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5 upcoming MMORPGs you must know about

Every now and then a new MMORPG near to launch becomes the center of discussion in gaming forums. Because these are games that come with a very tall order for developers and are highly anticipated by so many players. There is a lot to keep in mind when building a great MMO.But what defines the experience? It is tough to get it right. For some it can be the worldbuilding and lore, for others gameplay and combat mechanics, some will find the most satisfaction in a fleshed out guild system. Economy, resource gathering, professions, progression system, classes, character customization... there are too many angles.A great example of continued success: World of Warcraft has proven to be the #1 MMORPG for a long time and people are expecting the arrival of the "WoW killer" for half as long. A title such as Final Fantasy XIV might be the nearest we've got to it, but there are plenty of very enjoyable titles to pick from. Now, we set our sight on the upcoming and awaited MMOs that show a lot of promise.Ashes of CreationAshes of Creation is a highly anticipated MMORPG situated in a high fantasy world, where the decisions made by players play a crucial role in molding and delineating the surrounding environment.Developed by Intrepid Studios, the Alpha 1 test kicked off in 2020. Since then the game has moved to UE5 engine and an official release date has not yet been determined. Presently, the game is undergoing sporadic spot-testing sessions with its Alpha 1 testers. Devs are sharing nits and bits of progress every now and then, making player excitement palpable, with many speculating that the game will likely be released in late 2023 or 2024.https://youtu.be/iYN5PWlST4Q?si=MThvay05EmWknzTIThrone and LibertyThrone and Liberty was unveiled as an immersive living world featuring dynamically changing dungeons based on various criteria. The game incorporates a "Free Class" system, empowering players to select their preferred roles, along with a range of other robust features. This suggests the game holds the promise of delivering a genuinely dynamic and immersive gaming experience.Yes, the game has come across with setbacks during development, but gamers remain optimistic about its release date on December 7th available in South-Korea. Devs anticipated that the game would release in other regions progressively and not long after.https://youtu.be/nTr25G30N98?si=AGtBw8Li9vQq02bYBlue ProtocolAfter garnering high anticipation from MMORPG enjoyers, Blue Protocol made its successful early debut in Japan in 2022. Now, Bandai Namco has ventured further into the genre by partnering with Amazon Games. The upcoming game showcases stunning cel-shaded graphics, inviting players to immerse themselves in an anime-like world.Featuring a range of unique classes, the game's art style is undeniably appealing. Bandai Namco promises players an engaging combat experience with never-before-seen classes. The initial launch will offer four classes, and devs are actively working towards a global release, with plans for future updates to enhance the gameplay.https://youtu.be/4p7o65CbqUc?si=4Glu3xulwNwreyCbChrono OdysseyOut of nowhere and directly to the top of awaited MMOs, Chrono Odyssey shared a most impressive gameplay trailer mid-year and left everyone eager for more. Hailing from the South Korean video game development company NPIXEL, the upcoming MMO's allure lies in its unique storyline, stunning graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics.Players are promised a vast exploration experience as they unravel the mysteries of Setera, a world profoundly affected by the space-time warps it is currently undergoing. There is not much more information about Chrono Odyssey as of yet, such as available classes or the game's release date. But even so, amused followers wait patiently for updates and hoping for it to be a hit.https://youtu.be/pX1KE7mIRDE?si=JdIp3YRhYyhfIE3ORiot Games MMORPGIf anyone could lead us into the next generation of Massive Multiple Online Role-Playing Games, Riot Games could certainly be the one. And that is what their large fanbase and MMOs avid players are hoping for with their announcement of an upcoming title. Still nameless, the game will immerse us in the world of Runeterra, just like League of Legends.Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, Project L fighting game; Riot has been working hard to expand on their repertoire while providing great experiences for players.While we don't know very much about it, there are big names working on the project looking to ensure its success. However, by estimations we are still 2 years away at minimum from launch. We will certainly have updates for you as time advances so be sure to stay on the lookout!

