MMO News Roundup - January 9, 2024

Hey, MMORPG enthusiasts! GH here with your daily dose of MMO news. Let's jump straight into the exciting updates and announcements from the gaming world happening on January 9, 2024.

1. Astral Tale/Twin Saga Release Tomorrow!

Astral Tale, also known as Twin Saga, is gearing up for release on January 10, and the anticipation is building. To ensure a smooth launch, the game is allowing early downloads, a thoughtful move to help players dive into the action right when it starts. Returning players are in for a treat with exclusive gifts, including a unique title and a limited-edition pet. Pre-registration rewards add extra excitement with exclusive weapon costumes and limited mounts. For more details, check out the pre-registration website.

2. Albion Online's "Crystal Raiders" Update

Albion Online is shaking up the MMO scene with its latest update, "Crystal Raiders." Guild warfare takes center stage with a new Territory Raiding system, offering dynamic territory control and more opportunities for smaller guilds. Crafting bonuses tied to Power level and the introduction of Crystal Weapons add depth to the game. Daily Might Bonus rewards, revamped Conqueror's Challenge, and various improvements contribute to an enhanced gaming experience. Be sure to explore the world of Albion with these exciting changes.

3. PSO2: NGS Winter Update Unveiled

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is embracing the winter season with a flurry of events and features. The New Year '24 event brings festive themes to Central City and Retem City, introducing new enemies and exciting challenges. Crystal Raiders, Winter '24 event, Limited-time Quest, and collaborations with The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon's Judgement promise an action-packed experience. Whether you're a fan of the winter aesthetic or looking forward to collaborations, this update has something for everyone.

4. Lost Ark's January Update - A Glimpse of 2024's Roadmap

Lost Ark is stepping into the new year with a bang. The January Update, scheduled for January 10, introduces the challenging Inferno difficulty for the Brelshaza Legion Raid. Players can showcase their prowess through titles, achievements, and more, emphasizing prestige in this intense battle. Lai Lai Adventure Island brings new adventures to explore, and quality of life updates keep the gameplay experience polished. With a new base build featuring balance changes from Korea, Lost Ark players are in for an exciting journey in 2024.

That's a wrap for today's MMO news roundup

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January 4, 2024 MMO News Roundup: A Glimpse into Virtual Realms

Embark on a journey through the latest happenings in the MMORPG world as we kick off the new year! Here's a quick rundown of key developments in January 2024:

0:16 - Kritika Zero Release Date Confirmation

Excitement builds as Kritika Zero's release date is officially confirmed. Get ready for thrilling adventures in this upcoming MMORPG!

0:47 - ArcheAge 2024 Roadmap Unveiled

Discover the future of ArcheAge with the unveiling of the 2024 roadmap. What new adventures and challenges await players in this popular virtual realm?

1:32 - Blade & Soul NEO Classic Changes

Explore the dynamic changes in Blade & Soul NEO Classic, shaping the experience for players in the coming months.

2:10 - Nexon's Record Fine in Korea

Nexon faces a significant fine in Korea—details on the repercussions and its impact on the gaming industry.

2:56 - Elsword January Update Highlights

Uncover the highlights of Elsword's latest January update, promising fresh content and engaging experiences for players.

3:33 - Upcoming Steam Releases:

Mad World (January 26)

Quinfall (January 30)

Astral Tale/Twin Saga (Q1 2024)

Reign of Guilds (Q1 2024)

Palia (2024, exact date TBA)

4:09 - Lost Ark

Stay tuned for more updates on Lost Ark, as the MMORPG continues to captivate players with its evolving storyline and gameplay.

Stay informed with the January MMORPG news—explore the virtual landscapes and embrace the exciting changes ahead! 🎮🌐 #mmonews #LatestUpdates #GamingNews #MMORPG #onlinegaming #mmo

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Navigating NCSOFT's Gaming Odyssey: A Financial Analysis Unveiled

In the dynamic realm of online gaming, NCSOFT stands as a titan, constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of virtual worlds. As an analyst for NH Investment & Securities, I've delved into the intricate details of NCSOFT's recent performance and future strategies, revealing a fascinating journey that involves both challenges and promising opportunities.

