https://massivelyop.com MMORPG news and opinions Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:39:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436830 As it heads toward early access later this year, the freedom-happy medieval fantasy MMO Past Fate is keeping things spicy with both increased promotion and new patches in the closed alpha. In fact, Patch 0.4.3 released last week with improvements to the early game and the brand-new Blackfang Keep open-world dungeon. “Early zones have had […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/world-of-warcrafts-ion-hazzikostas-discusses-mythic-keystones-reputation-and-communication/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/world-of-warcrafts-ion-hazzikostas-discusses-mythic-keystones-reputation-and-communication/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437403 After today’s surprise unpleasantness with the latest Activision-Blizzard financial report, it might be a touch surprising to see World of Warcraft’s game director Ion Hazzikostas running a friendly Q&A with handpicked influencers and fan creators. But it happened, and Wowhead has a summary of the interview available now. Hazzikostas stresses to the group that Blizzard […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/world-of-warcrafts-ion-hazzikostas-discusses-mythic-keystones-reputation-and-communication/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/zenith-shares-video-previews-of-skyward-summits-player-housing-and-more-cyber-ninja-gameplay/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/zenith-shares-video-previews-of-skyward-summits-player-housing-and-more-cyber-ninja-gameplay/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437138 The upcoming Skyward Summit update headed to Zenith at some point or another isn’t just about the Cyber Ninja class or the introduction of PvP; it’s also bringing some player housing features, which were previewed in one of the game’s latest videos. The housing system appears to be set in a personal instance while still […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/zenith-shares-video-previews-of-skyward-summits-player-housing-and-more-cyber-ninja-gameplay/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/albion-online-previews-knightfalls-content-and-quality-of-life-perks/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/albion-online-previews-knightfalls-content-and-quality-of-life-perks/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:00:26 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437307 The Albion Online comfy chair welcomes you back to another video with Sandbox Interactive game director Robin Henkys, this one zeroing in on the Knightfall patch already heralded on the test server. Knightfall, Henkys says, is not meant as a major update, just a patch that “packs quite a punch.” It will introduce new chest […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/albion-online-previews-knightfalls-content-and-quality-of-life-perks/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437254 Ready to get your first hands-on look with a charming little indie MMO that’s seeking to evoke the olden days of both MMOs and tabletop gaming? Monsters and Memories is running a public stress test this Friday and Saturday, and you are invited. That’s what “public” means. This is a very early pre-alpha test that’s […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/v-rising-debuts-a-teaser-trailer-featuring-secrets-of-gloomrot-gameplay-ahead-of-its-may-17-release/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/v-rising-debuts-a-teaser-trailer-featuring-secrets-of-gloomrot-gameplay-ahead-of-its-may-17-release/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:30:21 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437321 The “expansion level” update headed to early access vampire survivalbox V Rising got a pretty important news drop today in the form of a new teaser trailer, which offers a look at the patch’s content in action as the patch inches toward its release date of Wednesday, May 17th. The footage in question is only […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/v-rising-debuts-a-teaser-trailer-featuring-secrets-of-gloomrot-gameplay-ahead-of-its-may-17-release/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lost-arks-may-to-august-roadmap-promises-the-slayer-class-next-month/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lost-arks-may-to-august-roadmap-promises-the-slayer-class-next-month/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437267 Following up on their letter to gamers last week, Amazon and Smilegate have now released a proper summer – or maybe second trimester would be more accurate – roadmap for Lost Ark. And the first thing in May is actually the Slayer, the fifth Warrior advanced class described as a “female remix of the Berserker […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lost-arks-may-to-august-roadmap-promises-the-slayer-class-next-month/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/neverwinter-releases-a-patch-early-to-the-xbox-version-thanks-to-problems-with-the-servers/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/neverwinter-releases-a-patch-early-to-the-xbox-version-thanks-to-problems-with-the-servers/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:30:16 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437306 “A strange and unforeseen spell has affected the Xbox servers,” reads an announcement from Neverwinter, which means that players on that console are getting this week’s update ahead of schedule while every other platform has to wait until this Thursday. At least every player will get to read the notes, so that’s a silver lining. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/neverwinter-releases-a-patch-early-to-the-xbox-version-thanks-to-problems-with-the-servers/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/activision-blizzard-q1-2023/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/activision-blizzard-q1-2023/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:35:13 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437352 Activision blinked: Activision-Blizzard wasn’t supposed to release its Q1 2023 financials until tomorrow after the bell, but it’s just done it this morning out of the blue, presumably attempting to ward off the sharp stock drop it experienced this morning after UK regulators moved to block its merge with Microsoft. So it’s here early, and let’s […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/activision-blizzard-q1-2023/feed/ 29 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437189 If you hadn’t noticed, Lord of the Rings Online’s Update 35.1 last week ushered in numerous bugs and weird quirks with the expanded avatar options for the human race. After suffering through the indignities of these for several days, players should have some relief with Wednesday’s patch. Update 35.1.1 promised to address several avatar bugs, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/city-of-heroes-homecoming-drops-i27p6-patch-with-storm-blast-and-new-story-arcs/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/city-of-heroes-homecoming-drops-i27p6-patch-with-storm-blast-and-new-story-arcs/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437170 Just a few weeks ago, we covered the testing of a brand-new patch on the City of Heroes Homecoming rogue server, one that included the very much wanted Storm Blast powerset for Blasters, Corruptors, Sentinels, and Defenders. Well, Issue 27, Page 6, is now live as of this week, and as we noted, there’s quite […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/city-of-heroes-homecoming-drops-i27p6-patch-with-storm-blast-and-new-story-arcs/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/embers-adrift-patches-in-more-locations-a-new-monster-and-fixes-for-npcs-environmental-fog-and-ui/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/embers-adrift-patches-in-more-locations-a-new-monster-and-fixes-for-npcs-environmental-fog-and-ui/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437279 A new patch has arrived to Embers Adrift this week and it’s bringing the Shrieks. That’s not the name of an ’80s glam rock band, nor is it a suggestion that the MMORPG has introduced horror game elements; that’s the name of the newest monster that players will be encountering. “Why are they called Shrieks? […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/embers-adrift-patches-in-more-locations-a-new-monster-and-fixes-for-npcs-environmental-fog-and-ui/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/amazon-is-shutting-down-new-worlds-forums-next-week-in-favor-of-discord/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/amazon-is-shutting-down-new-worlds-forums-next-week-in-favor-of-discord/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:00:56 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437243 Yesterday, I said in MOP’s work chat that the New World team deserved kudos for being one of the few major MMO studios pumping out weekly videos with the top devs. Well, I’m about to crush that goodwill for the core MMO audience, as last night Amazon announced that it’s shuttering the game’s forums in […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/amazon-is-shutting-down-new-worlds-forums-next-week-in-favor-of-discord/feed/ 45 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/uk-regulators-block-microsofts-buyout-of-activision-blizzard/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/uk-regulators-block-microsofts-buyout-of-activision-blizzard/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:00:06 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437247 Multiple outlets are reporting this morning that Microsoft’s buyout of Activision-Blizzard has been blocked in the UK. The Competition and Markets Authority aka CMA determined that the merger of the two megacorps – to the tune of almost $70B US – would impede industry competition in the country, saying the move could “alter the future […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/uk-regulators-block-microsofts-buyout-of-activision-blizzard/feed/ 33 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/world-of-warships-announces-a-collab-with-popeye-the-sailor-man-in-support-of-world-ocean-month/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/world-of-warships-announces-a-collab-with-popeye-the-sailor-man-in-support-of-world-ocean-month/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436960 What happens when a charitable initiative, a spinach-eating sailor man, and World of Warships collide? One of the weirder yet more wholesome transmedia synergy team-ups in recent memory, as the online naval battler and Popeye the Sailor Man are creating a charitable bundle for June’s World Ocean Month. This yet-to-be-released charitable bundle for WoWS will […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/world-of-warships-announces-a-collab-with-popeye-the-sailor-man-in-support-of-world-ocean-month/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/old-school-runescape-outlines-sailing-skills-upcoming-multi-month-player-feedback-steps/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/old-school-runescape-outlines-sailing-skills-upcoming-multi-month-player-feedback-steps/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437088 Regular fans and followers of Old School RuneScape already know that Jagex likes to design new things by committee – aka through reams and reams of player polling – and the upcoming Sailing skill is definitely no exception as the devs have offered several polling steps to gather feedback and make the skill come to […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/old-school-runescape-outlines-sailing-skills-upcoming-multi-month-player-feedback-steps/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/fractured-veil-takes-a-closer-look-at-its-earlier-2023-roadmap-plans/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/fractured-veil-takes-a-closer-look-at-its-earlier-2023-roadmap-plans/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436789 Last week, the post-apoc zombie survival MMO Fractured Veil shared its most recent update plans, including an engine upgrade and a 2023 development roadmap that noted early access was being pushed back into September – the game’s second such delay after it missed its 2022 target. That 2023 roadmap is now being further contextualized by […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/fractured-veil-takes-a-closer-look-at-its-earlier-2023-roadmap-plans/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436859 Justin and Bree discuss Tarisland, NetEase, Throne and Liberty, Mad World, DCUO, and EVE Anywhere, with adventures in LOTRO and Fallout 76, plus mailbag topics on accessibility and special podcast guests.]