December 21: Red 5 Studios Announces Firefall Holiday Sale Is Available

Red 5 Studios Announces Firefall Holiday Sale Is Available:

Red 5 Studios announced Firefall's holiday sale is live. Both current and future players can join the festivities with Founder's Packs discounted 25% and an avalanche of "Wintertide" items added to the game. The Founder's Pack discount and Wintertide items will only be available until Jan 1 as part of the holiday sale.

Continue reading Red 5 Studios Announces Firefall Holiday Sale Is Available.

December 21: Absolute Force Online Open Beta Is Now Live

Absolute Force Online Open Beta Is Now Live:

TQ Digital Entertainment officially began the open beta for its newest addition, Absolute Force Online on the 19th of December, 2012 (PST: 17:00), No activation is required, there is no IP restrictions, and is available worldwide. There have already been announcements regarding bug fixes, new maps, Christmas themed items, and many more features to be available in future updates. TQ Digital welcomes all players to experience the excitement of AFO, and celebrate the Christmas Season with the AFO community.

Continue reading Absolute Force Online Open Beta Is Now Live.

December 21: Champions of Regnum VIP Preview Starts on December 20

Champions of Regnum VIP Preview Starts on December 20:

Champions of Regnum is the latest expansion to the beloved Regnum/Realms Online franchise. The full release of this intense free to play RvR MMORPG is coming soon, but a VIP Preview for existing and former players will start on Dec 20, 2012.

Continue reading Champions of Regnum VIP Preview Starts on December 20.

December 21: Jade Dynasty: Judgment Expansion Live, New Trailer and Screens

Jade Dynasty: Judgment Expansion Live, New Trailer and Screens:

Perfect World is pleased to announce the launch of Jade Dynasty: Judgment, the latest expansion for the popular martial arts MMORPG. With today's release of the Judgment expansion, players can look forward to tons of new content to explore and enjoy, including the brand new Voida faction, item customization features for Espers, and the gigantic Archaia zone.

Continue reading Jade Dynasty: Judgment Expansion Live, New Trailer and Screens.

December 21: Grand Chase: Rebirth Challenges Gamers

Grand Chase: Rebirth Challenges Gamers:

SG Interactive, a leading North American free-to-play massively-multiplayer online (MMO) game publisher, announced the completion of the newest phase of Grand Chase: Rebirth’s epic transformation with a new level 85 experience cap, two new player dungeons and a new addition to the player roster, Lime.

Continue reading Grand Chase: Rebirth Challenges Gamers.

December 21: Digimon Masters Online Holds Up Five Holiday Events

Digimon Masters Online Holds Up Five Holiday Events:

Joymax has rounded up a sleigh full of activities and prizes for Digimon Masters Online. Want to get your gift from Santa before Christmas? Can you discover the culprit behind the theft of Christmas before the holiday is gone forever? Here are the five events starting now for Digimasters!

Continue reading Digimon Masters Online Holds Up Five Holiday Events.

December 21: Learn MMO Market from This Nifty Infographic

Learn MMO Market from This Nifty Infographic:

The intelligent folks over at Newzoo have compiled a relatively brief infographic about the state of the MMO market, from the fact that there are 400,000,000 MMO players world-wide (of whom about 180,000,000 are strictly free-to-play patrons) to the fact that 30% of Australia's paying players are female. Last year, the market was split nearly 50/50 between free-to-play and pay-to-play games, but has since switched to a 53% to 47% advantage for free-to-play. However, China, Japan and Korea markets are not included.

Continue reading Learn MMO Market from This Nifty Infographic.

December 21: General: Tired of Gaming Alone? Rent a Game Friend

General: Tired of Gaming Alone? Rent a Game Friend:

We have received word of a new service geared to the solo MMO player when they run into problems completing a quest or dungeon or are simply lonely. Called "Rent a Game Friend", the site has appeared to give prospective customers a look at the services offered.

