Design Notes

June 29, 2015

I’m Having Too Much Fun!

Beleen’s Chaos Queen Release Launches this Friday, July 3

Tehehehe… Artix’s eyes will bleed RAINBOWS when he sees this!!

…also, I am NOT a paid artist…

=D

June 26, 2015

Jurassic AQWorlds Tribute Shop

Get the Jurassic Raptor Rider Gear in our new Limited Time Shop!

You don't need to be a master scientist or a tourist in a crazy-dangerous dinosaur-themed park to take a ride on a raptor... at least, not in AQWorlds! A ton of us here at Artix Entertainment love dinosaurs and the Jurassic Park movies, so it just made sense to share that love with you guys, and there is nothing cooler than slaying monsters from the back of a raptor! 

Laken's used all his genetically-engineered skill to create the Jurassic Raptor Rider for you all. Tonight's shop will be available until next Friday and includes:

• Jurassic Raptor Rider Armor
• Knight of the Dinosaurs Helm
• Lance of Lizard Piercing

Each of the items in the Jurassic Raptor Rider LTS can be bought with AdventureCoins... and until July 10th, you can get up to 40% more free AdventureCoins depending on the package you buy!

PS: A few items are leaving game on Monday, so get them while you still can! The Seekers of Chaos and Shadow Warrior Blade+5

June 26, 2015

NEW Print at Heromart: Chaos Queen Beleen

Embrace the Chaos with Nulgath's New Print

Make your way to HeroMart.com, our online, real-life merchandise store to find the new Chaos Queen Beleen Arti Print! Inspired by Beleen, marketing writer for Artix Entertainment, and created by Nulgath, master artist, this 8.5x11" limited edition print will bring chaos and craziness to your room, dorm, office, or castle!

Nulgath the lead designer for Oversoul and long time artist for AdventureQuest Worlds brings his unique art to HeroMart. We appreciate him taking the time between waging wars and gathering minions to create this awesome art piece and the in-game Items!

The Chaos Queen Beleen print comes with the exclusive Chaos Beleen armor! The Locks of Love and Spikes of Love helms pictured above will be available both with the HeroMart print and from this week's story release shop.

Next Friday in AQWorlds: All Hail Chaos Queen Beleen!

Beleen, Artix Entertainment's bubbliest, most positively-pink developer has discovered the sad, abandoned village of Drearia and vows to bring it back to life. But after accidentally stumbling Nulgath the ArchFiend, lord of the Oversoul and former ruler of the Underworld, her powers of randomness and cheer... mutate in the STRANGEST way possible!

June 26, 2015

Deadmoor Spirit: The Stolen Screams

BACK on the Design Notes and On Your Screen... IN GREEN!

Hey guys! It seems like it's been forever since I was able to post something here and I can honestly say that it's nice to be back. I've been getting such a warm reception from all of you and it's just...
...really...
... nice. 

Moving on! Last week you got to play through Artix's first guest star release and this week you get mine! I need your help in Deadmoor, returning the stolen voice for the ghost of a little girls who was murdered more than a century ago...

... but you're not alone. The Queen of All Monsters has sent one of her most capable bounty hunters to Deadmoor, and they have plans for this little spirits stolen screams. 

But wait, there's more (moor?)...

MY PERSONAL GEAR! 

I've also decided to let you guys have my own, personal Mad Weaponsmith armor and my glowing Super Hammer. They are free for ALL players, and 0AC so you don't need to worry about storage. 
All you need to do is complete the release that I designed and you will unlock the quests that lead to my stuff. It will take a while (Members get perks so it will take them much less time),but all you have to do is put in a little effort and they are yours for the keeping. Enjoy with my blessing. 

In the quest you will also find drops, a shop filled with Member gear, Non-member gear and a few AC items, and I've even included a bonus cutscene that lets you know a little bit more about me. 

I hope you have as much fun playing through this as I had writing it and watching helplessly as the AQW staff assembled it. This must be the feeling that a writer has when they see a movie of their book for the first time. 

June 24, 2015

AQWeekly Newsletter: June 26 2015

Deadmoor Spirit release written by Cysero

Everyone’s favorite Mad Weaponsmith, Cysero, specially designed Friday’s upcoming release: Deadmoor Spirit!

Click to read this week’s brand new newsletter and discover all the new NEW happening this week!

Read our Newsletter here!

June 22, 2015

The DreadMoor Spirit

BACK on the Design Notes and On Your Screen... IN GREEN!

Hey guys! I've been working on AE's mobile games for the past few years but THIS FRIDAY I'm returning to AQW for a special guest release that I designed. Close your eyes and picture this...

