Russia is going to get Warhammer(ed)

WARHAMMER^® ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONING^TM TO SHIP IN RUSSIA IN EARLY 2009

EA Mythic, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ (WAR) will be released in Russia for the PC and will be fully localized. Along with MMORPG fans all over the world Russian gamers will have a chance to enjoy the rich world and extensive possibilities of one of the most anticipated MMORPG’s of the year – Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Based on Games Workshop’s epic tabletop fantasy war game, WAR features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ (RvR) game play that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict. Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is scheduled for launch on the PC in early 2009 in Russia and Fall of 2008 in North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
For more information, please visit www.warhammeronline.com.

Games Workshop, Warhammer, Warhammer Online, Age of Reckoning, and all associated marks, names, races, race insignia, characters, vehicles, locations, units, illustrations and images from the Warhammer world are either ®, ™ and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2007. All rights reserved.

Wonderland Online: Oslya Exploration

In this guide, Wonderland Online (http://wl.igg.com) want to introduce a mysterious mainland called “Oslya”. If you travel west from the northern side of North Island, you can reach the mainland of “Oslya”.

In this mysterious land, the first thing which player will encounter is a huge natural arch inscribed with the words “Jurassic Park”. One after the other, Tyrannosaurs, Dragons, Triceratops and Drowcrushers will appear – didn’t people say, Oslya is also known as Dinosaur Island?!

Those monsters will attack player in an instant. If players are not strong enough, find shelter in the natural caves around that area. In the second cave of the island, players will meet Wright, the famous Father of Plane. Help him to make an airscrew and plane wings and he will give you a “Mighty Plane Design” as a reward. Using this, players will be able to make their own Mighty Plane.

Travel west, then north after exiting the cave and players will come across another tale character – Frog Prince – and will be rewarded with a Star for helping him.

Oslya is a land filled with reality and tales, history and science. Think players will like it? Then go and take a look. It’s just a small part of the Wonderland World – for more wonderful adventures, come and experience Wonderland Online.

For more info, please visit the official site http://wl.igg.com/news/newscontent.php?aid=603.

Tales of Pirates: New server released and some events

Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com) has released a new server called Mist Isle at 4:00am on July 3rd to cope with the ever-increasing numbers. ToP welcome you to join the fun on this new server, and to kick things off, there have three exciting activities to celebrate the launch:

1. Leveling Contest
From the release of the new server Mist Isle until July 9th , the 25 players who reach the highest levels within this week will be recognized as Mist Isle Leveling Heroes, and will be rewarded with the following prizes:

Prizes:
First Prize(3): Level 20 normal pet fairy (players can choose their favorite pet fairy) +Chest of Enigma
Second Prize(5): Level 10 normal pet fairy (players can choose their favorite pet fairy) +Chest of Enigma
Third Prize(12): Chest of Enigma
Lucky prize(20): Chest of Demonic World

2.Double Experience
Double Experience will start from 12:00 a.m. July 3rd to 12:00 a.m. July 14th

3. Who will be the next Newbie King?
At 1:00 pm July 5th, many monsters with high defense and low attack will be roaming around the new server – defeating a monster will bring players considerable experience.

For more information, visit http://top.igg.com/main.php.

Lego Universe logo revealed

This one i’m excited about! I know the kids will love this game.

Lego Universe MMO: http://www.legouniverse.com

Before the official LEGO Universe logo was revealed on the game’s website, The LEGO Group’s design team faced several challenges in creating an emblem for the upcoming MMOG: How do you symbolize an online world so huge with one little logo and still incorporate The LEGO Group’s stunningly high quality standards?

First, the logo had to reflect the excellence of a LEGO product. Second, since the continuous creation of LEGO Universe is in the players’ hands, the design team wanted input from the game’s fans. That input came in the form of hundreds of submissions to the LEGOUniverse.com image gallery. Finally, the visionary LEGO Universe design team utilized its full arsenal of graphic expertise to symbolize the massive new virtual world. The designers overcame the challenges and created an innovative icon for the revolutionary game.

The LEGO Universe logo incorporates The LEGO Group’s longstanding company logo with the hand of a LEGO minifigure. Minifigs are the game’s central characters, and the yellow curve of their hands makes a stunning “U” for the word Universe. The designers built the logo in 3D to boast maximum potential for cinematic storytelling. Soon LEGO Universe animators will be taking the logo one step further by bringing it to life, just as the game will merge the physical LEGO bricks with a virtual play experience.

