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Nexon sharing E3 videos with fans
Nexon is celebrating its first time exhibiting at E3 by sharing the event with fans. Daniel Chin, community and content manager, explains that they want the fans to be a part of things: "We've got some of the best fans in the gaming industry and we didn't want them to feel left out of E3, which is an industry-only show, so we're going to hang out at the booth and shoot some of the exciting stuff going on during Nexon's first E3 experience." The videos will feature gameplay, interviews, audience response, and more to give fans a taste of everything going on with Nexon at E3. They'll be posted on the Facebook pages for Dungeon Fighter Online and Vindictus, as well as the YouTube channels for both games. The first video -- a sneak peek at setup -- is available now, and many more are on the way.
Mabinogi Goddess of Light update adds capital city
Nexon America brings word of a new update for Mabinogi, their free-to-play fantasy life MMORPG that boasts over one million registered players. The patch, called Goddess of Light, brings a new city into the world of Erinn, as well as jousting competitions, wine making contests, fashion contests, and an auction house. Players can now explore Tara, the capital city of the Allech Kingdom, to take part in all of the aforementioned events. Additionally, players can commission an in-game NPC to draw likenesses of their characters for display in player housing, personal shops, or on clothing. Finally, the Goddess of Light update introduces a new transformation ability known as the Awakening of Light, as well as new alchemy skills including Frozen Blast, Rain Casting, and Metal Conversion. View all the details at the official Mabinogi website.
Dungeon Fighter Online launches in North America
Nexon's MMORPBEUG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Beat 'Em Up Game) has finally made its way to North American hearts, minds and internets. After racking up more than 200 million players overseas, the free-to-play, genre-defying Dungeon Fighter Online is now available to download at no cost through Nexon America's site. If you're curious how an MMORPBEUG actually works, you can check out a whole gaggle of trailers over on the game's YouTube channel. Basically, it handles like Final Fight, only with a Diablo-esque user interface, and a Ragnarok-inspired art design, and World of Warcraft-esque character specialization trees. Yeah, it's all over the place.
Launch day arrives for Dungeon Fighter Online
Dungeon Fighter Online, Nexon's latest free-to-play offering, has been gearing up for launch for a while now, adding new content and revealing skill progression along the way. Launch day is finally here, complete with a shiny new gameplay trailer. The team at Nexon is pleased with Dungeon Fighter Online's polish and overall style at launch, according to Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim: "Dungeon Fighter Online is a free-to-play homage to everything we have always loved about gaming. This motherlode of a game with its classic graphics, arcade-style action and hardcore RPG leveling system sets the bar high for other free-to-play online games." Follow along after the jump for the newest trailer, and check out the DFO site for all the latest game additions.
Dungeon Fighter Online previews class awakenings
When Nexon isn't busy buying up smaller companies by the truckload, they've been putting quite a bit of effort into making Dungeon Fighter Online the best game it can be. The sidescrolling brawler format as an MMO is itself fairly unique, but it's sweetened a little with a trailer showing off the next three "Awakenings" for subclasses. At level 18, characters pick their subclass, and that subclass can "Awaken" into a more powerful form at level 48. Soul Reapers, Hellcats, and Machinists are on display in this trailer, each showcasing wonderfully animated attacks of devastating potential. The Hellcat is the Awakened form of the Brawler, focusing on melee-heavy area damage from all appearances. Machinists come from Mechanics, working with an army of mechanical servants, and Soul Reapers are magical swordsmen derived from Soul Benders. If the trailer lights you on fire, of course, and you can't wait another minute to start playing Dungeon Fighter Online, you're in luck. The game's official launch is on June 9th, but the beta is going on straight until then and characters will not be wiped. Take a look at the trailer (with the pre-Awakening class names rather than the post-Awakening names) past the cut, and see if it doesn't prove a bit awakening all by itself.
