MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
Latest coverage
Camelot Unchained makes texture loading more performative in latest weekend update
Camelot Unchained received a weekend update focused on performance, introducing a new texture streaming system that significantly reduces memory usage and allows for higher resolution textures. The update also included bug fixes. Senior server engineer Karl Patrick discussed the operational aspects of running an MMO in a recent livestream.
MMOs You’ve Never Heard Of: Spawn World, Biomes, and Empire Rising
This article rounds up several lesser-known multiplayer online games, focusing exclusively on MMORPGs. It provides updates on Empire Rising, which is in open alpha until Q2 2027, introduces Biomes, an open-source sandbox MMORPG with cozy elements, and details Spawn World, a PvPvE simulated sandbox MMORPG currently in its second closed alpha phase.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
The Daily Grind: What concepts do MMORPGs keep trying to reinvent for a new generation?
This article discusses how MMORPG developers often reintroduce older game design concepts as if they are new innovations. A ZeniMax Online Studios developer's comment about a new dungeon type is used as an example, highlighting how open dungeons were common in early MMOs like Ultima Online and EverQuest before becoming less prevalent after World of Warcraft.
Final Fantasy XIV says Dawntrail’s Arcadion raids will be ‘a firm guideline’ for fights in Evercold
Final Fantasy XIV assistant director Tsuyoshi Yokozawa stated that the Arcadion raid series from Dawntrail will serve as a guideline for future battle content, including upcoming fights in Evercold. The team aims to create unique, engaging boss mechanics with a focus on novelty and player connection, while still incorporating challenging wipe mechanics.
Wisdom of Nym: Why do so many of Final Fantasy XIV’s base jobs struggle with identity?
This article discusses how many of Final Fantasy XIV's original jobs, such as Monk, Dragoon, Bard, and Summoner, have undergone significant revisions over time, leading to a struggle with maintaining a consistent identity. Unlike newer jobs like Red Mage and Samurai, these older jobs have been fundamentally redesigned multiple times by the same development team, prompting questions about the evolving design philosophy for core MMORPG roles.
Fractured Conquest’s July playtest overhauls player building system plus content for ‘cart life players’
Happy Cauldron Games announced a new playtest for Fractured Conquest, a PvP-focused sandbox MMORPG, scheduled for July 23rd. This playtest will introduce significant new systems, including an overhauled player building system, tactical positioning mechanics, a reworked crafting system, and improvements to player and NPC navigation. The developers are seeking early feedback on these core implementations.
Old School RuneScape posts a lead-up to Blood Moon Rises while RuneScape has a ‘chill June patch week’
Old School RuneScape is building hype for its Blood Moon Rises grandmaster quest with an illustrated lore video summarizing 20 years of narrative. Meanwhile, RuneScape has released a 'chill June patch week' focused on bug fixes for player avatars, visuals, and sound effects.
Ragnarok Online is getting yet another variant in the form of browser MMO Ragnarok Universe
Gravity has announced Ragnarok Universe, a new 3D open-world MMORPG that can be played directly in a web browser using HTML5 technology. This new iteration of Ragnarok Online aims for high accessibility across PC, tablet, and mobile devices without requiring a client download. The first technical test is scheduled for July, with a Discord server now open for interested players.
Indie MMO Eterspire’s last patch of June implements proper MMORPG guild functionality
Indie MMORPG Eterspire has received a new patch that officially implements guild functionality, allowing players to form communities, customize guild titles, and expand their membership. The update also introduces a new Aquarium map for displaying collected fish, a 'deposit all' button for the wardrobe UI, and a high-level fishing quest.
The Stream Team: Exploring the outskirts of Serbule in Project Gorgon
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie explored the outskirts of Serbule in the MMORPG Project Gorgon, aiming to complete quests and improve her cartography skill. The article highlights a past stream where MJ encountered a massive spider swarm and invites readers to watch past and upcoming streams featuring other games like Guild Wars 2 and Return to Moria.
The Daily Grind: Do you make or wear anything but the best gear in your MMO?
This article discusses player gear choices in MMORPGs, using Star Wars Galaxies as an example where the author crafts and sells mid-level armor. It questions whether players prioritize the best gear or settle for good enough, suggesting this choice might indicate if a game is a sandbox.
Another doomed Kickstarter MMORPG goes up in smoke as DreamWorld is pulled from Steam
The MMORPG DreamWorld has been removed from Steam Early Access and its servers shut down, less than two months after launching into early access. The developers cited the need to retire online services as the reason for the removal. One of the developers claimed to have no administrative access or control over the decision to take the game offline.
Choose My Adventure: Steamrolling low-level bosses and storming roulettes in Final Fantasy XIV
The author discusses regaining confidence in Final Fantasy XIV by completing challenging "Extreme" boss fights unsynced, which helped overcome a feeling of apathy and self-doubt. This personal progress has also led to a decision to try Destiny 2, with readers being polled on whether to start anew or continue with an existing character.
Throne and Liberty outlines progression system tweaks and prepares an event for its next archboss
Amazon Games is implementing several tweaks to the MMORPG Throne and Liberty following the Frozen Divide: Nix expansion. Updates on July 16th will address limited material supplies and offer more ways to acquire seal keys, while a July 9th patch will reduce the difficulty of elite tier dungeons. Additionally, a special event starting July 1st will offer login rewards for 49 days in preparation for the arrival of the archboss Ramux on July 30th.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 571: Mid-year mailbag marathon
The Massively OP Podcast episode 571 features hosts Justin and Bree discussing various player-submitted topics. These include the viability of browser-based MMOs, potential improvements to achievement systems, the integration of AI into MMORPGs, and the definition of what constitutes an MMORPG.
THE BLOOD MOON RISES AS OLD SCHOOL RUNESCAPE BRINGS A 20-YEAR QUESTLINE TO A CLOSE
Jagex has launched 'The Blood Moon Rises,' the Grandmaster conclusion to Old School RuneScape's 20-year Myreque questline. This challenging late-game quest tasks players with entering Vampyrium to overthrow its vampyric ruler, Lord Lowerniel Draken, and introduces new creatures, skilling activities, and a solo boss encounter. The game is available on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android with cross-platform progression.
MapleStory N Unveils Hyper Summer Roadmap: Three New Classes, Four New Lands, Level Cap Increased to 275
MapleStory N has launched its Hyper Summer event, a significant content update featuring three new classes: Adele, Ark, and Hoyoung, alongside four new lands and an increased level cap of 275. The event unfolds across three updates through late July, introducing new bosses, equipment, and quality-of-life improvements to the Web3 MMORPG.
Bad news, Blizzard won't be running a fresh Season of Discovery server in WoW Classic
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed there are no plans to launch a new official "fresh start" server for the Season of Discovery in World of Warcraft Classic. Senior Game Designer Josh Greenfield stated that opening and managing new servers requires significant resources and is not feasible given other ongoing development priorities. This news comes despite a recent community-driven "Fake Fresh" event that saw a surge in player numbers for the existing Season of Discovery servers.
Guild Wars 3 may have cracked the MMO code for tired millennials
ArenaNet studio head Collin Johanson stated that Guild Wars 3 aims to respect players' time, allowing them to play as much or as little as they desire. This approach contrasts with many modern MMORPGs and live-service games that can feel like a second job due to mechanics like battle passes and repetitive tasks. The article suggests that if Guild Wars 3 can remain captivating without demanding excessive playtime, it could appeal to a growing audience of adult gamers.