Sho Online expansion sneak peek

A Peek at Sho Online’s New Expansion

Worth waiting features and massive contents are coming soon with Two Emperors expansion of Sho Online.
Seoul, Korea – Lizard Interactive announced today that they will soon release the first expansion for their popular Free to Play Oriental Fantasy MMORPG Sho Online. Details of the first expansion for Sho Online, titled Two Emperors, will be revealed bi-weekly through the official website in the form of a Developer’s Diary.

First feature revealed is the new Pet System. Four pets which players can raise to aid them in battle or ride them as a transport. These pets grow and mature together with their owner. Players can ride their pets when it reaches level 4. These pets can be gained by completing quests available for each type of pets. Pets are dear companion aiding you in battlefield and mountable for faster transportation within the game.

Sho Online has successfully launched their commercial service and the fun never stops. Strong-bond community awaits new comers to join. You can be a strategist instructing other players or you can be at the front line taking charge as a war hero to experience head-on combat. Storyline of Sho Online is written by players. It is you who contribute to lead its direction and it is also you who decide the final ending of Sho Online.

For more information visit www.shoonline.net

Aeria Games acquires Dreamlords: The Awakening

If you’ve been following the posts, Aeria is going to be a great home for this awesome MMO!

California, U.S.A. (July 2, 2008) – Aeria Games acquired its first real-time strategy game for North American release, Dreamlords: The Reawakening, by Swedish developers, Lockpick Entertainment.

Dreamlords extends Aeria’s portfolio of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games by introducing strategic gameplay that is familiar to Age of Empires, Starcraft and Settlers of Catan players. Unique to Dreamlords, the game universe is always running — even when players are sleeping or at school or work. Players are encouraged to define their orders in advance to move toward their strategic directions every minute of the day. They may perform game operations from any location with a basic browser and Internet connection, and they can battle in a 3D-immersive world after downloading the free PC game.
The exclusive North American release of Dreamlords: The Reawakening through Aeria Games will be free to play with no upfront or monthly costs. Special in-game items and decorative equipment will be available in the game’s “Item Mall” for optional purchase using Aeria Points — the universal currency on the Aeria Games portal.

“For a long time, gamers have been looking for a fun MMORTS game to play, and Dreamlords answers that demand,” said Spencer Chi, producer at Aeria Games.

“We’re impressed with what (Aeria Games) has done with other games in their portfolio and how they work with their community and feel they are an excellent partner for bringing Dreamlords: The Reawakening to the people,” said David Rosén, CEO of Lockpick Entertainment

Dreamlords: The Reawakening will be available for beta testing in July 2008 and release is expected for August 2008. More information is available on the Dreamlords Web site at http://dreamlords.aeriagames.com.

Wonderland Online 2X EXP event for 4th of July

When: 7:00am July 4th – 11:59am July 5th EDT (GMT-4)

Participating Servers: All

Content: Double Exp

Note: During the event, you can use a 2X EXP from the Item Mall to achieve 4x EXP.

Nexon’s Combat Arms is now in open beta

First-Person Shooter Launches Open Beta on July 1

July 1, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA – Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia’s leading online video game company Nexon Group, begins the open beta today for Combat Arms, its free-to-play, online multiplayer, first-person shooter game. Combat Arms enlists players into various battlefields across the globe to face-off against other ambitious soldiers of fortune, delivering gamers a high-quality FPS with an extensive arsenal of weapons, no locked areas, and no monthly subscription fees. Players earn their keep through precise marksmanship, teamwork and stealth. The customizable shooter is ready for North American users to enjoy free fragging and will remain free when it makes its official launch later this summer.

The open beta version adds a new map, a new individual deathmatch game mode, as well as several additional match settings adding to the game’s variety. In keeping with the planned upcoming monthly updates, new weaponry and gear has also been made available for this testing phase. Most importantly, community features such as the in-game messenger and clan system have been added, allowing player-formed groups to face off in official matches.

The foundation of Combat Arms, like all Nexon Games, is providing a distinct, social gaming experience in a free-to-play environment. Buddy lists, clan support, vengeance kills and clan rivalries all help Combat Arms deliver a tracking system for in-game competition, moving beyond standard video games and into the realm of sports leagues.

