A Triumphant Return for Paragon City: City of Heroes Finds a New Home
Hey there, gamers! I’ve got some exciting news for all you superhero enthusiasts out there. The original publisher of the beloved MMO City of Heroes, NCSoft, has officially granted a license to the fan-run project Homecoming. And let me tell you, this is a game-changer!
A Labor of Love by Passionate Fans
Homecoming has been a shining light in the City of Heroes community, known for its dedication and commitment to keeping the spirit of the game alive. Despite facing legal constraints, this group of passionate fans hosted unauthorized servers, providing a refuge for the game’s dedicated community. But now, thanks to the recently granted license, they can operate without fear and continue to develop new content for the game.
Imagine being a hero in Paragon City, a vibrant metropolis filled with players, each with their own super-powered characters. You team up with other players to complete missions and fight criminals, all while immersing yourself in an exciting and immersive world. City of Heroes captured the hearts of gamers when it first launched in 2004, and now, thanks to Homecoming, that magic is back!
Keeping the Game Free and Funded
One of the best things about this news is that City of Heroes will still be completely free to play. Homecoming, true to its commitment to the community, will continue to fund the MMO entirely through donations. It’s incredible to see the dedication and support from players who want to keep this game thriving.
The Future of Heroes
Now, it’s important to note that while Homecoming has the license to host and develop new content, the intellectual property of City of Heroes still belongs to NCSoft. This means there may be some limitations on what Homecoming can do, and the future of the game will depend on the continued collaboration between the two parties. But let’s stay positive and hope for more amazing updates!
Speaking of updates, did you know that City of Heroes received a whopping 23 free major updates during its initial run? It’s a testament to the dedication of the developers and the love from the community. Unfortunately, the game was shut down in 2012, just three months after the final update, Where Shadows Lie, was released. But now, with Homecoming at the helm, we can look forward to new adventures in Paragon City!
Before I wrap up this news, let me share an interesting anecdote with you. In April 2019, the source code for running a City of Heroes server was leaked, allowing for the creation of servers outside the direct influence of NCSoft. It’s fascinating to see how the gaming community can come together and find ways to keep the games they love alive.
So, fellow gamers, get your capes ready and prepare to dive back into the world of City of Heroes. With Homecoming leading the way, there’s no telling what incredible adventures await us. Let’s show our support, continue to donate to keep the game thriving, and embrace the return of this beloved MMO!
Remember, heroes never give up!