MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
Latest coverage
Riot Co-Founder Calls League of Legends MMO the 'Grail' Quest, 5 Years After It Was Announced
Riot Games co-founder Mark Merrill described the studio's long-in-development MMO, based on the League of Legends universe, as its "grail quest." The project was first announced approximately five years ago.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Siege of Mirkwood
This analysis revisits the Siege of Mirkwood expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, which was released in 2009. Despite being smaller in scope than its predecessor, Mines of Moria, it introduced the significant Skirmish system and marked the last expansion before the game went free-to-play. While not widely popular, the expansion's legacy is tied to its innovative systems and narrative connections to subsequent content.
Betawatch: ArcheAge Chronicles plans a network test for next weekend
ArcheAge Chronicles is planning a network test for September 12th, continuing its development journey. The article also rounds up other MMO news, including updates on Guild Wars 3, Farhaven, and Aion 2, alongside a lengthy list of games currently in various stages of testing and development.
Blockchain MMO EVE Frontier adds a new spaceship refueler module and applies changes to various items
The blockchain MMO EVE Frontier has received several updates, including the addition of a new spaceship refueler module called the Blackstart Cell, which allows players to refuel spacecraft in sunlight. The game also introduced a leaderboard feature and made various balance adjustments to items and game mechanics.
MMOs You’ve Never Heard Of: Elegon, Idle Clans, and Interstellar Empires
This article rounds up several lesser-known multiplayer online games, including Elegon, a solo-developed MMORPG focused on exploration and cooperation; Idle Clans, an idle MMO for PC and mobile that has received recent updates; and Interstellar Empires, a 4X strategy browser MMO currently in open beta.
Guild Wars 3 wants to solve every MMO's biggest problem, and might actually pull it off: "No subscription fee…
ArenaNet is aiming to solve the biggest challenge in the MMO space with Guild Wars 3: making the genre more accessible and less like a 'second job.' Studio head Colin Johanson discussed how the game will focus on approachability and depth without a subscription fee, allowing players to engage meaningfully in shorter play sessions and return after breaks without falling behind. This focus on player time and a less demanding relationship with the game aims to attract both veteran MMO players and a new generation.
With wall-running and surprisingly weighty combat, Guild Wars 3 is aiming high: "If we hadn't been making MMOs for 26 years I don't think we could have built this"
Guild Wars 3 is aiming for a more visceral, action-RPG-like combat experience with a new momentum system that allows for wall-running and impactful attacks. Developer ArenaNet is focusing on making the MMO accessible for both new and returning players, with a launch planned for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Guild Wars 3 is a lot smaller scale than Guild Wars 2 because of the new approach to combat and movement: 'You would probably see about 20 players in a large combat scenario'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 will feature a significantly smaller player scale in combat scenarios, capping at around 20 players, compared to Guild Wars 2's large-scale battles. This decision is driven by the new high-fidelity combat and movement systems, which are designed to be more readable and visceral. While cities will remain busy social hubs, the open world will focus on more intimate, meaningful player interactions.
ArenaNet says Guild Wars 3 will make you "fall in love with MMOs." Here's why I think it could
ArenaNet aims to revitalize the MMO genre with Guild Wars 3, focusing on innovative 'Momentum' systems that allow for fluid movement and dynamic combat. Studio head Colin Johansen believes the game will attract both existing Guild Wars fans and new players seeking a fresh experience, potentially making them 'fall in love with MMOs.' The design prioritizes a cleaner UI and more action-oriented gameplay, a departure from traditional MMO mechanics.
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
PvP MMO Profane eyes the second half of September for its next playtest
Insane Studios announced that the next playtest for their PvP MMO Profane is scheduled for the second half of September. This upcoming playtest will feature a new build with the Necrostone armor artifact, a swamp biome, UI improvements, and balance tweaks.
You Can Watch A Cow Play Eve Online Right Now
Fenris Creations, formerly CCP Games, is livestreaming a cow named Valva playing Eve Online from Iceland. The cow, controlled via "cow-proof" buttons, is participating in a mining operation within the Cradle of War expansion. The event has garnered thousands of viewers and aims to unlock community goals.
PSO2 New Genesis brings new gear, a harvest festival quest, and more big Rappy fights this month
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is receiving several updates throughout September, including a harvest festival quest, new gear, and challenging boss fights. Players can expect limited-time events and new missions starting September 2nd.
Dungeon Runners Reborn rogue server goes into open alpha 17 years after the MMO sunsetted
Dungeon Runners Reborn, a rogue server project aiming to revive the defunct MMO Dungeon Runners, has entered an open alpha state 17 years after the original game's sunset. The development team has spent years reverse-engineering the original server backend and is now seeking an official license from NCsoft.
Albion Online knows exactly where your dragons are — they’re in today’s Dragonfire release
Albion Online has released its Dragonfire content update, introducing epic PvE fights against the fire dragon Azaryon within the new Dragon Sanctuary raid dungeon. The update also features sporadic dragon attacks in the open world and the addition of the Ancient Lands, a new area with floating islands.
MMO Week in Review: Gamescom, Asura, and Ascension
Gamescom was the dominant event this week, bringing news for numerous MMOs including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and trailers for Dune Awakening, Sea of Remnants, and Cinder City. Star Citizen's Squadron 42 received another delay into 2027, while Guild Wars 3 revealed its Asura, and Blizzard shut down another World of Warcraft private server. Other news included updates for Throne and Liberty, Ultima Online, and The Division 2, alongside discussions on game design, AI training lawsuits, and the shutdown of the Project Ascension World of Warcraft emulator.
The 19 most exciting video game releases of September 2026
September 2026 is set to be a massive month for video game releases, with over a dozen highly anticipated titles launching across various platforms. The month features new entries in established franchises like Onimusha and Fire Emblem, alongside promising new IPs such as Crimson Moon and Orbitals. Notable releases include Marvel's Wolverine, Dune: Awakening, and the full console launch of Valheim.
One Shots: This gnome does not approve of your life
This week's "One Shots" column features community screenshots from various MMOs, including Istaria, City of Heroes, Fallout 76, Guild Wars 2, and Lord of the Rings Online. The article highlights humorous and interesting in-game moments shared by players.
Guild Wars 2 shares a sizzle reel for Code of Creation’s new raid and convergence rewards
ArenaNet has released a sizzle reel previewing the upcoming Code of Creation update for Guild Wars 2, which includes a new raid and convergence rewards. The update, set to wrap up the Visions of Eternity storyline on September 15th, features new boss encounters and visually striking, necrotic-themed weapons.
I want MMOs to waste our time again
The author argues that modern MMOs like World of Warcraft are too efficient, prioritizing player progression over the sense of wonder and aimless exploration found in older titles like Star Wars Galaxies. While acknowledging the design improvements in current games, the piece highlights the unique magic of incidental encounters and the joy of simply existing in a persistent virtual world.
