In an exposé posted last, YouTuber Nuion scrutinized the game “The Quinfall,” revealing a heavy reliance on purchased assets and pre-fabricated models, raising concerns about the game’s originality and potential as a pre-order scam. The video was mostly largely unnoticed in the MMO community until popular streamer and YouTuber Asmongold reacted to it earlier this week.

Nuion dissected the game’s trailer, noting an extensive use of assets from stores, a common practice in development for prototyping but problematic when a game is primarily composed of these.

The video delves into each component of the game, from basic attacks to intricate environmental designs, pointing out the original sources of these assets, predominantly from the Crypto FX pack and other well-known asset stores. Nuion estimates the cost for these assets used in the trailer, suggesting a surprisingly low investment for what is presented as an expansive and unique MMO game. The commentary becomes particularly critical of the use of these assets in portraying the game’s unique features. Nuion argues that while using assets for non-central parts of a game is acceptable, the one-to-one use without significant modification or original contribution diminishes the game’s uniqueness and misleads potential players.

The video highlights several specific elements, from enemy designs to magic effects and major landscapes, all traced back to commercial asset packs. One of the main criticisms is directed at the repetitive use of specific packs for varied elements within the game, leading to a lack of originality and innovation. The concern extends to the overall presentation of the game in its trailers and promotional material, suggesting that what is shown might not accurately represent an original or fully developed game but rather a clever assembly of existing assets.

Towards the end, the video serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to be skeptical of games that seem overly reliant on purchased assets and to refrain from pre-ordering without concrete evidence of the game’s development and originality. Nuion’s analysis concludes with a stark warning against potential pre-order scams, emphasizing the need for only 17 gullible individuals to recoup the asset costs used in the trailer, posing a risk for unsuspecting gamers.

Update

Due to the popularity of the video post Asmongold reaction, Nuion has posted an update titled “The Quinfall Deep Dive…” which points out several other issues with the game.

Nuion, a critical YouTuber in the gaming sphere, has released a new video delving deeper into the controversies surrounding the game “The Quinfall.” This update brings to light new evidence and discussions that raise further doubts about the game’s existence and development practices.

The Quinfall Discord server has become a battleground of opinions, divided into four camps: defenders of the game, critics, neutrals, and followers of popular streamer Asmongold. The developers’ engagement in the server is noted for being more verbal than demonstrative, failing to show evidence to back their claims about the game’s capabilities, such as handling 10,000 players on a server. This lack of tangible proof has fueled community skepticism.

Nuion continues to uncover more pre-made assets used in the game, reaffirming the concern over the game’s reliance on these components. He highlights the use of a city pack in various scenes, stressing that while using assets is acceptable, an over-dependence suggests a lack of commitment to original development. This practice undermines the authenticity of the game’s world, as demonstrated by Nuion’s revelations about the game’s promotional materials.

Further investigation into the game’s promotional strategies has revealed alarming practices. Nuion points out the reuse of the same image with minor alterations, as well as the use of a stock photo with the company name photoshopped onto it, which was later removed from the game’s website. These actions suggest a superficial approach to marketing and raise doubts about the game’s credibility.

The video also uncovers striking similarities between Quinfall’s UI and that of the popular MMO Black Desert, casting shadows on the game’s originality. Additionally, Nuion raises concerns over the game’s written content, which often appears nonsensical and repetitive, further questioning the professionalism and seriousness of the development.

Nuion delves into the history of the developers’ previous game, KRA Online, which never saw full release and had controversial practices, including a cash store in beta and partnership with a real-money trading (RMT) website. This history, combined with Quinfall’s approach to asset use and marketing, paints a troubling picture of potential repeat behavior.

The video ends with Nuion speculating on the potential for Quinfall to feature a paid beta with an in-game store, based on past patterns. He urges caution and skepticism among the gaming community, highlighting the need for transparency and originality in game development.

Nuion’s latest video not only reinforces previous concerns about The Quinfall but also introduces new elements that deepen the skepticism around the game’s development and marketing practices. The revelations about asset dependence, marketing misrepresentations, and questionable historical practices of the developers serve as a cautionary tale for both gamers and developers in the MMO space.

As we venture into 2024, the landscape of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games continues to evolve and excite. This year is shaping up to be a landmark for the genre, featuring a blend of eagerly awaited titles and innovative newcomers. Let’s dive deeper into what the MMO world has in store.

Blue Protocol

Developed by Bandai Namco, “Blue Protocol” is an anime-style action MMO that has captivated audiences in select regions with its vibrant graphics and dynamic combat system. Unlike traditional MMOs, it adopts a lobby-based structure, offering a blend of exploration and instanced dungeons.

Players can expect a rich narrative, customizable classes, and a unique skill system that allows for a deeply personalized gaming experience.

Once Human

Standing out in the MMO landscape, “Once Human” combines the thrill of a looter-shooter with the grit of a survival game. Set in an expansive open world, it features intricate PvE and PvP elements, innovative base building, and realistic survival mechanics like hunger and thirst.

The game is praised for its dynamic world activities, including unique stronghold mechanics, making it a title to watch.

Dune Awakening

This ambitious project by Funcom blends survival MMO elements within the illustrious Dune universe. “Dune Awakening” promises a seamless world, where players engage in large-scale battles and struggle against environmental challenges like thirst.

The game aims to offer a fusion of social interaction and strategic gameplay, set against the rich backdrop of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece.

Throne and Liberty

“Throne and Liberty” from NCSOFT, initially launched in Korea, is poised for a global release. After a mixed reception to its beta, the game has undergone significant improvements.

It boasts a seamless open world, eliminating loading screens, and features large-scale PvP battles and a dynamic weather system.

Project LLL

Project LLL is a cutting-edge MMO looter shooter set in an alternate Seoul, South Korea. The game merges third-person shooting with futuristic gadgets and abilities. Its highlight includes intense vehicle combat and expansive PvE and PvP battles, offering a unique blend of action and strategy in a meticulously crafted urban landscape.

Corepunk

“Corepunk” brings a fresh perspective to the MMO genre with its top-down approach and MOBA-style gameplay. It features a vast open world with diverse biomes and a unique fog of war mechanic that encourages exploration.

Character progression is deepened with a variety of heroes, artifacts, and skill trees, allowing players to tailor their playstyle.

Looking Further: More MMOs on the Horizon

In addition to these highly anticipated MMOs, there are several other upcoming titles that have caught the attention of the MMO community. Some of these include “New World” from Amazon Game Studios, “Ashes of Creation” by Intrepid Studios, and “Population Zero” from Enplex Games.

Each of these games offers its own unique spin on the MMO genre, with features such as player-driven economies, dynamic ecosystems, and immersive survival elements.

As the demand for immersive and social gaming experiences continues to grow, it’s likely that we will see even more innovative MMO titles in the near future. Whether you’re a fan of open-world exploration, strategic combat, or immersive role-playing, there’s sure to be an upcoming MMO that will pique your interest and offer endless hours of entertainment. So keep your eyes peeled for these exciting new releases on the horizon! So don

• Soulframe: From the creators of “Warframe,” this fantasy-oriented MMO focuses on themes of nature, restoration, and exploration. High expectations surround this title, given its predecessor’s success.
• Pax Dei: Emphasizing player-driven content and dynamic world events, “Pax Dei” aims to merge classic MMO gameplay with innovative mechanics.
• Chrono Odyssey: This ambitious MMO promises an epic narrative and a universe encompassing high-fantasy and time-travel elements, offering a unique twist to the genre.
• Ashes of Creation: With a focus on player impact and a living world, “Ashes of Creation” is highly anticipated for its innovative approach to world-building and community-driven content.

