MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
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Black Desert PC adds more monster zones, new bosses, and new accessories with Edania Part 2
Black Desert PC has received the Edania Part 2 update, introducing new monster zones, bosses, and accessories for endgame players within Inner Edania. The update also includes a new PvP mode, cosmetic outfit, and the Tachyon Legacy. Additionally, PC players benefit from monster zone hot time events, Drakania class adjustments, and changes to max level progression. Black Desert Mobile also received its own update with new quests and features.
Vague Patch Notes: How Amazon blew up money unnecessarily and left online games unceremoniously
This analysis critiques Amazon's approach to online game publishing, citing the premature cancellation of Crucible and the relinquishing of publishing rights for Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty back to developers Bandai Namco and NCsoft, respectively. The author argues that Amazon's strategy involved excessive spending and a focus on potential hits rather than fostering the development of its games, contrasting it with the successful turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV.
Throne & Liberty buffs party play and player housing in today’s 4.7.0 update
Amazon has released the 4.7.0 update for Throne & Liberty, which focuses on enhancing party play features with new tools like ready checks and map icon sharing, alongside improved co-op rewards and boss drops. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements from NCsoft, such as better inventory management and expanded player housing options, including the ability to own more homes and visit others. Additionally, the patch introduces weapon balance adjustments for all classes.
The Awakening goes live in Gigaverse with a $20,000 prize pool as MMORPG shift begins
Gigaverse has launched 'The Awakening,' a two-month event designed to transition the game into its MMORPG counterpart, Gigaverse Online. This event introduces a prize pool starting at $20,000 USDC, rewarding players for collecting a new resource called Hard Cores through various in-game activities. Existing player resources and items can be carried over to aid progress in the new MMORPG.
Where Winds Meet – Hidden Mountain Chapter 2 Goes Live on August 20th
The second chapter of Where Winds Meet's Hidden Mountain expansion, titled Heaven's Threshold, is set to launch on August 20th. This new chapter will continue the narrative with new additions and complex relationships. Where Winds Meet is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android.
The Stream Team: Making monuments and talking to traders in Return to Moria
Massively OP's MJ and Larry are continuing their playthrough of the Durin's Folk expansion for Return to Moria, focusing on building monuments, trading with NPCs, and gathering materials. They will be live streaming their gameplay session tonight at 8:00 p.m. EDT, showcasing their dwarven team's efforts to expand their base and manage recruits.
Old School RuneScape continues to refine Agility as one player achieves 99 Fishing with shrimp
Old School RuneScape's latest patch introduces adjustments to the Agility skill, including new shortcuts and course tweaks. The update also features further modifications to the Chambers of Xeric loot pool and the Wyrmscraig location. Separately, a player named Bosby achieved the maximum level 99 in Fishing by exclusively catching shrimp and anchovies over two years.
Amazon to give live service operations of Lost Ark to Smilegate
Amazon is transferring the live service operations for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western territories to Smilegate, the games' developer and original publisher. This change will take effect in early 2027 for Lost Ark and Q4 2026 for Throne and Liberty, with no expected impact on player experience. Smilegate will assume full responsibility for managing these titles in North America and other Western regions.
Casually Classic: Will the WoW Classic Plus announcement anger the community no matter what?
The upcoming announcement of a 'WoW Classic Plus' project at BlizzCon is likely to divide the community, with conflicting player expectations and past grievances making universal satisfaction improbable. The author expresses a desire for the project but cautions against letting emotions dictate reception, while also criticizing content creators who deliberately incite outrage. Ultimately, the success of the new version will depend on its own merits, independent of forum noise.
Perfect Ten: Looking back at the absurdly stacked MMO year of 2010
The year 2010 was a landmark year for MMORPGs, marked by numerous significant launches, business model shifts, and notable events. Key moments included the launches of Star Trek Online, Global Agenda, and Mortal Online, alongside the controversial launches and shutdowns of All Points Bulletin and the initial version of Final Fantasy XIV. The year also saw major shifts with EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online adopting free-to-play models, and the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansions.
Amazon hands off Throne and Liberty to NC, seemingly ending its MMO era
Amazon Game Studios is handing over the reins of its MMORPG Throne and Liberty to developer FirstSpark Games and publisher NC, marking a potential end to Amazon's involvement in the MMO genre. The transition is expected to be seamless for players, with all progress and items remaining intact. This move follows the struggles of other Amazon-published MMOs like New World and Blue Protocol.
Amazon Ending Lost Ark Support but Smilegate Will Keep It Alive
Amazon is ceasing support for the MMORPG Lost Ark, which it had imported. However, the game's developer, Smilegate, will continue to maintain the game, ensuring its survival.
MMORPG Throne and Liberty transitions from Amazon Game Studios to NC (formerly NCSoft)
NC (formerly NCSoft) will take over global publishing duties for the MMORPG Throne and Liberty from Amazon Game Studios, aiming to consolidate it into a single online service by Q4 2026. FirstSpark Games, an NC subsidiary, is collaborating with Amazon on the transition, ensuring player accounts and assets remain unchanged across platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. NC stated this move allows them to directly support the game and shape its future.
RIFT brings back the Legion of Corpses battle pass for a ‘rerun’
RIFT has brought back its Legion of Corpses battle pass for a limited time rerun until November 2nd. Players can progress through the reward tracks by completing daily and weekly quests, with subscribers having access to additional missions. The rerun includes rewards such as a Corpse Lord mount and Voidless Tegulisk. Additionally, RIFT recently implemented a character naming purge for inactive accounts, requiring players to log in by September 11th to secure their names.
Amazon will cease publishing Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty, sending them back to Smilegate and NCsoft
Amazon Game Studios will cease publishing the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty in the West. Operations for Lost Ark will transition back to Smilegate in early 2027, while Throne & Liberty will move to FirstSpark Games / NCsoft in Q4 2026. This change follows Amazon's earlier layoffs and scaling back of its community teams.
The Daily Grind: What sparked an MMO gaming renaissance for you?
This article discusses what sparks a player's return to MMORPGs after experiencing burnout. It poses the question of whether trying a new game, excitement over new developments, or a break from a title is the primary catalyst for renewed interest in the genre.
WoW 12.1 is finally here, and there's a brand new talent tree and instance type
World of Warcraft patch 12.1, titled Curse of Ula'tek, is now live, introducing the new Lair instance type and the Venomous Abyss raid. The update adds an all-new talent tree with effects like Venomwalking, a new dungeon called Altar of Fangs, and new rotations for existing dungeons. Player housing features have been expanded with shareable Blueprint codes, and players can now place pets in their homes.
Crimson Desert Trailer Celebrates All the New Features and Content Added Since Launch
Pearl Abyss has released a trailer highlighting the numerous features and content added to Crimson Desert in the five months since its launch. Updates include over 120 new pets and mounts, new mini-games, housing and skill improvements, and combat-focused additions like Re-blockades and boss rematches. The company also plans to release its first paid DLC in the third quarter of the year.
The Stream Team: Shattering evil dragons in Guild Wars 2
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be streaming Guild Wars 2, focusing on a plan to defeat the evil dragon Kralkatorrik by resonating a giant crystal with the creature. The stream is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.
Nexon will host MapleStory Fest 2026 in LA on October 17 – tix go on sale Thursday
Nexon will host MapleStory Fest 2026 on October 17th at The Hill at Universal City in Los Angeles. The annual event for the MMORPG MapleStory will feature community activities, game updates, and special announcements. Tickets go on sale August 13th.
