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Steam now offering F2P MMOs
Digital downloads and free-to-play MMORPGs are a match made in heaven, and so it's only natural that the largest purveyor of the former is teaming up with several of the latter to embed both movements further into the collective gaming psyche. Steam is now offering F2P MMOs as part of its on-demand gaming service, and titles as diverse as Global Agenda, Forsaken World, and Spiral Knights are joining the party. So what, right? These games have always been free to download from their respective websites, haven't they? Well, yes, but Steam is offering exclusive in-game items (beginning tomorrow with Spiral Knights), and of course there's the ever-present achievement collection to consider. Boot up your Steam client and click the giant free-to-play banner, or head to the service's official website for more details.
Captain's Log: To boldly go where... Perfect World has never gone before?
Captain's Log, Stardate 64918.1... Hello, computer (and players)! Isn't it amazing how the MMO gaming world works? One week you might be ecstatic about the planned updates for your favorite game, and the next week you are wondering if that same game is even going to last another day. Like many other Star Trek Online players, I was in this boat just last week. When Atari announced that it was going to be divesting interest in Cryptic, many players initially went into panic mode. But as I stated in my entry last week, I strongly felt that things were going to turn out just fine, possibly for the better -- and they definitely have. Earlier this week, Perfect World Entertainment announced that it would acquire a 100% equity stake from Atari, with Cryptic Studios remaining as the sole shareholder. Made famous for its free-to-play games, including Perfect World International, Pocketpet Journey West, and Forsaken World, Perfect World has the potential to help STO continue to grow. While the new owners are very excited at the opportunity to utilize the engine Cryptic is famous for, they are also excited at the fact that Champions Online uses the free-to-play business model. Oh dear -- here we go again. Ensign, warp 10! Everything is going to be OK and here's why...
Perfect World Entertainment surpasses market expectations
Perhaps the belief that free-to-play games are bad and do not make money is unfounded. If you asked anyone with stock in Perfect World Entertainment, he would tell you that F2P is where it's at. The creator of the Perfect World International and Forsaken World has stunned the market as it reported a 15% revenue increase last quarter (January 2011 to March 2011) over last year (January 2010 to March 2010.) However, the biggest surprise is the amount of profit the company generated. The 110% growth over last year greatly surpassed the high-end expectations of the company itself. CEO Michael Chi attributed the stellar growth to the recent release of Forsaken World and Empire of the Immortals. But the profit is due to more than the entry of these two games into the market. "At the same time, we also experienced lower sales and marketing expenses as we did not have as many new launches as we did in the previous quarter. All of these factors contributed to our strong bottom-line growth in the first quarter," Chi explains in a Gamasutra article. Perfect World Entertainment hopes for continued growth as it continues to solidify its place in the F2P market with more games coming soon.
Prepare for Forsaken World: Gaze of Larex with a free in-game pet from Massively!
Forsaken World has a hefty content update on the way, as you may have heard last week. Today we've got a Gaze of Larex release date for you as well as a little gift! Perfect World Entertainment has let us know that Gaze of Larex will arrive in Forsaken World this Thursday, May 26th, and we've got just the thing to help you start the new content in style: a Zeke Warrior in-game pet. The Zeke Warrior is described as a "crazy little native" with a deadly poison-tipped spear -- he's cute and deadly! PWE has given us 1,000 of these little guys to share with you, so visit our giveaway page to pick up a code. Once you've done that, visit the redemption page on your PWE account (or create one and install the game if you haven't yet done so). Enter your code, select your server and character name from the dropdown menu, click submit, then check your in-game mail to claim your pet and enjoy! [Sorry, all codes have been claimed]
Forsaken World pits players against the Gaze of Larex
Perfect World Entertainment announced today that the newest addition coming to its free-to-play MMORPG Forsaken World will be titled Gaze of Larex. Larex -- some sort of ancient, eldritch monster -- has taken root in catacombs within the Sleeping Jungle, spreading corruption to the nearby inhabitants. Product Manager Clifton Chu explains, "Since launch, Forsaken World players have been busy reuniting the five races of Eyrda. With the emergence of Larex, players will be able to test their newly forged alliance against an enemy that not only threatens to take over the Sleeping Jungle, but also the entire world." Coinciding with this announcement is the release of a brand-new CG trailer for the game, which features many of the game's classes dramatically preparing for battle and even skirmishing amongst themselves before banding together to confront a greater threat. Click on past the cut to see the trailer, and if you feel compelled to join the fight to defeat Larex and secure the safety of Eyrda, then head over to the official site to join the fray.
Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup
The favorite day of the year for anyone named April has [verb ending in ed] the internet, making some web surfers [emotion] and others [emotion]. In [adjective] Massively fashion, we felt it best to gather all this news [adverb]. After all, what would an event be without a [adjective] Massively roundup? World of Warcraft [past tense verb] not just one internet prank but four for the [plural noun] of BattleNet. Turbine invited its [plural noun] to be the broccoli for [adjective] race in Dungeons and Dragons Online. The [plural title] of Star Wars: The Old Republic did not want to leave the Wookiee [plural noun] from playing their [adjective] game, so they created a Shyriiwook interface for all those [adjective] people. However, the prank that takes the [food] has to be ArenaNet's new Guild Wars 2 class, the Commando; Anet created [adjective] videos complete with jiggle physics and placed helicopters into the current Guild Wars game. After the cut, we have [past tense verb] all the [adjective] pranks in this year's batch of favorite MMOs. Now you won't have to [verb] around the internet to find them yourself! But if you do [verb] something not on our list, let us know in the comments.
First Impressions: Forsaken World
Perfect World Entertainment's latest title, Forsaken World, is made to sound like the polar opposite of Perfect World, the older flagship title that serves as Forsaken World's foundation. When I first heard about this newer project, I was enthused. After all, I wasn't really fond of Perfect World. I thought it was too stale and linear. Still, I have admired Perfect World Entertainment for a long time, mainly because the company knows its audience and does really good work. Its games are flexible when it comes to system requirements, and its titles fit all sorts of different players and age ranges. Also, the developers claimed that Forsaken World would be a game made for a "Western audience." Of course this means absolutely nothing to me, being that there are easily millions and millions of players for decidedly "Eastern" games like Nexon titles or other large publishers, so I figured that PWE meant to say that it was a game made for those snootier Western players who consider free-to-play games to be nothing but point-and-click junk. Strangely enough, PWE got the WASD movement wrong in Forsaken World. I have no idea how or why this was missed, but the "Western" audience will notice, I promise. Click past the cut and let's talk about everything I loved about the game -- and a few things I did not.
Perfect World Entertainment offers Japanese disaster relief across multiple games
MMO industry efforts to rebuild Japan continue, as free-to-play titan Perfect World Entertainment is lending its considerable weight to the cause. The firm is donating 50% of the proceeds from special cash shop items to the ongoing Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief drive. Players of PWE's games can pick up a little something extra for their characters while simultaneously making a donation to the Red Cross. The promotion runs through April 13th and features a variety of items in games including Battle of the Immortals (bag expansions), Ether Saga Online (ancestral crystals), Forsaken World (star of hope), Jade Dynasty (meditation orbs), and Perfect World International (super inventory stone).
We've got more Forsaken World in-game pets to give away!
Last weekend we received a little gift from the Forsaken World team -- 1,000 codes for a free Khonem in-game pet. The little guys were snapped up in no time flat, but if you missed out, don't worry. So are you ready for round two of the Khonem pet giveaway? Perfect World has given us 1,000 more to pass on to our readers, and it's as simple as the last round! It's as simple as the last round! Just visit our giveaway page and get your code. If you're not a current Forsaken World player, register, download the game, and create your character. Once you have a character, enter your code on the redemption page. When you next log in to Forsaken World, you'll find a gift waiting in your mailbox. Enjoy!
Get a free in-game pet from Forsaken World and Massively!
