The MMO genre has huge potential to make use of live events. Orchestrated by developers for players to enjoy – even if for a limited time – they offer seemingly spontaneous content (despite requiring months of planning) that’s both original and unexpected. Live events also offer respite from the predictable roadmap we’re often fed.
World of Warcraft – Trial of Valor Mini-Raid Previewed in New Video
WoWhead has posted a new preview video for the World of Warcraft: Legion mini-raid, Trial of Valor, on November 8th. The voice-over for the video does contain minor spoilers so consider yourself warned, but if you’d like to see the layout of the raid, it’s a fantastic look ahead. Let us know what you think in the comments.
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft – Heroic Brawls – A New Competitive Version of Tavern Brawl
In many ways, the new Hearthstone Heroic Brawl is much like the regular Arena. It begins with a deck constructed out of a player’s cards and then locked in to try to accumulate as many wins as possible during the run. Rewards will scale based on how many wins are achieved if or until a player has lost three times. The entrance fee for Heroic Brawl is $10 or 1,000 in-game gold but the rewards earned are much better.
Path of Exile – The Exiled Tribune – New Sextant Mods Q&A, Spotlight on Community Art & Abodes
Welcome back to another issue of the Path of Exile – The Exiled Tribune. In this week’s discussion, we turn our attention to the forthcoming v2.4.1 update that will include some brand new Sextant mods that will add a lot of interesting mechanics, and not just a bit of spice, to maps. In addition, the Art Contest found its final three, the Build of the Week features a Deadeye Ranger and the community shines again in a brand new Hideout Showcase.
Camelot Unchained – The Evolution of CU’s Updates
This week Timothy Eisen looks at the Camelot Unchained backer updates from the beginning to now and wonders which lessons guided their evolution.
Elder Scrolls Online – ‘Build Small & Specific Instead of Big’ ~Rich Lambert
During a Gamasutra live stream event held last week, the team interviewed Elder Scrolls Online Creative Director Rich Lambert. During the course of the discussion, Lambert indicated that the ‘big things’ coming for MMO development are those things that players are doing together and how they are working to build social ties. In addition, Lambert said that, rather than designing MMOs “big”, making smaller, specifically targeted MMOs is the future for the genre.
– Age of Wulin to Update with Ancient Secrets Tomorrow
Webzen has sent word that Age of Wulin will be updating tomorrow with Chapter 9: Ancient Secrets. The content brings two new factions, two new zones and new skills to the game.
– Swirling Diablo 4 Rumors Light Up the Weekend Internet
Over the weekend, the rumor mill kicked into high gear with a report that originated with BlizzardWatch.com after a series of Twitter posts by Dave Brevik seemingly hinting at big happenings for Blizzcon that will be prominently featuring Diablo’s 20th anniversary. Speculators have torn into an image posted by Brevik made after he and Diablo co-developer Bill Roper spent time at the Blizzard campus in Southern California.
– UPDATED: Diablo 4 Rumors Light Up the Weekend Internet
Over the weekend, the rumor mill kicked into high gear with a report that originated with BlizzardWatch.com after a series of Twitter posts by Dave Brevik seemingly hinting at big happenings for Blizzcon that will be prominently featuring Diablo’s 20th anniversary. Speculators have torn into an image posted by Brevik made after he and Diablo co-developer Bill Roper spent time at the Blizzard campus in Southern California.
Riders of Icarus – Halloween Spooktacular Events Arrive
The Riders of Icarus team has posted a quick peek at the Halloween festivities that players will encounter over the next few weeks in game. Four separate events are taking place that can yield candy and good times for participants.