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Swordsman opens up sales of its Hero's Pack
Swordsman is currently in closed beta, but it's moving into open beta soon, and as is now the tradition, that means it's time to offer players a chance to buy the game. Sort of. The game is free-to-play, but if you feel like dropping $60 on the game before it launches, you can pick up the Hero's Pack, filled with all sorts of nice little prizes for your future martial artist characters. Purchasing the Hero's Pack nets you a special mount, costume, and apprentice. You also nab 10 Mithril (which can be sold for a mountain of in-game currency), 600 East Sector Treasures (used for summoning a boss), and a ring (used for wearing a ring and getting a stat boost). Players who purchase now will get early access to the open beta as well. If you're enjoying the closed test or just like the idea and really want to buy into the game now, the option is open. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
Black Gold Online enters open beta today
Snail Games is opening up the coppery patina doors to open beta for its steampunk MMO Black Gold Online today. Interested players can hop in at 5 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. PDT) for a chance to win exclusive in-game items. You can choose to play as either the mechanized Kingdom of Isenhorst or the magic-based Erlandir Union in a war to gain control of a crystallized energy known as Black Gold. "The open beta lets anyone join who is eager to explore and battle throughout our unique bilateral land of steampunk and fantasy," says Jim Tsai, VP of Snail Games USA. "The open beta's massive activity data and player feedback will be leveraged to put the final touches on one of this year's most anticipated MMORPGs prior to its launch later this year." You can find out more about the open beta events and in-game items on the official site. [Source: Snail Games press release]
Black Gold opens up character creation before open beta
Are you looking to start playing Black Gold Online's open beta? The servers open up completely on June 20th, but veteran players will be able to access the character creator starting today at 5:00 p.m. EDT. That means that you can just jump right in on the 20th, and you can earn a few extra prizes along the way for starting early. All players who make a character early will have access to a special gift pack to help jump-start their adventures in the game. They can also take part in a contest to create the most attractive character, the best likeness of a celebrity or other real individual, and the most hideously ugly character possible. Everyone who's not a veteran will have to wait until the 20th and won't be eligible for these special rewards; if you've been involved in the game's testing up until now, you'd best get in and start creating today.
Assemble to try the LEGO Minifigures Online open beta
If you miss being able to play with LEGO bricks in an online environment, you'll be happy to know that LEGO Minifigures Online has just entered open beta. The last time a LEGO-themed game came out, it didn't turn out so well, but the new game is a very different experience, allowing players to take control of the many LEGO minifigures currently available to adventure in a variety of LEGO-themed environs. Currently, the beta test is available only for Windows computers in English, with other localizations and a tablet client slated for release during the test process. Open beta will also see the refinement of game mechanics and the free-to-play business model, so nothing that's in the game right now is set in stone. If you've been feeling the loss of brick-based gameplay, now might be the time to jump in and start playing for yourself. [Source: Funcom press release]
Knight's Fable launching on Wednesday
"The world needs a hero," the Knight's Fable website proclaims. "You be the one." Well, I guess that's it. You're the one. This means that you need to load up on Hot Pockets and Mountain Dew because you're going to need the fuel to save the world come Wednesday, June 18th. That's when Knight's Fable releases and the world gets that one hero it's always craved. This new browser MMO comes courtesy of iMiGAME. It features trainable pets, a battle party system, a PvP arena located in Hell (seriously), and four classes. Knight's Fable also says that it uses "fast-paced turn-based combat," so take that as you will. [Source: iMiGAME press release]
Marvel Heroes begins Mac open beta
The Mac open beta for Marvel Heroes started yesterday, welcoming a new community of wanna-be superheroes into the fold. The open beta includes all of the content that PC players get, including the recent Battle of Muspelheim raid. Gazillion is selling two special packages to go with the beta that include heroes and costumes. The packs are available for purchase by both PC and Mac players. Currently, Marvel Heroes is celebrating its first anniversary with a month-long in-game celebration.
Shards Online opens up a public weekend event
Does Shards Online sound interesting to you? Well, then, why not play it? Starting at 4:00 p.m. EDT today and running through the weekend, anyone can download the game's current client and jump in on the pre-alpha servers for free. Moreover, anyone can just as freely discuss what they see in the game, with no NDA in place (not that having one would make much of a difference here, obviously). The only caveat is that this is a pre-alpha preview, which means that the version of the game that you'll be seeing is still in a very rough and unfinished state. But if you've been curious about the game's Kickstarter campaign but reluctant to donate without seeing the game in action, here's your chance to get in the game and find out more for yourself. We'll also be streaming from inside the game on Saturday, if you'd like to watch but don't have the time to jump in yourself.
