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Rumor: TERA Korean servers merging [Updated]
Bluehole Studio's TERA action MMORPG is gearing up for its second round of Korean server merges since launch according to a blurb at MMO Culture. The fantasy title, which is currently being prepared for a North American release by En Masse Entertainment, is scheduled to trim its list of 35 shards to 15 this week. Despite more upbeat news of fresh content in the offing, the merges come amid reports of lower-than-expected financial performance according to publisher NHN Korea. TERA launched in Korea last February and is gearing up for a Japanese beta on July 1st. No North American or European beta dates have been announced. [Update]: TERA's main Korean website does provide both official confirmation of server merges as well as time projections.
Blade and Soul videos feature PvP, gliding
Blade & Soul's first Korean closed beta phase may be over, but apparently the video drops are just beginning. Hot on the heels of last week's YouTube class showcase come some new clips courtesy of MMO Culture. This time around, we get a good look at the game's PvP action as well as some unique mechanics that appear to take both PvE and PvP engagements off the beaten path. The first clip shows off an interesting glide mechanic that owes a debt to both DC Universe Online and Aion, as the player character leaps tall mountains in a single bound and subsequently power-glides over, around, and into various scenic peaks. The second clip features a 1v1 PvP scrum, while video number three shows us a frenetic group engagement and more gliding shenanigans. Check out the three clips after the cut, or head to MMO Culture for further details.
Korean MMO developer offers update on Korean gaming
RPG Vault (a fantastic site) recently had the chance to speak with Korean MMO developer Seonho Kim all about the state of Korean gaming alongside our favorite genre. Seonho is the Game Publishing Department Manager for CJ Internet, one of the country's 'big five' publishers. He paints a vivid picture of gaming in South Korea, with the unique blend of online gaming and popular culture something completely foreign to our experience here in the west. As Seonho tells it, online FPS titles have been at the forefront of Korean gaming for the last few years. This is all in comparison, of course, as MMO gaming in Korea is still a massively popular genre.In the last year, though, MMO gaming has made a big comeback. This has primarily been driven by new titles like Aion and Atlantica Online, with the five big Korean publishers all working on their own MMO 'take' to draw in new players. The second part of his analysis deals primarily with this element, the balancing act that the Korean games industry maintains. Both pieces of his discussion are very interesting reads, and well worth checking out. If you're curious about the games he mentions, make sure to check out Massively's coverage of Altantica and Aion before you head elsewhere!%Gallery-35608%
