Supermassive Pixel

EverQuest Goes F2P in March

2012-01-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Following EQ2, now the original EverQuest will go free to play in March!

EverQuest^® is the massively multiplayer online game that started it all!

Now in its unprecedented thirteenth year, EverQuest continues to add immersive gameplay, captivating storytelling and exciting worlds to the EverQuest legacy.

Join us in Norrath and explore fantastic lands filled with amazing creatures. Complete exciting quests, earn wealth and honor and take the fight to all those who would stand in the way of your destiny.

Starting early March 2012, all of this epic content will become Free to Play. Your Way.^™ - SOE

Of course, as with most P2P games that go F2P there is the list of restrictions pertaining to free accounts. Below is the link to EQ's free account restrictions.

http://www.everquest.com/free/

SWTOR Reaches 1 Million+ Subscribers

2011-12-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with the updates and news lately, got myself caught up in the holidays (and SWTOR :p)

Over one million people have registered to play Star Wars: The Old Republic less than one week into the game’s launch, making it the fastest-growing subscription MMO (massively multiplayer online) game in history, according to developer BioWare.

“We likely had the largest one-day subscription account registration process in MMO history — over one million people are now registered players of the game, and the number is growing rapidly,” say BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk on the game’s official blog.

“As you might imagine, this presented a huge strain on our infrastructure and systems,” they add, ”but the good news is that we seem to be through the worst of it now thanks to folks working hard all day to serve our community.”

The developers say they are also working to resolve the issue of server queues, claiming it’s another side effect of the huge demand for The Old Republic. ”We were definitely anticipating a very high load but if anything the demand for the game has only exceeded our expectations.”

To date, BioWare says players have logged 28 million hours in the game – roughly the equivalent to watching all six Star Wars movies two million times. They have also created more than 3.8 million characters, including 510,000 Jedi Knights and 550,000 Sith Warriors. BioWare says players have averaged well over five hours a day online and have killed more than two billion non-player characters in the eight days since early game access began.

“Everyone at BioWare, EA and LucasArts is honored — and humbled — by the stellar response from our fans,” says Dr. Muzyka. ”We’re going to work together closely with our community in the weeks, months and years ahead, continually serving our audience with regular delivery of compelling new features and content.”

BioWare has already given a sneak peek at the new upcoming content for the online role-playing game, which includes a new Flashpoint and an expanded Operation. The new Flashpoint will take place on a brand new world, the developer says, while the new Operation will take the existing Karagga’s palace scenario and more than triple it in size.

Source: http://venturebeat.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-1m-users/

So, what are you playing during the holidays?

Blizzard wins lawsuit against Pirox

2011-12-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

"By the time that Activision Blizzard had a trip to Germany, to meet at least 3 Bot Devs, one of them was Pirox ( July 2011 ).

Other than us, Pirox was ready to talk with Blizzard about an settlement, and as it seems they finally agreed the conditions.

The settlement was about stopping Pirox to work, not about personal details of users, that means there is no data going to Blizzard.

As of this was confidential, i could not have talked about it, unless it turns into public news."

Source: mmosite

EverQuest II Behind the Scenes Video: A Goddess Risen

2011-12-14T23:07:00.000-08:00

Nathan "Kaitheel" McCall (Game Designer II) gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming EverQuest II live event, "A Goddess Risen." The live event starts December 15, 2011 so be sure to check it out! - Isulith; (Sony).

Star Wars: The Old Republic Post-Launch

2011-12-14T23:02:00.000-08:00

New Content – We will be adding new content to the galaxy on an ongoing basis. These worlds will include Operations, Flashpoints and solo content.

Guild Functionality – Guilds are important to the long term health of any MMORPG. We have a huge list of guild centric features. This will be an ongoing effort that will probably never end. Guild banks are the first thing we’ll be delivering in our plans for increased guild functionality. Eventually we even want to deliver on the promise of the long hinted at "Guild Capital Ships".

UI customization – You like choice. We hear you! SWTOR is all about choice. Being able to choose how you interact with an online game is something we feel is very important. We are going to be giving more control over the UI as an ongoing effort. This is a very big priority for us.

PvP – We have an entire team dedicated to adding content and features to player vs. player. We have some of the most experienced PvP developers in the world on this team. So far very few people have seen, or know much about the stunning Open World PVP on Ilum; when you get to the high levels prepare to be blown away! In addition to that high level PVP content, expect new Warzones and new PvP features on a regular basis.

