[Neverwinter] Tomb of Annihilation Brings Dinosaurs July 25


Perfect World Entertainment has announced the Tomb of Annihilation, the next major update to launch in Neverwinter. Set for release on July 25 on PC and later this year on console, this update (as you might have figured by reading the headline) takes adventurers to a far off jungle peninsula of Chult where you’ll encounter the undead and dinosaurs. The update introduces a new campaign, end-game dungeon, a new zone and social hub, as well as monster hunts with Volo.

Additional information will be revealed in the coming weeks.

(Source: Neverwinter press release)

Greenlight Fraudsters: MechDefender Scams Greenlight Bundle


MechDefender is a recently released game by developer Elite Games Ltd, Vadim Starygin, and one that currently has zero concurrent players, a factor that probably won’t change much so long as Elite Games refuses to give keys to the customers who purchased them. You see, MechDefender was partnered with the OtakuMaker Greenlight Bundle, a Steam bundle where players are given the ability to buy games before they are greenlit on Steam at a major discount in return for a key once the game is approved and on the store (this is not a Valve-sanctioned bundle).

Except that while MechDefender was successfully Greenlit, the developer has no intention of actually giving players keys. Why? Despite no doubt knowing how much money he’d be making from each sale, the developer decided after already taking part that it just wasn’t enough.

So I`m about to close this topic. I`ll give out a few keys to play&test in next topic after patch.
Here is bottom line of this disccusion:
1) At this moment I do not have money from “this bundle”.
2) If you wanna get your four cents back – ask for refund at place where you “spend” your cents.

So the developer sold copies of his game cheap in order to get it approved through Steam Greenlight, and then reneged and has decided that the price is too cheap and the buyers won’t be getting their copies. Normally MMO Fallout takes a position of presuming incompetence over malice, but this practice is an outright scam, one that were it to be pursued in a western court would most definitely result in Elite Games on the losing end.

But Elite Games will happily provide a refund, which it has valued at 4 cents.

And, no, I didnt get any ‘real money’. I would love to give it back. It is around 4 cents per copy. At this point we trying to work out a solution. Any suggestion is welcome.

The developer goes on in the linked thread to begin awkwardly going through the play histories of people criticizing his business decision, questioning their play styles and making conclusions to not give them keys based off of perceived motivations which, as far as consumer law goes, is none of his business.

Alright, alright, he’ll send out the keys. But only to people who have been nice…

Since MechDefender is moving towards release candidate.
Lets try first round of keys? To nice ppl – who wasnt calling me names or put in his??????list.

But you people aren’t real customers in his eyes…

“Just wanna add – you are not my customer. I dont consider you a customer – even if you spend four cents and demanding a gift a 5$ value…”

“…I meant not you personaly – but all users who want copy for four cents. They are not customers – including or excluding you – depens on your deeds. I did lost count and stuff.”

And don’t think you scumbag customers thinking you’re entitled to a product just because it was sold to you are going to get this deal again in the future, because you won’t.

And for other games – I can only do this with MechDefender. You have to meet me at half-way.
If you dont like this plan, and insist on more games for four cents – that will not happen. Ask for refund.

A quick glance at the forums shows a familiar field of banned accounts that has become so common with developers engaged in shady practices. While Elite Games has sworn off of Otaku bundles going forward, perhaps it is best for consumers to keep in mind exactly how Starygin feels about his customers, or whatever he calls them because they aren’t customers in his eyes.

Elite Games was founded by Russian developer Vadim Starygin and his wife Tatiana Budarina. The company operates out of Kaliningrad and has been releasing titles for nearly ten years.

[VIDEO] Secret World Legends’ New Combat System


The latest video from Secret World Legends is out, showcasing how the reticle-based combat will function and giving a sneak peek into new weapon mechanics. Secret World Legends opens to the public on June 26. As far as changes go, combat is shaping up to be the most dramatic shift from the current Secret World system.

Old School RuneScape Launches The Inferno


RuneScape just got more challenging, as Jagex today launched The Inferno, the most difficult PvE content to date. Deep in the depths of  Mor Ul Rekplayers will be tasked with taking on waves of monsters and challenges, fighting their way through increasingly powerful enemies for the golden ticket: The infernal cape. The cape is so difficult that Jagex has put up a special reward: The first person to beat final boss TzKal- Zuk will win an all expense paid trip to Runefest, as well as lifetime membership and a real life version of the infernal cape.

Every piece of content that goes into Old School RuneScape is voted on by the players. Back in March we polled the Inferno to our loyal player base, and they clearly were not afraid of a challenge, with 84% deciding they wanted to have it as part of our game. Our goal for this content is to make even the veterans of Old School RuneScape quake with fear” said Mathew Kemp, Senior Product Manager, Old School RuneScape.

You won’t be able to just pop in and start fighting toward that cape. The infernal cape requires that players beat the Fight Caves and have already won the fire cape.

