MMORPGf2p.com

CABAL Online Europe Celebrates 2 Million Registrations

2010-03-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

Games-Masters.com has announced that their free to play MMORPG Cabal Online Europe has surpassed the two million registered user mark. There will be several events to celebrate this accomplishment and a game update that will be coming out this month. The March update, "Illusion Castle" will introduce a revamped user interface, two new dungeons and a new set of weapons and accessories. Here are the details;

Games-Masters.com, publishers of the free-to-play game CABAL Online Europe, has today announced that over two million unique users have registered for the massively multiplayer online game. Experiencing sustained growth since its launch in 2006, the fast-paced console-style MMO continues to be enjoyed by over 100,000 active players, with thousands of new registrations each and every day.

To celebrate reaching the two-million milestone, throughout March all users of the game will enjoy increased experience and drop rates. These bonuses, including experience, skill experience, war experience and drop rate increases, will be by as much as 50% and will automatically be added to all players between the hours of 1000 and 1900 GMT.

March will also see the release of a brand new update, Illusion Castle, including a revamped user interface, two new dungeons and a new set of weapons and accessories.

More information, including information on how to register for the game and take advantage of the bonuses, can be found at www.cabalonline.com .

Sony Online Entertainment Launches PoxNora for Facebook

2010-03-09T08:08:00.000-06:00

Sony Online Entertainment has launched their first Facebook game with the arrival of PoxNora for Facebook. This is their first foray into the Facebook app field and SOE plans on launching more games based on both new and existing intellectual properties. You can read more information on this release after the break.

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) has launched its popular turn-based strategy game PoxNora® on Facebook®. Tapping into its expertise as a preeminent online entertainment company, SOE plans to follow this inaugural Facebook launch of PoxNora with additional games for the Facebook platform based on both existing franchises and new intellectual property.

PoxNora is a combination turn-based strategy game and collectable card game set in a fantasy world of creatures, relics, and spells. SOE acquired PoxNora in January 2009, and since then the game has expanded in reach and popularity with over 2.5 million registered accounts to date.

“The Facebook platform offers gamers a new and powerful way to interact with and tap into their social communities,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “With the launch of PoxNora for Facebook, we are leveraging the expertise SOE has gained bringing entertainment to the online gaming community for over 10 years.”

From microtransactions to community play, SOE has customized the Facebook version of PoxNora to appeal to a wider social networking audience in a fun and engaging way. The new PoxNora for Facebook harnesses the platform’s social channels by allowing users to invite friends and post updates of accomplishments.

SOE is launching the Facebook version of PoxNora at a time of tremendous growth in online social gaming. The success of social gaming is largely attributed to Facebook’s wild popularity and the maturing virtual goods business.

To experience the new PoxNora for Facebook, please visit: http://apps.facebook.com/poxnora

Tales of Fantasy Alpha Test Begins Today

2010-03-09T07:31:00.000-06:00

IGG has sent word to us that the alpha test for their latest MMORPG Tales of Fantasy is getting underway today. We have the release for you and some screenshots that were also sent our way. In addition, we will have a bonus album of images from Tales of Fantasy posted to the MMORPGf2p.com Facebook page shortly.

Tales of Fantasy (http://tof.igg.com), the newest addition to IGG’s armada of 3D MMORPGs, is at this very moment going into its final preparations for the Alpha Test.

The official date for the release of the Alpha Test is 8:00pm EST(GMT-5) on March 9th, 2010 . Everyone who participates in the Tales of Fantasy alpha test will have a chance to win a fantastic new Apple Ipad which would be delivered to the winners in April!

The Alpha Test will last for eight days and activation keys are available via official events, check the below link: http://tof.igg.com/event/cdkey/buzz.php For more details about Alpha test please visit the official forum at http://forum.tof.igg.com/viewthread.php?tid=415&extra=page%3D1&frombbs=1

Challenging the Gods Themselves in Mytheon

2010-03-09T06:48:00.000-06:00

True Games Interactive and developer Petroglyph have released some information on one of the impressive bosses in the upcoming strategy/RPG MMO Mytheon. Players will come face to face in a boss encounter with Poseidon, god of the seas in Greek Mythology. Here is the release and we also have a few screenshots of this impressive boss.

True Games Interactive, an international multi-player online game developer and publisher, along with award-winning developer, Petroglyph, released details about the unique storyline and challenges in Mytheon, the highly-anticipated online, multiplayer action/RPG with strategic game play due this Spring (www.MytheonGame.com).

The ancient Greek mythology and expansive folklore of Mytheon transports players to a time where heroes do battle with legendary monsters and gods. Chief among the grand and colossal gods in the ancient world is the mighty Poseidon, god of the seas and earthquakes, and the creator of horses, including the famed Pegasus. One of the early environments in Mytheon is The Shattered Isle, a mystical island created by Poseidon to house his family and loyal servants. This island represents the dichotomy of the seas; beautiful and tranquil on one side, and dark and treacherous on the other.

Poseidon was the first and only god to attempt an outright assault on the fabled city of Argos. Had it not been for the protection of the Golden Fleece, the city would have fallen. He is encountered on the Shattered Isle where he is amassing an army to destroy the city of Argos. Poseidon’s wrath is born out of arrogant jealousy over mankind’s newfound favor with the Fates. For millennia, he has blessed mankind with such gifts as his beloved horses and the secrets of sea-faring.

“Experiencing the myths and legends we grew up with are what make Mytheon such a unique online experience and the giant gods in the game are an amazing challenge, said Peter Cesario, director of new business and product development at True Games Interactive. “For years video games have been trying to capture the essence of fighting something so powerful, so huge that it is god-like; Mytheon is the real thing.”