Space Combat – We will continue to add missions to the space game. We also have a special project going on right now that will expand space gameplay in a significant way... for now the details will have to remain under wraps.

Legacy System – The ability to select a surname for your character is just the start of something much bigger. Soon, the Legacy experience and levels you earn will grant your characters access to powers, objects and other cool benefits.

And more – We have an entire team of developers working on future content. Right now we are focused on nothing else but Star Wars: The Old Republic, so expect new and cool things.
The Old Republic will be launched on December 20 and you can purchase the game from retailers or download it via Origin and enjoy a 30-day free trial. The game's one-month subscription fee is $14.99 (£8.99), 3-month fee is $41.97 (£25.17), and 6-month fee is $77.94 (£46.14).

Source: pcgamer

AION [EU] to go Free 2 Play in February 2012

2011-12-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

Website: http://uk.aiononline.com/news

"In the last few months the lands in Atreia have become more and more deserted. We want to reinvigorate the world of Aion and attract new adventurers to the towns to take to the skies as Daevas."

Hopefully the NA Aion will follow!

Guild Wars 2 to start CBT on 12/16/2011

2011-12-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

Website: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/

"We will officially enter Closed Beta Testing this Friday. It will be marked with an increase in our pool of testers. To clarify, this phase of testing is still under NDA and is not open to the public.
Based on the feedback we get from our current Closed Beta Testing, we will determine the next phases of our beta program in which we will open beta access to more people. - Arena Net Team"

Source

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/nclu0/im_a_guild_wars_2_developer_ama_about_professions/c380yy0

Diablo III's Opening Cinematic Revealed

2011-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

When Diablo III is released and you finally embark on your next great adventure, you’ll be subjected to a cinematic experience that’ll set the stage for your impending journey through Sanctuary and your fight against the evils of the Burning Hells. We’re very pleased to present you with that full opening cinematic, as premiered during the Spike TV Video Game Awards this evening.

-Blizzard

Warhammer: Age of Reckoning

2011-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Gorefang (NA) is moving to Badlands (NA) and Karak Azgal (EU) to Karak Norn (EU). No new characters can be created on Gorefang and Karak Azgal and they will be known as "Legacy" servers. After three weeks they will be shut down.

Screenshots from The9's Steampunk MMO "Era Zero"

2011-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

LOTRO Update 5: Armies of Isengard launches December 12th

2011-12-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/1557?lang=en_US

New With Update 5!

The Prince of Rohan
The Epic Story continues! Aid Prince Théodred as he endeavors to keep the forces of Saruman from entering his homeland, the Kingdom of Rohan! Report to Théodred"s camp and help prepare his troops for the trials to come against the armies of Isengard. The Ford of Isen, the gateway to Rohan, must be held at any cost!

Instance Finder
Now you can quickly jump into new Rise of Isengard instance content with old friends or meet new ones through the LOTRO Instance Finder! You will also earn additional rewards as you complete randomly-selected instances and skirmishes through the Instance Finder.
Begin the assault on Saruman's stronghold through five new instances culminating in a confrontation with Saruman himself!

Update 5 also bring changes to the reputation item system

http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdia...eveloper-diary

The reputation items have seen a slight revision in Update 5 that significantly changes the way they work. Gone are the days of holding onto a stack of reputation items to turn into the appropriate reputation NPC to gain some faction points! Gone are the days of having an inadequate stack size to turn in! Gone are the days of completing a series of quests before turning in a greater tier of reputation item!

Also, Yule Festival is December 20th!

EverQuest 2: Age of Discovery and Server Merges

2011-12-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.everquest2.com/index.vm

AGE OF DISCOVERY

Welcome to EverQuest II® Age of Discovery™! This is the eighth expansion of the groundbreaking EverQuest II franchise. Age of Discovery offers several never-seen-before features including new user-generated content and bringing back the classic favorite Beastlord class from the original EverQuest release. Make your mark in-game by creating your very own Dungeon, play as a character class never available in EverQuest II, and hire some much needed help for your heroic battles. This is truly an unprecedented expansion in terms of pure features and valuable in-game items. cation, military efficiency, and the steady march of progress. Freeport, and Overlord Lucan D'Lere, are a force to be reckoned with as the citizens of Freeport are inspired to action!
Features:

Dungeon Maker - Locate and collect a variety of floor layouts and styles, decorate your dungeon, select monsters to fill it, and battle through the content you designed!
Beastlords - At last, the Beastlord class returns to Norrath. In the Age of Discovery, Beastlords will walk the lands of Norrath once again!
Mercenaries - Now you can hire a brave companion to fight by your side, filling a spot in your group or assisting you in a duo.
Reforging - Using the reforging system, you will be able to reconfigure your items to change their stats and even add particle effects!
Tradeskill Apprentice - Claim your tradeskill apprentice and gain your very own minion!

