Mobile MMORPG Life After Launches Today


NetEase Inc today announced the North American and Australian launch of LifeAfter, a zombie survival MMORPG for iOS and Android. LifeAfter packs together an MMORPG with gun-toting, hunting and gathering, and crafting. The game launched in China last year to much acclaim and hopes to gain the same following here in the west.

Players are tasked with hunting and gathering to survive, establishing a home base, leveling up to unlock new adventures and game modes, and operating outposts to recruit other survivors.

Check out the trailer above or see more about the game at the official website.

Maplestory 2 Removing Fairfight Balancing System


Maplestory 2 is saying farewell to fairfight, removing the controversial system in an update coming this week.

After announcing Project New Leaf, Nexon’s initiative to address Maplestory 2 feedback, the publisher will be releasing the first update in the initiative on Thursday February 28. Maplestory 2’s next update removes Fairfight, a balancing system that normalizes high level and low level players. This creates a wider range of content that high level players can explore without the restrictions of playing with low level friends. Additionally, Trader’s Ribbons are set to receive updates that will make them applicable to legendary gear.

Nexon also took this time to warn players about illegal Meso purchases (IE: All of them), that players who purchase Mesos illegally will receive permanent bans.

Source: Maplestory 2

Skybound Puts Down The Walking Dead, Terminates Game Contract


The slow death of Overkill’s The Walking Dead has finally come to an end, as the game has been pulled from digital store shelves with the console version officially cancelled. This news comes alongside an announcement from Walking Dead creators Skybound Entertainment that the media company has terminated its contract with developer Starbreeze, and effectively ended their ability to sell, maintain, or update The Walking Dead.

“We did our best to work with Starbreeze and resolve many issues that we saw with the game, but ultimately OVERKILL’S THE WALKING DEAD did not meet our standards nor is it the quality that we were promised. We are exceedingly sorry to our fans and share their disappointment in the game. We remain dedicated to providing our fans with the most premium quality content we can offer, and will continue to look for alternative video game options for the IP.”

Steam has already pulled The Walking Dead from sale.

Source: Variety

Falling Out #2: The Ghost of Christmas Obvious


Given the history of Electronic Arts, the only thing I’m worried about is the date on the gravestone being too far into the future.

Scenery © 2012-2013 Julien Jorge <julien.jorge@stuff-o-matic.com>
Gravestones: Carlo Enrico Victoria (Nemisys) & Tuomo Untinen,  Casper Nilsson, Barbara Rivera
(Via Open Game Art)

ArenaNet Delays Update Amid Layoffs


ArenaNet has announced that the World v. World mount, The Warclaw, has been delayed until March 5 amid ongoing layoffs at the company. The entire announcement has been posted below.

“Last week, we announced the upcoming release of our new WvW mount, the Warclaw. Unfortunately, this release will be delayed until Tuesday, March 5. In light of current events at the studio, we are taking this time to focus on our friends and colleagues. We hope you understand and we apologize for this delay. Thank you for your continued support of Guild Wars 2.”

There is currently no news on how many employees have been laid off.

Source: Guild Wars 2

Jagex Releases Elite Dungeon Finale


Today marks the release of The Shadow Reef, the third and final Elite Dungeon in an ongoing trilogy. Set in the ancient sunken temple of Ulthven Kreath, players face a hostile environment full of aggressive enemies before a chilling encounter with The Ambassador, a malevolent creature that dwells in the deep.

“Last summer, we created Elite Dungeons to combine engaging storylines with raid-like dungeon experiences. The Shadow Reef brings that questline to an epic conclusion, as players uncover the secrets beneath the inky waters of Gielinor, and experience an unforgettable encounter with The Ambassador, which will push players to the limit, whether adventuring as a team or solo.”

As established by the previous two dungeons, The Shadow Reef includes a story mode for players who simply want to experience the story and aren’t so concerned with the rewards.

Source: Jagex Press Release

Falling Out, The Re-Reboot #1: At Cliff’s End


It’s been roughly six years since the last Falling Out comic which gives us a good year on our topic’s relevance. New episodes of Falling Out every…let’s play this release schedule by ear.

Sprite credits: Stephen Challenger, Matthew Nash, Charles Gabriel (via OpenGameArt)

ArenaNet Braces for Layoffs As NCSoft Tightens Its Belt


Kotaku’s Jason Schreier is reporting today that ArenaNet employees have been told to brace for big layoffs. According to the article, CEO Songyee Yoon emailed employees to inform them that due to declining revenue, the company will be cutting costs across the organization, and merging NCSoft and ArenaNet’s publishing divisions in the process.

There has been no word on how many employees will be affected by the layoffs.

Source: Kotaku

Marvel Future Fight Brings In Captain Marvel


Future Fight’s latest update introduces several new characters including Nick Fury (Modern), Minn-Erva (Modern), and Korath (Captain Marvel). The update also introduces a Marvel legendary battle consisting of backgrounds and characters from the movie. Captain Marvel can now be upgraded to Tier-3.

The update also brings improvements to the Hero Codex to display more information about characters. Also, a new Special Mission Quest Pack and CTPs are being added. There is also the Collector’s Vault, with more to be revealed in the near future.

Source: Netmarble Press Release