Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year
A recent earnings report suggests that NCsoft's sales have slipped from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, although the studio is quick to point out that the showing was "solid" particularly when compared to sales from a year ago. While sales were down 35% and net income was down 49% from the last quarter, sales were up 31% and net income was up 322% year-over-year.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 21% of sales in the first quarter, in addition to Blade and Soul's 9%, Aion's 16%, and the usual Lineage cavalcade (Lineage 1 represented 38% of sales alone with its subscriptions).

While 64% of NCsoft's sales were in Korea, only 13% were in North America and 8% in Europe. The decrease in NA and EU contributions was due to "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales," according to the report. All of NCsoft's subsidiaries posted drops in sales from last quarter except for NC Taiwan.

[Update: Also of note in the earnings call is the news that NCsoft's Nah Seong Chan says the company is "preparing an expansion pack" but has yet to decide when it might launch. Very interesting news indeed as ArenaNet said as recently as March that it was not working on an expansion. Thanks to Mike and Robert for the tips!]

MassivelyNCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1q-2013aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq1-2013truly-freeSun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range
It's no secret that many folks like to see what they are getting into... or in the case of MMOs not yet available in all markets, what they'd like to get into. So those looking forward to playing NCsoft's martial arts fantasy Blade & Soul should appreciate this newly released visual tour of the White Blue Mountain Range area.

Although lacking any English subtitles, the video contains over six minutes of footage from various locales. From verdant vistas to wintery caverns, quaint villages to majestic cities, get a taste of the ambiance and architecture of the White Blue Mountain Range region in the trailer after the break.

Continue reading New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range

MassivelyNew Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatrailervideovideo-tourWhite-Blue-Mountain-RangeThu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - Long Plains Coast
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes.

For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge

MassivelyLeaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay
NCsoft has been fairly quiet on the Blade & Soul front lately, but that doesn't mean fan anticipation has died down for the martial arts fantasy MMO.

If you're among those anxiously awaiting the game, you'll definitely want to have a look at YouTube user YoraiDragon's epic 30-minute video that shows off some of the title's opening cinematics as well as early-level gameplay. The clip's audio and the game UI are of course in Korean, but there are occasional English subtitles that help clarify important concepts. Click past the cut to see the clip.

[Thanks Yorai Dragon!]

Continue reading Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay

MassivelyEpic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-videofantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreavideoSun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

NCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth
NCsoft just released its fourth quarter 2012 earnings report, and things are looking pretty good across the board for the multi-MMO company. NCsoft's earnings are up both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year due to the releases of Blade & Soul and Guild Wars 2, not to mention "record-breaking annual revenues" from Lineage.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 45% of the company's sales in Q4, followed by Lineage (24%) and Blade & Soul (10%). ArenaNet's newest game increased the North American market from 16% in Q3 to 25% in Q4.

It's not completely sunshine and roses, however. Lineage II and Aion both experienced declines during the period. NCsoft's net income was in the red for the quarter and its stock has slid since September, losing half of its value in the process.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip!]

MassivelyNCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playgrowthguild-wars-2gw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq4q4-2012truly-freeTue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Image
Blade & Soul's newest endgame dungeon release is called The Spiral Labyrinth, and Steparu has posted an extensive look at the content complete with multiple videos.

The dungeon features three floors, each of which ends in a boss fight, and there's a bit of randomization in the mix, too. Each time your party enters a particular room, you'll need to fight a miniboss. Defeating him triggers a random door which leads deeper into the dungeon level and eventually to the floor boss.

With a new dungeon comes new drops and new equipment. Steparu says that farming The Spiral Labyrinth will likely be necessary to compete in the game's upcoming PvP content. Have a look at the dungeon's first minotaur boss after the break, then head to the source link for several more gameplay videos and analysis.

Continue reading New vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon

MassivelyNew vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-gameplay-videoblade-and-soul-videodungeonsfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaspiral-labyrinththe-spiral-labyrinthvideoWed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul - Dark Bloody Shark Harbor 24-man raid
NCsoft just released a significant Blade & Soul update that features a new 24-man raid. The instance is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor, and Steparu has uploaded several new videos designed to show off both the gameplay and the loot rewards it provides.

In addition to the various clips, there's a good bit of textual commentary covering both the gameplay and speculation about the difficulty curve. "I believe that PlayNC Korea is targeting the casual players of the game so that they can gear up very fast for the upcoming content this month," Steparu writes.