Several other titles like “Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen,” “ArchAge 2,” “Bitcraft,” and “Odin: Valhalla Rising” are on the radar, and some will likely enter alpha or beta testing soon, but the final release date is yet to be announced.

2024 is set to be a great year for MMO enthusiasts. With a diverse range of worlds to explore, battles to engage in, and environments to survive, the upcoming titles offer something for every type of player.

In a recent live stream, Ashes of Creation, the highly anticipated MMORPG, presented an in-depth look at the Ranger archetype, revealing a range of new abilities and combat mechanics. The stream, led by Steven Sharif and key developers, offered a comprehensive view of the Ranger’s skills, ranging from basic attacks to complex ability synergies.

Highlights from the Stream:

1. Ranger Archetype Overview: The Ranger, known for its ranged combat prowess, was showcased with an array of 17-19 new skills. The presentation highlighted the archetype’s versatility and depth.
2. Skill Demonstrations: The developers demonstrated various Ranger skills, emphasizing their effectiveness in different combat scenarios. Skills like ‘Snipe’ and ‘Barrage’ were shown, each with unique mechanics and strategic uses.
3. Skill Tree and Customization: The stream provided a first look at the Ranger’s skill tree, indicating a significant amount of customization and progression. The tree includes a mix of active and passive abilities, allowing players to tailor the Ranger to their play style.
4. New Combat Mechanics: Key developments in combat mechanics were discussed, such as ability charge times, area-of-effect indicators, and unique passive effects like increased attack speed or critical strike chances.
5. Environmental Interaction and Strategy: The developers demonstrated how the Ranger interacts with the game environment, using terrain and strategic positioning to maximize the effectiveness of skills.
6. Feedback and Iteration Process: The team emphasized the importance of community feedback in refining the Ranger’s abilities and overall combat experience. They detailed their iterative development process, which includes regular playtesting and adjustments based on player input.

Community Engagement and Future Updates:

• The Ashes of Creation team encouraged the community to provide feedback on the showcased content.
• Upcoming updates were hinted at, including enhancements to other archetypes and further development of combat mechanics.

The stream concluded with a reminder of the ongoing development process and the team’s commitment to creating a rich, player-driven experience in Ashes of Creation.

Is playing MMOs with a controller right up your alley? Or are you simply wondering which PC MMORPGs are playable with a gamepad? We kick off the list with a bunch of games that offer native controller support and finish with a few titles that don’t but still work.

Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XI

• Developer: Square Enix
• Release Date: 2010 & 2002
• Platform: Playstation & PC
• For Fans of Anime MMOs

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the MMO games with the best controller support. The critically-acclaimed MMORPG makes it extremely easy for players to set up up their gamepads. A variety of settings allow you to customize in and out of combat hotbars, actions, and whatnot.

The well-integrated support is no surprise considering that FF XIV is also a console MMORPG. Its revered sibling, Final Fantasy XI, comes with native controller support as well. So, if you ever decide to drop the mouse and keyboard in favor of a gamepad, rest assured as these two Final Fantasy MMOs work smoothly with such a peripheral.

World of Warcraft

• Developer: Blizzard
• Release Date: 2004
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Fantasy MMOs

Before October 2020, gamepad configuration was unofficially available thanks to third-party software, such as the ConsolePort addon. Blizzard Entertainment sneaked in native controller support with the Shadowlands pre-patch giving players the chance to hook up a gamepad of choice and have more excuses for standing in the fire.

Joke aside, WoW works pretty well with a controller. Character movement and camera controls feel fluid. You will have no issues getting around. Setting up the binds for combat takes a bit of time. A class-specific guide is recommended. You might want to get comfortable with the spells and abilities before jumping into any kind of group content with pugs.

Black Desert Online

• Developer: Pearl Abyss
• Release Date: December 2014
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• For Fans of Korean MMOs

We are happy to report that Black Desert Online is among the MMORPGs with built-in controller support. The option to enable the controller, aptly named Gamepad, is under the Interface Setting menu. In the Action Hotkeys menu, you can set up the buttons for actions. However, many players recommend the reWASD mapper for advanced customization.

Playing BDO on a competitive level with a gamepad is not for everyone. It can take time and practice to find and master a comfortable configuration. The experience heavily depends on the class you play.

Elder Scrolls Online

• Developer: Zenimax
• Release Date: April 4, 2014
• Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
• For Fans of Fantasy MMOsc

The controller support in ESO is quite robust, making it a viable option for those who’d rather play with a gamepad than a keyboard and mouse. However, don’t toss the old kbm aside because most Elder Scrolls Online addons don’t work with a gamepad.

Navigating the menus is another action for which you’ll want the designated PC gaming peripherals. You will also need them for typing. Most of the players only use the gamepad for combat. The mapping depends on your preferences and whatever you find easier. Play around with the options and check out community guides for tips!

Lost Ark

• Developer: Smilegate & Amazon Games
• Release Date: December 4, 2019
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Isometric MMOs

The popular MMO ARPG from Smilegate doesn’t leave gamepad fans stranded. It supports both PlayStation and Xbox controllers. If plug-and-play doesn’t work, you need to go into the Settings menu and enable the Use Gamepad option. The in-game Control menu allows you to map the buttons. For menu navigation, you will feel more at ease with a mouse and keyboard.

As for combat, the auto-targeting option is your friend when playing a ranged class. On the other hand, auto-targeting can be bothersome for close-quarters encounters. The only way to find out if playing Lost Ark with a controller is for you is to give it a try.

Destiny 2

• Developer: Bungie
• Release Date: August 28, 2017
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Shooter MMOs

It would be a bit weird for a game that was first released on consoles not to have controller support on PC, right? Connect your controller of choice to the PC and the game should automatically detect and allow you to use it. The controller settings within the game’s options menu allow you to fine-tune the experience. 

Keep in mind that some activities, such as competitive multiplayer or high-level raids, still heavily favor mouse and keyboard controls due to the precision and speed advantages they offer. However, Destiny 2 offers a fair controller experience for players who prefer this input method. 

DC Universe Online

• Developer: Daybreak Game Company, Dimensional Ink Games
• Release Date: January 11, 2011
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Superhero MMOs

DC Universe Online offers a unique blend of immersive storytelling and exciting gameplay. You have the chance to become a legendary superhero or villain within the DC Comics universe. Unless you are using a controller. DCUO has gamepad support, but don’t count on being as fast and precise as with a mouse.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to individual taste. Some have no problem engaging in thrilling combat armed with their controller of choice, while others swear by the mouse and keyboard. 

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2

• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: March 1, 2019
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Shooter MMOs

The PC version of The Division 2 fully supports the DualSense, DualShock 4, Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2, and Xbox Wireless controllers. The question is: are gamepad users at a disadvantage? We all know that shooters and controllers aren’t the bestest of friends.

For relaxed PvE, go ahead and hook up your gamepad and you will feel – for the most part at least – no difference. For competitive content – where precise aiming and quick interactions are crucial – nothing can beat the mouse and keyboard. Consider switching to the console version if you want to be on a level ground with your pad pals in PvP.

Bless Unleashed

• Developer: Roud 8 Studio
• Release Date: February 26, 2020
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Free-to-Play MMOs

While the game supports most types of controllers, the UI displays the Xbox controls even when using a PlayStation controller. For some, that is a deal breaker. If you can get over it, you will find that Bless Online has good support for this input method.

