Just out of PAX: ArenaNet has confirmed that it is working on a companion application for Smart Phones and iPad. The app isn't finished yet but long strides have been made. With the app, players can follow their friends on the map, check in-game email, move their own characters around the map and more. Developers have indicated that the project isn't finished and they have even more astonishing information to reveal over time. We'll keep you posted!

Source: Massively.com.

The Rift: Planes of Telara team has sent out five new screenshots of the Stonefield zone. Stonefield is an area filled with trolls, skeletons and other undead, and more. Check out these screens in our Rift: Planes of Telara gallery and a teensy bit of lore to go with them.

Transcript from the lectures of Haru Windsworn, Master of Bahmi Studies in Meridian

“Today, we are honored by the presence of Bora Temurgal, Ascended reaver of the Red Sun tribe. As you can plainly see, the Bahmi emblazon themselves with narrative tattoos called ‘sefir.’ Unlike Mathosians, bragging around their campfires, the stoic Bahmi save their breath by writing their exploits on their flesh. Here is a particularly rousing tale that stretches from First Hunter Temurgal’s lower biceps to loop around her wrist. I will read it aloud, and those of you who did your coursework are free to read along....

MMORPG.com's Bill Murphy has scored an interview with DC Universe Online Game Director Chris Cao about some of the ultra cool features in the game. The interview reveals details about several features including Iconic Play, Cities, Crafting and more. We've got some never-before revealed information that you won't want to miss. Keep reading!

One of the highlights of recent shows has been the “Iconic Play” in PvP matches. Could you go into a little more detail concerning how this will work? How will you determine who gets access to what Iconic characters, how will players initiate matches, and so forth?

The Legends System in DCUO offers players a chance to play as an iconic character on demand. Fictionally, players take on the guise of an iconic DC character via a simulator. They gain the essential combat abilities, super powers, and movement styles of the iconics. In a variety of simulated famous locations (e.g. The Batcave), players go head-to-head in PvP matches to earn fame or infamy for themselves. Players start off being able to play a couple introductory characters. Over time, they can spend the fame or infamy they earn on unlocking more Legends characters, or they can save their points to buy iconic PvP battlesuits or other PvP gear. But remember, at launch only players who pre-order will be able to play as Batman.

Read more of our exclusive Chris Cao Interview.

Devs have updated the official Star Wars: The Old Republic site with a page devoted to space combat. During ship encounters, players will have the opportunity to blast through asteroid fields on their way to 'hot spots' that developers say will evoke memories of epic battles from the movies. The page has wallpapers, concept art, the original space combat trailer and more.

Traveling through space is an exciting part of the Star Wars: The Old Republic experience. Not only will you navigate the stars to visit new planets, but you can also choose to undertake critical missions in the depths of space where you'll maneuver through chaotic asteroid fields, blast enemy fighters, and engage in epic, large-scale fleet battles reminiscent of those from the classic Star Wars™ films.

In keeping with the original Star Wars films, the Space Combat system in Star Wars: The Old Republic is designed to make travel times literally fly-by, while combat runs and space battles put you in the pilot's seat for a fast-paced and highly cinematic experience. Like Luke Skywalker in the original assault on the Death Star, you'll also discover that even a lone starship can change the course of galactic history.

Read more here.

Lord of the Rings Online is set to go 'free to play' beginning September 10th. Turbine has announced, however, that current/former subscribers and beta testers have the opportunity to get a head start on the new features and content on September 8th and 9th. Players will be able to access the four new servers to reserve their character names if desired.

The head start will happen on the live game servers. Current and former subscribers as well as recent participants in the closed beta may be able to patch up and start playing as early as the 7th, dependent upon server availability. Beta players who did not previously play on the live service will need to download and install the live game client prior to playing, and will log into the live servers using their beta logins, which will be converted to live accounts in time for the beginning of the head start on 09/08/10. The Beta (Bullroarer) game software will not work to access the headstart. To download the live game client go here for the standard version and here for the high res version.

MMORPG.com's Garrett Fuller recently caught up with Warhammer 40K: Dark Millenium executive producer Tim Campbell to ask him a few questions about the game that, up to now, has been shrouded in mystery. Recently devs have been opening up about the game and we wanted to give our readers information about factions, combat, Tech Priests and a whole lot more. You won't want to miss this one!

In the new trailer you talk about the Imperium of Man. Can you tell us how the Space Marines and Imperial Guard will work together?

