More teens getting married in MMO's

More and more teens are getting hitched in online virtual worlds, according to Lim Jun Yi in an article he wrote at website asiaone, which was first published at The Straits Times.

At an estimated $30 for $40 per marriage, which includes the virtual wedding rings and required tickets, the events aren't cheap in the way-more-popular-than-it-should-be MMORPG "MapleStory." For players like 14 year old Amanda Lee, that amount isn't just a one time payment, it's an ongoing fee. She's had five "serious boyfriends" in the game and has been married three times.

The article lists other players who've also turned the marriage concept into a rotating door, as well as some who even take their online relationship into the real world. But that's all been said many times before. The most interesting part about this entire piece is, and this might not be news to some of you, but "MapleStory" publisher Nexon also charges players a fee to divorce. To put it into perspective, Nexon gets money from players when they want to get married AND when they want to get a divorce in their MMORPG.

With this information it's safe to guess that anyone who's been married two or three times has shelled out at least one hundred real world greenbacks. Why do they do it? Of course, there are the obvious reasons like "love" and "infatuation," but Amanda Lee said "It was definitely not for love. More for the ring and the protection my spouse can offer me in-game."

This is where I give myself the ol' facepalm.

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 29th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Bioware homosexual doesn't exist in 'Star-Wars'

As I've said before, we really only deal with free-to-play MMOs here at MMOHub, but sometimes the news section expands outside our own bounds. This is one of those times.

Bioware, developers of the new upcoming Star Wars MMO, "The Old Republic," recently closed a message board thread where forum members were discussing terminology like "gay," lesbian," and "homosexual" in the Star Wars universe. Before the topic was locked, community manager Sean Dahlberg said, "As I have stated before, these are terms that do not exist in Star Wars. Thread closed."

Ok, fine, Mr. Dahlberg. They don't exist in the Star Wars universe. I get that. But why would you close the thread? I guess it's not a cool topic to even discuss...

Or is it? As of writing the topic has resurfaced. Is this the work of The Force, or perhaps a lot of angry gamers?

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 29th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Version 13 of 'flyff' coming mid-june

Gala Net has announced that Version 13 of their free-to-play MMORPG “Flyff” will go live mid-June. This is said to be “Flyff’s” most extensive version yet, bringing new housing, a new continent, bonuses for having a significant other in the game and more. Does anyone else find it strange and rather humorous that new expansions and versions of games just go ahead and give you a new area to explore and new material items to acquire? It’s just like, BAM, new continent. I’d like to play a game that actually makes you progress enough to discover new areas and things even after an expansion—not just give it to you. But maybe that’s just me.

Anyway, this new version gives players a new area to explore, Coral Island. This new island is designed for low to mid level characters and offers double experience points, a doubled drop rate from monsters, increased spawn times and non-aggressive monsters. What happened to leveling? Is leveling considered such a poor part of the game that they are making it so easy to speed through it?

An achievement system has been added with recognition for being a great fighter or even for being the in-game Casanova with over 100 couplings. Speaking of couplings: you can now receive special bonuses for coupling with someone in the game and playing with them. You can even buy a house together, decorate the rooms and hold get-togethers in your humble abode (gag me). I hope they let you have a book club and provide wines and fondue. It would not be complete without those crucial elements.

Something that may spark your interest is the new Rainbow Race. Besides being able to race, you solve a series of puzzles and tasks in order to win. What do you win? This has not been made clear, but I am hoping it is a new book, wine and dip. The Rainbow Race can essentially be described as a scavenger hunt across all of the continents.

To help out with late night grinding, an extra channel has also been added to the MMORPG. This addition is to help reduce any lag that may be experienced and to ensure that spawns are not too crowded.

Posted by Nikki Lee

April 29th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Get OGPlanet game cards at 7-11

Gamers Daily News reports that fans of “Rumble Fighter,” “Cabal Online,” “La Tale,” and “BB Tanks,” can now hop, skip, and/or jump over to their nearest 7-Eleven and grab a Slurpee and some OGPlanet cards. The cards can then be redeemed for Astros, the virtual currency used across all of OGPlanet’s MMOs.

“Partnering with 7-Eleven makes it even easier for players to get enough Astros to buy their favorite in-game items,” said Don Choi, COO of OGPlanet. “Now when you run down to your local 7-Eleven for nachos and a drink, you can stock up on OGPlanet Astros while you’re there.”

