Massively

Aion opens a new server, eliminates subs, and reactivates accounts today

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Business models, Expansions, News items, Free-to-play

Today is a big day for players anticipating next week's launch of Aion's Ascension and the title's conversion to free-to-play. Once server maintenance is completed, players will have a new server, subscriptions will be discontinued, and the doors will reopen for inactive accounts.

Starting today, players will be able to log into the new Kahrun server to create characters and reserve names; however, actual play will not be possible until the launch on April 11th. Catering to the Central Time Zone, all sieges, arena timers, and the like will be based on CST.

All accounts are also changing from subscriptions to the Truly Free model, eliminating all billing. Still have a month, three months, or even a year of time left? In compensation, NCsoft is crediting players by converting all remaining game time to NCoin at a ratio of 40 NCoin per remaining day. Don't panic if you don't see the credit immediately; it might take a couple of days to process everything.

On top of all this, all inactive accounts in good standing are reactivating today to give Daevas a chance to prepare for 3.0. So dust off those wings and jump back in!

Aion opens a new server, eliminates subs, and reactivates accounts today originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aeria opens new server for Call of Gods MMORTS

Jef Reahard — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, MMORTS

Call of Gods may not be a household name when it comes to MMORTS titles, but the free-to-play offering from Aeria Games must be doing something right. The company has just announced the addition of a fifth server, as well as a list of server-wide events designed to bring fame and fortune to some of its players.

Events include a ranked player competition, group boss fights, alliance quests and upgrades, special hero and gear customizations, and "mystical rewards" for the top five alliances.

Call of Gods is a browser-based MMORTS, and you can learn more about it at its official website.

[Source: Aeria press release]

Aeria opens new server for Call of Gods MMORTS originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCsoft adding new Lineage II shard, server-first competitions abound

Jef Reahard — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lineage 2, Business models, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

Lineage II's "truly free" gamble seems to be paying dividends, as NCsoft has just announced plans to roll out a new server to cope with the overwhelming demand.

The shard is open for business as of today, and it's been christened Bartz as a nod to an older (and extremely popular) server that was merged earlier in the game's lengthy lifespan. NCsoft is not allowing transfers to the new shard, so you'll have to create a new toon if you want to check it out. On the plus side, there are several server-first rewards up for grabs, all of which will result in immortality via the Lineage II website.

Competitions include forming the first party, defeating the Queen Ant raid, being the first clan to reach level five, and being the first player to complete the first and second class transfer quests. Finally, NCsoft has announced a spiffy exclusive for denizens of the Shilen server. The first character who completes his or her awakening quest will receive a jet bike mount bracelet that grants a permanent skill transformation and the appearance of riding on a huge steampunk bike (pictured above).

NCsoft adding new Lineage II shard, server-first competitions abound originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alganon opens European servers

Matt Daniel — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, News items, Free-to-play, Alganon

Quest Online announced today that its free-to-play MMORPG Alganon is expanding! The game's reach grows just a wee bit longer with the launch of the Aeon server, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Players on either continent can choose to play on either server, so there's nothing stopping North American players from throwing down with their friends across the pond.

As a result of this new addition to the Alganon family, players will have a week (until July 19th) to transfer to the Aeon server free of charge. To do so, all you have to do is log into the Alganon website, choose the My Account option, and click My Transfers. Voila! The new server also comes just in time for the upcoming GM vs. Player battles taking place on July 16th and 17th. For more information, head to the official Alganon site.

Alganon opens European servers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New summer events on tap from Angels Online

Jef Reahard — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

Angels Online recently added a new server, and now the team at IGG is gearing up for a series of special summer events designed to bring players more content. First up is a leveling contest that runs from June 23rd to July 21st. The six players who attain the highest level on the new Nyx server by 1:00 a.m. EDT on the 21st will walk away with some significant rewards including a grand prize level 100 armor set and 100,000 in-game coins.

IGG is also hosting a double XP event that runs from June 23rd through June 30th on the new shard. Finally, the new Summer Breeze promotion features fruit-themed outfits that "let you show off your summer style and take advantage of huge power boosts," according to an IGG press release.