Bless Unleashed features fast-paced engaging action combat that feels fluid and natural when playing with a controller. If in other MMOs, controllers hinder your movement and actions, in Bless Unleashed, you will find the opposite to be true. Too bad that the game doesn’t get much attention from the developers.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis

• Developer: Sega
• Release Date: July 4, 2012
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• For Fans of Action-Combat MMOs

Phantasy Star Online 2 and its New Genesis iteration are two MMOs that come with native controller support. What you need to know is that you will lose some convenience when playing with a gamepad. For example, the camera movement isn’t as precise as when using the mouse.

The newer PSO2NG provides a better experience. Even if you decide to use a controller, you will still want to keep the keyboard around for typing and the mouse for browsing the menus and settings.

Star Trek Online

• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Release Date: February 2, 2010
• Platform: PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Sci-Fi MMOs

Can you play Star Trek Online with a controller? Yes. Should you play Star Trek Online? Only if you truly want to go where (almost) no player has gone before. Being a console game, you’d think STO has all that fancy controller support. Sadly, that is not the case. However, fret not as you can still make your favorite space MMO work with a gamepad. A quick search will yield an excellent community-made guide detailing all you need to know.

The following MMORPGs don’t integrate support for controllers, but we all know that gamers are nothing if not resourceful. With a bit of research and a few tweaks here and there, you can play these MMOs with a controller.

Guild Wars 2

• Developer: ArenaNet
• Release Date: August 28, 2012
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Action-Combat MMOs

The developers have stated that controller integration is not in the plans, but that’s merely a setback. Guild Wars 2 is the game with the best unofficial controller support. The community went to great lengths to be able to play this MMO with a gamepad. You will find no shortage of guides.

Star Wars The Old Republic

• Developer: BioWare Austin
• Release Date: December 13, 2011
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Sci-fi MMOs

For raiding and PvP, SWTOR is designed to be played exclusively with a mouse and keyboard. However, story campaigns and leisure activities are perfectly doable with a controller.

Neverwinter

• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Release Date: June 20, 2013
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Action Combat MMOs

It’s funny that a game that has been on consoles for ages doesn’t have native controller support on PC. Nevertheless, there are a few good emulators and mappers that will allow you to adventure into the Forgotten Realms sans mouse and keyboard.

Dungeons and Dragons Online

• Developer: February 28, 2006
• Release Date: Turbine
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons Online lets players use a gamepad without too much fuss. Users can alter the settings with third-party software. If you need configuration ideas, you can check out reWASD.

Lord of the Rings Online

• Developer: Standing Stone Games
• Release Date: April 24, 2007
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Lord of the Rings

Playing Lord of the Rings Online with a gamepad is viable depending on the content. You may underperform in raids and have your behind handed to you in PvP. For all those other times when you want to chill – LOTRO is a great casual MMO – and do things at your own pace, the controller offers a smooth experience.

A few years ago, Singularity 6, an LA-based studio consisting of ex-Riot, Blizzard, and Epic Games veterans, announced their debut game, Palia. Nothing out of the ordinary here, except for the nature of the game: a wholesome peaceful community-focused MMO.

Palia lacks the traditional PvE and PvP gameplay. Needless to say, it piqued the curiosity of those yearning for a different MMO experience. Now that Palia is in open beta, we had the chance to see what the developers have been working on for the past five years. Is this the ultimate casual MMO? Let’s find out!

Character Creation

Like most of the games, Palia kicks off with character creation. A word of advice: Be careful when creating your first – and only – avatar. It seems that only one character slot is available per account. If you don’t like the looks of your character, you will have to wait until later in-game to access some customization options.

If you decide that you don’t like your name, tough luck. Some players reported that contacting the support team did the trick and they were able to change their name, but don’t count on it. Also, there is no option to delete your character. So, double-check your choices before entering the world of Palia.

The character creation options are purely cosmetic. You customize the looks and outfit. There are no classes or other gameplay-relevant choices. Nothing fancy here, just a handful of decent customization options that are enough to design a unique human avatar. Yes, humans are the only choice and that ties in with the story.

Welcome to Kilima!

You spawn into the world of Palia with no recollection of your past life. Your coming isn’t exactly breaking news. Why? Because you are one of the many humans that have recently started to appear in Kilima. Coming from other games, you might expect a grand welcome as the hero of prophecy who arrived at a fortuitous moment to save the world from impending doom. That’s not the case here. You are immediately directed to a nearby settlement.

The inhabitants are more than happy to welcome another resident. Someone hands you a tent and assigns you a piece of land. Although we knew this was a danger-free realm, it felt sort of uneasy not hearing about death and destruction in the first minutes. Old habits die hard.

Gameplay – Crafting, Building, and Making Friends

Crafting and building drive the gameplay. Palia doesn’t have monsters to take down, loot to acquire, or PvP. Player housing is the main game activity.

As one community member pointed out, Palia’s gameplay is like the downtime in other MMOs. You start with a small patch of land and, eventually, unlock more slots. Palia has instanced housing. Working in the yard is as serene as it can be, however, it does feel a bit lonely for an MMO.

The crafting mechanic is uncomplicated. You turn resources into materials that you craft into items. The annoying part is that crafting is time-gated. For example, it takes time to turn wood into planks. You can use this – not necessarily welcome at all times – respite to work on skills and strengthen relations with the NPCs.

The inhabitants of this world are more than just trainers, quest givers, or service providers. Palia has an NPC reputation system allowing you to make friends and more. Chat them up, give them gifts, and romance them. They will tell you more about themselves and slip in bits of lore once they feel comfortable around you.

Character Development Through Crafting and Gathering Skills

Eight skills are the bread and butter of the Palia character development system. We have foraging, fishing, bug catching, cooking, hunting, mining, furniture making, and gardening. You gain access to each skill as you meet its associated NPC.

Some skills require tools that you also receive from the trainer. Skills are leveled up by using them. If you want to level up faster, don’t let the Focus bar run empty. Various consumables give Focus boosting the XP gaining rate.

Palia has a simple and straightforward skill system. There are no skill trees, no abilities, no specializations. Of course, you can completely ignore certain skills and focus on others. However, sooner or later, you will max them all out. In the beginning, you will most likely concentrate on mining and foraging as these skills provide the raw materials needed for crafting and building.

Social Interaction and Community

Palia is advertised as a casual MMO. It is casual all right, but it’s far from being an MMO. Or you could say that it is a casual MMO with the nuance that it has lightweight MMO features.

Long story short, it is a single-player game with optional multiplayer. It has a friends list, a general chat, and the possibility to form groups, but little incentive to interact with others. The only real benefit from interaction is that players get more resources when they hit the same node. At least, friends can visit each others’ homes.

There’s a trading system where you can request items from others. The player that fulfills your request gets renown. Gold would have been better. In its current state, Palia is a 90% single-player game. Players sometimes speak in the chat and the community seems nice.

Is Palia Pay to Win?

The answer to this question is a wholehearted No. The cash shop has no gameplay-relevant items. You don’t pay to speed things up or to gain access to features. All the content is free to play. Cosmetics, such as outfits, are the only items you can buy with real money. Considering they are optional, we see no reason to complain about the game’s microtransaction system. At least, for now.

Conclusions – The Bad

Palia open beta feels more like an alpha. Plain and simple, there isn’t enough gameplay to keep you glued to the screen. The character development, crafting, and building systems have no depth. The world is small. It takes mere minutes to traverse it from one end to the other. As a result, exploration is nonexistent. There are no areas to uncover by yourself, as the game practically points you to all locations of interest.