Oh, sure. Can you contribute a little more to the gamer stereotype, Mr. Choi? How about a Hot Pocket? I hear gamers like those! Or maybe after a few visits the customer will even be ready to pick up a heart attack!

I tell ya, the day these game cards start appearing at health stores is the day that I myself have a heart attack.

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 29th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'Godswar' to get new constellation system

“Godswar Online” is all about Greek mythology, heroes and culture. It’s no surprise, then, that IGG —developer and producer of the MMORPG —has announced a new constellation system for the game, since constellations have always been a key part of Greek mythology. Let’s see how many times I can say “constellation” in one paragraph …

When you create your character, you can set whichever constellation you like. Each constellation has a different reflection and code in the constellation interface. The constellation represents your patron god and its attributes are similar to others. If you are aligned with a certain constellation, you will have a “Lucky Day” where you will receive EXP, in-game rewards and talent points based on how you’re doing in the eyes of your constellation.

For those who play the game, no date has been given yet for the new feature’s release. However, their dev blog does mention that it will be available “very soon.”

Posted by Nikki Lee

April 29th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Sports MMO 'Ultimate Soccer Boss' released

Doesn’t everyone want to be the best soccer manager they can be? That’s what MMOABC is betting on with the North American public release of their sports MMO, “Ultimate Soccer Boss,” the first free-to-play soccer manager browser game on the market. Unlike other browser-based managerial games, special adaptive learning technology allows your players to gain traits and the like based on their playing.

These traits can be earned based on their performances in matches or in training and the players overall management skill and choices. With the number of different possibilities and choices available, each club will truly be unique. The game isn’t completely summarized by this technology, however.

Like many other free-to-play browser games, “Ultimate Soccer Boss” will offer different rewards for payment, essentially tapping into the virtual goods market. On the drawing board for the future are better animations, player evolution charts and much more. The game combines aspects of a free-to-play sports MMO game with a social network, so there’s a good chance you’ll be hearing more about it in the future if there are enough American soccer fans out there.

Posted by James Bishop

April 28th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

SONY's 'Free Realms' releases today

No, I never received an invite to the closed beta for Sony's newest free-to-play casual MMORPG aimed at a younger audience, "Free Realms," so can you please stop asking me to join you?

But wait, what's this? Never mind; I'll see you online in a bit. In a surprise entertainment attack, "Free Realms" is ready, and the game releases today, April 28, at 12 noon PST.

A post on the official forums indicates that the servers will go down at 8:00 A.M. PST, and during then, the patches will be applied, tests will commence, and hopefully tears will rain down the developers' faces following a successful relaunch. You might shed a tear or two, though, since your beta character will not be taking the ship to the casual MMORPG's official release. So give him or her a /hug and say whatever you've been meaning to say, because it's goodbye time.

But hey, his or her twin brother or sister can be a part of the new release, and he or she will even have a new exclusive item to ease the loss of a sibling. Sony Online Entertainment claims they will be giving away a unique in-game item to the beta testers.

What will it be? Submit your guess (or what you wish it was) as a comment below!

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 28th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Sacred War event returns in 'Tales of Pirates'

IGG informed us today that, due to popular demand, the Sacred War event in their free-to-play MMORPG "Tales of Pirates" will return this year.

Is there anything that separates this event from the last's version? I can't speak from firsthand experience, but IGG claims this one has more gameplay options and that the system has been balanced for all players to enjoy. A tweak here, a tweak there, and everything's "cool beans" right? Let's hope so.

"But hold on a minute," you're probably asking. "What's the event all about?!" I'm glad you asked.

"Tales of Pirates" players who fit snugly in the level requirements of 45-64 can take Life and Death tokens to become magically teleported to an exclusive map where they must finish quests, fight bosses, and take out the enemy's statue in order to, of course, gain phat lewt.

Some claim the entrance to the zone will only last for 10 minutes of the entire three hours the zone is open, so if this PvP-centric activity sounds like your cup-o'-tea, you better set up a timer and/or leave your character logged in near the entrance. If you miss the portal, you nave to wait for an additional hour after the event is over to participate once again.

Like I've said many, many, MANY times before, I dig PvP and it's great to see more MMOs implement content catered towards players like me, even if it appears to be an almost exact copy of what's offered in another title, such as "World of Warcraft's" Battle of Wintergrasp.