Angels Online is free-to-play play, and you can download the game at IGG's official website.

New summer events on tap from Angels Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eden Eternal opens second closed beta server

Jef Reahard — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Events, in-game, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

Eden Eternal is apparently more popular than its publisher was expecting, as Aeria Games has issued a press release celebrating the need to open a second server for closed beta testing. The beta phase kicked off yesterday and features a load of events designed to spice up the testing experience with some fun.

From mass healing missions to boosted loot hours, there's always something going on. Eden Eternal allows players to freely swap between 15 classes, build sprawling player towns (and charge visitors for town services), and tackle a variety of solo, 3-man, and 5-man dungeons.

Head to the game's official website for more detailed info, and if you'd like to check it out pick up a beta key from our giveaway.

Eden Eternal opens second closed beta server originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EverQuest launches second progression server due to popular demand

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Events, in-game, Launches, Promotions

Everyone's talking about the new progression server that launched yesterday in EverQuest -- and it seems that so many people are trying to play on it that they've outstripped its capacity. Players have reported that Fippy Darkpaw, a special server that's rolling out EQ's expansions at a measured pace, has been crushed by the crowds trying to log in.

As a result, Sony Online Entertainment decided to create a second time-locked progression server named after the game's infamous dragon Vulak'Aerr. According to the company, the server went online today. This should help relieve the stress on poor ol' Fippy. If you're curious about what a progression server entails, SOE's set up a helpful FAQ to clarify the details.

Players on EverQuest's other servers shouldn't feel left out of the celebrations, as they'll be enjoying a double XP weekend from February 18th through the 21st. It is important to note that this XP bonus will not apply to the new progression servers. During the same weekend, SOE is marking down a number of items in the Marketplace for a President's Day sale. You can read more on this special weekend over at EverQuest Players.

EverQuest launches second progression server due to popular demand originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bring it on: DCUO launches new PvP servers

Brianna Royce — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Launches, MMO industry, PvP, DC Universe Online

We can only assume it's a good day for Sony Online Entertainment when demand for its new superhero MMO, DC Universe Online, creates a need for more servers. Starting tomorrow afternoon at approximately 6:30 p.m. EST, two new PvP servers -- appropriately titled "Cry for Blood" (PC) and "Blood Will Run" (PS3) -- will be available for bloodthirsty superpeople everywhere, bringing the total number of North American servers up to 16. That's not a shabby number for a new release or for SOE in particular, which has in recent years seen a slew of server merges and closings across some of its older games.

On PvP servers, villains and heroes are able to duke it out via open-world factional combat while blasting through storyline content as well as in special PvP arenas. Word to the wise: Red means dead!

Massively is interviewing DCUO's Game Director Chris Cao this very evening, so expect an exclusive interview on this and other new content goodies en route for DCUO players tomorrow!

Bring it on: DCUO launches new PvP servers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New EverQuest progression server coming this March

Jef Reahard — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, MMO industry, News items

Yearning for the good ol' days of corpse runs, mob trains, and grinding your eyeballs out on the EverQuest leveling curve? You're in luck, as SOE is gearing up for a brand-new progression server for its long-running fantasy opus.

Beginning in March, EQ fans will have their own personal time machine, and the dial will be set circa 1999. The new server will be time-locked, meaning that EQ's laundry list of expansion content will make its way onto the shard on pre-determined dates (as opposed to being linked to player content completion). While details are somewhat sketchy at the moment, SOE has thrown up a forum thread and invited fans to join in christening the new shard.

Head over to the official EQ website for more details and the official name list.

New EverQuest progression server coming this March originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wurm Online adds new tutorial, hybrid F2P/P2P server

Jef Reahard — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Wurm Online, News items, Free-to-play, Virtual worlds

Wurm Online, the Java-based sandbox MMORPG from OneTwoFree AB, has undergone a bit of a Thanksgiving makeover. The game itself features a shiny new tutorial, while players now have access to the new Freedom server, a shard that integrates both paying customers and F2P types into a single space.

