runes-of-magic posts

GDC10: Massively's day 3 roundup

by Jef Reahard Mar 12th 2010 at 10:30AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Events, real-world, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play

We're back with the latest edition of our GDC10 roundup. Yesterday was another big day in the world of MMORPG news, and Massively staffers were working overtime to bring you fresh scoops on the latest projects from your favorite developers. As always, there's a lot more to come as the Game Developer's Conference rolls on, but take a moment to check out these stories you may have missed.

Stick around as we're gearing up to bring you interviews with Bioware, En Masse, Gamigo, and The Secret World's Ragnar Tornquist later in the week.

Tags: breaking, cryptic, cryptic-studios, event-coverage, gdc-2010, land-of-chaos-online, runes-of-magic, star-trek-online, virtual-fairground

GDC10: Runes of Magic releases Chapter 3 information

by Beau Hindman Mar 11th 2010 at 11:00PM

Filed under: Screenshots, Trailers, Expansions, Patches, Previews, Massively Event Coverage, Runes of Magic

This May, Frogster will introduce the third chapter of Runes of Magic which will include a new continent, regions, dungeons to conquer, a new skill system, a level cap increase to 60 and an expansion to guild wars: siege weapons!

An ancient kingdom called Dalanis lies in chaos as adventurers attempt to help the child-king Callaway regain the former glory that once was. The citizens cry out for it and long to return to the older days when their ancient heroes walked the lands.

Adventurers will first walk into Thunderhoof Hills as they venture into the Elder Kingdoms, and will experience varied and surprising landscapes, none like they have seen before. First they will travel through a forest and then pass the waterfalls, only to choose one of three new cities to meet friends, trade and to relax in. Without leaving the zone, players will be able to investigate a graveyard populated by kings from the ancient past. Be sure to grab a reliable group of friends to explore the new dungeon that runs underneath Thunderhoof Hills, the dreadful Dungeon of Dalanis. Join me after the jump for more details as well as a look at new screens, art and a trailer for the expansion!

Tags: expansion, featured, free, free-to-play, frogster, ftp, gdc-2010, rom, runes-of-magic, screenshots, trailer

Runes of Magic will be heading to Facebook with RoM: The Challenge

by Krystalle Voecks Mar 11th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Casual, Runes of Magic

When it comes to Facebook games, some MMO players look at them as being a scourge; a strange offshoot of a genre they know and love. To others, it seems the next logical step in gaming. And nobody can doubt the revenues involved are sweet for companies who manage to hook casual gamers into their games. But now, we have a heads-up from the team at Frogster Interactive that they plan on trying to cross their successful Runes of Magic IP into the Facebook casual gaming market.

Dubbed Runes of Magic: The Challenge, this new social media game (currently under development) will use the lore from Runes of Magic in a whole new casual game. The Facebook game is said to use networked gaming and viral communications and will give players "adventure, exploration, and strategy elements." Through playing the casual game, people will gain cards with key codes that work inside Runes of Magic -- thereby potentially drawing some new players off of Facebook and into the full MMO.

Our team at GDC has an interview with the Frogster Interactive and Runewaker Entertainment teams coming up later today, where we're sure we'll hear far more about this interesting new gaming development. We'll bring you all the details as soon as we have them!

Tags: facebook, facebook-games, frogster-interactive, gdc, gdc-2010, rom, rom-facebook, rom-the-challenge, romtc, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-facebook, runes-of-magic-the-challenge, runewaker-entertainment

Runes of Magic to introduce siege wars in patch 2.1.7

by Rubi Bayer Mar 10th 2010 at 9:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

We know that Runes of Magic's next patch will bring us the Masked Ball, but what happens if you prefer your gameplay more on the combat side than the party side? Never fear, because patch 2.17 will also bring siege wars to Runes of Magic this month.

