MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
Latest coverage
Controversial ex-blockchain MMO Soulbound Online has officially entered early access
The controversial blockchain-adjacent MMORPG Soulbound Online has officially launched into early access. Developed by SpiderWare, the game is described as a pixel-art action roguelite with 3-player co-op dungeons and an open world for farming and crafting. The launch follows controversy surrounding its origins as a crypto-focused game, with some players accusing the developers of misleading their original community.
RuneScape CEO is serious about taking World of Warcraft's MMO crown: "Why not swing for the top?"
Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy has stated the company's ambition for RuneScape to become the number one MMORPG brand globally, surpassing World of Warcraft. While acknowledging the significant gap, Bellamy believes Jagex can achieve this goal by executing their strategy correctly. The article also briefly mentions Final Fantasy 14 as another major player in the genre.
Soulbound: Online
Soulbound: Online, an MMORPG from developer SpiderWare, has launched on PC via Steam Early Access. The developers have also posted information regarding monetization, stating that a cosmetics store will be introduced in the near future.
MMO society life sim SEED arrives in early access today after nearly a decade of development
The MMORPG life simulation game SEED has launched into early access after nearly a decade of development. Developed by Klang Games, the persistent, player-driven world of Avesta is now available for PC players for $29.99, with a Steam release planned for later this year. The early access launch includes significant updates to gameplay, economy, and UI.
The Daily Grind: What are your early access MMORPG must-haves?
This opinion piece questions the value of early access MMORPGs, drawing on 16 years of industry experience. The author argues that gamers shouldn't bear the risk for profit-driven titles and outlines their personal must-haves for early access games, including feature completeness and a clear roadmap.
RuneScape rebalances the mid-game, Old School RuneScape adds the isle of Wyrmscraig July 29
Jagex has released a mid-game rebalance for RuneScape, streamlining skills like Fletching, Agility, and Divination, while also adjusting progression for God Wars dungeons and item drop rates. Concurrently, Old School RuneScape is launching the player-designed island of Wyrmscraig on July 29th, featuring new quests and activities. A beta version of the Jagex Launcher is also available for Linux users.
City of Titans discusses Unreal 5.7 upgrades, procedural generation, and enemy combat AI
Indie superhero MMORPG City of Titans, developed by Missing Worlds Media, has provided a Q2 update detailing progress on upgrading to Unreal Engine 5.7. The studio is also developing new in-engine tools for a controlled form of procedural generation for city areas and continuing to build out strategic enemy combat AI with configurable difficulty settings.
MMORPG fans plead for in-game Jimothy pets after devs create mock-ups of the viral critter
Fans of MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and Old School RuneScape are petitioning developers to add "Jimothy," a viral raccoon with a spinal deformity, as an in-game pet or companion. While one developer, Deedee Creations, has created mock-ups for their game Squirrel with a Gun and hinted at future inclusion, the MMOs have only made temporary in-game models of the creature.
Seal M on CROSS kicks off season five with a fresh region, a world boss and a higher level cap
Publisher CROSS has launched the fifth season for the MMORPG Seal M on CROSS, introducing a new region, a world boss, and an increased level cap. The game, which launched globally on March 19 and garnered 2.2 million pre-registrations, aims for longevity as a Web3 gaming platform, with CROSS emphasizing consistent content updates to maintain player engagement and retention.
Wisdom of Nym: Bold predictions for Final Fantasy XIV’s second fan festival
This opinion piece makes predictions for the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV fan festival, anticipating the reveal of a new tank job, sharing of area names including the first city, a preview of the refined activity window, and the reveal of the normal raid. The author acknowledges that many details remain unknown but expresses excitement for the surprises to come.
Crystal of Atlan CN opens a ‘season server’ with tweaks to content, progression, and trading
The Chinese version of the MMORPG Crystal of Atlan has launched a new 'season server' with a 2.0 update from developer Nuverse. This update introduces six-month seasons, free trading, a new gear system with random stats, increased raid access, and eased gear enhancement. While the seasonal model includes minor and major resets, RMTing is already dominating the new servers, raising pay-to-win concerns, particularly for PvP.
Dungeons & Dragons Online’s Terror of Demogorgon expansion gets a July 22 release date
The Terror of Demogorgon expansion for Dungeons & Dragons Online will be released on July 22nd. This expansion introduces the Duergar race, 13 new dungeons, the Underdark region, a new raid, and raises the level cap to 36. Players will explore Gravenhollow and confront the Demon Lord Demogorgon.
FFXIV Shadowbringers Backlog for Adults | TAG
This guide outlines a plan for busy adults to complete the extensive main story quests of Final Fantasy XIV, focusing on Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail. It acknowledges the significant time commitment required for each expansion, suggesting a pace suitable for those with limited playtime and advising against endgame raiding to prioritize story completion.
Final Fantasy 14's attempt to take the MMO mobile is over before the world even gets the chance to see it
Square Enix and Tencent have decided to terminate the licensing agreement for Final Fantasy 14 Mobile, leading to the shutdown of the game in China and the cancellation of its unreleased global version. The mobile iteration, developed by LightSpeed Studios, offered a streamlined experience based on the base A Realm Reborn content with some features from later expansions. Service for the mobile game is ending on September 30, 2024.
Here’s how Aion 2’s five-day head start will work, from servers to auction houses to party play
NCsoft has detailed the early access system for Aion 2, which grants a five-day head start to founder's pack buyers. The game will feature separate early access and launch servers, with potential for server transfers and cross-server party play for dungeons and PvP. Two auction houses will be available: one server-specific and one cross-server market that will open post-launch.
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.
Echoes of Aincrad Review – Sword Art Offline
Echoes of Aincrad, an action-RPG developed by Game Studio Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a disappointing experience that fails to live up to its potential. Despite a serviceable combat and progression system and a strong anime art style, the game suffers from atrocious pacing, weak narrative, bland level design, and frustrating design choices, making it difficult to recommend even to fans of Sword Art Online.
Ragnarok Universe Completes First Flight Test as a Browser-Playable Open-World MMORPG
Ragnarok Universe, a new browser-playable open-world MMORPG developed by the team behind Flyff Universe, has successfully completed its first technical test. Footage from the test indicated a focus on active player control with no auto-battle or auto-grinding systems. The game is currently in early development and runs directly through a web browser.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
Retro-styled MMO Hollowed Oath lets you get beat up while you’re offline (for a while)
The latest patch for the retro-styled MMORPG Hollowed Oath introduces a "lingering" mechanic where characters remain in the world for a period after logging out, preventing players from using disconnects as an escape. Patch 0.17 also includes item attunement, graphical improvements, and ongoing work on merchants, achievements, and inventory storage.