Unveiling the Scene: A Sluggish Start for TL

The narrative begins with the tale of NCSOFT's TL, a game that has encountered a slow start in terms of sales. However, my analysis suggests a silver lining—anticipate a significant boost upon its global release. The initial payment for the title is expected to make waves in the gaming market, setting the stage for a potential turnaround.

A Shift in Strategy: Battle Crush and Project BSS

Looking ahead, the crystal ball reveals a change in NCSOFT's strategy. New games, such as the intriguingly named Battle Crush and Project BSS, are poised to shake things up. As the company welcomes a new CEO and undergoes executive restructuring, the winds of change are blowing. Cost reduction efforts are on the horizon, promising a leaner and more efficient NCSOFT.

Adjusting Sails: Lowering Target Price but Holding Steady

While maintaining a Buy rating, adjustments are made to the target price, reflecting cuts to earnings estimates for NCSOFT's new game lineup from 2024. Despite the disappointment in Throne and Liberty (TL) sales, my analysis limits additional trimming of earnings projections, as conservative estimates were already factored in for the title. It's a strategic move, acknowledging challenges while keeping an optimistic outlook for the future.

The TL Tale Continues: From Domestic Disappointment to Global Anticipation

TL might have faced disappointment in the domestic market, but the plot thickens. The game is set for release through Amazon Games in 2Q24 after a Closed Beta Test (CBT) in 1Q24. Earnings are expected to see a positive reflection following the launch, providing a beacon of hope. With muted sales expectations, the downside seems limited.

Beyond MMORPG: Battle Crush and Project BSS on the Horizon

In the grand scheme, attention should be directed not only towards MMORPGs but also NCSOFT's non-MMORPG strategy. Battle Crush, an action-packed battle game, and Project BSS, a collecting RPG, are slated for launch in 2Q24. These ventures showcase the company's diversification and readiness to explore new gaming frontiers.

A Glimpse into Q4 2023: Anticipating the Numbers

The curtain partially lifts to provide a sneak peek into the fourth quarter of 2023. Sales estimates indicate a decline, and operating profit expectations are not meeting consensus figures. However, with TL's sales in the picture and a slowdown in the decline of Lineage W and Lineage 2M sales, the story is far from over. Marketing costs have risen, signaling active participation in industry events and TL rollout efforts.

In conclusion, the saga of NCSOFT unfolds with twists and turns, setbacks, and strategic maneuvers. As the gaming giant navigates through challenges, the horizon seems to hold promise, marked by new game releases, executive changes, and a global gaming stage awaiting TL's arrival. Keep an eye on NCSOFT—this gaming odyssey is far from its final level.

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MMORPG December 2023 Update: A Comprehensive Overview

Greetings MMORPG enthusiasts! In today's update roundup, we delve into the latest happenings across various MMORPGs, from closures and relaunches to exciting new content and celebrations. So, without further ado, let's explore the dynamic world of MMORPGs as of December 22, 2023.

Revelation Online Bids Farewell:

The day has come for Revelation Online as my.games announced the closure of its services in March 2024. Despite lasting almost a decade, the game bids a heartfelt farewell to its players. As one chapter ends, we look forward to what lies ahead in the MMORPG landscape.

Kritika Online's Resurgence:

VALOFE brings back the classic Kritika Online, now known as "KRITIKA: ZERO." With a decade-old legacy, the game receives a global release with optimized features, including enhanced battle balance, an improved aging system, and a level cap increase to 60. Can this revitalization overcome its previous pay-to-win pitfalls?