Challenging a god-sized boss is one of the many thrilling encounters Mytheon players will face. And none is more epic than battling Poseidon, the master of earth and water who uses these primal elements to decimate entire legions of men. It is ill-advised to rely on summoned structures in this epic fight, for Poseidon’s mastery of the earth will ensure their destruction. At his command are the various creatures of the ocean, including a giant man-eating sea monster called the King Sentinel. Guarding Poseidon’s temple is the majestic Pegasus—in order for Poseidon to be challenged, Pegasus must first be defeated, proving the Stonecaster’s worthiness to face the mighty deity himself.

“Using mythologies from the various civilizations throughout our history as the basis of the story of Mytheon has given us a wealth of material to pull from,” said Chris Rubyor, lead designer of Mytheon at Petroglyph. “We wanted the player to feel instantly familiar with the monsters and gods he or she will be fighting, but still feel a sense of awe and wonder at the encounters. We look forward to expanding on the Greek mythology that greets players in Mytheon to even more incredible encounters from Egypt, Asia and more as we continue to expand the game.”

Mytheon is an online, multiplayer action/RPG with strategic game play where players experience classic mythology come to life and challenge legendary gods to define their own fate. Players, or "Stonecasters", are powerful humans imbued with the ability to cast spells, summon minions, and erect structures that aid them in battle. An assortment of classes are available that approach combat differently and offer a range of unique, cinematic abilities.

Using some of the best and most familiar mechanics from traditional collectible card games, players will earn, buy, trade and collect stones they can assemble similar to deck-building among a thriving online community. Several compelling features have been added to create fast, visually stunning 3D combat sequences with a deep layer of strategy beneath it.

For additional details on Mytheon and to sign up for the closed beta test please visit: http://www.mytheongame.com/. To follow all the latest news, please visit http://www.facebook.com/mytheon, http://twitter.com/mytheongame
and http://www.youtube.com/group/mytheon

Nexon Offering A Million Dollars For Great Computer Game Ideas

2010-03-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

Wrapping up the business segment for today, Nexon America has announced the launch of "The Nexon iNitiative", which is an ambitious new program that is looking for the next "big thing" in computer gaming. This program will provide up to one million dollars (US) to support the next generation of independent game developers.

This is a great idea, some of the most innovative games coming out now seem to be from independent developers and it would be great to see them developed for a much broader audience. Here is more from the release;

Nexon America today has launched “The Nexon iNitiative,” an ambitious new program that will provide up to $1 million to support the next generation of game developers. The most original, unique and promising independent gaming projects will be sponsored, co-developed and later published through Nexon’s global distribution network which services games in more than 71 countries.

The Nexon iNitiative is now accepting game ideas through its dedicated Web site: http://initiative.nexon.net/.

Game developers selected by The Nexon iNitiative program will earn a share of the $1 million to support the game’s development as well as a chance at a Nexon publishing contract. The Nexon iNitiative finalists will be selected and contacted by June, 2010.

“Nexon is all about great games and The Nexon iNitiative is about finding the next generation of great game developers,” said Won Il Sue, Nexon America’s vice president of business development. “It doesn’t matter who you are, if you’ve got a great idea, we want to hear from you. We’re ready to fund, develop and publish the best of the best through our massive worldwide network. We know that there are a lot of developers out there, both professional and amateur, who feel frustrated at the barriers to getting a truly unique and innovative game developed and published. The Nexon iNitiative is the place they can turn to with those great ideas that will sweep those barriers aside.”

The Nexon iNitiative is looking for potential PC-based games that have broad appeal and encourage community and social interaction. Flash, client-based games or ports from other platforms are welcome. Games with strong online elements will get serious consideration, but no good idea will be turned away.

The Nexon iNitiative Website (http://initiative.nexon.net) is now open and will begin taking game submissions immediately. Members of the Nexon America business development staff will be available at the Game Developer’s Conference in conference room 220 on March 10, 11 and 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about The Nexon iNitiative, go to: http://initiative.nexon.net.

New Marketing Manager at Kalicanthus Entertainment

2010-03-08T09:13:00.000-06:00

Kalicanthus Entertainment, publisher of the free to play MMORPG Arena Online and the collectible card game Berserk Online have announced that Fabio Rodighiero has been appointed as the MMORPG portals new Marketing Manager. Here are the details;

Kalicanthus Entertainment, leading Italian online gaming company, has announced the hiring of a new Marketing Manager, Fabio Rodighiero, who joins a close-knit team. Rodighiero brings several years of professional experience in the MMO market, having worked in various roles in the industry. Between his most important experiences, it is worth mentioning his work in the Warhammer Online team for GOA Games Services in Dublin, where he was taking care of building and managing the community, following the communication between Mythic, GOA and the user base and organizing events, contest and activities with different partners during the beta pre-launch phase. He also worked for the Dutch company Spil Games as Portal Manager for Onrpg.com, one of the biggest portals dedicated to MMORPG, creating and executing action plans for the overall growth and development of the portal and taking care of further developing relationships with partners.

“I’m extremely proud of joining such a strong, growing and important team in the European MMO market” stated the new Marketing Manager. “Considering that Kalicanthus is a totally Italian company, growing strongly on an international level, it is a further motivation to offer my experience in order to help Kalicanthus growth”.

“Having such a professional as Fabio joining our team is a proof of our will to keep growing as we’ve been doing in the last few years” stated Kalicanthus CEO Fabrizio Calì. “Fabio’s experience and undoubted skills will be useful to Kalicanthus to reach new goals in the international market and we’re sure this will happen in the near future”.

Kalicanthus Entertainment is a MMOG developer and publisher, Italian market leader and the only Italian operator publishing online games on the most important Italian Web portals. It born in 2006 thanks the past experience of same MMO players and same employees in former Italian MMO company which join together to create through passion and job a new, big Italian referral point for the MMO market. Surely Kalicanthus is a company with the larger experience in MMO market here in Italy and his way of acting is strongly based on players, because comes from players.

BigWorld Enables Access for Indie, Student and Small Commercial Developers

2010-03-08T08:54:00.000-06:00

BigWorld Pty Ltd. has announced that they have created a new pricing structure for Indie, Student and Small Commercial developers for the licensing of their MMORPG development tools. Here are the details;

BigWorld Pty Ltd. today announced the launch of three new product offerings for indie, student and small commercial developers of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) and large scale online virtual worlds, with BigWorld Indie available immediately.

