Congratulations to our two winners:

-Erlend Simonsen

-Jim McHie

Thanks for entering, I hope you enjoy the game!

With the sudden influx of popularity for Macintosh computers it has begun to become economically viable for companies to start releasing games onto Macs, right? Think again. Despite Macintosh gaining quite a bit of momentum against our Windows-wielding PC overlords the release list for video games on the Mac are still surprisingly low. This holds especially true for MMORPGs. In fact, I can actually count every relevant MMORPG on one hand:

• World of Warcraft
• Everquest 1
• Lineage 1
• Shadowbane
• Myst Online URU

Five games. . . well those are just the major ones, there are also a bunch of smaller freebie ones like Oberim (a Mac-only MMO) as well as Graal, Dofus, etc. mostly not-so-good stuff. I’ve also heard murmurings that EVE Online is available for Macintosh computers, but after looking through the technical FAQs and the site, in general, I couldn’t find anything to back that claim up. Read below.

So when will all of this change? Not anytime soon, I’m afraid. A quick look at two of the most anticipated MMORPGs of the year shows that there is no planned Macintosh versions of either one. Of course I am talking about Warhammer Online, and Age of Conan. The lead developer of Warhammer Online has even gone on record as saying they will release the game for PC only. Harsh. . . looks like diehard Mac fans will be left out in the cold for at least a while longer.

Maybe this is why World of Warcraft is making so much money. Just a theory. . .

UPDATE: EVE Online is available for Macintosh Computers. This effectively brings up the total of relavant MMOs on Macs to 6. I did not include ToonTown due to it’s marketed audience.

Until now I have resisted the urge to write about World of Warcraft, but after reading about Blizzard’s 1.2B (yes that is Billions) in revenue in 2007, I could not resist any further. World of Warcraft is the first MMO to 10 Million subscribers, which I feel has allowed it to succeed where no other MMO has before, and that is in popular culture. It has infiltrated our lives from bumper stickers, to t-shirts, books, computers, non-video games, and jewelry. The list does not stop there and I am sure more World of Warcraft stuff is in the works. It is a David and Goliath story, except Goliath keeps getting bigger and David is stuck without a rock. World of Warcarft has become the iPod, the hula hoop, and wonder bread all in one, with no end to the gravy train in sight.

But we also cannot deny that World of Warcraft is the big bully on the block that is just constantly taking the lunch money from those who are weaker. Somehow Blizzard has created the Canon of MMORPGs and with that carved a huge majority chunk of the MMO market. Will Blizzard be able to maintain such a strangle hold? With so many new games on the horizon, can Funcom, EA Mythic, or any of the other MMO studios have a chance to dethrone Warcraft? With an expansion on the way (and another every year until the end of time) I do not see World of Warcraft slowing anytime soon, but I am very interested to see what happens in the coming years. What are your thoughts?

Please keep it civil. Thank you.

I don’t know, but there is some very interesting news that seems to be pointing to it. Netease, China’s leading online game operator, might soon be licensed to operate overseas online games and according to Caijing Magazine this first foreign game will be Starcraft! Netease CEO Ding Lei has not yet confirmed this.

To give you an idea of what Netease does, here’s what the company’s profile states:

The company’s online games business focuses on massively multiplayer online role-playing games by selling prepaid point cards to the end customers who may use the points on such cards for online game services provided by the company.

So what does this mean? Is this a web based or watered down MMO based off the Starcraft Universe that Netease will create for Chinese gamers? Is Netease going to be licensed to sell prepaid cards for Blizzard games in China? Could it be a hint pointing to World of Starcraft? I don’t know, but it is interesting non the less.

Source: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1036606/

I hear it almost everyday on forums, blogs, gaming related websites, etc.: PC gaming is just too expensive to survive. I mean have you seen those Alienware and Dell gaming desktops and laptops? Some of those machine can get up to $1500 or more. It can get quite insane. Fear not, though, gaming on a PC is not actually that expensive. In fact, if you (or a friend) know what you are doing and what to buy you can get a really decent gaming PC for cheaper than a bottom of the line Playstation 3. This is definitely something that you’ll probably be interested in as about 98% of all MMORPGs are on the PC. 

Now, before I start with the list there are a few things that you need to know before hand:

1. This computer will allow you to play any MMORPG on the market right now. I guarentee it.
2. Somethings list you may or may not want. This will change the pricing structure.
3. I did not include a monitor. Do HDTVs come with a PS3? No.
4. I did not include speakers, a mouse, or a keyboard. Most people (especially gamers) have these things lying around somewhere. If not you can nab all three for about $20 total.
5. I did not include an OS. Windows XP can be found on eBay for around $60, or you can get Linux for free.
6. Building a PC can be hard, but it’s also a lot of fun. If you don’t feel up to the task, any small-time computer repair shop will build it for you for about $20. DO NOT GO TO GEEK SQUAD!
7. The above picture is NOT the PC I am “building” for you right now.

As you can see there are a few conditions here. If you add the OS, keyboard, speakers, and mouse it will put you over the low-end PS3 price. It kind of sucks, but it’s still not as expensive as what you already probably thought it was. Also, this PC will be faster and more powerful than about 90% (if not more) of the namebrand (Dell, HP, etc.) PCs you find at your local Best Buy. Ok, onto the PC! Click the links to goto the product:

• Asus CD/DVD player – $14.99
• Mid-sized Computer Case – $29.99
• Samsung 200gb HardDrive – $54.99
• 2GBs of Corsair RAM – $39.99
• Asus AMD Motherboard – $76.99
• 585 Watt Power Supply – $34.99
• AMD Athlon 64 X2 2.1Ghz Dual Core – $59.99
• ATI Radeon HD 2600Pro – $76.99

GRAND TOTAL:  $388.92 (before taxes)

And there you go. With all of these components you’ll have yourself a very decent gaming PC. Obviously it won’t be the best in the world, but you will be able to play most, if not all PC games out there. You’ll certainly be able to play the newest of MMORPGs like Tabula Rasa and Pirates of the Burning Sea.With this blog, I am not expecting an average person to go out and build themselves a new gaming PC, this is for gamers who have always felt that a gaming PC was too expensive to actually buy into. I just wanted to set the record straight. PC gaming still isn’t for all gamers as a number of things can go wrong, things break, and you’ll generally have to upgrade more often, albiet it will be cheaper than upgrading a new console.