Then again, The Battle for Wintergrasp is one of "World of Warcraft's" most successful additions in the last year, so I can't blame other developers wanting to implement something similar. Heck, maybe IGG can one-up Blizzard and improve on their design.

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 28th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'Warrior Epic' closed beta begins april-30

True Games Interactive has announced that the closed beta for Possibility Space’s “Warrior Epic” begins this week starting Thursday, April 30th. There are still a few spots available, so if you just found out about this or have been procrastinating, you still have a chance to be in on this. How? Simply register on the game’s website at http://www.warriorepic.com.

Last year, a small group of players were allowed a sneak peak of “Warrior Epic’s” earlier version. The development team has since been working diligently to improve much of the game. A generous amount of the end-game content has been implemented with quests, new bosses and relevant items for high level characters.

A unique part of “Warrior Epic” is the Spirit System. Instead of dying and starting over at the place of your death, your death actually changes your game-play and strategy. This unusual detail actually makes me eager to die; as morbid as that may sound out of context.

“We are excited to finally showcase all the updated features, cool content and all the polish that has gone into the development of ‘Warrior Epic,’” said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development. “We are eager to see how our beta community will fair through all of the exciting content we are offering in the beta and we look forward to hearing their feedback as we gear up for the official launch.”

Look for more coverage of “Warrior Epic” here on MMOHub as the game continues to progress through its beta stage.

Posted by Nikki Lee

April 28th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'Zero Online' expansion's new fused units

"Expanding Horizon," the upcoming expansion for the sci-fi MMORPG "Zero Online," will be out May 22, 2009. Developer and publisher, TQ Digital Entertainment, has released some details on new gear and weapons available to Alliance pilots. There will be a total of four new fused units in "Zero Online's" expansion, each with its own different capabilities and advantages:

The first units (No. 1) are Death Wingspan and Sunset Dirge, or the "Lords of Destruction." Death Wingspan has an elaborate appearance with flames and lasers glistening from his metal wings, much like a pimped out truck with lots of chrome and decals, I imagine. SunsetDirge possesses great charm and agility, but thirsts for destruction(just like every beautiful woman). Both of these war machines can give you the strength you need to win brutal battles that you will face.

Thunder Rage and Star Racer are both No. 2 units. They are natural and talented leaders, giving orders and improving morale in the group. Star Racer's giant stature gives her a wider range of abilities and personality that smaller frames cannot match. Basically, she is the plus-sized robot that can make the enemy shake in fear.

The No. 3 unit consists of Steel Soul who is popular for his armor, advanced energy starter and twin-guns, and Empress of Blaze who possesses ultra firepower. Both Steel Soul and Empress of Blaze can wield two weapons and are known as the cold-blooded killers by the Othello invaders.

The last unit, No. 4, consists of the lord of dark knight, Collapser, and the smart and charming Fatal Lotus. Both are considered to be the snipers of the four units and can fire tri-guns to kill enemies instantly from a distance.

That's quite a bit of extra content for just one part of an expansion, but will anyone care? Has anyone even heard of "Zero Online," let alone still playing it? Let's hope all this is worth the developers' time and investment.

Posted by Nikki Lee

April 28th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'Champions Online' release date revealed

At an event taking place in the UK, Cryptic’s Design Director and Executive Producer, Bill Roper, informed the public that their upcoming MMORPG, “Champions Online,” would be released in the US and Europe on July 14, 2009 in both the United States and Europe. Even if the release date is a bit further than we want it to be, it’s great to finally hear an official date. It gives all of us a chance to prepare and create the perfect superhero or villain in our sketchbooks way in advanced. So should I go with massive Hulk-like man that shoots lasers out of his eyes, or a fairy with super strength?

“Champions Online” features a similar character creation system as that found in “City of Heroes/Villains.” With added features, this MMORPG seems like the ultimate character creation simulator, backed by an incredibly deep and creative backdrop of a fantastical comic book world. Will it be better than the highly regarded “City of Heroes”? Let’s hope all our comic book fantasies come true on July 14th.

Posted by Demetri Kouvalis

April 27th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

Aeria announces acquisition of 'DragonSky'...

