MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
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Guild Wars 3 is 'significantly more' of an MMO than the first game, but that doesn't mean it's like GW2: 'All three of our games can coexist as different experiences'
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson clarified that Guild Wars 3 will be significantly more of an MMORPG than its predecessors, though it will not replicate the large-scale gameplay pillars of Guild Wars 2. This approach aims to allow all three Guild Wars titles to coexist as distinct experiences within the world of Tyria.
Where Winds Meet is adding village growth, pets, and a thieving goose on June 25
Where Winds Meet is releasing a major update on June 25th titled "Companions Make Home," introducing player housing and village management features. Players can restore their homesteads, recruit villagers, farm, and trade. The update also adds pets, starting with cats and a goose, which will develop bonds with players and unlock new interactions. Additional content includes a challenge tower, a PvPvE mode, and new minigames throughout July.
New World’s June update reduces the number of people required for raids and arenas
Amazon's MMORPG New World is receiving a June update that reduces the number of players required for raids and arenas. The update also adds new Steam achievements, triples territory XP and umbral drop rates, and disables the OPR/CTF PvP mode rotation on specific servers. The game is slated to sunset in January 2027.
Crowned Sun — Afro-Brazilian Fantasy MMORPG Now on Steam, Wishlists Open
IndigoWare has announced that Crowned Sun, a free-to-play 3D isometric MMORPG inspired by Afro-Brazilian mythology, is now available for wishlisting on Steam. The game will launch in Early Access on PC, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS, with a full release targeted for 2027. Crowned Sun features four playable peoples, classic dual Base/Job leveling, and a cross-platform experience.
Casually Classic: What were vanilla World of Warcraft’s strengths?
This article analyzes the core strengths of the original World of Warcraft, often referred to as 'vanilla WoW'. It highlights the game's accessibility compared to its contemporaries, the engaging nature of its side quests that encouraged exploration, the meaningful progression through distinct milestones, and the meticulously crafted, personality-filled zones that motivated players to continue leveling.
New FFXIV Dawntrail Art Book Arrives in 2026
Square Enix has announced that the "Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail: The Art of Succession – Relics of Eternity –" art book will be released in December 2026. This will be the eleventh art book for the MMORPG and the second dedicated to the Dawntrail expansion, likely covering later patches and featuring artwork of Queen Sphene and Sphene Alexandros XIV. Final Fantasy XIV is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for August 2026.
World of Warcraft starts testing Update 12.1: Curse of the Ula’tek
World of Warcraft is testing Update 12.1, titled Curse of the Ula'tek, which is the first major chapter for the Midnight expansion. This update introduces the Coiled Isle zone, the Altar of Fangs dungeon, the Venomous Abyss raid, Season 2, Discord integration, and new delves. It also adds Lairs, instanced world boss encounters with scaling difficulty.
Popular 2023 PS5 Action Game 75% Off on PS Store, Lowest Price
Ark: Survival Ascended, a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved, is currently available for PlayStation 5 at its lowest price of $11.24 on the PlayStation Store, marking a 75% discount. This limited-time offer, which ends on July 2, applies to the popular action-adventure MMORPG developed by Studio Wildcard. The game is also noted to be PS5 Pro enhanced.
RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED: 1M PLAYER PIXEL ART MMO ‘SOULBOUND’ INVITES PLAYERS TO A DEMO FOR STEAM NEXT FEST AHEAD OF JULY 21 RELEASE
Indie developer Spiderware announced that their pixel art MMORPG, Soulbound, will launch on Steam on July 21st. A demo is available now during Steam Next Fest, offering over 7 hours of gameplay. The game, which previously amassed over 1,000,000 players on browser and Discord, features character customization, roguelite dungeons, and a housing system.
The Daily Grind: Which MMORPG would’ve been more successful with different graphics?
This article discusses how different graphical styles could impact the success of MMORPGs, using Borderlands' development as an example. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recounted how a last-minute decision to change Borderlands' graphics to a cel-shaded look, despite significant cost and time investment, was crucial to its success. The piece invites readers to consider which MMORPGs might have benefited from a similar artistic overhaul.
