Voice chat in MMOs - Pros, Cons, Options (Ventrilo, Teamspeak)

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Voice chat is becoming increasingly popular to use in MMOs for ease of communication with players. What options are out there?

Read more here!

Facebook Games - How They Are Similar to and Different from Traditional MMOs

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Is Facebook the new MMO platform?

Either the industry must adapt the definition of an MMO, becoming more accepting of games played on social networks, or we must find a new definition of games like these that seem right between the definition of online multiplayer games and MMOGs.

Read more here.

Piecing together WoW Cataclysm series

I published a series you WoW junkies might be interested in: Piecing Together WoW Cataclysm.

The idea behind the series is simple - collecting all the random facts tossed around about Cataclysm from Blizzcon and the forums, organizing them by game mechanic/system, and then handing 'em out in bite sized chunks. Let's be honest, the Cataclysm stuff is massive and hard to swallow all at once.

Here's the series. Enjoy!

• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Guild Leveling
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Mastery
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Path of the Titans
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Rated Battlegrounds
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Archaeology
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: New Race and Class Combos
• Piecing together WoW Cataclysm: Reforging and Item Stat Changes

World of Warcraft: Trial of the Champion Guide

Image by Jeff Kubina via Flickr

Never been to World of Warcraft's newest instance - or having some problems? Check this guide for all the tips, tricks, and strategies to beat Trial of the Champion on both normal and heroic!

Read the full guide here on Bright Hub!

Free Realms Codes and Cheats

Want exclusive items, a leg up on leveling, and some awesome buffs - all the stuff that people will ask, "Where'd you get that?" Look no further - all of the Free Realms codes and cheats are right here!

Subscription-based MMOs breeding addicts?

Image by swanky via Flickr

In late July, a news story surfaced about Dr. Richard Graham, a psychiatrist who is seeking to open in-game counseling services in World of Warcraft. The claim was that World of Warcraft is more addictive than crack – and there's certainly some evidence that players have, at times, taken their virtual world experiences too far. There's the real world cases of stabbing upon selling a sword loaned in-game, the suffocation death of a 4-month-old child due to parents neglect while playing World of Warcraft in an Internet Cafe, and a player committing suicide because he couldn't beat his addiction to EverQuest. There are dozens more cases, and at least half a dozen studies, about the addictive nature of virtual worlds.

Continue reading the article here!

Free Realms Ninja Guide

Stealth. Speed. Honor. These are the values of the Ninja, one of the most honored historical warriors of the modern world. And now, they can be yours too.

Read the full guide here!

Are MMOs becoming Anti-Social?

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

"The truth is, MMO players have come to accept a different definition of friendship – a definition with different expectations and norms than exist in the real world. Simply put, there was an understanding of a common good in MMOs, and players worked toward achieving that goal with amazing cooperation. As time has gone on, however, the social bonding that took place in MMOs has gone with it, leaving us with a more competitive, individualistic game – one that seems to be forgetting what MM stands for in MMORPG."

Read the full article here. I think you'll enjoy it, even if you disagree.

Latest from Examiner

Lord of the Rings Online: Welcome Back Week July 9-15th

If you've kept up on things, you've seen the news about Book 8. I've even made some private confessions about LOTRO recently. Turbine is offering a...
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Global Agenda closed beta begins July 24th

For those who like MMOFPS's, Global Agenda's first closed beta phase is currently slated to begin on July 24th. If you're not in Alpha, and haven't...
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Dance Groove beta registration open

Outspark has opened up beta registration for a new MMO: Dance Groove. Little is known yet about the title, other than it'll be a dancing/rhythm based...

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Fallen Earth Scavenger Challenge stress test event

On July 11th, Fallen Earth will be holding a special 3 hour stress test contest. During this time, if you are logged in at least a half hour, you have...
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Runes of Magic: Warden and Druid announced as new classes

They guard over the knowledge of the Elves and care for nature’s well-being. But the call to arms echoes through the forests of Taborea and they...
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Champions Online system specs revealed

Eagerly awaiting Champions Online? Want the perfect system for it? Well now you can get ready, because the system specifications for Champions Online...
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Age of Conan re-evaluation opens, and expansion rumors

Although Age of Conan is the butt of jokes in the MMO world, there's something going on at Funcom, to not only entice players to come back, but to...
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DDO: Eberron Unlimited launches August 4th

Turbine announced today that its digital expansion for Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited will be launching on August 4th for paid VIPs,...
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World of Warcraft to allow cold weather flying at level 68

It was discovered on the PTR before Blizzard confirmed it, but it's there anyway: players will be able to learn Cold Weather Flying at level 68 in...
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Lord of the Rings Online: "Design a Horse" contest

Turbine has launched yet another Lord of the Rings Online contest: this time, to design a horse. Using the horse template (previewed here),...
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Aion Classes Preview

"Aion offers four basic classes: Warrior, Scout, Mage, and Priest. These classes further develop into eight advanced classes: Gladiator, Templar, Assassin, Ranger, Sorceror, Spiritmaster, Cleric, and Chanter. Each class has its own unique skills and skill chains, and falls into a traditional MMORPG role."

