MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
Latest coverage
World of Warcraft "will continue to decline" unless the MMO gets a "reset," says former Blizzard…
Former Blizzard Entertainment boss Mike Ybarra stated that World of Warcraft needs a "reset" to reverse its ongoing decline, particularly following a recent bug-filled patch. The developers have apologized for the issues and promised improvements to the game's stability and content delivery.
Final Fantasy 14's patch notes sneak-peek is Square Enix's classic formula of exciting quality-of-life changes…
Square Enix has provided a sneak peek at the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.5, highlighting significant quality-of-life improvements. Key changes include increased furniture limits for player housing and a consolidation of dyes to reduce inventory clutter. The patch also introduces new features like cross-character hotbar sharing and adjustments to PvP modes.
"We will do better" – Blizzard apologizes for the World of Warcraft bugs after the MMO's latest patch leaves fans annoyed and concerned for the future
Blizzard Entertainment has apologized for the numerous bugs introduced in the latest World of Warcraft patch (12.0.5), acknowledging that the launch did not meet their standards and caused frustration for players. The company stated they are learning from the experience and will improve communication regarding known issues and fixes, emphasizing their commitment to the game.
BitCraft discusses plans for new seasonal region, building items, and quality-of-life upgrades
BitCraft game director Carter Minshull detailed upcoming updates including a new seasonal region, floating platforms for ocean cities, and enhanced settlement permissions. The developer also plans to implement declared alliances and wars between empires, a merchant gameplay loop, and various quality-of-life improvements such as item transfers and more equipment loadouts.
SGJ Podcast #514 – Resurrected MMOs
This podcast episode discusses resurrected Massively Multiplayer Online games that have been brought back to life after their initial closure. The hosts share their personal experiences with such games, highlighting Jumpgate as a beloved example and noting the existence of a large list of current and upcoming revived MMOs for listeners to explore.
Raven2 tosses 16 guilds into new PvP tournament bracket called Clash
The dark fantasy MMO Raven2 has introduced a new PvP tournament mode called Clash, where 16 guilds compete in a bracket-style tournament. The mode, which began on April 25th, features timed matches between two guilds, with victory achieved by reaching a target score or destroying the opposing guild's Guardian Stone. Netmarble highlighted that Clash emphasizes tactical coordination and strategic depth. The update also includes gear trading between players and new login events.
Final Fantasy 14's 8.0 update will shape the future of the MMO, but I hope Square Enix remembers the one quest that…
The author hopes Square Enix will deviate from its established content formula for Final Fantasy 14's upcoming 8.0 expansion to keep the MMO fresh. While the recent Dawntrail expansion introduced some engaging solo instances and cutscenes, the article argues that the overall story pacing and quest design relied too heavily on familiar, less interactive elements, potentially alienating players.
MapleStory celebrates its 21st birthday with a new Maple University event
MapleStory is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a new in-game event called Maple University. Players can attend classes, master skills, and earn rewards on a special campus until June 16th. The event offers daily login bonuses and a progression track through general education, a major, and an internship.
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred
PC Gamer magazine's latest issue features an exclusive preview of Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred, including hands-on gameplay and developer interviews. The issue also includes previews for Directive 8020 and Crimson Desert, reviews for several other titles, and a feature on the best PC RPGs.
MapleStory Kicks Off Its 21st Anniversary Celebration
Nexon America has launched MapleStory's 21st anniversary event, featuring a new campus-themed festival called Maple University. This limited-time event offers players progression systems, daily activities, EXP boosts, and anniversary rewards through various school-themed challenges and mini-games.
‘There’s no blueprint for what we’re building’: Cozy MMO Loftia begins closed beta today
The closed beta for the solarpunk-themed MMO Loftia, developed by Qloud Games, begins today, April 22nd, and runs until May 6th on PC and Mac. The beta includes core city features, NPCs, farming, crafting, housing, and multiplayer adventures, though some systems are not yet complete. Game director Felipe Dal Molin described the game as a "cozy MMO that will grow into a second home."
Is Tifa Lockhart the new brawler in Street Fighter 6? F... | TAG
Rumors suggest Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII may join Street Fighter 6, coinciding with Final Fantasy VII's anniversary and Street Fighter's Year 3 Character Pass conclusion. Nintendo announced Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2 this summer, alongside a Deep Cut amiibo. The MMO Aion 2 is set for a global launch this year despite initial microtransaction concerns, and a sequel to the horror film Event Horizon is in development with Christian Ward writing.
Despite microtransaction woes at launch, MMO sequel Aion 2 will go global this year
NCSoft's MMO sequel Aion 2, which launched last year with criticisms regarding its microtransaction model, is set to receive a global release on PC via Steam in 2026. Despite initial mixed reception, the game has reportedly been financially successful, prompting the international launch across North America, South America, Japan, and Europe.
Albion Online Hits Xbox Series X/S With Cross-Platform MMO Action
Albion Online, a player-driven sandbox MMO, has launched on Xbox Series X/S, offering full cross-platform integration with PC and mobile players. This release marks a significant addition to the console MMO landscape, featuring a player-controlled economy and a classless system where player abilities are determined by equipped gear. The game's free-to-play model and focus on deep, challenging multiplayer experiences are expected to resonate with the Xbox community.
Horse game klaxon: Palia is adding breedable, rideable horses and they look way more realistic than most MMO mounts
The life simulation MMO Palia is introducing breedable and rideable horses with its upcoming Royal Highlands expansion. These mounts will feature different gaits and handling traits, with a breeding system allowing for unique traits and visual effects. The expansion, launching in May, will also include new horse breeds and celebrate 10 million total players.
RuneScape Dragonwilds releases fishing and RuneScape-esque quests for its first early access birthday
Jagex has released a significant update for its survival sandbox RuneScape Dragonwilds, adding the highly anticipated fishing skill and RuneScape-esque quests. The update also includes new activities, masterwork weapon improvements, and quality-of-life changes such as auto-run toggles and higher rune stack caps.
Palia’s Royal Highlands expansion launches May 12 – and it introduces horses
Palia's Royal Highlands expansion is set to launch on May 12th, introducing a new adventure zone and the highly anticipated addition of horses as mounts. The expansion will be free-to-play and accessible to players who have unlocked gliders, with new harvesting, crafting, and housing content. The game is also celebrating 10 million players with a special in-game event offering free mystery outfits.
CRYPTIC STUDIOS LAUNCHES “QUICK START” EVENT FOR ALL PLAYERS, UNVEILS CONTENT ROADMAPS & NEW PARTNERSHIP
Cryptic Studios has launched a "Quick Start" event across its MMOs, including Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, allowing all players to claim a permanent high-level character to accelerate progress. The studio also revealed 2026 content roadmaps for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, and announced a partnership with Beadle & Grimm's for a Star Trek Games Kickstarter campaign.
Lord of the Rings Online’s Rivendell housing neighborhoods arrive this week
The Rivendell Steadings premium housing neighborhood is set to arrive in The Lord of the Rings Online on April 23rd, following Update 48's release on April 22nd. Former developer Brian Aloisio has also returned to Standing Stone Games. The update introduces new housing options and celebrates the game's 19th anniversary.
Devs for The Division discuss how its first iteration was more MMO and less shooter mechanically
Original developers from Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment discussed the early design of The Division, revealing it initially had World of Warcraft-style MMO gameplay with hotbars. The team shifted focus to a more traditional shooter with RPG elements, emphasizing an 'observe, plan, execute' loop.