OK, you can't read with your eyes closed. I see the problem.

Change of plan... keep reading but picture yourself with your eyes closed picturing this: The village of Deadmoor has been a ghost town for as long as anyone can remember. Some really bad stuff went down here and we're a few hundred years late to the party but it's never too late to try and right the wrongs of the past.

I made friends with the ghost of a little girl who died here. Her voice was stolen when she was brutally murdered by the townspeople. If you can help me return her stolen screams, then I'll give you the chance to earn my own personal, Mad Weaponsmith armor and my super hammer! There will also be a bunch of other rewards if you're not a fan of green, but you look like a player with some taste... so you like green.

Getting off topic... Come to Deadmoor, help me help her. Learn the secrets of Deadmoor's terrible past and you'll get to learn a little bit more about me too (if you're interested. It's optional). The adventure in Deadmoor starts THIS FRIDAY in AQW! Don't let me down.

June 21, 2015

Featured Artist Limited Quantity Packages

Rare Collectors, You Won't Want to Miss This Gear!

Starting tonight, June 19th, at 11:00 PM server time, head to our Limited Quantity Set page to grab one of our newest Limited Quantity Package sets! Each item has been crafted by one of AQWorlds' most talented artists, and with the "Return of the Living Devs" summer event, this is the perfect time to release them!

Each package ties in with one of the first three event releases - Artix's Ebil Dreadspace zone (coming this Friday!), Cysero's Deadmoor Spirit story, and Beleen's Chaos Queen insanity. If you like collecting souvenirs from your favorite AQW events, then you will NOT want to miss your chance to get your gauntlets on this gear!

Dage’s DreadSpace Set 
Includes an armor, helms, and weapons. Items give additional XP and Class Points when equipped.

Price: 2000 ACs
Quantity: 5000 sets
Initial stock: 3000 sets
Restock amount: 400 sets per restock

Nulgath’s Void Rider Armor 
Includes motorcycle mount armor. gives 15% more Class Points when equipped.

Price: 1000 ACs
Quantity: 5000 sets
Initial stock: 3000 sets
Restock amount: 400 sets per restock

Nulgath’s Void Rider Armor and Pets
Includes motorcycle mount armor, Legend-only Battle Pet and regular pet. Armor 15% more Class Points when equipped.

Price: 150,000 gold 
Quantity: 3000 sets
Initial stock: 2000 sets
Restock amount: 200 sets per restock

This package is available to anyone with an active or expired account membership.

Memet's Pet and Weapon Combo
Includes pet and two weapons. Items give bonus to Rep and Gold when equipped.

Price: 100,000 gold (available for all players)
Quantity: 20000 sets
Initial stock: 10000 sets
Restock amount: 2000 sets per restock

This package is available for all players.

Limited Quantity Package Restock Schedule

The Featured Artist Limited Quantity Packages become available at 11:00 PM (that's midnight) this Friday, June 19th!  Not sure when that is in your part of the world? Here's a timezone converter to make setting your alarm easier!

1. 11:00 PM Friday, 6/19 (initial stock)
2. 9:00 AM Saturday, 6/20
3. 7:00 PM Saturday, 6/20
4. 5:00 AM Sunday, 6/21
5. 3:00 PM Sunday, 6/21
6. 1:00 AM Monday, 6/22 (final restock)

How Do Limited Quantity Sets Work?

1. Log into a special LQS webpage on AQ.com 
2. Purchase the set using either ACs or gold (if you have EVER upgraded your account, you can purchase the Legend sets for gold!)
3. Log into AQW and find your set badge in the Book of Lore (no character page badge attached.)

Note: Item quantities will restock throughout the weekend so that everyone gets a fair chance at the gear. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Will there be enough items for everyone? No, but with multiple restocks your chances of getting an item are pretty good... as long as you keep an eye on your clock and don't miss the restock!
• Will item quantities update automatically? No, but once you purchase an item from the shop or revisit the page, you'll see an updated amount. 
• If a set doesn't sell out right away, will the restock amount roll over? Yes. The next restock amount will always be added to the previous amount of gear. Gear not sold before a restock will remain in the shop.
• Will the items be 0 ACs? All items in the Limited Quantity Packages will be 0 ACs, so you can keep them in your bank for free, forever!
• Do I have to have an active Membership to buy the Member-only sets? You do not need to have an active upgrade to purchase the Legend sets, as long as you have purchased a membership for your account at any time in the past!
• Can I return the package if I don't like it? The items from the Limited Quantity Packages are non-refundable, like our other item packages.

Find examples of the web page's layout on our Limited Quantity Set FAQ page. 

