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Elder Scrolls Online, free-to-play games still require Xbox Live Gold
One of Microsoft's big announcements today was the restructuring of Xbox Live Gold; the company will now allow Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners to use entertainment apps like Netflix and HBO Go without requiring a paid Xbox Live subscription. As Microsoft's Phil Spencer clarified to Joystiq today, the latest in a series of "Xbox One-80s" doesn't apply to free-to-play and subscription-based online games. "Right now we haven't changed the policy on MMOs and free-to-play games," Spencer said. While not getting into specifics, he noted that with some games there are "engineering constraints, policy constraints and partner constraints in each one of these scenarios," so the decision to keep games behind the Xbox Live paywall reportedly doesn't rest solely in Microsoft's hands. Bethesda's latest MMORPG, The Elder Scrolls Online, will still require a Gold subscription on top of the developer's own monthly fees. For the time being, at least; Microsoft has "about six months" to consider changing its policies, as the game was recently delayed for consoles. The developer was in talks with Microsoft back in August to cut the extra fees for The Elder Scrolls Online, which won't be enforced by Sony via PlayStation Plus for PS4.
PlanetSide 2 won't include cross-platform play between PS4 and PC
PlanetSide 2 will not include cross-platform play between PlayStation 4 and PC owners. "Because of the update cadence, and the additional steps you have to go through to be able to release an update on the PlayStation network, we're not going to be able to keep our servers in sync, so you won't be able to just play with the same people," Sony Online Entertainment Creative Director Matt Higby told Eurogamer. However, players may be able to transfer their characters between the two versions of the free-to-play MMO, as "the character format's the same on both, it's just purely a matter of the server updates." The PC version of PlanetSide 2 launched in November 2012, and was confirmed for PS4 in June along with DC Universe Online. Both games will remain free to play, and will not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online.
First impressions from the Age of Wushu beta
When I first started playing the Age of Wushu beta, I had a lot of expectations. As I first started playing, the game felt ho-hum. It was clumsy, the translation wasn't very good, and the combat felt clunky. My friends saved an infamous IM conversation during which I expressed how the game was a let-down. I had heard a lot about the skill-based martial arts battles, but the combat and movement felt so clumsy. There were some interesting features for sure, but my expectations soon faded, and I mostly kept playing out of a sense of obligation, to see whether there was anything hidden beyond the awkward translation and uninspired gameplay. Three days later, I was a believer. Age of Wushu's combat, while awkward at first, proved to be incredibly deep and allowed for endless variations of personal expression. Mastery of battle wasn't just about abusing a broken mechanic, and the foundations of the game's economy soon proved to threaten the hold that EVE Online currently has on the sandbox market. Open PVP with real consequences, horizontal character progression, a player-driven economy, and the best combat system in any MMO ever -- you'll find it all in Age of Wushu.
Sevencore's Shadow Crusade update incorporates new class and race
Fledgling MMO Sevencore passed through a significant rite of passage today by releasing its first update, Shadow Crusade. The fantasy/sci-fi title, which launched last month, is fleshing out its content offerings with a new class, an additional race, crafting changes, and a PvP arena. New to the game is the Assassin class, a melee fighter that relies on high chances to crit and dodge. Assassins use daggers and dual claws, which give the option for single- or multi-target attacks, respectively. Shadowcore is also adding the diminutive but powerful Aimon race. Aimon characters get a boost to their mounts' energy and have a faster out-of-combat health regen. Finally, Shadow Crusade is looking to make waves with a 5v5 PvP arena, a new zone, a level cap increase to 95, and a new type of crafting that combines old gear to make better items. [Source: gPotato press release]
Sevencore open beta begins September 6th
With closed beta all wrapped up, the free-to-play sci-fi/fantasy mix MMORPG Sevencore is ready to take the next step. And that next step allows everyone the chance to experience the upcoming game; gPotato announced that open beta will begin just two weeks from today on September 6th. Once this beta starts, players will get to test out more mounts, new regions, and higher levels. For a glimpse of Sevencore, take a look at a few new screenshots below, and be sure to check out Massively's hands-on tour of the world. [Source: gPotato press release]%Gallery-163238%
Aeria Games releases seafaring expansion for Grand Fantasia
Shiver me timbers! Aeria Games has announced a new pirate-themed expansion to its free-to-play fantasy MMORPG Grand Fantasia titled Journey to Condemned Island. And more than just some "avast ye!" taunts and parrots, this massive content update includes new advanced classes, new epic gear, pets, and an increased level cap of 90. Along with the increase in the level cap comes the new lands of Heirloom Peninsula, Frostfire Pass, and Aurawhisp Hamlet to adventure in. A level 90 dungeon with 12 new world bosses to defeat and plunder also awaits all players wanting to begin their adventures on the high seas. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
EverQuest turns 13, blows out the subscription candles (video)
EverQuest? More like Ever-cost -- until now that is. The popular subscription-based game has dropped the need for recurring charges as the franchise marks its thirteenth year on the scene. If you're still set on forking out that $14.99 for full access, you can, but there's now a one-time $5 silver membership as well as the totally free option. Of course, it's free as in beer, with parts of the game restricted (only four character races and classes etc) meaning it mightn't be long before you're opening up the wallet again. But, if this doesn't turn you off, saving up for another classic just got a lot easier.
APB Reloaded enjoying success via Steam, coming to store shelves
Realtime Worlds' MMO APB has had a troubled past to say the least, getting shut down in record time after a disastrous launch. But the title was purchased by GamersFirst soon after that with the intention of being reopened as a free-to-play game called APB Reloaded, and it looks like things are going pretty well. Not only has the title appeared in Steam's most played charts already, but GamersFirst now says it has picked up three million new registered users after showing up on the Steam service. That's quite a turnaround. The original game only boasted about 130,000 registered players, so the current iteration has already picked up that original audience and more. GamersFirst says the game has "quickly amassed a vocal, dedicated community, and they've been instrumental in growing the game and helping better the experience." And then there's the ultimate rebirth: APB Reloaded is apparently headed back to store shelves at retailers, too, in the form of a $29.99 box with "more than $50 worth of value including unique in-game items." That's pretty impressive for a game that saw a server shutdown in just 90 days or so.
Torchlight MMO still on schedule, depending on success of Torchlight II
Fans who are eagerly awaiting news on the status of the Torchlight MMO were offered a brief update during Runic CEO Max Schaefer's interview with Eurogamer; unfortunately for fans, it appears that completion and release of the MMO are quite a ways away. While Schaefer assures players that it is still planned and that they "have a lot of good ideas for the MMO," he also admits that they currently have other priorities -- namely the release of the forthcoming Torchlight II. He is clear that they "just aren't committing to any kind of schedule yet." Looks like fans will have to bide their time a while longer.