(Source: RuneScape press release)

Albion Answers: Cool Drops When Everything Is Player Crafted


Sandbox MMOs have always had a rough time answering what sounds like a simple question: How do you balance drops in a game that is supposed to be driven by player crafting? For Albion Online, the answer is simple, you just make the drops player-crafted.

The Black Market doesn’t work like a normal NPC merchant, instead he will buy player crafted items based on supply and demand, for which a buy order can be generated by a player killing a mob, and when a certain number of buy orders are generated, the price will rise. Players can go to the black market and fulfill those buy orders directly or set up sell orders so that the item will automatically sell once their price is met.

In short, imagine it like this: The loot tables operate like normal, but there is finite stock based on what players are selling. So if Player B kills a goblin and his loot table pings an iron sword, the game will check to see if there is an iron sword available and if there is, drop it for Player B while Player A gets paid.

The system, in theory, allows Albion to increase drops and have mobs drop cooler stuff because it is all coming from other players. In addition, it creates an item/gold sink as some items are naturally lost in such a shady, back door environment.

You can check out the short video below.

Grim Dawn Hits One Million Copies Sold


Crowdfunded ARPG Grim Dawn has plenty of reasons to celebrate, one million of them in fact! The Crate Team has revealed that their title has surpassed one million sales and have placed the game on sale to boost those numbers even further. Until the end of May, Grim Dawn will be available at 50% off on the Humble store and official website. Initially crowdfunded in 2012, Grim Dawn has seen immense success with its 2016 release.

For more information on Grim Dawn, check out the official website.

(Source: Grim Dawn)

Check Out Perfect World Entertainment’s Upcoming Summer Events


Summer is coming, and if you play any of Perfect World Entertainment’s titles, you’re in for a summer of fun. Given the size of their library, the folks at PWE have taken the time to compile just what each game has to offer and when. So take a minute to browse through the game list and see what’s down for the next couple of months. If you don’t see your game listed, PWE probably doesn’t publish it.

Neverwinter:
Protector’s Jubilee (June 20 – 27)
Available on PC, Xbox One and Playstation®4
The city of Neverwinter will be decked out with confetti and festive decorations to celebrate the game’s fourth anniversary! During Protector’s Jubilee, adventurers can celebrate Neverwinter’s latest milestone by completing special quests for rewards throughout the Sword Coast. This year’s festivities will yield brand new incentives for players, including the chance to earn a Jubilee Unicorn, Shadow Dragon Throne, Firebreathing emote or furniture for the Great Hall. Plus, Lord Neverember will reward all of the city’s brave adventurers with free giveaways throughout the week.
Summer Festival (July 6– 27)
Available on PC, Xbox One and Playstation®4
It’s time to celebrate Sune, the goddess of beauty, during Neverwinter’s annual Summer Festival. Adventurers can participate in this hallowed tradition by competing in classic contests, including the Summer Feast, Troll Fight, Water Battle and Sahha. New rewards have been added to the store, including the Fungal Flail Snail and Summer Flail Snail mounts, plus the “Sit and Relax” emote. Guilds can celebrate summer solstice by participating in a feast held in their Great Hall.
For additional details on Neverwinter’s Protector’s Jubilee or Summer Festival, please visit  https://www.arcgames.com/en/games/neverwinter

Star Trek Online:
Lohlunat Festival (June 8 – July 20)
Available on PC, Xbox One and Playstation®4
It’s time for captains to take a break from saving the universe and escape to Risa for some much needed rest and relaxation. During Star Trek Online’s annual Lohlunat Festival, players will explore the luxurious Summer Resort, where they will cruise around on floaters and complete challenges for rewards, including pets, costumes, powerboards and Lohlunat Prize Vouchers. For those playing on Xbox One and PS4, these vouchers can be redeemed for Vorgon Xyfius Heavy Escort [T6], while PC players can earn the new Vorgon Ryn’Kodan Carrier [T6]. In addition, PC players can participate in a new event called “The Biathlon,” which combines hoverboard racing with floater flying. For additional details, please visithttps://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online

Champions Online:
Patriot’s Celebration (June 29 – July 14)
Available on PC only
In celebration of Canada Day and Independence Day, Champions Onlineoffers heroes a way to rep the countries they love with the return of the Patriot’s Celebration. This in-game event lets champions queue up for the Red Winter Alert, which requires them to fight off an enemy looking to bring about the next Cold War. Defeating this foe will earn players Patriot Tokens, which can be used to earn new rewards, including the Orbiting Star Aura, Stars Aura, US and Canadian Flag Athletics and Acrobatics and a Valiant Emote. For additional details, please visithttp://www.arcgames.com/en/games/champions-online

