The Black Desert Console community sees the arrival of the ‘Scholar’, a new class launched by Pearl Abyss in their latest game update. This class, available for players on both PlayStation and Xbox, features unique combat abilities centered around the use of hammers and gravity manipulation.

The ‘Scholar’ joins as the 27th class in Black Desert Console, bringing with her a blend of swift attacks and powerful moves. This update comes alongside a month-long series of events and rewards celebrating the game’s anniversary on console platforms.

Scholar Class Features

The Scholar class introduces a novel playstyle with her ability to manipulate gravity, allowing for a variety of combat tactics against foes. Based on feedback from the PC version of the game, the console update includes several improvements to make the Scholar’s gameplay smoother and more dynamic. These enhancements cover animation fluidity, combo extensions, and the strengthening of certain skills to improve overall mobility and combat efficiency.

Console Player Statistics and Trends

In conjunction with the class launch, Pearl Abyss released an infographic highlighting various player achievements and trends on the console version of Black Desert. This includes milestones such as the number of players reaching significant gameplay hours, as well as insights into the most challenging and defeated monsters within the game.

Anniversary Celebrations

To mark the anniversary, the game is hosting a variety of events, contests, and promotions designed to engage the player base. These include increased in-game rewards, special challenges, and exclusive events tailored to celebrate the achievements of the Black Desert Console community.

Star Vault has announced that a Public Test Realm (PTR) for the next Mortal Online 2 patch will be available starting March 8th. This PTR, scheduled to run through the weekend, offers players an opportunity to experience some of the update’s key features ahead of its official release. Notably, a new dungeon introduced in the update will remain inaccessible during the PTR to prevent spoilers.

The update introduces several adjustments aimed at enhancing the gameplay experience. Among these, a comprehensive update to mount stamina mechanics is designed to facilitate smoother travel across the game’s vast world. Changes include uniform stamina drain and regeneration rates for all mounts and adjustments to stamina consumption at different speeds, enabling players to maintain faster travel speeds for longer periods without needing to pause for stamina recovery.

For the first time, players will have the ability to ride bears, with Black, Brown, and White bears each offering unique mounted stats. The development team has expressed interest in gathering player feedback on this new feature.

Improvements to melee combat are also a highlight of the upcoming patch. These include the addition of a secondary weapon set for swift changes during combat, enhancements to input responsiveness, and streamlined commands for executing combat maneuvers. The patch also marks the return of the dismemberment feature, adding a new dimension to combat encounters.

A special event during the PTR will allow participants to engage with the new combat features in a structured setting. The event’s format is initially planned as a traditional battle, with potential for alternative scenarios based on how the session progresses.

Final Fantasy XIV, the popular MMORPG, is scheduled to launch on the Xbox Series X|S on March 21, as announced during the recent Xbox Partner Showcase. The announcement was accompanied by a new trailer that concluded with the reveal of the official launch date.

Prior to this announcement, an open beta phase for Final Fantasy XIV on the Xbox Series X|S began on February 21. This phase was aimed at players who did not have an existing account on other platforms, allowing them to experience the game ahead of its full release. Square Enix, the developer of Final Fantasy XIV, had advised existing players to wait until the launch to link their accounts and start playing on the Xbox to ensure a smooth transition.

The decision to bring Final Fantasy XIV to the Xbox Series X|S expands the game’s availability to a wider audience, providing Xbox users the opportunity to explore its expansive world. This move is anticipated to introduce the game to new players while offering existing fans another platform to enjoy their adventures.

Funcom has recently unveiled a new trailer and featurette for its upcoming game, “Dune: Awakening,” during the premiere of “Dune: Awakening Direct.” The showcase, led by Soe Gschwind, presented a 15-minute look into the game, highlighting its open-world survival MMO elements set on the challenging landscape of Arrakis.

Following the announcement of “Dune: Awakening” in 2022, Funcom has now shared further details about the game, aligning with the release of “Dune: Part 2” in cinemas. The new content includes a segment called “Creating Worlds: From Book to Film to Game,” which offers insights into the development of Arrakis, featuring commentary from Greig Fraser, the cinematographer for the recent Dune films, and Joel Bylos, Funcom’s Creative Director. This segment explores the collaborative effort to align the game with the visual and thematic elements of the Dune universe.

