Category: News

Zenimax Permanently Bans Hundreds of ESO Accounts Over Morrowind Codes


A bunch of players logged into their emails to find some bizarre notifications this week. For some, they were learning that not only had their subscription been cancelled but their accounts were permanently disabled. While MMO Fallout is not a stranger to reports of mass bans over cheating or bug abuse, this one is a bit peculiar. As it turns out, Zenimax Online permanently banned players over their Morrowind game codes.

The issue, at least for many, appears to stem from the player having entered an early access code for Morrowind without later entering in the full product code (which would indicate that they pre-ordered for early access and simply cancelled). Others noted that they had cancelled their pre-orders due to issues with Amazon not shipping/delaying physical copies of the collector’s edition. Others went further, stating that they had not only received their copies but had entered the codes only to find their accounts banned due to not owning the content anyway.

The thread discussing the incident can be found here, with players complaining of being locked out despite customer service claiming to reactivate their accounts for 24 hours to resubmit their product key. Codes which, for users who already redeemed the keys on their accounts, will be useless.

“Thank you for reaching out to us about your account. Our records show that this account has been deactivated as a result of not applying a valid Morrowind game code. This account has been notified on multiple occasions that we required a Morrowind Collector’s Edition code to be redeemed on the account, and as a result of this code not being redeemed, the account has been turned off.

However, we are willing to make a one-time exception and have reactivated this account for 24 hours. During this time, we ask that you please redeem a valid Morrowind game code to your account. Should your account not have a Morrowind game code redeemed on it within 24 hours, the account will be permanently deactivated. If you have any questions or issues redeeming a code, please respond to this message, and we’d be happy to provide assistance.”

The accounts have since been reactivated. Zenimax’s official statement:

Yesterday, we deactivated a few hundred game accounts due to not applying a valid ESO: Morrowind game code. However, we found that some game accounts were wrongfully suspended and we are in the process of fixing those accounts now. This should only take a couple hours to complete today; we appreciate your patience while we correct this issue. If you are still not able to access your account by this afternoon, please contact our Support Team and they will follow up with you. Thanks in advance, and we apologize for the confusion this has caused.

Protector’s Jubilee Returns To Neverwinter: New Rewards/Events


It’s back! Like the McRib, the Protector’s Jubilee only comes around once every so often to the delight of its audience. While Neverwinter’s event may not be glazed in barbecue sauce, it does offer a host of freebies and sales during the week long event. Beginning Tuesday and running through June 26, players will be able to take part in several events including Elminster’s Messages which will task you with traveling to various zones to complete quests as well as the Protector’s Speech Skirmish, an instanced party mini-game involving the protection of Lord Neverember himself.

During the event, you’ll also be able to get your hands on free goodies including the bag of holding and level 60 experience boost. You’ll need to log in each day to claim the new item.

(Source: Neverwinter)

Marvel Heroes Refuses Compensation Over Storage Price Cut On PS4


Marvel Heroes is permanently cutting the price of storage on Playstation 4, and in case you’re worried about compensation for those who purchased storage at its previous price, you have nothing to worry about. You’re not getting compensated. Prices have dropped 50%, with the beginner starter pack running for 250g (from 500) and the individual packs running for 100g (from 200). When asked on the forums, Gazillion responded that there are no refunds or compensation being issued.

Sorry but we are not issuing refunds or price protection at this time.

Marvel Heroes is still in beta so adjustments to prices are guaranteed as user feedback is taken. Gazillion refusing to compensate players who bought in early could harm long term trust and discourage early purchases.

(Source: Marvel Heroes)

Heroes & Generals Will Still Ban You If Your Cat Cheats


Heroes & Generals developer Reto-Moto has zero tolerance for cheaters, even if your cat is the one (allegedly) installing the nefarious programs. While cheaters are regularly banned in waves, the folks at Reto-Moto want anyone thinking of giving themselves an advantage to “try it out” should know that there is a zero tolerance policy in place. Cheat once, you’re gone for good.