Indie Spotlight: Reign of Guild:

Embark on an adventure in the indie MMO realm with Reign of Guild. The public test on Steam invites players to explore the game's potential. Awaiting your feedback, this indie gem aims to carve its niche in the vast world of MMORPGs.

Lost Ark's 2024 Roadmap Unveiled:

Lost Ark enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an action-packed first half of 2024. Brelshaza Inferno, Valtan Extreme, a new class called the Breaker, Thaemine Raid, a Gear Progression System, and a Guardian Raid promise to keep players engaged. The road ahead seems thrilling for Lost Ark fans.

NosTale's Secrets of the Undercity:

NosTale unveils Act 9 – Secrets of the Undercity, introducing over 100 new quests, maps, raids, and equipment. With challenging raids like Giant Arma and Pollutus, NosTale continues to evolve, providing fresh content for champions level 80 and above.

Waven's Notable Update:

Waven's version 0.14.0 introduces significant additions and improvements, including a prologue in the Story Mode, new quests in island nations, and the introduction of Astramantis Pike in the Platinum Battle Pass. Check out the Steam page for more details.

Tree of Savior's Festive Additions:

Tree of Savior introduces the new cleric class Pontifex and accompanying events like Popo Boost to keep the holiday season vibrant. Dive into the game's festivities and explore the new class with progression events to aid your journey.

Rohan Eternal Vengeance's Tower of Infinity Update:

PlayRohan.com servers welcome the Tower of Infinity update, featuring a challenging ascent through 100 floors with bosses every 10th floor. The Engrave System enhances character stats with unique stones, providing a fresh layer of strategy to the game.

Echo of Soul's Steam Launch Celebration:

Papaya Play celebrates the Steam launch of Echo of Soul with events offering boosts and buffs for players. Explore the game under the name EOS RAGNAROK on Steam and unravel its mysteries.

Legend of Edda: Pegasus Epic 3 - Frozen Flame:

Steam announces the Epic 3 - Frozen Flame update for Legend of Edda: Pegasus, bringing a level limit increase to 50, new dungeons, and the challenging raid "Prometheus." Steam Achievements are introduced to record adventurers' triumphs and challenges.

Elsword's Lithia Berly Update:

Elsword unveils its latest character, Lithia Berly, with a pre-registration event offering goodies for early registrants. Visit the KOG website for more details on this exciting addition to the game.

Grand Fantasia's Anniversary Celebrations:

Grand Fantasia kicks off its anniversary celebration with events like the 100% Alchemy Success event and introduces new dungeons and challenges for level 90 players. Limited-time Christmas and X-Legend Anniversary events add festive cheer to the MMORPG.

Talisman Online's Festive Update:

Talisman Online introduces festive events and version 6024, featuring a new area in Devil Realm, a new mount, and special NPC tasks offering unique rewards. Explore the seasonal delights in the MMORPG realm.

Indie Gem: Kae Tram:

Discover Kae Tram, an indie browser MMO playable on both PC and mobile devices. Head to kaetram.com to explore this indie creation and delve into its unique gameplay.

Papaya Play's La Tale Pandora's Box Update:

La Tale's Pandora's Box update brings new instance dungeons, the Relic System for Ascension Level 5000+ characters, and Battle Pass Season 4 rewards. Quality-of-life improvements and class balance changes enhance the overall gaming experience.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up this MMORPG update journey, it's evident that the genre continues to evolve, offering closures, relaunches, and exciting new content. Happy holidays, and may your MMORPG adventures be filled with joy and discovery! Until next time, this is Gaming Hardcore, signing off. See you in the next one!

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MMORPGs I'm Looking Forward to in 2024.

 

Hey, what's going on, guys? GH here. As 2023 is about to end, I can't help but reflect on what a fun year it has been for MMOs, at least in terms of news. We've witnessed the release of a decent number of new MMORPGs, yet none seem to have reached the heights set by titles like Lost Ark and PSO2: New Genesis. While Waven shows promise, it still lacks the depth and variety of activities that I personally look for in a game. But fear not, because with 2024 on the horizon, there's a glimmer of excitement as we anticipate what the new year holds for the world of MMORPGs. Let's delve into some of the MMORPGs I'm eagerly looking forward to in 2024.