In-Game Items

Standard Edition
Dungeon Maker Unique Monster Spawner #1

Collector's Edition Only
Dungeon Maker Unique Monster Spawner #1
Dungeon Maker Unique Monster Spawner #2
Armored Flying Pegasus Mount
Unique Beastlord Warder Pet
Lavastorm Prestige Home
Custom Dungeon Maker Map Layout
Robe of the Truespirit

SERVER MERGE

EverQuest II is also merging the Free 2 Play and Pay 2 Play servers.

Restrictions can be found here.

Trickster releases The Return of Chaos Tower

2011-12-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

More info can be found here!

http://trickster.gamerage.com/Guides/Content/View/5983/1/1

Aeria Games adds Need For Speed World to their gaming lineup

2011-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

http://needforspeed.aeriagames.com/

Aeria Games, a leading global publisher of free-to-play online games, has now launched EA’s hit Need for Speed World on its global network. Following the successful launch of Battlefield Heroes earlier this year, Need for Speed World is the second title Aeria Games has released from EA’s Play4Free portfolio. The popular massively multiplayer online action racing game for PC is available on Aeria Game’s network in English, French, Polish, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Need for Speed World combines the rush of illicit street racing, deep RPG style progression and vehicle customization into an immersive, socially-connected Need for Speed experience. Players can compete against any one of their friends, family or pick from thousands of top ranked players to challenge in intense online battles and police pursuits across 150 miles of sprawling open world.

Features include:

Beautiful Licensed Cars

Huge variety of Exotics, Tuners, Muscle and Classics.

Customize Your Ride

Show your style with Visual Customization elements such as Neons, Window Tints, Wheels, Lowering kits, Custom License Plates, Vinyls, Paints and more!

Max out your ride with Performance Customization parts such as Engine, Forced Induction, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes and Tires!

Massive Open World

Featuring popular areas from Need for Speed Most Wanted and Need for Speed Carbon! Over 100+ miles of driving pleasure.

Race with Your Friends

Take on Cops with your friends in “Team Escape” events or race with millions of gamers around the World! Over 80 unique race tracks for you to master.

Aeria Games is a global leader of free-to-play games with more than 30 games. With the launch of Need for Speed World, Aeria Games will bring the adrenaline packed game to its global audience of power players.

Discuss the news in the forum here: http://www.aeriagames.com/forums/en/viewtopic.php?t=1425699.

Fiesta Reveals New Expansion: Expedition To Adaelia

2011-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

[From OutSpark's Official Press Release]

It's been more than a year since the last major expansion to Outspark's flagship franchise, Fiesta, and much excitement is building for the next chapter in this fantasy-based free-to-play MMORPG.

Set to launch this winter, the Expedition to Adealia expansion delivers an array of whimsical characters, powerful allies, terrifying monsters, and magical landscapes to the world of Isya and introduces a clandestine continent that casts a halo of hope over the vast darkness that surrounds it.

Players begin their journey by joining a team of explorers who long ago came to Adealia to establish a great settlement with the natives; however, despite the peaceful village they built, the world surrounding their retreat is far from calm and tranquil. With a surprising and violent raid from the indigenous Doomed Elves, the Adealia village is thrown into chaos.

As mighty champions dispatched to battle the evil that consumes the land, players visit exciting locales like the bustling city of Adealia Village and encounter wary residents that boast vulpine features and the cunning traits of foxes. There are also dangerous regions like the phantom-filled Psiken Garden, where ghostly apparitions lurk in the shadows, and the fertile plains of Kahal, where a variety of exotic beasts roam a thriving, but deadly, savannah.

"Following the wildly successful release of Fiesta's Trickster class earlier this year, we're thrilled to present this vast, new continent for the Expedition to Adealia expansion which will provide hours of exploration," remarked Philip Yun, CEO of Outspark. "The developer, Ons On Soft, has provided fascinating creatures, races and quests which we've woven into a storyline full of mystery and intrigue. We know players are going to love it!"

