In his blog, SOE head John Smedley provides deep insights into the mind of a game designer. The latest blog entry discusses the benefits of a sandbox model where players can express themselves freely and determine what is played.
No Competition with WoW
According to Smedley, the sandbox is an absolute necessity, and in his opinion, the sandbox concept will dominate the MMORPG market in the future.
At the moment, most games are content-based; this is simply unsustainable because players are finishing the content faster than developers can deliver it. Projects like Everquest Next also face the problem of having to compete not only with the content from WoW at launch but also being measured against the developed World of Warcraft content from nine years. This is impossible to achieve.
Everquest Landmark as a Pioneer in the Sandbox
Additionally, Smedley argues that players are slowly tired of the same cycle of designed content. Too many games exist following this pattern, and it is time for something new. He also cites examples of aspects in existing MMORPGs that are solely player-driven, which keeps them popular in the long term. Above all, Eve Online with its evolving alliances and political power dynamics has captivated him, but also the music system in Lord of The Rings Online, the auction house in WoW, or the dynamic battlefields are pleasing.
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By placing the player at the center of a sandbox and allowing change and creativity to come from them, Smedley believes it is possible to break the established cycle. He sees Everquest Landmark and Everquest Next at the forefront of this development and hopes for new impulses for the MMORPG market.
You can check out the full blog entry in English here: http://smedsblog.com/2014/02/11/the-sandbox-mmo/.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In World of Warcraft, the next add-on, Warlords of Draenor, finally brings a housing feature to players who have been requesting it for a long time.
However, Blizzard doesn’t do things halfway here and gifts players a whole garrison that is meant to grow over time. While in Mists of Pandaria players became small farmers on a farm reminiscent of Harvest Moon thanks to phasing, in Warlords of Draenor, you’ll be the lord of the castle right away. A steep career.
The Home away from home
Now, the design chief Craig Robinson at Blizzard introduced the Alliance players’ garrison and gave some designers and graphics artists the opportunity to talk about the creation process of the garrison. A highlight was, of course, numerous screenshots intended to fuel the imagination and anticipation of WoW fans.
The graphic artists emphasize the importance of capturing the soul of Alliance buildings to maintain a sort of classic Warcraft architecture. They want to give players a piece of Stormwind to take to Draenor. However, they aim to move with the times and create a world where players can find something surprising and fascinating in every corner.
Even within their own four walls, players should be able to experience an epic adventure. The garrison is meant to be the starting point for every player to conquer the new and threatening world of Draenor. The designers place particular value on ensuring that the individual buildings grow and become more impressive over time to reflect the progress of the players in Draenor.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Orc, Breton, Argonian, or what? Learn more about the provisional race skills!
Admittedly, the TESO information is not entirely official yet, but more and more is leaking through here and there due to the imposed confidentiality guidelines of the beta of The Elder Scrolls Online. Enough reason for us to conduct a little research and present to you the currently known race skills more closely. Because one thing is clear, the release date is approaching relentlessly and as a true MMORPG player, it is about time to think about race, class, appearance, and character names.
By the way, an important note on the name of your future character: In case you didn’t know, at The Elder Scrolls Online you can create character names with spaces. In other words: Last names and exotic combinations like a typical Argonian name such as “The-long-shadow-casts” are no problem. That’s a lovely thing, especially for the role-players among us.
]An updated article with the current race bonuses can now be found here:
But now to the race skills. Unlike many other MMORPGs, race choice seems to matter quite a bit in TESO. While one race has greater advantages in the magical field, the next one brims with health, and yet another is incredibly enduring. Just small differences that will hardly matter in the game? We’ll have to see, especially in the endgame. In other games, for example, a bonus of 10% to mana or magicka reserves would make a significant difference. However, and this is indeed a peculiar feature of TESO, the three main attributes – Magicka, Health, and Stamina – are required for each class or role. So the question is rather, how important is a high magicka reserve for a spellcaster and how much does my tank need every little health bonus for the adventures ahead? All this will still have to be shown. Here for you first the currently more or less known race bonuses that are trickling through the relevant TESO forums and channels (so far without guarantee).
Update: The “Active” talents seem to be currently (permanently?) removed from the game according to the German TESO community. For clarity, we will initially keep them in our little skill collection, but this should at least be noted. 🙂
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Altmer (High Elves)
Active:
Born to Greatness: Increases Magicka regeneration by 100 for 15 seconds
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the talent “Destruction Staff”
Increased Magicka regeneration in combat by 7
Increased Magicka reserves by 10%
Increased damage from Frost, Fire, and Shock effects by 3%
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Khajiit
Active:
Eye of Fear: A target flees for 5 seconds and takes 5% more damage during that time
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the armor talent “Medium Armor”
Increased health regeneration in combat by 7
Increased stealth radius by 3 meters
Increased critical melee hit chance by 35 and a 10% increased critical damage
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Bosmer (Wood Elves)
Active:
Bear Summoning: Summons a bear for 15 seconds that attacks nearby enemies
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the weapon skill “Bow”
Increased stamina regeneration in combat by 7
Increased stamina reserves by 3% and the disease and poison resistance by 50
Well, since it has not been known for long that you can also play as Imperials (with Imperial Edition), hardly anyone has likely thought about the race bonuses. And even in beta (so much can be said), the people from Cyrodiil cannot currently be played and tested. It seems we will just have to wait for official announcements on this matter.
Subject to changes!
Those of you who have already played the beta may have noticed that some of the values have been changed. However, since we are currently not allowed to provide exact data from the ongoing beta phase, we have compiled outdated data from various websites as much as possible and evaluated them. Overall, the information gives a very interesting and usable impression of the differences among the various races.
And what is your impression? Do you believe the race choice will have a significant influence on certain roles (Holy Trinity – Healer, DD, Tank), or is the selection a merely cosmetic role-playing decision? Share it in the comments, share our little contribution, and look forward to the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online with us! Oh, and remember, only those who pre-order can also (initially?) bypass the race faction restriction! 😀
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Today, an update with version number 8.11 was released for the MMO tactical shooter World of Tanks, enriching the iconic tank game with numerous new content. But what lies behind the three magic words in the title, is it not just hot air?
