MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
Latest coverage
The Daily Grind: What tools do you consider essential for playing MMOs?
This article discusses the essential tools players consider necessary for enjoying MMORPGs, beyond just the game itself. Essential items include a decent PC or console, a keyboard and mouse, a headset with a microphone, and browser access for wikis and communication platforms like Discord. The author also notes the common use of game mods, with Project Gorgon being an exception.
Massively Overthinking: Unbundling the MMORPG genre, 12 years later
Industry figures like Raph Koster discuss the 'unbundling' of the MMORPG genre, where its core components like live services and subscription models have been adopted by other game genres. The article explores what truly defines an MMORPG in the current landscape, with contributors suggesting elements like persistent virtual worlds, community, and a unique 'glue' holding disparate game elements together, rather than just player count.
Antique MMORPG Ultima Online just released a brand-new summer event called Moonveil
The classic MMORPG Ultima Online has launched its new summer event, Moonveil, on July 1st. This marks the first year for the event, which involves a pilgrimage across Britannia with opportunities to earn exclusive rewards. The event is detailed in a developer newsletter and a video walkthrough.
Phoebe Bridgers Follows Up RuneScape-Filled Music Video With Her Own Video Game
Musician Phoebe Bridgers has released a browser game titled Lost Boys, inspired by her recent music video. The game features simple gameplay where players collect coins while avoiding obstacles, set to a chiptune version of the song. The music video itself gained attention for its inclusion of footage from the MMO RPG RuneScape.
Mortal Online II has launched its Sarducaa expansion, but you have to roll fresh to see it
Mortal Online II has launched its Sarducaa expansion, introducing a new continent that can only be accessed by new characters created after the patch. This design choice aims to create a level playing field for all players. The expansion also includes a new Lockpicking system, balance changes, new NPCs, items, and enemies.
EverQuest announces new TLE progression server Lethar while teasing its 2026 expansion
Daybreak has announced a new Time-Locked Expansion server for EverQuest called Lethar, set to launch on August 26th. This server will feature Personal Loot and include expansions up to The Serpent's Spine. The studio also teased its 2026 expansion with hints about fate and fortune.
Aussie indie MMORPG Spiritvale scores almost $250K on Kickstarter ahead of July early access
The Australian indie MMORPG SpiritVale, developed by Baikun Interactive, successfully raised over AU$357,000 (nearly $250,000 USD) on Kickstarter, surpassing its funding goal. The game is set to launch its early access period on Steam on July 15th, with a demo currently available.
Dune Awakening recaps its first year and fall plans and teases post-console plans in new video
Funcom provided an update on Dune Awakening, detailing plans for its September console launch and the year's development progress. The console release will feature a complete version of the game with solo offline play, expanded story content, and a new onboarding system, followed by the Polar Cap map. The developers also recapped changes made over the past year, including PvP adjustments and endgame revamps.
‘We are now fully focused on developing content for 8.0,’ says SWTOR boss
Broadsword's Keith Kanneg announced that Star Wars The Old Republic is now fully focused on developing content for update 8.0, with the first Public Test Server phase planned for the coming weeks. This phase will include the first boss of a new Operation and level 85 for select classes. Galactic Season 10 will conclude at the end of July.
Lord of the Rings Online plans a big expansion reveal at this month’s Gen Con
Standing Stone Games has outlined the next two quarters for Lord of the Rings Online, with Update 49 focusing on PvP enhancements, a new class, and quality-of-life improvements. The studio will reveal the name, setting, and details of the major expansion planned for the fourth quarter at Gen Con on July 31st.
NosTale Unveils Act 10 Part 2: Guardians of Dimensions and Summer Events
Gameforge announced Act 10 Part 2: Guardians of Dimensions, the latest content update for its MMORPG NosTale, launching July 15, 2026. This update continues the dimensional storyline with new specialists inspired by mythological figures, a 15-player raid featuring Fully Armed Doctor Dimensio, and the return of the seasonal Captain Pete O’Peng Raid. NosTale is available on PC via Steam and the Gameforge Client.
RF ONLINE NEXT INTRODUCES FIRST MAJOR UPDATE WITH MINING WAR AND NEW WARFARE CONTENT
Netmarble has released the first major content update for its sci-fi MMORPG RF ONLINE NEXT, introducing a large-scale "Mining War" where factions battle for control of the Holy Stone. The update also adds new cross-server content called "Outer Planet" with the Albern Crater region, expanded progression systems including new equipment and skills, and new challenges like the Xenogeyser boss and the Arcane Trials party dungeon.
OG EverQuest sets the sky on fire with the Scorched Sky Celebration event
The MMORPG EverQuest is currently hosting its Scorched Sky Celebration event, which is thematically appropriate given the current heatwave in much of the continental USA. Players can participate in quests involving changing lava and pyrotechnics, with the event running until July 12th.
Avalon MMORPG Integrates Sonium
The AI-driven MMORPG Avalon will integrate Sony's Soneium blockchain to manage item ownership and trading, aiming for a playable version by late 2026. The game emphasizes community-generated content with tools like Forge, Merlin, and Sage, and plans to simplify blockchain complexities for players. A private beta is scheduled for July 2026, with Early Access targeted for the end of the year.
Upcoming fantasy MMO Scars of Honor thanked alpha testers for breaking the game
The developers of the upcoming fantasy MMORPG Scars of Honor expressed gratitude to tens of thousands of players who participated in its technical alpha. During the test, players killed over 2.4 million mobs, with Humans being the most popular race and Mages the most played class. The team is continuing development based on the feedback received.
Trove is finally testing the return of its auction hall and trading systems after seven months of outage
Trove is testing the return of its auction hall and trading systems on its Public Test Server (PTS) after a seven-month outage. The MMORPG's core trading hub has been offline since December, impacting its economy. Gamigo is seeking player feedback on the marketplace functionality as the game approaches its 11th anniversary.
DC Universe Online brings back the battle for Atlantis with its Tides of War event
DC Universe Online has brought back its annual Tides of War event, featuring the battle for Atlantis. The event introduces new rewards such as Power Array Augments, an Undersea Usurper Chroma Pack, and Aquaman styles. Players can earn Sand Dollars by completing daily missions and seasonal content to unlock these new items.
EverQuest Legends begins paid beta for preorder folks this afternoon, let’s gooooo
EverQuest Legends, a reimagining of the classic MMORPG by Game Jawn and Daybreak Game Company, has launched its paid preorder beta on July 1, 2026. The game costs $20 for the initial box and one month of play, with a $10 monthly subscription thereafter. Executive producer David Youssefi cautioned players about potential server delays and noted that the beta will be used for balance passes, feature completion, and bug fixing, with a post-launch roadmap to follow.
Final Fantasy 14 devs pulled off the best relaunch "in the history of video games," Clair Obscur: Expedition…
Guillaume Broche, lead developer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, praised Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch as "the best thing in the history of video games." He highlighted Square Enix's successful turnaround of the MMORPG after its disastrous initial launch, culminating in the dramatic in-game cutscene depicting the world's end before the release of A Realm Reborn.
Perfect Ten: The 10 worst problems in the MMORPG community that we could probably fix
This opinion piece identifies ten fixable problems within the MMORPG community, ranging from nostalgic revisionism about past game experiences to issues with player entitlement and antisocial behavior. It argues for greater honesty, acceptance of change, and a focus on constructive community engagement to improve the overall player experience.