For those who still aren’t convinced to buy a PC for gaming you still have Final Fantasy XI, right? Age of Conan and those promised NCSoft PS3 MMOs are still quite a ways away.

P.S. I have tried to get this as accurate as possible. Everything listed here should be compatible. However, I may have overlooked something as there are a bunch of specs to read when looking at these products.

EDIT: It should be ntoed that if you go with a free version of Linux (Ubuntu Redhat, etc.) not all MMORPGs will run with it. Different versions of Linux work with different MMORPGs. Do your homework if you persue this route.

For me. As with most people who move into a new house, I am sitting on the sidelines waiting for TimeWarner to come and hook me up with internet. This also means that over the weekend I have been “out of touch” with my usual circle of information/opinion websites that give me such interesting things to talk about. *sigh* I feel like that kid who can’t go out and play football or soccer because it’s raining. Metaphorically speaking, of course. . .

Anyways, as soon as I get my internet back (Feburary 5th ) I’ll be picking up a copy of Pirates of the Burning Sea. I have been waiting for this game for 2 years now, and I won’t let a little internet outage keep me from getting my hands on it. I haven’t actually played the game yet, but, contrary to what our new writer Edward thinks, it looks awesome. I had a friend over to my house the other day and he was explaining the in’s and out’s of the economic system and it sounds like it could actually work without being too complicated, something the EVE Online suffers from greatly. I plan on putting up a review of the first 10 levels as soon as I can (expect it in about 2 weeks). I’m also in the middle of working on a number of interviews for the website from a wide range of MMOs. Hopefully I can snag one of those soon.

For many of us, our childhood toys bring back great memories. Some of us have fond memories of Transformers, GI Joes, or even Mr. Potato Head, but one toy that was universal, boy or girl, was the LEGO block. Today, the LEGO turns 50! Read about the history of the block here. So why is this article here? Well in 2008, LEGO Universe will go online (supposedly), marking an interesting turn for the ubiquitous plastic block. For the past few years, LEGO has made the jump from reality to virtual reality, going from block to video game, and now to MMO. Here is a small description from their forums:

Imagine living in a LEGO universe as a minifig where you can meet your friends, build together with virtual LEGO bricks, bring those creations to life, be a part of an ongoing game adventure and more…

I have to say, that although Second Life never appealed to me, LEGO Universe does. Freedom building whatever you want out of LEGO is a fantasy to many I am sure, and with this game that fantasy will come alive. Unlike Second Life though, this MMO wants to be a game, and if it includes anything like the Star Wars or upcoming Indiana Jones LEGO games, then I feel this MMO can be a true success. Details are scarce about the game right now, so as things get revealed, look for some updates.

There comes a time in every MMORPGer’s life where they have realized that typing is not the best way to communicate. Whether it’s leading a raid or trying to get a heal before you die, typing is just too slow. I myself have always used a desktop mic while playing, but am contemplating getting a headset instead. I mean just look at the two people in this pic, they look like there having a blast! I wonder who there talking to? Image courtesy of webreaders.de.

Anway, I wanted to see what you guys use. Are you a typer or do you use a mic or headset? Got any suggestions for a good headset?

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and congratulations on reading the first ever Ed’s Weekly Watch! This is a weekly post on what’s new in MMORPGs. I will write about new MMOs, news on MMOs, and other things involving…well…MMOS!!! Thanks and enjoy!

-Most of you know about the newest MMO “Pirates of the Burning Sea”. Well, I played the Beta and a little since the launch and I have to say, I am a little disappointed. The graphics are outdated, the “Open Sea” (the part of the game when you are sailing on the “Open Sea” not Ship Battling…2 different parts) graphics aren’t great either. The best quality graphics are when you are in a ship battle. The crafting system is alright, but it could use some work, and the player run economy isn’t what players expected it to be. It is hard to understand and takes forever to get used too. If you wish to try it go to www.piratesoftheburningsea.com and buy the game software from your local gaming merchandise store.

-I am a couple days off, but incase you haven’t heard, Age of Conan was pushed back 2 months. The devolopers claim that they needed “more time” and to “polish” up some things in gameply. I was heartbroken when I heard this, I was looking forward to the March launch, but I guess we will have to wait untill May.

-The thread I posted before this mentioned a contest. Yup, I have 2 Mythos invitations to give out. So to register send me an email at edearien@yahoo.com with the title “Contest”. Thanks!

-Beckett Massive Online Gamer magizine is offering a free issue! Visit here for more details. It requires a credit card to get the issue, but you can allways cancel if you don’t like it.

-The Chronicles of Spellborn has released a devoloper chat with Romano Molenaar! Click here to watch!

- RuneScape has released the long awaited summoning skill! You can play at www.runescape.com.

Wow, its been a pretty big week! Tune in next week for more exciting news on MMORPGs!

Hey folks, I am the new writer here! My name is Edward Dearien and I am glad to be here. Here is a little background information about me:

I live in Texas USA, I love MMORPGs, and I love writing short stories. You will see some pretty fun articles from me, I will tell you now, a contest is comming! I hope that my writing will bring knowledge to you all…May the force be with you.