Indie teams, registered education institutions and any small commercial company may be eligible to apply for a ‘BigWorld Indie’, ‘BigWorld Indie Source’ or ‘BigWorld Academic’ license. For pricing, eligibility requirements and a full list of terms and conditions visit www.bigworldindie.com

“This announcement comes as a bona fide boon for students, indie and prototype developers who have previously been unable to gain access to BigWorld’s premier, complete and proven MMOG solution”, commented John De Margheriti, CEO, BigWorld. “Many developers have been placing solutions for Indies and making available prototype builds for emerging game companies for quite some time. BigWorld has kept its focus on the fully commercial marketplace and to date, there are over 40 commercial licenses in development or launched on BigWorld Technology. We are now well positioned to expand our product offerings to include academic institutions and mod and indie developers, who are in our belief, stronger and more capable than ever to take advantage of virtual or graphical social worlds and MMOs”.

BigWorld Indie is for the casual enthusiast and can be used as a pathway to the BigWorld Indie Source or the full scale BigWorld Commercial license. It’s the most affordable of the three offerings, but also carries the most restrictions. This offering is supported through online forums which are moderated by BigWorld staff.

BigWorld Indie Source is the likely choice for those companies wishing to build a prototype to show potential investors, or for pitching an idea to a publisher. Support forums are enabled and you are able to buy direct-interaction support packages for one-on-one time with BigWorld support staff in blocks of 10 hours.

BigWorld Academic is strictly for registered educational institutions and will enable students to gain a grasp on the technology and experience the issues involved in developing MMOGs and large scale online virtual worlds. Employers can look forward to getting their hands on more industry ready graduates who have been exposed to some of the intricacies of the BigWorld Technology.

Even though there are caveats on all three new product offerings, BigWorld have gone the extra mile to help developers elevate themselves to a winning position. Progression plans are available to upgrade to a BigWorld Commercial license and BigWorld is looking forward to welcoming an abundance of new developers.

Executive Promotions at KingsIsle Entertainment

2010-03-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

We've received a lot of business and industry news over the last few days, so let's get caught up on it today. The first announcement deals with promotions at KingsIsle Entertainment, developer and publisher of Wizard101.

KingsIsle Entertainment, the game development company behind the award-winning online game Wizard101, announced today the promotions of J. Todd Coleman to Vice President and Creative Director and Josef Hall to Vice President of Development. Coleman's role in the company has been expanded beyond Creative Director to include a Vice President title, with the added responsibility of production management and creative vision across all of KingsIsle's games. This includes future development of Wizard101, brand extensions and additional MMOs. Hall’s role will encompass responsibilities across all aspects of development for Wizard101 and future KingsIsle properties, including technical leadership, design and production.

Joining KingsIsle Entertainment in 2005, J. Todd Coleman served as a key visionary in the creation of Wizard101 as well as the executive manager of the project from inception through launch. He owned the functional area of Wizard101 production: design, development, art, customer support and operations. His career in the gaming industry includes co-founding Wolfpack Studios, which was behind the MMO Shadowbane. Currently, Coleman is leading KingsIsle Entertainment’s second project as the executive manager.

Josef Hall was the co-creator of Wizard101 and previously the Senior Director of Software Engineering at KingsIsle. Hall is responsible for the technical implementation of all KingsIsle products. He developed the world-class systems that KingsIsle uses to build highly scalable client-server technologies to support millions of Wizard101 players. Before joining KingsIsle in 2005, Hall co-founded Wolfpack Studios with Coleman and was one of the key creative minds behind the MMO. In his new role Hall will take on responsibilities across all development and strategic direction of KingsIsle in addition to his technical leadership.

“Todd and Josef have been integral influencers behind the creation of Wizard101 and the ongoing innovation at KingsIsle Entertainment,” said Elie Akilian, CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. “Their contributions and leadership in both the technical and creative aspects of our games have helped drive the success of our company and our people.”

Wizard101 currently has more than 5 million registered users. In the game, kids and families enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.

Forsaken World CGI Trailer

2010-03-04T10:10:00.000-06:00

Along with yesterday's announcement of the dark fantasy MMORPG Forsaken World, Perfect World Entertainment also released a CGI trailer for this impressive looking title. Perfect World Entertainment has had a very aggressive publishing schedule this year and Forsaken World could be the biggest of the bunch. Of the three titles already announced this year, I personally am looking forward to Forsaken World most. You can view the trailer after the break;

Aeria Games to Publish Kingdom Heroes in Europe and North America

2010-03-04T08:43:00.000-06:00

Aeria Games has announced that they have secured the rights to publish Kingdom Heroes in Europe and North America. Kingdom Heroes looks like it is in the vein of a Real Time Strategy / Role Playing Game with an open PvP world. This is a trend that we are seeing quite a bit of lately and while we are not sure it is a totally good thing, obviously it would depend on the quality of the individual games and their game mechanics.

Kingdom Heroes is scheduled for a spring 2010 release and beta sign-ups are being taken now. Aeria Games has released some screenshots and a trailer for Kingdom Heroes and we have that for you along with the release.

Aeria Games & Entertainment, one of the fastest growing publishers of free-to-play online games in North America and Europe, has officially unveiled its newest title, Kingdom Heroes. Players interested in testing the game prior to its Spring 2010 release can visit the official site, starting today, and sign up to participate in the upcoming Closed Beta.

Kingdom Heroes (KH) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that introduces a variety of new, revolutionary features to the MMO genre. In Kingdom Heroes, players will be able to:

Recruit and customize NPC soldiers to form their own personal armies.
Organize a crew of players and take to the seas in exciting ship battles.
Work together to establish, develop, and defend player-controlled cities.
Conquer enemy strongholds using an impressive arsenal of troops, mounts, ships, and powerful siege engines.

