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Aion rewarding decorating skills with contest

MJ Guthrie — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Contests, News items, Free-to-play

As one of 3.0's most anticipated features, player housing brought a whole new facet of gaming to Aion. Along with the studios, houses, and estates, housing provided Daevas the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and decorating flair, and players have been taking full advantage of the system. Now, NCsoft wants to reward players for sprucing up their Atreian homes with a contest titled Decorate Your Space.

Think you have a pretty snazzy pad? Then show off those mad decorating skills! All Daevas over level 20 are eligible; just submit up to three unaltered screenshots of your living space via the contest thread or by email to community_aion_en@ncsoft.com by 12:59 a.m. EDT on May 19th. The top three homes judged best decorated will win special 60-day, two-drawer cabinets with an extra 18 slots of storage space.

For full rules, conditions, and the winner release form, visit the official announcement.

Aion rewarding decorating skills with contest originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Aion, Expansions, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia

Awwwww yeah! Update 3.0, baby! Come to me, features.

Like Christmas for a five-year-old, this day seemed like it would never arrive for those of us who have been waiting for Aion's patch for what feels like forever. And ever. And then some. Aion: Ascension certainly took its jolly sweet time getting here, but now it finally has. Even better, you don't have to dodge creepy clowns or be sucked into a television screen to enjoy it.

Now the question is, is the product really worth the hype? I know I have certainly dished out a fair portion of hype in Wings Over Atreia over the past couple of months while sharing my excitement. Too many delectable features were on the menu, things that would breathe more life into the game, for me not to indulge a bit. But as with any hype, there is always a chance for things to not live up to expectations.

So is the new patch as grand and glorious as hoped? After my first few days in game, my answer is a definite...

Gallery: Aion: Ascension

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!

Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: Did someone say 3.0?

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Expansions, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia

You might be a bit weary of hearing about the launch of Aion's next big thing. Then again, maybe you just can't get enough. Everyone in the former group can conclude his reading here because this week's Ascension launch date announcement and subsequent information deluge offered plenty of new tidbits to share. And share I must. It is my civic duty.

Previously, we explored the different aspects of 3.0 using the translated Korean patch notes. Those are all well and good for giving us a good basis for what to expect, but there are always little changes in the western release of the game (see instance names), not to mention exact details of some of the systems (like mounts) are lacking. Luckily Aion's newly released official game guide, though incomplete, has new information to pass along to interested Daevas. And let's not forget the unexpected goodness of the impending free-to-play model. Yup, I can definitely find a few more things to chat about there.

If you are still reading, then either you had your interest rekindled or you are patiently waiting for me to get to the goods. So let's get on with it!

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Did someone say 3.0?

Wings Over Atreia: Did someone say 3.0? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, verse three -- crafting

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Patches, Professions, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia, Crafting

When, oh when will my expansion get here?
Oh when, oh when could it be?
With its new recipes
and crafting dailies,
Oh when, oh when can it be?

I just can't get this song out of my head. No matter how hard I try, I can't keep my mind away from Aion's upcoming 3.0 patch/expansion, Ascension. Ignoring it didn't work. Taking one little peek didn't either. Perhaps sharing and getting the tune stuck in someone else's head might do the trick? Nope; I've tried that for the last two weeks to no avail. I have even tried replacing it with other ditties, jingles, and orchestrations, but the melody always morphs back into something about that tempting little patch. My last hope is to play, but since that won't be a viable option for a while (still no definitive date, dagnabbit!), I guess that leaves me with just one choice: If you can't beat it, join it.

Yup, I will just have to hum along while busying myself learning more about all the neat little tidbits, like the ones coming the way of the crafters. Ah, you thought that perhaps adventurers were the only ones getting the goods? If so, you thought wrong. Beyond recipes, Ascension actually introduces some intriguing (and useful) new features specifically related to crafting.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, verse three -- crafting

Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, verse three -- crafting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, second verse

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Expansions, Patches, PvP, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia

Encore!

You are my expansion,
My favorite expansion,
You'll make me happy
With a house and more.
You have to know, dear,
How much I want you!
Please hurry the expansion to my door!

Just when I thought I was getting a handle on waiting for Aion's sorta-soon-to-be-released 3.0 patch, NCsoft went and announced a slightly less nebulous launch date of "this spring." Our patch-to-be even has the auspicious privilege of having a name: Ascension. And you know a name means extra special! WOOO! I, of course, started a requisite wing-flapping celebratory dance, but my tune soon changed: As exciting as this news was, I quickly realized that the more concrete the knowledge, the more I wanted it to release already. GAH -- this wait is truly taxing my patience! There is just so much to look forward to.

Last week I regaled you with a stirring, soulful rendition of anticipation for 3.0. Together we explored just a few of the goodies in store for patient and -- luckily for me -- not-so-patient Daevas alike. This week the recital continues, and as promised, Wings Over Atreia takes another peek at more of the features coming our way and highlights some of the more tantalizing additions and changes, including new fortresses with their own unique siege system, XP changes, mounts, and more.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, second verse

Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, second verse originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aion's Rallying the Troops event begins Feb 27th

MJ Guthrie — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Events, in-game, Expansions, Patches, News items

If the recent news about Aion's upcoming conversion to free-to-play has sparked your interest or you had left previously but want to pop back in for a little look-see, NCsoft is offering the perfect opportunity to do just that! Starting February 27th, Rallying the Troops will allow Daevas and Daevas-to-be to jump into the stunning world of Atreia for free, getting a head start on preparing for the much anticipated 3.0 patch, Ascension.

