Runes of Magic

First stage of Chapter III to bring three new mini-games, new guild quests and more.

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on April 9, 2010

Berlin, 9th April 2010 - For the third chapter of Runes of Magic, publisher Frogster has planned several new challenges for player guilds in addition to comprehensive content expansions. Three new mini games within the guild drill grounds, new guild quests and stone walls for guild castles are being prepared for the multi-staged release of “Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms”. The new guild features will go live with the next patch in April including the new in-game monster card system. Further content of the first stage of Chapter 3 like the first region of the new continent “Zandorya”, the “Thunderhoof Hills” and the kingdom of “Dalanis”, with its impressive new cities and many new quests will follow soon.

Three new mini-games for guilds will be accessible in the first stage of the rollout of Chapter III through a new upgrade of the guild drill grounds in the guild castles. Players will be able to enter the new mini-game “Trial of the Spirit Warrior” by talking to the NPC Special Training Manager. On this drill ground, they will have 15 minutes to defeat as many monsters as possible . Any player who manages to survive two waves of monster attacks, will face several strong boss opponents. When starting the mini game, players can use one of three stances equipped with different special skills. A sword will enhance physical attacks, a shield reinforces physical and magic resistance and a staff facilitates magical attacks. As a reward for successfully completing the “Trial of the Spirit Warrior”, players will receive honor points that can be exchanged for valuable armor pieces with special NPCs in the Obsidian Stronghold.

The mini-game “Needle Drill” sends players on a square course of 25 fields. Using a random system, steel prickles puncture the ground and relentlessly drain health points from the player. The more needles the player avoids, the more honor points he will collect. After successfully completing the third stage of this drill ground, bonus sigils randomly appear on the floor that can be picked up by skilled players. The sigil “Drill Reward” grants them additional honor points. “Divine Protection Reward” lends players a shield to use against further pin-pricks, the “Healing Reward” allows players to regain health points and the “Godspeed Reward” provides them with an extra speed buff.

In the third new mini-game “Call of the Horns” players enter a battle between two NPC factions, the indulgent “Whitefurs” and the evil but stronger “Blackhorns”. After choosing a side, a fierce skirmish will occur, in which the goal will be to destroy the enemy’s flag within 10 minutes.

Besides the three new mini-games Runewaker has added six new guild quests in the first stage of Runes of Magic Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms. Like the previous six guild quests, players will receive the new missions through the ”Guild Quest Bulletin Board“ in their guild castle. They can choose to do the guild quests alone or in groups, but are limited to complete one guild quest per day. Rubies, crystals and special Guild Quest Packages will reward successful players.

A new upgrade for the guild castles will also be available with release of the first patch of Runes of Magic Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms. Guilds will be able to enhance the wooden palisades of their strongholds to stone walls, which do not only look much more impressive, but will receive attributes in the course of Chapter III that grant them a better protection and stability for the guild wars between guild castles.

Some illustrating screenshots that show the new features are available on our media server:

http://presse.frogster.de/?d=Runes_of_Magic/Screenshots/2010.04.09_Guild_Features_Chapter_III

(Login: presseaccount / Password: Presse4F1Pp)

About Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic has redefined the standard for free-to-play MMORPGs in terms of gameplay, fun and quality. The online role-playing game has an exciting, multi-layered story, driven by more than 2,400 quests set in the fantasy world of Taborea. To date, Runes of Magic has attracted more than 3 million registered users, making it one of the most successful free-to-play titles on the market, and a must play game for all fans of RPGs and MMO games.

Runes of Magic features a unique dual class system enabling players to combine one of eight primary classes with a secondary class. The result is a deep player experience that expands upon the game’s broad customization offering. There are two different playable races, Elves and Humans, from which players can choose. Each dual class combination produces its own powerful elite skills. Another popular feature is the opportunity to furnish your own virtual home, and guilds can construct guild castles, which can be expanded with additional buildings. Thanks to comprehensive crafting and reputation systems, gripping PvP features, deep customization and demanding dungeons, Runes of Magic has something for everyone. Taiwanese developer Runewaker regularly expands the game world with new free content and challenges.

Runes of Magic Features

Dual class system with eight classes and unique elite skills Individual furnishing of player housing and guild castles In-depth story experienced through over 2,400 quests laced with epic quest-lines Gripping Player-versus-Player duels in arenas and on the battlefield Easy travel using portal stones and a wide range of mountable animals Challenging boss-combat in dangerous and extensive dungeons with up to 36 simultaneous players Entertaining mini-games offering variety to the hero’s routine Dynamic crafting and customization of items Regular comprehensive free updates with new game content Free-to-Play: No monthly subscriptions, free to download the game

About Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.

Runewaker Entertainment was founded in August of 2004, with headquarters located in Taichung, Taiwan. The founding members were all very experienced in the field and decided to come together to pursue their dream. Currently Runewaker employs over 100 highly skilled programmers, designers and artists and is constantly expanding. Runewaker specializes in making massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG). The company has built their own engine from scratch which rivals some of the best available on the market. Runewaker is constantly producing more content for Runes of Magic. Internet: www.runewaker.com

About Frogster

The Berlin based Frogster Interactive Pictures AG , listed on the stock exchange, has focused on the growth sector of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) at an early stage already. The company licenses, markets and operates its virtual worlds for millions of players in Europe, Asia and North America. In Europe its subsidiary Frogster Online Gaming GmbH is taking care of the operating business of the Frogster group. The Korean joint venture Frogster Asia Co. Ltd. based in Seoul develops new MMO games with an internal team and markets virtual worlds in Asia. Frogster America Inc. based in San Francisco, USA, markets and operates MMO games in North America. At their offices in Berlin, Seoul and San Francisco, the Frogster group employs more than 150 staff members in the fields of game development, licensing, IT, web design and web development, product management, marketing, PR, web publishing, community management, customer support, hosting, sales, billing and finance/administration. In the year 2008, Frogster won the “Landmark in the Land of Ideas”, a competition under the patronage of the German President Dr. Horst Köhler. Additional information is available at: www.frogster.de

Media Contact

UK and Scandinavia

Chris Clarke

Freeform Communications Ltd.

Tel: 00 44 208 6708425

Mobile: 00 44 7590 509278

www.freeformcommunications.com

Email: chris@freeformcommunications.com

Twitter: freeform_chris

Rest of Europe

Philipp Senkbeil

Frogster Online Gaming GmbH