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/feed/ 7 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/appellate-court-reaffirms-apples-store-is-not-monopolist-but-must-still-allow-third-party-purchasing-options/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/appellate-court-reaffirms-apples-store-is-not-monopolist-but-must-still-allow-third-party-purchasing-options/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437061 The three year-long legal fight between Apple and Epic finally made another step forward yesterday, but since it has been that long, allow us a moment to recap prior events. Back in 2020, a legal battle erupted between Epic Games, Apple, and (to a somewhat lesser degree) Google, when an update to the mobile version […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/appellate-court-reaffirms-apples-store-is-not-monopolist-but-must-still-allow-third-party-purchasing-options/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/cliff-bleszinski-is-apparently-interested-in-a-lawbreakers-revival/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/cliff-bleszinski-is-apparently-interested-in-a-lawbreakers-revival/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:30:39 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437173 For three blissful years now, no one has had to give any thought to LawBreakers outside of those of us who remember this bizarre industry. Cliff “Cliffy B” Bleszinski had last brought it back to our memories back in 2020 when he tried to claim that it failed because it was “too woke,” which gives […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/cliff-bleszinski-is-apparently-interested-in-a-lawbreakers-revival/feed/ 19 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437020 Why are you moping around because Diablo IV isn’t here yet? After all, there are plenty of other ARPGs — not to mention other Diablos on the table. Like… um… hey, what about this? Diablo Immortal, it’s called. Looks like a scrappy little beast, and it’s even running some new events and content to keep […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436868 As I noted in my last Massively on the Go column, for the entire month of May, this column will not be covering Pokemon Go, as Niantic is continuing to refuse to address the ongoing trainwrecks in the community. My expectations are low, but I am hoping to use this break to at least help me reassess how […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-gos-may-lineup-embraces-niantics-bugs/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/final-fantasy-xiv-opens-up-its-special-site-for-patch-6-4-the-dark-throne/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/final-fantasy-xiv-opens-up-its-special-site-for-patch-6-4-the-dark-throne/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:00:36 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437160 It’s going to be late May before players can dive into the next patch of Final Fantasy XIV, The Dark Throne. But why wait until then to find out about the new features contained within the patch? There’s no reason for that at all, especially when you can also take a look at the special […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/final-fantasy-xiv-opens-up-its-special-site-for-patch-6-4-the-dark-throne/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/blue-protocol-hosts-a-postmortem-livestream-after-its-latest-japanese-network-test/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/blue-protocol-hosts-a-postmortem-livestream-after-its-latest-japanese-network-test/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:30:56 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437150 At the beginning of April, the devs for Bandai Namco’s anime MMORPG Blue Protocol promised they would share the results of the latest network test. Sure enough, a livestream doing just that made its debut earlier this morning, as it broke down the test’s progress, shared some test data, and outlined upcoming gameplay adjustments. Translations […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/blue-protocol-hosts-a-postmortem-livestream-after-its-latest-japanese-network-test/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/phantasy-star-online-2-new-genesis-gets-housing-a-new-enemy-type-and-cel-shaded-visual-options-in-june/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/phantasy-star-online-2-new-genesis-gets-housing-a-new-enemy-type-and-cel-shaded-visual-options-in-june/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:30:38 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437106 Apparently, the June update headed to Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is sizeable enough that developer Sega is calling it “ver. 2” or the “ultra evolution update.” That might arrive to the eyes as a bit of bluster, but there does appear to be quite a lot going on in this upcoming patch. The […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/phantasy-star-online-2-new-genesis-gets-housing-a-new-enemy-type-and-cel-shaded-visual-options-in-june/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/new-world-addresses-pvp-mounts-and-solo-content-as-merges-begin-this-afternoon/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/new-world-addresses-pvp-mounts-and-solo-content-as-merges-begin-this-afternoon/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:30:44 