MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
Latest coverage
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
The Daily Grind: What are some weird objects in MMORPGs that we’ve normalized?
This article discusses normalized concepts within MMORPGs, using RuneScape's crafting stations as an example of a seemingly odd in-game object that players have come to accept. It prompts readers to share other unusual MMORPG elements that have become commonplace.
World of Dypians Teams With Binance.US on 8,500 WOD Reward for New Sign-Ups
World of Dypians has partnered with Binance.US for a limited-time promotion offering 8,500 WOD tokens, valued at approximately $40, to new users. To qualify, participants must register on Binance.US via the promotional page and make a deposit of any amount before August 7, while supplies last. This campaign coincides with the WOD token's listing on Binance.US and aims to increase user engagement and trading liquidity.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
The Elder Scrolls Online Director Outlines Content Roadmap Following Xbox Layoffs
Following significant layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, game director Nick Giacomini has outlined a revised content roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online. Some features, including a new trial and combat refresh, have been pushed to 2027 to allow the team to re-establish development pipelines. Update 51 has been delayed to September 28th and will introduce new content and features, while ongoing seasonal content and events will proceed as planned.
The Stream Team: Dungeons & Dragons Online’s The Deal and the Demon
Massively OP's MJ will be playing through the 'The Deal and the Demon' quest in Dungeons & Dragons Online, focusing on collecting an orb from the champion Kishnaurac. The gameplay session will also feature MJ's group teaming up with an interplanar mercenary company led by Ymris to assault Kishnaurac's lair. The stream is scheduled for July 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
Massively Overthinking: Are there any MMORPGs or MMO features that are good kinda by accident?
This article discusses MMORPGs and their features that became popular or fun by accident, often in ways unintended by developers. Examples include "alting" and the architect system in City of Heroes, content trains in Guild Wars 2, and the unintended consequences of Grand Theft Auto Online's content creator. World of Warcraft and Fortnite are also cited for features that evolved beyond their original design intent.
Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft expansion announced at Gen Con 2026
Wizards of the Coast announced a Dungeons & Dragons expansion based on World of Warcraft at Gen Con 2026. This collaboration, part of D&D's new Universes Beyond banner, will feature all playable races and classes from WoW, new subclasses, and adventures set in Azeroth, including the Ice Crown Citadel raid. The expansion is scheduled for release on November 17, 2026.
ArcheAge Chronicles previews the Ranger, Warrior, and player housing in new dev blogs
XL Games has released new details on ArcheAge Chronicles, focusing on the Warrior and Ranger classes, as well as player housing. The Warrior class can wield longswords or greatswords, while the Ranger can choose between a hatchet or longbow. The game has experienced multiple delays.
Guild Wars Reforged has added new loot and minis to Underworld and Fissure of Woe
ArenaNet has released a new patch for Guild Wars Reforged, adding new miniature collectibles and unique items as rare rewards to the Underworld and Fissure of Woe endgame content areas. The update also includes fixes for disconnect issues and AI improvements for hero skills.
After Layoffs, New Elder Scrolls Online Content Is Delayed But Still Coming
Despite recent layoffs, ZeniMax Online Studios has confirmed that new content for The Elder Scrolls Online is still planned, with a roadmap for 2026 and 2027. Some anticipated updates, including a combat and class refresh, have been delayed to prioritize quality. New content for the remainder of 2024 includes Update 51 and Season Two, featuring solo dungeons and various improvements.
Vague Patch Notes: In praise of the loneliness of MMORPGs
This opinion piece discusses the concept of loneliness in MMORPGs, arguing that games like Final Fantasy XI and World of Warcraft leverage the feeling of emptiness in their vast worlds to encourage player interaction. In contrast, games like Star Wars: The Old Republic actively try to eliminate loneliness, which the author believes diminishes the sense of a living world and the impetus for social connection.
Final Fantasy 14 is great and all, but Yoshi-P would "tackle completely new game designs and values" if he…
Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida stated that if he were to develop a new online live service title from scratch, he would aim for completely new game designs and values. He explained that for the upcoming expansion Evercold, he chose to steer the MMORPG towards "change" to create more enjoyment and evolve further. Yoshida also mentioned that making sudden changes can be harmful to operations, comparing it to sharp turns while driving fast.
First Impressions: My first three days living in the MMORPG simulation SEED
SEED is a new MMORPG life simulator where players create characters that continue to live and perform jobs even when offline. The game features a UI similar to The Sims and a schedule system for managing character routines. While the direct communication with characters can feel like interacting with a chatbot, the integrated AI helper PAM provides useful information from the game's wiki. The game also offers a mobile companion app for real-time interaction.
Black Desert PC launches the Agent class and hands out the Hyperboost to players in latest patch
Black Desert on PC has released the new Agent class and the Hyperboost progression feature in its latest patch. The Agent class wields a pistol and features swift movement, with in-game events celebrating its launch. Hyperboost assists characters graduating from season servers by providing high-tier gear to prepare them for upcoming content.
Raph Koster’s MMORPG Stars Reach officially announces paid early access is coming August 18
Playable Worlds announced that Raph Koster's sandbox MMORPG, Stars Reach, will launch its paid early access on Steam on August 18th. The game will feature three tiers of entry, offering increasing rewards and cosmetics. The early access build will include combat, trade, and crafting across multiple planets, with future updates planned for features like PvP and factions.
Final Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter, and Animal Crossing top new survey of games Japanese players have spent the most time…
A survey of 5,400 Japanese players revealed the games they have spent the most time playing, with Final Fantasy 14 topping the list. Other notable entries include Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, Animal Crossing New Horizons, and Minecraft, while surprisingly, no Pokemon titles made the top 20.
EverQuest Legends’ release sees at least one small patch and overall stable response from fans
EverQuest Legends has launched with a stable response from fans and has received a small patch addressing musical cues, buff displays, and server stability. Game Jawn is preparing a developer livestream for July 31st. Player feedback on Reddit and Discord includes requests for improvements to the Beastlord class, group size adjustments, and UI enhancements like a more visible mouse cursor.
Throne and Liberty’s newest patch adds Archboss Ramux along with new dimensional trials and guild raids
Throne and Liberty's latest patch introduces the Archboss Ramux, along with new Dimensional Trials and Guild Raids. The update also brings new level 85 weapons, balance changes, crafting recipes, and adjustments to equipment growth costs.
The Daily Grind: How do you react to other people with the same specialization as you in MMORPGs?
This article discusses player reactions to encountering others with the same specialization in MMORPGs, comparing it to dog and cat behaviors. It poses the question of whether players become excited to find a kindred spirit or competitive towards someone with a similar build.