June 19, 2015

DREAD SPACE is LIVE!

"Space.... is not the final frontier"

It is an honor creating Dread Space for you alongside our talented team! I really hope you enjoy it. The last adventure I created for you was DoomWood... and if you were hoping for an equally shocking major plotline spoiler at the end, I dare you to make it to the end of this special release's storyline. Beam aboard the transforming Starship Paladin... you are the only person I trust to help with a mission this important. More than just the galaxy depends on our success. When one Paladin battles the evil undead... we all do. "SO SLAY WE ALL!"

FEATURES

• 32 new "Dread Space" Storyline Quests
• 12+ Bonus Challenge & "Replicator Item" Quests
• Originally we planned to have a level 5+ and a level 40+ version of the adventure. Due to some bugs the high level version will not be available yet. But everyone can play.
• Use the Replicator to make stuff!
• 2 new "VERY LARGE" new.. um... "Houses"
  (If you can technically have a house in..... space)
• Majority of items are free for all players through questing... including future Artix's Space Paladin Armor & Helm.
• As promised: You can upgrade your Daimyo pet using the Replicator

LIMITED QUANTITY SHOP

Also this weekend... the limited quantity shop is opening with incredible rares from our artists Dage, Nulgath and Memet that will never be available again. The first shop opens tonight (Friday night, June 19th, 11:00pm EST) Read the full details here

NEW SPECIAL EVENT NEXT WEEK!

This is only the beginning... prepare for an epic summer! Next Friday, Cysero will be releasing the special adventure he wrote for you. Then, the following Friday, Beleen and Nulgath are teaming up for yet another special release! THEN... I am going to create our first "living dungeon." Keep checking the design notes for more. If you are enjoying the game and our hard work, please consider supporting us by getting a membership or some AdventureCoins. Battle on!

June 19, 2015

Play by Play

DREAD SPACE LAUNCHES TONIGHT NOW!

Hiya all! Artix here. I am very exicted about my first release since the last DoomWood. (That was my last one, right?)  To get back in the spirit of things I did a Play-by-Play on the homepage. Here is everything that was written so you do not miss out on anything!

NOON - "The Code-pocolypse"
I had honestly expected us to already be in testing. I guess that is what I get for adding more and more stuff every hour. So far, ghost has sent in the cutscenes, and J6 finished all of the art. Currently Reens and I are coding the teleporter pad (super convienent for when you are far along) and these little red buttons you can click on to get a deeper glipse into the story. There are actually 3 sets of quests. The main storyline... then about half way through you unlock J6's super ultra crazy bounty hunting quests. There is also a replicator which gives you quests to make things... like Star Crew Uniforms. Because about making Red ones. the red ones are super dangerous. There is a curse tht anyone who wears a Red Star Crew Uniform is certain to not survive the episode.

1pm (EST) - War vs Evil Red Button
Reens and I spent the last hour fighting with an evil red button. So... true to the curse of the Red Shirts, we killed it O_O. We are building the rest of the screens manually. Meanwhile, Ghost turned the skip cutscene button into a more tiny text button so it did not distract from the cutscene... you really are going to want to see the dialog in the first cutscene. Especially since there are only two total! (The other is when you finish... which contains a pretty huge spoiler.) Now are are onto Music and SoundFX fixes, and then J6's bonus quests.

1:30pm (EST) - Expect a lot of SciFi references...
I had a lot of strange goals with this release. First, I wanted it to be highly accessable to everyone. That is why there is both a low level and a high level version. If you enjoy single player questing... then the main storyline will keep you busy for a long while. There are 40+ storyline quests in this release. Including the ultra hard bounty quests which are completely optional.. but should satisfy those of you who feel the normal releases are too short. If you just want to explore the map and fight the boss without doing the quests, I made it possible to do that too. You can still get the gist of the story... especially if you hit the little red buttons in most rooms (yes, same evil button as above) which give flavor to the story of the mysterious Space Station. I included a lot of references... I tried to keep them all as obvious and "gettable" as possible. I am a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, and countless Space horror movies. I recommend taking your time with this release and enjoying it. Despite all the complicated looking stuff, I kept it simple and fun adventure... definatley worth getting to the end!

2:00pm (EST) - Music
Ghost did a remix of MechQuest's "System Overload" for tonight's release. It has a nice beat and it nice to battle to. Which brings me to another subject... that "Music On/off" button needs to go. Instead we need a nice soundFX and music toggle button cleanly integrated into the main interface that does not distract from the beautiful background art of the game. It was a left over from when we did a live event-- and long overdue to be fixed. Yorumi says after the server re-write, the game client will get a new round of polish fixing this and many other things.