The presentation also included the “Survive Arrakis Trailer,” showcasing gameplay elements such as base building, exploration, and combat. Players will navigate the dangers of Arrakis, encounter sandworms, and utilize a variety of vehicles and skills derived from the Great Schools of the Imperium.

“Dune: Awakening” is described as a blend of survival game mechanics with the expansive, interactive environment of a large multiplayer game, emphasizing player freedom and emergent gameplay. The game encourages players to carve their own paths on Arrakis, interacting with other players to create unique narratives within the Dune universe.

Joel Bylos, in discussing the game, noted Funcom’s history in developing multiplayer and survival games, stating that “Dune: Awakening” represents a culmination of the company’s experience, aimed at pushing the boundaries of what Funcom can deliver in terms of player immersion and engagement.

Lost Ark has announced a series of server merges planned for March 6 and March 13, respectively, aimed at enhancing the group gameplay experience within the game’s vast world, Arkesia. These merges are expected to facilitate a denser player base, promoting social interactions and cooperative gameplay.

For individuals with characters exclusively on one server, transitioning to the newly formed server will require nothing more than a standard login post-merge. On the other hand, players with characters across the merging servers will see their rosters combined, with further instructions available on how to navigate this process provided on Lost Ark’s official website.

To minimize the impact on gameplay, Smilegate RPG and Amazon Games are focusing on optimizing the merge process to reduce downtime. However, due to the intricate nature of these operations, each merge is anticipated to result in up to 16 hours of downtime. Updates on the process and server status will be shared through Lost Ark’s Game Status Twitter/X account and the Official Lost Ark Discord.

Central Europe, North America, and South America will see several servers being merged into larger ones, aimed at consolidating the player base across these regions. This consolidation is part of the effort to create a more unified and engaging environment for players.

Following the server merges, a rebranding of the unified servers will take place on March 13, signaling a fresh beginning for these newly formed communities. This move is indicative of Lost Ark’s commitment to continuously improving the player experience and fostering a vibrant community within the game.

Fractured Online is set to host a Free Weekend event starting from Thursday, March 7th. This event allows both Steam users and those registered on the Fractured Online website to access the game without cost. This initiative marks the first Free Weekend for Fractured Online on Steam since its launch approximately four months ago, following the release of the Endgame Changer update.

The Free Weekend begins at 4 pm UTC on March 7th and concludes on Monday, March 11th, at 11 am UTC. During this period, players can access the game through Steam or by downloading the standalone launcher from the Fractured Online website. This period offers more than three days of access without the need to purchase the game.

Alongside the Free Weekend, Fractured Online will also feature a discount for the first time since its Early Access debut. The discount includes a 30% reduction on the Adept Founder Pack, with larger Founder Packs receiving discounts between 15% and 20%. These discounts will be available both on Steam and the official Fractured Online store, extending beyond the Free Weekend.

Due to limited financial and staffing resources after becoming independent, the developers of Fractured Online are inviting the game’s community to assist in promoting the game. The “Spread The Word & Win A Key” program has been reintroduced, encouraging players to share information about Fractured Online and the upcoming Free Weekend and discount event. Participants have the opportunity to win permanent access to the game by contributing to its promotion on various platforms.

The Mabinogi team has released a comprehensive update regarding new content and events planned for the year 2024. The announcement includes a mix of annual events, game enhancements, and new features aimed at enriching the player experience in the world of Erinn.

Doki Doki Island is making a comeback, highlighted by new activities and enhancements that were introduced in February. Players can look forward to engaging in various in-game activities alongside characters Sior and Reni, depicted in charming illustrations that evoke memories of past adventures.

Mabinogi NA is set to celebrate its 16th Anniversary with the Festival of Stars, featuring the return of Festia activities, the introduction of a new basketball mini-game, and a collection of star-themed items. The event will also include an Anniversary GM Event and Community contests, with exclusive physical prizes for winners.

