MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
Latest coverage
Playing World of Warcraft with a controller might become my preferred playstyle thanks to this excellent gamepad-friendly addon that's letting me enjoy Azeroth from my couch
An addon called ConsolePort is enhancing World of Warcraft's native controller support, allowing players to enjoy the MMORPG from their couch. This addon, combined with Blizzard's gradual implementation of gamepad features and game streaming technology, transforms the user experience with features like ability clusters and camera-based targeting, making casual play more comfortable.
Crystal of Atlan Launches New Inventor Class — Plus Two Powerful Branch Classes
Crystal of Atlan has launched its new Inventor base class, along with two branch classes, Empirica and Rhapsodia. This update introduces a new playstyle focused on Magitech mechs and firepower. The game is free-to-play on PC, PlayStation 5, Steam, and mobile platforms, with limited-time launch events and a new Martial Panda pet available.
Quinfall outlines update plans for monsters, world bosses, PvP features, and more sources of currency
Vawraek Technology has outlined upcoming updates for the sandbox MMORPG Quinfall, focusing on enhancing high-level monsters with improved rewards and strategy, and scheduling world bosses for regular spawns. The plans also include new PvP content such as a new map, arena modes, and a revised olympic war system, alongside increased availability of the tera currency through various activities. Most of these changes are expected within the next 15 days.
Blizzard initially feared World of Warcraft would only "be successful for five years," says former VC Jeff Kaplan
Former Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan revealed that the company initially believed World of Warcraft would only be successful for five years. Despite these early doubts, the MMO has remained a dominant force in the genre for nearly two decades.
Angels Online Global Pre-Registration and Steam Store Page Are Now Live, With Two Systems Revealed
USERJOY Games has launched the global pre-registration campaign for the 2D fantasy MMORPG Angels Online, with its Steam store page now live. Players who pre-register or wishlist the game will receive exclusive launch rewards. The game will feature new systems including GvG League War and an Outfit Fusion & Dismantling System.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Gear Up for the Adventures to Come with This Free Bundle
The Elder Scrolls Online is offering a free bundle to players, as announced on Xbox Wire. This promotion aims to encourage engagement with the MMORPG and its upcoming adventures.
Perfect Ten: My favorite vanilla World of Warcraft memories
This article reflects on fond memories of the original World of Warcraft, highlighting ten specific experiences from its early days. It contrasts these nostalgic moments with the current state of MMORPGs and player cynicism, emphasizing the unique impact of early game landmarks and quests.
Dune Awakening preps a new map, server merges, and a progression boosting weekend event
Funcom is preparing to launch a new overland map called the Ruins of Tsimpo for Dune Awakening, featuring new missions for players' chosen Houses. The upcoming Chapter 3 update will also include server merges for less populated servers and a progression boosting event scheduled for this weekend.
Blizzard's canceled World of Warcraft follow-up was a "1 server, 1 world" MMO with GTA and Animal Crossing influences, ex dev says, but it was so big it "could never ship"
Former Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan revealed details about the canceled MMORPG Titan, which was envisioned as a '1 server, 1 world' game with influences from Grand Theft Auto and Animal Crossing. Despite its ambitious scope, the project was deemed too large to ever ship and was eventually scrapped in 2014, with some assets being repurposed for Overwatch.
Vague Patch Notes: When the MMORPG is failing
The author reflects on the feeling of dread and disillusionment experienced when playing MMORPGs that are perceived to be failing or lacking direction, citing examples like WildStar, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Champions Online. This analysis explores the psychological impact of "vague patch notes" and the collapse of future potential in the genre, even when games transition to free-to-play models.
Eterspire dares you to delve into its Dwarven Mines next week
Eterspire is releasing a new update called 'Dwarven Mines' next week, scheduled for March 16th. This update will introduce a new explorable area with five distinct zones and a questline focused on uncovering lost treasures within an ancient dwarven kingdom.
PLAYTEST ANNOUNCEMENT: MELEE COMBAT MMO ‘SWORDEYE’ INVITES PLAYERS TO 3D OPEN-WORLD ON MARCH 26TH
Solo developer ALX Theory announced that the melee combat MMO Swordeye will begin its latest playtest on March 26th. This playtest introduces a new Overworld map with open-world combat events, proximity voice chat, extraction opportunities, and portals to new dungeons. Players can enroll for the playtest on Steam.
A terrible quest in vanilla WoW 'holds a really special place in my heart', says Jeff Kaplan, but was also 'the hubris of a junior game designer who thinks he's clever but is actually a dipsh*t'
Former Blizzard designer Jeff Kaplan reflected on the notoriously disliked "The Green Hills of Stranglethorn" quest in the original World of Warcraft. He described it as a personal project that taught him valuable lessons about game design, particularly regarding player experience and avoiding "ant farm" design principles.
The Daily Grind: What’s the MMORPG you played for the longest uninterrupted period?
This article discusses the longest uninterrupted periods players have spent with MMORPGs, defining 'uninterrupted' as logging in at least once a week. The author notes that while games like Warframe are in their rotation, Final Fantasy XIV has been a consistent presence for over 13 years. The piece invites readers to share their own experiences with long-term MMORPG engagement.
WoW's Horde/Alliance split was 'really controversial', says Jeff Kaplan, to the point where it was only locked in 9-12 months before the game's launch
Former Blizzard vice president Jeff Kaplan revealed that the Horde and Alliance faction split in World of Warcraft was a highly controversial decision, only being finalized 9-12 months before the game's launch. Kaplan, along with other developers like Rob Pardo and Allen Adham, debated the merits of the faction system, which was inspired by games like Dark Age of Camelot.
WoW's Horde And Alliance Divide Was Only Agreed On Less Than A Year Before Release
Former Blizzard veteran Jeff Kaplan revealed that the decision to divide World of Warcraft players into the Horde and Alliance factions was finalized only nine months to a year before the game's 2004 release. The controversial feature was strongly advocated for by Blizzard co-founder Allen Adham, despite initial arguments against it from Kaplan and Rob Pardo, who came from an Everquest background where such divisions were not present.
Past Fate continues to fix early access and promises first major update, but player numbers have hit zero
The MMORPG Past Fate, developed by Icy North Games, continues to address issues in its early access period with ongoing patches. The studio is preparing for its first major update, but the game has seen player numbers drop to zero on Steam, with user reviews currently mixed.
World of Warcraft: Midnight Review – Of Void and Light
World of Warcraft: Midnight, the second part of a planned trilogy, continues the narrative established in The War Within, focusing on the Void's invasion of the Sunwell. While it lacks a single major new feature like its predecessor, it introduces smaller-scale additions such as player housing and new quest types, alongside remade classic zones. The expansion offers a 15-hour campaign that sets up future story beats, with a level cap of 90 and a focus on narrative progression through various questlines and dungeons.
Final Fantasy XI’s latest patch lets you level up your Trusts
The latest update for Final Fantasy XI introduces a new system to level up Trusts, the AI companions that assist players in combat. Players can earn alter ego points through events and Records of Eminence objectives to enhance Trust stats. The patch also includes new objectives, Ambuscade targets, and quality-of-life improvements.
Sword of Justice adds new martial art, new areas, and school switching in latest patch
The latest patch for the PC and mobile MMORPG Sword of Justice, titled 'Roaring Thunder', introduces the new Dragonsvelte martial art, two new areas (Eastern Edge Sea and Isle in the Sea), and a new 12-player dungeon. Players can now switch their combat schools, with the first change being free. The update also adds a new hero, casual games like mahjong, an 8v8 battlefield, and new quests.