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437053 Amazon game director Scot Lane and live lead Katy Kaszynski helm another episode of New World’s Forged in Aeternum this week – outside, standing up, and absent fan-favorite creative director Dave Verfaillie. Here are the highlights: Solo dungeons aren’t on the table, but Amazon is says it’s putting more effort into solo content over the […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/new-world-addresses-pvp-mounts-and-solo-content-as-merges-begin-this-afternoon/feed/ 10 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437013 Diablo IV may not be serving up Burger King’s Whoppers, but it too is promising that you can have it your way. Blizzard’s upcoming online ARPG behemoth includes “a level of agency never previously offered” in regard to player character builds and growth. This assertion comes from a new developer blog and video in which […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/feed/ 16 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/aion-classic-has-officially-launched-in-its-third-region-europe/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/aion-classic-has-officially-launched-in-its-third-region-europe/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:30:50 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437047 It’s another launch day for Aion Classic as the throwback version of the game already live in South Korea (since 2020) and North America (since 2021) finally launches in Europe under the Gameforge banner. The server is free-to-play and kicks off with the 1.9 patch; Gameforge is calling it an “international” server with support for […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/aion-classic-has-officially-launched-in-its-third-region-europe/feed/ 10 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/that-netease-lawsuit-against-blizzard-turns-out-to-have-been-a-clerical-error/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/that-netease-lawsuit-against-blizzard-turns-out-to-have-been-a-clerical-error/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:00:48 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437062 Yesterday, we – and just about everyone else in the industry – picked up a Wowhead story about a lawsuit being lodged by NetEase against Blizzard in a Shanghai court to the tune of $43M, sourced through a legitimate Chinese financial website. But the story is far weirder than that, as it turns out, as […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/that-netease-lawsuit-against-blizzard-turns-out-to-have-been-a-clerical-error/feed/ 9 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436864 First we had an archer Mightiest Mark ‘mon, but The Pokemon Company and Game Freak are turning things up by upgrading to Ineleon, the secret agent-themed pokemon with the (finger) gun for the next tera raid event in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Akin to the last Bond’s icy blue eyes, Inteleon’s gone Ice-type, but since […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/massively-on-the-go-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-takes-aim-again-with-ice-inteleon/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436825 First of all, I think it’s important for us to agree that “Summer Cryptids” would make a great name for a new garage band, so who’s on board to form it with me? But even if you’re not rocking out with us, you can still check out a couple of mysterious new critters on Fallout […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/final-fantasy-xi-prepares-for-the-feast-of-swords-final-fantasy-xiv-prepares-for-a-feast-of-cosplay-at-fan-festival/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/final-fantasy-xi-prepares-for-the-feast-of-swords-final-fantasy-xiv-prepares-for-a-feast-of-cosplay-at-fan-festival/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436986 Starting this Friday, April 28th, Final Fantasy XI is offering players all the swords they can eat. Oh, you might say that the number of swords you can eat is a nice round zero, but the event that’s starting up is called the Feast of Swords, so you should at least taste one to be […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/final-fantasy-xi-prepares-for-the-feast-of-swords-final-fantasy-xiv-prepares-for-a-feast-of-cosplay-at-fan-festival/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/star-citizen-discusses-design-development-and-plans-for-mission-content-in-latest-livestream/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/star-citizen-discusses-design-development-and-plans-for-mission-content-in-latest-livestream/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436787 If you’re not answering beacons in Star Citizen, you’re probably running the missions that are available. If that’s the case, then you might be interested in the newest episode of Star Citizen Live, which brought on a portion of CIG’s team that designs missions to discuss how missions get made and offers yet more vague […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/star-citizen-discusses-design-development-and-plans-for-mission-content-in-latest-livestream/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/multiplayer-tactical-battler-spellcraft-recounts-its-first-public-alpha-maps-a-second-test-for-june-19/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/multiplayer-tactical-battler-spellcraft-recounts-its-first-public-alpha-maps-a-second-test-for-june-19/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436782 The beginning of April saw Spellcraft, the “real-time battler” from studio One More Game, begin its first alpha test (aka Preseason 1). Now that testing is wrapped up, the devs are taking stock of feedback and planning what’s next for the game’s testing rounds. The studio’s post notes that many players were enjoying their time […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/multiplayer-tactical-battler-spellcraft-recounts-its-first-public-alpha-maps-a-second-test-for-june-19/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/red-cross-launches-an-initiative-that-challenges-fps-players-to-follow-real-world-humanitarian-laws-of-war/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/red-cross-launches-an-initiative-that-challenges-fps-players-to-follow-real-world-humanitarian-laws-of-war/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436763 It can often look like the opposite is true, but in wartime, many countries theoretically follow a set of laws known as the International Humanitarian Laws, which are intended to ensure armed conflict harms no innocent people, offers care for wounded on both sides, and keeps prisoners free from undue cruelty. It’s these laws that […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/red-cross-launches-an-initiative-that-challenges-fps-players-to-follow-real-world-humanitarian-laws-of-war/feed/ 7 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/call-of-duty-is-planning-to-release-a-board-game-with-a-kickstarter-planned-for-this-fall/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/call-of-duty-is-planning-to-release-a-board-game-with-a-kickstarter-planned-for-this-fall/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436917 There’s a point in the movie Spaceballs where it lampooned a certain franchise’s merchandising zeal, but it likely didn’t account for the Call of Duty franchise getting to that point of absurdity in a very literal and unironic sense, as the FPS is going to be adapted as a board game. Somehow. Call of Duty: […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/call-of-duty-is-planning-to-release-a-board-game-with-a-kickstarter-planned-for-this-fall/feed/ 7 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/dota-2s-immense-new-frontiers-update-changes-mechanics-items-matchmaking-and-the-map-itself/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/dota-2s-immense-new-frontiers-update-changes-mechanics-items-matchmaking-and-the-map-itself/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:00:47 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436935 This past weekend saw one of the largest updates for Valve’s MOBA Dota 2 go live, and that’s not just marketing hype; it’s an absolutely immense content patch that changes a broad number of things in the game, from its map to its mechanics. The name of this update is New Frontiers, which references a […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/dota-2s-immense-new-frontiers-update-changes-mechanics-items-matchmaking-and-the-map-itself/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/skyforge-marks-its-anniversary-with-prophecies-to-solve-and-outfits-to-collect/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/skyforge-marks-its-anniversary-with-prophecies-to-solve-and-outfits-to-collect/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436768 It’s time for another Aelion Day – aka the anniversary event of Skyforge – for players of the MMORPG across all platforms, and this year’s event is all about prophecy, which in this case means following clues for goodies. Apparently prophets have foretold that the gods of the game’s world will get some drip. Players […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/skyforge-marks-its-anniversary-with-prophecies-to-solve-and-outfits-to-collect/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/mad-worlds-early-bird-release-sees-bugs-cash-shop-currency-delays-and-emergency-maintenance/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/mad-worlds-early-bird-release-sees-bugs-cash-shop-currency-delays-and-emergency-maintenance/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:30:18 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436973 Last week saw the “hell-made” multiplayer ARPG Mad World kick off its launch for those who bought in to the game ahead of its planned April 27th launch. Naturally, that means it’s time to see how Jandisoft handled itself over the past few days, and the answer might not instill a whole lot of confidence […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/mad-worlds-early-bird-release-sees-bugs-cash-shop-currency-delays-and-emergency-maintenance/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/world-of-warcraft-discusses-goals-and-plans-for-mythic-affixes-and-dungeons/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/world-of-warcraft-discusses-goals-and-plans-for-mythic-affixes-and-dungeons/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436751 The Blizzard developers who make up the team behind World of Warcraft’s Mythic+ dungeons took an hour out of their day to hold a discussion with the player council last week, with most of the talk focusing on the effects, changes, and plans for Mythic+ affixes in May 9th’s Season 2, among other dungeon-related matters. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/world-of-warcraft-discusses-goals-and-plans-for-mythic-affixes-and-dungeons/feed/ 5 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/diablo-iv-confirms-the-game-is-not-intended-to-be-played-forever-and-teases-a-pinnacle-boss/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/diablo-iv-confirms-the-game-is-not-intended-to-be-played-forever-and-teases-a-pinnacle-boss/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436906 Those who had daydreams of playing Diablo IV ’til doomsday might be disappointed to learn that there is an apparent end to its progression tunnel. This revelation comes from a group interview featuring associate game director Joe Piepiora, who confirmed that the Nightmare difficulty grind does have a stopping point. According to Piepiora, Nightmare dungeons […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/diablo-iv-confirms-the-game-is-not-intended-to-be-played-forever-and-teases-a-pinnacle-boss/feed/ 15 