4:00pm (EST) - Making items... FREE (with crazy questing)
We already have a big Limited Quantity Shop sale going live this weekend, so the awesome items for DREAD SPACE are almost entirely free if you are willing to quest for them. The Replicator is a device that creates something from star scrap metal that you find while adventuring. You can create different color Star Crew Shirts, Armored versions of those uniforms, my Star Paladin Uniform, the Blinding Lightsaber of Destiny and... as promised... if you got my faithful battle puppy, Daimyo, during his birthday, you can use the Replicator to turn him into Star Daimyo. There are two larger things you can make... MUCH LARGER... as in MUUUUUUCH LARGER. As an additional bonus, we added a few extra things just for you upgraded Members.

5:00pm (EST) - Final work... and AQ3D's stealth release
We are getting close! The final quests and items are being added. Meanwhile, Zhoom stealth released an AdventureQuest 3D Update at www.AQ3D.com -- Interactive objects! In the cave, there are 4 glowing stones. If you... or your gorup of friends, press all of them it summons a monster to fight. This is the first test of a highly flexible interactive object system that will allow us to do a lot to make AQ3D fun and different. We are still in early development, but the progress have been rapidly evolving. Upgraded Members are welcome to login and help us. the game will be free for everyone once we get to open beta-- at which point it will be playable on the web, apple and android devices.

6:00pm (EST) - Preparing for release!
I sincerely hope you enjoy Dread Space tonight. It was an honor working on this for you alongside the skilled AQWorlds team. As usual... I expect there to be a few uncaught bugs. Please report them and we will fix them ASAP. The next time I see you... will be when I beam you aboard the Starship Paladin for the most important mission in the Galaxy.

7:00pm (EST) - DREAD SPACE IS LIVE!

June 18, 2015

Dage's Summer2015 Concept Art

Help Us Choose the Top 3 Favorite Designs!

Dage spent the last two days coming up with concept art for a new rare gear shop launching later this summer. Tell us on Twitter, Facebook, or the forum which designs you like the best!

June 18, 2015

AQWeekly Newsletter: June 19 2015

New layout. New adventures. New story written by Artix!

Hi! You’ve got mail!

Click to read this week’s brand new newsletter—not only was it personally created by Artix himself, but Artix also wrote this week’s new game release: Ebil DreadSpace. AQW’s summer event starts off with a blast… off into space!

Read our Newsletter here!

June 17, 2015

Incoming Message from the S.S. Paladin...

Shhhh... this is the bridge of my Starship, the S.S. Paladin smile emoticon Do not mind J6's severed head. Want to beam aboard in www.AQ.com on Friday? We have an issue... with the Space Station...

* PS - The S.S. Paladin originally appeared over 5000 years ago in our single-player space-mecha-explosion RPG, MechQuest!

June 16, 2015

In Space...

What is REAL... what is NOT REAL... is a grave matter of perception, timing, and your uncertain survivability.

DREAD SPACE -- coming this Friday.

June 15, 2015

This Friday: Ebil DreadSpace

Board the S.S. Paladin to Battle Evil Alien Cyborg Zombies!

Hiya guys! Artix here. My first release of the summer is "EBIL DREAD SPACE" which releases this Friday at www.AQ.com -- really hope you enjoy it!

Beleen, Cysero & I have all been working on other game assignments-- but we are all returning to AQWorlds this summer to write and build some crazy new releases! The current line up is...

EBIL DREAD SPACE - by Artix This Friday!
THE STOLEN SCREAMS - by Cysero, Next Friday!
CHAOS QUEEN BELEEN - by Beleen/Nulgath, Following Friday!
LIVING DUNGEON - by Artix, Then... Friday!
** BONUS ** But only if you are good.. by all three.

June 15, 2015

Chaos Beleen Teaser

One, two...

…she’s coming for you…

--Nulgath

June 13, 2015

Our Newest Mobile Game: VelocityAE

Classic Arcade Game Fans - This One's For You!

Hard. Retro. ...and SUPER HARD! Can you last 10 seconds? Are your thumbs blessed with the the nimbleness of an elf rogue drinking their third pot of coffee? Tell you what. Get over 1,000 points and the entire internet will bow down before you claiming you are the ultimate gaming god of the universe.

Gameplay

Hurl down a wormhole in an 8-bit spaceship… that has a proven track record of exploding… in this retro arcade runner (technically speaking, a space-time continuum flyer). Your only goal is to survive as long as possible. The longer you last, the faster you go, and the higher your score climbs.

Simple, right? HA!

