Ultima Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ultima Online across the outlets.
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Former Elder Scrolls Online boss was told in 2001 that 'There's already enough MMOs out there, no one is ever…
ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird and the current state of the games industry in a recent interview. He drew parallels between today's economic climate and E3 2001, when publishers were skeptical about new MMOs entering the market.
Vague Patch Notes: Stories in MMOs have always been here
This opinion piece argues that storytelling in MMORPGs is not a new phenomenon, citing examples from Ultima Online, World of Warcraft, and Guild Wars. While the presentation and execution of narratives have evolved, the core concept of integrating stories into MMOs has been present since the genre's inception. The author highlights how developers have consistently grappled with balancing overarching narratives and player-driven adventures.
The MOP Up: Thousands of EVE Online players continue their epic war
The ongoing war in EVE Online saw over 4,500 pilots engaged in a battle over an Imperium Keepstar, with other fights occurring in surrounding systems. This week's MMO news roundup also includes updates on The Elder Scrolls Online's Night Market factions, Ultima Online's roadmap roundtable, and new content for Wartales and Torchlight Infinite.
Classic MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot is lifting a bunch of restrictions on free-to-play accounts in its latest update
Broadsword has significantly reduced restrictions on free-to-play accounts in the classic MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot. Players on Endless Conquest accounts can now access all races and classes, and the grace period for unsubscribed accounts to become Endless Conquest has been shortened. The update also includes extensions to the realm rank system and various quality-of-life improvements.
Massively Overthinking: Do you try to deinfluence fellow gamers from any MMOs?
The Massively Overthinking column discusses whether writers and commenters intentionally try to deinfluence fellow gamers from playing certain MMORPGs. While some acknowledge the power of their platform to warn about issues like early access scams or unsuitable content for children, most aim for informative, nuanced criticism rather than outright dissuasion, prioritizing constructive feedback and avoiding negativity.
DC Comics’ Jim Lee talks about DC Universe Online’s early development and one-armed push-ups
DC Comics president Jim Lee, who was also the executive creative director for DC Universe Online, discusses the MMORPG's early development and its 15 years of operation. Lee shared his personal history with MMORPGs like Ultima Online and EverQuest, his role in shaping DC Universe Online's aesthetic, and a memorable E3 presentation moment. The article also notes ongoing in-game events for Superman Day and recent updates.
28-year-old Ultima Online begins testing a brand-new mushroom event, craftables, and rewards
The 28-year-old MMORPG Ultima Online is introducing a new seasonal event called "Spritelight" with its upcoming Publish 123 update. This event involves players harvesting magical mushrooms for rewards, and also includes new craftables, truffle resources, and expanded content for PvP and PvE encounters. The patch is currently in testing on the test server.
Here’s how indie MMO Profane is trying to revive Ultima Online’s ‘hardcore, vanilla experience’
The indie MMORPG Profane aims to revive the 'hardcore, vanilla experience' of early Ultima Online, incorporating features like open PvP, mounted combat, and build-anywhere housing. Developed by Brazil-based Insane Game Studio, Profane is currently in alpha and promises a single-server experience with territorial PvP and underwater exploration, differentiating itself from its inspiration.
Before MMOs, before Discord, before everything, we played MUDs, and there wasn’t an MTX in sight
Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs), originating in 1978, are a foundational element of online gaming history, predating modern MMOs and the internet as we know it. These text-based worlds pioneered concepts like persistent online communities, character progression, and player interaction, influencing genres from RPGs to social platforms. Despite the rise of graphical games, MUDs continue to exist and evolve, offering a unique experience focused on imagination and shared text-based worlds.
The Daily Grind: What was the first MMO you ever got disillusioned with and why?
The author discusses their first experience of disillusionment with the MMORPG EverQuest, contrasting it with Ultima Online. While initially drawn to EverQuest's 3D graphics, the gameplay loop ultimately failed to meet expectations, leading to disappointment.
Massively Overthinking: The nine games portrait of you
This article features Massively OP staff members sharing their personal lists of nine core video games that have shaped them. Contributors discuss foundational titles, franchise representations, and personal favorites across various genres, including MMOs, JRPGs, and action RPGs, reflecting on their impact on their gaming identities and creative work.
The Daily Grind: Do you aura farm in MMORPGs?
This article discusses the concept of 'aura farming,' a slang term for effortlessly building charisma or 'rizz' within MMORPGs. It draws parallels to activities like 'banksitting' in Ultima Online and the social hubs in City of Heroes, where players gather to be seen and express themselves.
The best CRPG docuseries on YouTube just covered Ultima 8 with a 3-hour retrospective
A YouTube docuseries by Majuular, focusing on CRPGs, has released a three-hour retrospective on Ultima VIII: Pagan. The series explores the game's history, development, and its significant influence on the CRPG genre, despite Ultima VIII not being the most acclaimed entry in the series.
Top 10 Game Features We Miss Most, And Why They Made MMOs Great
This article discusses ten features that are often missing from modern Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), arguing that their absence diminishes the genre's soul and community aspects. Features like manual grouping, open-world bosses, functional player housing, and memorable NPCs are highlighted as crucial for creating engaging and immersive online worlds.