December 21: Tamer Saga: Four End of the Year Events Guarantee Fun

Tamer Saga: Four End of the Year Events Guarantee Fun:

Tamer Saga players have a lot to look forward to as 2012 comes to a close. Developers have created a series of four fun events for players to participate in that will run from now through early January.

December 21: General: Webzen Reveals Holiday Plans

General: Webzen Reveals Holiday Plans:

MMO publisher Webzen has sent word about all of the holiday events taking place in its stable of games. Events will run from now through early January in games such as ArchLord, MU Online and Continent of the Ninth Seal.

December 21: Hawken: Pilots Invited to Holiday Battle

Hawken: Pilots Invited to Holiday Battle:

Hawken pilots have a new holiday-themed map to take the fight to with the arrival of Operation Frostburn. The map brings the snow-filled region of Prosk to the game along with holiday-themed skins and more.

December 21: 2112: Revolution: Official Launch Day Arrives

2112: Revolution: Official Launch Day Arrives:

eMobi has announced that its second PC title, 2112 - Revolution, has officially launched. 2112 - Revolution is an MMORTS that combines strategic game play with visceral combat. The launch is currently only in Vietnam but will be making its way across the Pacific in early 2013.

December 21: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria: 5.2 - "The Thunder King is Risen"

World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria: 5.2 - "The Thunder King is Risen":

Blizzard Entertainment has send out the first official image and teaser for World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria's second major update. 5.2 is due to hit the public test realms in early January.

December 21: Continent of the Ninth Seal: C9 Gift Keys!

Continent of the Ninth Seal: C9 Gift Keys!:

Want to enjoy C9 but don't have good items or support? Don't worry we've got the just thing for you. With one item Code you can get free accessory item that gives you extra status! As an Item Code holder, you'll have the chance to get free accessory gift box, which contains are or magic accessory item!

December 21: General: City State Entertainment Teaser...Any Ideas?

General: City State Entertainment Teaser...Any Ideas?:

Mark Jacobs' studio, City State Entertainment, has posted a new teaser video. We don't have any insider information about what it possibly means but figured we'd post it given who it is and as you all what your ideas are! Opine!

December 21: Heroes of Gaia: Oh, The Places You Can Go

Heroes of Gaia: Oh, The Places You Can Go:

Heroes of Gaia is a medieval browser-based MMO that might be one of those games that is worth a first...or second look. We've been playing Heroes of Gaia and have a lot to say about a game with much more to it than might be expected. Check it out and then let us know what you think in the comments.

December 21: Fallen Earth: Farms Now In Live Game

Fallen Earth: Farms Now In Live Game:

Fallen Earth players with a bent for the ol' homestead will want to check into the game now that the v2.6 update has gone live. The update brings the much anticipated farming mechanic into the post apocalyptic game.

December 21: Arcane Legends: Old Jul Festival Begins

Arcane Legends: Old Jul Festival Begins:

Spacetime Studios has announced that the holidays have arrived in Arcane Legends. The Old Jul festival honors ancient heroes and gives players the opportunity to find and slay the Jul festival goblin to score Winter Wonderland gear.

December 21: ArcheAge: Open Beta Character Creation Opens

ArcheAge: Open Beta Character Creation Opens:

The ArcheAge Facebook page has been updated with the news that registered players can now take advantage of the character creation option prior to the open beta start in January. Players will be able to design their character, reserve its name and choose a server.

December 21: Runescape: A Stray in a Manger Holiday Event Announced

Runescape: A Stray in a Manger Holiday Event Announced:

RuneScape devs have announced the 2012 holiday event for players. Called "A Stray in a Manger", the quest arc charges players with assisting Santa' Snow Imp in rounding up stray dogs to help deliver pet presents. After the event concludes, players will be able to adopt one of the strays and earn a special kennel for their effort.

December 21: Mortal Online: New Steam Greenlight Campaign Begins

Mortal Online: New Steam Greenlight Campaign Begins:

Mortal Online is the latest MMO to take advantage of an opportunity to be featured on Valve's Steam platform via the Greenlight program. Players are asked to "vote up" Mortal Online to make it available on the mega-game platform.

