Attention Span for Gaming Kids

Interesting article on Gamasutra.com about what Free Realms has taught SOE about the attention span of young gamers, and how they're doing to adapt.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25281

Dragonica Online Open Beta

Dragonica Online, a fantasy MMORPG by THQ, has launched into Open Beta today, August 18 2009.




Publisher THQ describes the game as "Set in a world of Dragons and magic, Dragonica Online takes adventurers across the windswept land of El Grego to the far reaches of the world. Gorgeous hand-drawn style visuals complement lightning fast combat while 3D battlegrounds let you get the upper hand on opponents. "

They also hype partying with friends, PvP battles, massive guild brawls, deep character customization, many hidden combos and skills, and exciting events that constantly shape and expand the world of Dragonica Online.

Sounds interesting. I plan on taking a few minutes to at least check the game out. I'll post feedback when I can. Visit the link below for more info.


Site: http://dragonica.thqice.com/

Crazy Elf MMO

I just want to quickly introduce our readers out there to Elf Online, which claims to be the 'craziest MMO of 2008'.

Elf Online is a fully free MMORPG taking place in a fantasy world. It is currently in open beta, so check it out through the link below if you're interested!

http://elf.happymmo.com/

Cabal Online Launces in NA

OGPlanet has announced that their MMO Cabal Online has officially launched in North America!

Cabal Online already boasts nearly a million players across Asia and Europe with its free to play model. It offers gamers the option to purchase in-game items, but is still fully playable under the free to play model.

"The launch of CABAL ONLINE is a huge event for us," said David Hoffman, Executive Producer for OGPlanet. "The beta testing periods were met with a very positive reception, and we're anxious to watch CABAL's popularity in North America grow. We're thrilled to be able to provide an MMO of this caliber under a free-to-play model."


For more info, head to: http://cabal.ogplanet.com/

More Running in the Dungeons...

NCsoft has announced that they have "heaved" out more of their successful game Dungeon Runners.

This latest content update isn't quite as heft as their previous updates, known as "Chunks". Instead, they're calling this update a "heave". It introduces a new dungeon called Balzack's Burrow for players 55+. This dungeon is loaded with loot, monsters, and a deadly final boss to do battle with.

Level 30+ players can also get help from 'Chill Bill', a formidable snowman and the first NPC that players can summon in Dungeon Runners.

Additionally, 51 new quests, two new fighter armor sets, new mythic items, a two-handed rifle for rangers and improvements to the user interface and the waypoints system are included in this "heave".

Dungeon Runners is a free to play MMORPG. Learn more about the game, or download it and jump right in here.

New Spellborn Dev Journal

The Spellborn team has posted an all-new developer journal for your reading pleasure.

This latest diary discusses the progress in the creation of the newest world in Spellborn. This world is located in Ringfell and is known as Shorath Mesa.

Read the diary here.

Requiem: Bloodymare Beta

Gravity Interactive has announced that the closed Beta for Requiem: Bloodymare starts Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Requiem: Bloodymare takes place in a dark, post-apocalyptic world where genetic manipulation and dark magic have spawned grotesque monsters. Players take the role of the genetically-enhanced and magically-adept Temperion soldiers, powerful beings who hold the last best hope for Ethegia.

Gamers interested in getting in on the closed Beta will want to know that FilePlanet registered users will have a limited quantity of accounts available at 4 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at http://www.fileplanet.com/. Also, on Friday, Feb. 29, MMORPG.com and MMOSITE.com will also have a number of codes available on a first come, first served basis. Lastly, for those that registered on http://www.playrequiem.com/ but didn’t get a code, Gravity Interactive will offer another chance to participate in the closed beta.

Hi there Cat

Sanrio Digital today announced the closed beta launch of Hello Kitty Online, an upcoming MMORPG based on the famous Hello Kitty franchise.

Hello Kitty Online allows players to explore Sanrio’s fantasy world, a magical land that has recently fallen under the influence of a mysterious and malevolent power. Sanrio is currently accepting applications for the closed Beta, and interested parties are invited to apply at the game's official site here.

Targeting female players from their pre-teens to twenties, Hello Kitty Online is one of the first MMORPGs to set its sights on this demographic profile. The game is fully integrated with official Sanrio portal Sanriotown.com, which utilizes blogs, email, video sharing, Sanrio merchandise sales and more to create a digital and social experience accessible at any time.

Darkeden Has Launched

Joymax has recently announced the launch of their vampire-themed MMORPG, Darkeden.

Darkeden is a free to play game that takes place in the near future where gamers are thrust in the middle of a conflict between three distinct races: slayers, vampires and ousters. Gamers interested in learning more about this MMO can head to the official site below.


http://www.darkedenonline.net/

World of Kung Fu Open Beta

VestGame Entertainment has recently announced the Open Beta for their upcoming MMORPG World of Kung Fu, which starts February 14th.

World of Kung Fu is an immersive 3D online game that is completely free to play. The game world is based on traditional Chinese martial arts and mythology with game-art drawn by famous Japanese designer Senri Kita, best known for her artwork in Samurai Showdown.

To learn more about World of Kung Fu or to sign up for the Beta, head here: http://www.worldofkungfu.com/

New Chronicles of Spellborn Dev Journal

An all-new Chronicles of Spellborn Dev Journal is now available for your reading pleasure. This particular journal is with the game's lead level designer and discusses some of the combat testing that is taking place.