With the Confrontation, players now have another game mode available, which is applicable during random battles. The peculiarity is that nation battles are now possible; when forming teams, it is taken into account which nation each player represents.
The Windstorm is a new playable map. WoT fans can expect mostly urban terrain in a frozen Europe here. The size of 1000x1000m suggests a broad battlefield, but beware – this is misleading – “spacious” landscapes are mostly found at the edges, while the urban area is characterized primarily by its narrow streets.
But that’s not all, as new group functions enable more effective planning of the crews.
Reskill crew – With this option, you can retrain all crew members to a specific vehicle at once. Please note that this action only affects those tank drivers who occupy their respective positions in the vehicle themselves.
Reassign crew to vehicle – With this command, you can reassign all selected crew members of the vehicle with a single click. This is especially useful when using premium vehicles to train your crews.
Send crew to barracks – With this option, you send each individual crew member to the barracks, provided you have enough free beds.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
On February 18, Guild Wars 2 continues the living story surrounding the machinations of Scarlet Briar in the next round. We are approaching the finale with great strides, and in this penultimate episode of this story, the focal point in Tyria, the city of Lion’s Arch, seems to be on the brink of a massive siege. Sounds exciting!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
It won’t be long! On April 4th, The Elder Scrolls Online, or TESO, will open its gates. We have compiled the most important press opinions to give you an impression of what to expect in less than two months!
Quick Basics: TESO brings together an explosive mix.
The Elder Scrolls is perhaps the most popular single-player RPG series ever. On the other hand, MMORPG players have been craving fresh food in the fantasy sector for years. So it’s no wonder that just the announcement of TESO has caused a stir. Surely, April 4th is the most important date in the MMORPG sector for the first half of 2014. It will be THE highlight of 2014, until in the second half Wildstar and the next WoW expansion Warlords of Draenor come into play. But until then, little else will happen besides TESO.
Thus, it’s clear that the gaming press has dived into the beta like a French goblin onto the thighs of a giant frog… or like a mage in WoW onto the loot – we all know how keen these guys are on loot, let’s not kid ourselves!
We look at what the gaming press has brought back from their excursion and give you a brief overview:
High Expectations from Single-Player Experiences
Onlinewelten.com: At Onlinewelten, the testers mainly complain about not being able to get rid of the Skyrim feeling. While in a single-player game, it is possible for decisions to have far-reaching consequences on the game world, this is typically not the case in an MMORPG. So, the tester is still used to having five different solutions to a problem from Skyrim, whereas TESO only offers one.
Aside from that, the graphics and combat system are praised, although Anja sees room for improvement in melee combat (the lack of collision detection is noticeable). Onlinewelten.com also sees weaknesses in the gameplay, phase technology, and the lack of player convenience. In the tester’s opinion, some additional functions need to be implemented, which are already standard in other games, especially in terms of autoloot or quicker handling of quest texts.
I approached ESO with low expectations and was nevertheless consistently entertained. Graphically, ESO doesn’t reach the level of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, but for an online RPG, the visuals are adequate, detailed, and atmospheric (…). The atmosphere is certainly enhanced by the music, the day-night cycle, weather effects, and fully voiced NPCs. Most NPCs are active and don’t just stand around mute and still in one spot. Instead, craftsmen go about their work, residents gather to chat, and players rummage through their pockets when they have their inventory open. But why can I steal everything from the noses of NPCs without punishment?
Playmassive.de: At Playmassive, the initial euphoria accompanying the great tradition of Elder Scrolls seems to have quickly diminished. The tester speaks of a certain standard fare in the quests and suggests that many Tamriel fans would probably prefer if the developers of the series had included a multiplayer function, rather than creating their MMORPG.
However, it is positively noted that the world feels dynamic and alive, and it is fun to explore, to venture into hidden corners and niches, and to let the dynamic world impress you.
Hype with a Forecast of Quest Downpour
Golem.de: Also at golem.de, the quest system seems to have a somewhat disillusioning effect on the tester. It is indeed much more MMORPG than one might have expected. Although TESO avoids the well-known “Go there and kill 50 creatures” quests, this MMORPG presents numerous tasks that require players to run errands. Very positively, golem.de highlights character generation. Here, there are many options to distinguish one’s character from others. The well-known ability from Skyrim to transcend clear class boundaries and play hybrid characters is also very well received.
Gamestar.de: At gamestar.de, they strive to temper player expectations. After the hype surrounding the first press releases, the tester makes it clear that TESO might not meet the high expectations. It is simply too conventional and lengthy, especially at the start. However, Gamestar praises that players feel like heroes from the outset, as the quests have an epic character right away.
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At Gamestar.de, they also miss the convenience that one is now accustomed to from mature and polished MMORPGs. There are difficulties with quest tracking and with marking targets in dungeons. However, Gamestar encourages fans, saying that according to their information, the developers are already feverishly working on these issues; otherwise, fan add-ons will have to help.
Great Game World, Great Graphics – but …
Gamona.de: Before the tester from Gamona.de also undergoes the transition from high expectations to a sober view, he praises especially the excellent graphics of TESO. No other MMORPG can compete here. Every blade of grass looks hand-drawn. However, the animation of NPCs when they complained to the player and asked for help leaves much to be desired. Here, even WoW is ahead, not to mention Star Wars Online, which the tester sees far ahead in this category.
Particularly bitter for the tester is that some announced features in crafting or world exploration have now likely become compromised, which have relativized a promised initial freedom. Although enthusiasm has been replaced by considerable skepticism, the tester from Gamona praises the role-playing and single-player aspects of the title.
Much role-playing, little MMO? The Elder Scrolls Online looks great, but so far offers no convincing arguments for monthly fees.