The open beta delivers marked improvements to Combat Arms after a successful closed beta test where over 30,000 users experienced what it takes to be a mercenary. Players have already developed a strong appreciation for the game’s customizable weapons and equipment, as well as the chance to tailor their own personal soldier. The open beta will feed directly into the game’s official launch so early gamers can get a head start on picking their user name and designing their soldier.

Interested players can sign up at http://combatarms.nexon.net

Chronos evolves

Cronous is undergoing renewal and will be available for update under its subtitle “Evolution” on 1st of July, 2008.

Seoul, Korea – July 1, 2008 – Lizard Interactive, in celebration of 1-year Anniversary of their popular Free Action MMORGP Cronous, reveals its over-all renewal, a gallant renovation under the subtitle ‘Evolution’, to express their gratitude for the continuing support of its fans.

Cronous is undergoing a complete over-haul to reflect its players’ valuable insights and it’s safe to say it will reborn as a brand new game. Cronous: Evolution consists of new features and contents include:

• New interface: User-friendly interface with easier controls
• EXP table modification: More balanced Experience table with easier and smoother leveling
• Graphics upgrade: Various resolution support including wide screen
• Beginner’s guide: Guide to help newbies get started
• New maps: Two new maps called Twin Towers consisting 101 floors of exciting dungeons each.
• New monsters: Lots of zone bosses to challenge

Exciting events are also available as a part of the celebration. First three events, ready for players’ enjoyment, will start first week of July. Drop rate of most rare and unique Growth Item will be increased by 6 times than normal and EXP will be doubled during this period. More of magnificent events will be held continuously through out July and August.

Burnard Kim, Director of Global Business Development, of Lizard Interactive commented, “We are very excited to launch Cronous: Evolution. This is our way of saying thank you to our users for all their warm support and hope they are pleased and as excited as we are.

Cronous is a Full 3D Graphic MMORPG Game that is an action role-playing game based on a combination of level system and skill system. Cronous also has unique Growth Item. Growth item has different characteristics depending on propensity of the gamer in battles. Gamers can name their growth weapon and if successfully raised, the named weapon will remain as your special partner forever in the world of Cronous.

For further information on Cronous, a globally played game, please visit cronous.com.

Runscape High Detail launched into beta for subscribers

Jagex launches member’s beta of RuneScape High Detail

Jagex unveils the eagerly awaited new version of RuneScape to its one million plus subscribers

UK, Cambridge, 1st July 2008 – Jagex Ltd, the UK’s largest independent games developer, today launched RuneScape High Detail, the latest version of their hugely successful massively-multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). RuneScape High Detail has been released as a beta to subscribers with the plan to offer the same functionality to free players in the future. RuneScape High Detail is a full graphics improvement, which utilizes new technology to enhance the game graphics and, for the first time, runs the game in full screen through an internet browser.

Concerto Den now in closed beta

Gamers Meet Square Enix For Free In Concerto Gate

Gamescampus.com begins closed beta for Square Enix’s Concerto Gate

San Jose, CA (July 1, 2008) – Concerto Gate^TM, an item-based MMORPG produced by Square Enix Co., Ltd., is finally ready to launch in North America. Square Enix fans and MMORPG players alike have long waited to play this exciting title in America and will soon have a chance to participate in Concerto Gate’s closed beta test to be held from July 1 to 14. Users can go to Filefront.com to download the client software.

Concerto Gate, published at Gamescampus.com (run by OnNet USA), is the sequel to Cross Gate, an MMORPG launched in Japan back in 2001. In the game, players are summoned to the Kingdom of Fahren, a fantasy world of magic and sorcery, in hopes of becoming the legendary hero that has been foretold to save the world.

Concerto Gate boasts new and interesting features that every MMORPG player can look forward to, including the innovative “terra generating” system which allows players to change the environment’s topography. For example, players can shape mountains and destroy or grow forests over a several week period of time.

“I am thrilled and excited to introduce Concerto Gate to American players. Square Enix is, without doubt, one of the most famous developers in the world, and I believe the features of this game surely live up to their reputation. Concerto Gate is a terrific addition to Gamescampus.com, the leader in item-based games” says Kevin Kim, CEO of OnNet USA.

