server-changes
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Matt Higby talks testing weapons, server restrictions, and more in PlanetSide 2 interview
For anyone who hadn't noticed, a little game called PlanetSide 2 launched one week ago today. OK, it isn't really little at all; folks who log in to the new MMOFPS enter a massive world with battles taking place all over the map. In a recent video interview, Creative Director Matt Higby discussed a few features players might have missed in their battle frenzy as well as some upcoming ones they can expect. Introduced at launch, one feature Higby highlighted is the ability to test weapons out in the field before committing their hard-earned certs to a purchase, so "buyer's remorse won't necessarily be as prominent." Every eight hours, players can grab a weapon (for free) and run around with it for 30 minutes. Players can do this three times a day but must use a different weapon each time; the cool-down timer for testing a weapon a second time is 30 days. And soon, players can also expect a more detailed preview window when perusing weapon with information on how the weapon behaves and what attachments can be used on it. Higby goes on to reveal that the one empire per server restriction will be lifted and highlights the upcoming ability to switch servers and rename characters. Folks waiting for the ability to switch factions, however, are out of luck. Get all the details -- plus some in-game footage -- in the video after the break.
City of Heroes posts updates to the global server change
While nothing quite compares to a new expansion pack, Paragon Studios still surprised City of Heroes fans when it announced at PAX East that both the American and European servers were going to be merged into a single list. The team is looking to head off most further questions with a recently released FAQ regarding the changeover, which will also see European account holders rolled into the existing database. It also enumerates the benefits to the community as a whole, allowing both regions equal access to testing and special events while expanding the total number of servers available for each player. In the case of name conflicts for the global chat channel, a player originally from the European servers will be given a temporary handle based on his character's name and a free change to said handle. According to the official statement, the number of affected players is expected to be fairly small, and actual character names will not be affected as the servers aren't merging in any way. Expected to be fully rolled out by the end of the summer, this latest change to City of Heroes won't help any content slumps but will help foster more international community efforts for the game.
Exclusive Zentia contest information and more
My, how Zentia has grown! One moment, the charming game is slowly working its way into our hearts, and the next it's parading around with a fat playerbase and upcoming contests. Well, we have more exclusive information for you again -- this time it involves server changes and prizes. Time to celebrate the first PvE server opening for Zentia! The PvP server Spoon will be converted to a PvE server (date to be announced) There will be no force attack on regular maps anymore The battlegrounds War of Camp, Royal Hunt Park and Treasure Island will have force attack enabled Don't worry; dueling will still be allowed on all maps In celebration of the new server and the holidays, ChangYou has decreed that lucky random players will receive 200 tokens to use in the cash shop -- a total of $50,000 in tokens! On top of that, four really lucky players will receive a $500 Amazon gift card, just in time for some holiday shopping. (I wear a small, by the way.) If you'd like to find out more information about the game, check out some of our first impressions here and here. You can sign up for a free account on the website and follow the game on Facebook.
The Daily Grind: How much would you pay to keep your character?
Over time, things change. More often than not, the list of "things" in an MMO includes accounts, characters, mains, and any number of other elements. We change servers, we buy new accounts, and over time you inevitably wind up with a character sitting and accumulating dust. They might have a special title, or an unusual item, or even just a great deal of sentimental value. And while you might give up the option to use them for a while, you still want them back. In a game like Final Fantasy XI, losing access to an old character can result in a huge loss of time and effort. Luckily, most games offer server transfers, account reactivation, or other services to help you regain your former avatar. But how much is it worth? A month's subscription? The price of an expansion? How much would you pay to get back an older character for whom you've lost access? Does it vary a lot depending on the resources the character possesses, or do you just want to get back what you lost, even if it's only a little?