Continue reading Yep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor

MassivelyYep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-dungeondark-bloody-shark-raidfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreavideoWed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul gets legendary with its December update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul gets legendary with its December update
Blade & Soul continues to grow in leaps and bounds overseas as the Korean title prepares to push out its Legendary Update next month. This update will buff the game with several new outfits, a 1v1 PvP arena, the 8th floor of the Tower of Mushin, and a new tier of gear (hence the "legendary").

The meat of the update will come in the form of a trio of new dungeons. The Dark Bloody Shark Harbor (best name ever) is a tougher iteration on the standard Bloody Shark Harbor. This instance turns into a different one at night called the Ice Storage Warehouse, where noises from a nearby building beg for investigation. Finally, the Spiral Labyrinth is a multi-floor randomized dungeon with plenty of secrets and a six-player requirement.

MassivelyBlade & Soul gets legendary with its December update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1arenablade-and-soulcontent-updatefantasylegendarylegendary-gearlegendary-updatemartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreapatchpvptower-of-mushinupdateFri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales
NCsoft, the publisher responsible for two Guild Wars games, Blade & Soul, and Aion, has seen significant growth over the past fiscal quarter thanks to the successful launch of Guild Wars 2. The company's 3Q 2012 earnings report released earlier today shows a hefty increase in sales, profit, and income compared not only to the previous quarter but to the entire year.

The report also offers a breakdown of sales by region as well as sales by games. While overall sales in Korea far outnumber sales in the North America or Europe, the availability of GW2 globally could be what put that game at the top of the sales list ahead of Blade & Soul, which is available only in Korea. You can see a detailed breakdown on the graphs after the break. To get a look at all the numbers, you download the PDF file.

Continue reading NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales

MassivelyNCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Q-earnings-report3q2012Earningsaionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2GW2-tops-salesmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatruly-freeWed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Two videos preview Blade & Soul's new Tower of Mushin dungeon
On Monday, Steparu.com treated us to two videos highlighting Blade & Soul's new Tower of Mushin, which is part of the Second Wave update that just went live today. Now, the site is offering more videos previewing what players can expect when they open the doors of this new solo dungeon.

The first video shows off the lobby, which includes a PvP arena in the center as well as practice dummies for players to build their chi or rage. The area also contains various NPCs found in regular towns, giving players access to the auction house, their banks, and such.

The second video highlights various boss fights. The fights get progressively more difficult as the player ascends through the seven floors of the tower. The tower also appears to be able to support indefinite additional levels as the level cap increases.

Get a glimpse of the Tower after the break.

Continue reading Two new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon

MassivelyTwo new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-souldungeonfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaSecond-Wavetower-of-mushinvideosWed, 31 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon
While Western audiences are still sitting on their thumbs waiting for Blade & Soul to cross the Pacific, Eastern gamers are getting ready for a major update to the game titled Second Wave. Second Wave's core addition is the Tower of Mushin solo dungeon, which awards successful adventurers with gear-purchasing tokens.

Steparu.com posted a pair of videos showing off a Tower of Mushin run. Not only does it give a good overview of the dungeon, but it also demonstrates the combat system for those who've yet to play the title.

Give them a watch after the break and let us know if you think that solo dungeons in Blade & Soul are a good idea!

Continue reading Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon

MassivelyGoing inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablade-and-souldungeonfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreasolo-dungeontower-of-mushinvideoMon, 29 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master
The wait is still on for Blade & Soul to make it across the Pacific, but at least we can drink in news and updates from those already enjoying the title. Steparu.com has a big preview of the Lyn Blade Master class as well as the game's October update.

As one might infer from the title, Lyn Blade Masters are quite skilled in slicing and dicing. Players using the class can employ stuns, flying swords, and AoE attacks. The Lyn Blade Master has use as a tank too, with strong grabbing skills to keep the enemy rooted and focused on him or her.

October's update to Blade & Soul has a slew of changes and tweaks. NCsoft is revamping the Summoner class, creating a new endgame dungeon from an old one, adding a solo dungeon called the Tower of Mushin, implementing a cross-server party matching system, throwing in a tournament system, and more.

Check out the Lyn Blade Master reveal video after the jump and let us know if you'll be playing one!