Read more. . .

Dragonica Online Review

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"Imagine a child's dream of dragons and fantasy, of heroes and danger: that is the world of Dragonica Online. A free to play fantasy MMORPG by THQ*Ice, Dragonica Online features 3D side-scrolling action in a bright, whimisical world. Featuring four basic classes (warrior, magician, archer, and thief) which further specialize into advanced classes, Dragonica offers the draw of an action game in a fun fantasy setting."

Read more. . .

Why I'm not concerned about Cataclysm

Ever since someone caught wind of it, it's been hot news: Blizzard trademarked Cataclysm.

It seems everywhere I turn, people are jumping up and down, citing wowwiki about how this must be the next Blizzard expansion, focused on the Great Sundering. The first speculation was actually about Blizzard's new MMO IP, but as soon as some WoW fanboi caught hold of it, that was forgotten. Especially since "wowcataclysm.com" has shifted to GoDaddy's hands.

... seriously? There wasn't a "wowtheburningcrusade.com" or a "wowwrathofthelichking.com." Blizzard always hosts these sites on official Blizzard domains, not some poorly trademarked website.

I'm not deigning to report on this rumormill any more than I tweet about the deaths of Jackson, Fawcett, McMahon, or Mays.

Why?

First of all, the Cataclysm - which happened long before the World of Warcraft as we know it - would make an absurd basis for an expansion. While we do generally expect an expansion geared toward the Maelstrom - there have already been hints about it - why name the game after the event of WoW ancient history? As the already leaked info stated, it's probably going to go under some name involving Tides or Depths.

If anything WoW related, Cataclysm is a code name, I'm sure.

And if it is the next expansion? woop. We knew the next expansion would be maelstrom, and it's not like Blizzard is going to give us any details anytime soon anyway.

Latest from Examiner

2v2 Arena changes partially reversed for 3.2 in World of Warcraft

Reversing a previous decision to make only 3v3 and 5v5 arena ratings in World of Warcraft count toward gear, Blizzard announced today a partial...
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Guild Wars: Dragon Festival event this weekend

This weekend, the Dragon Festival event is live on the Guild Wars servers. Offering half a dozen events, special consumables, and a special festival...
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EVE Online: Alliance Tournament 7 Details

Scheduled for September, the Alliance Tournament VII in EVE Online is open for signups from July 3 until July 17th. Here are the details (you...
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Everquest: Underfoot expansion officially announced

Although news of Underfoot has been roaming since the Fan Faire last week, Sony Online Entertainment has officially announced the expansion to the...
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AdventureQuest Worlds brings large update

The July 4th weekend is bringing a huge update to the AdventureQuest Worlds. Besides a new login screen, here's what the update brings: The Map of...
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Free Realms sell-back changes explained

In a post entitled The Economy of Coin, SOE took the time to explain the cut to the sell-back value of items (and coin drop in battle) that happened...
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Free Realms: 6/2 update & Seaside Summer Splash

This weekend brings the Seaside Summer Splash event to Free Realms. Most of the update last night was to bring the event live. Here are the patch...
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Champions Online: July "State of the Game" promises twitter and more

Yesterday, Champions Online posted a dev blog looking at the state of the game for the next month. It might have passed beneath the radar, except for...
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Pirates of the Burning Sea patches to version 1.16

A huge patch has been applied and gone live for Pirates of the Burning Sea today. Here are the patch notes: Ships / Outfitting: Bloody Dagger:...
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Chinese gold farming ban isn't, actually.

A lot of game reporters are sticking their foot in their mouth today, yours truly included. You see, we read the news and write about it. So when we...
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Free Realms hits 4 million registered, preview of upcoming changes

Free Realms has announced today that it has passed the 4 million registered players mark. To celebrate, Treasure Tickets rewarded from any quest,...
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EVE Online to bring Apocrypha 1.5 in August

Torfi Frans has brought news today regarding EVE Online's upcoming expansions. Although CCP is working on a winter expansion, they plan on releasing a...
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Ether Saga Online new v77 patch live

Perfect World brought a large patch update to Ether Saga Online last night. Here are the patch notes:Content Additions:- Level Cap Raised to 105- New...
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Grand Chase: 7/1 update

Grand Chase has updated its servers today with a new patch. Here are the patch notes:[General]Third Job for Amy has been added! Now Amy can become a...
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New information about World of Warcraft faction changes

