Elite Dangerous: Uses season pass model with Horizons, brings first part and trailer

The space MMO Elite:Dangerous has launched a new season with Horizons. This is supposed to be the start of a year full of updates and improvements.

The new “Season 2016” with updates for Elite:Dangerous is called Horizons and has launched on PC. Horizons is expected to provide the huge, currently somewhat empty space game with more action over the next year.

The most important step that is happening now is the planetary landings. As a result, most of the many, many planets in the game can also be entered and explored. This trailer draws attention to Horizons.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

In this article, we have already introduced you to the concept of planetary landings in Elite:Dangerous. The “monetary concept” looks like this: with Horizons, you now acquire a kind of “season pass” and then gradually enjoy the updates. The base game for players without Horizons will also continue to be developed.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Warum ich mir ein neues Star-Wars-MMORPG wünsche

I wish for a new Star Wars game, one that is different from Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Don’t get me wrong, I like SWTOR. It offers a lot of what I would wish for a new MMORPG, but it just doesn’t meet my expectations entirely. For one, I am not a fan of this cartoonish graphic style. I understand why they made that choice. Games with this particular style appeal to a larger customer base, and such graphic styles remain relevant longer because they don’t look outdated as quickly.

Star-Wars-Battlefront-Kino

And yet I believe that something like that does not really fit Star Wars. I also like the TV series Star Wars: Rebels, but I just think that a different graphic style would have suited this series well. Moreover, Star Wars: Battlefront shows how cool a game set in the Star Wars universe can look, if it offers a more realistic appearance.

An MMORPG set during the time of the movies

Star Wars Galaxies

Additionally, I am not a fan of the scenario of SWTOR. Seriously, the whole thing takes place over 3,000 years before the movies, but nothing is really fundamentally different. Shouldn’t technology have developed significantly over 3,000 years? What about evolution? The races have also not evolved during the time between the game and the movies. That seems strange to me.

Furthermore, you have to forgo all the really cool elements from the movies like the Empire with the screeching TIE Fighters. I would therefore wish for a scenario set during the time of the films. Perhaps between Episode 3 and Episode 4. Then you could also play Jedi Knights who are fleeing from the Empire. The time before the new movie Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens would also be interesting.

I also wish for the option to be able to play the game solo. When looking at SWTOR, you can’t help but feel that it actually wants to be more of a single-player RPG. And yet, other players disturb the enjoyment of this experience during the story missions.

Therefore, I would find it good to also have the option to play offline, just like the upcoming selective multiplayer RPG Shroud of the Avatar wants to offer. I have the option to experience my adventures alone and offline, but I can also go online and complete group content with others.

Galactic Starfighter: Practice makes perfect!
Galactic Starfighter: Practice makes perfect!

A few new and innovative systems, please

Furthermore, I would wish for an evolution in the genre. For example, regarding the combat system. I can’t stand this WoW-like system anymore. I want action, especially when I’m wielding a lightsaber. I don’t want to wait for the character to execute my command; I want to fight actively! And yes, that would also mean a – at least optional – first-person perspective.

Also, the UI with all the windows, numbers, bars, names, and so on disturbs me from immersing myself in the game world. Here, something new and innovative should finally be invented, with which one can play without a UI without having to give up on information. I don’t know what that could look like yet, but there must be a way.

However, it will probably be quite a while before a new Star Wars MMO is released, as they certainly don’t want to make themselves competitors. But dreaming is always allowed…

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

LoL: First facts about the next champion! It won’t be Ao Shin

In an interview, the Design Director of League of Legends LoL, Greg ‘Ghostcrawler’ Street, now revealed the first facts about the new champion in LoL.

The name ‘Ghostcrawler’ may be familiar to some of you from World of Warcraft, where he worked for several years as Lead Systems Designer before moving to Riot Games. In an interview, he was asked if he could provide information about the next champion that will be released soon™ in League of Legends.

Of course, he cannot reveal too much information yet, but it is clear that the champion will be male. After the release of Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess and the update of Poppy Riot is now focusing on a male character again to bring fresh air to the game. He also mentioned that this champion has never been mentioned before. Therefore, it can be ruled out that it is one of the long-awaited champions such as ‘Ao Shin’.

