MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
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Albion Online takes a closer look at the Ancient Lands area arriving with August 31’s Dragonfire update
Albion Online's Dragonfire update, launching August 31, introduces the Ancient Lands, a new PvPvE extraction zone for solo players and groups. This dynamic area features lethal PvP in red zones and the Outlands, and non-lethal PvP in yellow zones, with a unique bleedout mechanic for reviving fallen allies. Players aim to defeat mobs, collect keystones, activate islands, and defeat a final drake boss for rewards.
Lord of the Rings Online’s summer Farmers Faire festival returns with new High-land rewards
The Lord of the Rings Online's annual Farmers Faire festival has returned, offering players a variety of activities including quests, horse races, fishing, and seasonal instances. This year's event introduces new "High-land" themed rewards such as cosmetic outfits, a backpack, and unique mounts. The festival is currently running and will continue until September 8th.
The Daily Grind: Is there a canceled MMO you’re still salty about?
This article discusses canceled MMORPGs that never reached launch, focusing on player sentiment towards titles like EverQuest Next and Ultima X Odyssey. The author expresses disappointment over the cancellation of EverQuest Next, believing it left a void in the MMORPG landscape during its intended development period.
The Stream Team: Many stories (and demons) end with Dungeons and Dragons Online’s Reclaiming the Rift
Massively OP's MJ is concluding her quest arc in Dungeons and Dragons Online's Reclaiming the Rift event, which also marks the end of the Queen of the Demonweb, End of Eberron, and Menace of the Underdark sagas. The stream will feature the final battle against Khaszlokhar to free Ana from Llolth's clutches.
Massively Overthinking: How important is an auction house in MMORPGs?
MMORPG developers and players discuss the critical importance of auction houses and asynchronous trading systems. While some older MMORPGs succeeded without them, modern titles often rely on these features to facilitate player economies and trade, with their absence significantly impacting player experience and engagement.
Family-friendly MMORG Pirate101 releases The Trail Goes Cold update – here’s the new trailer
KingsIsle, a studio owned by Gamigo, has released 'The Trail Goes Cold' update for its kid-friendly pirate MMORPG, Pirate101. This update continues the game's main story with a new storyline set in Polaris, introducing new characters, enemies, rewards, and features like revived Stormgate travel and ship docking.
Gamigo’s Fiesta Online launches Throne of Legel ahead of its console release
Gamigo has launched the 'Throne of Legel' update for its MMORPG Fiesta Online, introducing a new questline, areas like Legel Valley and Legelheim, and a new boss, Legel Prime. The update also adds a Guard Break system and new World Boss weapons for players level 141 and above. Fiesta Online is also slated for a console release later this year, with a demo planned for Gamescom.
Lord of the Rings Online will sunset its current legendary servers, Angmar and Mordor, in 2027
Standing Stone Games has announced that the legendary servers for Lord of the Rings Online, Angmar and Mordor, will be sunsetting in early 2027. The final update for these servers is expected in January 2027, with free character transfers to production servers beginning at that time and continuing through March 30, 2027. This marks the end of these specific server types, though it may signal the potential introduction of new legendary servers in the future.
Black Desert PC adds more monster zones, new bosses, and new accessories with Edania Part 2
Black Desert PC has received the Edania Part 2 update, introducing new monster zones, bosses, and accessories for endgame players within Inner Edania. The update also includes a new PvP mode, cosmetic outfit, and the Tachyon Legacy. Additionally, PC players benefit from monster zone hot time events, Drakania class adjustments, and changes to max level progression. Black Desert Mobile also received its own update with new quests and features.
Vague Patch Notes: How Amazon blew up money unnecessarily and left online games unceremoniously
This analysis critiques Amazon's approach to online game publishing, citing the premature cancellation of Crucible and the relinquishing of publishing rights for Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty back to developers Bandai Namco and NCsoft, respectively. The author argues that Amazon's strategy involved excessive spending and a focus on potential hits rather than fostering the development of its games, contrasting it with the successful turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV.