Read the journal right here: http://www.tcos.com/sbforum/viewtopic.php?t=12764

Conan Habla Espanol

Funcom has recently announced the launch of a Spanish community forum for their upcoming MMORPG Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. This announcement comes just a week after launching the new official site for the game at http://www.ageofconan.com/.

In addition, Funcom will be launching a Spanish localized version of the highly anticipated game simultaneously with the North American, English, German and French on May 20th, 2008. Spanish speaking gamers can now look forward to playing Conan in their native language, and can join in the community hype at the official Spanish community forum!

Tiered subscription for Anarchy Online

Funcom has just announced a new tiered subscription system for their MMORPG Anarchy Online.

AO players can now choose between three different subscription plans ranging from free-to-play to $5 to 14.95 per month. This new subscription system will allow gamers to fully experience the content of the Shadowlands expansion for as low as $5 monthly.

Sword of the New World Expands

K2 Network has announced today that it has launched an expansion for its Age of Exploration MMORPG Sword of the New World: Granado Espada.

The expansions, titled Manifest Destiny, received it's name straight from the Sword of the New World community. It features five new characters, two new maps and five new zones as well as new events and additions to the game's item store.

For more info, or to download and play the game, check out:
http://www.swordofthenewworld.com

Conan Release Set

Funcom has announced that their upcoming MMORPG, Age of Conan, has once again been delayed to allow for more development time.

The new release date is May 20, 2008, which allows for 8 more weeks to polish the title before launch. Overall, Funcom reports very positive feedback from Age of Conan so far, but feels that a little extra time will greatly benefit the game.

Time to Set Sail!

The highly anticipated MMORPG, Pirates of the Burning Sea, is now available!

From Sony Online Entertainment, Pirates of the Burning Sea is available for $49.99 with a montly subscription of $14.99.

Pirates will give gamers the opportunity to be the Captain of their own ship in the 1720s. Players start by joining the French, Spanish, English or Pirate nations as a naval officer, freetrader, privateer or pirate. Players can blow enemy ships out of the water in ferocious sea battles, or engage in action-filled sword fights on land. The game's unique economy allows gamers to become captains of industry, running mines, lumber mills, shipyards and other large-scale operations. Players produce all the various goods needed to supply others with the raw materials to conquer the Caribbean, one port at a time. A player-generated content system lets gamers create their own sail and flag designs and even model their own ships.

There are over 50 ships at your command and up to 25 players per side can engage in PvP action. For more information, visit: http://www.burningsea.com/

Secret of the Solstice Store

Outspark has just unveiled a brand new interactive store for their MMO Secret of the Solstice, allowing gamers to buy a wide variety of items for their characters.

There are dozens of new items available. Here's just a few, as described by Outspark:

• Angel Pajamas, the traditional PJs worn by all young Xenians


• Green and Red Scarves to keep you warm (and stylish) during the long, cold winter


• An all encompassing Starter Kit that includes a backpack, HP/MP potions and experience booster will start your adventure off right!


• A handy dandy Fox's Tail to increase your character’s speed by 1


• A Panda Outfit too cute to resist


• The Light Helmet to help navigate mysterious dungeons and mines


• Don the ever-so-fashionable School Uniform and be the smartest looking Xenian around

Secret of the Solstice is a free to download and play MMORPG set in a fantasy world. It is the second MMO in Outspark's growing portolio of titles.Visit the Secret of the Solstice store here, or download the free game client here.

Chunk 2 is Live

NCsoft has recently announced the release of Chunk 2, the second content update for its successful free to download and play MMORPG, Dungeon Runners.

This update includes features such as in-game advertising in non-member worlds, more bank space for members, item trading, increased access to prime loot, and overall Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) balance refinements.

The new in-game advertising will help to fund future developments for this popular MMORPG, keeping it free to the players. However, players that do not want to deal with the advertising can avoid it for only $4.99 per month.

Gamers interested in giving Dungeon Runners a try can download it here: http://www.dungeonrunners.com/join.html.

Fury for Free

Gamecock Media Group and Auran Games have announced a new free model for MMORPG Fury. This will mean that Fury will be free to download and free to play.

The new business model will begin with the release of the first major free content update Age of the Chosen on December 14, 2007.

Age of the Chosen is a massive content update that introduces two new gameplay types. “Carnage” puts players into two teams with the aim of returning blood tokens to their base faster than their opposition. Blood tokens are gained from killing bots, not other players, so the action is indirect competition rather than head to head. The 1 vs. 1 Elimination game type means games will spawn faster and matches are more evenly balanced.

For more info on Fury, see http://www.unleashthefury.com/

Secret Open Beta!

Outspark has announced the open beta release of its newest game Secret of the Solstice.

An MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Xen, Secret of the Solstice is Outspark's second game. It takes players to a faraway kingdom threatened by a mysterious dark force.

On her 18th birthday, Princess Adeline received a special gift from her parents – the Solstice Sphere, a strange and powerful relic entrusted to the king of Xen by the gods. But it was far from a glorious occasion. A series of horrific events would soon take place and ultimately drench the land in the suffering it knows today. Come join other adventurers on a quest to save the world!

In celebration of the beta, Outspark has unlocked the gates to all-new cities and dungeons for eager gamers to explore. To download the game client, head to:
http://www.outspark.com/solstice/downloads/game-client/