AoShin_SpiritGuard

What about Ao Shin? When will he come to LoL?

Ao Shin was teased in a small champion preview in 2013. He is also seen in the comic related to Spirit Guard Udyr. At that time, it was clear that his kit needed to be revised and that two more champions would be introduced to the game before his release. These champions were Jinx and Yasuo.

Some players of League of Legends therefore suspected that the next champion could be Ao Shin. But to put this speculation to rest, ‘Ghostcrawler’ also said, “Although Ao Shin is in development, he is still causing many problems. We are not saying that he will never be released, but certainly not in the near future.”

League of Legends cover image

 

Is there even room for more champions in LoL?

Many players are also questioning how many champions there will be in League of Legends and whether old champions may eventually need to be removed from the game to make way for new ones.

‘Ghostcrawler’ stated: That one cannot imagine removing “old” champions. They have reduced the number of new champions so much this year and last year that only 5-6 champions will be added to the game this year. Therefore, it can be ruled out that they will reach 200 champions (currently 130) in the near future.

So we can only rely on the well-known saying “wait and drink tea” until new information about the next champion is published. Of course, you will get this information directly on our site.

What are your expectations for the next champion? What role should he play – another new jungler?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. League Wiki
  2. 2p

Star Wars Battlefront: What remains when you take out the shooting? Beauty!

In the online shooter Star Wars Battlefront, a video impresses without any shooting. This way, the marvelous landscapes and atmosphere can shine.

Star Wars Battlefront has more than enough critics and offers plenty of targets. But even the toughest opponent must admit: Yeah, it looks quite good. But what remains of the game when you set aside the shooter elements, which were often criticized for their lack of depth? A wonderful landscape.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

YouTuber Andy Kelly has walked through the virtual landscape of Star Wars Battlefront in his series “Other Places” and summarized these impressions. What do you think?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. vg247

ARK: Playing together – in split-screen mode on Xbox One

The Dino game ARK: Survival Evolved will have a split-screen mode on Xbox One – but when will it be available?

Two Hunters, One Island

As of today, there is ARK: Survival Evolved on Xbox One as part of the Game Preview Program. There, Xbox players can already try out a variety of features: taming dinosaurs, building fortresses, forming tribes with other players, and creating their own breeding setup. However, a very special feature will not come until next year: the split-screen mode.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

If you want, you can also hand a colleague a gamepad, so two people can explore the island and its secrets on one Xbox One. This will have little impact on performance. Regarding this, Jesse Rapczak, co-founder of Studio Wildcard, stated: “Many development studios are giving up on split-screen mode, but we couldn’t bear that for ARK! Friends and family can look forward to working together to survive the harsh environment and uncover the many secrets of the island. All from the same couch.”

Ark Baby Dino


However, there is a (relatively large) downside: the split-screen will only be available offline, meaning locally restricted. To participate in online matches, each player will need their own console.

If you are fortunate enough to own two Xbox Ones, you will even be able to host your own server that can accommodate up to 70 players.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. gamespot.com

Complaining Wednesday: In Heroes of the Storm there is a bot-and-smurf wave

Welcome to the latest edition of Whining Wednesday! What can one really whine about early in the morning with a cup of tea while binge-watching some anime and driving the shoe man with the whip? Ah… my love-hate relationship with Blizzard is always there. But Heroes of the Storm is practically begging for a bit of my attention. So be it!

The Spirits That You Call

A little over a week ago, Blizzard launched the “Recruit A Friend” program for Heroes of the Storm. This had already caused quite a stir, and many players complained that this reward program comes too late because all the veterans have already invited their friends to the game. It probably wouldn’t have been so bad if one of the rewards wasn’t the Vulture mount, which long-time StarCraft fans have been looking forward to for a while – because it has been in the game files for many months, it can only now be obtained.

Hots recruit a friend
“Recruit Yourself” should perhaps be the better title for the offer.