Continue reading Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master

MassivelyBlade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulclassclassesfantasylyn-blade-mastermartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaoctober-updateoh-koreapreviewtankupdateupdate-3videoFri, 28 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you pre-judge Korean MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/the-daily-grind-do-you-pre-judge-korean-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/the-daily-grind-do-you-pre-judge-korean-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/the-daily-grind-do-you-pre-judge-korean-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Daily Grind - Do you prejudge Korean MMOs?
Blade & Soul is currently one of the most popular games in Korea, and a subset of Western gamers have been looking forward to it for several years.

Given the lukewarm reception for TERA and Aion, though, it's not hard to imagine B&S facing an uphill battle in terms of public perception. I'm not sure why that is, exactly, but there's a definite anti-Korean bias among western MMO players regardless of the actual quality of an imported game. TERA has a terrific combat system and cutting-edge visuals, for example, while Aion is as feature-rich as any MMO that has been released since 2004 (it's also dialed its level grind down to World of Warcraft-style easy mode).

So, how about it morning folks? Do you pre-judge Korean MMOs? And if so, how come?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you pre-judge Korean MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-souldaily-grindfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaopiniontdgthe-daily-grindThu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lengthy Blade & Soul review finds a lot to love]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/lengthy-blade-and-soul-review-finds-a-lot-to-love/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/lengthy-blade-and-soul-review-finds-a-lot-to-love/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/lengthy-blade-and-soul-review-finds-a-lot-to-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lengthy Blade & Soul review finds a lot to love
So Blade & Soul is headed west, and you're kind of interested but also kind of wary because, well, Aion and TERA. Fortunately for you, Steparu.com has a pretty lengthy review of Blade & Soul's Korean client.

The piece delves into everything from the game's unique movement and travel systems to its combat, clothing, and skill mechanics. There are quite a few embedded gameplay videos as well. So what's the author's verdict? "I played this game hardcore for two months straight with ten-hour long gaming sessions each day," he writes.

MassivelyLengthy Blade & Soul review finds a lot to love originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-reviewfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaMon, 17 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul opens Western website, debuts trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/blade-and-soul-opens-western-website-debuts-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/blade-and-soul-opens-western-website-debuts-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/blade-and-soul-opens-western-website-debuts-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blade & Soul opens Western website, debuts trailer
If you've been long awaiting NCsoft's Blade & Soul, then today might be the shot in the arm that your anticipation needs. The publisher unloaded a brand-new website for its Western fans as well as a North American trailer.

The website offers many goodies right out of the gate, including an overview of Blade & Soul's world, races, and classes; screenshots, concept art, and videos; a newsletter signup; and frequently asked questions and answers.

As for the trailer, it's a high-octane mix of splendid videos and flashy combat, as you might have expected. Massively recently met with NCsoft to talk about the title's voyage to the Western market, and the following trailer is certainly part of that transition.

Continue reading Blade & Soul opens Western website, debuts trailer

MassivelyBlade & Soul opens Western website, debuts trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-souldebut-trailerenglish-websitefantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatrailervideowebsitewesternwestern-websiteFri, 14 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul is headed west]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/blade-and-soul-is-headed-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/blade-and-soul-is-headed-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/blade-and-soul-is-headed-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gamescom 2012 Blade & Soul
Gamescom 2012 was not a show of many big surprises. Fans and press alike were mostly given in-depth looks at things to come for existing franchises and games that were announced at E3 or even before that.

But that doesn't mean that there were no exciting little bits of information to be scrounged up here and there. In Cologne, we sat down for a chat with NCsoft's Stephen Levy as he spilled the beans on Korean martial arts MMO Blade & Soul, but we haven't been allowed to talk about it until today. The best part? Blade & Soul is headed west.

Continue reading Blade & Soul is headed west

MassivelyBlade & Soul is headed west originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulcologneconconventionfantasyfeaturedgamescomgamescom-2012germanyinterviewinterviewsmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreapreviewpreviewsstephen-levyThu, 13 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft weathers $6M loss in Q2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ncsoft-weathers-6m-loss-in-q2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ncsoft-weathers-6m-loss-in-q2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ncsoft-weathers-6m-loss-in-q2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

NCsoft weathers $6M loss for the quarter
NCsoft may have more banking on Guild Wars 2 than once thought. The mega-publisher announced that its second quarter earnings were lower than expected; it posted a $6 million loss for the period.