Dota 2’s The International 2023 was a Blast

DOTA 2's most hyped tournament of the year has come and gone. Going down on Seattle again after several years, The International 12th edition featured 20 of the very best teams in the world competing to lift the Aegis, but only Team Spirit had the privilege. In the road to greatness, the CIS squad became 2-time champions becoming the second team to achieve this after OG Esports.Surpassing the 3 million dollar prize pool mark, it started October 12th with group stages and hosted grand finals on the 29th.But what was even better? We were there to experience and cheer for our favorite teams (No, I'm not telling you which they are!) The main event where only the top 8 competed took place on the Climate Pledge Arena. For 3 full days we got to enjoy the highest quality of competitive DOTA 2 and enjoy the side-events prepared by PGL and event sponsors.Even though there weren't many activities besides enjoying the games, attendees had the chance to buy TI and DOTA merch on the Secret Shop. Yes, the queue was at least an hour long, but some of the products were certainly worth it. That is why sadly they sold out pretty fast. There were brand partners stands to enjoy some raffles and roulettes for goodies, as well as being able to hold an Aegis replica and fulfil that dream.Unfortunately for North-American fans, only Nouns was able to make it to top 8 and even then they were defeated 2-0 in convincing fashion by Gaimin Gladiators. But that didn't stop none from cheering and enjoying some good dotes.Some of the best TI moments were the opening ceremony, where the orquesta played DOTA soundtracks and were accompanied by incredible visuals themed with a Cathedral dedicated to the MOBA. All of this with Gabe Newell's iconic introduction to the action. The Betboom vs Virtuspro 87 min elimination match, the LGD vs Spirit rematch and, of course, the awaited Grand Finals betweeen Team Spirit and Gaimin Gladiators were very hype.However, TI 12 had the lowest viewership since 2018. This is widely justified as NA's time zone making it complicated for European viewers not to miss the action. Another reason could be this year's lower prize pool. Even though more than 3 million dollars is a very respectable amount, DOTA 2 has accustomed its fans to ridiculous amounts surpassing the 8 digits.All in all, as esports fans we can certify thar we had a Blast! Team Spirit looked unbeatable in their road to a second title as they denied Gaimin Gladiators to take over the world and achieve the Grand Slam as the 3 Major champions. New stories await for 2024. Will we see a 3-time champion for the first time? Will SA or NA rise to the occasion? We'll have to wait to find out!

Microsoft’s Vision: Xbox and crypto wallet Integration plans leaked

Microsoft's had plans to integrate crypto wallets into its widely popular Xbox gaming platform. This revelation was leaked accidentally from Microsoft's ongoing legal tussle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This revelation has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among gaming and cryptocurrency aficionados, with many speculating on the potential implications of this convergence of gaming and digital finance.Unveiling Microsoft's Bitcoin Integration PlanThe leaked documents, which found their way to the ResetEra gaming forum, contained a trove of information, including the Xbox roadmap for May 2022. It was within this roadmap that the mysterious Microsoft Bitcoin plans were unearthed. While the documents allude to the incorporation of crypto wallet support for the Xbox, the specific details of this integration remain concealed, leaving both enthusiasts and experts eager for further revelations.Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, attributed this inadvertent disclosure to the FTC's legal actions against Microsoft. While he acknowledged that plans may have evolved since the leak, Spencer remained hopeful, stating: "We have much to look forward to in the present and the future".Despite the shroud of uncertainty surrounding Microsoft's intentions, the cryptocurrency community is buzzing with optimism regarding the leak's potential consequences. Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, emphasized the colossal scale of the gaming industry, noting that "Cryptocurrency is the currency of gamers, and the gaming industry surpasses both Hollywood and the music industry in scale." This sentiment underscores the transformative potential inherent in major tech companies embracing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) within this rapidly growing sector.It is noteworthy that Microsoft has not officially confirmed the leaked information, leaving the potential impact hanging in the balance. Nonetheless, the enthusiastic reaction from the crypto community underscores the significance of the possible convergence of gaming and cryptocurrency.Microsoft's legal battle began when they announced their intention to acquire Activision-Blizzard and where met with resistance from Sony, who adverted against it. Defending PlayStation interests and opposing what they claimed could become a future monopoly from their main competition. Responsible of franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch and Diablo, Activision-Blizzard would be a very beneficial prospect to own and control.Microsoft's Prior Foray into the Cryptocurrency RealmIn August, Microsoft had previously ventured into the cryptocurrency sphere by collaborating with Aptos Labs, the creators of the Aptos (APT) layer1 blockchain network. This partnership aimed to enhance the capabilities of the web3 ecosystem, signaling Microsoft's growing interest in the cryptocurrency space.The leak, dubbed by some as the "largest in Xbox history," has rekindled longstanding speculations. Persistent rumors suggest that Microsoft, along with corporate giants like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Google, nurtures aspirations of integrating cryptocurrencies as blockchain technology continues to evolve. While regulatory hurdles and market dynamics have at times impeded these ambitions, the current surge of interest in cryptocurrencies, as evidenced by a wave of spot Bitcoin ETF applications and major banks unveiling blockchain-based initiatives, suggests that Microsoft and Xbox may be on the brink of embracing crypto wallets.Cryptocurrency's Influence on the Gaming LandscapeIn a separate but equally intriguing development, rumblings within the IT sector hint at Microsoft's exploration of integrating a non-custodial Ethereum (ETH) wallet into its Edge browser. Although details remain scarce, this potential move underscores the inexorable march toward the intersection of gaming and digital assets. Should one tech giant take the leap, others may follow suit, setting the stage for a profound transformation of the gaming landscape.This amalgamation of web3, blockchain gaming, and digital assets has the potential to reshape the future of gaming by offering players new avenues for participation, transactions, and true ownership of in-game assets. The gaming world stands on the precipice of a revolution, with possibilities as exciting as they are transformative.As the merger deadline between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard extends to address lingering regulatory concerns, the tech world watches with eager anticipation. One thing remains clear: the fusion of gaming and cryptocurrency is on the horizon, and it holds the potential to revolutionize the digital landscape as we know it. The gaming community and the crypto space alike eagerly await Microsoft's official announcement, which could herald a new era for both industries.

