OnRPG Shotgun News 7/3: WoW, Frogster, The Secret World, and More!

By Shannon Doyle (Leliah), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

Arabic Allods Announced

 

Game Publisher/Developer company Game Power 7 announces the launch of a locally cuturalized version of the renowned 3D fantasy game Allods Online. Arabic Allods is based on Allods Online but has been updated for the cultural beliefs and values of the region.

 

 

Funcom CEO Steps Down

Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas has stepped down from his role as CEO of Funcom just a day before the launch of it’s latest MMO, The Secret World. After 10 years in the position he has stepped down to take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer in Funcom, which he calls a “freer role.” He will be working on Funcom’s latest project which was just announced last week, a new Lego MMO. He will be replaced by current COO Ole Schreiner who has worked for Funcom for 11 years.

 

 

Call of Duty Online China

 

Activision Blizzard has announced they are partnering with Tencent to bring Call of Duty Online to China. The agreement will give Tencent exclusive rights to operate the game in mainland China. Tens of millions are expected to sign up for this free to play first person shooter.

 

 

 

Frogster Renamed

Frogster Interactive Pictures will become Gameforge Berlin as the two online gaming companies integrate their businesses. Frogster Online Gaming will be merged into the new Gameforge Berlin while Frogster America and Frogster Pacific will become Gameforge America and Gameforge Pacific. Gameforge took over Frogster in a friendly takeover in 2010. The merger and rebranding is expected to become final next month.

 

 

Ran Online Extends Official Thailand Partnership

 

Min Communications, the creators of Ran Online has announced it has renewed their contract with Xinxere Edutainment for an additional three years. Xinxere has for many years now been Min Communications Thailand game publisher. This contract will give Xinxere another three years of exclusive Ran Online service.

 

 

Gamer Spending

Gamers have spent $3.4 billion USD during the first quarter of 2012 according to a report from the NPD Group. Just under half of that was spent on digital purchases across all platforms, showing a rise in digital game sales. The report also shows that the UK, France and Germany are also making headway in digital gaming. Combined the countries spent around 959 million for digital content while spending only just over 300 million for rental and used games.

 

 

The Secret World

Today marks the official launch of Funcom’s new MMO The Secret World. Anyone who pre-ordered the game had the weekend to take part in the headstart which is officially over. With all this officialness being official like Funcom has released the official trailer for The Secret World.

 

 

Raptr Gives Away World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Beta Key

Raptr is giving away 5,000 beta keys as rewards. Gamers can begin to redeem the World of Warcraft reward on July 5th. To be eligible for this reward gamers must have a rank of Experienced or higher on Raptr in World of Warcraft and have their Facebook account synced with Raptr. Members who have a rating of Experienced are in the top 60% of all players on the site for that game. The rewards will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.