Mmorpg.com: The tester from mmorpg.com portrays a much friendlier picture of TESO than the German gaming press. It took about ten hours, then the game had him hooked, according to the tester. Because TESO allows players to truly become part of the world and fully immerse themselves in the gaming experience. Although mmorpg.com also misses some of the conveniences of mature MMORPGs, the fascinating and vibrant world, rewarding crafting system, and freedom in character design ultimately tipped the scales in a positive direction for the tester.
Massively.joystiq.com: In another extreme, the tester from this English-language website falls. Even before playing, he never had much to do with the Elder Scrolls series, and the MMORPG only confirmed his impressions. While some parts of the game give the impression that it may still be worth it and fun later on, he questions why one should read a book until page 300 when it is already boring on page 30.
Capturing the Soul of Elder Scrolls Well
Buffed.de: The tester that buffed.de unleashed on TESO claims to have been an absolute Elder Scrolls single-player purist who intended to ignore TESO until he was converted during testing. What convinced him was the “epic” gaming feel. He also believes that TESO captures the soul of the Elder Scrolls series well, allowing for a deep immersion into the game world. However, the buffed tester also mentions that he would have pre-ordered the game if it had been released without any multiplayer content and designed strictly as a single-player title.
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Pcgames.de: At PC Games, they provide a broad introduction to the game without getting too much into evaluation. The extremely long playtime and the size of the continents seem to have impressed the tester. In a look ahead to PvP, he compares it to the current system in Guild Wars 2. Overall, a positive impression remains.
I had a lot of fun with The Elder Scrolls Online so far. This is due to the flair of the game world, the familiar elements from previous Elder Scrolls games, and the good implementation of many MMO features. The free skill system, the numerous hidden corners of Tamriel waiting to be explored, and the successful crafting system motivate me enough to want to see more. Of course, TESO still has to prove whether it can maintain these qualities in the end game. What I am definitely missing so far is a unique selling point. Just about every element in The Elder Scrolls Online is available in one form or another in other MMOs. Given my experiences, I see no reason why players of other online role-playing games would switch – aside from the universe itself. It will be interesting to see if the brand alone is enough to stand out from the mass of good MMOs. I can’t wait to dive back into the world of Tamriel and experience more exciting adventures. My enjoyment of The Elder Scrolls Online is welcome to last a long time.
Rockpapershotgun: The tester of the English site Rockpapershotgun is also somewhat cured of the initial euphoria. The tester notes that the vast world of Tamriel is only inadequately and unevenly filled. While there are some outstanding quests, unfortunately, there are also many placeholders and standard missions. The use of the voice of ex-Monty Python John Cleese did not enthuse him too much either. The tester sees the main problem in the fact that, aside from the great ideas, much empty space is filled with typical fantasy clichés.
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For every MMORPG veteran who is already at the starting blocks and eagerly awaiting April 4th, these reports should not come as too great a surprise. An MMORPG always struggles with some teething problems in the first months; TESO will be no exception.
The testers agree relatively on the fact that TESO adheres to many conventions in the quest system and gameplay and offers little game comfort; however, they also speak unanimously of a lovingly designed world and a great class system.
Our Conclusion: One should approach no game in the world with excessive enthusiasm. Experience from recent years has shown this time and again. However, no one should let themselves be spoiled by the (certainly rightly) warning voices.
[quote_left]We’ll see you in Tamriel![/quote_left]
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Good day everyone! After taking a writing break over the past weeks and dedicating myself entirely to research … – well, let’s be honest: I’ve been gaming like there’s no tomorrow, just as one should during semester break.
Today I want to talk to you about a topic that has come up repeatedly over the last few years: World of Warcraft has been sitting on the MMO throne for years and no other game can compete.
Even though voices often arise claiming that WoW is “dead” or has become “too casual,” one cannot deny that the game is still extremely successful today with its 7-8 million subscribers, and every other MMO must bow to it.
It seems completely irrelevant how good a new game is, how beautiful the graphics are, or how innovative the gameplay is; after a few weeks, most players return to Azeroth.
But are all these games really unsuccessful?
In my opinion, they are not, as hardly any game developer tries to climb the throne anymore; instead, they focus on specific aspects and aim to excel in those. The goal is to excite as many players as possible at launch, and then one usually concentrates on a very specific target group: this marks the birth of a so-called “niche game”; tailored for an exclusive group of people who yearn for a very specific type of content.
As an example, I take TERA, which tried to engage players with extremely good graphics and a significantly more action-oriented combat system. A “Guild Wars 2” tried something similar by abandoning the familiar “quests” system and replacing it with dynamic events, while also providing a very fair PvP where all players have the same equipment level. “Star Wars: The Old Republic” impressed with fully voiced quests and a captivating story. Other games like “Scarlet Blade” use more superficial methods and try to attract players through the obvious use of sexual appeal.
[pull_quote_center]Each of these games was quickly declared “dead.” But are they?
In my eyes, they are successful! All of these MMOs have managed to maintain a (admittedly smaller) core group of players and keep them engaged long-term. From a financial perspective, an MMO with a constant 100,000 subscribers is very successful. And as long as developers continue to offer patches and content expansions, there’s really no other conclusion to draw – because hardly any company would continue to support a failed product (except for FFXIV).
In the coming months, the battle for the niches will continue. “WildStar” and “The Elder Scrolls Online” are prime examples of this. Neither game will reinvent the MMO genre, as that likely isn’t possible. Yet, each will find a group of players who have been waiting specifically for the core features of these two hopefuls – presumably I am among them. I am waiting for a game that meets the niche requirements of “housing, fresh role-playing world, and lots of endgame” – and that niche will be served by WildStar.
What do you think about this? What niches do you think still need to be filled? When do you consider a game to be “dead”?
Let me know in the comments, as well as any topic requests. Anyone who visits the page and does not comment will get Aurin bunny ears stuck on them. With superglue. You have been warned.
So, who wants to get bunny ears?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Just as it is natural for the heroes we control in MMORPGs to regularly exchange their old equipment for new and better models, it is also natural for players to regularly look for new hardware.
And since mein-mmo.de is committed to the complete gaming experience, we will now regularly present hardware as well. Because what is a fantastically equipped hero worth if the guy controlling him from the home PC is currently suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome!