Blue Protocol: A Promising Adventure

First up, Blue Protocol. If things go through without any problems, we should be getting this sometime in 2024. I'm looking forward to playing Blue Protocol in 2024 because I love the aesthetic, the music, the world, and what it offers. It's not perfect, and with the limited time that I was able to play it, I can tell that the end game content will not be great for the first few months. However, there's something about this game that makes me excited to play it. I could play it on the Japanese servers, but I'd rather wait for the English version.

Call it a hunch, but I have a strong feeling that Blue Protocol has the potential to become the biggest MMO of 2024, and I can't wait to immerse myself in the adventure it promises.

Lost Ark: Continuing the Adventure

Moving on to Lost Ark, despite being considered an aging MMO, my excitement for what this game has in store for 2024 is unwavering. In my book, Lost Ark has held the title of the best MMORPG of 2023, and it continues to be a stellar gaming experience. The anticipation for the Missing Ark storyline and the introduction of new systems within the game has me eagerly awaiting each update.

What particularly piques my interest is the promise of fresh content, challenging raids, and the intrigue of how they plan to ramp up the difficulty for upcoming raids. Will there be new engravings that shake up the meta? Are we in for the introduction of new classes that add exciting dynamics to the gameplay? I've been thoroughly enjoying experimenting with the new class, tweaking builds, and discovering optimal strategies. It's a testament to Lost Ark's enduring appeal, especially considering the plethora of MMOs I've explored this year—only a select few managed to captivate me for an extended period. Lost Ark is undoubtedly one of those gems, and I'm eagerly looking forward to its evolution in 2024.

Throne and Liberty: A Graphical Marvel

Next up is Throne and Liberty. Admittedly, I was flip-flopping if I was going to be excited for this or not because this game kept changing every few months, adding or removing automated systems, making the combat more action-oriented. You can now move and attack, at least the last time I checked it. But the main thing I'm looking forward to in this game is the graphics. How amazing is this in 4K or 1080p? I don't have a 1440p monitor, so I'd rather go all out 4K or go super low 1080p just in case the game isn't properly optimized. It's in Unreal Engine 4, so let's hope it goes well. And, by the way, it's already out in Korea, and it's impressive how many people are checking it out at the starting area. Hopefully, AGS servers can handle this type of demand.

PSO2: NGS - What's Next in the Universe?

The next MMORPG I'm looking forward to is PSO2: NGS. I want to see what they're going to add next after the last major update. What are they gonna add? A new planet, or maybe they're just gonna expand the map, so they add new areas. What's gonna happen? The real aliens gonna attack now, or do we go to space and fight them aliens, whoop them? I'm excited for what's next. To be honest, I can't believe I'm excited for the story of the game. My problem with PSO2: NGS when it was released was the end-game content. It's not well thought out, but I guess the end game wasn't really for me, and I just shifted to just playing the story of the game and see how it goes.

Soulframe: The Hyped Finale

Finally, the last MMORPG I'm excited about is Soulframe. Well, who's not looking forward to this game? You're crazy! This could actually be a game of the year, but I'm still skeptical that this is going to be an MMORPG. It's most likely gonna be an action RPG with MMO elements but not a full-blown MMO. Regardless, I am very excited to check this game out in late 2024. Well, according to the developers, it's expected to be out in late 2024, and as always, expect delays and problems so you won't get too disappointed. What I'm specifically looking forward to is the world, what it's going to look like as we play the game, and looking at the demos we've been getting, the combat will require skill, which is always nice. I have a feeling dodging and parrying attacks will be fun as hell, kinda like in Elden Ring. I am hyped for Soulframe.

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