These 300-player battles will will place catapults and battering rams in the hands of players as they fight to bring down the castles of the opposing teams. It's not all about brute force though, although the siege engines are both formidable and awesome. Tactical ability, skill, and careful planning will win the day along with a few (okay, a lot) of well-aimed siege attacks.

While the thrill of victory is surely more than enough for the winners, but Frogster is sweetening the pot anyway by offering up titles and many more tangible prizes as well. Check out the official site for a trailer, and before you even ask: no, you may not lay siege to the Masked Ball.

Tags: f2p, free-to-play, frogster, frogster-interactive, RoM, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-patch-2.1.7, siege-wars

Runes of Magic celebrates one year

by Rubi Bayer Mar 8th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Happy birthday, Runes of Magic! Frogster is celebrating the first anniversary of its immensely popular free-to-play game all this week.

The party started earlier today and will continue through next Monday, March 15th with a wide array of events both in and out of the game. For starters, all players will enjoy double XP for MOBs and quests, and double TP for MOBs during entire length of the celebration. The Runes of Magic Facebook page will be presenting daily contests and giveaways all week, beginning with today's strenuous task of liking the announcement post. A random winner will be selected from those who do so: click the button, win a prize! Don't forget to check out the Runes of Magic shop for special birthday deals as well.

In-game is where the real action is happening. Zurhidon Rampage is the first event, kicking off the festivities today, with an impressive list of events and corresponding prizes promised for the rest of the week as well. Check out the forum post for more details on the in-game events, and enjoy the party!

Tags: facebook, frogster, frogster-interactive, RoM, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-birthday

Runes of Magic announces integrated voice chat

by Jef Reahard Mar 8th 2010 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic's 2.8 million players will soon have something besides their favorite MMORPG to talk about: each other. Runewaker Entertainment just announced a partnership with Vivox to provide in-game voice chat for the hit free-to-play title.

High definition voice chat will be available in public and private channels, and is already live on the game's Taiwanese servers. The service will debut on American and European servers very soon according to company representatives.

"We have been looking forward to bringing voice chat to Runes of Magic for some time knowing the extraordinary benefits it brings to the community," said Runewaker Entertainment's Tony Tang. "Vivox is the only voice chat provider capable of delivering high definition voice to gamers."

Tags: frogster, frogster-interactive, runes-of-magic, runewaker-entertainment, Vivox, voice-chat

Runes of Magic Chapter III to debut at GDC

by Rubi Bayer Mar 2nd 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Expansions, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Frogster unveiled their next expansion for Runes of Magic back in early February, announcing that Chapter III -- The Elder Kingdoms will be arriving in May. Now we have even better news: if you're planning to attend GDC next week you're going to get a first look at Chapter III.

Frogster announced today that they are planning to give a peek at the first features of The Elder Kingdoms at Game Developers Conference. We know that the expansion will feature a fair amount of new content -- new dungeons, instances, PvP battlegrounds, and more, so it will be interesting to find out what area they choose to show off first.

In addition to a look at the new features, Frogster is promising a surprise for GDC attendees as well: "a new product to expand the RoM universe into a new business field."

That's certainly got our curiosity aroused -- stay tuned to Massively during GDC next week for the full scoop on what Runes of Magic has up their sleeve!

Tags: frogster, frogster-interactive, game-developers-conference, GDC, rom, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-chapter-III, runes-of-magic-the-elder-kingdoms

Runes of Magic planning a Masked Ball to welcome spring

by Krystalle Voecks Feb 25th 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Galleries, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

While the cold may still be lingering in many places around the globe, in the online lands of Taborea, spring has come. To celebrate, the folks at Runewaker Entertainment and Frogster Interactive are planning a fancy dress Masked Ball for all Runes of Magic players, and you're all invited!

The Masked Ball event is set to go live with the next content patch coming up in March. Players will be treated to lots of party-themed cake and fruit -- great for restoring health! There will also be the chance to get some special springtime goodies like ornamental masks and transformation potions through springtime daily quests and other party fun.

