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Webzen gearing up for C9 PvP tourney, Witchblade reveal at E3
Webzen's Continent of the Ninth Seal, otherwise known as C9, hasn't made a lot of noise in the West as of yet. That may change after next week's E3, when the South Korean action MMO import will introduce a new class and strut its stuff via the championship finals of its PvP tournament. The new class is called the Witchblade, and E3 attendees will get some hands-on time with it as they battle the forces of evil in the game's Blenheim region. Webzen is also showing off Arctic Combat, a new online FPS set on the frozen tundra of World War III. Check in with Massively next week as we'll be on the ground in Los Angeles to bring you all the latest MMO news and views. [Source: Webzen press release]
Archlord hosts first combined server guild tournament
Plenty of guilds talk the big talk and DPS the raid meters, but when the chips are down and the final call is uttered, which one guild will stand on top of the mountain of geek corpses and be proclaimed "Champion?" In most MMOs, that would be rhetorical nonsense, but not in Archlord, where guilds will compete in the first World Guild Championship to earn a $10,000 prize and the recognition of their peers. The game's first combined server guild tournament kicks off on June 11th and features pitched PvP battles between guilds to climb the bracket and claim the big prize. All participants will be given a preset character with standard gear in order to minimize any in-game advantages. In order to preregister for the tournament, guilds will have to complete a special in-game quest. Registration for the World Guild Championship runs from now through May 30th, with the official brackets announced a few days later on June 4th. Archlord will be hosting special in-game events and handing out fun prizes for everyone during this time.
Webzen pops the cork on its third anniversary celebration
Good things come in threes, they say, and nobody knows this better than Webzen. In 2009, Webzen came on the scene as a free-to-play publisher and set up an online portal to serve as a nexus for all of its games. Since then, the company has released three MMOs through its service and recently crossed the three-year mark. With all those threes, it's time to celebrate! To celebrate its third anniversary, Webzen is throwing events in Archlord, MU Online, and Soul of the Ultimate Nation. By participating in these in-game events, players can win an assortment of prizes ranging from an Xbox 360 to in-game currency and items. The third anniversary events will start tomorrow and run through April 18th. Webzen's Head of Global Publishing, Jihun Lee, reflected on the company's achievements: "With the start of MU Online, Webzen.com has received much support from our users. As a result, in three years we have been able to become one of the leading global game portals. With the service experience of free-to-play online games, we are making all efforts to meet the users' needs and provide better services." [Source: Webzen press release]
Webzen giving away fully geared high-level characters
Have you ever played an MMORPG and thought, wow, this would be fantastic if I could ditch the pesky progression? If so, Webzen has a promotion for you. It's called Skip the Low, Jump to High, and it kicks off today and runs through March 14th. The company is giving away free high-level characters and items in ArchLord, Soul of the Ultimate Nation, and MU Online. ArchLord players will receive level-60 characters that are fully geared, while S.U.N. fans can look forward to level-90 toons with gear and level-up boxes. Last but not least, MU players will get level-220 characters and +9 weapons and armor. But wait, there's more! MU is offering double XP during the promotion period, and S.U.N. is bringing a new server online. [Source: Webzen press release]
Get your closed beta key for Archlord X: The Chronicles
The development team at Webzen has been hard at work, and it's all about to pay off -- for you. Webzen is all set to kick off the closed beta test of Archlord X: The Chronicles, and the company has passed us a set of beta keys to share. Archlord X is a continuation of the events of the Archlord universe, according to Webzen. The Archlord X game scenario is based a hundred years after Archlord, when Chantra fell into chaos from the Archon running out of control. Ready to check it out for yourself? Visit our giveaway page, then head over to the Archlord X redemption page. Create an account via the "play for free" button if you have not, then enter your beta key serial code. Once you've done that you're all set to download Archlord X -- enjoy! [Sorry, all codes have been claimed]
Archlord celebrates its second anniversary