First, our test focuses on the most important control element of every MMORPG gamer: We take a look at the 5 most popular gaming keyboardsaccording to Amazon sales rankings (as of February 5, 2014)!
1. Sharkoon Skiller Gaming Keyboard
The Sharkoon is a typical entry-level model; it can be purchased for the price of a schnitzel with fries at a mediocre restaurant. The WSAD keys are rubberized, the rest of the equipment is okay, but nothing special. The Sharkoon is certainly fine for casual gamers, but those who want to spend a lot of time in virtual universes might want to look for a somewhat more expensive model.
The keyboard’s extremely low price and its sleek look in black piano lacquer are positive, but the processing is commensurate with the price.
Conclusion:Suitable for beginners or as a cheap replacement keyboard if the “big” one fails. But not a lifelong commitment.
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2. Mad Catz V.7 Gaming Keyboard
The Mad Catz had a successful previous life as a Cyborg from Saitek, but since the brand change, the gaming keyboard is probably no longer the first choice in the mid-range segment. Many customers are satisfied with the original model, but there are some issues with the current keyboards’ manufacturing. Especially, the keys give up too quickly, and the material feels cheap and flimsy with constant use. Generally, the Mad Catz is a real eye-catcher with its numerous backlit keys and particularly suitable for FPS and MOBA players. However, it should also perform well in PVP in action-packed games like Tera or Guild Wars 2.
The keyboard’s look and key design are positives, but the keyboard unfortunately has a tendency to be “Monday models” that relatively early cease functioning.
Conclusion:An eye-catcher at any LAN party and especially a real highlight in the dark; unfortunately, only conditionally suitable for hardcore gamers.
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3. Roccat Isku Illuminated Gaming Keyboard
The Roccat is a visual highlight and impresses with its futuristic and elegant design. Moreover, the quality of the workmanship is high, the price is in the upper mid-range, and the model is generally described as pleasantly ergonomic and practical. However, as with many keyboards, the feel of the keys and the pressure point are a matter of personal preference. The Roccat is mainly criticized for the poorly designed lighting of the keys.
The fantastic design, the pressure point of the keys, and the generally high-quality workmanship are advantages for the keyboard, while the poorly chosen lighting is the only real downside.
Conclusion:The Roccat is an excellent choice for more demanding players in the mid-price segment and can become a loyal companion for any dark dungeon or slimy space dive. If you don’t want to venture into the world of mechanical keyboards, you can safely buy this one.
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4. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013
Razer itself is considered the biggest brand name in keyboard design, and the BlackWidow is its flagship model. The keyboard is priced significantly above that of its competitors. It belongs to the mechanical keyboards, which means that many players initially face an adjustment period. Because mechanical keys not only click noticeably, but also feel very different when pressed. The resistance is palpable. Otherwise, there is little to say about the Razer BlackWidow: it is simply flawless. What one can expect for the price, however, also has its advantages: when other players, who have a bit of knowledge about the subject, see the Razer, the owner is sure to receive an appreciative whistle or continual envy from others.
For the keyboard, the high-quality workmanship, lightning-fast response times, legendary durability, the sound of the brand name, and a great design speak in its favor. The only drawbacks are the price and the adjustment phase to a mechanical keyboard, which many players find unusual. The fingers, ears, and subconscious need to get used to a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion: The Razer BlackWidow is the Mercedes of keyboards. Anyone who spends a lot of time at a keyboard should consider this investment.
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5. SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries is also a mechanical keyboard with all the advantages and perceived disadvantages of these models. The SteelSeries is a cost-effective alternative to gaming keyboards with more frills, but is just under 80 euros. The keyboard is well suited for “serious” hardcore gamers who appreciate high-quality workmanship and a minimalist design, and can do without a lot of bling-bling.
The quality of the manufacturing, the clear design, and the relatively low price for a mechanical keyboard are advantages. The only drawback is the adjustment to a mechanical keyboard that many players find necessary.
Conclusion: The SteelSeries is an excellent keyboard for gamers who spend a lot of time on their PCs and want to do something good for their fingers and characters.
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Tip from mein-mmo.de: No matter how expensive such a keyboard is and how sparkling it shines in the light of the LEDs, it is not invulnerable. Even the Superman of gaming keyboards has a Kryptonite: It reacts to coffee, beer, or Red Bull in the keys like a goblin reacting to a mother-in-law’s visit: quite allergic.
As Blizzard recently announced, player numbers for their MMORPG flagship World of Warcraft increased for the first time in a long while in Q4 2013. The number of players with an active subscription grew from 7.6 million in the fall quarter to 7.8 million in the past winter quarter.
This is surprising, as the title has been on the market for a very long time and has struggled with declining player counts in recent years. Each new low was accompanied by doomsayers claiming that WoW was nearing its end. This is admittedly a rather absurd accusation, as the number one position in player counts was never remotely threatened.
Player numbers typically only recover with the launch of a new expansion, only to decline again throughout the lifespan of an expansion. Given that the last WoW expansion Mists of Pandaria has reached the end of its lifecycle, most experts expected WoW to continuously lose players until the next expansion Warlords of Draenor launched.
Veterans Return at Max Level
The sudden recovery of the player count in the winter quarter is indeed surprising. Explanations include that competing games could not establish themselves in 2013, and that it is the calm before the storm, until later in the year titles like Wildstar or The Elder Scrolls Online hit the market.
Additionally, WoW currently offers players the chance to automatically boost a character to the maximum level of 90, allowing them to participate in the endgame immediately. Perhaps this, along with many small tweaks and fixes, has contributed to an increase in the player base. How much the online trading game Hearthstone plays a role in the current fourth spring of WoW is also not known.
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We at mein-mmo.de suspect that the surge of players in WoW is also due to a lull in competing games and single-player games. Furthermore, many casual players seem to have more time to play during the winter. Naturally, Blizzard’s announcements to put new character models and a highly anticipated retro expansion into the evergreen provide reassurance to players.