Solo-Built Mafia MMO The Fifth Family Tops 3,300 Players, Ships Menagerie and Factional Vigilantes Systems, Opens to Strategic Investment
The solo-developed mafia MMORPG, The Fifth Family, has announced two new content updates: The Menagerie, a pet and companion system, and Factional Vigilantes, introducing 95 unique operatives. The game has surpassed 3,300 registered players and 400 daily active users since its March 2026 launch, generating five-figure GBP revenue. Developer Reece is now seeking strategic investment, publishing, and partnership opportunities.
The Stream Team: Triple quest completion in Dungeons & Dragons Online’s The Keep on the Borderlands
Massively OP's MJ aims to complete three quests in Dungeons & Dragons Online's The Keep on the Borderlands arc, involving looting a vault, choosing between ice or fire paths against orcs, and investigating a caged beast. The stream will be broadcast live, with recordings available afterward.
Massively Overthinking: Is the era of the themepark MMORPG over?
Industry veterans discuss the sustainability of themepark MMORPGs, with Raph Koster suggesting rising development costs are making the model unsustainable. While some argue that modern themeparks incorporate sandbox elements to survive, others believe the dichotomy is false and that innovation from both styles is key. The discussion highlights the challenges of content creation speed versus player consumption and the evolving player base's preferences.
Mortal Online II opens up the Sarducaa region on the test realm
Mortal Online II has opened the new Sarducaa region on its test server, allowing players to explore parts of the continent. While not all areas are accessible and main dungeons are currently removed, players are encouraged to test the new enemy AI and continent-facilitating technology. This update provides an early look at the upcoming expansion.
Black Desert arrives to PlayStation Plus, celebrates four years of self-pubbing PC and console
Pearl Abyss is celebrating four years of self-publishing Black Desert on PC and its recent arrival to PlayStation Plus. The MMORPG is offering various in-game events and gift packs for both PC and console players. PC players can participate in a desert light event until July 16th, while console players receive login rewards until July 22nd and a special Dark Prince gift pack.
Pantheon brings back Essence for Dire Lords and includes new branches for Shaman players on the PTR
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is updating its Public Test Realm with significant changes to Dire Lords and Shaman classes. The Dire Lord's Blood Debt ability will be reduced from 50% to 10% damage soak, and Essence will be reintroduced as a core resource. Shaman players will see two new mastery branches: Oracle for healing and Fateweaver for support.
EverQuest Legends tweaks spell and weapon upgrades as OG EverQuest makes its 2023 expansion F2P
EverQuest Legends is introducing a new Spell Upgrade System during its beta phase, allowing players to invest motes to enhance spell scaling for mana costs, cast times, damage, and more. The weapon upgrade system will be reverted, and some Berserker Stance functionality will be restored. Separately, the original EverQuest has made its 2023 Laurion's Song expansion free-to-play.
MapleStory brings a new class, new bosses, and system updates in this week’s Ride the Lightning update
MapleStory's 'Ride the Lightning' update introduces the new Erel Light class with stellar-powered abilities, alongside significant system changes including a revamped V Matrix, new Hexa Sol Hecate node, and an updated star force enhancement mode. The update also adds two new bosses, Malefic Star and Kai, class adjustments, Discord integration, and Operation: Dive events.
Design Mockument: What makes an ‘Old West’ MMO such a difficult project?
This article analyzes the inherent difficulties in creating a successful 'Old West' themed MMORPG. Key challenges include designing engaging gameplay loops that accommodate multiple players within the genre's typically narrow archetypes and character-driven narratives. Additionally, the article touches upon the complex cultural history associated with the Western genre and the potential for adding supernatural elements.
Black Desert Celebrates 4-Year Self-Publishing Anniversary with Community Event
Pearl Abyss is celebrating Black Desert's 4-year self-publishing anniversary with a new global community event called "Desert Light." Players can earn rewards by participating in various in-game activities to contribute to shared milestones, with additional bonuses unlocked as global objectives are met. The event also offers opportunities to exchange collected tokens for valuable items like Cron Stones and Advice of Valks.