Throne & Liberty buffs party play and player housing in today’s 4.7.0 update
Amazon has released the 4.7.0 update for Throne & Liberty, which focuses on enhancing party play features with new tools like ready checks and map icon sharing, alongside improved co-op rewards and boss drops. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements from NCsoft, such as better inventory management and expanded player housing options, including the ability to own more homes and visit others. Additionally, the patch introduces weapon balance adjustments for all classes.
The Awakening goes live in Gigaverse with a $20,000 prize pool as MMORPG shift begins
Gigaverse has launched 'The Awakening,' a two-month event designed to transition the game into its MMORPG counterpart, Gigaverse Online. This event introduces a prize pool starting at $20,000 USDC, rewarding players for collecting a new resource called Hard Cores through various in-game activities. Existing player resources and items can be carried over to aid progress in the new MMORPG.
Where Winds Meet – Hidden Mountain Chapter 2 Goes Live on August 20th
The second chapter of Where Winds Meet's Hidden Mountain expansion, titled Heaven's Threshold, is set to launch on August 20th. This new chapter will continue the narrative with new additions and complex relationships. Where Winds Meet is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android.
The Stream Team: Making monuments and talking to traders in Return to Moria
Massively OP's MJ and Larry are continuing their playthrough of the Durin's Folk expansion for Return to Moria, focusing on building monuments, trading with NPCs, and gathering materials. They will be live streaming their gameplay session tonight at 8:00 p.m. EDT, showcasing their dwarven team's efforts to expand their base and manage recruits.
Old School RuneScape continues to refine Agility as one player achieves 99 Fishing with shrimp
Old School RuneScape's latest patch introduces adjustments to the Agility skill, including new shortcuts and course tweaks. The update also features further modifications to the Chambers of Xeric loot pool and the Wyrmscraig location. Separately, a player named Bosby achieved the maximum level 99 in Fishing by exclusively catching shrimp and anchovies over two years.
Amazon to give live service operations of Lost Ark to Smilegate
Amazon is transferring the live service operations for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western territories to Smilegate, the games' developer and original publisher. This change will take effect in early 2027 for Lost Ark and Q4 2026 for Throne and Liberty, with no expected impact on player experience. Smilegate will assume full responsibility for managing these titles in North America and other Western regions.
Casually Classic: Will the WoW Classic Plus announcement anger the community no matter what?
The upcoming announcement of a 'WoW Classic Plus' project at BlizzCon is likely to divide the community, with conflicting player expectations and past grievances making universal satisfaction improbable. The author expresses a desire for the project but cautions against letting emotions dictate reception, while also criticizing content creators who deliberately incite outrage. Ultimately, the success of the new version will depend on its own merits, independent of forum noise.
Perfect Ten: Looking back at the absurdly stacked MMO year of 2010
The year 2010 was a landmark year for MMORPGs, marked by numerous significant launches, business model shifts, and notable events. Key moments included the launches of Star Trek Online, Global Agenda, and Mortal Online, alongside the controversial launches and shutdowns of All Points Bulletin and the initial version of Final Fantasy XIV. The year also saw major shifts with EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online adopting free-to-play models, and the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansions.
Amazon hands off Throne and Liberty to NC, seemingly ending its MMO era
Amazon Game Studios is handing over the reins of its MMORPG Throne and Liberty to developer FirstSpark Games and publisher NC, marking a potential end to Amazon's involvement in the MMO genre. The transition is expected to be seamless for players, with all progress and items remaining intact. This move follows the struggles of other Amazon-published MMOs like New World and Blue Protocol.
Amazon Ending Lost Ark Support but Smilegate Will Keep It Alive
Amazon is ceasing support for the MMORPG Lost Ark, which it had imported. However, the game's developer, Smilegate, will continue to maintain the game, ensuring its survival.