Free for All: Introducing my trade route
There isn't a game in existence that will perfectly match every type of player. I have found that even my favorite games of all time could do with some tweaking, which is not the fault of the developer. No game-maker can read our minds, and there will always be limits on technology that will hamper the MMO creative process. But let's not forget the tools that are provided by developers, even within simple games. In almost every game I play, I try to apply some section of the Immersion Rules, a set of guidelines I made a few years ago that dictate how I interact with the world and other players. It's not a rigid set, though, and I am always bending it to a particular game or style. Lately I've been determined to assign my characters, in all my games, some sort of job to make money with. It could be an adventurer, a collector, or in the case of Mabinogi, a trader. This week I wanted to show you how I do it, so that you might find some inspiration to assign your own character a task or two!
Free for All: My top five F2P games
You know, I think I have a pretty clear mission here at Massively. I want to do my part to point out anything different or fresh to help keep this special genre of entertainment going in a good direction. If I can introduce 20 people to five new games, then I think I did a pretty good job. It can be a pretty rough trip, sometimes, as I wade through horribly designed websites and illegible fonts to fish up some independent gem or two. Over the last few years, I have discovered that my playstyle has changed to meet the demands of my curiosity. The games that I enjoy the most allow me to come and go, like a faithful dog that meets me after a long days work. They have to meet certain criteria, and even then have to be flexible enough to bend to my MMO ADD. So, here's a short, very short, list. This is the hardest list to write, not because it is hard to fill, but because it is almost impossible to cut off. Read on and see if you agree with my top five favorite free-to-play MMORPGs. (In no particular order.)
Nexon reports last year's revenue up 56 percent
The free-to-play model is increasingly popular in the MMO industry, and the powers that be at Nexon say there's a good reason for that -- in their case, at any rate. The free-to-play publisher has announced its revenues for last year, and it was very good news: "...worldwide revenues increased 56 percent last year, growing from 450.8 billion won [359.7 million USD] in 2008, to 703.6 billion won [561.4 million USD] in 2009. Additionally, Nexon America posted a 31 percent increase in revenues in 2009, as for the first time, non-Korean contributions accounted for the majority of Nexon's global revenue." Nexon's CEO, Daniel Kim, says that their handling of the free-to-play model as applied to "very outstanding games" is responsible for their success: "Here at home, we have been able to fend off the tough times and continue growing our revenues while adding more and more players to our games. Going forward, Vindictus, Dragon Nest and Dungeon Fighter Online represent the next generation of free to play games that should appeal directly to gamers in North America."
Dungeon Fighter Online scheduled for June 9th launch
The folks at Nexon have been gearing up for the launch of Dungeon Fighter Online, adding classes and expanding features such as the Awakening system, but now we've finally got a launch date: June 9th. There will be no character wipe, so beta testers can jump right in upon release without losing progress. Launch will bring some new features to the game for both new and experienced players to enjoy, starting with the Female Gunner. This new character class can advance the familiar Launcher, Mechanic, Ranger and Spitfire subclasses, but for each one she has access to brand new specialized skills. Players will also see some brand new content and items with the addition of Hell Dungeons. Hell Dungeons are much more dangerous areas that offer access to the new Epic Items. Interested? Make sure you are there on June 9th to see it all firsthand!
Free for All: Accept envelopes full of cash
Well, at least that was the advice that Min Kim, vice president of Nexon America gave would-be game developers and other audience members at GDC Austin last year. To be clear, he was not telling them, while rolling his evil mustache and laughing, to get their hands on kids money no matter what. He was simply suggesting to game makers that they accept as many forms of payment as possible, including envelopes full of cash. And if you look at the Nexon website, Pay-By-Cash does allow you to send money through the mail. There are, quite literally, scores of ways to get your money into the hands of free-to-play developers. It's a little ironic, if you think about it, that the "free" market so easily fuels the addiction to pink dresses or limited-time mounts. So, are they enablers or just very smart?