As long as a building is regularly repainted and renovated, there is hardly any danger of it being simply torn down. Many players in the ever-changing world of MMORPGs probably long for such a secure home!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
On February 20, 2014, only selected Korean players will unfortunately get to experience the MMORPG graphic bomb Bless Online. The trailer shows what we will probably have to wait much longer for – what a pity!
When the game will be released in Europe is still in the stars – unfortunately, the developer NEOWIZ has yet to find a European or American publisher. Such a video can of course be misleading, but I am still curious about it. The first gameplay scenes definitely look promising, and the whole spectacle seems, at first glance, like a successor to Tera, just in a slightly more serious setting (both are based on the Unreal 3 Engine, by the way).
Since the Closed Beta is very close, it won’t be long until the first opinions from ‘leaky’ testers trickle in. It will be exciting!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In the hardcore sci-fi MMO Eve Online, a massive battle has once again erupted between rival alliances. During the combat, spaceships worth $300,000 were destroyed. The game’s developers, CCP, intend to commemorate the battle with a memorial. In keeping with the event, it will be a spaceship graveyard.
Like in the Cold War – but with much more fun!
The sci-fi MMO Eve Online is almost entirely driven by the actions and decisions of the players. They form alliances, fight, barter, and negotiate for power and influence in the different sectors. The political situation between the alliances sometimes resembles the complicated balance of power during the Cold War. However, as an uninvolved spectator, one does not practice hiding under the table when the nuclear bombs come crashing down, but rather keeps both thumbs crossed, hoping the universe ignites in a blaze of glory once again. Recently, it was that time again!
12 Hours of Battle After Escalation
The conflict could serve as a prime example of escalation. Apparently, someone forgot to make a payment; some sort of rent for a star system went unpaid. As a result, the dominant alliance N3/PL lost its claim to the system, and the rival alliance CDF/DFT was immediately on the scene to expand its sphere of influence.
The others, of course, did not find this so great. A space battle erupted. It lasted 12 hours, with 7,600 characters participating, 76 Titans being destroyed (which is the largest and also the most expensive ship class), and approximately $300,000 went up in virtual smoke.
Heroic Tank Decides Space Battle
While the main battle raged over the B-R5RB system, countless skirmishes occurred in neighboring systems, during which pilots from both alliances tried to cut off the enemy’s supply lines. Battle observers report that a tactical misjudgment by the N3/PL alliance led to disaster.
Ship fleets of the N3/PL alliance focused their fire on a Titan, which was able to withstand the fire much longer than expected. In the time the heroic Titan of the CDF/DFT alliance could resist the fire, the aggressors succeeded in significantly thinning out the battle lines of N3/PL.
The battle will go down in history as the bloodbath of B-R5RB.
The special thing about Eve Online is clearly the delicate balance of power in the different areas of the game. The power blocks that collided in the battle have a shared past. No conflict can be viewed in isolation.
What is certain is that there are a bunch of people out there, while they are at work or making a toast, only pondering how they can finally seize world dominance with their alliance and annihilate their arch-enemies!
That’s a comforting thought.
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Since today, it is possible to participate in the galactic 12v12 space battles as a free player in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The trailer “The Galaxy Burns” has just recently been online and showcases the spectacular PvP space battles once again with this change!
In a blog post published just a few minutes ago on the official page for Star Wars: The Old Republic, Senior Producer Bruce Maclean revealed the update plans for 2014. To be precise, the listing of upcoming content goes only until June. To quote him, this is about “the largest update by then.”
Starting with version 2.6, which launches on February 4, we will get new starships and a Flashpoint called Kuat Drive Yards. Furthermore, free-to-play players will finally be able to enjoy Galactic Starfighter. However, we have already known this information for a while. What is new, however, is that players will also be able to access more detailed score lists from tomorrow when using the Galactic Starfighter, allowing for a better overview of their performances.
From March 14 to 17, there will also be a double XP weekend for those who want to progress a bit faster.
2 new expansions in 2014!
But what comes next? We have known about 2.6 for a while now. It will be particularly exciting in April and June. Fans of the Star Wars MMORPG can look forward to new Flashpoints, Nightmare modes, a Huttball warzone, and a brand new battlefield for the Galactic Starfighter.
There are two new Flashpoints on Tython and Korriban, where the Empire and the Republic face each other directly. This develops into a new story that will span several updates throughout the year and culminate in a finale that will shake the galaxy.
The operation ‘The Terror Fortress’ in Nightmare mode and a new tier of equipment.
New Huttball warzone on Quesh
New battlefield for the Galactic Starfighter
June 10: Game Update 2.8
Operation ‘Terror Palace’ in Nightmare mode
New ships and a brand new ship role for the Galactic Starfighter
And much more … This will be the largest update by then. We will reveal more about it before June.
Moreover, in 2014 two new digital expansions will be released, which will be similar in style to the two expansions from last year (Rise of the Hutt Cartel and Galactic Starfighter). I could imagine that the update in June will represent the first expansion. It is said that this year’s big other releases will face a challenge. May the Force be with SW:TOR.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In WildStar, customization is taken seriously. Do you want to be unique in many ways? Then the upcoming Sci-Fi MMORPG might make you happy.
Because a variety of adjustments are meant to provide this – the new DevSpeak video gives a small but worthwhile insight into this.
This doesn’t only refer to the character itself, but rather represents a holistic approach. Throughout various game elements, ‘customization’ runs like a common thread through the planet Nexus. From characters to vehicles and housing, there are many opportunities to stand out from others.
Character Look
It starts right at the class and race choice: Although all of them may look a bit crazy, they not only play quite differently but also look anything but similar. Then comes character creation, where you can design your avatar entirely to your preferences, with a variety such as is found in other modern MMORPGs. What sets WildStar apart at this point is that particularly personal features are not neglected, and to express it a bit more enthusiastically, they even take it a step further!
Does your Aurin need blue skin and cube earrings? No problem! Or do you want to replace your Chua’s ears with mechanical ones? And how wild do you want the horns of your Draken to look? Are you playing a Granok? Then I just have two words: Leaves … mustache. Additionally, we have numerous sliders for facial features that allow you to adjust things like eye size and spacing, nose length, eyebrow position, and much more.
