12 December 2012 | |
iTZKooPA
It’s official, Funcom’s latest MMORPG, The Secret World, no longer requires players to pay a subscription fee. The company revealed a three tier business model for the conspiracy laden title that has captivated many, but not enough to subscribe to. Now players can participate in some of the most unique and engrossing storylines to hit the MMOG world for the cost of the title alone.
TSW has adopted a modified Guild Wars approach, with the only barrier to entry being the purchase of the game itself. Pay Once, Play Forever is the “free” membership tier, while member and grand master levels are also available. Members are you typical subscribers, only they’ll now be given special bonuses, including XP buffs, 1,200 bonus points each month and a 10% discount to the in-game store.
“What are the restrictions for ‘free’ players?” you ask? Well, currently, not much. All players maintain access to the game as it is today, and Issue #5, coming in January, will be free as well. Moving forward, Funcom will be releasing free and paid-for DLC packages.
The Pay Once, Play Forever trailer is after the cut. If you still have questions, head over to the official FAQ on the matter.
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17 September 2012 | |
iTZKooPA
Funcom has been in the news a lot recently, not all of it on the happy side. Layoffs, c-level executive restructuring and subscription talk. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry, the new CEO Ole Schreiner discussed the later in relation to The Secret World. First and foremost, it’s important to note that the title is now a “profitable operation”.
Despite the influx of money from the current-day MMORPG, Schreiner stated the Funcom is willing and able to move the game to the F2P model if the decision makes sense. In fact, the company created the game from the get go with this possibility in mind.
“That said we definitely have the tools to turn The Secret World into a free-to-play game – or even hybrid – should we decide to do that somewhere down the line” said Schreiner. He went on to admit that the field is more difficult than previously due to the rise of the F2P business model. Yet that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
“I believe there is a market for free-to-play, subscription and hybrid business models. What’s most viable for your project depends on what sort of game you’re trying to make, what your focus is and how you’re going about putting it together. I do think that as that as free-to-play offerings keep raising the bar in terms of quality and longevity, it’s becoming more and more difficult for subscription games to live up to player’s expectations” he added.
31 July 2012 | |
Pherephassa
The Secret World has a pretty ambitious content plan – every month there will be the addition of new content! Makes me very pleased I have a lifetime subscription. I definitely think it’ll be awesome if they keep it up. The very first issue, Unleashed, has just gone live. It contains 7 new missions, including new investigations, 2 new nightmare dungeons, the long awaited auction house, new clothes, bug fixes, and more. I’m excited and can’t wait to see it! To read the official highlights from the patch notes, visit Tarib’s Server Update highlights.
Even more exciting, there is an in game event planned for this weekend to celebrate the first month! They’ll be giving away Funcom points to anyone who completes 30 missions between Aug 3-7th, fireworks to celebrate, and gametime to anyone who wants to play. Yep, you read that right – anyone will be able to give TSW a try over the weekend. Been curious about the game but not willing to drop the cash to check it out? Now’s your chance! Hop on over, read the details, and join me in game!
13 July 2012 | |
Pherephassa
It’s been a busy week! The Secret World continues to keep me entertained, as can no doubt be seen in all the blurbs I put up about it. Next week I’ll be putting up the second and final section of my review, as well as starting a weekly TSW-related article. I’ve flopped around on it so much, but I think I’ve finally decided what I’ll be focusing on! Huzzah! So stay tuned for that, if you like reading what I have to say or The Secret World. Or both. I’m good if you like both of these things. I may even do two, if there’s enough interest.
This week brought more SMITE divine lore, tons of interesting things for The Secret World, musings on stocks and CEOs, as well as a contest, a giveaway, and some interesting opinions! Click the button below to check it all out!
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10 July 2012 | |
Pherephassa
I’m in love with The Secret World. I can admit it. I have my moments of frustration with it – such as every time I look at my ugly character – but by and large, this is one of the coolest MMOs that I’ve ever played. Today just got even better – Ragnar Tornquist, creative director of Funcom and senior producer of The Secret World, wrote up his very first State of the Game. And man oh man, is it an exciting jolt of news for anyone who is enjoying this game.
There is so much in store for TSW players, and I want to know more about all of it! One of the benefits of their questing system is that all new content is applicable to all characters – even if you have a character with top end gear, you can still go back to the very first zone in the game and quest for full xp – which means that all content is applicable to all characters. No more having to make a new character to enjoy all of the new quests and zones! So everything being announced can be enjoyed by everyone, new and old players alike.
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8 July 2012 | |
iTZKooPA
Funcom by no means has a clean track record when it comes to launching an MMORPG. However, the company’s latest, The Secret World, a modern day horror MMORPG, was not on the list alongside Age of Conan or one of the most notorious launches in history, Anarchy Online. The Secret World was received well by critics and players alike, receiving positive attention here on Lore Hound as well.
Oddly enough, CEO Trond Arne Aas stepped down from his position the day the game launched. Reducing his role to that of a strategic advisor to the board of directors and chief strategy officer. COO Ole Schreiner will be taking over the position, allowing Trond to focus on the newly announced Lego MMO Funcom secured the rights to.
“The company’s financial position is strong and the foundation of the company’s long-term product and technology strategy is in place,” Aas said in a statement. The company saw its shares fall 40% after the move.
What’s it mean for consumers of Funcom’s wares? According to Creative director Ragnar Tornquist, nothing. Tronquist told Rock, Paper, Shotgun that Funcom has “content plans for a very long time. We have content that’s going to be coming on a regular, ongoing basis,”
Let’s hope this ends the troubles to the relatively smooth launch of The Secret World. Oh, and the game remains on sale.
29 June 2012 | |
iTZKooPA
Funcom may not have the best track record – being responsible for the worst MMOG launch in history and all – but the initial announcement of The Secret World made everyone ignore the past. Designed by Ragnar Tørnquist, designer of The Longest Journey and Dreamfall, the title was set to break as many cliches as possible.
Modern day setting? Check. Real-world locations? Check. A world beset by every conspiracy theory, legends and myth? Check. An incalculable amount of builds? Check. Three distinct factions? Check. Needless to say, Lore Hound has covered The Secret World in detail for quite some time and to celebrate the title’s launch we’ve collected our best material.
Below you’ll find a summary of The Secret World information to review as your download and install commences. Here’s to hoping for flawless server performance, limited bottlenecking and seamless installs. Continue Reading
27 June 2012 | |
Beararms
Well, the wait is almost over, although The Secret World doesn’t officially release until July 3rd people who have pre-ordered the game will have early game access this Friday, June 29th at 6pm CET/ 9am PDT.
Players who pre-order now will receive:
- Early game access
- In-game item with XP Boost
- Reserve your character name
- Exclusive in-game t-shirt
- Egyptian cat in-game pet that gives heals over time in combat.
We’ll have a full rundown of coverage for you on Friday to stay your hand while you tick away the minutes to the launch of the modern day MMORPG.