If you haven't guessed by now, we here at Massively love MMO anniversaries. They're always great opportunities to celebrate a game's success and achievements, particularly in a field where it is so hard to get long-lasting titles off the ground. So we raise a glass to Archlord as it marks its second anniversary today. To celebrate this achievement, Webzen has a few treats in store for its players. Starting off, all Archlord players will enjoy two weeks of double XP, double drops, and double charisma points. If double XP isn't fast enough for you, then you can pop over to the special training server, where characters can be leveled up extremely fast and then transferred back to regular servers if they reach level 40 or higher. This training server will be up for a month, and Webzen is planning to hand out special in-game items for those who take advantage of it. Archlord has a new raid dungeon in the works for December called Battle Square, and is preparing a new chapter in its storyline that will go live at the same time. [Source: Webzen press release]
This Week In MMO: Night at the movies edition
This Week In MMO is all about movies: how some games compare to movies and which movies will be made into games. The BioWare doctors hinted at a Mass Effect MMO once again, but what does our panel of hosts think? Mike B, aka Fony of ZAM, believes that the Mass Effect intellectual property is very similar to the movie industry, such that Mass Effect can take a few years of downtime, then just like some movie remakes, bounce back even stronger as an MMO. What about movies becoming MMOs? Jasmine Hruschak, of Gamebreaker's The Sanctum, is scared of any movie becoming a game. Traditionally, these platform conversions are disastrous, according to IRLJasmine. However, Gary Gannon agrees with Avatar director James Cameron's sentiments and believes that the world of the Nav'i could one day be comparable to the world of World of Warcraft. Catch all this and more movie-to-MMO comparisons after the break on Gamebreaker.TV's This Week In MMO!
The MMO Report: Taunting beta-testers edition
Welcome to another edition of The MMO Report, where everything's made up and the points don't matter. That's right, the points don't matter, just like those emails you got for the SWTOR beta. You're still not in it. First up on the agenda is Blizzard, which recently announced that the Foo Fighters, long known for their connection to the gaming industry [citation needed], will be playing at BlizzCon. Information on the upcoming Titan, however, will not be making an appearance. Meanwhile, Red 5 and Webzen have settled their legal dispute. Webzen came away with some healthy monetary compensation, while Red 5 gained global publishing rights to Firefall. Next we go deep into the 'hood of APB: Reloaded, where the devs have been busy dropping banhammers on the thick skulls of the game's less savory sorts. Anyone found using exploits or hacks has been mercilessly dispatched by, we presume, a series of drive-by shootings. Ragnar Tørnquist took the time to drop a few information bombs on fans of The Secret World, detailing the team's design philosophy and outlining how the game will place emphasis on lore and story. And last, but certainly not least, we have the curious case of BioWare's misplaced emails. A number of players had their hopes raised and then contemptuously dashed by a survey email that asked them to tell BioWare what they thought of their time in SWTOR. Needless to say, a furious uproar ensued, as millions of voices suddenly cried out in anger and were not-so-suddenly silenced. For the full MMO Report, complete with Uncle Casey's Mailbag, head on past the cut.
Red 5 Studios and Webzen resolve legal dispute
Remember back in July, when Red 5 Studios was all like, "You're not advertising our upcoming game enough, Webzen!", and then Webzen was all like, "We gave you several million dollars, and we're still waiting for this game you said you're working on!"? Well, it turns out both parties have decided to put the whole thing behind them, and live happily ever after. According to a press release, "Webzen will receive compensation for the prior development fees paid to Red 5 and also will share in future revenue generated from Red 5's game entitled Firefall for a certain period of time." This settlement will also give Red 5 complete global publishing rights to Firefall and relieve Webzen of all advertising involvement.
Firefall's PAX trailer could really use a lozenge
There's so much to fight on Firefall's planet: Indigenous creatures, invading aliens and, if the voice in this trailer is any indication, air full of particulate matter that can clog up your vocal folds. Need some water, dude?
Firefall preview: Something for everyone
There's a good chance that Firefall is going to be your absolute, undeniable jam. It's just one of those combinations of features and ideas that should apply to at least (but probably more than) one of your sensibilities: It has class-based shooting, customizable loadouts, loot, strategy, a persistent world, character creation and a focus on cooperative, Player vs. Environment gameplay. Any of those tickle your fancy? They tickle mine. They tickle all of my fancies simultaneously.