December 21: Jagged Alliance Online Gets a Huge New Update | Ten Ton Hammer

Jagged Alliance Online Gets a Huge New Update | Ten Ton Hammer:
Cliffhanger Productions drops a hefty new update for Jagged Alliance Online just in time for the holidays.

December 21: PlanetSide 2 Offers Double XP Through the New Year | Ten Ton Hammer

PlanetSide 2 Offers Double XP Through the New Year | Ten Ton Hammer:
SOE kicks off the holidays with an extended Double XP event for PlanetSide 2 players.

December 21: Maxis: SimCity's always-on DRM for gamers' benefit

Maxis: SimCity's always-on DRM for gamers' benefit:
VP Lucy Bradshaw acknowledges fan concerns, says creating a connected experience has been a day-one goal for the game.
Get the full article at GameSpot

December 21: Ubisoft to buy THQ assets?

Ubisoft to buy THQ assets?:
Sources say French publisher a frontrunner in bid to acquire bankrupt firm's studios and franchises, holding out for "bargain buy."
Get the full article at GameSpot

December 21: Steam for Linux open to all

Steam for Linux open to all:
Valve has invited all interested users to provide feedback on its Steam for Linux beta.
After a limited beta test, Valve has opened up its Steam for Linux testing phase to all users.
Get the full article at GameSpot

December 21: System of a Down frontman writing music for Morning Star

System of a Down frontman writing music for Morning Star:
Serj Tankian contributes entire musical score for Bungie founder's upcoming iOS game Morning Star, due during spring 2012.
Get the full article at GameSpot

December 21: Family Guy Online to shut down next month

Family Guy Online to shut down next month:
Filed under: MMO industry, Free-to-play, Browser

Get your Quahog gaming fix soon because Family Guy Online is not long for this world. The game announced that it will be shutting down next month on January 18th. Family Guy Online is currently in open beta, which means that it will have never officially launched before spinning down.

The game will refund any cash purchases made during the last two months (from October 22nd through December 21st).

If you're curious how this interactive version of the TV animated series performed, you can check out Beau's Rise and Shiny expedition.

December 21: Bylos's bunker life, the End of Days, and other Secret World news

Bylos's bunker life, the End of Days, and other Secret World news:
Filed under: Horror, Real life, Video, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, The Secret World, Humor

Last we heard from Joel Bylos, creative director for The Secret World, he had locked himself away in his bunker and hunkered down for the end of the world. But don't think that means we've seen the last of him! In fact, Bylos continued his end of days video log from within that fortified haven. How well did he actually cope being sequestered away from the world with only Zoe, the two-dimensional bunker-mate? Watch and see for yourself in the final video after the break.

In other news, Bylos also hosted a livestream party today in London's Crusades nightclub and answered questions from fans. We scooped up a few bits of news amid the din of revelers. First, the dev team is currently working on Black Ops, special dynamic PvP events that occur out in the world. In relation to that, Bylos revealed that there won't be multi-faction cabals because the team will be stepping up factional conflict; one way they will do this is by adding PvP XP. Outside of PvP, puzzle raids are also in the works for groups of players to solve together.

Next, according to Bylos, folks are "guaranteed to see Venice before Tokyo, but it is not a new zone." In response to queries about player housing, Bylos answered that the team has to see where it falls on the list of priorities after things settle down with the new payment model.

And last but not least, the special End of Days events will run through January 7th. So hop on in and enjoy a world overrun by Mayan zombies!
Continue reading Bylos's bunker life, the End of Days, and other Secret World news

December 21: SMITE issues doomsday patch with Mayan god

SMITE issues doomsday patch with Mayan god:
Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Patches, Free-to-play, MOBA

Everyone's hopping on board the (non-existent) apocalypse bandwagon, and SMITE may have the edge on irony. Today the MOBA has expanded to include the Mayan god Xbalanque as well as a host of new features and additions. These changes include special holiday skins, a jousting map and 1v1 queue, a themed "match of the day," changes to the conquest map, and an improved item store.