Palia is a sandbox game with little direction. The main story provides a bit of context, but it’s not exactly what we would call enthralling. The side missions are nothing more than accordingly prized humdrum tasks.

The MMO features are wanting to say the least. There is no player trading. This means that selling to the game is the only way to make money. Speaking of selling, it takes a few hours to receive your gold.

Conclusions – The Good

Let’s keep in mind that Palia is not yet in its final form. The game captivates thanks to its cozy graphics and wholesome activities creating a feel-good atmosphere. The lack of competitive gameplay results in a non-toxic player base.

The developers are keeping an eye on the community’s requests and they are quick to implement – some of, at least – them into the game. Palia is a free to play game with a cash shop that sells only cosmetics.

It’s a suitable game for kids and adults looking for an accessible violence-free gaming experience. Even though it would seem the bad outweighs the good, Palia is not a bad game. It is an unfinished game with huge potential. Despite the lack of content, players are sticking to it and we can only hope that the developers will take action and deliver a fully-fledged product come the release day.

• Genre: MMORTS.
• PvE: Yes.
• PvP: Yes.
• Business Model: Free-to-play.
• Development Stage: In Development.
• Release Date: N/A.
• Platforms: PC and mobile.

Real-time strategy, now that’s a genre that doesn’t get the MMO treatment too often. Apart from a few titles, the MMORTS selection is, to say the least, lacking. The good people at NCSoft have decided to tap into this corner of the massively multiplayer universe. Among the several MMO games in-development at the Korean studio, one is one of the RTS variety.

What Is Project G All About

Project G’s debut trailer presents the world from Sebastian’s perspective. We learn that he is our butler and we are newly-arrived commanders on Pangaea. He quickly brings us up to speed. Our duties are clear: develop the kingdom, amass an army, and go to war. It’s business as usual for someone who – we find out towards the end of the trailer – is the legitimate ruler of Pangaea.

The video shows “actual gameplay footage”. It gives off StarCraft and Age of Empire vibes with a medieval fantasy flavor. It’s a mix, for sure. The story seems quite generic for this brand-new IP. The graphics are easy on the eyes. The combat, however, catches the attention. Fortunately, we know a bit more about this part of the gameplay.

Project G Implements Real-Time Combat

Project G attempts to be the best of the SLG and RTS worlds in an MMO universe. SLG, a term mostly associated with mobile strategy titles, stands for simulation game. It is definitely something we don’t want to hear, but hold on, there’s more.

According to the Lead Designer, Cho Kyuhyung, Project G has SLG gameplay with RTS combat mechanics. What this means is that battles are not simulated. That’s definitely something we want to hear. This type of combat is a staple of the RTS genre. Players actively take control over individual units. They issue commands such as instructing the units to move to a certain location, defend an area, engage in combat, and so on.

In SLGs, players command their armies to go to war but have no control over what happens during combat. Battles are usually a numbers game, as the spoils go to the player with the most units. Project G does away with this kind of combat and we couldn’t be happier about it.

Commanders will select their units and order them to move or attack. This mechanic puts the winning odds in the players’ hands. It’s not just a simple matter of comparing numbers. It’s a matter of planning and reacting based on the situation at hand. It’s what made RTS games great.

We’re not getting ahead of ourselves here, but, if done right, Project G could bring something new to the table.

Project G Features Four Races with Unique Units

The official trailer shows an amalgam of races and units. The dragon, of course, steals the show, but more questions remain. What other races and units are available? Will we join a faction?

The unexpected news is that we won’t choose a race and get locked out of the other races. Kang Seongpil from the animation team promises some interesting races and a generous selection of units. Project G will feature four groups, races, or factions. While three of them are nothing to write home about, the fourth is insanely cute. A leader represents each race.

Aerial and terrestrial units are available for each faction. We build our armies using units from all four races. Each race has special units. Circling back to the dragon, that’s the special unit of the Caleon race.

Each special unit will be countered by a special unit pertaining to a distrinct race. In this particular case, dragons are susceptible to magic weapons. A system of strengths and weaknesses is in place to maintain balance between units of different races.

Buildings have a strategic use in battle. In RTS games, different types of buildings spawn units, unlock technologies, and have defensive capabilities. The buildings’ tactical function in Project G is unclear, but they will play a part on the battlefield.

Project G Gameplay

NCSoft conceived Project G with the “MMO experience” in mind. Base building and upgrades are solo activities ultimately converging towards multiplayer encounters.

When you are not tending to your kingdom, you are taking part in large-scale wars for territory. The game is made with grouping in mind.

Players form alliances against each other. In the grand scheme of war, allegiances may change on the spot. Your ally can quickly turn into your enemy. Other than large-scale PvP conflicts – that may as well be guild wars – we have no info on other game modes. We know, however, that PvE is not missing.

The developers weren’t ready to disclose more about the races, gameplay, and other things of interest, but they did let us in on one neat feature: a beam that we can project onto the map with some writing or message. In the demo, the luminous letters said NC.

We don’t know how many words, letters, or symbols we can fit into the message. What we know is that, no matter the limitations, players will come up with clever ways to spell something they shouldn’t.

Project G Release Date and Business Model

The team is not ready to talk about the release date yet. They say that Project G will arrive soon. Does that mean we will be able to play the game by the end of 2023? And how much do we have to pay for it? While NCSoft didn’t specifically say “free to play”, this is one bet we won’t lose.

What we are most curious about are the premium items. After seeing the powerful dragon, players were wondering if that would be one of the premium units. The official response was worthy of a politician working their way around an uncomfortable question.

The lead designer wants us not to worry. He assures us that we can acquire everything we need to stay relevant without visiting the cash shop. What would have put our minds at ease was to hear that the cash shop sells only cosmetics. Instead, we received a generic answer. However, it is too early to judge.

Impressions and Concerns

In all honesty, it’s the whole mobile stuff that puts us off. In addition to the pay-to-win apprehensions, we are wondering if NCSoft is going down the same path with Project G as with Blade and Souls 2.

BnS2 is a mobile game that can be played on PC through Purple, NCSoft’s PC emulator. Is Project G really developed for both PC and mobile or is it a mobile port?

The fact that NCSoft is not exactly known for its strategy titles is something we can live with. After all, Blizzard Entertainment wasn’t in the MMO market and their first MMORPG did pretty well for itself.

NCSoft is confident that by bringing together a niche genre (RTS) and a somewhat still popular genre (MMO), they will give new incentives to players wanting to enjoy this underrepresented genre (MMORTS).

The question remains: given the decline in popularity of the RTS games, is the player base open to the idea of an MMORTS? Scoff all you want millennials and Gen X, but the era of your beloved childhood games has long passed.

A veteran company such as NCSoft is acting on more than whims and beliefs. They must have based the decision to make an MMORTS on something solid, such as a market research showing interest for these games. We wholeheartedly hope they didn’t consider the cash-grabbing potential of SLGs only and went for a quick buck.  Ultimately, there is only one way to find out and that is by playing the game.

Over the past few months, the conversation around the world of classic World of Warcraft (WoW) has predominantly centered around the burgeoning hardcore scene.

A surge of players have explored this hardcore world, drawn to the distinctive appeal it offers. However, even as official servers have been confirmed for release later this summer, there remain many questions regarding the rules and allowances for these servers.

But it’s not solely the hardcore scene that has seen a resurgence on classic servers. In the midst of this growing hardcore narrative, the ‘regular’ classic servers have experienced a considerable influx of players, a phenomenon that has somewhat flown under the radar. And these aren’t just individuals casually perched on their bug mounts in Capital Cities, they’re players returning for Battlegrounds, open-world Player vs Player (PvP), raiding, and leveling on entirely new characters.