But it doesn’t abruptly stop there. You can also look forward to many armors later on, which you can equip and customize in multiple stages, and with the ‘costume feature’, your desired look is always in the foreground. As the saying goes: Clothes make the person, right?
In WildStar, you receive costume slots that allow you to showcase your awesome outfits without sacrificing the amazing stats of your gear.
Transportation
Pimp my ride? You bet! In WildStar, there’s a strong focus on the so-called ‘mounts,’ as they are referred to in MMORPG jargon. First of all, a wide variety of different transportation methods awaits you at release, whether it’s a fancy motorcycle or a super cool hoverboard (like from ‘Back to the Future’) – in any case, you have multiple paths open to get from A to B – complete with a phenomenal turbo boost.
Particularly because the world has been designed to be limitlessly open and the environment has a physical influence on driving behavior, it’s simply fun to, for instance, plunge down cliffs or create upheaval on ramps – just like Tony Hawk, only without the wheels.
I know you’re expecting something more. In most games, there are also transportation methods, which is not extraordinary per se. The difference is that here the mounts come with multiple modifiable slots, which sounds really cool, especially since the possible objects also vary from mount to mount.
Each vehicle has a modifiable slot on each side, at the head (or the tip, for the more unusual models), and on the back, where you can add all sorts of great gadgets. How about saddlebags for your purple giant lizard or a ramen bowl on your Chua ball?
Do you want to ‘ride’ one of those things right now? Patience, young Padawan – but to ease the wait a bit, I’ll let you know how to obtain such a cool vehicle, pretty beast, or floating snowboard! Fortunately, you don’t get everything for free (that would be boring), so you’ll have to work for it – or, to put it nicely – unlock it by playing. This happens through dungeon drops or PvP, and as usual, also through spending gold or influence (a kind of group reputation). You can modify the mounts starting from level 15.
Overview of Customization Options: Very, very good.
From the visual possibilities alone, it seems that Carbine Studios has taken the right path with WildStar. They recognized that this is among the most essential components of an online role-playing game. Who wouldn’t want to give their game a uniquely personal touch? At least as far as possible. This way, you can identify twice as well with your character, without constantly running into your own head in nearly identical versions!
It’s quite something to be able to distinguish yourself from your perceived trillions of fellow players and represent a hero that there’s SO often not one. Just imagine a Batman movie, where hundreds of Batmen stumble across the movie screen, introducing themselves with the line “I am Batman.” Okay, that’s a bad example – I find that very funny, haha. But you probably know what I’m trying to say.
I will go for a round of flying, see you soon! Where? That’s a secret.
Next, we will report on how the gameplay can be customized. How profound is equipment improvement? Can WildStar also stand out in terms of the skill system from the other competitors? And a special look at housing features is certainly also on the agenda!
http://youtu.be/evNSuKhRpcs
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The developers of The Elder Scrolls Online have released an additional video, this time specifically about the physical version of the Imperial Edition. Some may find it unfair that someone else is spoon-feeding you the information, but on the other hand, it provides a good insight into what you can expect with the purchase. This certainly gets players excited, but it is also useful to see whether the collectibles, including the book and the statue, are really worth the money. 110 euros are certainly not a small sum anymore. However, the contents already seem to make a fine impression on me, and since this version is limited, fans of the Elder Scrolls saga might not want to wait too long to pre-order.
Trekkies, pay attention: In Star Trek Online, things are currently turbulent! But it’s not electrodynamic turbulence hindering your spaceships, rather it’s the fourth birthday of the Sci-Fi MMORPG. As part of the celebrations, an infographic with interesting statistics about past achievements has been released, and an update has been rolled out that expands Season 8 with a anniversary event and improves the game in several areas. Additionally, Cryptic serves us a nice trailer. That’s a much better way to celebrate, right?
To be precise, this is Update 8.5. From now on, the Solanae Dyson Sphere offers an exciting mission for you. At a hidden station, you must eliminate a highly threatening technology before it can be deployed. And do you know which tactical officer will assist you? The Vulcan Tuvok, known from Star Trek: Voyager! But you don’t need to be nervous; after all, you are now a respected person in the universe.
Furthermore, the first Federation missions have been revised and enhanced with new graphics and gameplay improvements; there is a new PvP map for shuttles, and a weekly calendar replaces the hourly events. Additionally, thanks to a new system, you can now switch your ships and equipment faster.
A few words about the infographic, which already shows quite impressive numbers. Infographics are currently very trendy; I feel like they are almost appearing weekly (last time it was World of Warcraft). And now Star Trek Online. Regardless, they look nice and are easy to spread.
Mein-mmo.de wishes Star Trek Online a happy birthday. May the force be with you. Oh wait, that was something else. But now: May the infinite expanses of space grant you many more birthdays!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The gold cap in World of Warcraft is just under 1 million gold pieces. At the end of my active life as a Wolf of Ogrimmar Street, I had 3.5 million gold spread across 4 chars. Or as Gordon Gecko would say (if he were a goblin and not Michael Douglas): Greed, for lack of a better word, is indeed at its best in World of Warcraft.
Here, I will share a few tricks on how you can also become a gold-sprinkled riding wolf, own a really stylish villa in the trendy district of Thunder Bluff, and have your own clip on MTV Cribs: Ogrimmar!
http://youtu.be/9sRNGCybV0Q
Disclaimer: Even though the mentioned tips mostly refer to WoW, they can also be useful for most other MMORPGs with a bit of common sense. However, mein-mmo.de is not liable for any damages that occur if any dilithium bubbles burst or millions of Ewoks become unemployed due to failed mining ventures on Tatooine!
Goblin Acquisition Rule: Distrust is the Mother of Gnaargh!
Recently in Tera: I had just turned 40 when someone kindly contacted me, made small talk about where the best hairdressers in Lumbertown are, whether we should go to an instance together, and how I liked walks on the beach.