Survive breakneck turns as you dash through geometric wormholes that will shatter your spaceship — and hopes of a high score.

Features

• Amazing 8-bit graphics
• Classic arcade soundtrack
• Simple yet skillful tap button controls
• Original gold coin collecting system (no one’s ever done that before, right?)
• Colorful and vivid 3D geometry cubes that change color like WOAH
• Infinite lives! You don’t even need to be a cat (wait, what?)
• Unlock new rockets and spaceships featuring state of the art pixel art
• Totally free! But we make you watch an ad every once in awhile, ‘cuz, you know, someone has to pay your spaceship mechanic bill…

This ridiculously hard twitch game was created as an overnight project by Rolith and the CRIT Team at Artix Entertainment. May you enjoy countless hours of frustratingly, addictively-beautiful space-travel with VelocityAE!

 

Rolith's Surprise Mobile Game Release: The Story

If you’re a long-time player of Artix games, then you probably recognize this fellow. That’s Rolith, our resident code monkey. He’s been Artix’s longest coder, cracking away at DragonFable in 2006, and has dabbled in just about every Artix game ever since. But, man, Rolith LOVES his job. When he’s not typing code at breakneck speeds here at the Secret Underground Lab, he’s at home writing even more ridiculous code “for funsies” (Rolith’s words exactly). I bet his dreams are in C#. So it should come to no surprise that Rolith decided to make a game in his spare time... because, funsies.

June 13, 2015

Science, Technology, and AQWorlds

7-12th Graders Use Videogames to Learn about Technology

At the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum's STEM Summer Camp, a group of dedicated counselors and crazy-smart, enthusiastic teens are leveling up their real-life Intellect and Wisdom stats through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. And to give them extra hands-on experience, one computer science class taught by Artix Entertainment volunteer Cody Moore, has its students create characters in AdventureQuest Worlds and HeroSmash!

AQWorlds: Virtual Classroom

Moore, one of AE's volunteer testers, told us about his incredible class of students, explaining how they've been using AQWorlds and HeroSmash to learn about how the internet works: how anyone can connect to people on the other side of the world, work together to accomplish their goals, and keep their personal information secure. 

"Some of them actually already played AQW, and it was amazing to see them teaching the new players in the class how to play the game! [...] It really blew their minds when I explained to them what all went into making the games and how many different kinds of jobs there are to do in the game design field!" - Cody Moore, camp counselor

STEM Summer Camp

The camp, based out of Hammond, Lousiana, offers several different classes for the students to choose from, focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and aeronautics, all geared towards helping them prepare for future career opportunities.

Moore's class focuses on subjects like:

• computer hardware 
• software installation
• basic networking and trouble-shooting 
• internet safety and privacy

After his students finished covering the planned coursework, Moore took time to explore a career many of them were curious about: videogame development. He covered the different types of jobs available, how videogames are made, and what steps to take to pursue careers in the future. 

STEM's Students: Inspired and Inspiring

We were so inspired by Moore's students and their enthusiasm, we've added the STEMWare OS Computer house item in-game, to commemorate their drive and desire to reach their goals, realize their dreams, and build the worlds they want to live in!

We need to encourage as many people like them as we can to choose careers in the STEM fields. That's the only way to make sure we have the future scientists, engineers, innovators, and programmers we need to invent time machines, explore the galaxy, and defy the laws of science.

(We're also making sure Moore and his students have everything they need to battle through this summer's in-game events AND the rest of their classes in style!)

June 12, 2015

Battle the Guardian of the Underworld

Who Let The Dogs Out?! Who? Who? Who?

Scorn, the vengeful spirit-Queen who once loved - and now loathes - Dage the Evil! She's infiltrated his underworld fortress and turned every minion she's encountered against him. And because you bear his sigil... that means they're also after YOU!

This week's release will weave the Fotia zone (last visited in 2013) into the current Dage vs Laken storyline, which means Dage and Laken fans will have at least one more Chapter to look forward to once Laken's current plot ends.

So prepare yourselves, Heroes - once you enter Dage's Dark Palace, you'll need to battle your way to his side; but because of Scorn's invasion, Underworld Security Protocol 333 has been invoked. You'll need to track down the items necessary to unlock the right path, then find it... before Grrrberus finds YOU! 

Guardian of the Underworld Rewards

Dage the Evil has crafted a set to honor one of our most favorite and darkest beasts - the Shadow and Blood of Cerberus armor sets!  

The Shadow of Cerberus gear will be available in several ways:

• One armor and certain accessories will drop from the boss
• Upgrade the armor and unlock even more items from the merge shop
• Select items from the Shadow of Cerberus set will be locked to Undead Legion members

The Blood of Cerberus gear will be available in the Underworld AC Rares shop! Get the armors, helms, cape, and flail in your game menu until July 13th!