Despite the server’s phase of content stagnation and the absence of further updates, players are returning, willing to start anew. This trend suggests that it isn’t only hardcore players finding a renewed home in classic WoW.

Both hardcore and regular players are seeking something that cannot be provided by a single new server release. While the confirmation of hardcore servers is certainly a step forward, the question arises – is it also time for a rejuvenation of the 2019-esque vanilla classic?

The rise in the number of non-hardcore servers deserves exploration, delving into the reasons behind why players are returning to them. Blizzard should, perhaps, take into consideration the success of these servers, not just the hardcore servers, for the betterment of the game.

Vanilla WoW has always held its charm. Even when juxtaposed against The Burning Crusade (TBC) and Wrath of the Lich King, it offers a unique experience. With its distinctive features like no flying, 40-man raids, World Buffs, extensive stacking of buffs, dubious class balance, PvP ranking, a vast open world, and much more, it has a special allure. While some players might balk at the thought of returning to such a format, others eagerly anticipate a chance to relive these experiences.

Despite its quirks, the number of players returning to these servers is astonishing. Though precise player numbers are a closely guarded secret by Blizzard, a casual log-in and a stroll through Stormwind and Orgrimmar, or a walk through the leveling zones, show a robust player presence. This observation isn’t just limited to a specific server or region, but can be seen across various servers, indicative of the game’s popularity.

Players are flocking back to experience everything from the end game content to the PvP encounters. The appeal of classic WoW doesn’t rest solely on hardcore elements. A more casual, laid-back gaming style where a single death doesn’t spell the end for your character holds equal allure for many.

There’s clearly a demand for the classic WoW experience – the option to trade, to group, and if they die, to simply resurrect and continue on their merry way. It’s a less demanding and more relaxed experience than the hardcore version, free of the fear of griefing or losing your character. At the end game, there’s also less min-maxing or gatekeeping compared to the hardcore setting.

However, it’s not just about the number of players returning or the experiences they seek. The question at the heart of this conversation is why players are gravitating back to a version of the game with no further updates

Following the announcement from Bandai Namco Online and Bandai Namco Studios, the highly anticipated Anime Multiplayer Online Action RPG, Blue Protocol, is set for its initial release in Japan on June 14 on PC, Playstation 5 and Xbox X/S. This date marks the first time players will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vast, anime-styled world of Regnas.

However, for Western fans of the genre, a little more patience is required. While the original plan was to have a simultaneous global release, the developers have moved the Western release window to 2024. This decision comes as the team doubles down on their efforts to localize the game’s deeply immersive narratives and to establish the necessary infrastructure for the multiplayer adventures and massive online raids that Blue Protocol promises to deliver.

Despite the delay, Western players won’t be left entirely in the lurch. A Closed Beta test for PC will be launched later this year, providing a sneak peek into the world of Blue Protocol ahead of its full 2024 release. Eager adventurers can sign up for the Closed Beta on the game’s official page.

Blue Protocol promises a compelling blend of dynamic action combat, rich character customization, and a sprawling, epic narrative. Let’s delve into what makes this forthcoming game a title to watch for in the MMO space.

A Grand Adventure Through Regnas

In Blue Protocol, players are thrust into the world of Regnas, where they’re tasked with uncovering the truth about their origins. Along the journey, they’ll interact with characters from various worlds and forge friendships, shaping their own unique narrative. Their quests lead them to confront an inescapable destiny, one that will determine the fate of planet Regnas.

Regnas serves as the stage for an epic, multi-layered narrative. Teetering on the edge of annihilation due to a distortion in space-time brought about by excessive reliance on technology, Regnas is a realm of beauty, danger, and mystery.

As a player, your journey traverses diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to lush grasslands, sacred highlands, eerie abandoned areas, sprawling deserts, and cities built around life-giving oases. Each setting is an intricate tapestry of lore, culture, and conflict, providing both challenges and rewards for adventurers.

The world of Regnas isn’t a mere backdrop. Instead, it forms a vibrant, integral part of your experience in Blue Protocol, shaping your adventures and interactions in meaningful ways. As you travel across Regnas, you uncover the truth about your origins, forge alliances, face formidable foes, and strive to alter the cataclysmic destiny of your world.

Fast-Paced, Action-Driven Combat

One of Blue Protocol’s standout features is its action-based combat system. Accessible to both beginners and advanced players, the combat mechanics rely on straightforward controls that can be customized to suit individual playstyles. Players can choose their class based on the weapon they select, allowing them to adapt to combat situations without changing their customized character.

In Blue Protocol, your class is defined by your weapon choice, allowing flexibility in facing various combat situations. Here’s a glimpse at the classes available:

Blade Warden: Master of sword and shield, they excel in close-range combat and defense. A sturdy frontline choice for any team.

Twin Striker: Wielding dual axes, this class delivers rapid, high-damage attacks up close, ideal for aggressive combatants.

Keen Strider: Specializing in mid to long-range attacks, Keen Striders provide crucial support and adaptability in party battles.

Spell Weaver: A high-difficulty class that leverages long-range magical attacks. It’s a strategic choice for those who prefer staying away from the front lines.

Foe Breaker: With a mighty hammer, Foe Breakers dominate close to medium-range combat, dishing out heavy blows that shake the battlefield.

Character Customization and Echoes

Blue Protocol provides a wealth of options for personalizing the player character. From facial appearance and hairstyles to clothes, accessories, weapons, and mounts, players can create a truly unique character. The game also offers a series of expressive gestures and dances, adding another layer of personality to the characters.

An intriguing feature of Blue Protocol is Echoes, spiritual remnants of mystical creatures with potent attacks. Players can summon Echoes in battle to overcome formidable foes, obtained during quests or crafted using field-gathered materials.

Exploring Regnas and Tackling Quests

Blue Protocol shines in its exploration mechanics. The various regions of Regnas, such as the bustling city of Asterliese, the grassy Asteria Plains, or the Bahamar Highlands with its revered Pillar of Divinity, offer distinct landscapes to traverse. Each location has its unique inhabitants, wildlife, and challenges.

Players can undertake quests solo, or they can team up with other players to battle bosses or participate in massive online raids against towering monsters. The game’s multiplayer mechanics include a matchmaking system, allowing players to connect with others at a similar level, and a Parties List for adventurers seeking to take on the same challenges.

The Enigmatic Characters of Blue Protocol

The game boasts a cast of intriguing characters. Feste, a playful girl with a cunning streak; Jake, a self-proclaimed top adventurer; Aeryn, a visitor from the future aiming to change Regnas’ destiny; and Voldigen, the resurrected king of the Dracari race, are some of the fascinating personalities players will encounter.

Platform Support and Future Plans

Blue Protocol will be available for free download on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox X/S. For those eager to experience the game earlier, the developers have planned a PC Closed Beta test to take place in 2023. Interested players can sign up for the closed beta on the official website.

Blue Protocol promises an immersive, action-packed MMO experience set in a beautifully crafted anime world. With its narrative depth, engaging combat, extensive customization options, and vibrant multiplayer community, Blue Protocol stands as one of the most anticipated MMO games in the horizon. As we eagerly await its full launch, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a grand adventure in the world of Regnas.

In the world of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), a new title is garnering attention and stirring up excitement in the gaming community. Developed by Mainframe Industries, Pax Dei promises to transport players to a vast, social sandbox MMO inspired by the legends of the medieval era where myths are real, ghosts exist, and magic is unquestioned.