Check out Webzen's full games lineup with our all-in-one giveaway
Everyone loves a good beta key giveaway -- checking out a new game before the general population and helping to improve said game is a tempting pairing. Here at Massively, we've got a beta key giveaway with a twist! Webzen, the company behind MU Online, R2 Online, Archlord, and S.U.N., has given us 1,000 all-in-one beta keys to share with our readers. A single key will give you access to new content and more in each game. For Archlord, you'll be given a level 100 character, limitless free access to cash items, and access to the new Ascent From Hell expansion -- all on the beta server. In S.U.N., you'll have a special potion which will level your character to 30, a beta key mount and fast level-up, and the ability to create the new Episode 2 class. R2 Online players will be invited to the second user test and will be able to experience the currently-unreleased Siege and Spot Warfare content. Finally, the all-in-one key will give free access to MU Online's Rage Fighter Class. To participate, all you have to do is pick up your key on our giveaway page, then head to Webzen's All-In-One event page. Create your Webzen account if you haven't already, redeem your key where indicated, and choose the game you want to access first. Enjoy your all-in-one access, and our thanks to Webzen for providing the keys! [Sorry, all codes have been claimed]
Webzen now suing Red 5 Korea in wake of FireFall arbitration
It looks like Webzen won't be taking Red 5 Studios' recent filing for arbitration lying down. In the wake of Red 5 Studios seeking to end its Asian publishing agreement with Webzen, the Korean publisher has filed suit against Red 5 Korea. According to Korean website This Is Game, Webzen accuses Red 5 Korea of breaching its publishing agreement on several occasions. Among the claims, Webzen alleges that Red 5 Korea delayed an offline test of FireFall. Red 5 Korea subsequently announced the test, using Webzen's logo, without the publisher's permission. Red 5's Korean branch is also alleged to have sent a press release about Orson Scott Card's involvement with the game, again without Webzen's permission. The proverbial final straw centers around G-Star 2011, a Korean gaming convention. It seems Webzen was preparing to show FireFall at the convention but, after hearing that Red 5 Korea was planning to display FireFall independently, the publisher decided to file suit. Just where all of this leaves the Asian release of FireFall remains to be seen. The game will be self-published by Red 5 in both North America and Europe.
Red 5 in legal battle with Webzen over FireFall, seeking $5 million
Firefall developer Red 5 Studios has filed for legal arbitration against Korean publisher Webzen. According to Red 5, Webzen has committed "multiple breaches" in its Asian publishing agreement, and the studio is seeking both to terminate its agreement and to "recover $5 million due to Webzen's alleged breach of its obligation and refusal to commit that money to market the game in the United States." The arbitration should not affect the United States or European release of Firefall, which will both be self-published by Red 5. Webzen has published its own response to Red 5's claims, stating that it is "undisputable" that it has "fulfilled all of its obligations" to the studio. The publisher also mentions that Firefall has undergone numerous development delays. Webzen also references its own "disputes" with Chinese game operator The9 – majority shareholder in Red 5 – though it makes no direct allegations toward the company. The publisher states further that Red 5 Korea has "infringed Webzen's rights as the publisher in Korea," though no specifics are mentioned. Regarding the arbitration, Webzen says it will comply with the final decision, but plans to "firmly seek all of its remedies under the law."
Get a head start on Season 6 of Mu Online with our closed beta key giveaway!
