Category: News

Bungie Announces Split From Activision, Retains Destiny IP


To the surprise of just about everyone, Bungie made the announcement today that they are splitting ways with Activision, with the former retaining publishing rights and control of the Destiny game going forward. In a joint statement released alongside this news, Activision/Bungie noted “going forward, Bungie will own and develop the franchise, and Activision will increase its focus on owned IP and other projects. Activision and Bungie are committed to a seamless transition for the Destiny franchise and will continue to work closely together during the transition on behalf of the community of Destiny players around the world.”

Activision stock has dropped nearly 7% after trading hours following this announcement.

Source: Activision Press Release

Maplestory 2 Launches Second Phase of Skybound Expansion


Maplestory 2 has launched the second phase of the Skybound Expansion today. The update introduces the Fortress Rumble Dungeon, and players who reach “trusted” reputation can enter five types of single player dungeons offering rewards including legendary weapons and armor. The update also introduces the Wrath of Infernog Chaos Raid, available to players at level 50 with a minimum of 9,000 gear score. Rewards for the dungeon include Pluto’s accessory set, the first legendary tier accessories available in game.

And finally, players can participate in the following events until January 31.

  • Infernog Expedition Support  –  Players level 10 and above can obtain Expedition Commemorative Coins based on cumulative login time

  • 2019 Lucky Pouch – Players level 10 and above can complete various quests to obtain a Lucky Pouch, and additionally can earn rewards by opening specific numbers of Lucky Pouches.

  • Hide-and-Seek Hijinks – Players level 10 and above must complete 16 various quests based on the corresponding NPCs. Players who complete quests will obtain rewards.  Players who became “Friend of the Day” and contributed to the quest condition check will get a buff.

More information can be found on Maplestory 2 at the official website.

[Video] Daybreak Game Company Discusses Weapons/Vehicles In Planetside Arena


A new video has released for the upcoming Battle Royale shooter Planetside Arena showcasing weapons and vehicles that will be available to players when the game launches on January 29. Senior Artist Chris Bishop and Senior Game Designer Troy Schram showcase weapons and upgrades as well as mobility and the role of vehicles.

Planetside Arena launches into Early Access later this month.

The Fantastic Four Arrive In Marvel Future Fight


Netmarble Corp announced today that the Fantastic Four have arrived in Marvel Future Fight, bringing with them Dr. Doom and his champion Victorious. In addition to the new characters, Crystal and She-Hulk will receive Fantastic Four uniforms with Moon Girl receiving a Monsters Unleashed battle armor uniform.

“Everyone at Marvel is so excited to see the Fantastic Four, who many consider kicked off the ‘Marvel Age of Comics’ with their debut, added to Marvel Future Fight,” said Marvel Games executive creative director Bill Rosemann. “While they may have awesome powers and go on amazing journeys into the unknown, at their heart the Fantastic Four are a family who may argue and bicker from time to time, but who ultimately stand with each other to protect the world against the universe’s greatest sci-fi threats.”

Along with the new characters and uniforms, the update also introduces a new Epic Quest for Mr. Fantastic, new rank boards, new comic cards, new uniform collections, and more. Marvel Future Fight is available on iOS and Android.

Source: Netmarble Press Release

Watch Paladins On Mixer, Get Rewards


Hi-Rez Studios wants you to play Paladins, but they would also like you to watch Paladins. This month, Hi-Rez launched the Mixer store in Paladins that incentivizes players to watch game streams for rewards. By linking your Mixer account and watching Paladins streams, you’ll receive coins that can be redeemed for skins and other cosmetics.

Players who link their accounts will receive a quest for a limited Khan skin (as shown above). The mixer store is only around for a limited time, and points are obtained at a rate of 1 per 12 minutes.

Source: Paladins

The Division 2 Snubs Steam For The Epic Game Store


 

The Division 2 is the latest title to be poached by Epic Games, as the news broke today that the title will not be released on Steam but will instead be exclusive to the Epic Store and Ubisoft’s own UPlay platform. Set for release on March 15, The Division 2 is the sequel to the title of the same name.

Epic Games fully launched its store just a few months back and is seeking to compete with Valve’s Steam platform through a combination of leveraging its massive userbase thanks to Fortnite, by offering competitive revenue sharing plans, and through securing exclusive titles from The Walking Dead: Final Season and now The Division 2.

Source: Ubisoft Press Release

Black Desert Hits Xbox One March 4, Pre-Orders Available


Black Desert Online is officially available for pre-order on Xbox One ahead with developer Pearl Abyss revealing that the title will launch on March 4. Owners who pick up a founder’s package will be able to access the game early, with Ultimate Edition buyers gaining access on March 1. Ultimate edition copies grant the most in-game rewards and exclusive items, including pets, horse armor, costumes, currency, and more.

Final Fantasy XIV 4.5 Concludes Stormblood Storyline


The final chapter of the Stormblood storyline hits Final Fantasy XIV today (January 8) with the launch of patch 4.5, A Requiem For Heroes. In the first part, players will have access to a wealth of new content leading into the next expansion, Shadowbringers, including the third and final chapter in the fan-favorite Return to Ivalice Alliance Raid series, new main scenario quests, challenging trials, and more.

Following today’s content drop is the blue mage job which hits live servers on January 15. As a limited job, the blue mage provides solo gameplay learning its abilities through fighting monsters and is available to all players who have achieved level 50 Disciple of War or Magic class/job and who have completed the main scenario for A Realm Reborn.

Fans can look forward to more information on the next FFXIV expansion at this year’s European Fan Festival on February 2, 2019.

Take On Kralkatorrik Tomorrow In Guild Wars 2: All Or Nothing


Guild Wars 2 is always looking at ramping up the action and drama, and everything comes to a head on January 8 as Tyria’s finest finally take on the elder dragon Kralkatorrik.

In the culmination of the ongoing story started with Path of Fire, players will rally the forces of Tyria to defeat the crystal dragon before it can destroy the world as we know it. With Aurene’s vision of her own death at the hands of Kralkatorrik and the other struggles among the group, players are in a race against time to bring this powerful creature down once and for all.

In addition to the new storyline, All or Nothing introduces a number of features including:

  • A new fractal, Siren’s Reef, in which players will work to break the isle’s curse while surrounded by an army of ghost pirates
  • A new map, Thunderhead Peaks, in which players return to the dwarven fortress of Thunderhead Keep from the original Guild Wars
  • The legendary longbow Pharus that calls down the power of cosmic light
  • A new mount mastery, Bond of Faith, that launches players out of the saddle, allowing for a seamless transition from mount riding to gliding and opening up new exploration possibilities
  • The new “Diviner” gear stat set
  • The new upgradeable “Dragonsblood” weapon set

All or Nothing launches Tuesday, January 8, and is free for all Guild Wars 2 Path of Fire owners.

 

RuneScape Overhauls Mining & Smithing For Its 18th Birthday


In celebration of its eighteenth birthday, Jagex has overhauled two of its oldest skills this week as mining and smithing are updated to be more in line with the last decade of updates. Both skills have been optimized and made more user-friendly and useful with powerful new masterwork armors being made available.

David Osborne, lead designer, stated:

“Reaching our 18th anniversary is an incredible milestone and it’s apt two of the original skills that launched way back in 2001 have been given a new lease of life. The Mining & Smithing update has been a thoroughly collaborative effort with the community, with polls and beta tests providing invaluable input as we fine-tuned and polished the new mechanics and armour.”

An overhaul to mining and smithing has been voted among the most requested RuneScape updates for the past few years. More details on the update can be found at the main RuneScape website.

Source: RuneScape