Each player, whether new, returning, or currently subscribed, will receive bonuses during that time, including double XP, a 30% boost in AP, and crucible insignias. New recruits need only make an account to begin playing a free extended trial. Returning veterans will play for free through March 12th. All those currently serving, along with the returning veterans, will benefit from more medals and relic loot drops from fortresses.

As an added incentive, everyone who subscribes by March 12th will receive a free set of Daevanion armor. If you have ever had the desire to check Aion out, there is no time like the present... starting Monday, of course.

Aion's Rallying the Troops event begins Feb 27th originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The wait is over: Aion's 3.0 and F2P conversion announced

MJ Guthrie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Business models, Expansions, Launches, MMO industry, New titles, Patches, Free-to-play

Over the weekend, a dramatic change in the official website alerted astute Daevas that something was up. Well speculation be gone: All betting pools for the anticipated announcement of Aion going free-to-play in North America are closed! Today, NCsoft revealed not only a time frame for the much anticipated 3.0 patch -- dubbed Aion: Ascension -- but also the news that the title will convert to F2P in at the same time. Already free-to-play in Europe, the game will have a model that is "truly free," according to NCsoft, giving all Daevas the opportunity to experience all content, including lands, dungeons, quests, and levels.

Ascension will bring with it the long-awaited housing and mount systems shown in the visions trailer many moons ago in addition to two new zones, six new instances, and an increased level cap (60) along with many tweaks, fixes, and other features.

NCsoft will also be hosting a Rallying the Troops event to give new players a head start in experiencing the game. This event is an extended trial with an increased level cap of 40 and no time limit. Veterans will enjoy a head start as well with free reactivation for 14 days. Need an extra incentive to check the game out (again)? A permanent boost in XP will also be implemented to help Daevas prepare for the upcoming new lands that can only be accessed by levels 55+.

Eager Daevas and Daevas-to-be can expect these changes this spring. We will keep you posted with more details as they become available! In the meantime, the full press release is behind the break.

Continue reading The wait is over: Aion's 3.0 and F2P conversion announced

The wait is over: Aion's 3.0 and F2P conversion announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Expansions, Patches, PvP, PvE, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia, Guides

*cue pitch pipe*

Twinkle, twinkle, little patch,
How I wonder where you're at?
In the East they play with ease,
In the West you're just a tease!
Twinkle, twinkle, three point oh,
Hurry please I want you so!

I've tried to be patient. I really have. I even avoided any wayward glances at Aion's Korean patch notes (translated, of course) for 3.0. That way, I could contain my excitement a little better. I mean, we already know I am dying for housing, and I also know mounts are involved. But there is always so much more, and I was trying to make the wait more bearable. I stood firm in my resolve.

Then I broke down. I peeked. And oh how the many-tendriled beast of anticipation took hold of me once again! Of course there is always the requisite "fixed this bug" and "changed that appearance" filler, but when mining deeper, you also find some definite valuable nuggets. Aion's next patch has some "how cool," some "oh wow, that's really unexpected," and some "about time!" thrown in as well. From new zones to new instances to new features, there is plenty coming our way. Don't want to tax your scroll wheel and sift through the entire patch notes yourself? Wings Over Atreia delves in to uncover some of the most tantalizing treasures for you.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0

Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Opinion, Wings Over Atreia

To Aion's housing we go!

Oh, if only it were that simple! And quick. 'Cause I got my hiking boots on and am raring to go. Heck, I will even wade through rivers of enemy blood to get me some housing! Now you all know what kind of statement that is coming from PvP-challenged me. Sadly, there is still a long wait ahead as there is no real official word on the release of 3.0 and its accompanying features. To be honest, with my all-too-obvious love of housing, I am not entirely sure that the information that trickled out of Korea this past week was more exciting... or painful. TEASE!!

Either way, there is no ignoring the fact that the tantalizing information has come, posted front and center on the Korean Powerwiki for all to see. Thanks to some kind translating, those of us not fluent in Korean can also get a glimpse at what NCsoft has in store for us. Truly, I think that it is only fitting that last week's focus on a major frustration is followed up by something many are actually looking forward to! In all, some of the information revealed is exciting, some is pleasantly surprising, and some is even disappointing,

Excited about Aion's upcoming housing or maybe just curious? Cross the threshold past the cut and join Wings Over Atreia as we explore the impending housing opportunities in Atreia.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods

Wings Over Atreia: Over the river and through the woods originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The9 is out, NetEase is in for Chinese World of Warcraft operator

Seraphina Brennan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Business models, Expansions, MMO industry, News items, Legal

Yesterday, we reported the rumor that it looked like Chinese World of Warcraft operator The9 might be losing the licensing rights to a competitor, and today we can confirm that rumor to be 100% true. Rival company NetEase has purchased the rights to operate World of Warcraft in China, starting once The9's current contract is up with Blizzard on June 8th.

NetEase is already the operator of Battle.net in China, supporting Warcraft III and the to-be-released Starcraft II. They have been operating with Blizzard since last August, when they acquired all of the rights to the other Blizzard games. This acquisition only brings NetEase and Blizzard closer together in their business arrangement.

What is still up in the air, however, is the fate of Wrath of the Lich King. DoNews, a Chinese news site, has reported that Wrath has been licensed by NetEase, although no formal announcement has yet been made.

[Via JLM Pacific Epoch]

The9 is out, NetEase is in for Chinese World of Warcraft operator originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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