Mabinogi celebrates upcoming expansion
Mabinogi's next expansion, Goddess of Light, is on the way and we got the scoop on the new content just a few days ago. Nexon's pretty excited about the expansion, and rather than make us sit around until the June 9th release date, they've opted to give us all sorts of contests and sneak peeks at Goddess of Light during May. If you're a Mabinogi fan who somehow missed their Facebook page, you'll want to remedy that right away. Throughout May, you'll find new pictures and updates as well as information on upcoming skills and hobbies on both Facebook and on the Mabinogi forums. What about events in-game? Never fear, because you'll find plenty to do there too: "...we will constantly be hosting contests and chances to win Premium Character Cards, 2x Experience bonuses, and even a chance to be immortalized in the Erinn Walker!" With less than a month to go until Goddess of Light, you can expect new updates every weekday, so make sure you don't miss anything!
Nexon talks about MapleStory's fifth anniversary
Nexon America is proud to announce that their little browser based client-based (Our apologies! ~Sera) game MapleStory of only 6 million North American players turns five years old today! Who would have thought that this cartoonish side-scrolling chop-em-up would attract such a loyal following? Over the years the game has grown from only a few servers to eleven, from starting off with four classes to having fifteen if counting sub-classes, and countless new zones. Recently the game sported over 70,000 max concurrent users and more than 95 million players world wide. Still, not a single player has yet to defeat Pink Bean, a cute, yet ferocious boss monster. It seems as though there is still a lot to do, see and conquer in this little game that could. We asked the developers ten questions, so jump below to see their answers. Also, check out their Facebook page.
Rise and Shiny: Mabinogi
Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free to play game, decided by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Friday night at 8 PM Central time, followed by this column the day after. If you cannot make the event, I will stream and record it here. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau at massively dot com. I decided to start out with Mabinogi because it's easy to jump into, yet has more systems and skills than most games I have ever come across. While the graphics might turn some players off, once they give it a chance they should find a game that never ceases to delight. Nexon America continues to improve the game, adding new features and expanded areas several times per year. I have been playing the game for quite a while yet still have to complete even the first few chapters of the main storyline! Not only can you chase after dreams of conquest, but can become a tailor, a blacksmith or many other jobs that will result in the same fame and riches. So let's take a look at the game that we picked for this week, and please let me know what you think in the comments section!
Nexon hands out details on next major update
Exciting news, Mabinogi fans! Nexon America contacted us and asked to give you a sneak peak at an exclusive image from their upcoming update "Goddess of Light." Not only will there be a brand new area called Tara, complete with the standard banks, general stores, smithies and clothing shops, but the newest addition will have players scrambling to get there: an auction house that will allow players to sell rare items to each other. Tara is the capital city of the Aliech Kingdom and has such features as jousting grounds and another hub for shadow missions, as well as a small connecting gully called Correave. Not only will players find beautiful scenery like they have never seen inside the gully, but also special trees that will produce honeycomb which can be used to make royal jelly, honey and pollen. Look for the update coming June 9th.
Free for All: RP in FTP?
Roleplay is a funny thing. Its definition can change over time and can adjust for each world that it is needed in. In a game set in modern society, there wouldn't be much that would not be out of character besides mentioning things that do not exist in that specific version of a modern world. If you get into a heavy fantasy game, though, you would probably avoid any modern references or phrases for the sake of staying "in character." And no, "thou" and "thus" are not needed. "Hello, how are you?" will serve just fine. Roleplay is becoming a lost art, though it seems. Most players are in the tavern just long enough to grab the quests. Standing in front of the bank, an old hot spot for roleplay, has become a spot to show off new armor or mounts instead. This doesn't stop me from trying, though, but in my own subtle way. I don't want to scare anyone off, and certainly not some 15 year old kid inside a free to play game. Yes, that's right, there is roleplay inside free to play games.