The Imperium of Man is drawn to the Sargos Sector because of a significant disturbance in the Warp that jeopardizes a rich mining world. We are not ready to disclose any further details yet around the circumstances, but rest assured that we are working on something that is truly epic and will deliver on the expectations of the Warhammer 40,000 fan base.

Read more of our exclusive Tim Campbell interview.

In MMORPGs, being heroic is the name of the game right from the start. But are our favorite characters truly heroic? Can they be heroic when the Lich King respawns over and over rather than dying when slain by an intrepid band of characters? In this week's Player Perspectives, MMORPG.com columnist Jaime Skelton takes on that very issue. See what she thinks and then jump into the discussion on the forums!

So, what are these heroic deeds? In most media and cultures, these deeds represent a task that fulfills a few special criteria. It must be something that has either never been done before and will never be done again (slaying the mighty dragon), or something that is done on rare and momentous occasion. The mission must be given for the good of all, not the benefit of a few; often a mission of world impact rather than simply helping a local family. Finally, the mission must be nigh-impossible at its end: it must be a challenge so stupendous, the hero-to-be must be prepared for certain doom.

Read more Player Perspectives.

Develop is reporting that Realtime Worlds' Project MyWorld has been purchased by an "anonymous US firm". According to the article, beleaguered All Points Bulletin is not part of the deal leaving its fate unknown. Last week twenty three former RTW employees were rehired to work on MyWorld but it remains to be seen whether or not the new buyer will keep them on board to finish the project.

It is still a possibility that the new US owner will only buy Project Myworld’s IP and game build. It is understood that the project is not too far from passing final milestones, and remaining Dundee-bound staff could yet be hired, perhaps temporarily, to finish the job.

Equally possible is that a new spin off studio will rise from Realtime Worlds’ ashes under American ownership, though it is also feasible that the developer’s US satellite studio will be bought as part of the Myworld deal.

Read more at Develop-online.net. We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.

As Lord of the Rings sits on the edge of its free to play iteration, developers have released a retrospective look at the Lone Lands in the form of several new screenshots. Turbine has also sent out a few new screens from the Defense of the Prancing Pony, Necromancer's Gate, Survival in the Barrow Downs and Stand at Amon Sul instances. Check them out in our Lord of the Rings gallery.

Dungeons & Dragons Online fans will have two new races to play when Update 7 goes live later this year. Turbine introduced the Half Elf and the Half Orc at this weekend's PAX in Seattle, Washington and also revealed a few other details about the next patch. Update 7, the largest this year, will feature a 12-man raid, a free quest line, and will DX-11 support.

Learn more about Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited.

In the latest Everquest producer's letter, Thom Terrazas goes into more details about the recently announced 17th expansion, House of Thule. The letter gives a few more details about the new features coming with HoT: Player housing, trophy system, a bigger inventory, a higher level cap, and spells. There is even a snippet about the House of Thule beta:

HoT Beta registration launched while we were at Fan Faire and Beta Launched on August 9th. So if you want to come and check out these features before everyone else, head to the Beta Registration Page and sign up. We’ll try to accommodate as many people as possible, but be sure to sign the NDA and send it back or we’ll be forced to use an existing dwarf again….And that’s a pain cause they always take twice as long to finish anything. Pfft!

Read a zone preview of Sanctum Somnium here and check out preorder details.

Splitscreen Studios has announced the release of its "fully featured 3D MMO" for Facebook called Pirate Galaxy. The game is played via Facebook in browser with an optional cash shop. Pirate Galaxy currently supports five languages and is in beta on Facebook.

In PIRATE GALAXY, you take the role of a daring space pilot as you set out to fight alien transport ships and loot the cargo they are carrying. Team up with your friends to solve challenging missions and unravel a fascinating story. Explore the galaxy, enhance your starship with stolen technology, and become the most feared space pirate of all time!

The game features astounding 3D graphics and special effects. It is set in a vast game universe with countless star systems and planets. Starships are fully customizable and offer many upgrade options. The game also stands out for its challenging mission designs that go far beyond other games of this genre.

Read more at the Pirate Galaxy site or try it out on Facebook.

Earthrise devs have sent over another batch of three exclusive screenshots for your viewing pleasure today. This time, the screens feature a player standing in a huge canyon, an upward look at a structure on a peak and a guy checking out a contraption of sorts.

Check them out!

Perfect World International is celebrating its second anniversary and players have the opportunity to score some special gear. The new anniversary wear and more will be given to players free of charge. Two year players will receive an extra set of clothing and one year players will receive an anniversary mount.

