7/26/24 2:00 PM
Daybreak Games just wrapped up its San Diego Comic-Con panel, “Revolutionizing Legends: The Evolution of Iconic Online Games,” sharing news and updates for some of the longest-running games in the entire industry.
Developers from DC Universe Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, EverQuest and EverQuest II, The Lord of the Rings Online, and Magic: The Gathering Online showcased the past, present, and future for each of these titles, with a focus on the most important element: the passionate communities that make everything possible.
Here’s a quick recap of the panel, highlighting the biggest news and updates. Daybreak Games will be uploading the entirety of the panel afterward in their respective YouTube channels, so be sure to follow @daybreakgames, @everquest, @everquest2, @lotro, @ddounlimited, @magiconline, and @dcuo for details.
Chad Brown, lead designer on DC Universe Online at Dimensional Ink Games, spoke about comic books and their enduring mark on popular culture. Chad shared why DCUO has been such a success over the past 13 years, crediting the fact that it allows their community to live out their own superhero (or supervillain) fantasy across a wide array of hardware generations – including the upcoming native client for Xbox Series X|S.
Appropriately enough, Chad used the SDCC stage to reveal DCUO’s next big episode, Harley Quinn vs. Apokolips. The new episode, which is coming this fall, is based on a limited series DC arc where Harley joins the Female Furies in exchange for a brand-new suit and hammer – only to regret the decision and reckon with its aftermath.
Rob Ciccolini, executive producer and head of studio of Standing Stone Games shared a brief history of Dungeons & Dragons Online, from its deep ties to the D&D combat and gameplay systems, iconic locations including The Forgotten Realms and Eberron, and its vast array of +600 custom-built, monster-filled dungeons.
DDO’s next big expansion, Magic of Myth Drannor, is launching on August 14. It features the new Chaosmancer Archetype who wields chaotic Wild Magic, a new playable Eladrin race, and an expansive new wilderness area that’s ripe for exploration (do watch out for the Red Wizards of Thay, though).
Rob wrapped his presentation by showing off a free dragon hatchling pet, which is available for a limited time in Dungeons & Dragons Online.
Jenn Chan, executive producer and head of studio at Darkpaw Games, shared a brief, heartfelt history of EverQuest and EverQuest II. The foundational MMORPG is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with EverQuest II following suit with its 20th anniversary. The EverQuest community has been a critically important part of the journey from the start. Jenn shared how lifelong friendships and romances have been forged through EverQuest, and how humbling it is to be a part of that community.
She relayed a powerful moment where the mother of a terminally ill child reached out to the community for help in decorating her son’s in-game home. The community responded in full force, with players from every server banding together to volunteer labor, materials, and design skills to build a place for the child to run and jump inside – things that were no longer possible for the child to do as his disease advanced.
After that, Jenn shared some of what’s ahead for EverQuest’s Year of Darkpaw anniversary celebration. Players can look forward to more in-game giveaways, updates in the Anniversary Tower, and The Outer Brood and Scars of Destruction updates.
Rob Ciccolini presented an update on The Lord of the Rings Online, which is the largest and most complete representation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic world. The community has truly made it home, with player-led concerts, theatrical presentations, and chicken runs across the world of Middle-earth.
He shared a quick look at Update 41, On the Wing, which introduces a relaxing new player activity, birding. New Legendary Servers are coming soon, which provide an additional challenge to players with Ringwraith attacks. These powerful enemies track players down, attacking when they least expect it. Stronger variants of the Ringwraiths require cooperation to take them down, with the prospect of powerful loot. And following the Human rework, Elves are getting an in-game makeover. The race will be getting new heads, hairstyles, and animation rigs to further enhance their place in the world of Middle-earth.
He concluded the talk by announcing the title of LOTRO’s upcoming expansion, Legacy of Morgoth. He brought up how players will continue the story of The Song of Waves and Wind, taking them from the city of Umbar to the deserts of Harad, a place where the taint of evil still looms large.
Ryan Spain, creative director for Magic: The Gathering Online, highlighted the way that MTGO has continued to grow and evolve over the past 22 years. He shared how the team has changed their approach to “foil” cards, tweaking the animations so they appear special without compromising playability. Ryan also spoke about how MTGO’s longevity – and unparalleled library of virtual cards – allows it to support formats like Vintage Cube and Commander variants to keep up with player demand.
Spain followed up by talking about the Magic Online Vintage Cube LIVE tournament. The tournament series culminates with the final eight qualifiers competing at MagicCon: Las Vegas in a unique “play for keeps” draft with real physical cards – valued at +$65,000.
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