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Ragnarok Online update introduces the town of Port Malaya

Matt Daniel — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, News items, Free-to-play

It's been over a year since we heard anything from Gravity Interactive's long-running title Ragnarok Online, but today, the silence has been broken. The studio has announced the game's newest content update, which will allow players to visit the paradisiacal Port Malaya, where "the water's always warm and the monsters are always dangerous."

Players level 100 and up will find plenty to do in the new port town, such as "dozens of new quests, including an entire suite of daily tasks to perform." New dungeons also await in Port Malaya, and with new dungeons comes new gear and a new tattoo system that will grant players permanent buffs. Players will need all the power they can get to square off against the myriad new MVP Monsters that inhabit the wilds of Port Malaya. More details on the update can be found on Ragnarok Online's official site, so head on over there and set sail for Port Malaya.

[Source: Gravity Interactive press release]

Ragnarok Online update introduces the town of Port Malaya originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gravity Interactive announces free-to-play Maestia fantasy title

Jef Reahard — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

Gravity Interactive has announced the latest addition to its WarpPortal online service. The new game is called Maestia: Rise of Keledus, and it's scheduled to debut later this summer. Gravity says that the game, which is being developed by ROC Works, is "an eternal struggle for power and righteousness in a world where friends and enemies are not easily discernible."

Maestia features instanced dungeons, guild and faction PvP, and traditional questing and crafting systems. Huge world bosses and epic class-based mounts round out the feature set, all of which is available via a free-to-play business model.

You can view a ton of screenshots and a comprehensive features list at the official Maestia website.

[Source: Gravity Interactive press release]

Gravity Interactive announces free-to-play Maestia fantasy title originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Lineage II artist returns to NCsoft for new MMO project

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Lineage, Lineage 2, MMO industry

NCsoft's prodigal son has returned, and with him the hopes and dreams of the future of gaming. Well that might be a smidge melodramatic, but fans of the company's games certainly have a good reason to celebrate today as former Lineage II artist Juno Jeong has come back to the fold.

Jeong signed back on with NCsoft as of yesterday to be the art director of an unknown MMO project. This is a marked step up from his previous role in the company as a member of the character production team, and those who know Jeong's art style are already expressing excitement with his current role. Following his stint on Lineage II, Jeong worked for several other game companies including Gravity, NHN, and Npluto.

While speculation is swirling over the exact nature of the project to which he's been assigned, the most common assumptions are either that he's working on another Lineage or Aion title.

Former Lineage II artist returns to NCsoft for new MMO project originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Dead men don't fly

Jeremy Stratton — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Horror, Galleries, Screenshots, Free-to-play, One Shots

I thought I'd travel off the beaten path this week and see how Requiem: Memento Mori is doing. I couldn't find my old character, but I started a new one and took advantage of a months worth of premium time. I also think there's a bonus XP event going on right now.

This is my level 26 Battle Mage taking a trip from Zakate to South Watchtower on a Wingrider, the mode of transport between hubs.

I always enjoyed Requiem's graphics and the areas between Kurt and Zakate both feel open and diverse. It's like one giant zone, but with individual areas all styled differently.

All this week, we Massively writers are spotlighting some of our personal favorite One Shots. What exciting stories revolve around our screenshots? Stay tuned to find out. Next week, after staff picks week, will be free-for-all week for you, our readers. Send any eye-catching, beautiful, scary, or generally epic screenshot to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll pick the best of the best for next week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

One Shots: Dead men don't fly originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok Online goes free-to-play

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, Free-to-play

Ragnarok Online's been pretty quiet following its Renewal update last year, but the free-to-play train is now passing through town and it looks as though the game is hopping aboard for the ride.

Gravity Interactive has announced that it is dropping the subscription model from Ragnarok Online effective immediately. The company encourages new and returning players interested in this F2P format to make their home on the Yggdrasil or Valkyrie servers.

The company is also offering a premium VIP subscription package for players looking to turbo-boost their advancement. VIP players not only have the option to play on a VIP-only server (Ymir) but will also benefit from a 50% increase in experience gain, loot drops, more storage, a lessened death penalty, access to special areas, and the full use of all nine character slots.