Argo Online slides into open beta
Bhagpuss over at Inventory Full pointed out that Argo Online has transitioned from closed to open beta in the past week or two. The steampunk post-apocalyptic MMO is now accepting any and all players who want to give this title a try. The open beta patch includes the opening of the in-game arena. Argo Online was formerly run by Alaplaya in 2011, killed, and then subsequently resurrected by the current operators, UserGames.
Archlord 2 going into closed beta this month
The sequel to Archlord will be revving up its beta test program this month. Webzen announced today that the PvP-centric Archlord 2 is planning on starting its closed beta in June for those who played the first game, have snagged a key, or who perhaps beg for one on the official Facebook page. There will not be an NDA for the beta program. Players have added incentive to get into the closed beta, as testers will get a "special gift" when the title transitions into open beta. If you're curious about Archlord 2, check out the intro video to the MMO after the break! [Source: Webzen press release]
Legend of Silkroad begins open beta warfare
The historical fantasy MMO Legend of Silkroad began its open beta today, inviting any and all in who wish to sample its digital wares. Legend of Silkroad is a tri-faction MMO that focuses on the economic and military conflict between three old world nations. It has a robust PvP system that encourages murder most foul in order to control the titular silk road. Or as the official site puts it, "Persia, Rome and China.. Who is the One of the all continents?" Who indeed, readers. Who indeed. You can check out a trailer for Legend of Silkroad after the jump!
EA Sports FIFA World plays footsie with PC in open beta
EA Sports has kicked off the open beta of EA Sports FIFA World, the publisher's free-to-play soccer game for PC. The PC version of the popular sports brand went through four closed beta phases and one limited open beta before launching globally. The game includes familiar Seasons and Ultimate Team modes as well as 600 clubs from 30 licensed leagues. EA Sports FIFA World uses three different methods of control: keyboard, mouse and gamepad. It also offers access to the Football Club social hub, in-game rewards for gameplay accomplishments and weekly featured tournaments for Ultimate Team, erm, teams. It requires a persistent Internet connection and an Origin account to play, though EA claims the game was "built to be enjoyed on average spec laptop computer or desktop personal computers." [Image: EA Sports]
Panzer General Online says to play its open beta, maggot
Ubisoft-published Panzer General Online, a browser-based turn-based strategy game, has advanced to the front lines and is now in open beta. Not to be confused with Sega's Panzer Dragoon series, Panzer General Online is inspired by historical battles of real-world armies. In the game, players create and build decks of cards to take into battle, though Skirmish 2.0, a new mode created for the open beta, can pre-build a deck for you if you'd prefer. Any soldiers willing and able can join ranks with Ubisoft and developer Blue Byte by heading to the game's official site and registering an account. [Image: Ubisoft]
WildStar's open beta is live along with a story trailer and new music
There's been a pretty consistent tone to most of WildStar's promotional materials -- not strictly comedy, but certainly irreverent. The developers obviously enjoy getting a good nudge and a laugh. But with the game's open beta test going live today, a new trailer has been unveiled, and this one isn't funny at all. If you've played the previous betas, you know the game has more story than just witty snark, and this trailer is all about that. You can check the trailer out just past the break, and the game's beta servers are open now through May 18th. The team is also planning on hosting a livestream today on the official WildStar channel at 2:00 p.m. EDT, as well as another longer stream on Friday starting at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Or you can just jump in on the servers now if you want to see how the game plays out. [Source: Carbine Studios press release] [Update: Composer Jeff Kurtenacker just let the Twitterverse know that the open beta music is live now on SoundCloud!]
WildStar's Stephan Frost on using the subscription model
Launching with a subscription fee in the current MMO market isn't a winning proposition; pretty much every newer title that has done so has moved over to free-to-play before long. A recent interview with WildStar's design producer Stephan Frost saw him liken the subscription fee to the extra fee for viewing cable stations such as HBO. People pay the extra money every month because the channel produces good content, and a subscription MMO has to do the same thing to justify that ticket price. Frost goes on to state that players should see new content in the game roughly every 28 days, with a vague mention that the team may do an expansion at some point but is mostly concerned with justifying the subscription price. It also ties into the CREDD system, which he states helps to cut down on gold-selling practices while also creating some parity between players with more real money and those with more real time. Time will see if the game justifies that subscription; you can try it out for yourself when the open beta goes live tomorrow.