Wurm features two account types, basic and premium, both of which may be created for free at the game's official website. Basic accounts function as an extended trial and feature limits on characteristics and skills (20) as well as faith and fervor (30). Basic accounts also cannot access The Wilds PvP server. "We think that it is best for the game if new players can play with the more experienced ones to learn the game and see the possibilities, and we have been taking a lot of precautions in order for this to work," says CEO and designer Rolf Jannson.

Wurm Online adds new tutorial, hybrid F2P/P2P server originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xsyon beta update adds architecture skills, revamps terrain

Jef Reahard — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Bugs, New titles, News items, Xsyon, Post-Apocalyptic

Yep, Xsyon's still around, and the post-apocalyptic sandbox MMORPG from Notorious Games continues its beta testing phase with a full client and server update this week. The patch has also wiped all your beta characters as well as the world terrain, making way for smoother texture revisions that should be visible as you read this.

Other significant patch details include the architecture skill (which allows players to create walls and buildings), the masonry skill (designed to complement architecture), and various tweaks to combat and characters. Among these is a revision to the alignment system that flags both defenders and attackers. Finally, the new client boasts several bug fixes related to collision detection, memory leaks, and animation fixes.

Check out the full list of improvements on the official Xsyon forums.

Xsyon beta update adds architecture skills, revamps terrain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiesta Online fires up a new server

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Fiesta

When it comes to growth in the F2P world, Outspark's largest game Fiesta seems to be doing quite well. They recently opened up a new server, Cypion, in June to make sure they had enough room for their steadily growing playerbase. Now we get word that they've just opened up another new server, Legel, to make room for even more players.

Not to leave it at just that, Outspark have decided to throw a party in honor of the new Fiesta server. From now until September 15th, the first 500 players to hit level 50 will get a unique Coin of Teva for the event. This coin can be redeemed for a "permanent, unique, new exclusive in-game item called the Coat-of-Arms." Now why they don't skip the Coin bit and just give the first 500 level 50 players the Coat, well - your guess is as good as ours. At least on a new server you've got lots of leg room to run and other new people to level up with, even if you don't zoom to 50.

Fiesta Online fires up a new server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Have you re-rolled on Darkfall's NA server?

Seraphina Brennan — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Darkfall, Culture, Expansions, Launches, PvP, Opinion, The Daily Grind

Fifty bucks isn't chump change in this economy, but it's what Aventurine is asking as the price of admission to their new North American Darkfall server. If you want in you need to purchase a brand new account, and that brand new account is the price of a brand new game.

But, you get to play in a server that's starting from scratch. Everyone is once again on the same level, the cities were open for capture (briefly, then they all got taken,) and the mystery of the world has been re-opened. Aventurine has thrown down many fixes since the original launch, leading some people to call the EU server the "paid beta" while the NA server is the "true launch."

What we want to know is what are your feelings, Massively readers? If you play Darkfall, have you gone over to the new server? Why or why not? Are you waiting for the transfer after three months? Even if you don't play, would you switch servers if the new server came with a 50 dollar price tag? Or would you jump onto Darkfall just to be in the new NA server?

Comment away!

The Daily Grind: Have you re-rolled on Darkfall's NA server? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic opens new PvE server, will hold Independence Day celebration

James Egan — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, News items, PvE, Runes of Magic

It looks like Runes of Magic is getting in on the 4th of July MMO celebrations this weekend. Frogster America has announced that players can usher in Independence Day with bundles of fireworks (minus any fines or risk of bloody nubs), which they can pick up for 1 diamond in-game. They've also said the holiday celebration will bring specials in the item shop with prices on three Power Bundle slashed by 75%.

Frogster America also announced they'll launch a new PvE server tomorrow, "Reni", and there will be other summer activities that kick off on July 4th as well: a community screenshot contest; item and prize giveaways; and a leveling contest for players and guilds on Reni. Be sure to see their full announcement for more details on the Runes of Magic Independence Day contests and giveaways.

Runes of Magic opens new PvE server, will hold Independence Day celebration originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darkfall details their plans for the future and North American servers

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Fantasy, Darkfall, Business models, Game mechanics, Patches, PvP, News items, PvE

Developer Tasos Flambouras of the Darkfall team stopped by the official Darkfall forums again with a lengthy update concerning pretty much everything under the sun for Darkfall -- from cheating to future updates -- all in one large swoop.