Welcome to the World of Pax Dei

Pax Dei invites players to step into a fantasy world where they can live out their medieval dreams. The game offers players the opportunity to find the perfect plot of land on which to build their home in the relative safety of the Heartlands, protected by the grace of the Divine.

As players establish and grow their villages, they will play an integral part in the player-driven economy. Everything in this world is produced by players’ hands and skills, from clothes, walls, food, and prayers to weapons, armor, tools, and mysterious reagents.

Your Adventure Awaits

As players venture into the Wilderness, they will encounter evil beings, uncover ancient mysteries, and engage in fierce battles against rival Clans for power, position, and resources. The further players journey from home, the stranger and more dangerous this world becomes. However, the glory, bounty, and secrets they bring back will enrich their entire Clan, making the journey worth the risk.

Player-Driven Interactions

What sets Pax Dei apart from many other MMOs is its commitment to player-driven interactions. Every action matters, whether it’s skinning a basilisk, deciding between war and peace, or simply picking flowers. The game’s economy is fully player-driven, ensuring that all play styles connect and complement each other. This mechanic promises to encourage a vibrant, interactive community and to generate emergent narratives that will shape the world of Pax Dei.

Building: A Cornerstone of Pax Dei’s Gameplay

In the world of Pax Dei, building is more than just a way to provide a roof over your head; it’s a crucial element of gameplay that has far-reaching implications for the community and the world at large.

Home is Where the Heart(land) is

Players can start their journey in the relative safety of the Heartlands, where they can find the perfect plot of land to build their home. This home serves not only as a personal sanctuary but also as a base of operations for crafting, storing items, and planning adventures.

Building isn’t confined to single-player experiences either. Players can join together to create villages, allowing their clans to prosper and grow together. These communal spaces will be the lifeblood of the player-driven economy, providing necessary items like food, clothing, and tools.

Building Constraints and Possibilities

Pax Dei’s building system has constraints to provide a balanced gameplay experience. For instance, players can’t build on certain areas such as pre-made road networks or near dungeon entrances to ensure the integrity of the game world. However, creative players will find endless opportunities within these constraints.

The building system is designed to let players’ imaginations run wild. Want to build a towering fortress to defend your clan? You can do that. Fancy a tranquil riverside cottage? That’s possible too. As long as your buildings make sense from a structural perspective, the sky’s the limit.

Moreover, the game offers multiple building piece sets, with the developers planning to add even more customization options in the future. This approach ensures that players can create diverse and unique structures, contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Pax Dei.

The Game Development and Release

Mainframe Industries is hard at work developing Pax Dei, and while the release date has yet to be announced, the developers are actively engaging with the community, sharing updates on progress and inviting players to sign up for upcoming playtests. The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 and is designed for PC, with plans for compatibility with cloud gaming platforms.

Pax Dei’s developers are excited to share more about the game in the coming months. Players interested in tracking the progress of the game can add it to their Steam Wishlist and sign up for playtests.

Alpha and Beta Testing

Although the large-scale Alpha test is still a few months away, Mainframe Industries is running regular small playtests under NDA with friends and family to test specific game features. The number of players invited to the Alpha is not yet determined, but access will likely be granted in waves, depending on what needs to be tested and the stability of the servers.

Monetization and Other Gameplay Aspects

The business model for Pax Dei is still being decided, but developers have confirmed that it will prioritize the game’s player-driven economy. Furthermore, the game will not include NFTs or Blockchain technology. Mainframe Industries has also clarified that while there will be value loss in PvP, the details of the PvP loot system are not yet finalized.

The developers have confirmed that players will inhabit the lands, build towns, and handle trading and crafting, with a wide selection of creatures and AI enemies in PvE. Despite the absence of traditional MMO NPC cities, NPC quest-givers, or NPC vendors, the world will be filled with lore and mysteries that require exploration, deduction, and collaboration.

The team at Mainframe Industries is focused on creating a unique, immersive, and engaging MMO experience. With its player-driven economy, immersive world-building, and innovative approach to player interactions, Pax Dei is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated titles in the genre.

Technical Aspects and System Requirements

Pax Dei is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, ensuring cutting-edge graphics and physics. As for system requirements, Mainframe Industries has not yet released specifics. However, given the use of UE5, players can expect that a fairly robust system will be needed to fully enjoy the game’s graphics and gameplay.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Mainframe Industries is highly engaged with their player community. Through frequent developer updates, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), and interactive playtests, the studio is actively seeking player feedback and is committed to using that feedback to shape the game’s development.

As for future plans, Mainframe Industries envisions Pax Dei as a continually evolving world. With the player-driven economy and the social sandbox MMO format, the world will change and adapt according to the actions and decisions of its players. This means that new content, expansions, and changes to the game world will be a natural part of Pax Dei’s life cycle.

Conclusion

Pax Dei is undoubtedly an ambitious project that promises to bring a breath of fresh air into the MMO landscape. Its unique approach to player interaction, a player-driven economy, and the richness of its world-building all combine to make this one of the most anticipated titles of the year.

Whether you’re an MMO veteran looking for a new challenge or a newcomer intrigued by the promise of a living, evolving world, Pax Dei is a title to watch. We will continue to cover its development and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever”. Let this quote wrap you like a warm blanket on a cold night as we take a look at some MMOs and MMORPGs that have been under construction for too long.

Do you still hold some hope for these games or have you moved on already?

Star Citizen

• Revealed In: October 2012.
• Current Status: Playable Alpha.

Star Citizen is in a league of its own. The official 2012 reveal date marked the debut of the Kickstarter campaign, however, pre-production began in 2010 and production kicked off one year later.

The game has been in the works for more than ten years! As you can imagine, it has attracted unparalleled criticism. With over $400 million from the backers, it holds a record for the most-crowdfunded video game.

Many are wondering if the space sim MMO and its Squadron 42 single-player campaign offshoot are ever coming out. Rumor has it that the people in charge have realized they cannot deliver on the initial promise, but canceling would spell disaster and potential lawsuits, so they are leading the backers on for as long as possible.

Aion 2

• Revealed In: November 2018.
• Current Status: In Development.

In 2018, NCSoft announced an Aion sequel as a mobile MMORPG. In 2022, at a shareholders meeting, a bit of info on Aion 2 surfaced.

The team is using Unreal Engine 5 to build the game which will also be available on PC. A global launch frame is yet to be revealed.

The Aion 2 website, albeit with no relevant info, has been up and running for a while. We have a generic trailer and a couple of screenshots.

Fans’ concern is that Aion 2 will be a cash-grabbing gacha game. If we cannot optimistically look to the future, at least we can nostalgically look back now that Aion Classic is available.

Valiance Online

• Revealed In: 2014.
• Current Status: Playable Alpha.

Valiance Online is one of the superhero MMOs that gained track following the closure of the beloved City of Heroes MMORPG.

The last update was in mid-2022 when a forum post from the devs revealed that the first investor milestone was achieved. The team used the money to create a “solid foundation”. And that was the last time we heard from the game officials.

Valiance Online takes place in San Cielo, the city formerly known as San Diego. It features ten character Archetypes.

Curious supporters can gain alpha access via donations starting from $25. However, considering the official radio silence, checking up a gameplay video is a more reasonable alternative at this point.

Ship of Heroes

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: Playable Beta aiming for a 2023 release.