PWI
Area 52 (June 28 – July 12)
Available on PC only
Strange creatures have arrived in Perfect World. For two weeks, players can grab their friends and hunt down these extra-terrestrial life forms to earn a special statue for their Homestead.
Returned Boss Event (June 19-23)
The game’s toughest bosses have returned! Killing these enemies will yield special items, such as low level Dragon Orbs, sealed flyers and more.
Wraith Hunters (July 5 – 19)
Players can accept a quest from the Wraith Hunter NPC’s stationed in the major class cities around Perfect World to kill one of five random bosses. Rewards include a Wraith Hunter’s Insignia which can be traded for a War Avatar Pack S.
Tsuchun’s Treasure (June 14 – June 28)
Those who accept this quest will receive a treasure map that can be used to locate Tsuchun’s Treasure. This item will guide players to various chests that they will dig up to claim points for rewards.
Pinata Bosses (July 17  – 21)
Defeat special bosses to earn Giant Festival Coins, which will yield an assortment of prizes such as Mirage Celestones, Socket Stones, Bronze Guardian Charms, Bronze Spirit Charms, Hyper EXP Stones, Fantasy Fruit, scrolls and coins.
For additional details on the events for PWI, please visithttp://www.arcgames.com/en/games/pwi

Swordsman
Available on PC only
Jianghu Tournament Season 2 (Begins June 8)
The second season of Swordsman’s PvP tournament invites players to a massive brawl in the arena to claim their place as one of the greatest swordsmen in Jianghu history.
Swordsman ‘Divinity’ Content Update (June 22)
The game’s latest update introduces new levels, new maps, new instances, new weapons. Players can continue their journey in the Jianghu world and discover their divine power.
Dungeon Marathon Season 3 (June 29  – July 26)
For the third year running, Swordsman will hold a competition to see who can run the most dungeons. Players can make it onto the game’s leaderboard by completing instances to earn points and exclusive rewards.
3rd Anniversary Celebration (June 6 – July 7)
Swordsman turns three! This year the game will celebrate its third anniversary with a series of special forum events and exclusive rewards.
Learn more about Swordsman’s summer events by visitinghttp://www.arcgames.com/en/games/swordsman

Forsaken World
Available on PC only
6th Anniversary Celebration (June 1- 30)
Celebrate Forsaken World’s 6th Anniversary with special events throughout the month. Players can look forward to Hide & Seek events with the GMs, raffles for exclusive items and a showcase of the game’s fan art.
Summer Games (August 7 – September 1)
For the first time in the game’s history, Forsaken World will host a Summer Games tournament. Servers will face off against each other in a series of weekly competitions for exciting rewards.
For additional details on Forsaken World, please visithttp://www.arcgames.com/en/games/forsaken-world

Shot Online Hits Beta On May 31


(Update: We have received word from Webzen that the closed beta date has been changed to extend the signup period. More information to come.)

A golf MMO? You bet your sweet bippy, Webzen announced today that mobile golf game Shot Online Golf: World Championship will be heading into closed beta on Android and iOS  on May 31 (next Wednesday for those keeping track). Hopeful players can sign up at the official website for more information before the servers officially go live.

Shot Online is a mobile adaptation of the PC MMO retooled for mobile devices.

(Source: Webzen press release)

Wild West Online Denies Involvment By Sergey Titov


If there is one name in gaming the should be avoided at all costs, it is Sergey Titov. A name associated with some of the worst games of all time, including Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing, Titov inspires little confidence in any product that his name is associated with, and it appears that the next title may be Wild West Online.

For more context, Sergey Titov was Executive Producer on the critically panned game The War Z, a Day-Z type game with zombies that was not only pulled from Steam over false advertising, was forced to change its name due to trademark disputes, but caught Titov in controversy after he referred to members of the community as “faggots,” the title has been renamed and relaunched as new titles each with mixed to negative reception, including one utilizing the Romero name. Many of the titles are either shut down or virtually abandoned outside of Infestation: The New Z.

Rumors began flying around that Sergey Titov was involved with Wild West Online in a now-deleted Reddit post. In a statement released on the official forums, 612 Games has denied that Titov is involved in the game, however the company is using the Nightshade engine.

“We’d like to address some concern that has been voiced regarding use of the Nightshade engine. Yes, we are using the Nightshade game engine from Free Reign Entertainment. However, 612 Games is neither a subsidiary of Free Reign, nor financed by Free Reign or Sergey Titov. 

Given his questionable past in releasing titles, it is understandable that gamers would be worried about any involvement from Titov.

Black Desert Online Hits Steam: 40% Off This Month


Black Desert Online is available to purchase on Steam, right now! To celebrate the launch of the action MMO on Steam’s platform, players can snag a copy for 40% off for the rest of the month. That means getting in on the action will cost as little as $6. There will also be several in-game sales as well as a few drop events going on until the end of the month. In anticipation of a flood of players, Kakao Games has set up extra servers to share the load.

To better support the additional influx of players, Kakao Games will employ extra Olvia speed servers, some of which will be exclusively reserved to cater for new players that are coming through Steam. Users can choose to play on the exclusive servers or to jump into the greater community straight away. Special “Olvia” servers will help players to level-up quickly and catch up with the existing Black Desert Online community.

For more information, check out the link below. While you’re here, take a gander at Black Desert Online’s latest trailer.

(Source: Steam)