If this low, low cost of entry tempts you to check out the game, all it takes to play is a free Warp Portal account through the official website.

Ragnarok Online goes free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok Online II scrapped, new Ragnarok Online II takes its place

Krystalle Voecks — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

It's always a difficult decision to take a game that you've put a ton of work into already and scrap it. Sometimes, no matter what developers dream up, it just turns out to be nowhere nearly as fun as originally intended. While we don't know the specifics on what precisely made Gravity Interactive change directions on Ragnarok Online II, news has come down the wire that they have nonetheless decided to heavily alter the direction they were headed in and instead deliver a true sequel to Ragnarok Online. The new version of Ragnarok Online II, now subtitled "Legend of the Second" will offer players familiar systems from the first game, only this time in an updated, immersive 3D world.

Gone are the chibi graphics of the initial design in favor of more mature-looking characters. Gone too is the character-based weapon leveling system, the new leveling system, and unfamiliar races. Back in the mix are all the things that players enjoyed about the original Ragnarok Online: pets, cards, familiar classes, and more. This new version will launch into closed beta in Asia on August 31, 2010, with no specific date for the Western crossover at this time. Still, it warms our hearts when a gaming company is willing to make the hard choice and change direction -- making a game enjoyable, rather than sticking to the original plan and sacrificing fun.

[Via iRo Wiki forums]
[Thanks Coldbrand!]

Ragnarok Online II scrapped, new Ragnarok Online II takes its place originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok merges and renews

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Ragnarok Online

When worlds collide, continents shift and several unsuspecting people get smooshed between it all. When servers collide, the results can be both good and bad. Ragnarok Online has just announced that they are merging a few of their premium servers into a brand-new one, bringing with them all the current residents of Chaos, Loki and Iris. While there is no definite date for this event, the official merger FAQ pinpoints it down to this week.

Because of the merger, all guilds on the three previous servers will be dissolved and need to be recreated, although the Ragnarok team has created a "pre-list" for the purpose of staving off name sniping. "God items" will be broken back down into their component parts, which will require work to reconstruct them. Finally, all character names following the merge will be somewhat temporary until the GM team can figure out if there are any naming conflicts or not.

While server mergers can be unsettling, Ragnarok has a bit of upbeat news for players with their "Renewal" revamp, designed to eliminate a few glaring flaws and smooth over the entire gaming experience. Finally, players are encouraged to participate in Ragnarok's Dragon Hunting event during the entire month of May.

Ragnarok merges and renews originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok Online cares and wants to give you free play time for being laid off

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Ragnarok Online

Now that's some title, isn't it? Yet, the title doesn't lie -- Gravity Interactive does care and they do want to give their subscribers who have been laid off some free play time.

If you were a subscriber on Ragnarok Online International as of June 1st and you've lost your job on or after June 1st, then you're eligible for the new "Gravity Cares" program. All you need to do is simply fill out a short form to prove that you've lost your job and then send it over to Gravity via regular mail. Once they approve the form, you'll get a free three month subscription to Ragnarok Online so you can keep playing without having to worry so much about paying while you get back on your feet.

The program is certainly a nice gesture to those who have been hit by the troubled economy, and a unique offering in the MMO world. If you're eligible, go take advantage of it so you can keep playing with your friends.

Ragnarok Online cares and wants to give you free play time for being laid off originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok Online II dated for 2010... finally

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items

Gravity Interactive's first major title in the Western market, Ragnarok Online, is well known for its sugary-sweetness and unforgiving experience curve. While the title proved to be a hit for the developer in the Western and Eastern markets, it's newest brother, Ragnarok Online II, doesn't share the same story.

RO II was released in 2007 to a mass-panning by the Asian market, and the game has undergone some significant revisions in that time, including a change of the engine from Unreal 2.5 to Gamebryo and an update to all of the in-game systems. However, with those systems in place, Gravity has announced that the title will be seeing a 2010 release in the Western market.