June 12, 2015

Wrath of Cerberus AC Bonus

Unlock the Wrath of Cerberus Hammer with Any AC Package

Starting this Friday, unlock the Wrath of Cerberus hammer with ANY AdventureCoin package!* The weapon will be added directly into your inventory, so no need to hunt through the Underworld (or your Book of Lore) to find it!

* This offer will apply to any AdventureCoin package purchased from June 8th until July 13th, so if you took advantage of the Summer Madness AC Bonus that began Monday, you'll automatically receive this weapon as soon as is releases!

Blood of Cerberus Rares Shop

Once you've purchased your AdventureCoins, head in-game to find the rest of the set in the Blood of Cerberus Rares shop. You'll be able to purchase any of the Blood of Cerberus armors, accessories, or pet until July 13th!

June 11, 2015

VelocityAE - NEW MOBILE GAME!

Retro Arcade Game Made in a Day

If you thought Flappy Bird was hard, you gotta try this app. It is hard, retro, hard, simple and super hard. Lasting 10 seconds pretty much means you are a gaming god.

Surprise Mobile Game Release

 Available now on iOS and Android devices! Introducing VelocityAE… brought forth from 1980s with a time travel device.

“Buuuuuut wait, this doesn’t look like ANY game Artix has ever made before!”

Right you are. And that’s because it wasn’t really made at Artix Entertainment.

“HUH?!?”

Hehe, let me explain:

If you’re a long-time player of Artix games, then you probably recognize this fellow.

That’s Rolith, our resident code monkey. He’s been Artix’s longest coder, cracking away at DragonFable in 2006, and has dabbled in just about every Artix game ever since.

But, man, Rolith LOVES his job. When he’s not typing code at breakneck speeds here at the Secret Underground Lab, he’s at home writing even more ridiculous code “for funsies” (Rolith’s words exactly). I bet his dreams are in C#.

So it should come to no surprise that Rolith decided to make a game in his spare time... because, funsies. So one night, Rolith started building something he was really passionate about (retro arcade runners), and 24 hours later… VelocityAE was born.

It’s a rare sight to see Rolith beam as brightly as me, but when Rolith came into the Secret Lab the next morning flashing a HUGE smile, everyone knew that he was up either up to no good ~or~ was extremely proud of something.

But before anyone could ask him why, Rolith quickly pulled aside Cysero and Korin, asking for their help to build some assets for his overnight game. Cysero whipped up the 8-bit artwork for the spaceships and Korin was on 3D mesh duty.

“Have you told Artix about your game, Rolith?” Cysero asked.

“Um, No...” whispered Rolith, “Don’t tell Artix about Velocity yet. I think it would be so funny if this 24-hour game got more installs and plays than AQ Dragons-- which, took Artix 6 months to make.”

Korin smirked. “So it’s a secret, ay?”

So yes, Rolith kept Velocity a secret from Artix (AND ME TOO, GRRR!!) until the game was completely polished and ready for app store submission. This is not the first time Rolith made a secret game project-- does anyone remember Pony vs Pony?

Finally Rolith approached Artix and said, “I know you got a ton of games coming out this Summer, but what would you say if I had one ready to go…. right now?” A skeptically-curious Artix was given Rolith’s iPhone and he started playing. He died 3 seconds later. “Hard. Retro. ...and SUPER HARD!” exclaimed Artix as he spent the next 17 minutes replaying the game over and over again, trying to beat his high score. He didn’t last longer than 10 seconds. “I love this! How long until we can release it for the players”

Rolith smirked.

Artix went o_O, leaned in and asked, “Did you, uh… already submit it?”

Rolith was taken aback. “Should I have waited?”

“No, no…. this is great!” Artix reaffirmed. “At least you did not use your spare time to making another game about Ponies! Let it go live secretly, we can make fixes and then tell the whole world about this!"

“Wow, what an awesome story!

I wanna play that game too!!”

I bet you do. And you’re in luck, because VelocityAE is up on the iTunes App Store and Google Play right now. Please show Rolith and his hard work some love by giving VelocityAE 5-stars and help us spread the word.

Download VelocityAE for iOS

Download VelocityAE for Android  

June 09, 2015

BioBeasts Breach Battleon!

Unlock exclusive BioBeasts Armor Sets in AQWorlds

Are you as excited about BioBeasts as we are?!? The creative minds behind EpicDuel are proud to announce BioBeasts, a free single-player arcade-survival game coming soon to iOS and Android. Your mission: escape, mutate, DESTROY!