CS2 is out: the dawn of a new era!

It happened! Valve finally launched CS2 for free on the Steam platform. After months of speculation the new entry has finally arrived. Counter-Strike is finally running on a Source 2 engine.Valve dropped the bomb with a very nostalgic video reliving some of Counter-Strike biggest moments through the years. The evolution of the FPS game that defined an industry reminded us that CS2 is here to leave a mark. The actual and next generation will make new history on this playground. Rules have changed, the game has adapted and upgraded.https://twitter.com/CounterStrike/status/1707133016345338334It's been 12 years since the arrival of CS:GO. A game that represented a bigger transition in comparison to its predecessors, be it 1.6 or Source. This time around, the esports scene is SO much bigger and every tweak to CS is highly discussed.It remains true that CS2 isn't ready to guarantee competitive integrity. And even so, ESL will switch to the new title in the middle of Pro League. More organizers will follow and move to the new hot thing, but players will have a harder time because of it.This is meant to be temporary since updates are dropping most days now that CS2 has opened the gates and became flooded. Labeled as "The biggest technical improvement in the history of the franchise", all this improvements demand polish and even more attention to detail from the dev team.We will probably experience a turbulent period of things not working as intended, players exploiting game flaws and more. This is all part of a necessary process to fine-tune CS2 into the game that it sets out to be.

The Dota Pro Circuit is no more

Valve has announced that the current DPC will be replaced with a different system on 2024. The road to the biggest DOTA 2 tournament, The International, will change for good. After 3 years of regional leagues, it's time to shake things up (Earthshaker wink).Despite the stability and the rise of upcoming regions, the DPC slowly became... less and less entertaining. Even with more certainties for DPC players and teams, as well as consistent income for the tier 2 ecosystem (Division 2) wasn't enough to call it a success.As it turns out, all alerts went off after a long list of different sources called out a huge match-fixing problem. Persistent and troublesome to the leagues' integrity, what is also referred by the community as "322", ran especially rampant in Division 2 circuits.These two factors have stirred the current system. As Valve well puts it, "The world of competitive Dota has grown less exciting, less varied, and ultimately much less fun". That is why we can expect a mixed format that could bring back unique events just like the Minors that were so popular before regional leagues became a thing. Valve will expand on their plans the following months.For now, we can get ready to enjoy The International 2023 with the awaited Compendium. In a month we will have the 2023 champions lifting up the Aegis at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

MK 1 and Riot’s Project L: New contenders join the fight!

Kicking it off with Street Fighter VI's mid-year launch, the fighting game community feel like they get to explore an entire new chapter for the genre: Mortal Kombat 1 is practically here and Project L has already provided a playable version to the public at EVO.Mortal Kombat 1 looks to "reset lore" through Liu Kang's efforts as a keeper of time crafting a new era of piece. This is a truly special entry for NetherRealm Studios, having gone full circle and back to Midway Games' original goal. As it moves around relationships, conflicts and character backgrounds; Jean-Claude Van Damme gets to become Johny Cage after 30 years.https://youtu.be/MYa7L4jp11E?si=4VD5FiyurLtrbgDmRiot Games broadens its horizons as it has done so already through VALORANT's success. It also had a go with the digital collectible card game genre through Legends of Runeterra. Now, their efforts are directed to a promising fighting game known by "Project L". Carrying the universe of League of Legends over, making your favourite champions have a go at each other.Project L looks to stand out with a unique tag-team fighter style. Encounters go down in a 2v2 format where you can either play both of your characters or split the burden with a friend. The game gives the tag-team system a big priority as a core element that makes its combat unique. It also opens up a door for duos competition. You will be able to 1v1, 2v2 or even 1v2.https://youtu.be/OVmcADoiBu8?si=5gsuL7pSvp0JYG_uWhile we all want them to succeed and open new opportunities for the FGC, it is still too early to jump to conclusions. Will they be able to captivate new players to the genre? Will they set new foundations for high profile competitions?There is certainly a lot of thought and effort put into them. Stick around and find out if this is indeed a new chapter or just a big flop.