Season 6 is coming to Mu Online, and it's even bigger than most fans expected! The update was delayed this spring due to the natural disasters in Japan, as Mu Online's global network systems pass through that country. Work on Season 6 had to go on the back burner while more crucial repairs were made, but everything is up and running now and Season 6 is ready for beta! This update features the introduction of the new Rage Fighter class, so even if you're familiar with all things Mu this will prove an exciting addition for you! If you're interested in checking out the new content, we've got a closed beta key for you to do that very thing. Just visit our giveaway page to pick up your key, then create an account if you haven't yet. After that, head to the beta page to redeem your key, and enjoy Season 6! [Sorry, all codes have been claimed]
Webzen readying Soul of the Ultimate Nation: Episode 2, preview server
New content is on the way for fans of Soul of the Ultimate Nation, and Webzen has just announced the impending release of a global trial server for the game's Episode 2 patch. The new shard will go live on April 28th, and it aims to give players a preview as well as collect feedback prior to the patch's official release. Episode 2 brings major changes to the game including a new leveling system, itemization changes, and new quests. Webzen's press release states that the revamp should "please various gamers with its simple yet strategic gameplay." In addition to the leveling adjustments, Episode 2 introduces the custom passives system whereby players may tweak their avatars' abilities via customizable buffs. The mechanic is intended to encourage grouping between new and old players, and the resultant buffs will stay active as long as the party remains intact. Head to the official Soul of the Ultimate Nation website for more info.
Webzen announces a trio of new titles
Korean publisher Webzen is preparing to blitz MMO players with a slew of new titles in 2011. First up is Archlord X: The Chronicles, a sequel of sorts to the company's popular Archlord. Set 100 years after the first game, Archlord X revolves around a feud between Orcs and Humans. Webzen plans to push the MMO into closed beta in South Korea in the first half of this year. Webzen also announced that it has several brand-new titles that the company is planning to reveal fairly soon, perhaps at G-star. These MMOs include an expansion to MU Online, MU2, and the mysteriously titled Project A. MU2 is being developed using the Unreal Engine 3 and takes place before the events of MU Online. Project A, on the other hand, is all about large-scale battles in the Middle Ages -- perhaps somewhat like Medieval: Total War. We'll be keeping an eye on Webzen as it expands its lineup in the coming months!
Archlord reveals 2011 update plans
2011 is shaping up to be a busy year for Archlord, the free-to-play PvP-centric MMO from Webzen. In a press release earlier today, the company announced plans for various updates over the course of the year including a level cap increase, new battlefields, and tweaks to the game's racial balancing. A new title system is also on the way, as well as a new map for high-level characters (both in the first half of the year). For the second half, Webzen is aiming for new boss monsters and a new Battle Square called the 3rd Challenge where players are pitted against one another with a chance to obtain rare items. Archlord launched in 2006 in Europe and North America and features a unique crafting system as well as the ability for players to become the Archlord, a singular (and incredibly powerful) ruler who reigns over the server in four-week intervals. Learn more at the official site and check out our new gallery below. %Gallery-114527%
Soul of the Ultimate Nation heading back to Webzen
First we heard that NHN, running under ijji.com, would be transferring control of Huxley back to its developer Webzen here in North America. Now, news has reached us that NHN has decided to follow suit with the other Webzen game ijji.com has held for the last year -- Soul of the Ultimate Nation. Thankfully, those who are a part of the world of SUN need not fear: Plans are underway to make sure that all active characters are transferred smoothly between hosts. (Those of you who tasted the banhammer are SOL, even on the new host.) The cash shop in Soul of the Ultimate Nation is already closed; character transfers are already open and will continue until January 21st, 2011. For those who have already set themselves up to make the jump, Webzen's SUN servers will be online as of December 15th, ready to welcome veterans and new players alike. If you choose to opt out of the transfer altogether, ijji.com is offering a pro-rated refund of cash shop items that your character may have had before the 22nd of November. For more details, check out the detailed FAQ on the ijji.com site.
Check out Archlord's new Dragon Scion race with our beta key giveaway!
Archlord's brand-new Dragon Scion race is coming to the game in less than a month, and it will bring all sorts of exciting updates. We've learned quite a bit about this update, but there is just no substitute for some hands-on playtime -- which we promised you last week. Those keys are ready now thanks to Webzen, so it's time to get yours and prepare to play a Dragon Scion beginning December 1st. Webzen will have plenty of support and bonuses for budding Scions, including armor and potions for faster leveling. The beta period begins on December 1st, so click below to grab your key and be ready! Get your Dragon Scion beta key here! > >