In addition to this unparalleled array of game features, Kingdom Heroes offers numerous character customization options, branching classes and talent trees, mounted combat, a player based economy, instanced battlefields, thousands of quests, and global player-versus-player (PvP) events where rival factions battle for control of player cities and territory.

For more information about Kingdom Heroes, screenshots and video, or to be among the first to register for the Closed Beta period, visit http://kingdomheroes.aeriagames.com/.

Fantasy Earth Zero Open Beta Underway

2010-03-04T07:23:00.002-06:00

The open beta for Gamepot USA's latest MMORPG Fantasy Earth Zero got underway yesterday. Fantasy Earth Zero is developed by Square Enix, and is being published in North America by Gamepot. Every player who participates in the open beta will receive a code for a limited edition weapon when Fantasy Earth Zero officially launches. Many events will also be held over the course of the beta. Here is the release and a few screenshots of those limited edition weapons.

Gamepot (USA), Inc., the U.S. publishing division of Japanese gaming behemoth Gamepot, Inc., is pleased to announce the FANTASY EARTH ZERO Open Beta on March 3rd, 2010. The Open Beta marks the beginning of our countdown to Day Zero, the launch of FANTASY EARTH ZERO.

Each player who joins the fray and participates in a war between March 3rd and March 10th, 2010 will receive a code for an exclusive, limited edition weapon when the game launches on Day Zero.

To register for the Beta, please visit: http://fez.gamepotusa.com/

“This is part of our continuing initiative to reward our players.” said Thomas Lee, Senior Director of Business Development. “Ideally we’d like you to speak softly and carry a large golden axe.”

In addition to the exclusive beta items, Gamepot USA is hosting many events as they countdown to Day Zero. For the latest updates on Fantasy Earth Zero events, please visit http://fez.gamepotusa.com/.

FANTASY EARTH ZERO, licensed by SQUARE ENIX Co., Ltd., features three distinct classes to choose from, five unique kingdoms vying for a player’s allegiance, immersive quests, a stunning soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, FINAL FANTASY XII), the pulse-pounding excitement of 50 vs. 50 PvP and a nearly endless array of character customization options, making it one of the most robust and anticipated free-to-play MMO games of 2010.

gamigo to publish Black Prophecy Globally as a f2p Game

2010-03-04T06:19:00.001-06:00

This is big news. We've just received notice that gamigo has entered into an agreement with Reakktor Media to publish the highly anticipated space based MMORPG Black Prophecy globally as a free to play title. We'll try to find out more information as it becomes available. Here is the release;

gamigo AG and Reakktor Media GmbH have officially announced that they will be working together on the highly-anticipated space action MMOG Black Prophecy. gamigo owns the global distribution and publishing rights for the game. The Hamburg-based publisher thus lays the foundation for a new focus on becoming a global publisher and producer of free-to-play Massively Multiplayer Online Games.

Patrick Streppel, member of the gamigo executive board, is enthusiastic about the new game: „Reakktor’s Black Prophecy will breathe life back into a genre previously forgotten. The game features graphics of the highest quality, a rich and meaningful story, and strong community features. Since we've begun collaborating with Reakktor, we have expanded greatly upon the concept of the game and thus are able to offer one of the first top-of-the-line free-to-play MMOGs."

A lot has happened in the development of Black Prophecy in the past few weeks. The biggest change has been the new direction as a free-to-play online game, previously unheard of for a game of this quality. Among other things, a crafting system was added and the layout of the game world was opened up. In-game dialogue will be recorded by professional voice actors. The one-and-a-half hour long orchestral soundtrack provides a rich and varied score of background music.

Kirk Lenke, CEO of Reakktor Media GmbH, said "We are excited to have found such a strong partner in gamigo for the publishing and distribution of our space action MMOG Black Prophecy. gamigo has the necessary skills and abilities to turn our product into a global MMOG blockbuster."

Black Prophecy is expected go into closed beta testing in April 2010.

ijji.com's Soul of the Ultimate Nation Receives Major Update

2010-03-04T05:59:00.000-06:00

Free to play gaming portal ijji.com has announced a major update to Soul of the Ultimate Nation. This update includes a new area called Aiort Graveyard which will come with a variety of quests and missions. This update will include new crafting systems, more quests and an increased level cap. Here is the release and we also have two trailers from Soul of the Ultimate Nation for your viewing pleasure.

Sending a chill up a gamers' spine, the epic fantasy massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) Soul of the Ultimate Nation gives evil a playground with the game's major update on the hardcore gaming portal ijji.com. Those who can withstand the horror newly added to Soul of the Ultimate Nation will experience new quests for blood, vengeance and immortality. A sinister graveyard, two new slaughtering systems, wicked crafting and an increased level cap are only a few of the latest additions, which can be found at http://sun.ijji.com/ .

"Soul of the Ultimate Nation is a fast, thrilling and engaging MMO game, so just imagine what fresh, menacing quests and an increased level cap offer," said Calvin Yang, vice president of marketing, NHN USA, which hosts ijji.com. "Making free-to-play games a genre to be reckoned with is our mission - and S.U.N is a shining example of that."

Soul of the Ultimate Nation's upgrade offers gamers a menacing alternative to other MMORPGs on the internet. On top of the level cap jumping to 115 from 100, the upgrade includes:

New missions, quests and area conquest transpire on a menacing field, the Aiort Graveyard
A group system that allows players to share the benefits of gameplay between friends and fellow members
Shield points, bestowed upon all classes with the Shield System, resulting in expanding hit points during crucial player versus player (PvP) combat
The evolution of customization, with a vast array of nearly 150 different guild mark backgrounds and patterns
New and upgraded crafting, allowing for innovations in the existing economy
100 consecutive, fiendish quests, slaying and destroying demons, beginning at level 70

Soul of the Ultimate Nation is a fantasy MMORPG set in a world ravaged by corruption and war. The Immortal Emperor governed the Brakion continent with a dark and secret knowledge in his possession - the existence of Ether. Converting the valuable Ether into dark energy and using it to conquer the entire continent with his terrifying, demonic armies, the Immortal Emperor impoverished the land causing the ruling classes to turn to alliances with neighboring nations to continue its supremacy. Stemming from oblique dealings and intimate secrets among the royal families, two opposing dynasties blossomed. Enveloped in graphically stunning settings and intricate story lines, dotted with harrowing surprises lurking behind dark shadows, players will relish in the ever-expanding fantasy world that is Soul of the Ultimate Nation.