Is Counter-Strike 2 ready for launch?

When it comes to FPS esports games, the first that comes to mind has to be Counter-Strike. No shooter has nearly as much history as Valve's Counter-Terrorist vs Terrorists CS. That is why it became the biggest news when Valve announced not only that CS2 was well nearly here, but that the esports scene would be migrating to the new entry as soon as official launch arrived.Limited beta access immediately became the top wishlisted item on all early christmas present lists. That being said, Valve kept the initial amount tight until recently. While many showed great excitement for CS2's new visuals, physics, gunplay and more; not everything felt up to standards.Valve has counted on pro-players' feedback regarding movement, gun-spray, recoil, utility, sound, responsiveness, peeking, latency. The esports scene needs Counter-Strike 2 to become the heir to Global Offensive, a title that has been under polishing for over a decade.While many understand that CS2 will become better over time, others are afraid that the experience may change for good (or worse). Every time Counter-Strike launched a new game, some things have become different. But does it have to be a bad thing?There are plenty of intended and explicit modifications. For example, CS2 removed skyboxes. Meaning that players can throw utility as high as they want without bouncing with an invisible roof. This is very impactful to strategy and competitiveness, opening up nearly infinite possibilities.Smokes are now dynamic and more realistic, covering all in their radius reacting to space, bullets and grenades. Also, maps have changed to different grades. There is no mistaking that this is a new game.As expected of a beta, there are plenty of bugs that need fixing. Even though Valve has addressed many callouts, work is still under way. But there is a matter more concerning, which may turn out hard to swallow for some: Is Counter Strike 2 ready for launch?There is certainly a lot of work to be done before the game should be launched, but just like pretty much every esports title, updates won't stop then. Improvements and quality changes will continue to be released over and over. Valve just has to make sure that the game is good enough to ensure competitiveness as it plans to have its first CS2 Major in early 2024.The community continues to make their voice be heard and with more beta access released every few days the goal should be achievable. However, the new installment is set to come out anywhere between now and September 23. Time is running short if Valve is to keep true to their announcement. Will CS2 make it?

Potter: The first woman to ever win VALORANT Champions

Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesLast Saturday, the North-American organization Evil Geniuses wrote new VALORANT history for the region after a 3-1 Grand Finals victory against Paper Rex. EG managed to take revenge after a 2-1 defeat against them in the Winner's Bracket Finals. This was how Christine "Potter" Chi became the first woman to raise the biggest trophy.The Evil Geniuses' coach who was once under fire for lacking performances at the beginning of the regional league, managed one of the most impressive comebacks the esport has witnessed. With the arrival of duelist player Demon1 and by a stroke of faith qualified to NA playoffs after MIBR's unexpected victory over 100Thieves, EG turned things around. Not only did they qualify to Tokio's Masters, but managed to become the event's runner up after losing to Fnatic.It was at VALORANT Champions where Potter's coaching capabilities truly shined together with the EG squad. Her victory is cheered by all, signifying a big step forward for all women looking to make it to the big leagues. It is Riot Games hope that female VALORANT circuit, Game Changers, one day becomes unnecessary. Once women and minorities can become a part of the circuit and compete at the highest level. Many of them may already have the skill required but lack the opportunity.https://twitter.com/EvilGeniuses/status/1695580999529247082Potter's coaching skills and likeable personality have granted her a huge fanbase. She is practically considered the 6th player of the EG squad. Her role and direction has proven elemental to their success.A new milestone for women in esports on the biggest stage translates to huge inspiration and motivation for upcoming talents. Bit by bit, we are getting there. It is a matter of time and many steps forward ahead.

How to play in Clash Royale tournaments in Blast

In this guide we'll go over 3 easy steps to join a Clash Royale tournament in Blast.If you don't have a Blast account yet, check this guide firstNext, we will connect your CR account in your profile. To do so, go over the Profile sectionIn this section, you need to input your Player Tag that you obtain from the game. To find it, tap in the banner with your name in the home screen of the game.Then copy the tag (shown in the red box) to the input box in your profile.And simply click Connect, if the tag is correct, you'll see a notification confirming your account is now connected. Keep in mind '0's and 'O's look really similar in the game to avoid any mistakes.3. Last step is to find a CR tournament in the app and Join, if it's a Team tournament, you will first go to the Team section, create your team and invite your squad to join it.And that's it ! If you have any doubts, please contact us through Discord.