Set to be released in May 2009, Aeria Games has just announced their latest MMORPG acquisition, "DragonSky," for release in the United States. If you guessed that this game takes place in China based purely on the title ... I can't say that you'd be wrong.

This new MMORPG is action-packed with martial arts from ancient China. (What, you were expecting Vikings?) Like most of these martial arts-oriented MMORPGs, there are two opposing factions: the Soul of the Dragon and the Heart of the Tiger. Perhaps if you were born in the year of the tiger (and not the year of the ox like myself), you'll want to join their faction. Besides choosing whichever faction you find to be slightly cooler, you can also enjoy "the evolving storyline," crafting, treasure raids, costumes and realm versus realm combat.

Aeria Games' first acquisition was "Shaiya," one of the most successful free-to-play MMORPGs on the market. Other notable titles published by Aeria are "Twelve Sky" and "Twelve Sky 2;" "Hello Kitty Online;" "Last Chaos;" and "Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online," aka "MegaTen."

Posted by Nikki Lee

April 27th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'The Chronicles of Spellborn' officially released...

Today, Acclaim and Spellborn International have announced the official launch of their anticipated MMORPG title, "The Chronicles of Spellborn."

"Spellborn" is free-to-play up to a certain point, upon which players will need to subscribe if they wish to continue further. To celebrate the launch, anyone who signs up for the game between now and May 7, 2009, will get a free two week premium subscription.

The game takes place in a futuristic fantasy setting, and its biggest selling points are its graphics, and the innovative combat system which applies a slot machine-like mechanic to your skill bar.

"We meet with the gamers every week to discuss 'Spellborn,' they tell us the fighting system is the most amazing thing about the game. The idea being that your 'moment-to-moment' control during battle, mixed with your own custom skill deck gives endless possibilities. To see a smart level 5 player take down a level 15 player is something that SHOULD be possible in MMOs, and is something that really good players deserve to be able to do!" said Acclaim's David Perry the USA Director for the Spellborn Project.

If you're interested in the game, you can find our review of it on the game's page. In addition, we'll be giving away a limited number of premium accounts, so be sure to check back on our brand new "Chronicles of Spellborn" sub-forum for details on how you can win a premium account in the new MMORPG!

Posted by Brendon Lindsey

April 24th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

MMORPG 'Runes of Magic' gets new feature...

Quick on the heels of the Spring festival that was recently announced, Frogster has released a new way in which to play their acclaimed free-to-play online game, “Runes of Magic”: public encounters. Though only one such encounter has been pushed to the live servers so far, they say there are more on the way.

Public encounters consist of three phases which are, essentially, waves of different minions that attack, and you have to defend against them. At least, this is the case for the first one centered on the Sergath Outpost. Players are attacked by two different waves of monsters and then the final third wave includes the boss, Axis.

If the players should best Axis in a set time-limit then he’ll drop some significant loot as he scampers from the battlefield. If the players happen to lose, he leaves as well, takes a half-hour siesta, and starts the attack all over again. Players can, apparently, jump in and out at any point, making this an easily accessible encounter for most.

In other words, it’s like a toned down Public Quest from “Warhammer Online.”

Posted by James Bishop

April 25th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.

'Spellborn's' completely new MMO category...

I'm an avid "World of Warcraft" player, and, as I've discussed many times with our chief editor, combat's emphasis on equipment and "phat loot" over player skill has always played its role as an iron thorn piercing my soft human side. Of course, "WoW" isnít the only title like this; it's more of a genre condition or disease. Judging by recent comments made by Acclaim's CEO Howard Marks, "The Chronicles of Spellborn" remains free from the infection.

"Your skill in the combat system does matter," said Marks. "That has put our game in a completely new category than the classic MMORPG."

Whoa now, Mr. Marks. That's quite the ballsy statement. Your opinion is, of course, a bit biased, so I'll reserve my own judgment until I spend some quality time with the product.

As mentioned before, "Spellborn" is one of those free-to-play hybrids that offers the first couple of levels for free, but to advance you need to pay a monthly subscription. According to Marks, Acclaim plans to increase the free version level cap to 10 after the community said they need a bit more time "to make a truly informed purchasing decision."

Posted by Kyle Stallock

April 25th, 2009

If you are a game developer or publisher and would like us to write about, review and update your games, then contact our editors. Please email: press@mmolife.org. and send us your latest press releases, game updates, images and videos.