Soul of the Ultimate Nation is not for the weak-willed or the easily-terrified, it's a fantastic, fun game that not only keeps gamers knee-deep in a suspenseful plot but keeping the lights on - just in case.

For those daring enough to seek more information and possibly even play this foreboding game can check it out here: http://sun.ijji.com/.

Frogster Reaches 1 Million Users in North America

2010-03-03T14:08:00.002-06:00

Frogster America has announced that Runes of Magic has reached the one million user mark in North America. This is quite an achievement for a game that has only been released within the last year. I'm not surprised. Runes of Magic has continually impressed me with the quality and depth of the game that Frogster and Runewaker Entertainment are continually adding to and improving. When we gave our Impressions on Runes of Magic, our praise of the game as a viable rival to WoW may have seemed somewhat pretentious but we stand by it. RoM is a quality game at or near the top of the heap of the free to play MMORPG market.

You can view the release after the break;

Frogster America, Inc. (www.frogster-america.com ), a leading publisher of free-to-play games in North America, today announced that the Company has reached an important milestone in the North American Market by surpassing one million users. Powered by the success of its hit fantasy MMORPG title, Runes of Magic, Frogster has achieved this mark just 11 months after launching its first title in North America.

“We started Frogster America in the middle of a very poor economic climate and have been successful, which is a testament to the great team we have and the fun title we are operating,” said Lars Koschin, CEO Frogster America. “Over the past year we have continually refined our processes and seized opportunities such as launching the first North American Spanish-language server for a free-to-play online game, all in preparation for adding more games to our portfolio in 2010.”

Frogster operates Runes of Magic, a title that has redefined the standard for free-to-play MMORPGs in terms of gameplay, fun and quality. The online role-playing game has an exciting, multi-layered story, driven by more than 2,300 quests set in the fantasy world of Taborea. Runes of Magic is one of the most successful free-to-play titles on the market, and a must play game for fans of fantasy titles, MMORPGs and action games.

Altis Gates Open Beta Delayed

2010-03-03T13:38:00.000-06:00

IGG has announced that they will be holding off on the open beta test for Altis Gates. The test was scheduled to get underway on March 7th but they tell us that the team decided to delay the game to make a major overhaul which will bring "drastic improvements" to the game. We'll keep you posted on any new Altis Gates news. Here is the release along with some screenshots from the game.

IGG is dedicated to bringing our loyal community of gamers the best games available, and Altis Gates is no exception. At the moment, the Altis Gates team is working on a major overhaul of the game that will completely revolutionize the whole Altis Gates experience!

As such, the upcoming Open Beta, which was scheduled for March 7th EST (GMT-5), will be postponed until further notice. The AG team would like apologize to everyone for the inconvenience these delays will cause, and want to emphasize that when the Gates of Altis open once again, it will reveal a mesmerizing world well worth the wait.

As for the rewards and prizes for events such as Wallpaper Design Contest, Share Your Altis Story and Guild Recruitment, winners will be notified again just beore the Open Beta starts.

For more updates and information, please visit our official website http://ag.igg.com.

gamigo to open US office

2010-03-03T12:32:00.000-06:00

With the ever increasing competitiveness in the MMORPG market it is only natural that companies try to increase their visibility in other markets in an effort to gain a position of dominance in the marketplace. Whether this increasing globalization will lead to a lessening of regionalized properties has yet to be seen but being able to participate in games on a global scale is personally appealing to me.

Today gamigo AG has made an announcement that they are opening a US office in an effort to expand internationally. Here is the release;

In anticipation of the Game Developers Conference, to be held in San Francisco from the 10th to 14th of March, gamigo has announced that it will enter the North American online gaming market in the second quarter of 2010. The company will open its first foreign office in New York City. From there, gamigo will be able to contact and collaborate with business and media partners directly.

Patrick Streppel, gamigo's CMO, said "This New York office is a continuation of our international expansion. Thanks to the experience we have gained over the past few years in Europe, we are very well-equipped to tackle the North American market. Top-quality products planned for global publication will be announced and presented at the GDC."

2009 was a hugely successful year for Hamburg-based gamigo AG. In the past twelve months, gamigo has more than tripled its employees. Meanwhile, sales have risen by an impressive 233%. This makes gamigo one of the fastest-growing corporations in the booming online gaming market, firmly among the Top 3 in its market segment.

About gamigo AG

gamigo AG, a subsidiary of Axel Springer AG, has been a major player in the world of online games since it was founded in 2000. Thanks to many years of experience, attractive products, and an emphasis on customer accessibility, gamigo has grown to be one of the leading online publishers in Europe and distributes Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) of various genres to a wide target audience. The range of products stretches from casual games to its core of role-playing games.

Perfect World Entertainment Reveals Forsaken World

2010-03-03T11:50:00.001-06:00

We have been waiting for Perfect World Entertainment to officially announce the coming of Forsaken World to North America and later last night we finally received that confirmation. Perfect World Entertainment has unveiled the teaser website for the highly anticipated game. PWE has been very busy this year with three high profile titles already being announced and they are really raising the bar on the free to play MMORPG experience.

We have the official announcement for this fantasy MMORPG title which seeks to blend the best of Eastern and Western cultures. We have some screenshots and we will also have a bonus album of images posted to the MMORPGf2p.com Facebook page shortly.

Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a wholly owned US subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), today unveiled the new teaser site for Forsaken World, confirming that this behemoth title will be coming to North America. Formerly developed under codename Project EM and previously announced in China, Forsaken World is an all new 3D fantasy MMORPG that breaks new ground by bringing together the best of eastern and western cultures.

“Forsaken World highlights our commitment to bringing the highest quality, free-to-play gaming experience to North America. We have been working with developers from around the world to create a new and exciting experience that aims/strives to appeal to players everywhere,” said Yoon Im, General Manager of Perfect World Entertainment. “We are very excited to be unveiling the teaser site for Forsaken World. This is our first game designed specifically with the Western market in mind and we have high expectations for its success.”

Features:

5 Distinct Races, each with their own in-depth narrative and history in Forsaken World – Stonemen, Elves, Dwarfs, Humans and the Kindred
8 Classes – Warrior, Protector, Assassin, Marksman, Mage, Priest, Vampire and Bard
11 Exciting Occupations to choose from including – Socialite, Adventurer, Merchant, Collector, Arcanist, Botanist, Astrologist, Armorsmith, Bladesmith, Tamer and Alchemist
Mini games related to Forsaken World throughout the website
The History of Forsaken World through videos, concept art, screenshots and more

For a sneak peek at Forsaken World, please visit the official website at http://fw.perfectworld.com/

Asiasoft to Release Ray City and Monster Forest in Southeast Asia

2010-03-02T09:39:00.001-06:00

Last week, we received word from Asiasoft Online that they have secured the rights to publish the racing MMORPG Ray City and the pet-themed MMORPG Monster Forest at their games portal Playpark.net. Both of these games look very interesting and I can't wait to see them make their way around the world. This is the first look at both of these titles in an English version. Asiasoft sent out a massive amount of assets for both of these titles and we will be showing it to you in several parts. For now though, we have the release, some conceptual art from Ray City and an introductory video trailer from Monster Forest. [and guys make sure to check out the wallpapers at the Ray City website]

Asiasoft Online Pte Ltd (“Asiasoft”) joins forces with the biggest game developers from around the world – 9you from China and Electronic Arts Inc. (“EA”) from the USA – to launch two new Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) in Singapore and Malaysia in the first half of 2010.

On March 16 2010, Asiasoft and EA will commence the week-long Closed Beta Testing phase of RayCity (http://raycity.playpark.net/). Developed by EA Seoul Studio, this will be the first English service of this popular MMO racing game. In RayCity, gamers can savor a new approach to racing with the added dimension of MMORPG features such as character leveling, unlockable maps, photorealistic graphics, engaging quests and interesting Non-playing Characters (NPCs).

Having already captured over 15 million gamers in Asia , RayCity’s wacky and over the top gameplay will put a twist on conventional racing, while its plethora of customizations will allow for an endless pimping of in-game rides!

RayCity is also the flagship game of the newly revamped PlayPark Passport (http://www.playpark.net/), which enjoyed a successful soft launch on February 9 and has since seen a daily growing number of new registrants. Each new registrant will receive the in-game ANX, a car that can hit speeds of up to 230km/h, for use during the RayCity Closed Beta Testing period.

The new PlayPark Passport will congregate members of various Asiasoft game forums and communities in one central portal, and in the pipeline are more community-based features, member perks and even a social network just for Asiasoft gamers. Registration of the PlayPark Passport remains absolutely free of charge and gamers will be able to use their PlayPark Passport login ID and password to play RayCity.

“We are thrilled to bring RayCity to gamers in Singapore and Malaysia, who are in for a real treat when they peel off the many layers of this wacky and unusual game,” said Kenny Goh, Deputy Managing Director of Asiasoft Online. “We are also honored to be collaborating with EA Seoul to launch this one of a kind racing MMORPG in our market.”

Asiasoft aims to further grow the RayCity gaming community with regular cyber café tournaments, leading up to the annual Asiasoft Game Festival scheduled for late May 2010.

Quickly following the launch of RayCity with EA, Asiasoft will team up with 9you to kick off Closed Beta Testing for Monster Forest (http://www.monsterforestsea.com/) in May 2010. The free-to-play 3D MMORPG combines gameplay concepts that were previously predominant only in console and browser games, such as turn-based skill card battles, pet breeding and mini land farming, to cater to the avid MMORPG fan.

For pet lovers, Monster Forest unleashes over 500 different exotic pets to tame, each with their own intricate evolution and breeding patterns. Pets range from adorable cacti to ferocious demons, all of which pack equally nasty punches in Player versus Player (PvP) showdowns.

For casual gamers who are glued to Facebook farming games, Monster Forest offers a simple yet addictive mini land system that allows enterprising gamers to cultivate crops and lifestock, share their harvests with fellow gamers, and even run their own cafés. Hard work is handsomely rewarded when NPCs make random visits to these cafés and successfully order certain meals and drinks!

Four months ahead of its launch, Monster Forest has already been voted by gamers as MMOSite.com’s “Most Anticipated MMO” in January 2010, averaging a score of 9.1 over 10 for graphics, originality, gameplay and community.

“Monster Forest truly does offer something different for every kind of gamer and it breaks convention by adapting the various kinds of gameplay that were previously seen mostly in console or browser games, into a holistic MMORPG experience,” said Ng Kok Khwang, Marketing Director of Asiasoft Online. “It is also a great privilege to be working with 9you, one of China’s gaming giants, to bring this dynamic title to whet the different appetites of gamers here in Singapore and Malaysia.”

Asiasoft is set to launch the Monster Forest Cash Shop, where gamers can purchase cosmetic and functional add-ons via micro transactions, from the very first day of the game’s Open Beta Testing phase in mid-2010. This will allow gamers to immediately plunge into the full game experience and to further enjoy all that Monster Forest has to offer.