I naturally thought: That’s just my charisma; there’s nothing you can do about it. But then the guy dropped the bomb: Whether I had a few of those things from the level loot of level 40. My noob scammer alarm went off.
I said: No, I wouldn’t know. He: Oh, come on, look. I said: Yeah, here’s something. He: And? Are you selling them? I’ll pay you 10,000 for it!
At that time, I only had about 30 gold or so – so 10,000 sounds like a lot. But because my noob scammer alarm went off like nothing good, I checked the auction house in Tera to see what those things are really worth. Answer: Of course, much more than just 10,000, more like 40,000.
The guy wanted to pull one over on me.
What did he do right? He knew that most level 40s in Tera are pretty much noobs. He knew that everyone at level 40 in Tera automatically gets items that are tradable and valuable. What did I do right? I was suspicious. Nothing more. I had no idea how much the items were really worth or anything else (because I am a noob). But I know: If someone wants something from you and thinks you’re a noob, they will try to pull one over on you.
[intense_icon type=”forward” size=”1″ color=”#cf2123″ /]So: Never sell something that you aren’t exactly sure what it’s worth! And never do business with someone who clearly relies on the fact that you have no idea what’s going on.
2. Goblins Acquisition Rule: Greed is great, but don’t let it blind you!
The most valuable items in WoW are the spectral tigers, as everyone knows. They are available through this failed magic clone as “real existing” trading cards – and people are crazy about them. Now, every now and then in Ogrimmar or Stormwind, English-speaking level 1 characters log in and sell the spectral tiger for a relatively low price: Perhaps 180,000 gold or so. If you engage in a conversation with them, it turns out that they don’t have the mount itself but are selling a code.
Now, many an inexperienced greedy guy might have the following movie running through their head: The dollar signs flickering cartoonishly in their eyes, the leap into the gold pool from an 8-meter tall kodo executes with top marks, and they see themselves cruising through the streets of Ogrimmar on a sparkling spectral tiger, while the new hot thing of some goblin boy band blares from the speakers, blood elf women lounge on the kodo front spoiler, and their posse provides escort with goblin trikes.
In reality, however, you would pay a level 1 character 180,000 gold, they log out and never come back. If you receive a code, it won’t work. This is an extreme example. This form of fraud, called scams, exists by the hundreds, and there are dedicated forums where malicious math students concoct such schemes. The worst part is that at some point during the purchasing process, you had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. But the profit is so high that you tell yourself: What the hell? I’ll do it anyway!
If it works, it’s worth it!
In reality, it never works and you kick yourself afterward for not listening to your gut feeling but rather thought there was still a rat on the spit from the day before.
[intense_icon type=”forward” size=”1″ color=”#cf2123″ /]So: Everything that sounds too good to be true: Is a scam!
3. Goblin Recruiter Rule: Many little talbuks produce as much mess as a big kodo!
Most traders dream of that big deal. Buying something for 10,000 gold and selling it for 80,000 gold. In reality, such things happen rarely. The most profit comes in small steps. Whoever manages to buy 40 items for 10 gold and sell them for 180 gold, without sending themselves into click-nirvana, will become rich over time.
The nice thing about it is that these niches often seem unattractive because “it’s not worth it” – hence the chance to make money here is relatively high.
[intense_icon type=”forward” size=”1″ color=”#cf2123″ /]So: Don’t just wait for the big deal; close many little ones.
4. Goblin Acquisition Rule: Know the market, know the clientele, trust their weaknesses!
The most important thing to make a profit: Know the demand! Ask yourself when you buy something from the auction house and when you don’t care about the price. There are 5 concrete cases:
1.) The raid has just ended, you’ve received new items, it’s 11 PM at night, you’re totally exhausted because the raid leader yelled through the last 8 tries, and you just want to log out and go to bed. But wait! Of course, you want to enchant your new item and put a socket in first. You go to the AH, realize that stuff is much more expensive than usual, but buy it nonetheless. This has happened to all of us before. What does one learn from this as a trader?
On the first raid days of a week, when people get new items, they will list gemstones and enchantments. The day after the instance reset, when PVP players also get new items because the pros fill their points on the first day, that is the day when enchantments for items bring in insane amounts of gold.
2.) The raid is about to start. You log in 2 minutes before raid start, and the guild chat is full of “Get here immediately and don’t you dare show up without flasks again!”, you look in your inventory and there’s yawning emptiness, except in the last pocket where there are about 24 possibilities to transform into something else, but you still only ever take Noggenfogger for the skeleton. So, you rush to the auction house and buy ridiculously expensive buff food and flasks. This has happened to all of us before. What does one learn from this as a trader?
On raid days in the evening, list enough buff food and flasks.
3) You have a new twink at max level and have trouble getting into raids and instances because you don’t yet reach the item level. You know exactly how to get quest items and starter gear, but you’ve already gathered that with 3 other chars and this time you don’t feel like doing it again. So, you go to the auction house and buy max-level starter items. Everyone knows this too. What does one learn as a trader?
Exactly these items always sell, especially at the end of an expansion.
4) You log in an old twink you haven’t played in ages. You take him to the starting area of the new expansion, and the yellow pigs kick you in your sweet goblin behind because with the expansion came a new itemization threshold. What do you do?
You know the game; you trudge into the AH with your head down … What do you learn as a trader from this? Items that facilitate the transition between two expansions always sell. These are perennial favorites throughout the entire lifespan of an expansion, especially if they are easily craftable.
5) You made the mistake of telling yourself: Oh … nothing is going on today; I think I’ll try PVP! Only to get your butt kicked and now you sneak to the auction house with your tail between your legs. You know you shouldn’t, but you buy crafted PVP items. What does one learn as a trader from this?
Crafted PVP items always sell and can make you incredibly rich, especially if the supply on the server is low.
[intense_icon type=”forward” size=”1″ color=”#cf2123″ /]So: Know your market by knowing yourself. Observe your behavior: When do you go to the auction house and buy without paying attention to the price? Right there lies your profit!
These were, of course, just the first tips to get you started. Depending on how the response to this is, there may be deeper insights into the beautiful new world of gold later!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
“The Arrival” – the second and explosive cinematic trailer!