Revenues were down 12% from last year to $130 million, of which a vast majority came from NCsoft's online titles. The company stated that it dipped into the red due to rising labor costs, an increased marketing budget for Blade & Soul's Korean launch, and the acquisition of Ntreev. Aion was also blamed for the company's financial woes, as revenues in that title sharply decreased due to fewer microtransaction sales.

Both Lineage titles composed a great share of the company's revenues, with the first game producing 45% of sales and the sequel 13%.

NCsoft said that it is banking on Guild Wars 2 to produce a profitable third quarter, however.

MassivelyNCsoft weathers $6M loss in Q2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-wars-2gw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iilossmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreantreevprofitq2q2-2012truly-freeWed, 08 Aug 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul takes over the top spot in Korea, dethroning Diablo III]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/blade-and-soul-takes-over-the-top-spot-in-korea-dethroning-diablo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/blade-and-soul-takes-over-the-top-spot-in-korea-dethroning-diablo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/blade-and-soul-takes-over-the-top-spot-in-korea-dethroning-diablo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul takes over the top spot in Korea, dethroning Diablo III
Just two days ago, Blades & Soul opened its doors to players for the Korean open beta test, clocking an impressive wave of users and a third place finish in popularity behind Diablo III and League of Legends. Now the new fantasy MMO has leapfrogged over both games to claim the number one spot. One feature that helped cinch Blade & Soul's rise in popularity was the lack of any server maintenance over the weekend, something the deposed leader couldn't claim when it launched. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Check out the two new studio-released PvP videos after the break.

NCSoft also laid ongoing rumors of the game's going free-to-play to rest by announced the game's pricing: A monthly fee of 23,000 Korean Won (about 19.81 USD) will begin on June 30th.

Continue reading Blade & Soul takes over the top spot in Korea, dethroning Diablo III

MassivelyBlade & Soul takes over the top spot in Korea, dethroning Diablo III originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmomonthly-feemost-popular-gamencsoftncsoft-koreanewsnot-free-to-playpricingPvPsubscription-feesubscriptionsvideosMon, 25 Jun 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul Korean open beta records 150,000 users within an hour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/blade-and-soul-korean-open-beta-records-150-000-users-within-an-ho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/blade-and-soul-korean-open-beta-records-150-000-users-within-an-ho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/blade-and-soul-korean-open-beta-records-150-000-users-within-an-ho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blade & Soul
Have you been itching to jump in to try Blade & Soul during its open beta test? If so, you aren't alone: The Korean OBT for the fantasy game started just last night and recorded 150,000 CCU (or Concurrent User number for the acronym-challenged) within a single hour. To accommodate the volume of players participating in the beta, NCsoft increased the number of servers available from two to 25 and has five more waiting in the wings if needed. Even with that flood of users, the B&S servers remained stable.

Currently, Blade & Soul ranks behind only Diablo III and League of Legends in popularity according to data provided by Gametrics. The game is scheduled to launch in Korea next month; unfortunately for North American and European fans, there are currently no set plans for bringing the game to these markets.

MassivelyBlade & Soul Korean open beta records 150,000 users within an hour originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulCCUfantasyGametricsKoreamartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreanewsOBTsouth-korean-open-betaFri, 22 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul unleashes its Korean open beta trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/blade-and-soul-unleashes-its-open-beta-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/blade-and-soul-unleashes-its-open-beta-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/blade-and-soul-unleashes-its-open-beta-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blade & Soul unleashes open beta trailer
With Blade & Soul's South Korean open beta starting this week, NCsoft released an action-packed trailer to highlight the game's characters, attitude, and insane combat sequences. It's... pretty nuts in several ways.

Whoa, is he juggling that guy in the air with his sword? That cannot feel good! That lady is so unconcerned about her general welfare that she's just strolling through combat and swatting down bad guys like flies! And is that...? It is. A girl with a mustache and bunny ears? Huh. Let's just roll with it.

While we don't know when Blade & Soul will be making its way overseas, the title is scheduled to launch next month in Korea. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer after the jump and let us know what you think!

Continue reading Blade & Soul unleashes its Korean open beta trailer

MassivelyBlade & Soul unleashes its Korean open beta trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-trailerblade-and-soulf2pfantasyfree-to-playgirl-with-facial-hairkoreancsoftopen-betaopen-beta-trailersouth-koreasouth-korean-open-betatrailervideoTue, 19 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST