Joystiq

GOG stacks up D&D discounts, ten RPGs for $21 this weekend

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST

You'd better make a saving throw for your wallet, because it's in serious danger of its cash points being depleted by this weekend's GOG deal. The digital distributor is rolling out ten classic D&D-based PC RPGs, including Planescape: Torment and entries from Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights, for just $21.10. That's down a whopping 80 percent from $105.90.

The deal is a stacking one, which means for every game you choose to purchase, the price on each one goes down; in other words, you're getting the best value for money if you get the lot. The ten games on offer are Icewind Dale 1 & 2 (both Complete versions), Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga and Baldur's Gate 2 Complete, Neverwinter Nights: Diamond Edition and Neverwinter Nights 2: Complete, Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, The Temple of Elemental Evil, and Planescape: Torment.

You've got time to rustle up a few more gold pieces if needed, because the deal's good until 9PM PT on Monday, April 8.

[Thanks Shawn]

GOG stacks up D&D discounts, ten RPGs for $21 this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara' rated by Korean ratings board

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST

A new Dungeons & Dragons game, Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, has been classified by Korean ratings board GRB and evaluated for consumption on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The classification lists Capcom Entertainment Korea as the game's publisher, which implies that Chronicles of Mystara may be a bundled re-release of Capcom's classic Dungeons & Dragons brawlers Shadow Over Mystara and Tower of Doom, both of which will reportedly be announced for PSN and XBLA during PAX East, according to Siliconera.

While the true nature of the game remains a mystery for now, we're keeping our fingers crossed that things will shake out the way they're looking. The last time Shadow Over Mystara and Tower of Doom were sold together was in Dungeon & Dragons Collection for the Sega Saturn, which we recently saw in a Akihabara resale shop for more than $300.

'Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara' rated by Korean ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

USAopoly has a lineup of new board games for the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 10, including the following ones based on video game franchsies: Monopoly: Skylanders, Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War Edition, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies, Yahtzee: Pac-Man Collector's Edition, Jenga: Space Invaders Collector's Edition, Trivial Pursuit: World of Warcraft and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons.

Risk: Mass Effect tops the price points at $50, with Trivial Pursuit: WoW and Yahtzee: Pac-Man the cheapest at $25 each. Monopoly: Skylanders, Yahtzee: Pac-Man and Jenga: Space Invaders hit this summer; Trivial Pursuit: WoW, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies and Risk: Mass Effect launch in the fall, and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons comes in the spring.

When you get bored of gaming on a screen, maybe give board gaming a try (it's totally different; we promise).

Continue reading Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more

Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter's magic spells are pretty wizard

Mike Schramm — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:00:00 EST

Cryptic Studios and ~~Atari~~ Perfect World Entertainment have shared both the video above and the gallery below, both designed to show you what the upcoming Neverwinter's Control Wizard class is capable of. As you can see in the video especially, the spells are heavily inspired by pen-and-paper Dungeons and Dragons, and the game will have you casting old favorites like Magic Missile, Ray of Frost, and the destructive Ice Storm.

You can also see a few other 4th Edition D&D mainstays, including Tiefling heroes (they're the ones with the horns) and some NPC zombies and skeletons. The free-to-play MMO is set to be released early next year.

Gallery: Neverwinter (Wizard)

Neverwinter's magic spells are pretty wizard originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST

Look, playing actual Dungeons & Dragons takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to find a group of people you don't hate to play with, and then you have to spend days constructing a campaign for them to adventure through. And then, when you finally get down to playing, that one guy decides to be a maverick a pull some crazy stunt that breaks the encounter.

Thankfully, there are alternatives for people who want the lore without actually having to play Dungeons & Dragons, and said alternatives just happen to be on sale at GOG for the next six days. Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga, Baldur's Gate 2 Complete, Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition, Icewind Dale Complete, Icewind Dale 2 Complete, Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard, The Temple of Elemental Evil, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone and Planescape: Torment are all available for less than five bucks, or in one big bundle for $30.01.

Dungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to use Swapnote on 3DS to DM an RPG

David Hinkle — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST

The Swapnote app for the 3DS was designed with the intention to, well, swap notes, which we guess are technically tiny stories. Imagine it being used to tell the story of an entire Dungeons & Dragons-style RPG campaign, though. Now hit the play button on the video above.

Ben Gray walks us through a game he played with some friends using the free app. Outside of some tedious prep work, it all seems to have went pretty well. If you have some friends but are unable to convene wherever mages and elves get together nowadays, you can still slay the Grue, climb the tower and rescue the maiden.

But it's certainly not a perfect system, evidenced by Gray's call for help at the end of the video. He's looking for people to help create a website and do a number of other things to help the overall experience, so if you want to get involved hit up the source link below.

How to use Swapnote on 3DS to DM an RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wisconsin town approves early plans for Gary Gygax memorial

Mike Schramm — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:00:00 EST

Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons (and thus many of the mechanics modern role-playing video games are based on), passed away a few years ago, and the interest trying to build a memorial for him in his hometown of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin has just cleared a hurdle with the local Board of Park Commissioners. The Board has granted a 10 foot by 10 foot area of land inside Donian Park as a potentially suitable place for a memorial to be set up.

What would said memorial look like? The official minutes of the meeting approved a design that would include "a castle turret with a bust on top and possibly have a dragon wrapped around the turret." Sounds appropriate for the creator of D&D. The next step in the process is to officially design the statue, and then come back to the board with a detailed map and design. We assume the board will have to roll a d20 at some point -- hopefully the modifier is high.

Wisconsin town approves early plans for Gary Gygax memorial originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter revealed in new trailer

Justin McElroy — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST

We've got an appointment to see Neverwinter at E3 this week, but to tide all of us over until then, we've got a trailer showing off the new Cryptic-developed RPG. We like how colorful the world is, but doesn't the aesthetic seem a little done to death? Here's hoping there's something we're missing.

Continue reading Neverwinter revealed in new trailer

Neverwinter revealed in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST

Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition represents one of the most drastic facelifts the long-running tabletop RPG franchise has ever undergone. The game's once ethereal elements have been turned tangible, its mechanics made far less punishing for new players, and its every component finely tuned to a state of balance that few other tabletop developers can match. It is as accessible as the game has ever been -- and, as a result, as adaptable as the game has ever been.

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale has been promoted as an opportunity for Bedlam Games and Atari to bring "an accessible version of Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition to life," a task at which they have failed in a huge, huge way. Some of the tabletop game's terminology and a few superficial concepts show up in Daggerdale, but the rest has been sacrificed to create a monotonous, hideously buggy hack-and-slash RPG.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss

Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:28:00 EST

Atari intends to send adventurers into the grimy world of Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale on PC and Xbox Live Arcade on May 25 (that's this Wednesday). The PSN version is optimistically expected to be available next Tuesday, May 31.

The loot-whoring dungeon crawler by Scratch: The Ultimate DJ dev Bedlam Games supports up to four players. We don't really know much about the game beyond "loot and co-op," but that seems to be all some people need from a game.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Continue reading D&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later

D&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GOG adds yet another RPG timesink: Icewind Dale 2 Complete

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST

It seems that digital games retailer GOG isn't just content with abusing your trust -- now it's turning its sights on abusing every last second of your free time. The site recently added yet another gargantuan RPG to its catalog: Black Isle Studios' Dungeons & Dragons 3E-inspired RPG, Icewind Dale 2. The game comes in its "Complete" edition, which also includes the aptly named "Adventure Pack." As far as we can tell, it contains a metric ton of undiluted adventure.

The game will run you $9.99, creating yet another terrifying playtime-to-cost ratio. Seriously, with $50 and 10GB of free space, GOG downloads could occupy your leisure time until the end of days.

GOG adds yet another RPG timesink: Icewind Dale 2 Complete originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cryptic not yet sure about pricing plan for new Neverwinter title

Mike Schramm — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You D&D buffs out there were undoubtedly excited to hear that a new Neverwinter game is coming to life, but just like the real D&D, it might end up laying a critical hit down on your wallet.

In an interview at Gamasutra, Cryptic CEO Jack Emmert admitted that the game doesn't have a business model nailed down yet, and that all options are still on the table, from a "free-to-play with microtransactions" model to a "pay-by-the-minute" one. Emmert makes the point that asking for a subscription is still a viable way to run an MMO -- he fully expects BioWare to charge subscriptions for The Old Republic -- but that requires meeting a very high standard in terms of its content and quality.

Of course, Neverwinter is described more as a "co-op experience" than an MMO, and Emmert says it is indicative of a "new direction for Cryptic." Instead of worrying about MMO standards and traditions, he says, Cryptic wants to "just make great games." Specifically, that means "no more 75 Metacritic scores," he jokes at the end of the interview. "My heart just can't take it anymore."

Cryptic not yet sure about pricing plan for new Neverwinter title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atari and Cryptic teaming up on new Neverwinter RPG [update]

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Hey, die-hard fans of fantasy fiction, right about now would be a good time for you to make a saving throw against having your head explode. Atari and Cryptic, whose former unions resulted in Star Trek Online and Champions Online, have announced their next joint effort: A new online RPG set in the frequently game-adapted Dungeons and Dragons universe, Neverwinter.

The PC game allows up to five players (or one player with AI companions) to select between five classes from the pen-and-paper RPG's roster, and play through an all new campaign, the story for which was developed in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and author R.A. Salvatore. Also, much like previous games in the Neverwinter franchise, this one will include a tool, tentatively named "Forge," that allows players to create their own campaigns. The game's currently set for Q4 2011, but a Salvatore-penned prequel book, titled Gauntlgrym, will hit store shelves on October 5 of this year.

Update: Gamespot recently sat down with Cryptic CEO Jack Emmert to divine a few details about the game, including its five classes (Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Ranger and Cleric), what the Forge tools will be capable of, and how Neverwinter will adapt the tabletop game's 4th Edition gameplay mechanics. If any of that means anything to you, give the interview a look.

Atari and Cryptic teaming up on new Neverwinter RPG [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons and Dragons Online getting guild airships in next update

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST

We're not sure who clued Turbine into this particular fact, but our two favorite things on this earth are, in order: boats which use primitive yet impossible technology to travel through the skies, and owning property. The fifth major update to Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited will manage to incorporate both of these elements into the free-to-play MMO when it launches June 28.

Not only will the update give your guild access to soaring, winged home bases, it will also add the "Carnival of Shadow" scenario to the game, which sounds like the worst carnival ever. Check out the game's blog for more information on this new adventure, or check out the gallery below to catch a few glimpses of DDO's pretty new airships.

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online Airships

Dungeons and Dragons Online getting guild airships in next update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table

Kevin Kelly — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST

What happens when you marry board games and video games? The electrical pixel explosion of that chocolate into peanut butter hasn't been fully realized yet, so besides a handful of Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne and Hasbro Family Game Nights, there's not a heck of a lot going on. However, what happens when you force role-playing games and video games into a shotgun wedding? Pure magic for rich people.

During GDC we took a look at a student project called SurfaceScapes that brings D&D to the Microsoft Surface. It's not just a simple "Ooooh, touch the screen to activate your character sheet!" port of the pen and paper game, but a touch-tastic experience that will blow your mind. Plot a miniature down on the Surface, and it recognizes your character. You can pull up radial menus for actions, spells, and attacks, see your line of sight, move your character, and run the entire game just using your power of touch.

Continue reading Bring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table

Bring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third update hits for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited

Randy Nelson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

click to make resolution slightly less limited

When a free expansion hits for a free-to-play MMO -- in this case, Turbine's Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron Unlimited -- no one is really free to complain (though some no doubt will). Today's drably-titled "Update 3" brings with it a removal of leveling sigils, extending all of the game's items to every player, plus a new Casual Mode for solo players and parties up to the level cap of 20.

More dungeons have also been added, geared toward high-level players, and two live events -- The Traveler's Treasure Hunt and The Risia Ice Games -- are planned to "celebrate DDO's fourth birthday" with prizes (of the physical variety). Most importantly, Ski Lift Hot Cocoa and Candy Cane Ice Skates have been added to the DDO Store. (Finally!)

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited - Update 3

Third update hits for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wisconsin jail outlaws Dungeons & Dragons

David Hinkle — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST

[Image: Wiki Commons]

And here we thought Wisconsin couldn't get any more depressing. Kevin T. Singer, an inmate at Wisconsin's Waupun prison, has been upset with a policy enacted in 2004 that banned all Dungeons & Dragons in the jail. Officials there cited the game promotes gang behavior and subsequently confiscated all of Singer's D&D materials.

Singer's long been a fan of the pen-and-paper game and tried to appeal the policy, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals filed in favor of the prison on Monday, stating that its policy wasn't unreasonable. Singer argued that the ruling is a violation of his First Ammendment rights, but we guess he failed to gain respect for his cause when he signed his appeal with his elvish mage's name: Gilchall Helehuialagos.

[Via G4]

Wisconsin jail outlaws Dungeons & Dragons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST

It seems the Dungeons & Dragons franchise has brought more legal troubles upon Atari than it's probably worth. In August, Turbine Entertainment, developer of the MMO based on the tabletop game, sued the publisher for failing to "devote the necessary resources" to promoting and distributing the online RPG. Now, Hasbro, owner of subsidiary company Wizards of the Coast, which is the current owner of the D&D franchise, is suing Atari for allegedly breaching a licensing agreement the two parties struck up concerning Atari's use of the popular role-playing brand.

Hasbro's main complaint in the suit is that Atari might have taken part in an "unauthorized sublicensing relationship" with Namco Bandai during the latter's purchase of Atari's European distribution company this past March. According to the suit, Namco Bandai is a direct competitor to Hasbro and Wizards, and allowing them any access to the D&D license is a violation of the contract agreed to by Atari. Hasbro seeks compensatory damages, and also to terminate the allegedly violated licensing agreement, denying Atari further access to the brand.

In a press release statement, Wizards of the Coast president Greg Leeds said, "while unfortunate that we had to take this action, it is crucial for us to protect the Dungeons & Dragons brand." Leeds later added, "we have been working for several months now to reach resolution with Atari, and they have left us with no other choice than to pursue legal action."

Atari isn't taking these complaints lying down -- the publisher just distributed its own statement through PRNewswire, claiming, "Hasbro has resorted to these meritless allegations, in an apparent attempt to unfairly take back rights granted to Atari." The statement goes on to say, "we regret that our long-time partner has decided to pursue this action. Atari will respond appropriately through its legal counsel in court."

Hasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atari files Turbine D&D suit under 'frivolous'

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST

With a flick of its wrist, Atari has motioned to dismiss Turbine's lawsuit against the publisher, calling the Dungeons and Dragons Online developer's recent legal actions "frivolous" and "a great disservice to D&D fans and to the MMO community at large." Turbine alleges in its lawsuit that Atari failed to uphold a licensing agreement associated with the D&D MMO and did not devote the necessary resources to market the game, due in part to a supposed "strategy" to promote its Champions Online MMO instead.

Unsurprisingly, Atari has filed to dismiss Turbine's suit and, in addition, filed a secondary complaint seeking "monies" allegedly owed to the publisher by Turbine (as supposedly uncovered by a third-party audit). In its official statement, posted in its entirety on IndustryGamers, the publisher adds, "While Atari hopes for a quick and fair resolution, it remains fully committed to the D&D communities worldwide and will vigorously protect the franchise and its own integrity in this matter." Oh, by the way, did you see that Champions Online was released this week!

Gallery: DDO: Eberron Unlimited

Atari files Turbine D&D suit under 'frivolous' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DDO Eberron Unlimited rolls high initiative, gets early head-start release

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:59:00 EST

According to a recent Turbine press release, the developer's free-to-play, D20-rolling MMO, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited will be granting early access to ... well, to people who've already had their fair share of early access. Though the game launches on September 9, anyone who is a former or current subscriber to DDO, or those who participated in Unlimited's closed beta, can log onto the game right this hot second.

The game offers all the DDO action you (might) know and (may) love, albeit with a higher level cap and lower price. Sure, you'll still need to dish out a few bucks for access to the game's full catalog of zones, classes, races and items -- but even without this premium content, there's plenty of game available for the Gygax enthusiast on a budget.