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-zeroes-in-on-its-mastery-progression-system-in-latest-video/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-zeroes-in-on-its-mastery-progression-system-in-latest-video/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436748 This weekened delivered a new episode of Parting the Veil from Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, which means another hour-long discussion, this one on the mastery system, which is making a return in the game’s upcoming May test. Visionary Realms’ Chris “Joppa” Perkins describes the system as a way for characters to unlock their full […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-zeroes-in-on-its-mastery-progression-system-in-latest-video/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/new-worlds-latest-server-merges-are-happening-tomorrow/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/new-worlds-latest-server-merges-are-happening-tomorrow/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436796 When New World announced plans for another round of server merges affecting several servers for players in the Americas and central EU, one of the questions left twisting in the wind was “when.” That question has now been answered as Amazon Games has presented timing details. Merges for these servers is scheduled to start on […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/new-worlds-latest-server-merges-are-happening-tomorrow/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/netease-is-suing-blizzard-for-300m-over-failed-and-reneged-licensing-agreements/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/netease-is-suing-blizzard-for-300m-over-failed-and-reneged-licensing-agreements/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:30:08 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436873 We’ve updated this story at the end as NetEase’s name has been removed from the lawsuit. The original article follows. If you thought the NetEase vs. Blizzard showdown couldn’t get any spicier than demolished statues and personal attacks being leaked by execs, then you are in for a dramatic surprise today as NetEase has taken […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/netease-is-suing-blizzard-for-300m-over-failed-and-reneged-licensing-agreements/feed/ 23 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/mmo-week-in-review-tarisland-on-the-horizon/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/mmo-week-in-review-tarisland-on-the-horizon/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:52 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436667 Prepare to be not in Azeroth anymore (again), as Tencent made plans this week to not only fill the gap left by the untimely death of Blizzard’s World of Warcraft in China with Tarisland but also launch it in the west too. Well, this ought to be interesting! Meanwhile, Throne & Liberty is (probably) delayed […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/mmo-week-in-review-tarisland-on-the-horizon/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-division-preps-summer-testing-for-resurgence-readies-a-pc-test-for-heartland-outlines-year-5-for-the-division-2/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-division-preps-summer-testing-for-resurgence-readies-a-pc-test-for-heartland-outlines-year-5-for-the-division-2/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436739 In case that headline didn’t clue you in, earlier this week was Ubisoft’s “Division Day,” a showcase of updates and news surrounding the three most recent games that are part of The Division franchise. The headlines began with The Division 2 and its plans for Year 5, which brings another new manhunt mission where players […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-division-preps-summer-testing-for-resurgence-readies-a-pc-test-for-heartland-outlines-year-5-for-the-division-2/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436044 With a name like “Monster Island,” you wouldn’t expect this Champions Online locale to be a walk in the park. And in fact, this region’s open mission just got an upgrade with new rewards. “For some time now, you’ve been able to travel to New Gornyj and defend it from attacking Manimals. That much is still […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436710 It’s been a very long wait indeed for cutting-edge players in Lord of the Rings Online as they’ve bided time for new endgame content. Now it looks like they’ll have no choice but to exercise even more patience, as SSG announced that it was sending its newest raid back to the drawing, er, testing board. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-roundup-2023-apr-22/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-roundup-2023-apr-22/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 00:00:30 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436665 Welcome to another blast of MMO crowdfunding news from the last few weeks! The chaos still trailing behind the failed Kickstarter MMO TitanReach continued through April; readers will recall that TitanReach was covered in red flags long before it went belly up after its angel investor caught its lead dev embezzling from the company, and […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-roundup-2023-apr-22/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/torchlight-infinite-will-finally-launch-globally-may-9-with-the-cube-of-rapacity-season/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/torchlight-infinite-will-finally-launch-globally-may-9-with-the-cube-of-rapacity-season/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436439 XD Games is finally gearing up to move multiplayer crossplatform OARPG Torchlight Infinite from open beta early access – where it’s been since last October – into launch. “On May 9th, at 1AM BST, the loot-hauling, dungeon-crawling ARPG will be available worldwide and completely free-to-play on both PC and mobile with Hunters able to sync […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/torchlight-infinite-will-finally-launch-globally-may-9-with-the-cube-of-rapacity-season/feed/ 0