MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
Latest coverage
Pantheon Rise of the Fallen’s Q&A continues with answers about monetization, scope, and AI tools
Visionary Realms provided further details on Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen's development, addressing monetization, scope, and AI tools. The game will retain a purchase-once-and-play model during Early Access, with no plans to scale back the world's scope, though some less central areas may be deferred. While AI may be used for repetitive tasks, the company is not interested in AI-generated artwork.
Allods Online opens the Oasis of Yolicztl region in its most recent update
Allods Online has released a new update introducing the Oasis of Yolicztl region, a new island featuring sand and jungle environments, ancient ruins, and ambrosia crystals. Players will encounter new threats like hyena riders and sand worms, explore a temple, and can engage in activities such as strengthening heroes, piecing together clues, and earning a special item that transforms characters into a statue.
Casually Classic: The good, the bad, and the pretty of the Skyborne
The inclusion of the new Skyborne race in World of Warcraft Classic is a divisive topic, with some seeing it as a bold strategic move by Blizzard to signal a departure from the 'no changes' philosophy and others criticizing its aesthetic and lore disconnect. While the race's design may be jarring to some long-time fans, its potential as a revenue stream through optional purchases and its appeal to players seeking new content could lead to broader acceptance.
ArenaNet solves an ongoing Guild Wars 2 issue by ditching paid Living World add-ons and bundling them with expansions
ArenaNet is changing how Guild Wars 2's Living World seasonal content is sold, now bundling narrative add-ons with major expansions instead of selling them separately. This move aims to make it easier for new and returning players to access the full story without additional purchases. The company also mentioned Guild Wars 3 and a renaissance for the original Guild Wars series.
One MMO player spent 6,572 hours setting a new world record – which is about 30% of the last 4 waking years
An Old School RuneScape player named Coxie has set a new world record by collecting all 71 in-game pets in 6,572 hours, which is approximately 30% of their waking hours over the past three years. Jagex, the game's developer, verified the achievement, noting that Coxie's time is significantly faster than the second-place record.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 583: I’ve got my Aion 2 of you
The Massively OP Podcast episode 583 covers various MMO topics including Halloween events, the launch of Aion 2, World of Warcraft Forever's promotional efforts and level cap, and the return of Throne and Liberty to NCSoft. The episode also features an MMO Spotlight on The Secret World.
Profane promises combat updates, meteors, and the return of a pre-alpha world boss in the next two months
The PvP sandbox MMO Profane is set to receive several updates over the next two months, including smoother combat animations, skills, and interactions. Players can also expect new features like seeing neighboring islands, random Moonshard Meteors that bring secrets, and the return of the pre-alpha world boss Con Rit.
Why alts are part of World of Warcraft: Forever's core progression plans
Blizzard Entertainment is encouraging players to create multiple characters, or 'alts,' in World of Warcraft: Forever by implementing incentives tied to its Legacy System. This system awards points for major accomplishments, which can be used to unlock quality-of-life improvements. The developers aim to make the game more accessible for new players and to ensure players experience all the new content being added.
The MOP Up: A RuneScape animated show is in the works
Jagex is developing a RuneScape animated series in partnership with creator Charlie White and Lyrical Media. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Sea of Thieves, MapleStory Classic World, and Riders Republic, as well as a new client for The Elder Scrolls Online on Apple Silicon and a delay for Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5.
One Shots: To space and beyond!
This week's "One Shots" feature showcases community screenshots from various MMOs, including No Man's Sky, Fallout 76, Palia, Path of Exile 2, and Sword of Justice. Players shared their in-game creations and scenic views, with Acme Boosters Corp mentioned in a humorous opening.
WoW: Forever, by casting off modern convenience, has horseshoed back around to being casual friendly again
This article argues that World of Warcraft: Forever, despite its initial appearance as an antidote to modern MMO convenience, is actually very casual-friendly. It contrasts the game's slower, more deliberate pace with the overwhelming nature of seasonal structures in retail World of Warcraft, suggesting that the older design offers a more relaxing experience for players with limited time.
Tree of Savior releases a smoke-swinging Officiant class and revamps its archaeology gameplay
Tree of Savior has introduced a new AOE caster class called the Officiant, which utilizes an incense burner and smoke to create ritual zones and control enemies. Alongside this new class, the game has received a significant rework of its high-level archaeology system, introducing a new loop called Forgotten Relics.
Blue Protocol Star Resonance celebrates its first anniversary with a new season and events today
Blue Protocol Star Resonance is celebrating its first anniversary with the release of Season 4: Lightchase Oath. This update introduces new in-game events, limited-time rewards, minigames, maps, story content, character system upgrades, and new dungeons. Additionally, a cross-media collaboration with the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has been announced.
MMO Jukebox Song of the Week: ‘Give It Your Pest Shot’ from RuneScape
This article highlights 'Give It Your Pest Shot,' a track from the RuneScape soundtrack, as the MMO Jukebox Song of the Week. It praises RuneScape's expansive and diverse OST, noting its memorable music and often pun-filled track titles.
World of Warcraft: Forever patch notes leave fans asking Blizzard "why" and hoping for more class adjustments
A new patch for the World of Warcraft: Forever Beta has introduced changes to looting behavior and class adjustments, but has been met with community backlash. Players are questioning the purpose of reintroducing classic looting mechanics and are dissatisfied with the lack of meaningful class updates, particularly for Rogues and casters.
New World of Warcraft: Forever dungeon commits one of the MMO's biggest no-nos
The new City of Dalaran dungeon in World of Warcraft: Forever is causing controversy by allowing Horde players to access the Alliance-controlled city. This is achieved through a specific quest chain and item, though players note limitations on NPC services. The inclusion has sparked debate among players regarding lore consistency and whether it is a bug or intended feature.
MMO Business Roundup: Xbox is ‘back to growth,’ Kotick is on the Skydance board, and Aion 2 misses projections
Xbox is reportedly returning to growth, according to Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, the company formed from the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger. NCsoft's earnings forecast was lowered due to Aion 2's performance, while Necesse developer Fair Games was acquired by Fireshine Games. Additionally, Gardens Interactive, a studio founded by former Journey and Sky: Children of the Light developers, secured $35 million in Series B funding.
Blizzard explains its philosophy for 'Classic Plus' — The WoW: Forever team on the design pillars it uses to 'stay true to the core design, pacing, and tone of the original game'
Blizzard Entertainment has outlined its four core design pillars for World of Warcraft: Forever's 'Classic Plus' experience, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the original game's design, pacing, and tone while incorporating modern visuals and engine updates. The studio aims to balance nostalgia with sustainability, ensuring the game feels familiar yet visually appealing for a 2026 release.
Dungeons and Dragons Online unleashes its Night Revels event, adds cantrips, and makes sweeping enhancement tree changes
Dungeons and Dragons Online has released Update 81.4, bringing back the Night Revels in-game event with new rewards and higher challenge levels. The update also introduces cantrips for certain classes, providing a basic DPS tool and spell point regeneration. Significant balance changes have been made to damage reduction, enhancement trees, two-handed weapon attacks, magic masteries, and the Reaper challenge difficulty mode.
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: World of Warcraft: Forever
The latest issue of PC Gamer magazine features exclusive hands-on access to World of Warcraft: Forever, Blizzard's new evolution of classic WoW, and interviews with its developers, suggesting a new golden age for MMOs. The issue also includes previews of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and other upcoming games, reviews of titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker, and features on PC hardware, game diaries, and industry discussions.
