MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
Latest coverage
MMO-inspired ‘MODA’ Fellowship dishes on dynamic loot and its stance on bugs and exploits
Chief Rebel developers provided an update on their MMO-inspired game, Fellowship, detailing changes to its loot system and their stance on bugs and exploits. The new loot system aims to increase variance and excitement without endless grinding, while the developers will not punish players for unintended bugs but will for modding or altering the game's behavior.
Is a blizzardy Skyrim return persuading me to retry Elder Scrolls Online? Not really, but naval combat and underwater exploration might
Zenimax has revealed upcoming content for The Elder Scrolls Online, including naval combat and underwater exploration planned for 2026. New Thieves Guild and Sheogorath-themed quests are set to arrive in summer 2025, following a 'season zero' event in April. The developer also teased a return to a blizzardy Skyrim-like zone for early 2027.
EVE Frontier Launches Limited Free Access Until April 13
CCP Games is offering a limited-time free access period for its space survival game EVE Frontier until April 13. This trial allows players to experience the game, including the new Cycle 5: Shroud of Fear update which introduces player-driven clone production and persistent Orbital Zones, without needing Founder Access. Progression is tracked via in-game currency 'Grace', but retaining it post-cycle requires Founder Access.
Evening Interviews
Daybreak Game Company is exploring strategies to attract new players to its 27-year-old MMO, EverQuest, by drawing parallels to the appeal of older console generations. Separately, ProbablyMonsters is focusing on developing single-player AA games with a unique style.
The Division Resurgence review - the slickest mobile shooter of the year | Pocket Tactics
Ubisoft's The Division Resurgence offers a slick mobile looter shooter experience, shifting the series to an MMO-style action format for iOS and Android devices. The game successfully brings the franchise's core mechanics to mobile platforms.
Choose My Adventure: Where Winds Meet ends as intriguingly and confusingly as it started
This article expresses confusion and mixed feelings about the game Where Winds Meet, highlighting its beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and massive world, but criticizing its convoluted story, inconsistent tone, and poorly implemented progression systems. The author suspects machine translation issues and a generally confusing user interface contribute to the game's shortcomings, leaving them unsure if further exploration is warranted despite its potential.
Larian publishing boss takes some spicy swipes at Crimson Desert, calling it a 'cynical amalgamation of borrowed mechanics'—but I think he might be the cynical one this time
Larian Studios' publishing director Michael Douse criticized Crimson Desert as a 'cynical amalgamation of borrowed mechanics.' The author argues this assessment is unfair, drawing parallels to Baldur's Gate 3's use of existing systems and highlighting Crimson Desert's MMO origins and ambitious scope as reasons for its appeal.
Ragnarok Online Landverse Closure Set for June 1; Ronin Version to Continue
Ragnarok Online Landverse Global, a web3 MMO on the BNB Chain, will shut down its servers on June 1, 2026, with in-game purchases ending April 1. The Ronin-based version, Ragnarok Landverse: Genesis, will continue unaffected. No details have been provided regarding asset migration or refunds for players.
Myth of Empires Throne Announced
Celestial Star Studios announced it has secured global publishing rights for Myth of Empires: Throne, a standalone free-to-play seasonal MMO war sandbox developed by Imperium Interactive Entertainment and Angela Game. The game will launch in mid-April with cross-platform play available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and its official launcher, featuring a new seasonal gameplay structure focused on faction progression and large-scale warfare.
Cozy MMO Spirit Crossing talks about the ‘elephant in the room’ of monetization
Spry Fox is addressing concerns about the monetization strategy for their upcoming cozy MMO, Spirit Crossing. While the studio's natural tendency is to under-monetize, they acknowledge the need for revenue to cover server costs and salaries, especially after Netflix is no longer backing the title. The current plan includes an upfront purchase price and optional purchases for cosmetic items and perks.
Corepunk Q&A discusses recent layoffs, future updates, and challenges with funding and perception
Corepunk developer Artificial Core addressed recent layoffs, attributing them to temporary funding interruptions that are expected to be resolved within a couple of months. The studio also discussed challenges with public perception since the game's announcement and outlined future update plans, including a new raid dungeon, a potential new class, guilds, expanded open-world content, and more map expansions, though specific timelines for these updates are not yet available.
Spirit Crossing shares updates coming to its equipment progression in the next open alpha patch
Developer Spry Fox is updating the equipment progression system in its upcoming MMO, Spirit Crossing, for the next open alpha patch. The system will shift from simple enhancements to four tiers of improvement, requiring players to earn expertise with tools before upgrading them at a forge. Most player tools will revert to their basic version upon the update's release, with scrub brushes and fishing rods being exceptions due to balancing needs.
The MOP Up: Fortnite becomes Game of Thrones’ biggest fanboy
Fortnite is launching a Game of Thrones crossover event, featuring new ice areas and skins for Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and the Night King. The article also rounds up other smaller MMO news, including updates for Diablo IV, DC Universe Online, Crossout, and Wartales, alongside announcements from Ankama and clarifications regarding Stardew Valley leaks.
One Shots: Presenting Sir Flufferbottom of Little Delving
This week's 'One Shots' column features community screenshots from various MMOs, including Lord of the Rings Online, World of Warcraft Classic, Monster Hunter Wilds, Marvel Heroes, and World of Warcraft: Midnight. Players shared humorous and impressive in-game moments, highlighting character outfits and scenic environments.
Discussion: Is it okay for an MMO expansion's launch to be buggy?
This article discusses whether it's acceptable for MMO expansions to launch with bugs, acknowledging the complexity of these games and the frustration players feel, especially when paying a subscription. While the author expresses sympathy for developers, they also highlight how bugs can negatively impact player progression and the overall launch experience.
Wyldheart brings tabletop DnD vibes but plays like a ‘co-op Elder Scrolls meets private server WoW,’ devs say
Wayfinder Studios has announced its debut game, Wyldheart, described as a cooperative sandbox RPG that blends tabletop Dungeons & Dragons vibes with elements of The Elder Scrolls and World of Warcraft. Founded by industry veterans, the game emphasizes player freedom, extensive character customization, and flexible co-op play for up to four players, with campaigns supporting up to twenty character slots. Wyldheart is planned for an early access PC launch, with console releases to follow.
MMO Jukebox Song of the Week: ‘Nightclub District’ from Marvel Heroes
This article highlights 'Nightclub District' from the MMO Marvel Heroes as the Jukebox Song of the Week. The author expresses delight in rediscovering the game's music, particularly this nightclub-themed track, and invites readers to share their favorite MMO music.
‘Slower combat, longer battles’ becomes the focus of sandbox MMO Profane
The sandbox MMO Profane is implementing significant combat adjustments to slow down battles and increase strategic depth. Developers aim to reduce combat explosiveness, improve reaction times, and provide clearer on-screen feedback. Future updates will also introduce features like offhand shields and dual wielding.
A Game-Changing Monetization Experience?! Ragnarok Origin Classic Is Set to Revolutionize the MMO Market in the Philippines This Time
Ragnarok Origin Classic has announced a significant update removing all paid in-game content that affects numerical growth, retaining only a limited Monthly Pass. This change aims to eliminate pay-to-win disparities and refocus on core MMO elements like exploration and teamwork. The game also features unified attributes for cosmetic items and offers generous free rewards, challenging traditional monetization practices in the Southeast Asian MMO market.
Massively Overthinking: Should gamers shut up about MMOs they don’t play?
Former Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan stated that gamers should refrain from commenting on games they have not played, a sentiment echoed by some and debated by others. While some agree that uninformed criticism is detrimental, others argue that feedback from non-players can still be valuable for game development and community discourse.