Meanwhile, the Ragnarok franchise will be expanded with a social networking game as well, marking Gravity's new focus on the growing social network division of games.

Ragnarok Online II dated for 2010... finally originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ragnarok Online creator to make new MMO in the vein of Ragnarok

Seraphina Brennan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, Ragnarok Online, News items

At this year's G* Game Expo, in addition to the earlier sexy Blade & Soul gameplay video, it seems that the original creator of Ragnarok Online is working on a new MMO project that he describes as "in the same vein" as Ragnarok.

Gamasutra is reporting that Hakkyu Kim, RO's creator, is working on two new MMOs. One a more basic MMO that features the control of a single character, and another MMO that is done in the 2D sprites/3D backgrounds style of RO, except with a focus on action.

While neither of these games will be a new Ragnarok, as Gravity Interactive holds the license to the Ragnarok series, it's good to see Kim returning to his roots after his work on Granado Espada, more commonly known as Sword of the New World in the US.

Ragnarok Online creator to make new MMO in the vein of Ragnarok originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Requiem updates to "Memento Mori"

Seraphina Brennan — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Horror, Expansions, Patches, News items, Requiem: Bloodymare

Requiem, the free-to-play MMO that insists on making sure that all living creatures squirt out 20 gallons of blood upon their deaths, has recently updated the game with a new expansion -- Memento Mori.

Memento Mori, the Latin phrase meaning "Remember you will die," is a great description for the expansion that focuses on integrating learned skills and DNA directly into the character as they level. Previously, players would have to visit a trainer to learn skills, or assemble DNA strands with a DNA scientist in order to equip DNA mutations.

Now these two aspects of character development have been placed into the game as talent-esque windows, which allow you to spread your points amongst new upgrades the moment you level. It's almost like you're "remembering" your skills and DNA abilities instead of learning them. We appreciate that.

Continue reading Requiem updates to "Memento Mori"

Requiem updates to "Memento Mori" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subscription price lowered for Ragnarok Online in Europe

William Dobson — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Ragnarok Online, News items

Good news for any Europeans still enjoying Gravity's point-and-click MMORPG Ragnarok Online. Effective immediately, all subscriptions have undergone a price drop, and those with current subscriptions will be entitled to a number of free days play-time. The changes are as follows:

1 Month at €7 instead of €10.90, 10 days free for current subscribers
3 months at €18 instead of €29.70, 30 days free for current subscribers
6 months at €30 instead of €53.40, 70 days free for current subscribers
1 year at €60 instead of €72, and a starter pack offered. Current subscribers get 50 free days.

[Via IGN]

Subscription price lowered for Ragnarok Online in Europe originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Requiem: Bloodymare closed beta period extended

William Dobson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Horror, New titles, News items, Requiem: Bloodymare

It looks like the closed beta for Requiem: Bloodymare did not in fact end on the 26th of March as was originally planned -- it's still been going on. A post on the official forums informs us that the closed beta period has been extended until the 17th of April, so that the game can be tidied up before the unwashed masses join the fray in stress testing. Those keen to get in on the gory action will need to wait just a bit longer for this next phase to begin.

[Via MMORPG.com]

Requiem: Bloodymare closed beta period extended originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ice Age: the MMO?

Akela Talamasca — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Game mechanics, New titles, News items, Opinion, Humor

Right off the top of my head, I can think of at least 5 other CGI-based kids' movies that would make better foundations for an MMO. But that isn't stopping Gravity, the makers of Ragnarok Online, from being excited about landing a 7-year contract to develop a game based on 20th Century Fox's Ice Age franchise.

I'll leave it to you guys to think of ways in which this might be a good idea, but let me offer up my 5 alternates, in no particular order:

Robots -- whether or not you liked the movie, just imagine a world where your entire body is replaceable and upgradeable. Not to mention getting around the resurrection issue; just rebuild yourself!

A Bug's Life -- Think of the faction possibilities! Endless warfare between your mound and other ants who just don't smell right! Also, boss battles are easy to create: any insects bigger than you make formidable enemies.

