MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
Latest coverage
Fractured Conquest recaps a successful crafting and gathering-centered playtest
Happy Cauldron Games reported a successful closed playtest for their PvP warfare MMO, Fractured Conquest. The test focused on crafting and gathering mechanics, with players challenged to collect and contribute items to their faction's stockpile. The studio identified areas for improvement and plans a future test centered on combat.
MMOs are better if classes are imbalanced—you just need to do it on purpose
This article argues that intentional class imbalance can improve the player experience in MMOs, fostering unique contributions and community interaction. While perfect balance aims for efficiency, it can lead to homogenization, making individual roles feel less special. The author suggests that embracing intentional imbalances, as seen in older MMOs, can create more engaging and memorable gameplay experiences.
EVE Fanfest 2026: EVE Vanguard opens Steam signups for Operation Avalon alpha test
EVE Vanguard, a new first-person shooter from Fenris Creations, has opened signups for its Operation Avalon alpha test on Steam, running from July 7th to 20th. This alpha will showcase the game's lore and core extraction shooter gameplay loop, with plans for future integration with the sci-fi MMO EVE Online.
I’m waiting days between attempts to catch one fish in Final Fantasy 14 before it disappears for months, so don’t let anyone tell you raids are the ‘hardcore’ challenge
This article argues that the fishing challenges in Final Fantasy 14, particularly the rare fish with strict spawn windows, represent a 'hardcore' endgame activity comparable to raids. The author details the frustration of waiting for specific environmental conditions and limited time slots to catch elusive fish like the Purse of Riches, highlighting the dedication required for achievement hunting in the MMO.
EVE Fanfest 2026: EVE Online’s Cradle of War expansion sets the universe on fire June 9th
CCP Games announced the upcoming Cradle of War expansion for EVE Online at EVE Fanfest 2026, launching June 9th. The expansion introduces Military Campaigns allowing players to contribute to NPC faction wars through various roles, new ships including Tech 2 Command Carriers and Navy Destroyers, and finally adds achievements and titles to the game. This update aims to provide new ways for players to engage with conflicts and reshape the game world.
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead told BioWare bosses "I hate massive multiplayer games" before agreeing to run the MMO and becoming a "highly paid, completely useless person"
James Ohlen, a lead developer at BioWare, revealed he disliked massively multiplayer online games but was tasked with directing Star Wars: The Old Republic. He previously worked on other BioWare titles like Baldur's Gate and Mass Effect.
Prepare for EVE Online's Next Expansion, Cradle of War
EVE Online's next expansion, Cradle of War, is set to launch on June 9, introducing the Military Campaign system as part of the three-part Theatres of War saga. This expansion will also feature new ships, a non-PvP starter system for new players, and Epic Arc Missions. The Military Campaign system allows players to influence the ongoing empire warfare, with the future of the conflict determined by their actions.
Star Wars: The Old Republic's original director hadn't played a single MMO before launching its development studio: 'How the hell did they trust me with this much money?'
James Ohlen, the original director of BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic, revealed he had no prior MMO experience when development began. He discussed regrets about the game's launch content and a denied proposal to rename it Star Wars: The New Republic.
Star Citizen alpha 4.8 Tactical Strike includes a group mission, DefenseCon free-fly, and ship insurance updates
Star Citizen has launched its alpha 4.8 update, titled Tactical Strike, introducing a new PvE group mission, the DefenseCon free-fly event, and significant updates to ship insurance mechanics. The new insurance system offers a free, slower claim option and a faster, paid option that saves custom loadouts, alongside a "bricking" function to combat item duplication. This update also includes a full server wipe and new in-game features like player-managed refueling and rearming.
Amazon hurled its Lord of the Rings MMO back into the fires of Mount Doom
Amazon has reportedly halted development on its new Lord of the Rings MMO. While the specific game is canceled, Amazon is still working on other games set in the Middle-earth universe.
It seems Amazon canned the Lord of the Rings MMO while somehow simultaneously working on a different LOTR game
Amazon has reportedly canceled its in-development The Lord of the Rings MMO, with layoffs impacting the project. Despite this, Amazon Games is still collaborating with Embracer's Middle-earth Enterprises on a different Lord of the Rings game, with head of games Jeff Grattis expressing excitement for the IP.
Mini MMO Palia sees Steam concurrency soar post-expansion, teases ‘Sunkissed Summer’ features
The mini-MMO Palia has seen a surge in Steam concurrency, reaching over 24,000 players following the launch of its Royal Highlands expansion. Developer Singularity 6 has also teased upcoming 'Sunkissed Summer' content, including new furniture, collectibles, gameplay features, and romance options for characters like Sifuu and Eshelon.
'It nearly killed me': Why studio head James Ohlen left sci-fi RPG Exodus mid-development—and why EA crushing his Star Wars: The Old Republic reboot was the 'beginning of the end' at BioWare
James Ohlen, a veteran designer behind Baldur's Gate 2 and Knights of the Old Republic, discusses his departure from Archetype Entertainment's RPG Exodus, citing the immense pressure of studio leadership. He also reflects on his time at BioWare, detailing how EA's rejection of his Star Wars: The New Republic reboot plan marked the 'beginning of the end' for his career there.
Casually Classic: Should Blizzard roll out WoW Classic’s Titan Reforged ruleset to the west?
This opinion piece discusses Blizzard Entertainment's China-only "Titan Reforged" World of Warcraft Classic server ruleset, which bundles the base game and first two expansions with Wrath of the Lich King class builds and scaled raid content. The author questions whether this "raid rush" MMO experience, which proved popular in China, should be brought to western audiences, ultimately concluding it would dilute the community and compete with the upcoming "Classic Plus" offering.
Rumor Mill
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its upcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO. While the project has been shelved, the company stated it is still exploring new game experiences set in Middle-earth.
Amazon Reportedly Cancelled The Lord of the Rings MMO, But "Remain Excited About The IP"
Amazon Games has reportedly cancelled its upcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO, which was announced in 2023. Despite the cancellation, the company stated it remains excited about the intellectual property and is exploring new game experiences. This news follows significant layoffs at Amazon in October 2025 that impacted various projects.
Spirit Crossing’s Big Housing Update lets players fully customize an entire house and earn prestige
The latest patch for the MMO Spirit Crossing, version 15.0, introduces significant housing updates allowing players to fully customize mountain valley instances. Players can expand houses, add new rooms, and decorate interiors and exteriors, with a new prestige system to increase decor limits. The update also includes other quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes.
Lord Of The Rings MMO cancelled as Amazon explores ‘new game experience’
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, which had been in development in various forms since 2019. While the MMO is scrapped, Amazon Games head Jeff Grattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within Tolkien's world. This cancellation follows significant layoffs within Amazon's games division and the upcoming shutdown of their MMO New World.
Amazon reportedly cancels Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources indicating the decision followed layoffs in its Games division. While not confirming the cancellation, Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within the franchise. Layoffs impacted teams working on both the Lord of the Rings MMO and the New World game.
Report: Amazon cancels The Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon Games has reportedly canceled its announced Lord of the Rings MMO, though general manager Jeffrey Gattis stated the team is exploring a new game experience for the IP. The MMO, a collaboration with Embracer, faced development challenges including layoffs and a broader strategic shift within Amazon's gaming division. Amazon Games has also recently seen other projects canceled or studios acquired.
