We have written before about Ether Saga Online. This free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing game from Perfect World Entertainment has now officially launched. The level cap has been increased to 105 along with many other improvements including new monsters. Check out the below high definition gameplay video from the new Ether Saga Online free MMORPG.

Ether Saga Online HD Gameplay Video:

We wrote before about the Wizard 101 Grizzleheim Update which was released today by KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. The expansion brings in a much requested crafting system along with new community elements such as grouping, chat channels, and trading at the Bazaar.

Open chat will be available only to players only age 18 with a valid credit card. Wizard101 is increasingly popular and you can play the free to play areas or upgrade to premium content with a subscription or microtransaction. The Wizard101 gift cards are available in over thirteen thousand retail locations.

Wizzard101 Grizzleheim HD Gameplay Video:

Read the full release here.

You may have heard about TweetCraft, the new open source Twitter client that connects your Twitter account with your World of Warcraft Account. This allows you to read and send tweets while in-game. What better way to brag about your raids? An even more fun is the ability to automatically send in-game screenshots using TwitPic. Your achievements and login can also automatically be tweeted.

You can download TweetCraft for free at http://tweetcraft.codeplex.com/. Check out the below video on this Coding4Fun project:

Tweetcraft: Open Source World of Warcraft Twitter Client Video:

Here is a link to the TwitterCraft FAQs

In some ways it is similar to the WowTwitter site. This site also pulls together everyone’s tweets that use the free service:

Wow Twitter.com Screenshot:

The below high definition video contains some gameplay video of the Weeping Coast for the upcoming Runes of Magic: Chapter II The Elven Prophecy expansion.

Over 200 new quests and many new challenges await on the Weeping Coast. I am pretty excited about this new content. Check it out below.

Runes of Magic The Elven Prophecy Weeping Coast HD Trailer:

It seems like the Runes of Magic MMORPG is on a roll. After making the number one spot on the Top 10 Free MMORPGs, preparing for Chapter 2 The Elven Prophecy, and with now over 1.4 Million Runes of Magic players, this massively multiplayer online role playing game is heading to greater heights by announcing the started of their closed beta testing for the French and Spanish versions of this free-to-play MMORPG. The closed beta will run until the end of July with a launch to come shortly after.

Runes of Magic Chapter II: The Elven Prophecy is set to launch in September of 2009. Check out the below high definition video Walkthrough of the Elven Prophecy.

Runes of Magic: The Elven Prophecy Walkthrough HD Video:

One of the long held facts of World of Warcraft is that you were required to choose one path and stick to it. Alliance or Horde. This build loyalty and dedication and came into play in the perpetual battle between the too. A transitional service from Blizzard will allow players to switch sides by converting to an equivalent character on the opposite faction withing the same realm. This is in response to a long requested feature of WoW players. If you think about it the service makes sense.

Would You Change Your WoW Faction?

It appeals to any World of Warcraft players who may be getting a little bit tired of the same type of gameplay and really want to switch things up. And of course it could add in a short little boost of income for Blizzard Entertainment as well. Pricing has not yet been set but it is likely.

Aeria Games has announced that their Free to Play MMO FPS WolfTeam is now in closed beta. The Wolf Team massively multiplayer first person shooter game is free to play. It pits that epic battle of werewolf versus human in seven different game modes.

The Wolf Team MMORPG allows for 16 players with many different weapons and the brute strength of werewolves who can run along walls. There are over fifteen different maps to play on. The closed beta began on June 25, 2009. If you have a free Aeria Games account you can signup for a chance to get one of the closed Beta keys and download wolfteam.

WolfTeam Gameplay HD Video:

Wolf Team FPS Gameplay Video:

Will the WolfTeam Free to Play MMOFPS be good enough to make our list of the Top 10 FPS Games Online?

WolfTeam Online MMOFPS Trailer:

We have written before about the Section 8 MMO FPS from TimeGate Studios and SouthPeak Interactive. This massively multiplayer online roleplaying game will eventually be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

For now the Section8 PC closed beta test is beginning in the United States and Canada for a few lucky FilePlanet subscribers. Over the next few weeks the closed beta test will open up to more. You can signup here.

Section8 HD Trailer:

We wrote earlier about the bankruptcy of Spellborn Works the developer of the Chronicles of Spellborn MMORPG. Community Manager Kelas has confirmed Frongster Asia Co. Ltd and Spellborn NV will create a free-to-play version of TCOS in 2010.

The subscription model will dissapear and a F2P micro transaction model will replace it. Any European or United States subscriptions still active will be credited at the time of the launch of the new version.

Read the press release and more information here.

The Dutch developers Spellborn Works (Spellborn International) who created The Chronicles of Spellborn massively multiplayer online role playing game are now bankrupt. It has been a short time since the Chronicles of Spellborn MMORPG launched in the United States. Apparently a low number of players and poor revenue has hurt the game.