Ship of Heroes is one of the MMOs on this list that might see the light of release in 2023. After not delivering on the 2021 and 2022 launch promises, the developers are quite hopeful for 2023. Also, we count Ship of Heroes’ 2023 Steam listing as one step closer to release.

A “mix between City of Heroes and Star Trek”, this MMO aims to revive the superhero genre. Reports from those that gave it a try show that the indie developer Heroic Games Corporation has done a good job so far. Fingers crossed for a forthcoming release!

City of Titans

• Revealed In: 2013.
• Current Status: Playable Alpha.

Not another City of Heroes spiritual successor! That’s the last one, we promise!

City of Titans is closing in on a decade of being under construction and we fear many moons will still pass until the game reaches 100% completion.

Back in November 2022, the development team decided to switch from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. They admitted that it slowed the development, but solved several major issues.

Other than that, the development blogs are keeping us posted with various updates. We can see that City of Titans has not been abandoned, but will the fans’ patience outlast the development cycle?

Camelot Unchained

• Revealed In: 2013.
• Current Status: Beta.

From City State Entertainment, a studio led by Dark Age of Camelot’s designer Mark Jacobs, comes a PvP-based MMORPG centering on a three-faction conflict.

Camelot Unchained entered Beta in 2018 and it has been stuck in there ever since.

In 2020, the studio revealed that they are working on a second game Final Stand: Ragnarok which was released in early access in 2021 and it has been stuck in there ever since.

What’s worse than an unfinished game? Two unfinished games! Some backers requested a refund. In recent news, City State Entertainment revealed they are expanding the team to go forward with the development.

In 2022, the studio received a whopping $15 million from investors. That should be enough, right?

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen

• Revealed In: January 2014.
• Current Status: Pre-Alpha.

Pantheon ROTF is a fantasy MMORPG with an emphasis on teamwork and challenging PvE. Nine races and 12 classes allow players to create all sorts of characters.

Gameplay videos revealed a massive potential, but the development pace is worrisome, to say the least. However, the developers have been more transparent in the last few years. The community still has faith in Brad McQuaid’s brainchild.

In 2022, it was revealed that Pantheon received $2.4 million from private investors. If you want to see how the game is coming along, founders’ packs that include access to closed testing sessions are available.

Ashes of Creation

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: Alpha.

Ashes of Creation is one of those Kickstarted MMOs we are rightfully entitled to complain about. The game met the $750,000 goal in less than half a day. It raised a bit over $3.5 million from early backers.

In 2021, those who pre-ordered the $500 version had the chance to take part in the first alpha test. The second one is yet to come.

In its long development cycle, the game has transitioned from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5.

Ashes of Creation features a dynamic open world that reacts to players’ actions. Let’s hope the developers react to the community’s demands and finish the game in the foreseeable future.

Project Gorgon

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: Early Access.

Project Gorgon is a niche sandbox indie game that sends players on possibly the wildest ride of their MMORPG experience. It’s eccentric but undeniably fun for those who have the equanimity to discover it. If you love old-school MMOs, this one should make your list.

Project Gorgon has been in early access since 2018. However, that doesn’t seem to bother the community as the regular updates keep players happy and engaged.

The husband and wife duo leading the development have worked on Star Trek Online, Asheron’s Call, and EverQuest II.

Dark and Light

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: Abandoned in Early Access.

The original Dark and Light was a 2006-MMORPG fiasco. It was a bad game that attracted negative reviews. It was eventually shut down on the down low without an official announcement.

In 2008, Snail Games acquired the Dark and Light rights. Ironically, the new game would suffer the same fate. One year after the 2016 reveal, Dark and Light from Snail Games was available on Steam as an Early Access title.

In the first years, players’ reports have been favorable citing great potential for this survival MMORPG. To everyone’s surprise, Snail Games abandoned Dark and Light in Early Access without a word.

You can still buy it, but beware as the last update is from 2020.

No official news to seal the fate came to light. The game periodically goes on sale for less than $10. Is Snail Games quietly and shamelessly still cashing in on this abandonware?

Chronicles/Kingdoms of Elyria

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: In Alpha.

In June 2016, Soulbound Studios raised $1.3 million through a Kickstarter campaign for an innovative and dynamic MMORPG.

Over the following years, the studio received an additional $7 million from backers. To everyone’s surprise, in 2020, CEO Jeromy Walsh announced the development will stop due to the lack of funds.

The rightfully-angry mob of backers filed for a class-action lawsuit which was eventually dismissed. Meanwhile, the company took back the announcement and stated that the Chronicles of Elyria development continues but with a smaller team.

They also revealed Kingdoms of Elyria, a spinoff strategy colony-building simulation that will be available for backers as a free game.

Kingdoms of Elyria is developed in parallel with Chronicles of Elyria. It eyes a 2023 release, but no one believes it.

Codename Reality

• Revealed In: 2018.
• Current Status: In development.

If you’ve been casually scrolling this list hoping to discover one title you haven’t heard about, there you have it! Codename Reality’s 2018 Kickstarter campaign was a flop. However, that was merely a setback for the Netherlands-based indie studio, Orode Productions.

Over the last few years, they have stoically pushed through to achieve the world’s first MMOPEG, massively multiplayer online persistent entity game.

Codename Reality features a fantasy world that players change with their actions. The game is in the works with no release date in sight.

From time to time, interested people have the chance to join the closed testing sessions.

Identity

• Revealed In: 2015.
• Current Status: In Early Access.

In 2015, Asylum Entertainment boasted about redefining MMOs with a groundbreaking title that would do away with the linear gameplay that has become a staple of the genre.

A successful Kickstarter campaign followed allowing the team to secure more money than they’d hoped for in the first place. In November 2018, Identity launched on Steam in Early Access.

The Negative reviews accuse the developers of not keeping their promise and abandoning the game. In August 2022, we were treated to what appeared to be a heartfelt message saying the studio is in financial trouble and no one should buy the game – which was to be taken off Steam in the near future – until an update is available. We are still waiting for that update.

Spycursion

• Revealed In: 2017.
• Current Status: In Development.

Spycursion is the most uncommon MMO you will come across. If you’re into programming, you might want to check out the blog on the official website explaining why in the age of Unreal Engine 5 someone is using Lisp to make a game.

Spycursion is a “realistic hacking” game in which you play a hacker. Each player is free to set individual goals as the gameplay features sandbox elements. The game distinguishes itself through the lack of traditional weapons.

It’s an interesting concept that we wish to materialize into a fully playable neat little quirky MMO game sooner rather than later.

Reign of Guilds

• Revealed In: 2016.
• Current Status: Preparing to release in Early Access by the end of 2023.

Reign of Guilds is a hardcore PvP MMORPG set in the Middle Ages. It has uncommon MMO features such as first-person perspective and friendly fire.

The development is moving on slowly, but it’s moving. However, those who participated in play tests aren’t too confident about its future. The development still has a long way to go.

There’s also the matter of the game’s design that favors PvP. A part of the community believes that, if done right, Reign of Chaos could find its niche, but a big if looms over it.

So there you have it! Which ones of these games are you looking forward to with the hope that it will actually be released, and which ones will never see the light of day? Let us know in the comments!

As we venture into the exciting world of 2023, video games have undoubtedly evolved in unforeseen ways. From breathtaking graphics to immersive gameplay, the gaming industry has taken leaps and bounds in creating worlds that are more realistic and engaging than ever before.

With the success of the EverQuest franchise spanning almost 25 years, many have anticipated a third installment to the franchise. EverQuest Next was supposed to be just that, but was shut down before even making it to beta testing.