The forthcoming VIP Service Renewal will introduce new package options, incorporating both existing and new features. An update slated for later in the year will make several event mini-games permanently accessible, providing players with more entertainment options.

The game’s combat system will undergo significant updates in Season 5 of Renovations, aiming to balance skills across different talents and Arcana skills. These updates will focus on enhancing usability and dynamics in combat, including improvements to specific skills, lance functionality, and shield effects.

A new chapter, Generation 26, is scheduled for release in the summer, introducing a new storyline, NPCs, monsters, and additional content. Moonlight Island will offer players a unique space for creativity and interaction, allowing for extensive customization and engagement in production activities.

Improvements to the Homestead feature are also planned, aiming to provide players with more options for customization and decoration, enhancing the personal space within the game.

Albion Online is set to expand its reach with the introduction of a new server specifically tailored for the Europe and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions. Scheduled for launch in April 2024, this move aims to enhance the gaming experience for players in these areas by offering improved connection speeds, lower ping, and event timings optimized for the regional audience.

The upcoming server represents a fresh start for all players, providing a level playing field in an entirely new and separate game world. This initiative reflects Albion Online’s commitment to fostering a global community by accommodating the needs and preferences of players from different regions.

In addition to technical improvements, the new server will support all of Albion Online’s available languages, including the recent additions of Turkish and Arabic. This expansion of language options underscores the game’s ongoing effort to be inclusive and accessible to a wider player base.

Concurrent with the launch of the new server, the existing servers will undergo a renaming process to better reflect their geographic focus: “Albion West” will be renamed to “Albion Americas” and “Albion East” to “Albion Asia.” This reorganization aims to streamline the server selection process for players based on their location.

To celebrate the launch, Albion Online will offer Founder Packs for the new Europe server starting March 11, 2024. These packs will include exclusive items, early access to the server, in-game currency, and premium status, along with the opportunity to reserve character and guild names in advance. This early access and reservation system is designed to ensure that players can secure their preferred in-game identities before the server officially opens.

The team behind Broken Ranks has recently shared an update regarding their plans for the game moving forward into 2024. Following the release of “Shadow of Hope,” a significant content update celebrating the game’s second anniversary, the developers are now focusing on further enhancements and the implementation of new features, with a strong emphasis on community feedback.

Community Updates Initiative

Acknowledging the active participation of their player base and the abundance of suggestions shared on Discord, the developers have introduced a new concept called “community updates.” This initiative is designed to incorporate changes that, while might be minor, aim to improve the overall quality of life within the game. These updates will particularly focus on implementing suggestions from the community, enhancing the gameplay experience based on direct player feedback.

The first of these Community Updates is set to roll out on March 5th, with a comprehensive list of changes to be published on the Broken Ranks official website, ensuring transparency and keeping the player base informed.

Forward-Looking Plans for 2024

In addition to community-focused updates, the developers have outlined their broader plans for Broken Ranks in 2024. An infographic was shared with the community, detailing the key features and directions intended for the game. It’s important to note, however, that these plans are presented as a general guide rather than a strict roadmap. The development team has expressed a desire to maintain flexibility in their planning process, allowing room for new ideas and adjustments based on ongoing feedback and their evolution as developers.

This approach reflects a commitment to adaptability, with the potential for implementing new features or making different enhancements that could benefit the game and its community more effectively.

The Broken Ranks team has reiterated their dedication to keeping the community informed about ongoing updates, future plans, and any new ideas that may arise. This ongoing dialogue between the developers and players underscores a collaborative effort to continually improve and expand the Broken Ranks experience.

Might and Delight have announced significant updates to the game’s combat system, emphasizing the instrumental role of community feedback in this process. Recognizing that the initial combat mechanics fell short of their intended vision, the team embarked on an extensive overhaul, introducing a preview build for player testing.

The initiative aimed to gather insights from the player base to refine and enhance the combat experience. The response from the community was substantial, with many players contributing their perspectives and suggestions. This collaborative effort has led to a series of improvements in the combat system, poised for integration into the main game.