The publisher is also exploring outdoor PvP tournaments and pet lover activities, which may see gamers fighting it out at their computers one minute and walking their dogs together the next!

gPototo Europe Reopens Drakos Tower in Dragonica

2010-03-02T08:09:00.000-06:00

Way back in October, we told you about the opening of Drakos Tower in Dragonica. Today gPototo Europe has announced that they have reopened Drakos Tower. While the original Drakos Dungeon only contained three levels, this relaunched dungeon features over 20 floors for players to explore. Here are the details and some screenshots and character art from Drakos Tower.

Dragonica, the free manga-style online action game from the gPotato.eu games portal, is proud to announce the reopening of the much-anticipated dungeon for all high level players of the level ranges 53 to 70 – the Drakos Tower.

On March 4th 2010, the European versions of Dragonica will launch Drakos Tower, a totally revamped and exciting dungeon full of new challenges. Previously, only three floors were accessible; the new dungeon has over 20 floors that players can explore and a brand new crafting system.. For players who have not reached the required level yet, all European versions are also running a massive EXP event for the days leading up to the update, where players can earn up to double the normal EXP rate.

With monsters from Level 53 and three newly redesigned boss monsters, Drakos Tower offers a full range of exciting challenges for the heroes of Dragotaka. Players can dive into the dark history of Dragonica’s past. The tower, originally the prison of the dark Dragonlord Elga, was long forgotten. Dark secrets and myths surrounded it and no one dared to go inside. Now, the adventurers of Dragonica can measure their strength against three new boss monsters: a terrifying half-robot, half-human creature, a spider crab and a winged demon.

The inhabitants of Ellora Camp have been living in terror since Paris’s appearance, so it is time for the higher level heroes of the Dragon Fellowship to show what they’re worth.

Existing players of Dragonica are invited to log back in to check out these new zones and to visit the official European website at http://en.dragonica.gpotato.eu/. New players can download the game directly from http://en.dragonica.gpotato.eu/Download/Client.aspx or legally from Bittorrent.

About Dragonica

Join the colourful fantasy world of Dragonica and discover the action packed adventure that awaits players in this vibrant free MMORPG. Dragonica is published by Gala Networks Europe in English, French and German at the gPotato.eu gaming portal.

Enjoy its original and dynamic gameplay on your choice of keyboard or gamepad! Dragonica’s 3D manga-style world and action rich arcade-style gameplay are guaranteed to make this a unique gaming experience. Enjoy over 1,500 quests and colourful skills while hunting monsters in dark dungeons and battling against other players in the 10 player PvP and 50 player Emporia arenas. To play this free online game, simply register with the gPotato.eu Portal and download the game directly from the official European website at http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.

Frogster to Present Runes of Magic "The Elder Kingdoms" at GDC San Francisco

2010-03-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

Frogster has announced that they will be exhibiting the latest chapter in Runes of Magic at the upcoming Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco from March 11th to 13th. The latest chapter is entitled "The Elder Kingdoms" and is scheduled for a May release. Frogster has announced that at the conference they will also be introducing a new product to expand the Runes of Magic universe into a new business field. I'm curious what that could be. Here is the release;

From March 11th - 13th, Frogster will for the first time give a look at Runes of Magic’s third chapter at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. The Berlin-based MMO publisher and its North American subsidiary, Frogster America, will be at booth 859 in the Moscone Center presenting first features of ‘Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms’ which is scheduled for release this May in seven languages. Frogster will also be announcing a new product to expand the RoM universe into a new business field at the international developers’ conference.

‘The Elder Kingdoms’, upcoming extensive expansion of Frogster’s successful MMORPG, Runes of Magic, will integrate a new continent into the popular fantasy world based on a new zone concept with unusually vast play areas. In addition to these new regions, a new PvP battleground and challenging new instances in the third chapter, players will be able to push their fighting skills to the limit by taking part in enormous battles between guild castles that include siege weaponry and up to 150 players per side.

PoxNora Debuts Enhanced Gameplay With Heirs to Legend Expansion

2010-03-02T07:13:00.000-06:00

Sony Online Entertainment has announced a major update to PoxNora with the introduction of the game's latest expansion "Heirs to Legend". In addition to this latest update new improvements to the game have been added including; new user interface and Rune Manager, redesigned maps and more. Here is the release along with some screenshots of some of the various improvements.

WHAT: Today, Sony Online Entertainment’s Tucson studio released the latest PoxNora game update to better meet the needs of the online strategy gamer. Improvements have made PoxNora sleeker and more accessible, while still holding true to the incredible turn-based fantasy gameplay that originally captivated its dedicated player base. With enhancements to the user interface and a streamlined player experience, PoxNora also introduces the fifth midterm expansion, Heirs to Legend, where eight new champions add to the 800 iconic pieces already available in game.

FEATURES: PoxNora game update features:

New Rune Manager – A new, easier to use rune manager simplifies staying organized and managing collections
New User Interface – Includes a sleek, streamlined rune dock, iconic ability buttons and a separate cool-down location
New and Redesigned Maps – Over 20 new and redesigned maps provide uber replayability
Updated Attack and Defense System – Efficient attack and defense system provides a clearer understanding of damage and statistics
Restructured Leveling System – Updated leveling system makes customization easier and straightforward
New and Improved Tutorial – New players can jump right into the action with the new and improved tutorial
Redesigned Web Site – Players will see improved functionality with the completely revamped PoxNora.com

WHEN: The PoxNora game update and Heirs to Legend is now live. For more information, visit www.PoxNora.com .

ijji.com Players Can Now Enjoy Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent

2010-03-01T09:54:00.001-06:00

ijji.com has increased its growing presence in the free to play MMORPG market with another game being added to their impressive stable of game titles. The online gaming portal has entered into a channeling agreement with Atlus Online and will now present the steam-punk themed MMORPG, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent to their nearly 10 million members. We have the accompanying release and some Neo Steam screenshots for you.

ijji.com, the nearly 10 million-strong gaming portal, continues its quest to bring top-quality interactive entertainment to its free-to-play experience with its latest game addition: Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, an expansive massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on auniquely creative genre of "steampunk," where 19th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent heads to ijji.com in partnership with online game publisher Atlus Online, the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A.