  • Anyone who is found to have, at any point in time, used any kind of third-party software designed to cheat while playing Heroes & Generals will lose their accounts once the cheat has been confirmed.
  • Do not “try out” a cheat, not even once: You will be permanently banned on all accounts. Neither the legitimate players, nor we, care that you were only “trying it out”.
  • Do not expect to get away with excuses like “my brother / son / cat used my account”. You are responsible for any abuse perpetrated by anyone with whom you share your login credentials (which is also prohibited by the terms of service).
  • Confirmed cheaters who bought Gold will not be entitled to any kind of compensation whatsoever.

(Source: Heroes & Generals)

[Video] RuneScape: Invention Batch 2 Diary


The next RuneScape expansion is right around the bend, and Jagex is talking about a major update to Invention coming along with the update. For now Jagex is taking community feedback regarding changes to Invention as well as new device ideas.

Mods Ollie, Deg and Erator take you through what they have planned for the second batch of invention, due to be released with the next RuneScape expansion. Check out the video and give us your thoughts and feedback on what you would like to see added to invention, as well as how to complete the skill.

Interested players are encouraged to head over to the official forums and Reddit to voice their suggestion.

  • Benefits for reaching higher levels
  • New devices, focusing on 99+
  • Machines, which will slowly automate simple processes for you
  • Quality of life improvements.

And more!

(Source: Youtube)

Weekend Starter: A Collection of Free Weekend Games


What is free to play this weekend? Everything, apparently. Well maybe not everything, but there are a fair amount of free games to fill your weekend, especially if you’re willing to subject yourself to things like the Uplay launcher. Of the games listed below, Battleborn is permanently free to try and Payday 2 is the only one that you can snag now and keep forever. Regardless, if you’re looking to kill some time, you’ll find plenty of grinding to do in RuneScape and The Division.

  • RuneScape is hosting a free weekend until June 12 where players can log in and access members-only content. You’ll also be able to snag a free mummy outfit from Solomon’s Store during this weekend.
  • The Division is free to try on Uplay this weekend. The promotion includes the base game with progress saving for the full version if you do buy it.
  • Trials Fusion is also part of the Uplay weekend.
  • Steep is also part of the Uplay weekend.
  • VR shooter Battledome is hosting a free weekend on Steam.
  • Mirage: Arcane Warfare is also hosting a free weekend on Steam.
  • Payday 2 is free for the first five million people who grab a copy.
  • Deformers is hosting a free weekend on Steam.
  • Battleborn has transitioned to a free trial game.

PSA: Payday 2 Is Free, In Limited Quantities


Overkill Software is giving away five million copies of Payday 2 on Steam, and all you have to do to collect is to head over to the Steam page and click install. In an unorthodox giveaway for the platform, Payday 2 will remain free until five million free copies are redeemed, after which it will be available for full price. Overkill has already announced plans to shift Payday 2 and its great abundance of DLC into one package, dubbed the Ultimate Edition, that people who already own the game and some of its DLC will be able to buy into at a pro-rated discount.

That package isn’t ready yet, but the DLC is being taken away from the store, so Overkill is making the base game free in the meantime. Not everyone is happy about this change, but the game did come out in 2014 meaning those who bought in on day one should have gotten more than their money’s worth by this point.

Perfect World/Cryptic Announce Magic: The Gathering MMORPG


Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios have announced that an MMORPG based on Magic: The Gathering is coming to PC and consoles. The announcement comes directly from Cryptic Studios, and while there isn’t much in the way of details (those are coming later), the developer did announce that the game is being built from the ground up for both PC and console systems. Going by Perfect World’s other titles, it makes sense that the game should come to both Xbox and Playstation 4.

The world’s most popular strategy card game, Magic: The Gathering transforms players into Planeswalkers, powerful mages who can travel between planes, cast spells and summon mythical creatures. The beloved trading card game has over 20 million fans across more than 70 countries, and is available in 11 languages. Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios’ new RPG will allow fans of the game to fully immerse themselves in the Multiverse, the rich fantasy world in which Magic: The Gathering takes place.