Unfortunately, you can’t retroactively recruit friends (unless they are below level 5 – which practically isn’t the case after 3 matches), so most players have no choice but to create secondary, tertiary, and quaternary accounts to get the rewards. But because playing by yourself is really annoying…

The Great Bot Wave

In the Nether, the last two days in Heroes of the Storm have been terrible. In every single match in the level range of 1-20, there has been one or two bots. No wonder, it’s not necessary to play with the recruited friend to receive the rewards, one only needs to reach level 10 with the secondary accounts. Therefore, it probably doesn’t matter to anyone whether the small accounts are subsequently banned for bot usage.

Hots Medic 1
Even Lt. Morales looks confused – Bots in Hots. Super annoying.

But the bots are actually only half the problem. Unfortunately, I belong to the other problem, but that does not change the fact that Blizzard has brought this upon themselves. It feels like nearly 80% of the players in the low-level range are currently “smurf accounts,” meaning secondary accounts of significantly more experienced gamers. This surely stifles the fun of newcomers, who are simply rolled over by veterans.

Sure, all MOBAs go through such a phase as soon as there’s a “Recruit A Friend” reward. But somehow I expected Blizzard to handle this smarter. Unfortunately, I was disappointed – for me, this entire action is a bad joke with poor implementation. And a slap in the face for all who have genuinely tried to engage new players in the past.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Destiny: Banshee-44 accepts orders for 2 super weapons on December 16th

In the MMO shooter Destiny , today on December 16th, it is weapon day again. Banshee-44 is accepting orders and distributing weapons.

The procedure is the same every Wednesday: You complete orders for Banshee-44 in Destiny, thereby increasing your reputation. You submit orders that he fulfills in the following weeks. And you redeem orders, receiving different variants of the requested weapons to choose from. We will guide you through the process.

The First Curse-Destiny

You can read here how to obtain weapons like The First Curse or Tlaloc.

With these prototype weapons, you are equipped for Banshee-44 in Destiny this week

These are the prototype weapons from Banshee this week.

  • With a Häkke auto rifle, Cabal are to be taken down.
  • With a Suros auto rifle, you should achieve precision kills.
  • With an Omolon fusion rifle, it’s against Vex Minotaurs.
  • With a Häkke pulse rifle, it’s: Off to the Crucible.
  • And with a Häkke sniper rifle, you should achieve double kills.
Arminius-D

These weapons can be ordered this week

Starting off is the auto rifle Arminius-D. Recommended by the statisticians at Bungie. With its extremely high rate of fire, large magazine, and fast reload, the Arminius has proven to be effective to keep opponents in check. Can come with perks like Persistence, Tracking or Balance Adjustment.

An interesting sidearm comes from Omolon with the Uffern HC. High impact, low range, high stability. Omolon weapons can come with very interesting perks such as Firefly.

The pulse rifle Herja-D from Häkke boasts high stability but disappoints with moderate range. Perhaps not really recommended right now due to the nerf.

Eirene-RR-44-Destiny

Omolon then serves us the sniper rifle Uzume RR4. An interesting choice in a normal week.

But this week, there is also the Eirene RR4 sniper rifle with top impact. Besides Empty Look, it is considered the best legendary sniper overall. This is probably the weapon you should get besides the Arminius as well. Even if “Roulette” only works with headshots now.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

Which weapons can be picked up this week with strong rolls?

Throughout the day, we will present to you which items have good rolls:

Starting off is the pulse rifle Suros PDX-45. It comes with Roll 3 featuring Balance Adjustment, Adapted Stock and Smallbore. Thus high stability, which is always looked for in pulse rifles. Roll 1 comes with Headseeker, Smallbore and Adapted Stock. You can probably argue about whether you prefer Balance Adjustment or Headseeker.

On Reddit, the sniper rifle Aoife Rua-D. is also recommended. It comes with Solar damage, Perfect Balance, Overflow and Injection Mold.

The Zarinea-D from last week comes with Crowd Control, Firefly and Smallbore. Good roll.

The Suros-Ari 41 is available with Outlaw, Hammer-Forged and Rifled Barrel.

An Uzume R44 comes this week with Arc damage, Outlaw, Mulligan, Zen Moment. Not really great either.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Black Desert: We are giving away 80 beta keys for the AAA MMO

We are giving away 80 beta keys for the action MMORPG Black Desert, which has already started today in beta.