The Expedition to Adealia expansion also includes other highly-anticipated features. The maximum level in game will be raised, allowing players to increase their stats and strengthen their heroes. There's also an open world dungeon with big bosses dropping outrageous loot for those that best them. In fact, there's so much content being added to the game that in the weeks leading up to launch, the Fiesta community is being treated to exclusive reveals of the new world. Join in the fun weekdays at 4pm PT with expansion sneak peeks, fan challenges and more at http://www.facebook.com/outsparkfiesta.

Stay up to date on the latest news about Fiesta at  http://fiesta.outspark.com!

Top MMORPGs of 2011-2012

2011-12-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

(make sure to watch in 720p!)

A list of the top ten MMOs and MMORPGs leading up to and into 2012. This was compiled by Showy of Supermassive Pixel. All copyright belongs to their respected owners such as the publishers and developers of these games.

(Top 10 F2P MMORPGs of 2011-2012 coming soon)

ArcheAge Combat Trailer Released

2011-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

Come check it out! CBT4 starts soon!

Website: http://archeage-online.com/

Maple Story Update v.104 - Legends

2011-12-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Maplers,
We will be performing a scheduled server maintenance on December 8, 2011 to update MapleStory to v.104 - Legends. The maintenance will last approximately eight hours. During this period, all game servers will be unavailable.
Thank you for your patience, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
-Time-
Pacific: 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM Thursday, December 8, 2011
Eastern: 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM Thursday, December 8, 2011
-What-
The following will be unavailable:
All MapleStory game servers

-Changes and Updates-
New Job: Cannoneer

New Legends events and holiday events

Numerous changes to UI, Explorer job advancements, quests on Victoria island, professions, battle mode, some maps, several monsters on Victoria Island, tablets, and more

Gachapon update: Previous Gachapon Grand Prizes will be available periodically until the next update, Peppermint Throne (December Chair King), Maximus Mount coupons

Cash Shop update: 2x EXP Coupons, Character Transfers and Name Changes, Magic Music Box, new 90 day pets, new permanent decorative equipment

-Fixes-
The Golden Temple will be open for one week for players who still have Golden Temple Invitations.

- The Maple Team -

Source: http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=106&contentNo=00DM7&pageIndex=1

Eligium Closed Beta Key Event

2011-12-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

With each heartbeat, our fate grows nearer and our common enemy approaches, his hatred flooding the land in his wake. Behind closed doors and barred windows, mutterings can be heard, words and affirmations of weakness and loss of courage. Despair has taken a hold of our minds and threatens to crush the spirit of even our mightiest warriors. Help them regain what has now become lost! Return to them the conviction that our fate is not sealed and that our faith will be rewarded by victory on our assailants! Hidden in the pages of our website, you will discover in the coming days certain words written in the tongue of scholars and wisemen. Each of these words will be revealed, one with each coming day. Search through the Eligium website and locate each of these five powerful words. Once you have discovered the fifth, send us an email to eligiumcontest@frogster.de and ensure that your rallying cry is heard across the land. If you are quick, you too could win a Beta key and take your rightful place at the side of your comrades in this fight of fights, this ferocious battle against the coming storm.

Steps:
   1. Each day, a new word will be added to one of the many pages of the website. Locate this word and take a note of it. You will be able to identify this word easily as it will be marked by the colour of growth and rebirth.
   2. Stop by the website each day until you have identified the fifth word.
   3. Only when you have obtained all five words can you send them (in any order) to following email address: eligiumcontest@frogster.de with the title “Champions of Lost Wisdom”. Don’t forget to mention your forum name.

The contest will end on Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 10:00 AM CET (04:00 AM EST). To be eligible to win, all participations must be received before this time. A total of [B]10 beta keys[/B] will be given away at random in this manner. By participating in this contest, you automatically accept the general conditions of participation. The Eligium community management team.

Source: https://forum.eligium.com/showthread.php?t=1885

"Rosh Online: The Return of Karos" Launches Today

2011-12-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Greeting Roshers!

Rosh Online: The return of KAROS team would like to take a moment to extend our immense gratitude to all closed beta testers and our fans.

We are very exciting to see your enthusiasm and dedication towards Rosh Online. While it has been a thrilling journey through closed beta, the moment all you have been waiting is finally here! Today, December 6, 2011 6PM PST, your epic journey to become the Rosh of Asmara officially starts!

Here is our exciting events for our players to partake in.

Event 1: Limited Edition of Rosh Set
Feeling little weak to start a new character? Don't let little Spiderling from Berneo intimidate you! Once you open the box, you will be surprised with what you have in your inventory. So, make sure to open it!