Hi-Rez Studios is participating in a 24-hour "post-apocalyptic" livestream charity event for Child's Play tomorrow, and our very own Patrick will be joining them to cover it.

Check out Xbalanque's reveal video after the jump, if only to figure out how to pronounce his name!

[Source: Hi-Rez press release]
Continue reading SMITE issues doomsday patch with Mayan god

December 21: RuneScape offers limited-time Premier Club memberships

RuneScape offers limited-time Premier Club memberships:
Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, RuneScape, Free-to-play, Promotions

2013 is just around the corner, and RuneScape has big plans for the year, including another huge update and plenty of new content. To make sure that no one misses out on the updates, Jagex is introducing a special set of membership packages for a limited time. Called the Premier Club, these memberships come in tiers -- bronze, silver, and gold.

Each tier grants special bonuses and benefits; some bonuses include a 10% store discount, RuneCoins, beta access, and armor. The gold package also grants all 2012 promotional items. The bronze package gives three months of membership for $21.95, the silver is six months for $39.95, and the gold lasts 12 months and costs $74.95.

If you want to get your hands on one of these packages, you'll have to act fast. Players must subscribe to RuneScape between December 20, 2012 and January 31, 2013 in order to take advantage of this offer. For more details, check out the official FAQ.

December 21: Xsyon architecture contest runs through January 13

Xsyon architecture contest runs through January 13:
Filed under: Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Housing

It's been nine months since Xsyon's last architecture contest, and Notorious Games has kicked off a new competition to recognize the most creative tribes in the post-apocalyptic sandbox title. Submissions will be judged on originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification. The contest also features two sections, one for small tribes (one to five active members) and one for large tribes (six or more actives).

Submissions will be accepted through January 13th, and you can see some of the competition (and get a few ideas) via the video after the break.

December 21: Von Bach Industries website offers Defiance beta signups, lore

Von Bach Industries website offers Defiance beta signups, lore:
Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Video, Lore, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Defiance

Trion has taken the wraps off a new promotional website for Defiance. The site is an in-character affair festooned with videos, lore, and of course a beta signup form for the upcoming MMO shooter. Testing starts in just over 28 days and the company says spots are limited.

The website is the home of Von Bach Industries, a corporation responsible for harnessing EGO technology in the world of Defiance. The tech, which was "brought to earth by Votans and brought to life by Von Bach Industries," serves as a lore-appropriate explanation for the game's user interface. In other words, it's "a symbiotic neuro-muscular bionetic implant [that] alters its host at the genetic level, providing encyclopaedic heads-up intelligence while simultaneously unlocking and managing corporeal-maximization, or EGO Powers."
Continue reading Von Bach Industries website offers Defiance beta signups, lore

December 21: Entropia lays out a roadmap for development in 2013

Entropia lays out a roadmap for development in 2013:
Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play

Did you know that Entropia Universe will be 10 years old next year? Possibly not, but if you did, you probably also know how much the team at MindArk has done to improve the game over the past year. That team is looking to make 2013 even better, and to that end they've put out a roadmap for 2013's development.

Aside from the obvious anniversary celebration, the developers are hard at work fixing up areas for veteran players, trying to improve the return on several activities and making the game easier to get started with. There are also plans for new server infrastructure and an entirely new taming system, both of which should make existing players happier with the game as a whole.

Beyond even that, the team has plans for shoring up the game's financial transactions in several ways. New functionality with PayPal and improved starter packs are in the works. Players can also expect to see a full rollout of the Calypso Land Deed system and accompanying political mechanics within the next year. So here's to a decade of development, and let's hope the team can manage another one.

December 21: DUST 514's latest build lets you bring the pain from EVE Online allies

DUST 514's latest build lets you bring the pain from EVE Online allies:
Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, MMOFPS, DUST 514

If you've been waiting for DUST 514 to show off its integration with EVE Online, your wait is over. Now when you're in the midst of pitched fighting for an area, you don't have to wade through enemy fire and struggle against overwhelming odds. No, you can just call in your allies from outer space, bring down an orbital bombardment in the area, and take possession of whatever survived the initial blast. That's the big takeaway from the game's new build, Chromosome, and it's one that's very welcome.

Admittedly the orbital bombardments are currently limited to players on the test server, but seeing as the game is still in beta that's rather appropriate. The latest development blog discussing the update also mentions that this will be the last major push before open beta, and while it's not as flashy as destroying your foes from orbit, there have been a number of bug fixes and improvements. So there's a lot to like in this update, but the best thing is raining death on your enemies with arsenals from the heavens. At least, it's the best thing until the other side has better friends.

December 21: Age of Wushu kicks off second closed beta

Age of Wushu kicks off second closed beta:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Historical, Free-to-play, Sandbox, Age of Wushu

Have a hankering for an ancient Chinese holiday gift? Age of Wushu is dropping a lovely sandbox down some of your chimneys, as the title has just started its second closed beta test. Snail Games said that pre-purchased players will receive the benefits from their elite and deluxe versions of the game shortly after logging in.

If you're interested in giving it a whirl without pre-purchasing, all you need to do is register for a limited trial. Trial players get 10 hours of game time with an additional hour per day after that.

For Massively's look at this title, definitely check out Patrick's hands-on with the title and MJ's livestream tonight!

December 21: GBE Games and Aurora Interactive bringing The Aurora World stateside

GBE Games and Aurora Interactive bringing The Aurora World stateside:
Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, New titles, News items

A new challenger has appeared in the fantasy MMO arena today in the form of GBE Games and Aurora Interactive's newly announced import, The Aurora World. This is the first we've heard of The Aurora World (though it apparently already has a following in China and Korea), so we don't have a ton in the way of information at the moment. We do, however, have some preliminary details and an announcement trailer.

The game's press release, which announces that the game is aiming for an "early 2013" launch, claims that the game will boast eight different professions "with their own unique specializations and master system," plus "an extensive PvE experience with entertaining daily quests, events and crafting" and "a robust PvP system" including 300-player nation wars, clan wars, and a "coliseum mode." There's also mention of "a unique hybrid pet/mount system known as Majinns," though all we know about that is that it exists. If you want to know more about this up-and-coming title, be sure to check out the trailer after the cut and check out the game's official site for some nifty screenshots and a mailing list for further updates.

[Source: GBE Games press release]

Continue reading GBE Games and Aurora Interactive bringing The Aurora World stateside

December 21: Star Wars: The Old Republic, a cautionary tale of breaking into MMOs

Star Wars: The Old Republic, a cautionary tale of breaking into MMOs:
Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Anniversary

From a player's perspective, Star Wars: The Old Republic exceeded expectations on its launch one year ago today. Fans really took to the story content, reporting that the story content was the most fun they'd had leveling in any MMO up to that point. Things were looking great. The designers were obviously proud, and sales neared the two million mark, surpassing all previous MMOs for box sales at launch. Even before the official launch of the game, BioWare had to add new servers because of the number of people in early access. The day before the official launch, some queue times were over two hours, and at that time, there were 140 servers. Life was insane at BioWare to say the least.
Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic, a cautionary tale of breaking into MMOs

December 21: Jake Song: 'We're working on the English version' of ArcheAge

Jake Song: 'We're working on the English version' of ArcheAge:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, ArcheAge, Sandbox

Last summer XLGAMES COO Suk Woo Choi told Massively in no uncertain terms that the firm was "definitely going to service ArcheAge in Europe and America." He didn't know the details at the time, though, and XL has been completely silent on the matter of localization since.

Yesterday company founder and ArcheAge creator Jake Song took to Twitter to reassure fans that a western version of the game is still cooking. "OBT [open beta test] will be in Korean only," Song wrote. "We're working on the English version."