Black Desert is one of the most interesting MMORPGs currently in development. With excellent visual aesthetics and intriguing sandbox concepts, the game has been in an open beta in South Korea for some time. The local publisher, Daum, is also bringing the game to the European market.

In a preview, we referred to Black Desert as a mix of Tera and ArcheAge. It has the graphics and combat system of Tera, and the emphasis on the open world, trade system, and many small ideas from ArcheAge.

However, last year it was on the other side of the world and thus far away. As of this morning at 8:00 AM, it is in a closed beta here in Europe.

Black Desert Giant

We are giving away 80 beta keys – Here’s how to get them

In collaboration with Daum, we can give away 80 beta keys for the first closed beta phase of Black Desert. The beta started this morning at 8:00 AM. It will last until Tuesday, December 22nd at 8:00 AM. For the next phase, we will then enter with more beta keys.

To participate in the giveaway, you must enter your email address in this field here. Then wait until this evening, December 16th, at 6:00 PM, when the entry deadline is. And you will then be notified if you have won a key. It will be sent to your email address. For further details, check this Black Desert page. But first, about the giveaway:

The giveaway is closed.

The giveaway is managed by Godankey, data is not stored for commercial purposes but only used for the email delivery of the keys. Participation is free, and the legal recourse is excluded.


Recommended articles about Black Desert:

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

SMITE: Saturnalia Festival brings free gems and affordable offers

The Saturnalia Festival brings some benefits in SMITE. We will tell you how to get free gems.

A Week Full of Bargains

In the MOBA SMITE, the Saturnalia Festival is held from December 16 to December 22, which has now become a certain tradition in the game. For a week, there are numerous price reductions and earnable gems with which players can buy plenty of cosmetic upgrades for their favorite gods.

Daily Changing Offers

Smite Saturnalia

Throughout the week, the gods and skins (except for the current Odyssey skins) from the various pantheons will have their prices reduced alternately. Each day, a different pantheon is featured, so if you want a specific god or a special appearance, mark the following days:

  • December 16: Mayan Pantheon
  • December 17: Egyptian Pantheon
  • December 18: Roman Pantheon
  • December 19: Nordic Pantheon
  • December 20: Chinese Pantheon
  • December 21: Hindu Pantheon
  • December 22: Greek Pantheon

Double XP and Followers

If you don’t feel like spending real money, you’ll benefit from another bonus throughout the week. The experience points gained and the number of followers earned are doubled during Saturnalia. So this is the perfect time to boost your account level a bit, or to get your favorite god finally to mastery level 10 to unlock the diamond skin.

Free Gems for All Winners

Smite 3vs3
A quick victory brings 40 gems per day.

For every first victory of the day, 40 gems are rewarded, regardless of the chosen game mode. So you can earn up to 280 gems for free throughout the week, allowing you to purchase some cool skins. Or you can invest the gems in the voice packs of the various gods, which are also reduced by 50% for the entire week. Keep in mind that a voice pack counts for all skins of the god – so if you’ve unlocked multiple premium appearances for a character, several different voice packs await you.


More about the game, the latest gods and balancing changes can be found on our SMITE topic page.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

EQNext, Landmark: The biggest gift was forgotten by Santa Claus

It’s Christmas time in Landmark, the upcoming building MMO by Daybreak Games. Therefore, the development team recently deployed a Holiday Patch and placed some Christmas gifts under the voxel Christmas tree for the players.

In addition to a new festive costume for all players, a whole range of new Christmas effects and items, as well as an interactive, music-playing gramophone and a new snowy island have been added to the game, where players can showcase their winter and Christmas creations.

Big things are coming! But when?

However, some fans feel as if they haven’t been good this year, as the gifts they actually wanted seem to have been forgotten by Santa Claus. Many Landmark players hoped that this update would finally bring the previously announced feature of the megapalette and the rework of the tool shapes into the game.