“It is our pleasure to introduce Concerto Gate to American audiences through Gamescampus.com. We hope now that even more players can experience our game’s revolutionary world and its exciting, new features such as ‘Terra Generating’,” says Mr. Noriaki Watanabe, producer of Concerto Gate at Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Stone Age uses a den as your control center

Housing system in StoneAge 2 offers more than simple home decoration

Berlin, 2008-07-01: In the Stone Age world of StoneAge 2 every player arranges his personal dwelling right from the start. With its many features the so-called “den” functions as base camp and newsroom for each resident simultaneously. It allows players not only to store their equipment and items, but to browse information and images from the progress of their online career in several different albums. They can record their own adventures and experiences with the album functions, write their own personal diary and transfer both directly to their own genuine weblog. A pet list within the houses of the free Free2Play MMORPG in manga style gives players a complete overview of the status of their own virtual animals.

Safehouse and archive in one
Unlike in the wilderness, players don’t need to fear for their beloved pets as long as they are in their den. Their virtual companions are secure from robbers and thieves here and can safely roam as they please. Two grim guards in front of every door make sure that nobody without permission enters the dwelling. But friends may pass by at any time for a visit and have a look at the albums. In addition to events within the game like level-ups, players can record their own comments and thoughts in these. Whoever does’nt like the initial equipment of their virtual home, can equip it with some neat furniture items like sandbags for the training of their pets. Even an enlargement of ones den is possible, if players need more space to invite and host their new friends. And if they no longer like the neighbourhood of their home village, they can easily move their household to another place. Even guilds can establish joint guild houses in StoneAge 2 to gather there to plan new challenges and adventures.

In the land before time – StoneAge 2
Primeval spirits, mythical beings and dinosaurs once roamed the lovingly animated world of StoneAge 2. But since the mysterious disappearance of the mighty dinosaurs, aggressive and evil creatures have taken over the world. Hunting, gathering and defending their soil now dominate the everyday life of the Manga characters. Players fan out from their individual housing to look for food and resources. Fortunately for them, the pets stand by their sides with their unique fighting and healing talents. Players will attentively take care of their virtual companions. With good upbringing and training some might even be used as mounts. Hobby Neanderthals can choose from almost 200 pets and even create their own unique creature as a loyal escort. Before StoneAge 2, the Japanese developing studio DigiPark had already successfully operated its predecessor in China, Korea and Japan with almost 10 millions of players. You can find further information and pictures on www.stoneage2.de.

Features of StoneAge 2

• Free online role-playing game
• Turn-based fights
• 12 different main characters
• Sophisticated and extensive pet system: almost 200 pets to choose from, which can communicate with their owners via e-mail
• Pets can be used as mounts
• Breeding of your own Pets
• Housing system with furnishing and possible relocation
• Guild system with guild events and guild housing
• PvP and tournament system (PVP duells)
• Battles against boss characters
• Weather system with impact on the world
• Item crafting: create your own equipment
• Egg laying function: Pets can father offspring
• Integrated item shop
• In-game chat and blog system

Age of Conan still tops in many parts of the world

Age of Conan continues to dominate retail charts

- The best selling PC game of May continues to hold the #1 spot in most markets – - More than 700.000 gamers have registered an Age of Conan account so far -

Durham, USA – June 30, 2008 – Eidos and Funcom are proud to announce that Age of Conan continues to dominate the PC sales charts in all markets where the game is available. Over the last few weeks it has remained the overall #1 PC game in most European markets, whilst also performing tremendously well on several all-format charts. In the US, Age of Conan impressively conquered the #1 PC spot for the first two weeks of available NPD data. Due to the amazing interest surrounding the game, more than 700.000 gamers have now signed up for an Age of Conan account. In the second month after release it is also clear that Age of Conan has taken the position as the undisputed #2 subscription MMO in the western world.

When Age of Conan stormed into retail stores as what we believe to be the most pre-ordered original PC game in history, it instantly became the best selling PC game of May. The pace at which Age of Conan sold made it one of the fastest selling PC games of all times, and Funcom and Eidos are therefore very satisfied to see the positive sales trend continue. As all countries report sales differently, it is not possible to get a complete overview of the exact box sales at the time of writing, but Age of Conan remains the top selling PC game in most all released markets. This includes being the #1 overall PC game in June in the Nordic countries, Oceania, Germany, France and Spain, as well a top three contender in all other markets where the game is out. No substantial sales data for June is yet available from the US market, but Age of Conan was the #1 PC game in the latest official NPD update.