Vindictus is not your kids' Nexon
Nexon. The name probably conjures up brightly-colored free-to-play MMOs like their hits Maplestory, Mabinogi, or perhaps Dungeon Fighter Online to many people. But for those of you who missed our coverage of the Vindictus reveal at GDC 2010, then it's time to change your thinking. While the story is set as a prequel to Mabinogi, this game shares very little else with its cousin -- as the shiny new site that Nexon has just opened evinces. Vindictus, described by Nexon America's Vice President, Min Kim, as "kind of like 300, except with sexy girls kicking the crap out of stuff as well. So, it's better than 300," is chock full of dark visuals, daring fights, and adventure. To better show off what players can expect in this upcoming f2p title, they've also released an updated video featuring some pretty freaking awesome-looking fights and locations, if we do say so ourselves. What does this type of brutal, bloody MMO signal for Nexon's future? If we had to guess, it would probably involve even more people checking out their games than before. Check out the updated Vindictus trailer behind the break, or go have a look at the cool new site, and see if you don't agree.
Get organized in Dungeon Fighter Online
Dungeon Fighter Online isn't for everyone, but it's not trying to be. There are elements it has and others it omits that wouldn't fit in any other game. But the lack of a decent guild system has still been a keenly felt omission from this hybrid brawler-MMORPG. So it's good news for players that a new event is taking place in-game right now before the game launches its guild system on April 28th. While the system isn't in place yet, there's unsurprisingly an official guild recruitment page to help players organize themselves early. Unlike many games, guilds in Dungeon Fighter Online will provide buffs and other benefits to members beyond simple companionship, a preview of which is available during the in-game event. Players will also get a taste of the new Selectable Avatar Items, a new offering in the cash shop that gives the freedom to choose specific stats and styles for their Avatar. While the items are only available for a limited time in-game, being able to have fine control over what you're using is generally well worth the trade. Though the game's official launch isn't until June, it's still in an open beta, so anyone interested can start getting together for fun and profit
Mabinogi introduces farm land and more
Itching to grow a virtual garden, live off the land, and cultivate a harvest for yourself or for profit? Check out the latest update to Nexon America's Mabinogi MMORPG, where you can do just that and more. The free-to-play game has just added several new features including three new Shadow Missions which find players teaming up for death matches, battling Fomor monsters and collecting the ingredients that they protect. Additionally, the game update allows players to acquire two new Alchemy skills: Flame Burst and Sand Burst. The former is used for close range attacks while the latter allows players to temporarily disable opponents by blinding them with sand. More details are available at the Mabinogi website as well as the game's Facebook page.
Offer based incentives added to Nexon games
It's long been a known fact that most "free" services are supported largely by advertising. MMOs, by and large, have stayed away from the advertising model, instead opting for item shops and subscription fees to turn a profit. Nexon America, however, has decided to go in a different direction -- and you can probably guess what it is straight from the introduction. The company, producer of the popular games MapleStory and Mabinogi among others, will be adding offer-based advertising in exchange for item shop cash starting at an undisclosed time. The nature of the offers isn't stated, but it seems poised to run in a similar methodology to Facebook-based games, albeit hopefully without the sometimes rampant scams. No word on whether or not the ads will intrude on gameplay itself, but it seems unlikely -- and at least for now, they simply remain another option on the main site to earn item shop currency without money. Still, it's a notable change in model, and not something that's commonly seen outside of the realm of social gaming. Only time will tell how players will react.
Free for All: Five favorite game systems
This week I decided to talk a bit about some of my favorite game systems. Systems are essentially the building blocks of all quality MMORPG matter, allowing for an experience that is unique and worth returning to. Developers have been very creative in designing these systems that, like good technology, are not often noticed by gamers. Good systems blend into your experience but enhance it, and often make the overall game play seem like something more than it would be without them. Here are some of my favorites, and I would recommend downloading these games and checking them out. Or, if you are already playing these games, take a moment to notice how much thought went into these systems, and also of how much time you spend using them. Their simplicity can sometimes be deceiving, hiding the complicated processes that help your game play be a detailed and varied experience.