Landmark Building MMO Christmas


Even the “Big Things”, which according to a forum post by Darrin McPherson (Creative Director) published at the beginning of November should come “soon”, were unfortunately not part of the current patch. It is suspected that this might be the new combat system for Everquest Next  that the developers have been working on for several months and which will also be introduced in a modified form, for testing, in Landmark. However, due to the upcoming Christmas holidays at Daybreak, it is to be expected no earlier than the beginning of next year.

If you want to learn more about EverQuest Next and Landmark or connect with other players, take a look at EQ-Next.de – Your fan and role-playing community.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Destiny: Expensive Clone Twinks – 30€ level boosts drive fans to the barricades

In the MMO shooter Destiny , expensive level boost items have surfaced. They are causing excitement.

The last complaint was almost a week ago, when someone probably thought: Time for new ones. Three “25 packs” for Destiny appeared today in the PlayStation Store without much announcement. They wanted 30€ for a single one. In the USA and on Xbox One, the microtransactions have also now appeared.

These are “class-specific packs” that allow players to level a character to level 25 at the push of a button. A Spark of Light is used for that, a spark of light. One of those was available for everyone with “King of the Taken” – for free.

Destiny-Level-Boosts

According to the description, the pack also contains a “subclass boost,” probably to increase focus, and telemetries.

The Destiny players on Reddit are completely perplexed by this offer: 30 euros or 30 dollars just to level up to 25? That’s a) ridiculously expensive, b) against Bungie’s statement that they only wanted to bring cosmetics, and c) doesn’t do anything because leveling really only starts later.

The US site Kotaku is also shaking its head. The price is “FUCKING INSANE” (politely translated: damn completely crazy) and makes no sense. The “real leveling” only begins at 40. For the 30€, you only save a few hours. Getting a character to level 25 doesn’t take long and is actually quite fun.

Activision currently has no statement regarding the whole action.

http://kotaku.com/destiny-is-now-selling-level-boosters-and-they-sure-co-1748105644

By the way: Yesterday there was a PlayStation 4 bundle promotion at Amazon. A PlayStation 4 cost without anything 299€, with Destiny in the Year 2 version with all DLCs also 299€. The Destiny pack was sold out within a few hours. So much for the competitive prices for Christmas.

The microtransactions had proven to be a true gold mine for Destiny even without the new “offers” …

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. kotaku

Paladins: Charaktermeisterschaften und kostenlose Karten!

The hero shooter Paladins received a new update, rewarding players even more with cards and significantly improving the balance.

More Cards for Everyone

For the past few weeks, the shooter from HiReZ, the creators of Smite, has been in closed beta. Almost every week, the developers release an update for Paladins: Champions of the Realm, and this time, they have once again decided in favor of the beta players – there are many new cards, and the balance is slowly but surely earning its name. We summarize the highlights of the current patch 0.9 for you.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

New Card Type: Speciality

The biggest change occurred in the area of cards and level-ups. Heroes can now only reach level 5 during a match; the temporary system up to level 10 has been removed. At the same time, changes were made to how cards are drawn during a match, and a new rarity was introduced: Speciality.

Speciality cards are rarer than legendary and are always (without exception) drawn at level 1. They have immense impacts on your character and determine the playstyle for the upcoming match. Do you want to play the dwarf Barik with 2 turrets, focus on pure weapon damage, or improve his barricade?

Paladins Evie Screenshot
Evie is now a bit better balanced – just like all heroes from Paladins.

To do justice to the new cards and improve the onboarding experience for new players, the starting decks of cards have been re-adjusted. All players now have at least 2 cards of each rarity – including legendary! For existing beta players, it gets even better: they receive the new cards “on top” and will already have a fairly decent collection.

And More Cards: Character Masteries

In addition to account level, there is now also a separate experience bar for each of the 9 characters. As you fill this bar, a random card for the respective character is granted for each level-up (up to 25). While it is possible that some may appear more than once, this is a new lucrative source of income to earn many cards even without real money. If you already have a card, it’s not a problem, because like all others, the excess copies can be converted into new cards in the chamber. Thus, even a duplicate card is a progress!

Paladins Card Choice
The card system has been changed again – it is now structured more logically and sensibly.

