As the summer heat hits, the MMO releases generally slow down. Most of the time, summer is a time of big updates and patches for currently released MMOs with game and expansion releases often being reserved for the upcoming Fall months. Accordingly, this month’s MMO Co-Opportunities issue looks at some updates of games that are currently out as well as news on games on the horizon yet. This month we look at Guild Wars 2, Neverwinter, and Elder Scrolls Online.
Neverwinter Announces Launch Date and Caverns of Gauntlgrym Release
Last month, I did a traditional MMOCO issue on Neverwinter, the free-to-play MMO by Cryptic, that has been in open beta for a bit over a month now. Recently, they announced their official launch date (June 20th). All characters, levels, and items will remain untouched in the transition from open beta to launch, but some new features will additionally be added to the game. Perhaps most exciting is the addition of the Caverns of Gauntlgrym, a special end-game dungeon for max level characters. It features a PvEvP mechanic where both PvP and PvE action will be available for epic gear rewards. Players must be part of a guild to participate in Gauntlgrym as their guild must be aligned with a faction to determine player opponents. This will be a massive 20 versus 20 battleground. You can check out the breakdown of how it works in the video below.
Guild Wars 2 Dragon Bash Incoming
Since its launch last Summer, Guild Wars 2 has been no slouch when it comes to in-game events. The latest announced is the upcoming Dragon Bash, set to run June 11th - June 18th. The event will host minigames (Moa Racing and Dragon Ball) as well as opportunities to find treats throughout the world. Players will attend the fireworks finale on June 17th will also receive a special cosmetic hat - the Horns of the Dragon. You can check out the trailer for the event below or find the schedule of the event on the Guild Wars 2 Official Site.
Elder Scrolls Online Shows off First Person Mode
The Elder Scrolls Online combines two types of games that both have massive player bases: the Elder Scrolls and MMOs. While some are excited about the prospect and others are considerably less enthusiastic, I think both groups were surprised about one particular aspect of the game when it was first announced: there was no first person mode (or at least in the same way that its utilized in other Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim, for example). It was revealed that ESO would support a first person mode, but not with the traditional hands, arms, and weapons seen in most first person games. Late in May, however, good news arrived for all those first-person Elder Scrolls fans out there: first person mode with hands/arms is officially in for ESO. While first leaked by a closed beta player, in the past week or so ZeniMax has welcomed press to preview the first person mode officially. The general consensus seems to be that this addition makes it feel a whole lot more like an Elder Scrolls game. CVG’s preview of first person mode is included below.
Any updates to any MMOs you're currently playing, or updates/changes to MMOs you're eagerly awaiting? As always, let us know in the comments below!