Shawn Schuster
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Betawatch: June 26th - July 3rd, 2009
Welcome to Betawatch, Massively's weekly report on the state of MMO betas. In each installment, we'll report everything from the latest open betas, closed betas and even alphas in one convenient place. Plus, we'll make sure to include as much info on each game's current status, including projected release dates (if known) and links to the sign-up forms to get yourself into that beta you've been seeking.
This week saw some major announcements in the realm of MMO betas. First, Champions Online has announced its open beta to begin in August, and Global Agenda should be dropping the closed-beta bomb sometime this month. Ys Online and Red War: Edem's Curse have also announced their own open betas while Ether Saga Online has graduated off the list to 'launched' status. Runes of Magic has also entered closed beta for their French and Spanish versions, continuing their plan of complete world domination. Keep reading after the jump for the complete list of MMOs in their various beta stages.
The Daily Grind: Is "Cataclysm" the name of Blizzard's next MMO?
But what if it's not? As the WoW.com article points out, StarCraft: Ghost was also trademarked, and it never actually materialized. Is this Blizzard trying to throw us a curve ball, or is it really a solid lead into what could be Blizzard's second go at a successful MMO? Of course it's all speculation at this point, but from the information presented, do you think Cataclysm is the next Blizzard MMO?
Choose my Adventure: Reaching the Crystal Desert
GW
NCsoft
When last we saw our Guild Wars heroine, she had just finished exploring every city in Kryta and was off to do the same in the Maguuma Jungle. According to your votes, Moira Zonk the Necromancer headed off to unlock each of the eight cities in the Jungle and ultimately reach the Amnoon Oasis in the Crystal Desert.
Now that she sits at the Oasis, recovering from her travels, she's ready to head off in whatever direction you'd like. Keep reading below for more on her travels and the newest poll where you can vote on where she ventures next.
Massively Speaking Episode 59
Massively Speaking Episode 59 returns this week with regulars Colin Brennan and Kyle Horner as they join Shawn in discussing the current MMO events. There's talk of China's new anti-gold-farming legislation, SOE's community address at Fan Faire, Runes of Magic expansions, Mark Jacobs leaving Mythic and more!Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.
First Guild Wars trilogy novel titled and given unofficial release date
GW
Guild Wars: Fall of Ascalon by Matt Forbeck is set to release on or around February 23, 2010. What's even more interesting is some speculation from a GW fan concerning what may be the second book, possibly being penned by J. Robert King, also for release in 2010. Of course this begs the question of timeline. Are these three books all being written at the same time, to be released around the same time, or will they be written and released well into 2011? As far as we know, Guild Wars 2 won't come out until these books have all been released, so with the first book coming out in February of next year, we probably won't hear anything new about Guild Wars 2 until then, at least.
The Daily Grind: Is there a difference between item malls and gold farmers?
With the recent news of China banning the exchange of virtual currency for real world currency, it brings up the future of gold farming in that country, and possibly the world. While China is certainly not the only country which employs MMO gold farmers, it's often labeled as the biggest offender. There is certainly a difference between trading real world money for virtual money and trading virtual money for real world money, but this new China legislation shows that the legalities of both practices are becoming real issues to lawmakers.So we're curious to know how you feel about the whole process of trading in either direction. It was once a stigma among gamers, but many companies are adopting this practice in a legal way, conducted by item stores and in-game currency exchange. Besides the fact that these item malls are supported by the game studios, do you see a difference? If so, what are they? Discuss!
Massively hands-on with Cities XL
With that in mind, we're here to give you some facts on how the game stands now, with a bit of healthy opinion thrown in for good measure. If you're at all curious about how this city-builder MMO can possibly work, follow along below.
Lord of the Rings Online coming to China later in the year
LotRO
Turbine
Despite what are said to be significant changes in the game from the version now played in North America, Europe, Russia and South Korea, the Chinese closed beta has been going very well for CDC with an 80 percent activation rate. These 'significant changes' include an enhanced PvP function, which CDC believes will cater more towards the Chinese playerbase that they already know so well.
Considering CDC Games' work with F2P games, we're curious about other 'significant changes' including a new business model for China, although there has been no official word on this.
Runes of Magic item code giveaway grand finale
So throughout the day today, from now until 8pm EST, simply comment to this post and a key code will be emailed to you at the address provided in your profile. Only 1 code per person. For full details on this promotion and how to redeem your key, check out this post.
[Edit: Eligibility is now closed. Thanks to everyone for a great week of giveaways!]
Betawatch: June 19th - 26th, 2009
Welcome to Betawatch, Massively's weekly report on the state of MMO betas. In each installment, we'll report everything from the latest open betas, closed betas and even alphas in one convenient place. Plus, we'll make sure to include as much info on each game's current status, including projected release dates (if known) and links to the sign-up forms to get yourself into that beta you've been seeking.
Another productive week for betas as WonderKing and Dungeon Fighter Online have both entered the closed beta stage. We've also added DragonSky to the list, thanks to a reader suggestion. See any that we missed? Give us a shout! Follow along below for the complete list.
_thumbnail.jpg "Aion Beta: Asmodian Ascension Quest")