"Even though we have reached the two year benchmark, we are still committed to providing players a high quality free to play game with much more content on the way," said Clifton Chu, Product Manager for Perfect World International . "We are proud to be able to respond to our players' wants and successfully launch these expansions in a relatively short period of time. Our players make Perfect World International what it is today and to kick-off this celebration, we plan to reward every player regardless of membership length. Our hope is that players will continue with us in the adventure of creating a perfect world."

Read more here.

RiftNexus.com has scored a new preview of the Rift: Planes of Telara zone called Stonefield. Stonefield is one of the first areas for the Defiant faction where players are challenged to fight the servants of the Titans, protecting helpless townsfolk and descending into the Deepstrike Mine.

The Bones of the Earth
In some places, the titans’ influence bursts through the very stone. At Titan’s Rest, the skeleton of a particularly vast specimen juts from the hills, jaw agape in an endless scream. Rocs flit between his ribs, as if hoping to pick an ancient scrap of meat from the bones.

Mountain trolls wander his upturned grave, resting against his wrist-bone or making their lairs in his empty eye sockets. These rough-hewn brutes are split into two factions: those who yearn for a return to titan rule, and those who savor the freedom to roam the hills, smashing and slaying at will. When trolls from rival camps meet, they charge at each other, their bulbous feet tearing the earth, and crash together like boulders. Cracks in the titan’s massive bones might be evidence of where one troll smashed in another’s head.

Read the full Stonefield preview, check out the screens and a flythrough video at RiftNexus.com.

Thanks to Cyphers for the tip!

A couple of days ago, MMORPG.com's Adam Tingle started a battle royale between fans of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and fans of Everquest 2 in his latest Fighting Words column. Adam fans the flames as he takes a look at solo experiences, group experiences, crafting, fluff, the end game and, finally, the bottom line. See if Adam's fighting words make your fanboi blood boil!

Dum, dum, dum, dum. Dum dum, dum dum. Dum dum durr. Rising up, back on the street, took my time, took my chances. Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet, just a man and his will to survive. So many times it happens too fast, you change your passion for glory. Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past; you must fight just to keep them alive. It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill or the fight, rising up to the challenge of our rival, and the last known survivor stalks its prey in the night and he’s watching us all in the eye. Eye of the tiger.

Read more Fighting Words: Vanguard vs Everquest 2.

Frogster has announced that it has launched the European website for Mythos and that beta registrations are now being taken for the hack and slash MMO in development at Hanbitsoft. Frogster also indicated that it is working on a new video to show the transformation of the game since Hanbitsoft took over development duties from Flagship Studios.

Gamers will be shown the visual transformation of the online RPG, which was taken over by the Korean software company HanbitSoft in 2009 after the closure of the original developers. As well as other improvements, the trailers show three game zones completed during this developing period: Evergreen Pasture, Jagged Canyons and Crystal Peaks. Whether lush, spring pastures, desert terrain or a winter landscape, each region provides a new backdrop, along with the local dungeons and monstrous foes. Not only have the zones received a visual overhaul, they have also been expanded and the players’ “hubs” have been totally redesigned. Gamers can now move their character through the game world in the classic RPG 3D view, as well as in the classic isometric perspective from the previous version.

Read more on the Mythos Europe site.

KingsIsle is preparing to celebrate its second birthday with the launch of the new zone called Celestia. Celestia is set to launch a bit later this fall and a new quest will show up this month to get players prepared. Celestia will raise the level cap and introduce new spells and head under the sea for adventure.

To promote the launch of the new world, later this month KingsIsle will launch a quest featuring one of the hottest teen icons on the planet. The quest, which will introduce players to new underwater environments and preview features of the upcoming Celestia expansion, will be available to all players in the game.

Learn more about Wizard101 here.

Opening the Lord of the Rings Online game client reveals a pair of announcements for Turbine. Consignment quests will not be available after September 7th and players are urged to complete them before that time. Secondly, developers have announced the names of four new servers being brought online in anticipation of hordes of new players for the F2P version set to go live on September 10th.

ALERT: If you currently have active crafting consignment quests, please cancel or complete these quests before server maintenance begins on Tuesday, Sept 7.  These quests (available in Overhill, Silverdeep Mine, Combe Lumber Camp, or Duillond) will no longer be available once Volume III, Book 2 goes live.

Current Subscribers and returning players will be able to access LOTRO Free-to-Play on the North American servers starting September 8th and Head Start players will be the first to play on our newest servers! The following worlds will be available starting September 8, 2010:

To help players organize their friends and Kinmates, the official server forums for these worlds are now available.

• Riddermark
• Crickhollow
• Dwarrowdelf
• Imladris

Find out more about LOTRO here.