Forsaken World is just over two weeks out of the gate, and the kind folks at Perfect World hope to enhance the experience for those of you who play with a little gift. They've given us some free Khonem in-game pets to share with you. The Khonem are a mysterious tribal race possessing fiery blue eyes and a skull head; they hunt and kill anything not of their kind in the name of their god Khunm. Want one for your very own? All you need to do is visit our giveaway page and pick up a code. If you're not a current Forsaken World player, register, download the game, and create your character. Once you have a character, enter your code on the redemption page. When you next log into Forsaken World, you'll find a gift waiting in your mailbox. Enjoy!
Forsaken World launch trailer debuts
What's the launch of a brand-spanking-new MMORPG without a similarly wet-behind-the-ears trailer to go with it? In service to that tradition, Perfect World Entertainment has just released a sleek new video that coincides with the debut of its latest free-to-play effort. Forsaken World officially launched on March 9th, and even if you've already played it, you'll want to take a peek at the two-minute teaser that shows off a bevy of lush location shots as well as numerous big bads. If you haven't played the game yet, well, we submit that the launch trailer may very well get you hot, bothered, and ready to do just that. Luckily for you, we've got the clip available for your viewing pleasure just past the cut. Forsaken World is a deeper, darker fantasy MMO from the makers of Jade Dynasty, Battle of the Immortals, and Perfect World International. The title boasted an astonishing 3500 developers during its construction phases and is now available for download via the official Forsaken World website.
Perfect World Entertainment comments on 2011
Perfect World Entertainment is always busy. No, seriously -- these guys and gals do not sleep. They now publish nearly 10 titles and show no sign of stopping. Their newest and largest title, Forsaken World, just hit open beta at the time of this writing, so we thought it might be a good idea to ask a few questions of the developers. We tracked down PWE's Clifton Chu, product manager for Forsaken World, to give us some info on the new game and the company's MMO presence. If you have been excited to play it or any of the other titles in the Perfect World lineup, 2011 is going to be a very good year for you. Not only can you try out every title on its roster, but you can do it at your own pace. No subscription fee also means that you'll have more money to blow in the cash shop. Hey, everyone needs vanity items! Click past the cut to read the interview! %Gallery-107517%
Play for keeps: Forsaken World launches
Just like how Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same, so too is Forsaken World's open beta and launch. The free-to-play MMO was scheduled to go live on March 23rd, but Perfect World Entertainment surprised us all by moving it forward to... today. While the website calls this an open beta, the studio insists that this is indeed the official launch of Forsaken World. Semantics aside, players can now roll characters without fear of any future wipe as Perfect World Entertainment declares that from now on it's all "for keeps." From pets to prayers to floating guild halls, Forsaken World is trying to keep life spicy in the F2P market. Head on over to the official website to get into the game today, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Perfect World Entertainment interview of this darker MMO.
Forsaken World to launch early
Perfect World Entertainment's newest title Forsaken World has been in development for some time now, becoming the longest-tested game in the company's history. The lengthy process must have been worthwhile, considering that the decision has been made to launch in both North America and Europe two weeks early -- on March 9th! The game will launch with a total of six servers, three of them being PvE servers. Also, PWE will provide full support for the French and German versions of the game. You can get more information and sign up for the game on the official site. The developers have also released a brand-new developer diary video, this time on the guild system. If you'd like to check it out, click past the cut and enjoy!
Forsaken World closed beta opens up to all
Perfect World Entertainment's upcoming fantasy vampire MMO, Forsaken World, has decided to throw the definition of closed beta out the window and do its own thing. Phase 4 of the game's "closed" beta officially opens the doors to anyone who is curious to try the game out, whether or not he has a beta code -- or even signed up to test before. The new phase 4 portion of the beta test also marks Forsaken World's addition of two brand-new PvE servers, Storm and Legion. Also included in this newest phase is an auction house system, enabling a player-driven economy and greater availability of tradeskill materials to those who enjoy crafting. Along with this, the level cap has raised to 60, and there are 10 realms per server for players to wander through. Those curious can check out the phase 4 patch notes or sign up for an account and download the game from the Forsaken World site.