Apart from these highlights, there have been countless balance changes, too many to detail all of them. Initial test matches confirm that HiRez is on the right track with the current changes to make Paladins a real hit. The attitude of daring to do “crazy things” during a beta seems to pay off.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Blade and Soul: We are giving away 1500 keys for the beta!

If you have nothing planned for next weekend starting from December 18th, you should act quickly – we have 1500 beta keys for Blade & Soul.

1500 new fighters are being sought!

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to try out a new MMORPG just as the Christmas holidays and vacation season begin? To not leave the house during the cold days and simply spend the nights with hot women and hard hits? For anyone who thinks this sounds like the perfect winter activity, we can help!

Blade & Soul is a Korean MMORPG, with a strong focus on action-packed combat. Although the game has been available in the Asian region for several years, it is finally coming to Europe. For the western release, some special systems have been designed to meet the expectations of players here. However, mainly players will benefit from the long maturation period of the game, allowing them to enjoy a rounded gaming experience.

Blade and Soul Blademaster
Jump into the game – you just have to be quick.

We are giving away a total of 1500 keys for the upcoming beta phase of Blade & Soul, which starts on December 18th and ends on December 22nd, 2015. Although “give away” might be the wrong word, as we are simply throwing the codes out into the crowd. All you need to do is provide a valid email address and be among the first 1500 people to enter the box below – Bam! Then it can begin. Once the 1500 are given out, the keys will go out. Those who are quick will tell their friends about it, because of course it is even more fun in a community.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content


We wish you a lot of fun in Blade & Soul!

The giveaway is run through Godankey, data will not be stored for commercial purposes, but will only be used for the email dispatch of the keys. Participation is free and legal recourse is excluded. 


For those who do not know much about the game so far, the following articles might be worth a look:

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Wann startet Ark Survival Evolved auf der Xbox One?

The release of Ark Survival Evolved on Xbox One in Game Preview is imminent. But when do the servers go live exactly on December 16?

On Wednesday, December 16, it will be time: The dinosaur MMO Ark Survival Evolved will be released as Game Preview on Xbox One. But when is the exact release? When does it start in Germany?

As the developers announced on Twitter, it is supposed to be midnight in each respective region. In the USA, Eastern Time is assumed.

Here with us, it should be midnight on Tuesday to Wednesday at 0:00 o’clock.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

5 important facts about the launch of Ark Survival Evolved on Xbox One

  • You should be able to start the download on the Xbox One at midnight. The game is in Game Preview (a kind of Early Access) and will cost around €35. Owners of the Game Preview version will not have to purchase it again at the release in June 2016.
  • There will be no option for preloading Ark. Perhaps you will try out the game then on an “official” server, as they are also expected to go live. Furthermore, there will be options to create your own servers that can accommodate up to 70 players.
  • The developers state that the performance target for the hardware hog compared to the PC version is “Medium-High Settings” and 30+ FPS.
  • The Xbox One version should be playable until the final retail version is released in June 2016.
  • The popular achievements will not be available in the Preview version yet.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Marvel Heroes 2015: Danger Room is in the game, but 2016 will only be named in 2016

In the action MMO Marvel Heroes 2015, the Danger Room has been released and brings new content. However, the relaunch for Marvel Heroes 2016 will take place next year.

The Danger Room serves as a simulation chamber for the X-Men in the comics, essentially like a huge holo-deck. With a few keystrokes, you fight against overpowering opponents in various scenarios.

In the video game, the Danger Room is a new endgame activity featuring randomly generated levels, missions, and bosses. At level 60, Beast will introduce you to the Danger Room. In a comprehensive FAQ on their site, the developers explain the ideas behind it: The Danger Room serves as a “template” for various scenarios and is meant to provide a slightly different challenge, never the same.

Marvel-Heroes-2015-Gefahrenraum

Well, later they want to deliver unique scenarios – so-called “special missions.” However, these will only be unlocked when players are accustomed to the Danger Room and they are sure there are no issues.

Additionally, in the new mode, you can also earn “Merits,” which can be exchanged with special vendors.