Play as a mutating monster fighting its way through a robot-controlled laboratory. But you’re not just some ordinary monster… you’re a BioBeast, and as you grow stronger and more powerful, you evolve and mutate! Wicked.

Use simple tap controls to unleash devastating damage upon the onslaught of bad guys trying to capture you. It’s a fast-paced fun game that’s simple to pick up but hard to put down.

“We cannot wait for you to unleash the BioBeast within you(r phone)!” – the EpicDuel Team

Exclusive Items, aww yeah!

We know that you and all your friends are going to LOVE this game. And that’s why we need YOUR help telling everyone about BioBeasts!

This is kind of like a contest…except everyone will win prizes if we all team up and work together! All you need to do is Like the BioBeasts Facebook page, and the more Likes we get, the closer we will be at unlocking exclusive BioBeasts-themed Armors, Helms, Weapons, and more in AQWorlds.

Here's what you have to do:

1. Like the BioBeasts Facebook Page
2. Tell your friends to Like the BioBeasts FB Page
3. New Items will unlock in-game at Battleon when each milestone is reached:
   • Helms unlock at 7,000 Facebook Like
   • Back Items unlock at 15,000 Facebook Likes
   • Swords unlock at 25,000 Facebook Likes
   • Armors unlock at 50,000 Facebook Likes
   • BioBeasts Pet unlocks at 100,000 Facebook Likes!

The Electro BioBeast gear is free for ALL players. The Hazardous BioBeast gear is available for Legends. Every item is 0 ACs for free storage! 

Click here to Like the BioBeasts Facebook page, and we will be one step closer at obtaining these exclusive BioBeasts-themed items for AQW!

Thanks so much for supporting BioBeasts, EpicDuel, AdventureQuest Worlds, and all your favorite Artix Entertainment games.

You’re the best!!

xoxo Beleen =D

BioBeasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BioBeasts

BioBeasts Homepage: http://biobeasts.artix.com/

BioBeasts Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioBeasts

EpicDuel Homepage: http://epicduel.artix.com/

June 08, 2015

Summer Madness AC Bonus Sale

Get Up to 50% More AdventureCoins With Any AC Package!

The Summer Madness AC Bonus Sale starts NOW! Get more AdventureCoins with each AC package, and the larger the AC package you buy, the more bonus ACs you'll have to spend in our Summer 2015 event - Return of the Living Devs!  

AC Bonus Sale: Back by Popular Demand!

Last month, we ran the Memorial Day AC Bonus Sale for one week only, but it is BACK by popular demand! So many of you emailed, Tweeted, Facebooked, and messaged us in-game thanking us for the bonus ACs that we wanted to keep that love and excitement going as we get ready to launch the first of our Summer 2015 events!

Return of the Living Devs Summer 2015 Event Begins Next Friday

The Summer 2015 event starts next Friday with the Ebil Dreadspace release! Join Artix as you battle cyborg-zombie-robots in space, then get ready to help Cysero save an ancient, trapped spirit from become the Queen of Monsters' tool, and discover just what happens when the 14th Lord of Chaos arrives!

June 08, 2015

Defeat the Guardian of the Underworld

Defeat GRRRberus, Guardian of the Gates next Friday!

After battling through the Vale of Mourning and standing before the three Judges of the Underworld, Dage the Evil has granted you permission to approach his Dark Throne! 

But after passing through the Gate... something is not right: Grrrberus, Guardian of the Underworld, and other infernal creatures have succumbed to the Frozen Flame and are rampaging through Dage's Fortress, attacking anyone bearing Dage's Seal! 

Defeat the three-headed beast and discover why Dage's fiercest enemy has breached his lair NOW... before YOU fall under her spell, too!

Origin of Grrrberus, Guardian of the Underworld

The big bad beast in the picture up above is named Grrrberus, Guardian of the Underworld. His name is a reference to Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the gate to the Underworld of Greek mythology,* preventing the dead from leaving and the living from entering. He is one of my favorite mythological creatures, and I love how Dage the Evil recreated him!

The original Cerberus is the offspring of Echidna, a hybrid half-woman/half-serpent (talk about a Mother of Monsters!) and Typhon, a gigantic monster feered by even the Greek gods. Some say each of the three heads can see a different point in time - past, present, and future.

Shadow of Cerberus Drops and Rares Shop

Victory is its own reward, but if you want to seize the REAL prize, you'll need to WORK! The Grrrberus boss monster will have a chance to drop a lesser version of the Shadow of Cerberus armor as well as merge tokens which you can use to upgrade the entire set! The Blood of Cerberus armor and accessories will be available for a limited-time in the release rares shop.