“That Age of Conan remains #1 in retail stores several weeks after release is of incredible importance to us, and proves that the game has a large potential beyond the early adopters,” said Morten Larssen, VP of Sales & Marketing in Funcom. “With more than 700.000 accounts created so far we have a fantastic platform to build from, and we will continue our marketing spend to further drive numbers in the months to come. It also means that Funcom can dedicate significant development resources on evolving the game even further, naturally giving us a great hope for the future of Age of Conan.”

“We are incredibly pleased to see Age of Conan turning into an MMO phenomenon,” said Gaute Godager, Game Director on Age of Conan. “As an MMO company we know that a good start is just the beginning for a virtual world. All we care about now is to make Age of Conan into an even better game, and we have extensive plans to ensure that Age of Conan remains a top MMO alternative for many years to come.”

For more information about the game or to sign up for the community, please visit www.ageofconan.com

Wonderland Online: Assistant Water Spells

Wonderland Online: Assistant Water Spells Revealed

In Wonderland Online(http://wl.igg.com/), assistant water spells are quite important for players to level up, complete quests and win in group PVP. Players mastering the assistant water spell act like the doctor or nurse in a party. It’s recommended that these players concentrate on their CON and WIS points and choose bow to learn the spells at an early stage. After they have fully mastered all the assistant spells with Revival and Recover Normal included, they will complete their learning.

Assistant Water Spells Round-up

Cure Spell: Recover party player’s HP in a single round. When it reaches the highest level, it can be applied to players in six different parties.

Magic Recovery: Recover party player’s SP in a single round. When it reaches the highest level, it can be applied to players in three different parties

Freezing Spell: Freeze enemy target in two rounds. When it reaches the highest level, it can be used to freeze two enemy targets at the same time. But there will be a high rate of MISS, if enemy targets are of antagonistic attributes.

Recovery: Recover HP for players in the same party for 3 continuous rounds. When it reaches the highest level, it can be applied to players in two different parties.

Free From Mess: Dispels the mess in their party. It can be only applied to one target.

Sleep: Puts an enemy target to sleep in two rounds. When it reaches the highest level, it can be applied to four targets in an enemy party.

Revival: Revive a player in the same party and recover some of his HP. The revival rate corresponds to the level of this spell. If this spell is at high level, the HP level after being revived will be higher.

Recover Normal: Eliminates abnormal states.

Recommended Pet: Elin (Earth)

After Elin gets her Plasma Gun weapon (ATK+45) and Tim’s Lease (ATK＋50，MAXHP＋350, exclusively used by a Pet man), she will become very helpful for players mastering assistant water spells with less attack, because she has great attack power and rich HP.

Visit the official site for more info: http://wl.igg.com/news/newscontent.php?aid=595

Pixel Mine adds Secondhand Lands to lineup

PIXEL MINE ADDS ANOTHER GEM TO ITS GAME LINEUP WITH SECONDHAND LANDS

Developer Callipygian Games to Utilize the Pixel Mine Portal and Micro-payment Transaction System

AUSTIN, TX – June 27th, 2008 - Pixel Mine, Inc. and Callipygian Games, LLC. announced today that Callipygian Games will utilize the Pixel Mine portal and Pixel Mine’s internal micro-payment transaction system for its debut title, Secondhand Lands. Secondhand Lands, an edgy fairy-tale MMOG, will be the fourth title on the Pixel Mine Portal.

Since the company’s inception in 2007, Pixel Mine has focused on providing original and innovative content. The Austin-based developer plans on adding three to four games to the portal each year, some of those coming from third party independent developers such as Callipygian Games, LLC.

Bobby Thurman, founder of Callipygian Games and lead developer on Secondhand Lands, confides, “We chose to work with Pixel Mine because they offered us the best value for our company and our players. As an independent developer it is very difficult to find a distribution deal that gives us a package with everything we need to manage accounts and handle payments. Also, we are excited to be working with another Austin company; this town is rich with talent and services tailored for game creation.”

“Having published independent titles ourselves, we know that the deck is stacked in favor of the publisher,” Pixel Mine President David Reese explains. “Our goal with the Pixel Mine Portal is to provide a distribution model, economy, and community management service which allows the independent developer to focus on their game but still retain ownership of the IP and receive the majority of the revenue for their hard work.”