Finding Nemo -- of course, the obvious disadvantage right up front: there will be at least one mission where you have to protect a baby fish as it makes its way somewhere. The amazing color palette, the limitless variation in undersea fauna, and the depth (no pun intended) of the environments would do nicely to offset that.

The Incredibles -- It's like City of Heroes, but with that elusive, family-friendly Disney touch!

Shrek -- Choose from a huge pool of character types, from Gingerbread Man, to ogre, to Wolf-in-Sheep's-Clothing. Complete each fairy-tale-based quest the way YOU would have done it. Build up your power by enticing characters from all over to live in your kingdom.

See? Easy! Good luck, Gravity. I'm actually eager to see how this will work.

[Via WarCry]

Ice Age: the MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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L5 Games looking a lot like Blizzard

Chris Chester — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, MMO industry, Ragnarok Online

Forming a new game studio and want to build some instant cred in the industry? Following in the example of other companies who believe anything associated with the Blizzard name turns to gold, Gravity Interactive has announced the formation of a new subsidiary game studio called L5 Games, which is to be staffed by a sizable number of former Blizzard North employees. According to the story over at Gama, as many as half of the new staff has ten or more years of experience in the industry, with credits in such mega-hits as World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Warcraft, and Diablo.

It's not exactly standard practice to flaunt the resumes of new hires in the press, but well... it's Blizzard, alright? Giant Interactive, which plays both publisher and developer roles for Ragnarok Online over in South Korea, is looking to beef up its U.S. operations, which have largely floundered to date, despite their game's unmitigated success overseas. "We intend to develop online games targeting the North American market, one of the fastest growing online gaming markets, with the outstanding developers of L5 Games who have a successful track record and thorough understanding of the culture of the North American market," says Gravity CEO Il-Young Ryu.

While there's a temptation to be snarky about this, the fact of the matter is that they've successfully captured our intention. Now just don't disappoint us.

L5 Games looking a lot like Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official word: Perpetual lives, STO "still a triple-A game"

Samuel Axon — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Star Trek Online

There has been a lot of confusion with regards to the fate of Perpetual Entertainment and Star Trek Online over the past few days. First, an SEC report was filed by Gravity that appeared to say that Perpetual Entertainment was liquidating all assets and would cease to exist as a company. Then, Shacknews ran a story claiming that STO had been bought and would be re-invented as a "more casual" experience.

Star Trek Online's Executive Producer Daron Stinett addressed panicked fans, saying that not all is as it seems. We have the lowdown here for you. The heart of the matter: it appears that STO has not been canceled or nerfed after all --at least not to the degree that we feared. That said, here's the full story so far.

Continue reading Official word: Perpetual lives, STO "still a triple-A game"

Official word: Perpetual lives, STO "still a triple-A game" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perpetual disbanding, STO in jeopardy [Updated]

Samuel Axon — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Star Trek Online

South Korean company Gravity was forced in a mandatory SEC report to spill the beans that Perpetual Entertainment is seeking liquidation of all its assets and will soon cease to exist as a company. Gravity had to disclose this information in compliance with US law to inform its shareholders that it stands to lose $9 million in investments in Perpetual Entertainment due to the company's failure.

Perpetual Entertainment filed for liquidation on the 10th of October, just a day after it announced the cancellation of its Gods & Heroes project. While appearances are that Star Trek Online has remained in some kind of development (however limited) in the short term, Perpetual will soon be forced to sell all its assets to pay off its debts.

That means that either Star Trek Online is due for cancellation, or the project will be sold to a new development studio. Perpetual's continued work on STO is evidence that it at least hopes to keep the project alive by handing it off to another company. We don't know if Perpetual already has a buyer lined up or which company that buyer would be.

[EDIT: WarCry's Razor has suggested that the SEC report is misleading and that this was just a part of the process of ending development of Gods & Heroes. His suggestion might be worthy of consideration, but there is not yet enough evidence behind it for us to call this a false alarm. We've sent an e-mail to our press contacts at Perpetual Entertainment for clarification and when/if we get a statement, we'll let you know.]

Perpetual disbanding, STO in jeopardy [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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