Gallery: DDO: Eberron Unlimited

DDO Eberron Unlimited rolls high initiative, gets early head-start release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbine sues Atari over Dungeons and Dragons Online licensing

Christopher Grant — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST

Stick with us, because this could get confusing: Courthouse News reports that Turbine - the Massachusetts-based developer behind the Dungeon and Dragons Online MMO - is suing Atari, publisher of the title. At issue is Turbine's claim that Atari has "breached a licensing agreement" related to the development of the free-to-play Dungeons and Dragons Online Unlimited. Turbine says that while it has spent millions developing the franchise "and continues to invest money to operate and maintain the service," Atari "acted unreasonably in its efforts to promote and distribute [Dungeons and Dragons Online] and failed to devote the necessary resources to it."

So, Atari continued to accept payments ("including future royalty payments") from Turbine for the Dungeons and Dragons Online "sublicense" though, Turbine alleges, Atari had a "strategy" to either "terminate Turbine as part of a shakedown" or "proceed with termination in bad faith to benefit from its own competing product at Turbine's expense." We can assume that "competing product" is Atari's upcoming Champions Online MMO, being developed by its recently acquired in-house MMO dev Cryptic Studios.

So, to recap: Atari wants to terminate the license agreement with Turbine to develop and maintain the Dungeons and Dragons Online MMO franchise, including the just-announced "Unlimited" free-to-play variant. Turbine says that such a termination threatens its "past investment" in the franchise and the "goodwill" it's developed with the DDO playerbase, and those they expect to play DDO Unlimited. And now, it's up to the courts!

[Thanks, Mark]

Turbine sues Atari over Dungeons and Dragons Online licensing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons and Dragons Online Unlimited coming Aug. 6

Justin McElroy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

In a crowded MMORPG market, we always had trouble remembering which one, exactly, Dungeons and Dragons Online was. As of August 6, it'll be a little easier, and the game becomes Dungeons and Dragons Online: Unlimited, or "the one that used to be a paid one, but now is free."

It's an interesting strategy, and we're curious to see how it pans out. We'd issue a stern reminder, though, that the true cost of MMORPGs (your immortal soul) is much pricier than a few more bucks on your Visa every month.

Dungeons and Dragons Online Unlimited coming Aug. 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbine announces free-to-play Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited

David Hinkle — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST

Good news for MMO fans comes courtesy of Turbine today, as the company has announced it's starting beta on a new game, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited, a free-to-play version of its popular MMO. Players can download the game for free at DDO.com, and utilize the new DDO Store in-game to purchase a variety of items and whatnot for their characters.

The free-to-play game will also offer paid accounts (wait, what?) known as DDO VIPs, which unlock a host of features compared to the somewhat-robust feature set available to more frugal gamers. The fine folks at Massively were able to take a screenshot showing off what the differences are, and you can check that out right here. So while the cheapskate gamers get a surprising amount of content, you're really going to have to pony up for the full experience.

[Via Massively]

Turbine announces free-to-play Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter Nights 2 expands into Westgate April 29

Jason Dobson — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:05:00 EST

It's time to dust off your suit of hardened leather and that cutlass above the mantle ... oh, and wipe the cobwebs off that copy of Neverwinter Nights 2 while you're at it. Publisher Atari announced that it will release Mysteries of Westgate, the first 'adventure pack' for the nearly three-year old RPG, exclusively as a download on April 29.

Developed by Vancouver-based Ossian Studios, the download is set within the Forgotten Realms burg of Westgate where players will choose sides between warring factions squabbling over a "powerful but cursed treasure." Armchair adventurers can pick up Mysteries of Westgate from Atari's online store next week for $9.99, with Atari promising more than 15 hours of gameplay for their 10 platinum pieces.

Neverwinter Nights 2 expands into Westgate April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metamorial: Game writers remember Dave Arneson

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST

Somewhere between co-creating Dungeons & Dragons and teaching at Full Sail College, Dave Arneson left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Every time we roll for initiative or challenge the dungeon master's ability to adapt, Arneson's guiding hand can be felt.

We've gathered sentiments shared by our colleagues around the internet for you here, and encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below, about the man that helped move role-playing into the limelight of gaming.

Ars Technica: "Get out your classic rule books. Invite some friends over. Keep a chair empty for a fallen friend, and play for a few hours. Not online, in person. Order a pizza ... Remember Dave Arneson, a man who wasn't satisfied with the game when his parents brought home an Avalon Hill title. When he began changing the rules, he began changing the world."

Continue reading Metamorial: Game writers remember Dave Arneson

Metamorial: Game writers remember Dave Arneson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D&D co-creator Dave Arneson dead at 61

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:32:00 EST

After a long battle with cancer, Dungeons and Dragons co-creator Dave Arneson passed away in his sleep late Tuesday night. The sad news came from an e-mail from Arneson's family, which includes details on where to send condolences, as well as the time and location for his visitation. We extend our deepest sympathies to Arneson's family and loved ones as they cope with the loss of this truly remarkable man.

Even if you've never hurled icosahedrons with a group of fantasy-obsessed friends, Arneson, along with D&D co-creator Gary Gygax (who sadly passed away last year), is responsible for the evolution of the RPG format as we know it today. Though the influential hobby's creators have passed away, their legacy will live on through the skittering of dice across tables worldwide. Rest in peace, Mr. Arneson.

D&D co-creator Dave Arneson dead at 61 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D&D co-creator Dave Arneson in hospice care [update 2]

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST

[Update 2: Joystiq has learned that Mr. Arneson passed away on Tuesday, April 7. Our condolences to his friends and family.]

Dave Arneson, half of the duo -- the other half being Gary Gygax -- that created influential tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons, ~~passed away earlier today~~ is still alive "in a hospice where he is being cared for at this time," according to Grognardia. Updating the original post regarding Mr. Arneson, Grognardia says, "I am both glad to hear that Dave is not dead, as I was led to believe, and rather mortified at my having posted this information before it had been confirmed by a second source. I had no reason to doubt my original source, given his close proximity to Dave, but apparently I should have." He's not the only one who feels this way, trust us. The rest of the original post we wrote remains as it was, below.

Known recently for his teaching at Full Sail College in Florida as well as his fantasy RPG Blackmoor, Arneson had been struggling with his health ever since a stroke in 2002. According to The Escapist, Arneson's health worsened last week and he was admitted to the hospital. ~~Unfortunately this morning, things took a turn for the worse. We here at Joystiq extend our deepest condolences to those affected by Dave Arneson's passing, especially his loved ones.~~

[Thanks, Jeremiah]

D&D co-creator Dave Arneson in hospice care [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atari and Interplay settle D&D licensing drama

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business

Although using an image of "Bum Fighting" would have been insensitive, that probably would have accurately portrayed the feeling of watching publishers Interplay and Atari fight over Dungeons & Dragons rights. Big Download reports the once great publishers have settled a D&D licensing dispute, with Atari agreeing to purchase all rights that Interplay had to the franchise and canceling a $1 million promissory note.

Wonder what we could get the two companies to do for a block of cheese and a bottle of Listerine?

Atari and Interplay settle D&D licensing drama originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D&D creator Gary Gygax passes away at 69

Xav de Matos — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

The man known as the "founding father of the modern role playing game," Gary Gygax passed away this morning , March 4, at 69 years-old. Gygax, known for creating the massively popular pen-and-paper series Dungeon & Dragons, was a staple in the miniature war game scene in the late '60s and helped propel fantasy writing and creativity into what it has become today.

Although Gygax had been in poor health, suffering multiple strokes and a near-fatal heart attack, he was a mainstay on fantasy forums and gaming sites before his passing at his studio home at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin .

"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else.," Gygax once described himself during a 2004 interview with GameSpy.

Ernest Gary Gygax is survived by his wife, six children and seven grandchildren.

D&D creator Gary Gygax passes away at 69 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NWN2: new interview with Urquhart, more screens

Alan Rose — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:52:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Adventure, Online, RPGs

Here's the situation for Obsidian Entertainment and co-founder Feargus Urquhart as they prepare Neverwinter Nights 2 for launch: you're following up a popular, award winning series started by BioWare (again); Atari's potential implosion could have a major impact on your efforts to support the mod and user communities; and you have the hopes and dreams of millions of D&D fanboys (myself included) riding on your shoulders. What pressure?

FiringSquad talked to Urquhart about all this, as well as NWN2's toolset and DM client, why we probably won't see a demo, and Obsidian's deal with Sega to create an original RPG franchise. There are a bunch of new NWN2 screens too.

See also:

NWN2: new interview with Urquhart, more screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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