After the news that World of Warcraft would be offering a faction change system in the future, Blizzard created an FAQ covering the topic. Here's the...
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World of Warcraft will offer option to change factions in the future

Blizzard announced that in some unknown date in the future, players will be able to switch the faction (Alliance or Horde) of their World of Warcraft...
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The Chronicles of Spellborn going free to play in 2010

In a shocking press release made in the official Spellborn forums, Acclaim announced that Spellborn will be transitioning to a free to play model in...
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World of Warcraft: 3.2 extends raid lockout, allows BoP trading, engineering changes

If the upcoming patch 3.2 for World of Warcraft wasn't big enough - with a new raid, a new battleground, an expansion to the Argent Tournament, and...
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Runes of Magic: Patch 1844 released

Frogster brought down the Runes of Magic servers for a patch yesterday. Here are the "expected" official patch notes: New Features Capture...
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China tries to force an end to gold farming

As reported in InformationWeek yesterday, China has attempted to put a stop to gold farming by banning the trade of virtual currency and items for...
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Free Realms Chapter 1 Walkthrough

The first epic storyline quest of Free Realms, the Chapter 1 series reveals the darker story beneath Free Realms' lore. Chapter 1 is a story about royalty, sisterhood, and betrayal. Here's a guide to walk you through the quest series.

Even if you're not a Free Realms player, I encourage you to glance through the walkthrough, and see that SOE did manage to put a storyline in the game that isn't "kiddish." Free Realms is not just a happy-dunky-dory place.

Read on at Bright Hub!

No End Game for MMO Devs

Whenever human beings gather, you will find them indulging in a favorite hobby: Humbling the mighty. The only thing we love more than being fans of someone is tearing that someone to shreds. Especially on the internet.

In video games, particularly MMOs, the phenomenon is such a regular occurrence that we should expect to see it once a year like some kind of unholy groundhog day. In the past few years, we’ve seen it happen to Jeff Anderson, Brad McQuaid, Bill Roper, Richard Garriott, and Mark Jacobs, among others. All five of those guys were strongly associated with their studios. All five were hit professionally, for varying reasons with varying degrees of culpability, and then shredded by the chattering classes with a savagery normally exhibited by feral cats and Walmart shoppers going after flatscreen TVs.

But these are MMO people, and there’s no such thing as a final chapter in an MMO. Jeff and Bill are already back in action. Brad has launched a blog, en route to his comeback. Richard Garriott has several new hobbies. Mark is not the type to sit quietly and fade away.

So, what creates these dramas with their multiple acts?

Read this great piece by Sanya Weathers over on MMORPG.com. Gives a really good insight as to what the MMO industry is like.

Free Realms Brawler Guide

Posted on Bright Hub:

If being tough and looking cool are your thing, being a brawler in Free Realms might be for you. One of only two combat jobs that are free to play, the brawler is sometimes difficult to level. If you'd like help, read this guide!

Keep Reading. . .

Latest posted on Examiner

Aion: third beta preview launches July 2nd

Aion's closed beta preview event #3 is starting next week on July 2nd, and continues until July 6th. If you don't have an invite, consider...
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Eve Online Apocrypha 1.3 goes live June 29

EVE Online will be updating to Apocrypha 1.3 on Monday, June 29th. Here are the patch notes:FEATURESNeed for SpeedThe inventory service, which keeps...
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Runes of Magic: The Weeping Coast to be released in August

Runes of Magic will be releasing The Weeping Coast, a brand new zone, in August. This is an independent launch that will be made prior to the Chapter...
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Ether Saga Online socketing and vocation daily quest preview

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Warhammer Online faces big changes down the road

If you missed the news earlier this week, Electronic Arts took Mythic and Bioware, and put them beneath a single umbrella. Gamers were certain to...
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MMO Playing equivalent to parenting

That’s when it hit me: I just changed my character’s pants.

What Level is Your Daughter? The WoW Method for Raising Kids and MMO Characters

This was a really interesting read by one of my fellow writers on Bright Hub. He compares levelling in an MMO to parenting a child. No, that's not saying you'll make a great parent if you play WoW - it's just an interesting concept to compare your budding character to a budding young life.

Go read it!

Latest News Posted on Examiner

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Aion will release September 22nd
If you're eagerly anticipating Aion's release - or if you have a preorder burning a hole in your pocket - you'll be glad to hear the news that Aion...
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How Free Realms area chat is ruining a safe experience

What's worse than Trade chat in World of Warcraft after Saturday morning cartoons? Try Free Realms' area chat channel. When Free Realms introduced an...
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Grand Chase: 6/24 update

Grand Chase has updated today with a brand new patch. Here are the patch notes:[General]Siren is coming! Play as Amy to receive a 50% exp boost until...
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New upgrades to DDO: Eberron Unlimited revealed

Turbine has released new information today on some of the new content coming to Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited. Players can expect:New...
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Dungeon Fighter Online opens closed beta applications

Dungeon Fighter Online, a new game by Nexon (producers of Maple Story, Mabinogi, and more), has just opened up applications for its closed...
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Two big gaming business shifts

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Today brought the announcement of TWO big shifts in the gaming industry.