Since Daybreak Games doesn’t seem to be interested in making EverQuest 3, we’ve tasked OpenAI’s language model, ChatGPT, to outline a concept for the next iteration of EverQuest.

We also asked ChatGPT to write prompts for the image generating A.I. Midjourney to show what the game would look like.

Here’s the result.

A Return to Norrath

EverQuest 3 would mark a grand return to the world of Norrath, but this time with a whole new level of graphical realism and detail. Harnessing the power of next-gen gaming platforms, EverQuest 3 would offer players an immersive, high-fidelity 3D world. With ray-traced lighting, photorealistic textures, and advanced physics simulations, Norrath would be more alive and interactive than ever before.

Dynamic Open World

The open world of Norrath would be designed to be dynamic and ever-changing. Player actions and decisions would shape the world around them. Cities could be built or destroyed, alliances formed or broken, and wars won or lost based on player actions. This dynamic world would not only increase the replayability of the game but also ensure that no two player experiences are the same.

Innovative Gameplay

ChatGPT suggests that EverQuest 3 would revolutionize MMORPG gameplay. It could feature an advanced AI-driven NPC system, where NPCs have their own lives, routines, and can react intelligently to the player’s actions. This would make for an immersive, living world where every NPC has a purpose and a story.

The combat system would be revamped for more strategic and engaging encounters. Abilities would interact with the environment and other abilities in unique ways, encouraging teamwork and tactics. An advanced AI would make enemies more challenging and unpredictable, keeping players on their toes.

Character Progression and Customization

In terms of character progression, EverQuest 3 could introduce a classless system, allowing players to mold their characters based on their preferred playstyle. This would offer a wide range of customization options, with the ability to learn and level up skills from various disciplines.

Furthermore, an extensive crafting system could be integrated, enabling players to create unique items and gear. This would add another layer of depth to the game, as players could become renowned blacksmiths, alchemists, or tailors, influencing the economy of Norrath.

Community-Centered Features

EverQuest has always been about community. EverQuest 3 would take this to the next level by offering robust guild systems, player housing, and large-scale cooperative events. It would provide tools for players to create their own content, such as custom dungeons or quests, fostering a strong, creative community.

Inclusion and Accessibility

EverQuest 3 would be designed with inclusion and accessibility in mind. It would feature options to customize the user interface, subtitles, and audio cues, ensuring that all players, regardless of their abilities, could enjoy the game.

Conclusion

At MMORPG.GG, we are big fans of games created by humans, and this article is just meant as a bit of fun. We believe that A.I. will make a huge impact on how MMOs are created and played in the near future though, and we hope that these tools can be used to create an immersive, dynamic, and inclusive experience for all players.

While this exploration of what an AI might dream up for EverQuest 3 is purely speculative, it serves to illustrate the enormous potential for innovation in the MMORPG genre. Imagine the possibilities of a world where the environment dynamically reacts to player actions, where NPCs lead their own complex lives, and where the very fabric of the game is shaped by the community. Add to this a profound commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, and you have the recipe for an MMORPG that truly pushes the boundaries of the genre.

These tools also offer the promise of more efficient and creative game development. AI could assist human developers in everything from procedurally generating vast, intricate worlds to creating more realistic NPC behavior. It’s an exciting prospect, to say the least.

World of Warcraft has captivated millions of players around the globe with its rich lore, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable characters.

The World of Warcraft movie left many fans unsatisfied but yet wanting more. We have put together our ultimate fancast for a sequel with an unlimited budget and asked the A.I. image generator Midjourney what the cast might look like as the heroes and villains of Azeroth. (Midjourney nailed a few, and missed others despite us trying for a while to get it right!)

This ultimate World of Warcraft movie fancast features 20 talented actors who would bring depth and complexity to the franchise’s beloved characters.

The Defenders of Azeroth:

Chris Hemsworth as Varian Wrynn

Hemsworth’s charisma, strong physique, and experience in action-packed roles make him an ideal choice for the brave and commanding King of Stormwind.

Jason Momoa as Thrall

Momoa possesses the perfect combination of strength, fierceness, and charisma needed to portray the Orc Shaman and Warchief of the Horde.

Elizabeth Olsen as Jaina Proudmoore

Olsen’s ability to convey strength, intelligence, and vulnerability makes her the perfect actress to embody the powerful mage and leader of the Kirin Tor.

Tom Hiddleston as Malfurion Stormrage

Known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hiddleston’s ability to bring depth and charm to complex characters makes him a great alternative for Malfurion Stormrage, the wise and powerful Archdruid.

Asa Butterfield as Anduin Wrynn

Butterfield’s youthful looks and experience in films like “Ender’s Game” and “The Space Between Us” make him a fitting alternative to portray the compassionate and determined Prince of Stormwind, Anduin Wrynn.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Baine Bloodhoof

Johnson’s imposing physical presence and charismatic demeanor would help him embody the High Chieftain of the Tauren.

Idris Elba as Vol’jin

Elba’s strong presence and commanding voice make him the ideal actor to portray the Warchief of the Horde and the cunning Shadow Hunter.

The Fallen and the Redeemed:

Henry Cavill as Arthas Menethil

Cavill’s ability to portray complex characters and fallen heroes would enable him to bring depth and duality to the tragic tale of the Lich King.

Eva Green as Sylvanas Windrunner

Green’s intensity and experience playing dark, complex characters make her the perfect choice to portray the Banshee Queen and Warchief of the Horde.

Tom Hardy as Illidan Stormrage

Hardy’s brooding presence and experience with enigmatic characters would allow him to embody the fan-favorite antihero and Demon Hunter.

Gwendoline Christie as Lady Liadrin

Christie’s commanding presence and physical prowess would make her a perfect fit for the role of the Blood Knight Matriarch and Paladin.

The Pillars of Leadership:

Sean Bean as Genn Greymane

Bean’s experience playing noble and battle-hardened characters would serve him well in the role of the King of Gilneas and leader of the Worgen.

Ewan McGregor as Khadgar

McGregor’s charm and experience in the fantasy genre would make him a fitting choice for the wise and skilled mage, former Guardian of Tirisfal.

Gerard Butler as Magni Bronzebeard

Butler’s rough charm and experience in action roles would make him an excellent choice for the King of Ironforge and leader of the Dwarven people.

Ian McKellen as Velen

McKellen’s extensive experience and gravitas would lend itself well to the role of the wise Prophet and leader of the Draenei.

The Forces of Magic and Destruction:

Cate Blanchett as Alexstrasza

Blanchett’s regal presence and experience playing powerful characters would make her the perfect choice to portray the Life-Binder and Dragon Aspect.

Benedict Cumberbatch (voice) as Deathwing

Cumberbatch’s deep, menacing voice and experience in voice acting would bring the terrifying Aspect of Death and Dragon to life.

The Ingenious and the Resourceful:

Simon Pegg as Gelbin Mekkatorque

Pegg’s comedic talent and experience in playing eccentric characters would make him a great fit for the role of the High Tinker of the Gnomes.

Luke Evans as Lor’themar Theron

Evans’ charisma and experience in playing both heroes and villains would allow him to bring depth to the role of the Regent Lord of Quel’Thalas.

This ultimate World of Warcraft movie fancast showcases a mix of established actors and rising stars who would bring the diverse and beloved characters of Azeroth to life on the big screen.

While this is only a dream cast list, the possibility of such an epic adaptation is enough to excite any World of Warcraft fan.

As we await the day when Azeroth’s heroes and villains grace the silver screen once more, we can only hope it will be with a cast as impressive as this.