* You can see Grrberus' puppy form in DragonFable, our single-player fantasy RPG!

June 08, 2015

Undead Goat Class and NSoD Updates

Updates Are Coming!

In addition to the weekly releases (with new storyline updates, shops, farming gear, and challenge monsters) and working on the upcoming Summer 2015 Return of the Living Devs events, we've got a number of side projects that we are working on each week, like the Undead Goat Class, Necrotic Blade of Doom, and more... and we know many of you are incredibly eager to get your gauntlets on these hot-ticked items. So without further ado, read on for project updates and new details.

Undead Goat Class Status: In Progress

Our Class designers have been hard at work (amidst classes ending, real-life jobs, and summer insanity interfering) to create the Undead Goat Class - chosen by Noobstine, winner of the I Can Has Mod contest - and they have made progress. In order to make sure the Undead Goat Class does not resemble others too closely, we're taking extra time to review the skills and come up with a combination that will do Noobstine's theme and generosity justice.

Because the Golden Cheezburger is a 0AC item, you can store it for free in your inventory. Then, when the Class is ready, you'll take it to Noobstine's NPC in Greenguard and exchange it for the Class!

Necrotic Sword of Doom Quests: In Progress

Asuka and Tendou - two of AQW's volunteer testers - have designed several challenge quests and Nulgath updates over the last year. They're crafting a quest chain that will fit both the Blade's theme and its importance to the storyline. 

Once the quests are ready, you'll speak with one of the Dark Minions in Shadowfall to begin battling for the Necrotic Sword of Doom. Prepare yourselves, Heroes, and rank up that Evil Rep!

June 05, 2015

Summer 2015 Gear is Here for a Limited Time

Chill Out During our June Releases with Summer's Hottest Gear!

Starting tonight, the Summer Blockbuster Limited Time Shop and Summer 2015 Shops will be available in your game menu, with all your favorite beachtastic battle gear... including our five new limited-edition surfboards! 

And with the rising temperatures comes Hollywood's favorite time of the year - the Summer Blockbuster movie season! We <3 Summer movies, too - I Artix is STILL talking about his favorite parts of the Avengers movie, which is why Memet crafted the Ultra Revenger set! The Ultra Revenger will be available for one week only... so keep an eye on the countdown clock on your game menu!

• Ultra Revenger armor
• Ultra Revenger Visage helm
• Red Widow Wrap
• Ultra Revenger Flames +15 
• Ultra Revenger Blades
• Ultra Revenger Polearm

The Ultra Revenger Flames +15 are animated and have a 15% chance to call down a meteor strike from the sky! (Now THAT's the way to avenge your fallen!)

Update: Earlier this week, we announced that Laken's Jurassic Raptor Rider would also be releasing in the Limited Time Blockbuster shop. He was away part of this week for a personal emergency, and was unable to finish the set; it will release later this summer! 

2015 Limited Edition Surfboards 

This year's Limited Edition 2015 AE Surfboards! Last year's 2014 Designs are gone for good but this year's really rival them in style! 

Slice through the surf (and serfs) with the boards above, then find all our returning seasonal summer gear in the Summer Shop, available until August!

• Gravelyn surfboard
• Memet surfboard
• Alteon surfboard
• Sepulchure surfboard
• Red Dragon surfboard

Lightning Dragonsworn Rares shop: Available for One Month Only

Check out Dage's most electrifying gear yet: the Lightning Dragonsworn gear! The AC set is available in your game menu but leaves July 6th, so keep an eye on your calendar. 

The Lightning Dragonsworn Shop contains:

• Lightning Dragonsworn Champion
• Lightning Dragonsworn Warrior
• Dragonsworn Champion Spear
• Dual Dragonsworn Blades
• And more!

If you're just joining us, grab Dage's Dragonsworn gear, then battle through last week's Thunderfang Spire dragon dungeon by typing /join thunderfang in your chat bar!

Featured Guest Artist: EpicDuel's Deuce

For those of you who haven't heard of him, I'm proud to introduce Deuce, one of EpicDuel's most valuable and experienced guest artists! He's generously sent the AQW team some of his work to share with all of you, and you'll be able to find 3 of those items in this week's Showcase Shop in your game menu! The rest will release later this summer.

Deuce joined the ED team over a year ago to help them create more of the sci-fi themed gear that EpicDuelers LOVE to blast each other with!

Back when Charfade and Nightwraith first conceived of the guest artist idea, they knew Deuce would be a huge asset to the team... and they were right! Along with creating gear for the game, he's also grown into mentoring new ED guest artists.