In the meantime, they have actually introduced the heroine Magik into the game (after Blade). She is also part of the X-Men universe.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

The big “relaunch” as Marvel Heroes 2016 has now indeed been postponed to 2016. It is expected to be ready in January 2016. Gazillion assures players: Everything is fine, we just want to make sure it’s perfect.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. MO

Final Fantasy XIV feiert Sternenlichtfest

In the fantasy MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, the Starlight Celebration 2015 is celebrated until New Year’s Eve with various events and rewards.

Yesterday, we showed you a Christmas trailer for Final Fantasy XIV. According to initial reports, some readers fell out of their racer chairs from a sugar shock… but one must expect some attrition.

The Starlight Celebration in FF XIV takes place from Friday, December 18, at 8:00 a.m. until December 31 at 2:59 p.m. During this time, you can speak to reporter Collys in Limsa Lominsa. This is how you start the event and can participate in it. Reporter Collys is located in the Upper Decks zone at X:11 Y:12. During the Starlight Celebration, special seasonal quests can be completed.

Final-Fantasy-XIV-Baum-Dek

As special rewards, there is a three-piece reindeer outfit consisting of hooves, antlers, and gloves. A two-piece “Saintly” set, consisting of a hat and beard – and a three-piece tree set with a tree and two decorations.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Blade & Soul: Blade Dancer – Cute Long Ears with Thick Weapons

As the next class of Blade & Soul the Blade Dancer is next to be presented – we take a look at its playstyle.

Small, cute, damn fast!

Currently, Blade & Soul, the Korean MMORPG with the fast combat system, is still in beta. The developers are using the time until release to present the various classes in more detail on the official homepage, this week it is the Blade Dancer – a class that can only be chosen by the small Lyn.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

Essentially, the Blade Dancer is not a completely new class, but a hybrid of the stances of the Blade Master and the elemental abilities of the Force Master. The two stances determine the type of damage, allowing you to deal lightning damage while in the appropriate stance the critical hit rate increases. In the base stance, the Blade Dancer inflicts wind damage and generates a different type of focus, which accelerates the fighter and enhances certain attacks.

Unlike the Blade Master, it is imperative for the Blade Dancer to specialize in one of the two types of damage sooner rather than later. Especially in PvP, the low health pool can quickly become the Blade Dancer’s downfall if opponents manage to catch the little rascals.

Blade and Soul Blade Dancer Lyn 3
In PvP you have to be able to decide quickly – Defend or Attack?

The art of mastering the Blade Dancer in PvP lies in the sensible use of its resource, focus. Both its defensive and offensive abilities consume a high amount of focus, so an overzealous fighter might quickly find themselves without defense. In contrast, those who only desperately protect themselves lack the penetrative power to emerge victorious from the battle.


For more information on the various classes or a direct comparison with Black Desert, you can find it on our Blade & Soul theme page.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Escape from Tarkov wird ein Hardcore-MMO-Shooter, Beta-Anmeldungen sind gestartet

The developer studio Battlestate Games has released new information about the upcoming shooter MMO Escape from Tarkov.

First, the developers explain that Escape from Tarkov is primarily an MMO. The role-playing elements are just as important as the shooter combat system and the story. Additionally, it will not be a free-to-play game, but must be purchased normally.

Escape from Tarkov Screenshot
Open game world that unlocks gradually

The game will offer various game modes, the first of which will be plot-based at release. Although there is a large play area of about 15 square kilometers, it is not fully accessible to players at the beginning. You must first master several scenarios, which will gradually unlock new locations. These scenarios will advance the game’s story. However, it will be possible to jump back to an earlier scenario at any time to search for more items and secrets.

Thus, you may even find hidden locations. Once you have mastered all scenarios, you will unlock the open game world and can explore it at your leisure. Each scenario will take place in an area of five to ten square kilometers. Later, additional game modes will be added, including arena battles.

A shooter MMO hybrid for core gamers

Escape from Tarkov is aimed at core gamers, because if the character dies in combat, it loses everything it has collected so far. If you are in a scenario, you must start it over. Those interested can now sign up for a closed beta test on the official MMO website, which will start in early 2016. The game’s release is planned for next year.

