content creators. Players are upset over perceived changes to game mechanics and moderation practices on Discord. Arc Games community manager Mikey Fatum addressed concerns, stating the goal is to build upon previous work and maintain a respectful community space.
DC Universe Online delays Patrol 2 patch, gives out free character slots for its spring recruitment event
DC Universe Online is offering free character slots from April 28 to May 25, 2026, as part of its Ultimate Recruitment Event. Players completing their Mentor storyline will receive rewards including a ring, aura, currency, and buff items. The Patrol 2 patch has been delayed to May 5th.
Champions Online gives away free level 30 characters, hosts a costume contest this Friday
Cryptic Studios is hosting a "Quick Start" event for Champions Online, offering players a free level 30 Archetype hero that can be kept permanently. The event runs until May 21st, and players who reach level 40 will receive a freeform character slot. Additionally, an "Unconventional Heroes" costume contest will be streamed live on Twitch this Friday.
Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online Add Headstarts
Cryptic Studios has announced a new "Quick Start" event for its MMORPGs Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. The event celebrates the return of veteran developer Jack Emmert and aims to provide players with a faster start in the games.
CRYPTIC STUDIOS LAUNCHES “QUICK START” EVENT FOR ALL PLAYERS, UNVEILS CONTENT ROADMAPS & NEW PARTNERSHIP
Cryptic Studios has launched a "Quick Start" event across its MMOs, including Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, allowing all players to claim a permanent high-level character to accelerate progress. The studio also revealed 2026 content roadmaps for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, and announced a partnership with Beadle & Grimm's for a Star Trek Games Kickstarter campaign.
Perfect Ten: Old MMORPGs we used to talk about all the time but aren’t mentioned today
This article discusses ten MMORPGs that were once highly anticipated and frequently discussed but have since faded into obscurity. Games like Tabula Rasa, RIFT, Mythos, The Secret World, and Marvel Heroes are highlighted, with reasons for their decline ranging from studio closures and mismanagement to shifting player interest and lack of sustained development.
MMO Week in Review: EQ Legends’ beta, Ashes of Creation’s drama
This week's MMO news roundup covers the upcoming closed beta for EverQuest Legends and ongoing legal drama surrounding Ashes of Creation. Several other titles like AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity, Dune Awakening, and Temtem Pioneers also saw significant updates or funding news.
Cryptic Studios rehires a trio of Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online devs
Cryptic Studios and Arc Games have announced the return of veteran developers Landon Falls, Randy Mosiondz, and Julia Sprenz. These former staffers will take on leadership roles for Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online, respectively. This move follows the recent appointment of Jack Emmert as CEO and signals a renewed focus on the studio's long-running MMORPG titles.
Neverwinter, Star Trek Online and Champions Online veterans have rejoined Cryptic Studios
Veterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online have returned to Cryptic Studios. The MMO developer aims to combine its legacy expertise with new perspectives.
Neverwinter, Star Trek Online and Champions Online veterans have rejoined Cryptic Studios
Eidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees, with studio head David Anfossi also departing. This news follows reports of veterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online rejoining Cryptic Studios.
Business and Finance
Veterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online have returned to Cryptic Studios. Separately, VR developer Polyarc Games is reportedly undergoing layoffs, with an unspecified number of employees affected.
Champions Online sheds a pair of devs but keeps its events and sales rolling on
Champions Online has seen two developers depart, with one moving to Neverwinter. The MMORPG continues to receive updates focused on in-game sales and events, including a rerun of the Therakiel Alerts. Despite developer departures, Cryptic Studios maintains that Champions Online remains a key part of their operations.