Frogster Asia is rumored to be converting the MMORPG to an entirely free to play MMO (it had a 2 week trial before and even made the bottom or our list of Top 10 Free MMORPG Trials

Chronicles of Spellborn HD Gameplay Video:

Chronicles of Spellborn MMORPG Hd Trailer Video:

Read more information here

The EVE Online Apocrypha 1.3 Patch is now live. CCP games is improving the performance and game play of the EVE Online massively multiplayer online role playing game. Other improvements include inventory management changes, starbase deployment improvements, faster station reprocessing, and improvements to Tech III. Reverse Engineering and the user interface will be improved but freeform contracts can no longer be created because of griefing problems.

EVE Online Apocrypha HD Trailer:

Read more about the 1.3 patch here.

China Bans Virtual Currency – In One Step Drastically Reducing Gold Farming, Increasing Value for Others, & Hurting Their Economy

In a surprising move China announced today a ban on the use of all virtual currency for real goods and services. Virtual currency will only be allowed to trade for virtual services and goods by the issuer and not real goods and services (or converted to real money). In addition, minors may not purchase any virtual money. The Ministry of Culture will increase supervision of online activities and virtual trade.

The virtual money trade in China has grown about 20% annually and had reached billions of Yuan last year. This move will definately hurth the Chinese economy at least in the short term and put many Gold Farmers (long the scurge of the World of Warcraft and other popular MMORPGs)and Virtual employees out of work. The lack of production due to these new restrictions will surely decrease the availability of virutal currency and items and increase their value.

WoW Gold Farming HD Gameplay Video:

Read the full release here.

Studio Hon and Goorm Interactive launched their open beta of Trinity Online on June 23, 2009 in South Korea. This side scrolling role playing game has had up to ten thousand simultaneous players. Check out the below high definition gameplay video.

Trinity Online MMORPG Classes:

1. Mage

2. Fighter

3. Slayer

4. Gunner

5. Priest

Trinity Online HD Gameplay Video:

All the Warhammer Online players out there will happy to know that the summer celebration has begun. The Warhammer Online massively multiplayer online role playing game summer celebration takes place to celebrate the fourth of July as well as summer in general. There will be 10% bonuses on experience and slain enemies will drop fireworks to celebrate with. The event began on June 26, 2009 and will continue on until July 7, 2009.

Read the full event information here

We have written before about Global Agenda.

Hi-Rez Studios has announced that this massively multiplayer online role playing game will begin closed beta in July. Alpha testing should end very soon.

I personally think that multiple levels of closed beta testing is a frustrating situation. There are obvious benefits for the game developer such as limited negative impact on potential player numbers if serious corrections need to be made. But it is never really a full stress test. If you are going to do several closed betas and then an open beta then fine. Most just launch the game after 2 closed betas however which I think is a mistake.

It has been awhile since we wrote about the development of the Hunter’s World MMORPG which made our list of the Top 10 Hunting Games.

Hunter’s World is currently developing the teaser trailers which will include tracking, hunting, and harvesting a trophy buck. I look forward to seeing it or other gameplay video. Hunter’s World has released a new video with some more information about the research and development that their team is doing. Check out the video below.

Hunter’s World Development Video:

Darkfall Online is launching in North America on July 7, 2009. One thing that might upset those players who want to move from the European server is that they will not be allowed to do so until 3 months after the launch.

Oh and also you cannot take any of your posessions. And it will cost you extra money. Check out the below high definition gameplay video.

Darkfall will finally be improving their web site at this time. At the same time a new Darkfall forum will be launched and only active players will be able to post. The current forum will still exist for everyone else but with much stronger moderation. What a surprise. The next patch will be coming out in the first week of July.

Darkfall Online MMORPG HD Gameplay:

Mytheon is a free to play massively multplayer onlien role playing game set to launch in early 2010 from Petroglyph Games and True Games Interactive. The Mytheon MMORPG is set in ancient Greece and Egypt include such locations as the underworld of Hades. I am really interested in this MMO as I love greek mythology and it is a refreshing change of pace. I definately love the inclusion of Posiden and Zeus. Check out the below trailer video.

Mytheon MMORPG Trailer Video:

In the below poll we ask the question: Which Classes in the SWTOR MMORPG Would You Play As?

Pick three from the list of 19 of the most popular in the below poll.

If you see one that isn’t on the list then leave us a comment.

Below is a high definition video with some footage from the Global Agenda MMO FPS as well as an E3 interview with Global Agenda Executive Producer Todd Harris.

The video is about 4 minutes long and covers the classes of Assault, Recon, Sniper, Melee, Medic, and Robotics.

Also in the video is player versus environment co-op (up to 4 players) information. The closed beta of the Global Agenda massively multiplayer online role playing game should begin this summer. The game should be released at the end of the year.

Global Agenda HD Gameplay & E3 Interview With Todd Harris

We have written before about Wizard101 the free to play MMORPG (at least some areas and within a time limit).

This massively multiplayer online role playing game intended for kids does require a subscription to play further but fortunately KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc., is working on an expansion to add more content into the game. Players over level 5 will be able to access Grizzleheim in Olde Town.

Yesterday Wizard101 began testing a new world named Grizzleheim. This update should be available in July. There will also be three new tribal races in Viking Bears, Wolves, and Ravens. Other new features include item crafting, grouping, chat channels, the Bazaar to trade and sell, open chat, and more. Check out the below high definition gameplay video.

Wizard101 HD Gameplay Video:

Find out more here.

Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures will soon be releasing it’s 5th major update: Gangs of Tarantia. Level 75 players and above will be able to explore the Tarantia Commons and take on new quests and new bosses. The three rival gangs of the city of Tarantia will seek your support and demand your allegiance in gang warfare. Can Funcom overcome the stigma that Age of Conan is dying? Below is a top ten list of the new features in the Age of Conan Gangs of Tarantia update. Check out the high definition video of the AoC Tarantia Commons also below.

Top 10 Features of Age of Conan Gangs of Tarantia:

1. Player Guilds can now create their own expansive cities

2. An infectious Leper Colony

3. New social pets include cats, dogs, and snakes

4. Fight on the Roofs of Tarantia

5. New bosses and quests

6. Improvements to Item Statistics

7. Improvements to Player vs Player mini-games

8. Overhaul to the gems system

9. New content in Tarantia City

10. Changes to the reward system

AoC Gans of Tarantia: Commons HD Video:

As of 11:10 am EDT time all servers were online with Warhammer Online: Land of the Dead including all Oceanic and North American servers.

Below are the winners of the realm vs realm Rise of the Tomb King live event:

Winners from Rise of the Tomb King Live Event & First Day Exclusive Access to Necropolis of Zandri in Land of the Dead

Badlands – Order

Dark Crag – Order

Darklands – Destruction

Gorfang – Destruction

Iron Rock – Order

Ironfist – Order

Magnus – Order

Monolith – Destruction

Ostermark – Order

Phoenix Throne – Destruction

Praag – Destruction

Skull Throne – Order

Volkmar – Order

Vortex – Order

Read more here.

If you have been following our coverage of the Aion Online Beta Testing then you will be excited to hear that the release date for Aion Online in North America will be September 22, 2009. The Aion massively multiplayer online role playing game will launche soon after in Europe on September 25, 2009.

Check out the below high definition videos:

Aion Online HD Trailer:

Aion Online HD Gameplay Video from Beta Phase 2

The long anticipated Volume 2 Book 8 Scourge of Khazad-Dûm of LotRO launches today. The update should reach the European servers by Thursday, June 25, 2009. Watch the below high definition trailer for LOTRO Volume 2 Book 8. Yes it is in german.

We wrote at the beginning of April that FusionFall had reached 4 Million users. This browser based massively multiplayer online role playing game from Cartoon Network launched on January 14 and has been very popular.

The number of accounts has increased to 5 million. Cartoon Network will introduce a new content patch this summer called Dexlabs Upgrade 1: Speed and Style. In this major expansion vehicles will now be added for players over level 10 (and one promotion vehicle for lower levels with limited availability). Check out the below high definition gameplay video.

FusionFall HD Gameplay Video:

It has been awhile since we wrote about Age of Conan. Funcom has announced the winners of the Search for the Kings Seals. There were 5 fist prize winners who all received free subscriptions and more, 5 6 months winners, 7 3 months winners, 7 1 month winners, and many winners of items and custom forum avatars.

You can view the full list of winners here.

Below is a cool high definition video of exploring in Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. I particularly like the end and the music.

Age of Conan HD Gameplay Video of Kheshatta

We wrote before about the T.E.R.A. Online MMORPG. Below are some additional high definition gameplay videos. Details on this promising massively multiplayer online role playing game are few and far between and even more obscured by the language barrier. But we will keep you updated.

T.E.R.A. Online Gameplay Videos:

TERA Online HD Monster Gameplay:

If you have been able to pull yourself away from your dad or your kids (Happy Father’s Day to all) then you may have had a chance to play the Aion Online Phase 2 Beta this weekend. The first half of the Aion beta test took you through the lower half Elysea. In this beta you get to see the upper half Asmodae. Check out the below high definition videos including a new Aion Online Beta Phase 2 HD Gameplay Video at the bottom.

HD Tour of Asmodae Aion Online:

New Aion Online HD Phase 2 Beta Gameplay Video:

Downloading the Aion Beta Client still takes too long but the different aspect of this phase 2 beta makes the Aion Online massively multiplayer online role playing game much more appealing.

On June 25, 2009 Warhammer Online will come to Macaue, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. GigaMedia will help bring the Warhammer Online massively multiplayer online role playing game to the East via their FunTown platform. This is part of Mythic’s plans to expand the reach of WAR and increase subscription numbers. Mythic Entertainment Executive Producer Jeff Hickman said “We are pleased to invite Taiwanese recruits into the fight between Order and Destruction – the battle is far from over, so choose a side and join the WAR!”. The monthly subscription rates in local currency will be Monthly Subscription: 450 NTD.

Warhammer Online HD Gameplay Video:

After the recent release of Warhammer Online: Land of the Dead these are some big moves for Mythic. Can they restore the struggling MMORPG to it’s former glory?

Warhammer Online HD Trailer”

Read the full release here