Forsaken World devs outline Phase 4 Beta
Perfect World Entertainment is just about ready to unleash its latest free-to-play MMO creation: Forsaken World. In the fourth developer video diary, Director of Marketing Jon Belliss outlines the development and testing process up to this point. He states that Forsaken World's closed beta testing has had the largest number of participants in Perfect World's history. The team expects great results from Phase 4, which arrives on February 23rd. This phase will allow all players to join in the beta if they wish to test out the game. Phase 4 also introduces the highly requested PvE server along with new realms and a level cap of 60. The level cap will open up a new world of gameplay and areas never before visited by players. Catch the full video diary after the break and then hop over the Forsaken World website for more information on how you can sign up. This is your chance to get in before launch on March 23rd.
Forsaken World to be unleashed March 23rd
Looking for new vistas to explore, for untamed MMO wilds to colonize? Perfect World Entertainment hopes that you'll give its upcoming free-to-play title Forsaken World a shot, as the company just announced its March 23rd release date. Forsaken World will be simultaneously launched in North America and Europe with English, German and French versions. PWE's Director of Marketing, Jonathan Belliss, thinks the game should appeal to these regions: "Forsaken World is one of our most impressive games to date. With vast devotion from our talents and contribution from our players, this game was built from the ground up with the western gamers in mind. We're very excited to finally be releasing Forsaken World and a huge thanks goes out to our beta testing community for providing us with such great feedbacks." Forsaken World is an MMO that features both the familiar and the unusual (such as floating guild halls), and has been praised by testers for its performance and interesting classes. If you're looking to get to know the game a bit better, hit the jump to watch PWE's third developer diary covering locations and dungeons (here are the first and second videos, if you need to catch up).
Free for All: The difference between East and West
Like many gamers, I find myself going through stages of obsession. Once in a while, I'll get on a PvP kick, followed by having a thing for immersion, then I'll be consumed by running dungeons or grinding. Lately I have been investigating older Western MMOs, games like Asheron's Call, Ultima Online, Anarchy Online, and EverQuest. While I have already played all of these titles at one time or another, they can become different games between visits. This recent kick of mine started me thinking about the first free-to-play MMOs I enjoyed, as well. The first one was either Flyff or Rose Online, around six or so years ago. I've chatted with a developer who used to work on Flyff, and she claimed that those were some of the very first free-to-plays to see success in North America. What are the differences between the two, Western and Eastern? Is there a difference? If there were, are there still differences between Eastern free-to-play games and Western games? Click past the cut and we'll take a look.
Perfect World shows off new dance moves plus Forsaken World class video
The devs at Perfect World Entertainment are busy little bees, and today they've brought us a pair of videos to show off what's new in two of the company's flagship free-to-play titles. First up is Forsaken World's second dev diary video, and in it, PWE marketing director Jon Belliss shows off the fantasy epic's eight playable classes as well as the 14 secondary occupations that make up the job system. Not to be outdone is Perfect World International, and its upcoming Genesis expansion will be featuring the usual expansion suspects such as a new race, new classes, new zones, and more. In addition to all the new content, PWE is throwing some fluff into the mix via a slew of new character dance emotes that amp up the style and complexity of the game's existing moves. All of the game's original races will be able to perform the maneuvers, and many of them will be activated via special clothing sets. Check out the Forsaken World dev diary video and a sneak peek at a new Perfect World International dance after the cut.
Forsaken World details floating guild halls
There are guild halls and there are guild halls, and Forsaken World's recently announced command centers are definitely the latter. Perfect World Entertainment has detailed the nifty new floating guild base feature coming to its free-to-play fantasy MMO in a new blog entry on the game's official website. Obtaining (and maintaining) one of the command centers is no easy task, but it looks to be a rewarding one since the facilities will generate income for your guild via entrance fees and will house personal merchants and workshops. Construction materials must be obtained through daily quests and events, and PWE indicates that the guild bases can grow into sprawling social and mercantile hubs given enough time and effort. "The layout of these command centers is vast and multi storied. Your guild's base will have plenty of room to expand and grow. With enough dedication, a command center can be something of a miniature city in its own right," says the blog.