While there are no dates involved, it's more confirmation that western sandbox fans will indeed be getting their hands on ArcheAge at some point.

December 21: 70% of DCUO's revenue on PlayStation 3, Smedley mum on PlanetSide 2 console port [Updated]

70% of DCUO's revenue on PlayStation 3, Smedley mum on PlanetSide 2 console port [Updated]:
Filed under: Super-hero, Business models, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Consoles, MMOFPS, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, PlanetSide 2

Would you believe that 70% of DC Universe Online's revenue comes from the PlayStation 3 version of the game? According to the UK version of the official PlayStation magazine, the superhero title and Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms could possibly be joined on the PS3 by PlanetSide 2 in the future.

When asked directly about the possibility of the new sci-fi MMOFPS showing up on a console, SOE president John Smedley offered an artful deflection. "What I'd say is -- SOE has proven that we can bring our games to the PS3, and it's fair to say that we've got some other stuff out there cooking. I can't tell you what platforms it's for, but we're really excited about it."

[Update: We have corrected the 70% figure quoted directly from PlayStation magazine. According to SOE, Smedley intended to say that the percentage refers to DCUO's revenue, not SOE's revenue as a whole.]

December 21: The Secret World Issue #5 is live

The Secret World Issue #5 is live:
Filed under: Horror, Real life, Video, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, Patches, Free-to-play, The Secret World

With the end of the world hitting the planet on Friday, The Secret World's fifth monthly update could obviously only be enjoyed if it hit servers before then, right? So good news -- Issue #5 is live right now! So you can right hop in and help one of Solomon Island's denizens avoid meeting her end with bad hair and find out what really happened to Tyler Freeborn.

Along with the usual assortment of new missions and investigations, this update adds a third auxiliary weapon (the quantum bracers), allows players to assign inventory items to hotkeys, opens a new nightclub in London, and makes all investigation missions repeatable. Want to see what's in store come Friday when the End of Days special event starts? Get a glimpse of the Harbingers themselves in the Issue #5 preview video after the cut.
Continue reading The Secret World Issue #5 is live

December 21: The Million Slots takes top spot among emerging Facebook games

The Million Slots takes top spot among emerging Facebook games:
Newcomer The Million Slots (which launched less than two weeks ago) is our top emerging game this week with 30,000 monthly active users, a 60 percent gain.

December 21: Guest Post: Punch Quest – Optimizing UI Flow for IAP

Guest Post: Punch Quest – Optimizing UI Flow for IAP:

Editors note: The following guest post was written by Ethan Levy, co-founder of Quarter Spiral a new game publishing startup, and uses the game Punch Quest as a case study on how one can streamline a title’s UI in order to make in-app purchases a more common experience. Levy is a 10-year veteran of the video games industry, having recently worked at BioWare’s San Francisco studio as producer for Dragon Age Legends.

December 21: Doctor Who expands onto Kongregate, Newgrounds and Armor Games

Doctor Who expands onto Kongregate, Newgrounds and Armor Games:
BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games today announced Doctor Who: Worlds In Time is coming to three new platforms: Kongregate, Newgrounds, and Armor Games. Not on the list? Facebook.

December 21: Diamond Dash takes over this week’s list of fastest-growing Facebook games by DAU

Diamond Dash takes over this week’s list of fastest-growing Facebook games by DAU:
Wooga’s Diamond Dash proved to be the fastest-growing Facebook game by daily active users this week, bringing in 300,000 DAU for a 9 percent gain.

December 21: Storm8 expanding its social mobile casino lineup with Bingo!

Storm8 expanding its social mobile casino lineup with Bingo!:
Mobile social game developer Storm8 is about to launch Bingo!, its newest social casino game under the its Shark Party brand.

December 21: Green Throttle Games announces new developer program and game portal

Green Throttle Games announces new developer program and game portal:
Game publisher Green Throttle Games today announced its new developer program and game platform, both of which are designed to help developers access users on Android tablets and smartphones.