If you're curious for a sneak peek into the upcoming Masked Ball celebration, be sure to check out the gallery below. Perhaps we'll see you in Runes of Magic for the fun!

Gallery: Runes of Magic Masked Ball

Tags: f2p, free-to-play, frogster-interactive, in-game-event, masked-ball, rom, runes-of-magic, runewaker-entertainment, spring, taborea

Runes of Magic introduces 6,000 Euros Challenge

by Rubi Bayer Feb 15th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Last week, Runes of Magic fans were happy to hear that Chapter III: The Elder Kingdoms will be arriving in May. This week, the celebration continues with a game of virtual hide and seek for some serious real-world cash.

The Runewalker -- a powerful Zurhidon mage -- will appear on a randomly selected European server every day for five days for the Runes of Magic 6,000 Euros Challenge. The first player to track him down will receive a bundle of items from the item shop. If you're not the first to find him, don't give up. Every player to challenge the Runewalker will be entered in a daily drawing for 1,000 Euros. On Friday, there will be a final drawing in addition to the regular daily drawing: every account that logged in during the contest period will be entered for another prize of 1,000 Euros, whether they challenged the Runewalker or not.

The hunt is on as of today, and will continue through Friday the 19th. Take a look at all the details here, and good luck!

Tags: free-to-play, frogster, frogster-interactive, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-6000-euros-challenge, runewalker

Runes of Magic Chapter III to arrive in May

by Rubi Bayer Feb 11th 2010 at 11:30AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic fans will be happy to hear that Chapter III: The Elder Kingdoms will be launching in May to whisk them away to a brand new continent with a shiny new level cap.

The kingdom of Dalanis is in an uproar, with a young king on the throne and a horde of schemers behind it. As players arrive to try and sort things out, they'll find a wealth of new content and features, beginning with a new level cap of 60. Players level 55 and over will learn the history of the ancient kingdom as they explore hundreds of new quests, beginning with the area of Thunderhoof Hills.

Quite a few old familiar features will be expanded and improved, and May suddenly seems pretty far off for level 55 players anxious for new challenges. An extensive sneak peek is available now, so pass some time exploring what Frogster has released so far. If you are still impatient, we're sure the Demon Lord will be happy to occupy your time until then.

Tags: Breaking, BreakingNews, expansion, f2p, fantasy, free-to-play, runes-of-magic, runes-of-magic-chapter-III, the-elder-kingdoms

Runes of Magic releases new trailer with patch 2.1.6

by Rubi Bayer Feb 4th 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Patches, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

"The time has come to confront the Demon Lord." Frogster released the latest update for Runes of Magic earlier today, a patch that added Demon Stronghold to the game.

Demon Stronghold is a challenging new 12-man raid that reportedly brings some surprises to the table at its end, requiring players to think fast and fight even faster. We saw a nice array of screenshots recently, but if you'd like a better peek at the action before you head in, Frogster is happy to oblige.

They released a brand new trailer for Demon Stronghold today, giving nearly two minutes of in-game footage from beginning to end. It's a fast-paced, but extensive trailer, giving a nice look at the dungeon as well as an array of the baddies waiting to take you on. To top it all off, the video's finale gives us a preview of the Demon Lord himself.

This is one that you'll want to visit more than once in order to take in the surroundings -- but don't look around too long, Demon Lord Sirloth is waiting! Follow along after the jump for a look at the trailer.

Tags: demon-stronghold, f2p, free-to-play, frogster, frogster-america, frogster-interactive, rom, runes-of-magic, video

Runes of Magic offering diamonds for surveys

by Krystalle Voecks Jan 31st 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Business models, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Looking for a way to stock up on some Runes of Magic diamonds, but a bit short on cash? Well, the folks at Frogster Interactive have taken a page from things like Facebook games, and are offering a method to trade a bit of your time for some diamonds.