"Steampunk is another immersive experience we are thrilled to add to our current line-up of games. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent offers the ijji community a class-A persistent world to get lost in," said Calvin Yang, vice president of marketing, NHN USA, which hosts ijji.com. "Atlus provides some of the best games in the business, and that is just what we look for when it comes to our portal."

Both companies enjoy a considerable following among elite hardcore gamers around the world, boasting passionate communities and vocal participants.

"It truly is an honor to partner with the leading hardcore online gaming portal, ijji.com, and give Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent access to nearly 10 million online gamers," said Jun Hyun Kim, head of game operations, Atlus Online. "Atlus has a reputation for quality gaming experiences, and we look forward to demonstrating that to millions more fans through this partnership."

Developed by JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent features a charming story influenced by the distinctive steampunk genre, adored by many. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent transports players to a torn world where two nations war over a precious resource called Neo Steam. Front and center to each player's experience stands complete customization, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes - essential to completely immersing one into this battle-thrashed terrain. As players skirmish to expand their nation's resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness the Neo Steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent also features an array of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling - completing a truly unique steampunk experience.

Online gamers and steampunk fans eager to submerge themselves in a battle-entrenched land can visit: www.ijji.com.

Florensia - Evil Stirs Within Droes Dungeon

2010-03-01T08:18:00.000-06:00

Online game publisher burda:ic has announced a new update for the maritime themed, fantasy MMORPG, Florensia. This latest update sees more new content added to Droes Dungeon which was first introduced at the end of November, in 2009. New quests, a new boss and powered up potions highlight this update. Here are the details and a few images.

Burda:ic, a leading publisher of online games worldwide, today revealed that the seals on the Abyss of Oblivion have been broken and something sinister is stirring in the depths of Florensia’s Droes Dungeon! Once it truly awakens in the coming months, high-level players will be faced with a series of new, challenging quests and a truly terrifying boss monster to tackle.

The broken seals don’t just mean trouble for Droes Dungeon divers; they also mean trouble for the citizens of Chester Island. Scores of aggressive Droes monsters have started harassing travelers on their way to and from Cherrytown, and adventurers would be well advised to lend a hand if they want to gain the inhabitants’ trust.

Today’s news isn’t entirely bad, however, as the approaching update will also add a series of high-powered potions to the item shop. Specifically, players will soon be able to purchase potions that heal 50%, 75%, or 100% of their HP, MP, DP, or EN in one shot. Potions that heal both HP and MP over a period of time are also in the works, so there’s no excuse for even the most timid traveler to worry about exploring Florensia. Load up with the right potions and the right gear, and you may even stand a chance against the evil that lurks within the watery, luminous heart of Droes Dungeon!

For more information about the powered-up potions, Droes Dungeon, and Florensia in general, visit http://www.florensia-online.com/.

About Florensia

Florensia is a free-to-play, maritime MMORPG that blends vibrant, colorful graphics with classically accessible gameplay. Choosing one of four starting classes, from the sword-wielding Mercenary to the spell casting Noble, players will do battle with a huge variety of weapons and magical abilities as they explore expansive, underground dungeons and sail uncharted seas. Players from every corner of the globe have already signed up and headed out in search of adventure, and there has never a better time to join them in the wild and wonderful world of Florensia.

GodsWar Online Version 2.0 Preview

2010-03-01T07:39:00.000-06:00

IGG.com has announced that the latest version of GodsWar Online is set to be released on March 5th. Version 2.0 will include game updates including a new mount system, overhauled graphics and character movements and an increase in the level cap. Here is the release along with some screenshots of the updated graphics.

When the newest version of GodsWar Online (http://gw.igg.com) goes live on March 5, players will have plenty to sink their teeth into. Among the additions already announced on IGG’s official GodsWar website are a new mount system, overhauled character graphics and moves, and an extra 10 levels added to the cap. With these improvements and so much more coming, version 2.0 promises to be a hit with new and veteran players alike.

New Mount System

In version 2.0, a brand new mount system makes its debut. All players Level 40 and above will be able to ride through the cities of ancient Greece in luxury. Intended to enhance players’ gameplay experience, whether running errands or during PvP, the mount system offers greater convenience and more than a little bit of fun.

Character Overhaul

In the new version, all characters received a makeover. Featuring higher-quality graphics for both a character’s appearance and their equipment, players will see the fruits of this overhaul as soon as they log in. With new action moves, combat will feel faster and more exciting.

Level Cap Upgrade

The level cap will increase from the current Level 120 to Level 130 in version 2.0. The additional levels allow players to increase their characters’ Max HP, and more importantly, expand the abilities of the currently available professions. In addition to this character increase, there will also be more sophisticated equipment available. These new Epic class items will give high-level characters the tools they need to overcome the greatest challenges in the game.

Visit the GodsWar Online site at http://gw.igg.com/main.php for the latest news about the exciting changes in store for version 2.0.

Battle of the Immortals - Latest News

2010-02-27T06:11:00.002-06:00

The recent announcement that the delay of the closed beta test for Battle of the Immortals, from Perfect World Entertainment hasn't stemmed the flow of great info coming out in regards to the game. Just yesterday, we received more information on the latest zone to be showcased from the game. The first zone spotlight posted to the Perfect World blog is some information on the Egypt zone in which players can visit ancient pyramids and venture into ancient crypts.

Some screenshots from this new zone have also been released, in addition to a new gameplay trailer. We've also got another trailer which depicts some of the "Soul Gear" armor and weapons that players can receive in Battle of the Immortals. If that wasn't enough, we will also have a bonus album of images posted to the MMORPGf2p.com Facebook page depicting the variety of mounts available in this PvP oriented game.

Battle of the Immortals is scheduled to enter closed beta testing sometime in April. If you haven't done so already you can get a closed beta key for Battle of the Immortals from us right here.