Key updates resulting from player feedback include the ability to view stats for both allies and enemies during combat, streamlined targeting mechanics for improved usability and visual coherence, adjustments to health synchronization with other combat elements, extended duration of defense skills, and enriched feedback for in-combat actions.

The development team has expressed gratitude towards the community for their active involvement in the testing phase. This engagement has directly contributed to the enhancements in the combat system, demonstrating the value of player feedback in the development process.

With the updated combat system nearing its integration into the regular production build, the team has assured the community that the wait will be brief. They commit to providing further updates as the implementation progresses.

In closing, the team thanked the player base for their support and feedback. They shared their plans for the weekend, which include personal gaming sessions, highlighting the shared passion for gaming that unites the team and the community.

RuneScape has announced a significant update to its combat system, slated for release on March 4th, 2024. This update introduces the much-anticipated fourth combat style, Necromancy, and implements a series of improvements aimed at modernizing the game’s core combat mechanics.

The introduction of Necromancy follows a period of extensive testing and collaboration with the player community. This new combat style not only adds depth to RuneScape’s already intricate combat system but also serves as the catalyst for a broader overhaul aimed at enhancing player experience across all combat styles.

Key Updates and Features:

• Elimination of Hit Chance: In a bold move, RuneScape has removed the hit chance mechanic, shifting the focus from accuracy to a damage scaling system. This change means players will no longer experience misses with their ultimate abilities, streamlining combat and ensuring a more consistent and satisfying experience.
• Damage Consistency: The update introduces improvements to critical strikes and the damage ranges of abilities. These changes aim to reduce the randomness in combat, giving players more control over their gameplay and making combat outcomes more predictable.
• Fluid Combat Experience: The original three combat styles have been updated to align more closely with the fluidity and modernity of Necromancy. These improvements are part of RuneScape’s ongoing effort to ensure a cohesive and engaging combat experience across all styles.
• Enhanced Learnability and Understandability: With clearer tooltips, labels, and a revamped UI for channeled abilities, the update makes it easier for players to understand the nuances of RuneScape combat. This accessibility is expected to make the game more approachable for newcomers while still offering depth for veterans.

The journey to this comprehensive update began in November of the previous year with a beta phase that saw the integration of several key features pioneered by Necromancy. Following months of iterative testing and player feedback, the development team has fine-tuned the combat system, addressing community suggestions and refining the overall mechanics.

In recent times, the MMO has been rife with concern regarding the fate of beloved MMORPGs: Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. Amidst the turmoil surrounding Embracer Group’s financial struggles, and Cryptic Studios’ uncertain future, players have been on edge. However, a recent post from Cryptic CEO Phil Frazier on the Star Trek Online subreddit has offered a glimmer of hope to the worried fans.

Frazier’s message, while not overflowing with optimism, certainly cut through some of the doom and gloom. He confirmed that despite the ongoing transitions and the relocation of operations, there are no immediate plans to shut down any of the three games. This news comes as a sigh of relief to the community, which has been speculating about the potential end of their favorite virtual worlds.

The CEO elaborated on the studio’s efforts to maintain a “steady state” regarding content updates, particularly for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, given Champions Online’s sporadic update history. While acknowledging the possibility of changes in the future, Frazier emphasized the goal of keeping the games alive and thriving under the new management of DECA Games. This ambition is shared by both Cryptic and DECA, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of these titles.

The transition to DECA, as Frazier described, is complex and still in progress, involving significant changes to game development and publishing. However, he reassured players that strides are being made, and the collaborative effort between Cryptic and DECA is strong.

Frazier’s post also addressed the internal changes within Cryptic Studios. Acknowledging the departure of some team members due to the instability, he expressed support for those choosing to leave while highlighting the continued dedication of those who stay. The transparency and support within the studio were underscored as crucial elements during this period of change.

Looking ahead, Frazier announced plans to participate in an upcoming stream alongside Mike, Brett, and Jarrod, tentatively scheduled for March 19. This event promises further updates and a chance for the community to engage directly with the leaders of Cryptic Studios.