Carbine announces WildStar name and guild reservation deets [Updated]
Carbine has sent out emails detailing its character and guild name reservation policy for WildStar. Reservations are available for pre-order customers only, and pre-ordering ends on May 23rd. We're excited to announce that on May 8th, we will be starting Open Beta! Through May 18th, you'll be able to continue to explore Nexus up to level 30, and get familiar with exploring, fighting and questing as we make our way towards head start and launch! As part of pre-ordering WildStar, you'll be able to make an even bigger mark on Nexus by registering one character and one guild name prior to launch! That means your desired name will be safer than a datachron in a Draken's dreadlocks. Try saying that three times fast. The name reservation page will only be available from May 13th through May 23rd, so be sure you check back to the site early so you can get your top choice, as reservations are first come, first serve. We will also have a FAQ section on the name reservation page that'll fill you in on all of your questions, including name restrictions, which servers the name will be saved to, and more. See you on Nexus! Update: As of May 12th, the studio has posted the following clarification and update regarding the naming reservation period: Name and Guild Name Reservation submissions will go LIVE at 11am PDT 5/13. Submissions will be accepted from 5/13 – 5/23. They will close at 11:59am PDT on the 23rd. Your reservation will be valid for 14 days Post Launch. So on June 17th after our scheduled downtime, any unclaimed names will be released for public consumption. Stay Frosty!
Guild Wars 2 begins Chinese open beta
Guild Wars 2 has made in-roads with a significant MMO audience this week, as it has kicked off its open beta in China. While local publisher KongZhong is calling this a launch, it's technically the beginning of a two-week head start period before the full open beta commences in the region on May 15th. Guild Wars 2 is the first major MMO to use a buy-to-play business model in China, selling 500,000 copies during its pre-order period. Interestingly, the official press release admits to regional "doubts" as to the effectiveness of this model. All pre-order players are now able to check out the game during this head start period, with any future purchasers required to wait until the 15th to try it out.
Funcom's LEGO Minifigures Online open beta coming in June
Funcom's LEGO Minifigures Online has been in closed beta for several months, but now the company says its free-to-play PC, iOS, and Android title will go into open beta this June. "This is an invaluable opportunity to collect feedback directly from players," says executive producer Lawrence Poe. "We'll be using that feedback over the summer to help us focus our efforts where they are most needed and deliver the best possible experience when we launch in the fall."
Face of Mankind starts open beta on April 18th
If you've been interested in giving Face of Mankind a spin, you'll be able to do so as early as Friday. Nexeon Technologies announced today that the MMO will be going into open beta on April 18th for anyone who would like to play it. Face of Mankind will be have its closed beta wiped on the 16th, and the open beta client is available right now to anyone who would like to preload in preparation for Friday. "It is only thanks to all of you that the game lives on and has the opportunity to become something far greater than ever imagined," the studio said.
The Nexus Telegraph: What it means that you can buy Wildstar
On March 10th, I opined that we were close to seeing a release date for Wildstar, along with the end of the NDA and a real change to beta structures. On March 12th, Carbine Studios announced all of that. Prescient? Possibly. All right, no; I just made an educated guess that turned out to be educated completely right. Astute readers will remember that I also made an educated guess about Medic and Engineer that turned out to be more or less completely accurate, as well, so I am apparently on the same wavelength as the people over at the studio. I didn't find out I was right on the money until you all did. That having been said... do I need to stress that this is a huge deal? Here's a game that fell under the "most anticipated" header for this site two years in a row, and now it's finally going to be a thing. We're finally moving out of beta testing and into launch. So let's talk about the impending launch, the pre-ordering, and all that comes along with both.
Here's a new teaser for Icarus Online
It's been nearly a year since we've heard anything of note from Icarus Online, but now WeMade Entertainment has released a new trailer to celebrate the upcoming open beta for its dragon- and flight-based MMORPG. Steparu reports that the game now features five classes (Berserker, Guardian, Assassin, Priest, and Wizard), with a Ranger class rumored for release. Click past the cut for the new teaser plus a five-minute gameplay video.