One might almost say “WOW”, but “TESO” is more appropriate in this case. Today, the second cinematic trailer “The Arrival” of The Elder Scrolls Online was released and it is truly impressive. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet – well, get going! 😉
Essentially, this teaser is directly the second part of the previous video. The three contenders of the Aldmeri Dominion, of the Daggerfall Covenant, and of the Ebonheart Pact have engaged in combat against each other, fighting for entry into Cyrodiil. But suddenly, what will be a fundamental part of the PVE campaign happens, which was not seen in the first cinematic trailer: a Dark Anchor creates a connection between the realm of the Daedric Prince Molag Bal and Mundus, the world of TESO. Dark figures, even lesser Daedric warriors, enter Tamriel and threaten all three factions equally. Without a word, the three protagonists plunge into battle, which surprisingly and refreshingly will have a completely different ending for everyone. But you’ll have to see that for yourselves.
The Imperial Edition! A must-have for fans!
The second highlight of this day coming from Tamriel is the announcement of the so-called Imperial Edition, that is the Special Edition for The Elder Scrolls Online, which exists for nearly all major titles. As always, the significant added value comes with a price, which amounts to 79.99 Euros for the digital version of TESO – which, I find surprisingly affordable, at least when I think back to SW:TOR *Ouch*. The ultimate collector’s edition, however, costs 109.99 Euros and additionally includes materials like a 30 cm tall statue of Molag Bal and the grand imperial guide to Tamriel, which already looks really stylish. As I said, for fans of the series, this is certainly a must-have; for everyone else, well, listen first to what’s included:
Digital Imperial Edition:
30 days of gameplay (that’s clear)
Imperial white horse
Ability to craft imperial armor pieces
Ability to convert into imperial armors
Mara’s rings (friendship rings that allow you to group with friends for more experience)
Mudcrab as a pet (well, that’s nice)
THE KNOCKOUT!: Play the race “Imperial” for any faction you want! (Wow! That’s really nice!)
Complete version of the Imperial Edition:
Of course, all the contents of the digital edition!
A 30 cm tall Molag Bal statue (also rather standard, but always nice)
Premium map of Tamriel (large printed map including all regions)
The Grand Imperial Guide (224 pages comprehensive and stylishly illustrated guide)
The ability to play any race in any faction (GENIUS!)
A Hopper pet (better than the crab) 😉
AND bonus treasure maps! (Exclusive treasure maps that are supposed to guide the player to chests full of wealth)
The Imperial Edition – large premium map of Tamriel, the Grand Imperial Guide, and the 30 cm statue of Molag Bal.
YEAHA! So, who doesn’t want to at least pre-order the standard version, well, they are just doing themselves a disservice. I, for one, will immediately cancel my pre-order and secure one of the collector’s items – yes, I know I said I wouldn’t do this after SW:TOR, but this really is something completely different! 😀
We hope you find the new teaser as exciting as we do, and who knows, maybe we’ll see each other five days earlier in TESO. So that would be, um, 30.03.2014! Yes! So if you want to pre-order, then get to it. And remember, order through Mein MMO (just click on the Amazon button on the right), then we get a little something from it, you won’t care, and the big guys have to give us a crumb from the cake. Whatever, we say thank you and are happy if you like, share, and recommend the post!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In a few days, Patch 2.6 will be deployed to the servers of SW:TOR, bringing players a new Flashpoint, the “Kuat Drive Yards”. The production facility for warships was previously in the hands of the Republic, but now the Empire is preparing to attack!
The new Flashpoint will be available starting from level 15 and does not require a typical group of healer, tank, and damage dealers, as it is “role-neutral”. No matter what you play, you can dive into the adventure with three friends.
To keep the content fresh for a long time and provide high replayability, BioWare has decided to split the area into five sections; two random ones will be completed during each visit, ultimately leading to one of three final bosses.
Last but not least, the experience also differs depending on whether you represent the Republic or the Empire, as the former seeks to reclaim the station while the Sith fighters must defend it against the Jedi.
As usual, there is a new reputation faction that rewards diligent visitors of the Flashpoint with titles, gear, or special mounts, which can be obtained at your faction’s main fleet – which also gets a new area.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
[intense_lead ]A few months ago, ArenaNet announced that they wanted to solve the problem of full WvW servers with a new map. Intensive stress tests followed, and now the map is nearing completion.[/intense_lead]
One of the problems with Guild Wars 2 is that access to the epic battlefields is not always possible. This is because the capacities of the various maps on which this battle rages eventually become exhausted. In Guild Wars 2, three servers compete against each other on four different maps simultaneously. Each server has a “home” map, and there is also a shared fourth map, where things usually get particularly intense.
But eventually the maps are closed, and a player on a popular server has no opportunity to participate in the large slaughter that for many makes the game appealing.
Months of Development Phase
ArenaNet recognized the problem months ago. However, they did not want to solve it by tinkering with the existing maps, as they are intricate and sophisticated, but instead decided to create a new map. Not as a replacement for the existing ones, but as a complement.
So they prepared a large beta test to ensure that the new map meets the high demands of a WvW map. The challenge is that the map must be fair while also being exciting because it will be used repeatedly by tens of thousands of players. The unique design of Guild Wars 2 further complicates the simple import of existing design patterns from other games.
New Map Expected on February 4
With the storyline surrounding Scarlet Briar reaching a climax, ArenaNet has now reached an ideal point to unleash the new map on players. Because it goes to the Edges of Mist, where the charming lunatic plans to establish a foothold.
The new map, which serves to bridge the waiting time, will consist of floating islands connected by fragile bridges. As is typical in Guild Wars 2, the bridges are destructible. Of course, there are not only rewards but also a whole range of new achievements that can only be completed on this map, and the developers have also provided a new video. Once the waiting time is over, you can switch to the desired WvW map (Borderlands or Eternal Battlegrounds).
[pull_quote_center]Have fun on the Edge of the Mists, it’s better than standing at the Edge of Madness![/pull_quote_center]
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