More information on Magic: The Gathering to come.

(Source: Perfect World Press Release)

The Return of Bill Roper: New Worlds To Explore In SpatialOS


Bill Roper has returned to the world of MMORPGs. Following his tenure at Flagship Studios and Cryptic Studios (during Champions Online’s launch), Bill Roper left the genre to head up the gaming division at Disney with its Infinity line of products. Now he is back, joining SpatialOS creator Improbable to create new worlds.

Those of you who have been keeping track will recall that Improbable is putting together technology to create more permanent, persistent worlds. The company is picking up some big names, including Jagex, who are interested in incorporating their technology.

“The possibilities for not just massive worlds, but highly detailed and truly persistent worlds built on SpatialOS are exciting. I believe the games that will define AR and VR are yet to be realized, and the type of simulation that can be achieved with our platform can be an integral part of these new experiences,” says Roper.

SpatialOS is making its way into a bunch of games, from Chronicles of Elyria to Worlds Adrift, and more to be announced.

(Source: Gamasutra)

MMOments: RuneScape Menaphos Details


Menaphos is the first expansion to RuneScape, a series of massive updates that are set to release every three months. While the content drops on the live servers today, MMO Fallout was invited to preview some of the changes last week, and the new content looks pretty exciting. As I have mentioned in previous update teasers, it’s been a while since Menaphos was first revealed to the public: Twelve years in fact, it’s like Boyhood but with a lot less growing up and a lot more angry desert deities. The city of Menaphos was first added to the map on April 26, 2005.

But players couldn’t get in. While its sister city Sophanem became available, Menaphos immediately closed its doors to outsiders amid rumors of corrupt leadership and stayed that way, for twelve years. In that time, players have come in contact with numerous desert deities, learned new magics, and assisted in god-tier sibling rivalries. Now, the cruel Pharaoh has reopened the doors and adventurers are flooding in to see what secrets the city holds.

You may be asking at this point: How is RuneScape sixteen years old and is only releasing its first expansion now? For the better part of that time, Jagex has been releasing content updates on a weekly basis with various major updates every year to add in new skills, update the game engine, and more. Last year Jagex polled players on whether they would like to continue the current system of trickling updates out on a weekly basis or release major content packs every three months. Players chose the latter, and here we are.

Content in Menaphos is targeted towards mid to high level players, although most players will find something to do after completing the three pre-requisite quests. The city itself is divided into four areas, with access to everything from a Grand Exchange, new skilling areas, a merchant area to steal from, and more. Each of the four areas has its own reputation system, and while it is possible for the more dedicated gamer to maximize his rank in all four areas, Jagex told me during the preview that it will take some time and most players will just focus on one or two factions.

The centerpiece to Menaphos is the giant pyramid around which the city goes about its daily life. Inside that tomb you can find the Grand Library which will be comprised of stories submitted to Jagex by the player base. As massive as the library is, we were told that so many players had submitted quality stories that Jagex is having a hard time fitting them into the game!

Shifting Tombs is a randomized dungeon crawler with procedurally generated tombs and monsters. Players have a set amount of time to plunder the dungeon, gathering as much loot as possible while still making it to the end and escaping within the time limit. Personally, I’m looking forward to meeting Krondis, the alligator goddess of life and pleasure. Krondis, as with much of the rest of the city, has been corrupted and is currently hoarding the treasures for herself, but we’ll see if that can be changed.

The city is full of lush trees and vibrant colors, a rather stark contrast to the other desert areas. Every area has its own stylistic theme, from the extravagance of the imperial sector to the downtrodden workers district. A big piece of the Menaphos update is that the Slayer skill is having its level cap increased to 120 along with new content to fill in that level gap. You can check out the update details on the launch page here.

Players can also get in on a free weekend beginning on June 9th, allowing free players to enjoy all member content throughout the weekend until the 12th.