More articles about the game can be found here:

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Goodgame Studios reject layoffs due to the establishment of a works council

The Hamburg-based Goodgame Studios are currently under criticism for having terminated 15 employees who wanted to establish a works council. However, the game company denies these allegations.

At the end of November, Goodgame Studios dismissed 28 employees, stating that they exhibited performance deficiencies. However, 15 were involved in wanting to establish a works council. After the termination, some former employees spoke out, claiming that the dismissals were linked to the establishment of the works council. In addition, poor working conditions were discussed as the reason for establishing the works council.

Goodgame Studios Camp
The grounds are likely to become emptier for now.

Ver.di against Goodgame Studios

The union Ver.di has also intervened in the matter and published a press release in which Gabriele Weinrich-Borg from Ver.di Hamburg stated: “Since this spring, we have been in contact with several employees to finally elect a works council at GOODGAME. The fact that almost all those who were engaged beforehand are being terminated at the same time speaks volumes. This raises the suspicion that an industry giant wants to attack the employees’ involvement in company decisions. The positive image of this company does not match its treatment of its employees. Four weeks of annual leave, many fixed-term contracts, and in some cases, there’s barely the minimum wage, and now these terminations – I call this clearly BADGAME!”

Operational dismissals?

The Goodgame Studios have also commented on the situation, stating that these would be operational dismissals unrelated to the establishment of a works council. They are even in discussions with Ver.di to allow a works council.

Operational dismissals are, however, difficult for a company to implement, especially when on one hand, they continue to advertise positions while on the other, cite performance deficiencies as a reason. Because these must be proven by the employer should the dismissed employees file a lawsuit at the labor court – which has already happened.

Goodgame Empire
The most well-known game of the studio: Goodgame Empire

The lawsuit at the labor court has temporarily rendered the dismissal ineffective until negotiations produce other results. Thus, the employees belong to Goodgame Studios again and are allowed to participate in works meetings. Ver.di has already announced that it will call such a meeting together with these employees to discuss the establishment of a works council at Goodgame Studios.

If it indeed turns out in court proceedings that Goodgame Studios wanted to prevent the establishment of a works council, there could even be criminal consequences. However, this has not yet been established. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. gamesindustry.biz

Heroes of the Storm: Lunara im Rampenlicht – Die Jump ‘n’ Shoot-Heldin

The next hero from Heroes of the Storm is coming soon – Lunara, the Dryad, leaps into the Nexus to defend nature.

A Daughter of Cenarius

Since Cho’Gall entered the Nexus, several weeks have passed without any significant updates in Heroes of the Storm. However, this is expected to change by the end of the year, as the next hero is on the way.

Lunara is the first daughter of the demigod Cenarius and thus a granddaughter of the moon goddess Elune. Like almost all creatures from the night elf lore, she stands for the defense of nature and confronts any being that wants to harm it. Blizzard has now released a spotlight video about her to introduce the Dryad in more detail:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

Lunara’s Abilities

In Heroes of the Storm, Lunara is an assassin who stands out for her agility and has the highest base speed of all characters in the game. Let’s take a look at her abilities:

  • Her passive ability Nature’s Poison poisons all targets hit by her auto-attacks for 3 seconds. Subsequent attacks increase the number of poison stacks, up to a maximum of 3.
  • Toxic Blossom (Q) is a small area spell that explodes after a short delay, damaging all enemies in the target area.
  • Crippling Spores (W) increases the poison duration on all poisoned targets by 3 seconds and slows them by 40%. The slow fully wears off over 3 seconds.
  • The Wisp (E) is like a scouting probe but can be repositioned multiple times, providing a significant tactical advantage.
  • The first heroic ability Thornwood Vine deals moderate damage in a straight line over a long distance. It has up to 3 charges.
  • The second heroic ability Spear Leap allows Lunara to leap over an enemy, dealing moderate damage. It has up to 2 charges, enabling her to jump into and out of the opponent group.
Hots Lunara2
Early concept art of the Dryad.

Until now, the announcement of a spotlight video nearly always meant that the character would be implemented into the game during the following maintenance.

When the Winterveil Patch goes live next Wednesday, her release date would be the night of December 22 – but that is pure speculation. An official date is still pending.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. gamespot.com