Event 2 : Beginner's Gift Box
Don't let behind being thirsty since we have prepared enough HP/MP portions for your journey. Open the Beginner's Gift Box on your inventory today to get consumable items which will help you through fighting monsters!

Event 3 : Blue / Red Jackpot Box
Test your luck here! While fighting with monsters, they will drop this mysterious Blue / Red boxes. This boxes are contains a variety of equipment and consumable items including special bonus item. We wish you good luck when it comes to loot!

Rosh Online: The Return of KAROS team

Website: http://rosh.ignitedgames.com/center/default.asp

Dragon Nest: "Adventurers Assemble" Event Today

2011-12-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

Attention, Adventurers!

On December 7, all adventurers are called to assemble in-game! Head into Dragon Nest and kick off the holiday season with a lucrative login event and a sneak peek at the next update!

How to Participate

Simply login* on December 7 to win:

· +12 Rare Primary Weapon Vortex Geode to all those who log in. This will allow you to enhance any rare primary weapon straight to +12!

· Small Blue Devil Wings (30 days)

· Goddess Teardrops x30

· Scroll of Unlearning (all) (1 day)

· Four players will be selected to also receive a +9 Epic Primary Weapon Vortex Geode (1 per world).

When to Log In

December 7, 2011

12:01 AM – 11:59 PM Pacific

*Prizes will start to be distributed starting on December 8th.
*Prizes are per account and will be given to the highest level character, with the longest play time, who logged in during the event.

Website: http://dragonnest.nexon.net/news/news/00DL8/adventurers-assemble-login-and-win-december-7

AERIA GAMES SHOW OFF SCREENS FROM LIME ODYSSEY ALPHA TEST

2011-12-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Website: http://limeodyssey.aeriagames.com/

Aeria Games recently released a handful of screenshots taken during the closed alpha testing of it's upcoming MMO entitled Lime Odyssey. The screenshots show off character models, armor and weapon models and seemingly most promising environments. Lime Odyssey is a Free 2 Play anime style MMORPG developed by Aeria Games.

NEW MMOs IN DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

BLACKLIGHT RETRIBUTION

Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
Developer: Zombie Studios
Area: US

Genre: MMOFPS
Status: Closed Beta Phase 3
Test Date: 12/1/2011 ~ 12/15/2011

Website: http://blacklight.perfectworld.com/

ARCHEAGE

Publisher: XL Games
Developer: XL Games
Area: KR

Genre: MMORPG
Status: 4th Closed Beta
Closed Beta Application Date: 12/8/2011

Website: http://archeage-online.com/

KINGDOM UNDER FIRE II

Title: Kingdom Under Fire II
Developer: BLUESIDE Inc.
Genre: Action Strategy RPG - Multiplayer Online Action RTSRPG
Platform: PC Online / PS3
Target Release Date: Korea PC online - Service planned for 2011

Website: http://www.kufii.com/ENG/

MYTHOS GLOBAL

Publisher: T3FUN
Developer: Flagship Seattl
Area: GlobalGenre: MMORPG
Status: Closed Beta Test Date: 12/1/2011Website: http://mythos.t3fun.com/Home/Home.aspx

ELIGIUM
Publisher: Frogster Interactive
Developer: Shanda Entertainment
Area: GlobalGenre: MMORPG
Status: Closed Beta Test Date: 12/19/2011Website: http://www.eligium.com/us/

SCIONS OF FATE II (YULGANG 2)

Publisher: Unknown

Developer: KRGSoft
Area: KR

Genre: MMORPG

Status: Closed Beta
Test Date: 12/2/2011 ~ 12/4/2011

Website: None

DRAGONA GLOBAL

Publisher: Gameclub

Developer: Liveplex
Area: Global

Genre: MMORPG

Status: Closed Beta
Test Date: 12/8/2011

Website: http://www.facebook.com/DragonaGlobal

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC

Publisher: BioWare & LucasArts

Developer: BioWare & LucasArts
Area: Global

Genre: MMORPG

Status: Release
Release Date: 12/20/2011

WebsiteB: http://www.swtor.com/

Working Hard

2011-12-06T00:09:00.000-08:00

Added over 400+ F2Ps and 60+ P2Ps to the lists up top.

More coming tomorrow!

F2P List P2P List

UPDATE!

2011-12-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Finally got started on the Free 2 Play list. There's tons more coming!

Here --> Free 2 Play MMOs