Through their new partnership with Sponsorpay, Runes of Magic players are able to take surveys and check out products and score a certain amount of free diamonds per offer. All you have to do is to log in to the RoM site, go to the diamond purchase page, select your server, and then select the free diamonds option. From there, you'll be taken to a page that will offer several different surveys or trial offers you can check out. With that said, as with any 'lead generation for in game cash' scenario you run across on the Internet, always make sure you read the fine print. The last thing players will want is those free diamonds hitting them in the wallet later because they didn't.

Tags: diamonds, f2p, free-diamonds, free-to-play, frogster-interactive, lead-generation, rom, runes-of-magic, runewaker-entertainment, sponsorpay

Runes of Magic collects over 40,000 Euros for charity

by Rubi Bayer Jan 27th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Remember the Save the Children charity event from Runes of Magic back at the end of November? Frogster created a special mount -- Moa's Charity Steed -- at a reduced price, and donated 3 Euros to Save the Children for each mount purchased.

The event lasted from November 20th until December 28th, and Frogster released the final numbers yesterday: "Thanks to the great efforts of our Runes of Magic community, Frogster has donated 40,000 Euros to the international charity organization Save the Children."

In those few weeks allotted for the event, players purchased over 12,500 Moa's Charity Steed mounts to support Save the Children, and the official announcement pointed out that 170 helpers from the charity are working in Haiti today, no doubt supported in large part by the generosity of RoM fans.

It's always great to see game studios and players step up and support a good cause this way, so we at Massively add our sincere thanks to Frogster's.

Tags: f2p, free-to-play, frogster, moas-charity-steed, RoM, runes-of-magic, save-the-children

Runes of Magic unleashes Demon Lord in new dungeon

by Krystalle Voecks Jan 22nd 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Patches, Raiding, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

When Runes of Magic launched with the subtitle 'Rise of the Demon Lord' somehow we knew there would be a day when we faced off against the big guy. Sure enough, the folks at Frogster Interactive and Runewaker Entertainment have finally unleashed His Terrible Demonicness on the world of Taborea in the form of a shiny new 12-player dungeon.

Located in the Naga Plains, Demon Stronghold is a richly textured raid area, offering four mini-bosses before you come up against the Demon Lord Sirloth. Word is that the final fight is a 4-phase battle, which will challenge players to think fast. Those adventurers who succeed in defeating him will be able to carry off the Demon Lord's weapons.

We've gathered up some concept art and screenshots from this shiny new raid and piled them into a gallery for you to check out. Considering how cool this area looks, we're curious to see what kinds of goodies players will carry off from this new raid instance. Should be tasty!

Gallery: Runes of Magic: Demon Stronghold

Tags: demon-lord, dungeon, f2p, free-to-play, frogster, frogster-interactive, raiding, raids, rom, runes-of-magic, runewaker-entertainment

A bird's-eye view of China's MMO market

by Eliot Lefebvre Jan 15th 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play

To a western MMO developer, China's market is alluring in much the same way that winning the lottery is alluring to everyone else. There's a huge market right there, even disregarding the almost stereotypical amount of gold farming associated with the country, but thus far western games have yet to make much of a dent. The only one that's been largely successful is World of Warcraft, and even that has a bit of a tortured history. Scott Jennings has taken the opportunity to expound a bit on what makes China so appealing as an MMO market and why it's been so difficult to get a solid footing in.

One of the points he makes is that, by and large, China hasn't attracted a good portion of the western market either -- Perfect World International comes the closest to making a splash, and it's nowhere near the popularity of, say, Runes of Magic. He also discusses several of the difficulties in negotiations between western businesses and the Chinese counterparts, as well as the government's vested interest in ensuring the market stays solidly in China. The full article also offers as comprehensive a breakdown of the entire World of Warcraft controversy as you're likely to find in one place, making it an excellent reference point for anyone interested in the vagaries of the worldwide market.

Tags: china, china-mmo-market, chinese-mmos, lum-the-mad, perfect-world, perfect-world-international, pwi, rom, runes-of-magic, scott-jennings, world-of-warcraft, wow