First of all, id's been bought by ZeniMax. That's right, Doom and Oblivion just got married. Or Wolfenstein and Fallout, if you want to think of it that way.

And then EA decided to merge BioWare and Mythic - which also resulted in Mark Jacobs leaving. What? That was a shock to his coworkers as well as to the rest of us. No one seems to believe Jacobs quit willingly.

A little LOTRO insight.

Image by fiatlux via Flickr

I quit playing Lord of the Rings Online about two years ago. I had grown tired of the game; found the content to be growing dull and repetitive. It had also become painful to play on a personal level, as a dear friend of mine I met on LOTRO lost her battle to a terminal cancer.

I lost my eye on LOTRO for a while, until I started writing on a regular basis about MMORPGs again. I decided, finally, that I'd renew my subscription and buy the Mines of Moria digital upgrade. While reinstalling and downloading a massive update to game files, I discovered something that made me slap my face a little in surprise.

You see, I hadn't realized that LOTRO had added two new classes: the warden and the rune-keeper. For such a big update to such a big game to pass me by felt embarrassing, both as a gamer and a journalist.

Nonetheless, finding this information out was exciting. Not only was I excited to try a restyled LOTRO, but to be able to try out two classes, both of whom appeal to me greatly, is doubly exciting. I even gave in and bought my husband Moria and a month subscription. That's how piqued I'd become.

So sorry Tweety, I should have been paying more attention to this game. I always love Turbine MMOs, and I think LOTRO's gonna suck me back in hard. And I'm gonna like it, baby.

WonderKing beta begins July 9, official website open

Posted on Examiner:

WonderKing, a side scrolling free-to-play MMORPG by ndoors, has launched its official website, and announced that it will be launching its beta on July 9th. If you have any interest in playing or testing WonderKing, head on over and register an account for a chance to get a beta key (those who registered on the teaser site will be getting a beta key in their email.)

Read on...

Lord of the Rings Online: Book 8 released today

Posted on Examiner:

This morning, Turbine brought down the Lord of the Rings Online servers to apply the update for Book 8: Scourge of Khazad-Dûm.

Read on. . .

World of Warcraft: Crusader's Coliseum, Wintergrasp, and other 3.2 changes

Posted on Examiner:

Blizzard has released a preview page for the new raid, Crusader's Coliseum, that will appear in patch 3.2 for World of Warcraft.

In addition, Blizzard's confirmed a couple other upcoming changes for patch 3.2:

Read on . . .

Fallen Earth Stress Test begins June 23

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Posted on Examiner:

If you're one of the many people who has been looking forward to Fallen Earth, a first person shooter MMO, now is your time to get into beta - maybe.

Read on. . .

Free Realms: 6/22 update, guilds added

Posted on Examiner:

Sony Online Entertainment has brought a huge update to Free Realms today. Not only did they offer a patch with bug fixes and new content, they also added guilds!

Read on. . .

8-Bit Pwny Club 1: Top 5 Gaming Toilets

Check out this great, hilarious bit from Weebl of Weebl's Stuff. 8 Bit Characters host their own tube-show. In this episode, they review the top 5 game toilets. Although I did have one, "Oh my god what did they do to Samus?!" moment. It was a riot.

An early glimpse at Aion

Posted on Examiner:

This weekend launched the second beta preview event of Aion, the newest fantasy MMORPG by NCSoft. This time, the NDA was lifted, and I got to experience the beautiful world waiting past the login screen.

Read more!

World of Warcraft: Midsummer Fire Festival

Image by ulalume via Flickr

Posted on Examiner:

World of Warcraft has begun its annual summer event, the Midsummer Fire Festival. Celebrating the summer solstice, the Fire Festival will run from June 21 until July 4.

Read more!

Free Realms Chef Guide

Posted on Bright Hub:

Chefs in Free Realms enjoy the hard work of gathering ingredients, preparing and cooking them, and then finally enjoy the fruits of their labor. Get the "scoop" on how to prepare and make useful foods as a chef here.

Read on!

Also, if you haven't checked them out yet, check out my Free Realms Pet Trainer Guide and my Guide to what you get for being a member in Free Realms.

Dragonica Online closed beta launch

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Posted on Examiner:

I received an email this morning from THQ*ICE, letting me know about a closed beta key giveaway for their new free to play MMORPG, Dragonica Online, along with the promise of open beta soon. The game looks to be promising, if not a bit cute, and I've heard good things about it from friends. Here's the information if you're interested.

... read more ...