One of the big notes of the post is the acknowledgement of a North American server coming down the pipes, but coming with restrictions to character transfers. Original plans detailed that characters from the European server could transfer off onto the American server (as North American players are certainly playing the European version right now) but this transfer will now be delayed by several months. So, if you're itching to get off of EU-1, looks like you might be waiting for a while unless you wish to create a new character on NA-1.

Past the new server, Tasos has outlined some of the priorities for the Darkfall team, including an enhanced newbie experience, improvements to the economy, upcoming improvements to the solo and group experience, and improvements to the game's PvE system to name a few. While exact details haven't been given, it's nice to know that things like this are on the developer's "to do" list for future updates.

The full post containing all of the juicy details can be read over at the official Darkfall forums.

[Via Hardcore Casual]

Darkfall details their plans for the future and North American servers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlantica Online opens sixth server to meet growing demand

Shawn Schuster — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Culture, Events, in-game, MMO industry, Atlantica Online

Atlantica Online has grown into such a behemoth of a game that they've recently announced the opening of their sixth server to meet growing consumer demand. This server, named Delphi, will open to the public on March 6th during a special two-week event celebrating the game's success.

Fortnight of the Oracle will follow the opening of the new server and allow players to receive a 120% experience boost, which will be increased to 150% on weekends. In addition, you'll also be able to enjoy:

Level-up Race -More than 100 players will receive 1,000 Gcoins for reaching a designated level the fastest.
Screenshot Contest - Players who submit the best screenshots will receive Gcoin prizes.
Quiz Bowl - Players who correctly answer questions from GMs will receive in-game item prizes.
Monster Hunts - Unique enemies will be spawned at various sites for new players to battle and earn rewards.
Treasure Hunts and Item Giveaways - New players will have more opportunities to find crystals and scroll boxes and receive other free in-game items.

Atlantica Online opens sixth server to meet growing demand originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MapleStory set to be boarded, mateys

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: MapleStory, Classes, News items, Free-to-play

Ever wanted to take on monsters and swagger around, with nary a care for lesser landlubbers? Well Nexon's got just the thing for you in their newly created MapleStory player class - Pirates! Launching this month, the addition of the Pirate class adds a new facet on this already popular game. Players start with the Pirate, but can choose one of two job paths as their levels increase. At level 30, players can specialize in the fast melee attacks of the Brawler, or go for the ranged-attack prowess of the Gunslinger. Both job trees continue up to Buccaneer or Corsair at level 120, respectively. Additionally, pirates gain several fun new abilities like sneaking past monsters in barrels, the ability to summon sea creatures to help, and even transformative battle powers.

As if that weren't timber-shivering enough to give players an incentive for rolling a Pirate, MapleStory is also adding in a series of new maps and areas to experience aboard the Pirate ship Nautilus, just full of new adventures. They're also planning a series of contests based around the new class, including a costume contest, a user-generated content contest and even a competition for pirate-themed guilds. To top it all off, MapleStory is introducing a new server for people to play on - Demethos - which should give new players a chance to be on a more even footing as everyone levels up. Sounds like some serious sea fun to us. Yarr!

MapleStory set to be boarded, mateys originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RF Online opens new world

Robin Torres — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, RF Online, News items, Free-to-play, Browser

Codemasters Online has opened a new world server for RF Online called Solus. It seems that ever since the game has gone free to play, the popularity of the game has overpopulated the other two worlds, Novus and Lumen. Lumen was also opened within the last 30 days, so they are trying to respond to the increased popularity of the game as quickly as possible.

The game is gorgeous and fun, particularly for a free game. I have yet to play very long, however, because their European downtimes have unfortunately coincided with my U.S. available playtimes.

If you are interested in trying RF Online, you can sign up for and download your free copy here. Codemasters highly recommends starting new characters on Solus in order to avoid any population related issues.

Now, if I can just figure out how to turn off that song in the launcher...

RF Online opens new world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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